Friday 16th September 2022

The past week we saw the passing of one of the most formidable influencers mankind has seen. No matter your stance on political or royal matters…you’ll have to go far to find a better exponent of human leadership than vale Queen Elizabeth. For “Generation x’ers”, “Baby Boomers”, “Builders” and the “War generation” individuals still alive it is hard to imagine a Commonwealth without the queen.  I hear concerns for the monarchy’s future. People speculate on the Commonwealth’s validity. Some will want to open the discussion of Australia’s future as a possible republic. A lot will be discussed about these matters going forward. It is indeed an important conversation. For Followers of Christ, however, it is of critical importance that we align our hope for the future with the guidance found in scripture.

'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, '

1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

This is indeed a reason for praise. Never will our hope be at the mercy of worldly influence again!

It’s a shaky world out there.  But Let’s be what we were made to be– People of the Promise. Keep this promise handy. Say it out loud. Fill your lungs with air and your heart with hope and let the devil himself hear you declare your belief in God’s goodness. We are building our lives on the promises of God! Because his Word is unbreakable, our hope is unshakable. We do not stand on life's problems or the pain in life. We stand on the great and precious promises of God.

Remember Jesus’ parable about the two builders who each built a house? One built on cheap, easy-to-access sand. The other was built on costly, difficult-to-reach rock. The second construction project demanded more time and expense, but when the spring rains turned the creek into a gulley washer, guess which builder enjoyed a blessing and which experienced trouble? The beachfront property doesn’t make for much if it can’t withstand the storm. According to Jesus the wise builder is “whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them” (Matt. 7:24). Both builders heard the teachings. The difference between the two was not knowledge and ignorance but obedience and disobedience. Security comes as we put God’s promises into practice. We’re only as strong as our obedience. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

What does this mean for us? It means we align our expectations of life with His promises over our lives. It means we place our hope in Him and not in worldly powers. It will lead to a church that shows stability in an unstable world…a prevailing church amid a troubled world.

Partners & Volunteers Gathering | Highlights

We had an awesome time of fellowship with partners and volunteers last Sunday. The event was well attended and there was plenty of food and fun spent with church family. Pastor Braam gave an update and thanked volunteers, Pastor Monya led us in worship, and volunteers shared very encouraging testimonies. They shared their experience of God's goodness as a volunteer and spurred everyone on to keep serving our community. What about you?

Interested in becoming a volunteer, fill out the application form.

>>>VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM<<<

Interested in becoming a partner, register for the next Exploring Partnership Class, fill out the application form.

>>>EXPLORING PARTNERSHIP CLASS FORM<<<

Volunteers | Thank you!

Thank you to all our ✞ CHRIST FOLLOWING volunteers who ♥️ LOVE PEOPLE, 🤲 SERVE OUR CITY and 🌱 GROW FAITH COMMUNITIES, we thank you!

Mark 12: 31 NIV says 'Love your neighbour as yourself'. Our volunteers show acceptance and authenticity to our community where we journey to be Christ like and transform lives together!

Communion | Gluten free option

We now have available, gluten free communion. Simply ask one of the communion team for the gluten-free communion option.

Men's Prayer Group | Sundays 5.45pm

The Men's Prayer Group is a group of men who meet to pray together. The group meets at the church every Sunday evening from 5:45pm-7:30pm. We spend time in prayer, worship and fellowship together as men who walk together to seek the face of God.

“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)

Car Park Team | Is this you?

I have great news. Our onsite attendance has gone back to pre-pandemic numbers and with the good weather coming, we expect even more people to come to our worship services and have encounters with God. Thank you Lord! And with growth comes new opportunities. We are looking for people who would welcome attendees with a smile as they drive into the church property and guide them into a parking spot on Sunday mornings.

Interested? 

1. Fill out the volunteer application form here
2. In the ministry section choose:
   > Welcome Department
   > Car Parking Team
   > Car Parking Team Expression of Interest
3. Already a volunteer? Need more info? Contact Pastor Michael at [email protected] and he would welcome a chat with you.

Corporate Prayer | This Sunday

James wrote: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). 

Praying together as a community of believers is essential in establishing a Holy Spirit empowered spiritual atmosphere which facilitates change and breakthrough. 

Please join us in the auditorium at 9:30am on Sunday 18th September for a time of corporate prayer.

Operation Christmas Child | Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas

Would you like to bring joy to young people? Would you like to bring the gospel of Jesus to children? Would you like to transform the life of a child in a third world country? You have the opportunity to do this by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. And you can do it in 6 easy steps!

1. Attend Berwick Church of Christ and purchase a box for 50 cents at the Next Steps desk.
2. Fill the box with the gifts.
3. Label your box.
4. Bring the box back by Sunday, 25th September 2022.
5. Make a $10 donation for shipping and gospel materials.
6. 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. Find out more by going to the Next Steps Desk at Berwick Church of Christ before and after the Sunday worship service.

