Table of Contents
The Transformative Power of Christ’s Leadership
Wednesday 12th June 2024
Creating space for God to lead us through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is essential for experiencing true transformation. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, promises to guide us with love and care. In John 10:27-28, He declares,
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
This assurance highlights the safety and security found in following Christ.
Our relationship with Jesus is not about religious rituals but an intimate, daily walk with Him. James 4:8 encourages us,
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
This mutual drawing signifies a deepening relationship where we become attuned to God’s voice and direction. As we draw closer to Him, we reflect His love and grace in our interactions with others.
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the transformation that comes from allowing Christ to lead us. In Romans 12:2, he writes,
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This transformation renews our minds, enabling us to discern and align with God’s will, which is inherently good and perfect.
By making space for God, we invite the Holy Spirit to work within us, shaping our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as
“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
These attributes become evident as we surrender to Christ’s leadership.
In conclusion, creating space for God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is transformative. It leads us to a deeper understanding of His love, a renewed mind, and a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting His character to the world.
From the Governance Committee
We are excited to inform you that the Church is working on an important project … the development of our Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS)! By developing and formalising our safety processes, the Church commits to ensuring you are safe.
What is a WHSMS you say? A WHSMS is a set of policies, procedures and plans that systematically manages health and safety and can help to minimise the risk of injury and illness from Church operations.
A systems-based approach is effective in protecting people from harm and meeting safety goals. Your safety at the Church is the absolute priority and a WHSMS can support us to provide you a safe place by:
- Ever evolving and continuously improving
- Using feedback to manage and improve safety related outcomes
- Building on existing health and safety processes
- Integrating with other management systems
- Providing more informed decision making
- Strengthening culture and demonstrating due diligence
The WHSMS is designed in line with The Australian Standard, AS/NZS ISO 45001: 2018 (Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use).
We encourage questions or feedback about the WHSMS – email [email protected].
Please don’t hesitate to contact Karen Fletcher at the Church Office (9702 1011) should you wish to have a chat.
Food Pantry | Our city needs our help
In 2023, the Food Pantry supported 96 families (231 visits) who required crisis support. 96 families! Imagine, they could be your friends or neighbours; local families who are doing it tough. The City of Casey Council recognised the generous support the Food Pantry and volunteers give to our local community. Council presented BCOC Food Pantry with the ‘Community Group of the Year’ award. Let’s reach out and show our support by purchasing something from our list in your next shop. You can drop it off in the Food Pantry trolley located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
Let’s Love People and Serve Our City, and buy one item to be His presence in the City of Casey!
- 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
- Reusable shopping bags
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
Sunday Service | Hearing God through the Holy Spirit | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be challenging to find moments of stillness to truly hear God’s voice. We invite you to join us for an inspiring sermon series encouraging you to hit the “pause” button and create sacred spaces for divine communication.
Responding to the Spirit
Explore the role of the Holy Spirit as your teacher and guide. Learn how to develop sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings through prayer, meditation, and quietness. Discover practical ways to discern and respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Key Points:
- Recap on hearing God through Scripture
- Understanding the Holy Spirit’s role
- Cultivating awareness of the Spirit
- Discerning and responding to the Spirit
- Integrating daily practices for spiritual sensitivity
Kids Church | Sunday 16th June | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Rebuilding the Temple | Ezra 3:10-13
5 to 12-year-olds | Ezra and the Temple Rebuilding | Ezra 3:10-13
Y&Y Service | Sunday 16th June | 5:30 pm
Hey, Youth and Young Adults! Our next Y&Y service is on the 16th of June!!! Special guest speaker Rowan Hendrickse is coming to share what is on his heart in relation to the YA space, so make sure you are there and bring your friends!
Rowan moved to Warrnambool at the age of 17 to study nursing at Deakin. While in Warrnambool, Rowan gave his heart to the Lord and met his amazing wife, Sharna, whom he eventually married and now has three children. After nursing for 13 years, he followed a prompt to step into ministry, which has sent him to be a chaplain and serve at Winepress Church for the last 15 years. Rowan is passionate about revealing Jesus to people who don’t know that Jesus is passionate about them!
Be sure to join us in food and fellowship after the service. SEE YOU THERE!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 16th June | 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 17th June | From 6:00 pm
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
Baptism Class | Monday 17th June | 7:00 pm
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.
Patners Gathering | Sunday 23rd June | 1:00 pm
We’re having a Partners Gathering, and we warmly invite you to join us! Partners Gatherings are a significant time for us to connect, celebrate, build stronger relationships and to pray together.
We’ve got a great program planned; from inspiring messages that will ignite your faith, to updates about future developments. Put the event in your calendar, set your alarm so that you don’t miss out. For catering purposes please book below ASAP to secure your place.
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 25th June | 7:30 pm
Mental Health Support Gatherings cater for people who may benefit from mental health support. This may be personally or to assist a friend, family member or carer. This is a safe place to be heard, to share life’s challenges, make friendships and have hope restored. Remember, you are not alone.
In addition, the Gatherings also provide tools to assist people in dealing with life challenges and, on occasion, have specialist speakers addressing relevant topics. The Mental Health Support Gatherings are held on Tuesdays fortnightly during the School Terms from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. If you’re interested in coming along please click the ‘Book Now’ link below and choose: Special Interest Group: Mental Health Support Gatherings. For more information please contact the Church Office 03 9702 1011. The Mental Health Support Gatherings are a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ.
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 26th June | 1:30 pm
Michael Taylor will bring his collection of pearls, and talk to us about the creation of pearls, and point us to the parable of Jesus concerning the Pearl of Great Price. Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm. Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806. Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share
Baptism | Sunday 7th July | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
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 would like to be contacted about being Baptised.
Writers Group | Saturday 27th July | 9:00 am
Aspiring writers, 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 community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, 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 each other to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as writers. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of something truly special.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
Have a safety concern?
We encourage all staff, volunteers and partners within the Church and anyone in our 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
