Winning in the race of life

Friday 18th November 2022

I had the unfortunate privilege of being an “above average” sprinter at a specific stage in primary school. The problem with that is in the word “average”. If you take the spread of sprinting talent at our disposal you will understand the problem a bit better. It was a very small school in a farming community. Very small. The complete tally of students from year 1 to year 7 was 47. In my age group of athletes, we had a total of two competitors. My unfortunate competitor was someone that suffered from Poliomyelitis as a child. The results were a given: I would be above the “above average” sprinter.

Being the only two representatives of our school at several inter-school competitions we were never a threat to any records, especially not in the 400-meter relay. We were however encouraged by a very wise teacher (one of the local farmers who used his teaching background to be a volunteer teacher) to compete and represent our proud educational institute in as many events as possible. We’d travel vast distances between farming communities to go and compete…and lose. The cruelty of life’s unfair spread of abilities really hit home sometimes, as we were mocked for even trying on a regular basis. Over time a bond was formed between me and my “competitor” as we became “teammates”. The time spent encouraging one another to finish together (as we decided first place wasn’t the goal) was a lasting memory. Here’s the key…the motivation stayed as long as we stayed together.

It is very much like our race of faith as Christians. We all depend on one another to complete the race:

'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. '

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

I am very thankful for the return to onsite worship as well as the growth of the online involvement we see at BCOC. Regular testimonies of how people's lives are transformed through the power of the Gospel are a beautiful thing. In a world where our faith and beliefs can be perceived as problematic, our need for one another increases. There are so many habit-forming alternatives offered to us that we can easily lose the beauty of coming together as a faith community. Let’s continue to be more than mere attendees – but be teammates that actively love and do good to one another. It will bring encouragement to our faith community and the ability to run the faith race with endurance.

Playgroup | Birthday celebrations

Let me give you a glimpse of how we celebrate birthdays at Playgroup! Aren’t they gorgeous? We pray for and sing to every child and give them a gift. Our mums and grandmas get a birthday text message to wish them a blessed day.

Just some of the ways we show Christ’s love to these precious families from the church and community. Your prayers and support are most appreciated. If you are considering becoming part of playgroup as a participant or helper in 2023 you may like to visit us in these final weeks of 2022. Contact Sue Nicholls 0403 822 324 to make arrangements!

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 18th November

FUSE Youth this week is Real Talk and we will have a guest speaker preaching + an extended time of worship together!
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 20th November

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

PREP – GRADE 6 | Safe and sound in a lion’s den

Daniel | Daniel 6

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | I can thank God for family and friends

Aaron and Hur help Moses |Exodus 17:8-13

>>>KIDS CHURCH DETAILS<<<

Sunday Service | Pit Stop 1

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<<<

Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 20th November

Youth, young adults and young at heart get ready for a time of worship, an inspiring word and enjoy a meal together. Form new friendships with like-minded youth and young adults in a safe, caring, yet challenging environment. You can discover your true value, find your purpose and fulfil your potential. Join us!

Details:

Date: Sunday 20th November 2022
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

>>>LEARN MORE<<<

Boys Brigade | Monday 21st 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<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 23rd November

Wear your festive glad rags as we celebrate Christmas together with equal measures of fun and contemplation. Pastor Braam Botha will be our guest speaker. Don't forget to wear something festive and bright and bring a Christmas inspired plate to share!

Details:

Date: Wednessday 23rd November 2022
Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share

>>>LEARN MORE<<<

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

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!