Friday 5th May 2023

Self-discovery is a profound and often tumultuous experience. Without clear definition of who you are it is extraordinary difficult to manage volatility or uncertainty in your life. For individuals grappling with an undefined self-image, the burden of uncertainty can become overwhelming. Life’s complexities are better managed when “you know who you are”.

An undefined identity can cast a shadow over an individual's life, hindering their personal growth and impeding their ability to form meaningful relationships. Without a clear understanding of who they are, these individuals often struggle to:

• find purpose
• make decisions
• relate well to others
• navigate change
• withstand adversity and
• reach meaningful goals

One of the primary drivers of identity is the process of naming someone or something. I am a pet lover, and whenever I had to name my pets, I would assess their unique characteristics and choose a name that reflects that. Some people name their pets at the hand of their expectations of the pet. That’s the wonder of ownership…only owners have the right to name and identify pets. At the beginning God gave the responsibility of naming everything in creation to His representative – mankind:

Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

Gen 1:19 NIV

This world so easily “tags” us with names and titles, but as Christ followers we base our identity on what our owner names us and not on what the world calls us:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Pet 2:9-10 NIV

Don’t miss this Sunday as we address the enemy’s attempt at identity theft!

Food Pantry | Plastic carry bags

The Food Pantry is in need of your spare plastic carry bags so our valued clients have something to carry their food packages in. Please drop them off in the Food Pantry basket located in the foyer. We really appreciate your help!

Fuse Youth | Real Talk: The Daniel Dilemma

This week at Fuse we are kicking off our new series: The Daniel Dilemma. We will be hearing from Jordan, spending time together in worship, unpacking things deeper in small groups and of course ordering in pizza! 7-9.30pm, $5

>>>MORE DETAILS<<<

Sunday Service | Identity Theft

We continue our church-wide series, The Daniel Dilemma. The primary objectives of the series are to “Raise and Equip Followers of Christ” and to “Love People”. The strategy we’ve employed is to go through a journey on truth and love by using the Daniel Dilemma series.

This will be reflected in our Big Church services, Life Groups, FUSE Youth and Kids’ Church. The series helps us learn to stand firm in God’s truth and love well with God’s love in the culture we live in. We will look to Jesus and Daniel as our examples.

Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe. We look forward to seeing you!

>>>WATCH ONLINE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 7th May

This week Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | The Good Samaritan | Luke 10:25 – 37
5 to 12-year-olds | All around the world | Luke 24: 50-53, Acts 1:1-11

Annual General Meeting | Sunday 7th 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. 

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Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 7th May

The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet to pray together. The group meets at the church every Sunday evening. Where individuals spend time in prayer, worship, and fellowship together as men who walk together to seek the face of God. Starts 5.45pm.

Forge Young Adults | Sunday 7th May

YOUNG AD’S! Our next YA social is THIS SUNDAY. Get ready for some throwback games and fun, and make sure to wear your year 12 jumper or something that reminds you of your younger self. Also make sure to bring $5 if you would like pizza too! Bring your mates and we will see you there. May 7th, 6:30pm at the church!

>>>MORE DETAILS<<<

Boys Brigade | Monday 8th 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

>>>CHECK OUT BOYS BRIGADE<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 10th May

Let’s take a fun look at life in times past. What memory from your younger days can you share with our group? The Friendship Group meet in the Connect Lounge at 1.30pm to 4.00pm Please bring a plate for everyone to share.

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<

Mother’s Day | Sunday 14th May

Come and join us for our Mother’s Day on the 14th of May at 10am where we will be celebrating our Mums with a special Photo Booth set up to capture some fun family memories and love. Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe. We look forward to seeing you!

Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 16th May

The Mental Health Support Gatherings is a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ. We have been serving our community with support for over 150 years. You may be interested or might want to refer someone you care about to this opportunity.

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CCVT 'Lift' Summit | Wednesday 17th May

We are proud to invite you to this year’s ‘Lift’ Summit on Wednesday 17th May held here at Berwick Church of Christ.
It sees us build on the development of our personal leadership skills, spiritual impact, and systems thinking needed to maximise our impact. While sensitivity is needed regarding personal resilience and post-COVID challenges, small steps in multiple aspects of church life will reap big dividends! Let’s celebrate together what it is that God is stirring in our midst as a Churches of Christ family.

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Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 21st May

As a movement, it’s important for us to get to know each other better and take the next steps in our journey of faith. To this end, we want to invite you to the next … Next Steps Lunch.

The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (Sunday 21st and 28th May and 4th June 2023) where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement and discover your potential whilst enjoying a delicious meal.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Baptism Class | Tuesday 6th June

Baptism is a step of obedience in a person’s life. Perhaps you are interested in getting baptised or would like to know more about what baptism is all about. If that is you, then we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

Complete the expression of interest form if you would like to be contacted about being Baptised.

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State Youth Games | Friday 9th – Monday 12th June

SYG is an event that unites thousands of youth & young adults from across Victoria. We compete against each other in sport, eat (lots), make new friends, build community and get together for night rallies, where we see young people come to Jesus. It’s. Epic.

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Alpha Marriage Course | Wednesday 19th July

The Marriage Course is for couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some couples do the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, others are looking to address more specific challenges. Either way, the course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help you build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor