Table of Contents
To the Other Side
Wednesday 9th July 2025
The Expanding Dimensions of the Gospel
In Mark 4:35, Jesus turns to His disciples and says,
“Let us go over to the other side.”
At first glance, this may sound like a logistical suggestion for the evening—just a boat trip across the lake. But these words carry far more weight than a change in scenery. They signal a pivotal moment in the unfolding mission of Jesus, one that continues to shape our understanding of the Gospel today.
“The other side” was Gentile territory—a place the Jewish community considered unclean. It was not where religious people went, and certainly not where they expected to find God at work. Yet Jesus leads His disciples straight into it. What happens next—a violent storm, the calming of the sea, and the healing of a demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1–20)—and this reveals something profound:
the Gospel does not respect our comfort zones. It moves beyond our boundaries.
This moment teaches us that the Gospel is not static or tribal—it is dynamic, expanding, and boundary-breaking. The Gospel is wide enough to include those we might overlook, long enough to reach into broken family stories, high enough to confront spiritual strongholds, and deep enough to touch the most tormented soul. Jesus’ decision to “go to the other side” expands the dimensions of the Gospel in every direction.
As His followers today, we are called to go with Him—to cross boundaries of race, culture, politics, and pain. The Gospel compels us to step into unfamiliar spaces, to engage the ‘other,’ to resist fear with faith. Jesus didn’t say, “You go to the other side.” He said, “Let us go…”—a shared mission, a collective movement into the unknown, where His power is revealed not in safety but in obedience.
This is especially relevant in our time. The temptation to retreat into echo chambers or religious comfort zones is real. But the Spirit of Christ is always moving outward, toward the margins, toward the misunderstood, toward the ‘other side.’ When we follow Him there, we discover not only others—but more of Him.
So let’s be a church that goes where Jesus goes. Let’s cross over. Let’s trust that when He calls us beyond the familiar, He goes with us—not just to confront the storm, but to expand the reach of His love. Can you identify “the other side” he is sending you to?
Care Meals Team
Do you love cooking?
A home-cooked meal can be such a blessing; an expression of love and care in times of need. We are looking for people who are willing to prepare delicious and nutritious meals, to either deliver or place them in the church freezer for distribution as needed. Does this sound like a way that you could be His presence in the lives of others?
Please use this form to express your interest in being part of our Care Meals Team (or email sue@bcoc.com.au if you have questions). Sue Nicholls.
Food Pantry | Our City Needs Your Help
It was wonderful that the City of Casey Council recognised the generous support our Food Pantry and volunteers give to the local community, by awarding us with the ‘Community Group of the Year’ award. Did you know that the need for assistance is growing as the cost of living increases?
Can you help? Let’s Love People and Serve Our CIty by buying some of the items listed below during your next shopping trip.
- 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
We accept cash and card donations during church office hours (Monday to Friday) or on Sundays between 9:00am and 12:00pm at The Desk in the foyer.
You can also donate online:
- Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
Thank you for your valued support – this is “us” being His presence in the City of Casey.
General Housekeeping | Your Help Please
Please help us to keep our lovely facilities tidy by picking up your empty coffee cups, water bottles, personal property (clothing and bibles), and any rubbish as you leave the auditorium.
Kids in the Sunday services:
We are a kid-friendly church, and as such, we would love to encourage young families to sit closer to the front near the stage. There is plenty of room for strollers and floor space on the far left and far right of the auditorium. We delight in seeing kids singing and dancing during worship, and being up closer to the front helps kids engage more. 😊
Please be aware that the back section of seating near the Creche is reserved just for young families and their grandparents.
Note: The Creche is for use by young families with children aged 2 and under.
For Child Safety reasons, ALL children MUST be supervised by a parent in the Creche at all times.
Sunday Service | Partakers - MIGRANTS | Sunday 13th July 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
For over two hundred years Australia has been a land of immigration and the trend seems to be continuing. It is important to understand that God doesn’t simply relocate people—He repositions them for renewal. Integration isn’t just about fitting in; it’s about living out of our identity, finding belonging, and accomplishing God’s purpose in a new place. It is fulfilling our calling to faithfully model the Kingdom of Heaven in the here and now. By Gods design we find ourselves in this location at this point in history.
Kids Church | Sunday 13th & 20th July 2025 | School Holiday Break
Kids Church volunteers are having a well-deserved break during the School Holidays.
Please check out the Kids Church table in the foyer opposite the Cafe and pick up some age appropriate activity sheets, colouring in and pencils for your kids.
Help us out by returning all pencils after the service. Many thanks!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 13th July | 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.
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 15th July | 6:30am
Every Tuesday morning, there’s a Prayer & Fellowship Walk around the church property.
This is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer. We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park for a time of great fellowship and connection.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us.
Y&Y Service | Sunday 20th July 2025 | 5:30pm
Come join us for the Y & Y Service and FORGE Worship team lead us in worship. Make sure you stick around afterwards for some food and fellowship.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 23rd July 2025 | 1:30pm
Our dear friend Roland is turning 90 and wants to share the joy with us! We will have a special afternoon tea to celebrate. Lloyd Poole will provide a musical program. Dress in your best!
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please provide a packet of food for afternoon tea for everyone to share
Next Alpha Course Commencing | Wednesday 23rd July 2025 | 7:00pm
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 an Alpha Talk video and have an open discussion in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gather 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 video talk is around thirty minutes long and explores important issues around faith and the basics of Christianity.
We address questions such as;
“Who is Jesus?”
“How can we have faith?”
“Why and how do I pray?”
“How does God guide us?”
Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha Course is sharing 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 respectful environment.
The Pre-Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 23rd July 2025 | 7:00pm
The Pre-Marriage Course is a 5-week program designed to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage build a strong biblical foundation for their future together. Key topics such as Communication, Conflict, Commitment, Connection, and Adventure.
Start building your future together with intentionality by signing up today.
- Leaders: Tim & Leola Moore-Coulson
- Cost: $60 per couple, which includes a couple’s guide, coffee or tea, and nibbles
Writers Group | Saturday 23rd August 2025 | 9:00am
Aspiring writers, published authors, and everyone in between—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 supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Whether you write poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, 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 one another to reach new heights and unlock our full potential as storytellers.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something special. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few publications under your belt, we’d love to have you with us.
Join us today and let your creativity soar!
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and 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
