Table of Contents
Unity in the Spirit
Wednesday 24th April 2024
In the heart of every Christ Follower lies a yearning for unity that transcends denominations, cultures, and ideologies. We see Jesus Christ unifying heathen nations and the Jews into one expression of God’s family through the salvation He brought. He also fervently prayed for the oneness of his followers:
Something to pray for
In John 17, Jesus, in his prayer to the Father, implores for the unity of all believers, just as he and the Father are one. He emphasises that through this unity, the world may know the love of God and the authenticity of Christ’s mission. This call to unity resonates through the ages, serving as a guiding light for the body of Christ.
Something to galvanise us for our purpose
Acts 2:1-4 unveils the pivotal moment of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to speak in diverse tongues. This miraculous event not only symbolises the universality of the Gospel, but also signifies the missional launch of the Church – a unified body, regardless of linguistic or cultural differences. It underscores that unity in diversity is possible and essential in fulfilling God’s purpose.
Something to build
Building upon this foundation, the apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:13, employs the body analogy to illustrate the interconnectedness of believers in Christ. He emphasises that through the Spirit, we are all baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and are all made to drink of one Spirit. This truth underscores the inherent unity among believers and should be pursued by Christ’s Followers irrespective of societal distinctions or cultural backgrounds. As we drink of the Spirit, unity becomes a reality!
Therefore, let us heed the calling to unity. Let us bridge the chasms that divide us—whether doctrinal, cultural, or societal – and embrace the unifying love of Christ. Let us strive for a Kingdom expression where individuals, congregations, and denominations pursue the ideal of imitating Christ in everything we do… through the power of the Holy Spirit. It needs to be more than a mere theological concept but a lived reality within our congregations and communities.
As we journey forward as followers of Christ, may we embody the Spirit of humility, empathy, and reconciliation. Let us engage in fervent prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate the complexities of our time, for it is through our unity that the world will witness the transformative power of the Gospel and the glory of God.
FUEL – United in Spirit | Sunday 28th April | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Join us as we continue our series through the New Testament and uncover the profound work of the Holy Spirit. From the empowering presence of God in the Gospels to the dynamic agent of mission in Acts, and the transformative role in Paul’s letters, discover how the Holy Spirit empowers and unites believers in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Baptism Celebration | Sunday 28th April | 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.
Kids Church | Sunday 28th April | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Shine Like the Stars | Philippians 2:14-16
5 to 12-year-olds | Simeon patiently waits | Luke 2:25-35
Young Families Picnic | Sunday 28th April | 11:00 am
Come along to the Old Cheese Factory with your picnic blanket and lunch and meet us near the playground. We look forward to gathering families with young children together for a chance to relax and get to know each other while watching children play. Please note that this event is weather dependent. If unsure please call Sue Nicholls 0403822324.
Details
- Date: Sunday 28th April 2024
- Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
- Where: Old Cheese Factory (34 Homestead Road Berwick)
- BYO: Picnic rug and lunch for your family
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 28th April | 5:45 pm
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who regularly meet 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.
Boys Brigade | Monday 29th April | 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
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 30th April | 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 and 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.
Writers Group | Saturday 4th May | 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!
Annual General Meeting | Sunday 5th May | 1:00 pm
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 (who do not hold voting rights), who have registered their attendance at the church office before the event.
We hold these meetings according to our constitution to
(a) confirm the minutes of the previous annual General Meeting and of any other General Meeting held since the previous annual General Meeting;
(b) to receive from the Board reports (including financial statements) on the activities of BCOC during the previous Financial Year;
(c) to confirm the appointment of Elders or the Senior Minister as required;
(d) to appoint an auditor for the following Financial Year; and
(e) do any other thing required to be done by the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic) at an annual General Meeting.
Men's Prayer Group BBQ | Sunday 5th May | 5:00 pm
Get ready for an evening of fellowship, food, and faith at our Men’s Prayer Group BBQ! Join us for an exciting evening of grilling, fellowship, and live music with your fellow brothers in Christ. Bring your appetite and a heart ready to connect with God and one another. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your faith and build lasting friendships. See you there! “God inhabits the praises of His people” Psalm 22:3
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 8th May | 1:30 pm
Lloyd Poole will present us with an afternoon of musical treats! Come along-singalong – and tap your toes!
Future Now CCVT Summit | Wednesday 22nd - Thursday 23rd May 2024
The ‘Future Now’ CCVT Summit will be hosted by our church on 22-23 May, 2024. Summit is the peak annual gathering of CCVT churches, agencies, and members to be inspired and trained, to participate in the AGM, and to connect with each other.
FREE SESSION
We invite you to attend the 7:00 pm Wednesday session which is a free event.
FUTURE NOW SUMMIT 2024
Register for the entire two-day summit here.
HELPERS REQUIRED
As part of this event we would like to request your assistance in set-up and pack-up during the following times and dates.
- 2:00 pm Tuesday, 21st May
- 9:00 pm Wednesday, 22nd May
- 4:00 pm Thursday, 23rd May
Register below to advise of your availability for set-up and pack-up.
State Youth Games | Friday 7th June | 4:30 pm
SYG is a significant 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. Learn more.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
