When we select who we will elect…

Friday 25th November 2022

It’s election time! We live in a world where politics has become a huge role player in our quality of life. As followers of Christ we have a unique approach to politics as we do not hold to the notion that the government is the primary agent through whom God’s wisdom will bring about God’s purpose:

'His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. '

Ephesians 3:10-11 NIV

'And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.'

Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV

All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever . He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the centre of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.'

Ephesians 1:20-23 MSG

There are three ways our worldview as Christ followers differ from people placing their hope in politics:

Christ followers do not believe everything rises and falls on who governs the country, but we do view potential candidates through the lens of our conviction that we are accountable before God for whom we support. That’s why we vote prayerfully.
Christ followers are aware of our own humanity and therefore see political candidates and their parties as imperfect and in need of our prayers and moral support while we own our responsibility to be good citizens. That’s why we vote faithfully.
Christ followers have their souls anchored in greater hope and therefore do not succumb to the fear mongering and division that are sometimes used to gain votes or even polarise people around political ideologies. That’s why we vote peacefully.

May you have a wonderful experience in placing your vote as it is a celebration of one of the best countries in the world in terms of governance. For those of us who can’t vote, let us pray for the election as we know who reigns far above all principalities and powers:

'Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God ; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses.'

Proverbs 21:1 MSG

Bringing Christmas to life | Buy a tag!

As families across Melbourne come together and celebrate Christmas, let us not forget those who are struggling at this time of year.
To this end we are having an event where we invite our Food Pantry clients, pour love on them, and give them the ability to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Join us in by blessing…

a family with a hamper for $50 and/or
child with a gift for $30

Bring Christmas to Life by purchasing your gift tags at the Next Steps Desk Sundays between 9.30am and 12.30pm, 446 Centre Road, Berwick.

As part of this event we are looking for a Santa Claus costume and a lady’s elf costume.
Let us know asap on [email protected] or 97021011 if you can assist.

FUSE Youth | Friday 25th November

FUSE Youth this week is our annual and highly anticipated Fusey Awards. Come dressed in your best & get ready for the red carpet, trivia, awards food and more!
Bring your mates and get ready for an amazing night!

7pm start, $5 for the night!

Important details:

@BCOC
@7-9.30pm
$5 for the night!

>>>FUSE YOUTH DETAILS<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 27th November

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church.

PREP – GRADE 2 | Miracles happen when you believe

God’s people go through the Red Sea | Exodus 13:17 – 14:31

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | God has special plans for my life

God’s plan for me | Jeremiah 29:11

>>>KIDS CHURCH DETAILS<<<

Sunday Service | Pit Stop 2

Unfortunately, many people live without healthy boundaries in their lives. Time, financial, relational, spiritual, and intellectual pressure can have a detrimental effect on our health and even our relationship with God. How do we fix an overburdened life in the series? We will discover how Jesus models this for us.

We would love to see you at 10am here at Berwick Church of Christ, 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806. Come early and enjoy a hot drink at our cafe. If you can't make it, you can catch up on the YouTube channel.

>>>WATCH LIVE STREAM<<<

Young Families Picnic | Sunday 27th November

Come along and join us at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick with your picnic lunch. We are looking forward to seeing all our families with young children connect and get to know new people while enjoying a picnic together.

Details:

Date: Sunday 27th November 2022
Time: 12 noon
Where: 34 Homestead Rd, Berwick VIC 3806
BYO: Picnic lunch

Boys Brigade | Monday 28th November

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<<<

Baptisms | Sunday 4th December

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.

>>>EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM<<<

Life@Work Conference | Saturday 18th February 2023

The Future of Work: How to love your colleagues and share Jesus in an ever-changing landscape

Life@Work Conference is City Bible Forum’s annual conference to encourage Christians in the workplace. Since 2013, the conference has been equipping and empowering Christians from around Australia, and the world, for their life and witness in the workplace.

Join us at Life@Work Conference 2023 as we discover the answers. Feel confident to be a Christian in your daily work, in spite of uncertainty!