The Ripple Effect of Healthy Marriages
Wednesday 31st January 2024
Nurturing Strong Communities
Healthy marriages are the cornerstone of vibrant and thriving communities, influencing individuals, families, and societies. Numerous studies support the idea that the stability and health of marriages have far-reaching effects, contributing to the overall well-being of communities. Rooted in both empirical research and biblical wisdom, the symbiotic relationship between healthy marriages and flourishing communities becomes apparent. Even single-parent families benefit from interactions with people with healthy marriages, who can provide valuable support, encouragement, and a hopeful reference for the future.
Research consistently highlights the positive impact of strong marriages on individual well-being and mental health. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that individuals in healthy marriages reported higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of stress and depression. Statistically, children raised in homes with stable marriages tend to exhibit sound emotional and academic outcomes, helping to foster a generation with the tools to contribute positively to society.
Drawing from the Scriptures, the Bible underscores the importance of marriage in community building. In Ephesians 5:25-33 (NIV), the apostle Paul emphasises the sacrificial love between spouses, akin to the love Christ has for the Church. This mutual love and respect form the foundation for a healthy marital relationship that radiates outward, impacting the broader community. Proverbs 31:10-12 (NIV) further extols the virtues of a capable and supportive spouse, depicting a partnership that enhances the family's well-being and contributes to the community's prosperity.
A healthy marriage acts as a microcosm of the broader community, embodying values of commitment, communication, and mutual support. When cultivated within the marital unit, these qualities inevitably spill over into the community, creating a ripple effect of positivity. Communities characterised by strong marriages often showcase increased social cohesion, reduced crime rates, and enhanced economic stability.
In conclusion, the profound connection between healthy marriages and thriving communities is supported by both empirical research and biblical principles. Individuals can invest in nurturing their own marriages, in preparation for a future marriage, or in reframing their experience of marriage in the aftermath of marital breakdown and divorce. This can positively contribute to the communities' overall health and vitality. Cultivating and supporting healthy marriages thus becomes a cornerstone for building resilient and flourishing societies.
Foundations of Forever | 4th February 2024 | 10 am
Harmony of the Heart
Navigating the Seasons of Marriage
This sermon series aims to guide us through the various seasons of marriage, providing biblical principles and practical insights to strengthen relationships at every stage.
>>>LIVE STREAM YouTube<<<
Kids Church | 4th February 2024 | 10 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | The man with leprosy | Matt 8:1-3; Mark 1:40-45
5 to 12-year-olds | The kindness of Jesus | Matt 8:1-4; 9:10-13; 19:13-15
>>>KIDS CHURCH<<<
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 4th February 2024 | 12.30 pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in taking up co-ownership of the vision, mission, and purpose of our Church. 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 talk about 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.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 4th February 2024 | 5.45 pm
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet regularly to pray together. James 5:16 – speaks about the effect of fervent prayer and how it achieves great things! Come along and enjoy fellowship, worship, and prayer as men of faith gather to seek God for mighty breakthroughs. Time: 5.45 pm – 7.30 pm.
>>>MEN'S PRAYER GROUP<<<
Boys Brigade | Monday 5th February 2024 | 6.00pm
For over 20 years, the Boys’ Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys. We provide a Christian community that supports boys and young men and assists in their Christian growth, physical development, and leadership training while teaching life skills. Come along and be part of the action!
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.15pm
>>>BOYS BRIGADE<<<
Fuse Fest Family Fun Day | 11th February 2024 | 11.30 am
Following our Sunday service on the 11th of February, Fuse Youth will be hosting a ‘FUSE FEST’ for our whole church community!
There will be:
- Inflatables
- Carnival games (including a dunk tank and high striker)
- A sausage sizzle
- Live music
- Face painting
- Competitions
- and more!
The whole family is invited… it will be a blast! This event will raise money for our youth ministry, providing much-needed resources and opportunities to sponsor teenagers to attend events such as the State Youth Games!
*Please Note: We will have an EFTPOS machine available, but you should bring along some cash for the day to purchase tickets – this will save you time, ensuring you don’t have to wait in the EFTPOS line!
Baptism Class | Monday 12th February 2024 | 7.00pm
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. However, it is more than just immersion in water. It has a number of significant meanings. Complete the expression of interest form if you want to be contacted about attending the Baptism Class.
>>>EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM<<<
Seniors Ministry – Friendship Group | 14th February 2024 | 1.30pm
Come ready to celebrate a New Year and recall events from 2023. Do you have any highlights from last year you could share with the group? Please bring a plate for everyone to share.
>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<
Day out for young families at Warburton! | 24th February 2024
Pack a picnic lunch, bathers, and towels and join us on Saturday, February 24, at the Warburton Water World (completely free and located beside the caravan park we are staying at). We also have a communal site in the caravan park where you can mingle with our camping families during the day. Just let us know you are coming so we can look out for you (Sue 0403 822 324).
Details about day trip plus information about camping at Warburton can be found here. Sites for camping are very limited, but you may be able to secure one or go on a cancellation list.
Baptism Celebration | Sunday 25th February 2024 | 10.00am
Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. However, it is more than just full immersion in water; it is a significant act of obedience that empowers a believer to live a flourishing Christian life. Complete the expression of interest form if you want to be contacted about attending the Baptism Class.
>>>EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM<<<
Young Adult Camp | 1st-3rd March 2024
We are going to Bonnie Doon for Summer Camp! This is a weekend not to be missed by any YA (Age 16+) on Friday 1st March – Sunday 3rd March 2024. Here are some of the things we have lined up watersports with plenty of boats & jet skis, optional walking trail/golf, evening Y&Y Service on Saturday evening, BBQ dinner & a feed at the Bonnie Doon Hotel and PLENTY of rad times sorted for you all!
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Xtreme Character Challenge | Men | 21st-24th March 2024
An XCC is a mind, body, and soul adventure – an active and challenging endurance event for men out in the wild. This is NOT a Church Men’s Camp. The XCC is set up like an endless adventure; for 72 hours, men are confronted with significant physical challenges, deep camaraderie, and profound moral and spiritual input moments. Through the XCC process, men find perspective; they evaluate who they are and find a purpose worth living for.
Details:
- Date: 21st – 24th March 2024
- Where: Scenic Rim, Queensland
All participants will be screened to ensure they are up for the challenge. Please note that a full refund will be provided if you are not eligible to participate.
* This event is independently organised by 4MAUS.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
