Table of Contents
The New in You!
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Dear BCOC Family,
One of the most profound questions every human being wrestles with is: Who am I? In today’s world, identity is often tied to career, achievements, relationships, or personal expression. Yet Scripture points us to a deeper truth: our truest identity is not found in what we do, but in who we are in Christ.
To understand this, we must examine the distinction between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant—two ways in which God has related to His people, each revealing something vital about His plan for humanity.
The Old Covenant: Identity Through the Law
Israel’s story was one of being set apart as God’s covenant people through the Law given at Sinai. Their identity was rooted in practices that marked them out from the nations: circumcision, food laws, sabbath-keeping, and temple worship. These “boundary markers” were powerful—they gave Israel a sense of belonging and purpose.
But the Law also highlighted a problem: human inability. The Old Covenant continually exposed the gap between God’s holiness and human sinfulness. Sacrifices had to be repeated, and the conscience was never fully cleansed. People often lived under the weight of guilt, striving to measure up. Psychologically, this can be seen as identity based on performance—“I am who I am if I keep the rules.”
The New Covenant: Identity Through Christ
Enter the New Covenant, established by Jesus through His death and resurrection. In the gospel, we no longer build our identity on what we achieve but on what Christ has achieved for us. Our status before God is not earned; it is gifted.
The resurrection marked the launch of God’s new creation, and those in Christ are not just forgiven—they are new humans, renewed image-bearers, and members of God’s family. The Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, internalizes what the Law could not accomplish. Our obedience now flows from a transformed heart, not external compulsion.
Psychologically, this shift is radical. The Old Covenant identity (“I obey, therefore I am accepted”) often led to anxiety, pride, or despair. In contrast, the New Covenant identity (“I am accepted in Christ, therefore I obey”) produces security, humility, and joy. Instead of being trapped in the cycle of self-justification, we live from a place of grace, knowing our worth is anchored in God’s unchanging love.
Living Out Our Identity Today
As followers of Jesus, we are invited to continually renew our minds with this truth. In Christ:
- We are chosen (Ephesians 1:4).
- We are forgiven (Colossians 1:14).
- We are children of God (Romans 8:16).
- We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This identity is secure, not because of our performance, but because of His promise.
As we live in the light of the New Covenant, may we rest in the freedom of grace, embody the love of Christ in our relationships, and reflect the glory of the One who calls us His own.
Operation Christmas Child
Would you like to bring joy and the love of Jesus to the lives of children? How about 200 children? How about 300 children? You have the opportunity to do this by taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
And you can do it in 6 easy steps!
- Purchase a box at the Desk for $1.00
- Fill the box with the gifts
- Label your box
- Bring the box back by Sunday, 19th October 2025
- Make a $12.50 donation for shipping and gospel materials
- Pray for the child who will receive your box
Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas by taking part in Operation Christmas Child.
Any questions? Come to the table set up in the foyer after the service, and the team will be happy to assist and respond to your queries.
Care Meals Team
A home-cooked meal can be such a blessing and an expression of love and care in times of need. We would love to expand our team of people who are willing to prepare meals, either to deliver or bring them to the church freezer for distribution as needed. Does this sound like a way that you could be His presence in the lives of others?
Please use this form to express your interest in being part of our Care Meals Team (or email sue@bcoc.com.au if you have questions). Sue Nicholls.
Food Pantry | Our City Needs Your Help
As the cost of living increases, so too does the number of families in our community struggling to make ends meet. Can you help support our Food Pantry by purchasing something from our list below in your next shop? You can drop off food items in the Food Pantry trolley located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
- Biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s)
- Jam Spreads
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oil
- Muesli bars
- Tinned tuna
- Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Blankets
We also accept cash, card, and online donations. Payment via cash or card can be made during the above times or you can donate online.
- Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
Let’s Love People, Serve Our City and be His presence in the City of Casey by supporting the Food Pantry!
School Holiday Break
Kid Church
Kids Church is taking a small break on Sunday 21st & 28th September 2025.
Colouring-in sheets and pencils will be available on a table in the foyer to help the kids entertained in the service. Please return all pencils borrowed.
Term 4 starts back with ALL the fun on Sunday 5th October 2025!
Fuse Youth
Fuse Youth is hitting pause!
No meet-ups 26th September & 3rd October.
But don’t worry… the fun returns 10th October 2025!
Team Jesus: Through It All | Sunday 14th September 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Being on Team Jesus means standing strong in every season, every day, every valley, every mountain, because even in the struggle, He is faithful and joy is on the way. Join us this Sunday as we dive into Psalm 126 and uncover the keys to remaining strong on Team Jesus through every season of life.
Kids Church | Sunday 14th September 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Baby Moses | Exodus 2:1-10
5 to 12-year-olds | Joshua and the Spies | Numbers 13–14
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 14th September | 5:45 pm
Calling all men! At our weekly gatherings, we come together to pray, support one another in our faith journey, and grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or new, we welcome you with open arms. Our group is a safe space where men can come together to share their hearts, struggles, and victories.
Join us as we seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in our lives and for our families. Together, we can uplift each other, grow in faith, and make a real difference in our community.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Come and join our Men’s Prayer Group where together we seek the Lord for our families, community and nation.
Boys Brigade | Monday 15th September 2025 | 6:00pm
Be part of the action! For over 20 years the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.30pm
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 16th September | 6:30am
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is around the church property and is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer.
We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us.
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 14th September 2025 | 1:00pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in co-ownership of our Church’s vision, mission, and purpose. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the role of partnership in the broader functioning of the Church. You will meet leadership, and we will discuss how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.
If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together.
International Justice Mission (IJM) | Sunday 21st September 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Three years ago, BCOC partnered with International Justice Mission (IJM) — a powerful force for good working to rescue children from the horrors of OSEC (Online Sexual Exploitation of Children). IJM will join us during the service and share the accomplishments we have made together and how your support has enabled BCOC to contribute to this life-saving work.
For those who would like to engage more deeply, we will host a special luncheon at 1pm in Room 1. This will enable a more detailed discussion about the work and opportunities for involvement. Due to the sensitive nature of the content and the fact that the church will be sponsoring the meal, we kindly request that you book in advance for the luncheon. BOOK HERE.
Our Sunday services remain open to all — and we encourage you to invite friends and family, especially those with a heart for Minors, one of BCOC’s five missional focus areas.
Y&Y Service | Sunday 21st September 2025 | 5:30pm
WELCOME Y&Y!
Join us as we continue to explore the Psalms of Ascent. We will be having a panel that will discuss what Worship can look like in our everyday lives.
Make sure you stick around afterwards for some food and fellowship.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 24th September 2025 | 1:30pm
We will be watching the amazing & inspiring story of Dr. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon who operated on twins joined at the head. Popcorn & Lollies provided! Come Early! Cost $2.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
Writers Group | Saturday 27th September 2025 | 9:00am
Aspiring writers, published authors, and everyone in between—are you looking for a creative outlet to showcase your writing talents and connect with fellow literary enthusiasts? We are thrilled to invite you to join our Writers Group, where your words will come to life in a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, or anything in between, we welcome all writing styles and genres. So come join us and, ignite your passion for writing! Together, we will inspire one another to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as storytellers.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something special. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few publications under your belt, we’d love to have you with us.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
Child Dedication | Sunday 19th October 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
“Children are a gift from God; they are His reward” (Psalm 124:3).
Child Dedication is the acknowledgment that not only are children a gift from God, but they are His children. You place your child into God’s hands and trust that He will guide you in parenting. Essentially, dedicating your child to God is to declare that you will train your child in the ways of the Lord.
Child Dedication is part of our regular service and requires the parents to bring their child to the front of the church at the appropriate time. We encourage siblings of the child to join in and we like to display a photo of your child on the monitor so everyone can see.
If you are interested in your child being dedicated, please complete the Child Dedication Application Form by October 5, and we will be in touch to make arrangements and to explain the details of the service.
For more details, please email sue@bcoc.com.au or phone 0403 822 324.
Men's Camp | Xtreme Character Challenge | Thursday 6th - Sunday 9th November 2025
Men, are you ready for a great challenge from Thursday, 6th to Sunday, 9th November 2025, at the Snowy Mountains, NSW? An XCC is a mind, body, and soul adventure – an active and challenging endurance event for men out in the wild.
The XCC is set up like an endless adventure; men are confronted with significant physical challenges, deep camaraderie, and profound moral and spiritual moments. Through the XCC process, men find perspective; they evaluate who they are and find a purpose worth living for.
Early bird pricing
- Book on or before 14-Sep-25: $360
- Book from 15-Sep-25: $450
*Note: This event is run independently from Berwick Church of Christ.
Family Camping Weekend or Day Out | 20 February 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 22 February 2026 @ 12:00 pm
It’s on again! Calling all camping families – kids of any age are welcome!
We invite you to join us from Friday February 20th to Sunday February 22nd 2026, for the Family Camping Weekend at Warburton. Strengthening the bonds between your family and others is our main priority and we would love you to join us for the whole weekend if you can, or just for the day on Saturday 21st.
CAMPING: 20th February from 2:00 pm to 22nd February @ 12:00 pm
DAY OUT: 21st February from 9:00am to 9:00pm or whatever time suits your family
We’ll enjoy being surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of freedom. We’ll watch children play, enjoy the fantastic free water park and paddle in the Yarra River. The nearby town has plenty of cafes, and Redwood Forest has walking and cycling trails and is great fun for photos.
At night, get ready for cosy campfires, where we’ll swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy fellowship (please note that campfires and the water park are not available if a Total Fire Ban is declared)
We are staying at the Warburton Holiday Park. Camping is always loads of fun, and even better in a group, but you are welcome to book a cabin if you prefer.
So gather your adventurous spirit, pack your sense of humour, and book a site or cabin for this fantastic weekend. Come and embrace the great outdoors with us! We do advise booking soon if possible as cabins and good sites go quickly!
If the whole weekend isn’t an option for you, you are very welcome to bring food etc and join us on Saturday (provided it is not Total Fire Ban), just let one of the organisers know to expect you, and use the ‘Book Now’ button so we have your details and can keep you updated.
When and where is this all happening?
- Date: Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd February 2026 (or Saturday 21st for day visitors)
- Time: Arrive from 2.00 pm Friday, leave by 12.00 pm Sunday, or time of your choosing on Saturday
- Address: Warburton Holiday Park, 30 Woods Point Rd, Warburton, VIC, 3799
Here’s what to do next!
- Choose your site from the “L”, “F” and “C” sites. You can see where others are camped here, so please add your family to this list after booking.
- Call and book a campsite 5966 2277 or visit the Warburton Holiday Park website or use this interactive map to book. A powered site costs $59 per night for two people, plus extra for children (book for Friday and Saturday nights unless you want to stay longer than the rest of us). You can also book a cabin or lodge if that suits you better. Advise the caravan park office or note in the comments section that you are with Berwick Church of Christ. Note that a laptop is easier than a phone when navigating the online booking system.
- Importantly, we need to know you are coming so we can communicate with you. After booking with Warburton Holiday Park and obtaining a site or cabin number, please REGISTER HERE. If you plan to come for the day, please also REGISTER so we can update you and look out for you.
We will add campers and day visitors to the WhatsApp chat group for easy communication before and during the weekend.
Shout out if you have any questions
Sue 0403 822 324 or sue@bcoc.com.au
Mikayla 0431 317 332
James 0449 662 512
Amie 0448 762 314
Sarah 0490 016 122
We look forward to seeing you in Warburton whether for the weekend or the day!
The Compliance Compass
A monthly update on policies and safety to help guide staff, partners and volunteers and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Each month we review our policies and procedures to ensure our standards of safety are improved. Our policies are not just a list of rules; they are a clear statement of our commitment to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring a compassionate, appropriate response should a concern or problem arise.
This month we revised a few policies (listed below), which were approved by the Elders on the 18th of August. These policies are important as they provide details on how we greet, pray, care and relate to each other with the aim to ensure everyone feels safe.
We ask that all volunteers read the following policies and ensure they are aware and understand the safety requirements we have established:
- Caregiving Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Minors Code of Conduct
- EEO, Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Policy
You will find our policies on the church website.
We are also in the process of developing our WHS Management System, and the Elders have approved the following procedures:
- WHS Consultation Procedure
- WHS Induction & Training Procedure
- First Aid & Infection Control Procedure
We encourage questions or feedback about any of our policies. Simply email policies@bcoc.com.au or contact Karen Fletcher at the Church Office (9702 1011).
Interested in becoming a Volunteer?
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please check out the volunteering page on the website. There are several ministries listed but if you do not see the ministry you are interested in, click on the link “Volunteer Application Form – Other Ministries” located at the bottom of the page.
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and congregation to report any concerns they have about safety and wellbeing. We are committed to handling all concerns seriously, legally and in a child-focused way (if concerning children).
If you have any concerns about safety at the Church, we strongly encourage you to share your concern with one of our Pastors or the Safety Contact Person, Karen Fletcher and fill in our Reporting Concerns Form.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
