Table of Contents
When your world(view) is rocked!
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
We live in a culture that opposes our worldview as Christ Followers who seek His Kingdom as our first priority. Our journey relates to the ancient, chaotic corridors of 6th-Century BC Babylon—a place not only of exile but of divine encounter. Through the lens of Jeremiah 29:4–14, God speaks a radical truth into our disruption:
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.
Babylon is more than a distant city in history; it’s a metaphor for the moments when our lives are shaken; when what we know crumbles and we’re left navigating unfamiliar ground. Perhaps you’ve experienced this recently: career instability, cultural confusion, relational fractures, or a spiritual dry season. Babylon represents those times when we feel displaced—out of rhythm, out of place, and searching for hope.
Historically, Babylon was not just a place of punishment for Israel—it was a crucible for transformation. Removed from the comfort of their homeland, God’s people faced foreign gods, new social norms, and redefined values. Yet in the midst of these trials, a quiet revolution was taking place in their hearts. Babylon became the soil in which a resilient faith took root.
Take Daniel, for example. Thrust into the heart of Babylonian culture, trained in their literature and language, and pressured to conform, he “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). He engaged with the culture, without compromising his convictions. His story reminds us that it is possible to live faithfully—even vibrantly—in the midst of cultural tension.
Jeremiah’s message to the exiles wasn’t one of escape, but of engagement.
“Build houses…plant gardens…marry…multiply there…seek the peace and prosperity of the city.”
Jeremiah 29:5–7
In other words, don’t wait for things to get better—be the reason things get better. This is God’s call to us as well.
We are not in exile by accident. Whether you feel displaced in your career, your relationships, or even your walk with God—this season holds purpose. God is not panicking over your Babylon. In fact, He’s planting you there, not just to survive, but to thrive.
As we begin this sermon series, let us lean in with open hearts and alert spirits. God is not just calling us to endure the shaking, but to emerge from it stronger, wiser, and more rooted in His unshakable plan.
“For I know the plans I have for you…”
Jer. 29:11
God’s plans do not change even when your world does.
Let’s be a people who shine in Babylon. Let’s grow, build, bless, and stand firm; because when Babylon rocks your world, God is still the Rock on which we stand.
With faith for the future,
Care Meals Team
A home-cooked meal can be such a blessing and an expression of love and care in times of need. We would love to expand our team of people who are willing to prepare meals, either to deliver or bring them to 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 Local Community Needs Your Help
Many families in our local community continue to experience financial hardship and our Food Pantry Ministry offers a helping hand to those in need. It is also an avenue for connection and care but we need your help.
Please support the Food Pantry by purchasing an item or two from our shopping list. You can drop off the supplies in the Food Pantry trolly in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
- 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
You can give a cash donation at The Desk on Sundays or at the church office during the week. You can also make a direct debit donation.
- Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
Thank you for caring.
Sunday Service | Vision Sunday – Building In Babylon | Sunday, 27th April 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Join us this Sunday as we come together to envision what we believe God has in store for us this term! This is your chance to be part of something big as we set our sights on His work in our lives.
Come and be encouraged and inspired to step into all God has in store for you!
Kids Church | Term 2 starts - Sunday, 27th April 2025 | Breakfast on the beach
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Breakfast on the beach | John 21: 1-14
5 to 12-year-olds | All I ask (Jesus appears to Thomas) | John 20:19-29
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 27th April | 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 28th April | 6:00pm
Be part of the action!
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
GTM 1 Course Commencing | Tuesday 29th April 2025 | 7:00pm
Growing To Maturity course (GTM1)
GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha”. It is the perfect next step for those who:
- Are hungry to grow in their relationship with God
- Want their faith to move from head knowledge to life experience
- Desire to learn how to live out the Christian life in a practical way
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant workbooks
- DVD’s
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Alpha Marriage Course Commencing | Wednesday 30th April 2025 | 7:00pm
The 8 week Marriage Course is for married couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some married couples attend 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.
The 8 week Marriage Course is based on Christian principles but designed for all married couples with or without a church background. The course will help you to:
- Understand each others needs
- Communicate more effectively
- Grow closer by learning methods to resolve conflict
- Recover from the ways you may have hurt each other
- Recognise how your upbringing affects your relationship
- Improve relationships with parents and in-laws
- Develop greater sexual intimacy
- Discover each others “love language” and much, much more….
Building in Babylon | Sunday 4th May 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
You’re invited to a powerful new sermon series: “Building…in Babylon!”
How can we build lives of resilience and hope, in a world marked by chaos, instability, and uninvited change? Over seven compelling weeks, we’ll journey through God’s Word to uncover timeless truths and practical wisdom that empower us to thrive—even in today’s “Babylon.”
Each week, we’ll tackle a key area of life where many of us experience struggle or loss:
- Men: How men uniquely process grief
- Mother’s Day: How women uniquely process grief
- Family: Building a resilient family
- Personal Identity: Overcoming rejection
- Relational Intimacy: Healing and hope after relational break-downs
- Pentecost Sunday: The Holy Spirit’s role in our recovery and renewal
- Integrity: Restoring your integrity after you have messed up
As God once spoke to His people in exile:
“…for I know the plans I have for you…” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Don’t miss this transformative series that speaks directly into the heart of our modern challenges. Join us for “Building…in Babylon!”—a journey of faith, courage, and spiritual strength. We can’t wait to see you there.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 14th May 2025 | 1:30pm
David Cross from an organisation called “ZOE” (greek word meaning life), will speak to us about how ZOE works to free children from sexual slavery throughout Australia.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a packet of food for everyone to share
Y&Y Service | Sunday, 18th May 2025 | 5:30pm
Come join us for our Y & Y Service. We will be spending some time Worshipping and diving into the Word. Stick around afterwards for a meal and some fellowship.
Brett Ryan was a Critical Care nurse for 15 years with majors in Accident and Emergency and Intensive Care. Then became the Children’s Pastor at CityLife Church for the next 12 years before commencing his role as CEO at Focus on the Family Australia in 2013. He has been married to Kate for 35 years and have 3 young men, 3 beautiful daughters in law and 5 grandchildren. They love spending time together and playing all types of games. They are passionate about God honouring relationships and families and invited to speak at numerous events each year. They are heard on over 850 radio stations across Australia, including The Light 89.9.
For many Young Adult Christians, sexuality can be confusing , frustrating and challenging. You may have asked the question: I’m single, what’s the purpose of sexuality? What if I never get married? Brett will aim to address these questions, answer your questions and discuss relationships, stewarding your sexuality, and how to face other issues in a highly sexualised world.
Working Bee | Save the date! | Saturday 24th May 2025
Join us for our next Working Bee as we get our hands dirty and roll up our sleeves to improve the beautiful property we have been blessed with. Prepare for an exciting day of hands-on fun and teamwork.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or first-time volunteer, there’s a place for everyone! Bring your enthusiasm and maybe a friend or two! Stay tuned for more details – a signup sheet is coming soon. Many thanks in advance, we greatly appreciate your support.
Child Dedication Services | Sunday 25th May 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
Child Dedication is simply the act of parents committing their child to the Lord. It is also a time of public declaration that they, with God’s help, will raise their child in the ways of the Lord. NB: Child Dedication is not baby Christaining or Baptism.
The Child Dedication segment is part of our regular service and requires the parents to bring their child to the front of the church at the appropriate time. We encourage siblings of the child to join in and we display a photo of your child on the screens so everyone can see (only first names are used).
If you are interested in your child being dedicated, please complete the Child Dedication Application Form, including uploading your child’s photo, by Friday May 16 so we can connect and provide relevant information.
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
