Worship and Mothers

Friday 12th May 2023

I was on my way on an international ministry trip in 2012 when a friend gave me a book just as I boarded the plane. My plan was to prepare for the conferences I would speak at and catch up on movies, not reading….especially not religious novels. But, nevertheless, I started reading this peculiar piece of literature: “The Shack" by William P. Young is a fictional novel that was published in 2007. The book tells the story of a man named Mackenzie “Mack" Phillips, who has lost his youngest daughter, Missy, to a brutal murder. Mack is subsequently invited to a remote shack in the wilderness by God, where he confronts his grief and learns important life lessons.

One of the strengths of “The Shack" is the way it explores complex theological and philosophical concepts in an accessible and engaging way. The book grapples with important questions about God, forgiveness, and the nature of suffering, and it does so in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The novel depicts God as a trio of characters – a wise and compassionate African American woman named “Papa," a Middle Eastern carpenter named Jesus, and an ethereal Asian woman named Sarayu, who represents the Holy Spirit. This is where I really got stuck – as a conservative theologian. God… a black woman? Never have I ever been exposed to God being portrayed that way. While this portrayal of the divine may be appealing to some readers, others have criticized it as a form of cultural appropriation or as being too gendered and stereotypical.

What did however make sense to me…was the attributes of God that were so brilliantly expressed by the fictional portrayal as a woman and I had a fresh appreciation for how much of God’s image is reflected in women.

So God created mankind in his own image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

Gen 1:27 NIV

Especially mothers! It is therefore that I see Mother’s Day as a day that has a certain sense of spirituality to it. I will celebrate my mother that enriched my life by being a mirror reflection of God to me, regardless of her gender. I will also worship the God she worships…and that makes it a most special day for her!

This Mother’s Day…why don’t you worship your God, as you celebrate your mother! Whether she is able to join you in worship at church or not, let’s make it a day of thankfulness for how our mothers reflect God’s love for us.

For some, it may be a very difficult day…as your mom may not be alive anymore. Our prayers are with you and we pray that the Holy Spirit and the communion with His people may offer some comfort on this day!

The Daniel Dilemma | Church Wide Series

On Sunday 30 April 2023, we started running The Daniel Dilemma church wide series. This is a seven week series where we will look to Jesus and Daniel as our examples for standing firm in God’s truth and loving well with God’s love in the culture we currently live in. We invite everyone to come along and participate in this wonderful series with us over the next 7 weekends.

>>>START UP OR SIGN UP<<<

AGM | Highlight

We had a fantastic turnout with 127 people coming to the AGM. Everyone enjoyed a light lunch along with plenty of fellowship. The AGM showed how valuable our wonderful volunteers are in being His presence in every place. Thank you to all our volunteers for giving your time and talents to Love People, and Serve Our City. You can read a copy of the 2022 Annual Report.

>>>READ HERE<<<

Playgroup | Highlight

We've had a lovely time celebrating Mother's Day this week! Supporting and loving mums, grandmas and children is what we do best at Playgroup!

This week we have cried and prayed with some of them, and we have also taken lots of photos in our special Mother's Day frame, helped little ones make a “necklace" for their mummies and blessed them all with a gift. We are so blessed to be a blessing and to express God's love to these families. Please get in touch if you'd like to be part of our community with your family or become one of our child-free helpers. Sue 0403 822 324.

Food Pantry | Plastic carry bags

The Food Pantry is in need of your spare plastic carry bags so our valued clients have something to carry their food packages in. Please drop them off in the Food Pantry basket located in the foyer. We really appreciate your help!

Fuse Youth | Friday 12th May

This week at Fuse is SYG Bootcamp! That’s right, we will be getting in the SYG spirit with all in games! The catch? You must come dressed in your favourite sporting team’s colours! 7-9.30pm, $5.

>>>MORE DETAILS<<<

Sunday Service | You Are What You Worship

We continue our church-wide series, The Daniel Dilemma. The primary objectives of the series are to “Raise and Equip Followers of Christ” and to “Love People”. The strategy we’ve employed is to go through a journey on truth and love by using the Daniel Dilemma series.

This will be reflected in our Big Church services, Life Groups, FUSE Youth and Kids’ Church. The series helps us learn to stand firm in God’s truth and love well with God’s love in the culture we live in. We will look to Jesus and Daniel as our examples.

Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe. We look forward to seeing you!

>>>WATCH ONLINE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 14th May

This week Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | The Four Friends | Mark 2: 1-12
5 to 12-year-olds | The Holy Spirit Comes | Acts 2: 1-41

Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 14th May

The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet to pray together. The group meets at the church every Sunday evening. Where individuals spend time in prayer, worship, and fellowship together as men who walk together to seek the face of God. Starts 5.45pm.

Boys Brigade | Monday 15th May

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<<<

Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 16th May

The Mental Health Support Gatherings is a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ. We have been serving our community with support for over 150 years. You may be interested or might want to refer someone you care about to this opportunity.