Friday 13th May 2022

As early as 1606 Captain Pedro Fernandes de Quirós, a devout believer and Portuguese navigator stood on an island gazing towards our continent filled with spiders, snakes and many dangers and did something profound. He spoke a name over that continent that reverberates to this day. It is a name that creates a vivid image in the minds of all devout believers:

In plain English it translates into “The great Southland of the Holy Spirit”.

In 1774 John Adams (who, according to his biographer David McCullough “was both a devout Christian, and an independent thinker said that religious faith was the reason for the success of his ancestors since their migration to the New World in the 1630’s”). He declared that he saw a new nation being formed independent of British Parliament and the Royal Rule of England, and a few years later the United States was born.

On 18 April 1791 William Wilberforce said the following before the house of commons:

Let us not despair; it is a blessed cause, and success, ere long, will crown our exertions. Already we have gained one victory; we have obtained, for these poor creatures, the recognition of their human nature, which, for a while was most shamefully denied. This is the first fruits of our efforts; let us persevere and our triumph will be complete. Never, never will we desist till we have wiped away this scandal from the Christian name, released ourselves from the load of guilt, under which we at present labour, and extinguished every trace of this bloody traffic, of which our posterity, looking back to the history of these enlightened times, will scarce believe that it has been suffered to exist so long a disgrace and dishonour to this country.

The one thing these formidable leaders had in common was this: They all could articulate a magnificent vision in the face of a daunting reality.

It is not something new, though. The power of a God inspired vision has led God’s people all throughout the scriptures. My mind immediately visits the book of Habakkuk where the prophet describes the dominant culture of his day with these words:

'The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad. Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food. Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?'

Habakkuk 1:15-17 NIV

The “wicked foe” may be interpreted as the reigning culture of the day, that takes people captive like fish in nets of self-indulgence, then worships its ability to create affluence, and unknowingly destroy nations through its insatiable appetite. Talk about a vivid picture! The prophet Habakkuk sees this and raises a complaint against God for allowing this to happen. After a lengthy complaint, the prophet realises it may be time to get quiet and hear what God has to say. God’s response?  A VISION TO RUN WITH:

'I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay:

 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. '

Habakkuk 2:1-3,14 NIV

Every Christian to this day should run with this vision. The Apostle Paul beautifully expresses it in the book of Ephesians:

'And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.'

Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV

When was the last time you articulated our vision? It is a God inspired, mission aligned and hopeful statement that calls us to a bold run towards it. Let’s respond to the head of the church – Christ – as he calls us to fill things in every way:

To be a movement representing Jesus Christ, transforming lives and communities through the power of the gospel.

For such a time as this

Ministry to young families through Playgroup and more!

What an exciting time to be part of God's kingdom and part of this Church!!

If you have a heart for young families in our church and community, or if you have a young family and would like to connect to others in the church and local area, Playgroup is the place for you!  You just need a few hours, one morning per week, to become part of this great community. We are seeing families growing in their connection to each other and to Christ, and it is very exciting!  Chat to me anytime about how you can get involved.

We are also looking for a team of helpers (daytime, weekday) to mind children while we minister to their mothers through parenting courses etc, so if God prompts you about this I would love to talk to you too.

Sue Nicholls 0403 822 324, [email protected]

Life Group | Update

It's been a busy couple of weekends for people passionate about life groups and pastoral care. On Saturday, 30th April, Community Hosts (that is, people who look after Life Group Hosts) got together to discuss how we can better support our Life Group Hosts especially in Term 2. And then last Saturday, Life Group Hosts and other people passionate about loving others got together to learn how to be better at Pastoral Care. Events like these happen because we value Loving People and the best way to display and experience that is by joining a Life Group. Interested? Join here. Perhaps you are interested in hosting a Life Group. Let Pastor Michael know at [email protected] and he will be more than happy to have a conversation with you.

Seniors Ministry | Update

Last Wednesday the Seniors Ministry were joined by Lynton Allan who shared with us how God creates beautiful creations. Unfortunately, we mess ourselves up but God can change what was messed up into something beautiful again.  Into a new creation!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

This is just an example of some of the things we learn, experience and participate in as part of the Friendship Group/Seniors Ministry. Why not join us on Wednesday, 25th May at 1:30 pm for a Fancy Tea party? Come dressed in your best costume and exercise that pinky finger as we share a tea party together. There will be a quiz about Alice and her adventures so be prepared. There will also be prizes awarded to the best dressed individuals. 

Any questions? Contact Larry 0410 613 056 or Sharon 0410 623 056 for further details. You can also contact the office by phone (03) 9702 1011 or email at [email protected].

Kids Church | Volunteers needed

Kids Ministry Sign-in Team:
(9:30 – 10:30am two Sundays per month) – 1 volunteer needed, training provided. 

Little Sparks Team: 

Thank you to those who have already signed up to help in our new LIttle Sparks Room (aka Creche). This special program is for our 18mth – 36th olds and will commence this Sunday 15/5/22. We are still looking for just another couple of leaders – there is NO prep required and our goal is for teams to only serve one Sunday per month. Under 18's are also welcome to be on team. 🙂

All children must be signed in at our Sign-In Desk at the end of the foyer (hallway near toilets). Sign in opens at 9:45am and closes at 10:20am. 

NB: From now on, all under 3's will be directed to Little Sparks Room.

If you have a heart for Kids Church, please register your interest on our website and we will contact you.

Fuse Youth | Friday 13th May

This week Fuse Youth is going to be grueling, it’s going to be fun and it’s going to be SYG BOOTCAMP!!

Details:

• Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
• Cost: $5

Kids Church | Sunday 15th May

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…

PREP – GRADE 2 | Paul and Silas in Prison
We can choose to trust God when life gets hard | Acts 16: 16-40

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | God made everything and God made me
Creation Day 5 | Gen 1: 20-21

Watch Sunday 9am on our Kids Church website. Click ‘Watch’ on our Latest Kids Experience.

Sunday Service | Sonship

Sons serve in the house of the Father from a sense of ownership and gratitude. Slaves serve out of a sense of duty and obligation. We will discuss how we relate our God given authority to our missional responsibility:

‘Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. ‘

 John 13:3-5,12 NIV

If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.

Annual General Meeting | Sunday 15th May

This is an annual meeting where we gather with our partners to conclude items of business for the previous year. This meeting can be attended by non-partners (they do not hold voting rights, however) who have registered their attendance at the church office before the event. We hold these meetings according to our constitution to

1. confirm the minutes of the previous annual General Meeting and of any other General Meeting held since the previous annual General Meeting;
2. to receive from the Board reports (including financial statements) on the activities of BCOC during the previous Financial Year;
3. to confirm the appointment of Elders or the Senior Minister as required;
4. to appoint an auditor for the following Financial Year; and
5. do any other thing required to be done by the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic) at an annual General Meeting.

Details:

• Date: Sunday May 15th 2022
• Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick

Partners Gathering | Sunday 15th May

This is a partners only gathering where we will:

• galvanise our unity before Christ as head of our movement
• communicate important information on the state of the movement
• share with our partners information about future developments
• celebrate key breakthroughs in our movement
• build a stronger sense of community and relationship as partners
• create an opportunity to foster healthy communication

Details:

• Date: Sunday May 15th 2022
• Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick

Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 15th May

Come along to our fantastic youth and young adults service. It starts at 5.30pm!

Boys Brigade | Monday 16th May

Be part of the action Monday night. 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

Child Dedication Q&A meeting | Sunday 22nd May

If you're interested in Child Dedication, there is a brief Q&A and Briefing Session being held Sunday 22nd May immediately after service in Room 6 (Family Life Centre). Please contact the church office to register your interest.  

Next Steps lunch | Sunday 22nd May

If you are a newcomer then we especially invite you to join us at the Next Steps Lunch beginning 22 May.

The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun) where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement, discover your potential, and take the next steps in your faith journey whilst enjoying a sumptuous meal.

The expectation is that people who book will attend all 3 lunches as each lunch has a different focus. And did I mention that it’s free? Book now.

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 25th May

Our Seniors Ministry ask you come dressed in your best, and exercise your pinky finger as we share a tea party together. Will Alice or the White rabbit join us? Or maybe The Mad hatter! There will be a quiz about Alice and her adventures, so read up!

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
• Bring: please bring a platter for everyone to share

State Youth Games | June 10th – 13th

State Youth Games registrations will close this Sunday, 15th May, so if you are a youth or young adult, book your place now! This is a weekend you will not want to miss!

Key Details:

• Date: Friday 10th June – Monday 13th June
• Cost: $220 – part-time options are available (includes transport, accommodation, food across the whole weekend, sport & your nightly worship rally pass)

If you have any old Fuse T-Shirts or old towels that you no longer need and would be able to donate to us, that would greatly appreciated! We are also looking for some caravans that could be borrowed for our SYG helpers to stay in over the weekend. Please contact Genny (0400 896 644, [email protected]) or Mikayla (0431 317 332) if you are able to help out.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor