Table of Contents
Who you are in ‘Babylon’
Wednesday 21st May 2025
A World that resembles the Babylonian worldview constantly urges us to define ourselves by our careers, performance, appearance, or social status. The gospel presents us with a radically different foundation: our identity in Christ. This isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a profound truth that shapes the core of who we are, how we live, and where we place our hope.
Christianity is not a call to lose ourselves in religious ritual, but an invitation to receive a new identity through the resurrection power of Jesus. We are not defined by our failures, achievements, or even our past, but by our union with Christ.
“The resurrection is not only a historical event but the foundation for a new kind of life” (Tom Wright).
This new life redefines our value—not by merit, but by grace.
Through Christ, we are brought into God’s covenant family. Our identity is no longer determined by the markers of ethnicity, gender, or societal roles but by our participation in the Messiah’s story. In Christ, we are part of the new creation, where the old divisions are broken down. This identity isn’t abstract; it’s embodied in how we live as new humans—agents of reconciliation, justice, and love. Remember how Jesus transformed Peter? He gave him his God-ordained identity!
‘Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ‘
Matthew 16:17-18 NIV
Without a secure identity in Christ, we are doomed to base our worth on shifting sands. But when our hearts grasp that we are fully known and deeply loved in Jesus Christ, our anxieties begin to lose their grip. We are more sinful than we ever realised, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope. This identity liberates us from both pride and despair.
So what does this mean for us as Church?
It means we resist the culture of comparison and unhealthy competition. We don’t strive to prove ourselves, because we’ve already been called God’s beloved. It means we extend grace to others, knowing we’ve received immeasurable grace ourselves. And it means that our mission flows not from trying to earn God’s favour, but from already having it.
Our identity in Christ is not something we construct—it’s something we receive. And because it is rooted in Christ’s finished work, it cannot be shaken by criticism, failure, or even success.
Let’s live, then, as those who know who they are—not because of what we’ve done, but because of who Christ is and what He has done for us.
Food Pantry | Help us knit a little more love
At the Food Pantry, we serve more than just meals — we serve love, compassion, and hope. While food is our primary mission, we’ve understood that basic human needs go far beyond what’s on the table. Warmth and comfort are just as vital, especially in winter.
That’s why we’re reaching out with a simple request: please donate a ball of wool.
Wool can be made into scarves, beanies or clothes. With the help of local knitters, we turn donated wool into warmth for those who need it most.
If you have extra yarn or two tucked away in a closet, from an old project or a new hobby you never got around to, we’ll gladly take it off your hands. You can drop off your donation at Berwick Church of Christ’s Food Pantry basket in the foyer, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm or Sundays 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Thank you for helping us knit warmth and weave love into the lives of our neighbours. Together, we’re more than a Food Pantry. We’re a community being His presence in every place.
Care Visits Team
Our Life Groups at Berwick Church of Christ are the main avenues of love and care for our church community. But not everyone is in a Life Group yet – and sometimes people have needs beyond their Life Group’s capacity. This is where our Care Visits Team step in to assist. We would love to expand this wonderful team, so if you feel that you have the skills, gifts, and capacity to visit people and offer care, please use the Care Visit Team form or contact Sue Nicholls (suen@bcoc.com.au) to find out more.
Working Bee | Register Now! | Saturday 24th May 2025 | 8:00am - 1:00pm
Join us for our next Working Bee as we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty 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.
Sunday Service | Building In Babylon - IDENTITY | Sunday 25th May 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
You’re invited to join us as we continue our series, “Building…in Babylon!”
In a world that often feels chaotic and increasingly secular, how do we build faith, hope, and resilience?
Over the course of seven powerful weeks, we’re diving deep into God’s Word, uncovering timeless truths and practical wisdom that equip us to thrive — even in today’s “Babylon.”
From navigating the dynamics of Manhood and Womanhood to understanding the Foundation of Family, Identity, and Intimacy, this series tackles relevant topics that shape our everyday lives. We’ll also explore the Holy Spirit’s power during Pentecost and the unwavering importance of integrity as we live out our faith in a challenging world.
“…Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… for I know the plans I have for you…” – Jeremiah 29:4-14 (NIV)
Don’t miss this transformative journey as we boldly navigate the challenges of living as believers in a secular world. Together, let’s build faith and strength in the face of adversity. Join us for “Building…in Babylon!”.
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 27th May | 6:30am
Every Tuesday morning, there’s a Prayer & Fellowship Walk around the church property.
This is an uplifting time of seeking the Lord together, presenting prayer requests for our church and community while enjoying great fellowship. We meet every Tuesday morning at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us.
Kids Church | Nehemiah Asks for Help | Sunday 25th May 2025 | 9:00am & 11:00am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Nehemiah Asks for Help | Nehemiah 1-4, 6:1, 15
5 to 12-year-olds | Paul and Silas chose joy | Acts 16:16-40
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 25th May | 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 26th May 2025 | 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
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 28th May 2025 | 1:30pm
On this day we will be participating in an Armchair Travel to Kenya! The colours of the Kenyan flag are red/black/dark green, so come dressed in these colours and join in the fun. There is much to learn! Prizes for best male/female hat!
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a packet of food for afternoon tea for everyone to share
Ascension Day Special Event | Thursday 29th May 2025 | 7:00pm
The Ascended Christ. A Night of Prayer and Worship.
We are thrilled to invite you to a soaking and stirring evening of prayer and worship themed “Beholding the Ascended Christ.”
In a world filled with distraction and distortion, we believe the clearest vision we need is of Jesus Himself — risen, reigning, and radiant in glory. As 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (NIV) reminds us:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory…”
This is more than a prayer event — it’s an invitation into transformation. As we gather with unveiled hearts, we believe the Holy Spirit will meet us with freedom, revelation, and glory. We are coming to behold Jesus — not in part, but in His ascended fullness. And in beholding Him, we will be changed.
Expect extended worship, scripture-soaked prayer, and sacred space to encounter the living Christ. Come with your heart open and your eyes fixed on Jesus. Whether you feel weary, hungry, or expectant — this night is for you.
Let’s behold Him together… and become like Him together.
Writers Group | Saturday 31st May 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!
Baptism Class | Monday 16th June 2025 | 1:00pm
Baptism is complete water immersion 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. Book now if you want to find out more.
Exploring Partnership | Sunday 22nd June 2025 | 1:00pm
Exploring Partnership is an important step in taking up co-ownership of the vision, mission, and purpose of our Church. This meeting is an opportunity to understand the role of partnership in the broader functioning of the Church. You will meet leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.
If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together.
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