Your Story | Challenged Marriage

Most of my life I had known who Jesus is. Yet I wasn't always following him. It wasn't until I started having some issues in my marriage that I really turned to Jesus and fell to my knees asking for his help and forgiveness for everything I had done. I started to pray, to talk and build a relationship with Jesus and I started to see him work things for good in my life. I am now in such an awesome place in my marriage more than ever now, and I genuinely believe I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for Jesus!

We love to hear inspirational stories about how individual lives have been changed! If you would like to share 'Your Story', please email: [email protected] and inspire others!

Fuse Youth | Friday 16th September

This week at FUSE Youth is our last week of term and we’re going rollerskating! Come in your best rollerskating attire and be ready for an epic night of fun, fails and good times! Bookings are closed for this event but don't forget to turn up at Rollerama!

Key details:

• Time: 7.30pm-10pm
• Cost: $5
• Address: 1298 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby, Victoria, 3179

Walking Group Clyde | Saturday 17th September

Get ready to put on your walking shoes! If you are looking for a social walking group in Clyde, you have found it. We are of all ages and fitness levels. Bring your family and friends. Make new friends, build a support network, have fun, and work on your fitness.

Details:

• Date: Every Saturday, weather permitting. Check the iConnect Facebook page for updates.
• Time: 8.30am – 9.30am
• Address: Casey Fields Playspace car park

>>>iConnect FACEBOOK PAGE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 18th September

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

PREP – GRADE 6 | Asleep

Jacob’s dream| Genesis 28: 10-22

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | God loves me when I’m frustrated

Moses is frustrated |Numbers 11: 4-17

Sunday Service | Sunday 18th September

Guest speaker Rob Nyhuis will be visiting us to preach about Warfare as part of our Promised Land series. Rob oversees the Churches of Christ congregations in the Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania and serves as National Chair. He has been the senior minister of a church that has two campuses in the outer south-east of Melbourne and has extensive work in Cambodia and the Philippines as well as in the local community. Rob is married to Anna and with four awesome children.

Forge Young Adults service | Sunday 18th September

Youth, young adults and young at heart get ready for a time of worship, an inspiring word and enjoy a meal together. Form new friendships with like-minded youth and young adults in a safe, caring, yet challenging environment. You can discover your true value, find your purpose and fulfil your potential. Join us at 5.30pm.

Boys Brigade | Monday 19th September

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

Kids Encounter Day | Saturday 24th September

Bookings close Sunday 18th 2022

Grades 2-6 don’t miss out!
BCOC’s Kids Encounter Day is a unique opportunity for Grade 2 – 6 kids to learn more about their loving heavenly Father, the importance of forgiveness, how to hear God’s voice, and much more. Engaging teaching material will be applied in aged-based small groups to facilitate personal encounter times. And of course, there will be lots of yummy food, great games and heaps of fun! 

Details:

• Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm
• Date: Saturday 24th September 2022
• Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
• Cost: $35
  Registrations strictly close on Sunday 18th September

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Guest speaker Machine Gun Preacher | Sunday 25th September

The real machine gun preacher is coming to Berwick Church of Christ!

Sam Childers life was the subject of Hollywood movie The Machine Gun Preacher. Sam: aka the Machine Gun Preacher, will be visiting us to share his life story, which was captured in The Machine Gun Preacher motion picture (Starring Hollywood heart-throb and well know Scotsman – Gerard Butler playing the role of Sam Childers).

Sam has built one of the largest orphanages in Southern Sudan, which has fed and housed more than 1,000 children. With the orphanage finished, Childers began to lead armed missions to rescue children from the Lord’s Resistance Army – which led to villagers calling him ‘The Machine Gun Preacher’.

Join us Sunday 25th September and invite your friends to hear Sam’s harrowing story!

>>>WATCH THE TRAILER<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 28th September

Our Seniors Ministry welcomes guest speaker Martina McArdle and she will tell her dramatic story of needing a lung transplant. She will also talk about her ongoing work with transplant patients.

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY DETAILS<<<

Alpha | Wednesday 28th September

WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning.
Enjoy a meal with others, watch a video and have an open discussion and conversation in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.

Dinner costs: $15 (plus a 30c booking fee)

CONNECT
Connecting with others is important; friends gathered around the kitchen table, meeting for coffee or catching up online. It’s no different at Alpha.  All sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.

WATCH
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each one is around thirty minutes long and played as a video. They explore important issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us?

DISCUSS
One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Exploring Partnership | Tuesday 4th October

You may have been attending our events or even become part of a close-knit group of people in our community. We would love for you to consider taking up a partnership with us in fulfilling God’s call on our movement. Exploring Partnership is an important step in discovering how you can fit into Berwick Church of Christ. It is an orientation towards what makes us unique and how we function as a community. You will get to know the leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.

Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor