Table of Contents
Why Easter is so BIG…!
Wednesday 27th March 2024
In Christianity, the resurrection stands as the central and distinguishing doctrine, setting it apart from other faith traditions. Our insights delve into the historical, theological, and transformative significance of the resurrection, emphasising its foundational role in Christian belief.
Scripturally, the resurrection is foundational to Christian faith and doctrine. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the apostle Paul writes,
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
This passage underscores the centrality of Christ’s resurrection in the Christian proclamation.
We also emphasise the significance of the resurrection as the decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. In Romans 6:9, Paul declares,
“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.”
This victory over death distinguishes Christianity, offering believers the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
The transformative power of the resurrection is another crucial aspect highlighted by us. In Philippians 3:10-11, Paul expresses his desire to
“know Christ and the power of his resurrection.”
This transformative power is not limited to the past but is a present reality that shapes the lives of believers, enabling them to live as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Our position on the resurrection underscores that Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs, but a lived reality grounded in historical events and empowered by the transformative work of the risen Christ. The resurrection distinguishes Christianity by offering a message of redemption, hope, and new life that transcends human understanding and transforms the hearts and minds of believers.
Cafe | Easter open hours
On Good Friday, our Cafe team is taking a short break, so don’t forget to grab yourself a coffee on the way to our 9:00 am service.
The Cafe is open on Easter Sunday prior to the 9:00 am service, and before the 11:00 am service.
Please note, the Cafe will be closed after the 11:00 am service.
Exciting News from BCOC | Double Services start!
We’re thrilled to announce that double services will commence on Sunday, April 14th, 2024, at BCOC. As you maybe aware, due to the size of our growing faith community, we have reached capacity in seating, Kids Church and parking. The double services will enable access for people who are currently experiencing difficulty due to the limitations. The new services will allow you to share your worship experience with people in your sphere of influence. We hope this adjustment helps us continue to serve our community effectively.
We look forward to worshipping with you and embracing this growth together! Join us on Sunday, April 14th, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
No Kids Church | During school holiday break
Kids Church are on a break over Easter and the school holidays. We resume Sunday 14th April when our double services begin at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. We can’t wait to see you! During the break Kids Church is still available online – jump on the website and check it out.
Good Friday Service | 29th March | 9:00 am
Our special Good Friday service will be a time of reflection, communion, and worship, focused around the powerful sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ when He paid the penalty for our sins by suffering and dying on the cross.
Please note, there is no Kids Church onsite until Sunday 14th April.
Easter Sunday Service | 31st March | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the triumph of Christ’s resurrected life, which has empowered us to live a life of victory. This will be the concluding message in the “Our Gain from Pain” series, where we are focusing on how God enables us to help others through our own experiences of victory over pain and suffering. Please note that there will be two services on this day: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Please note, there is no Kids Church onsite until Sunday 14th April.
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 31st March | 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.
Seniors Ministry | Friendship Group | Wednesday 10th April | 1:30 pm
We will enjoy an afternoon of marine discovery. Please bring any marine items you may have to display. (Shells, pearls etc).
Boys Brigade | Monday 15th 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
Baptism Class | Monday 15th April | 7:00 pm
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. Complete the expression of interest form if you want to find out more.
Growing To Maturity (GTM 1) Course | Commencing Tuesday 16th April | 7:00 pm
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
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 16th 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.
Alpha 8 Week Marriage Course | Commencing Wednesday 17th April | 7:00 pm
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….
Alpha Course | Commencing Wednesday 17th April | 7:00 pm
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.
Growing To Maturity (GTM 2) Course | Commencing Tuesday 23rd April | 7:00 pm
GTM 2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth for those who have completed GTM 1.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
Growing To Maturity (GTM 3) Course | Commencing Tuesday 23rd April | 7:00 pm
GTM 3 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience. GTM 3 includes a powerful weekend retreat with God! Please note, GTM 3 is only available for participants who have completed GTM 1 & GTM 2.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- Participant App
- Videos
- Weekly inspiring audio talks
- Group discussion and sharing
- Special weekends
- Personal challenges
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.
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
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!
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
