Pastor’s Message

Baptism Sunday!

This week, we get to do something that the church calls “sacrament”. 

A sacrament is a sacred, outward sign established by God (or, in some traditions, by Christ) that conveys an inward, spiritual grace. It is both symbolic and effective. It points to a deeper spiritual reality while also being a means through which God works in a believer’s life.

General Christian Understanding:

• Outward sign – something visible and tangible, like baptism and communion.

• Inward grace – God’s invisible work, like forgiveness, new birth, or spiritual nourishment.

• Divine institution – sacraments are not just human rituals but acts commanded by Christ.

It’s a beautiful time to pause and enjoy Baptism together. These beautiful souls who have made this step to outwardly declare their faith are an example of God’s grace and what God can do when we let Him. Welcome, and please invite a friend. If you are still thinking about baptism, do not worry; there is still time. 

Have a renewed week,

Martin.

Church Sundays

Rounding off resilient

We are in the last week of the resilience series. This last week we went back to Daniel 7, talking about the son of man. The Son of Man is given divinity by God himself, and his rule is universal. How do we view this Jesus?

Jesus continues to be a polarising figure even today.

We are OK with Jesus as long as he tells off those we do not like or those who are different from us. In the West, Jesus is seen as the loving, caring, approachable and forgiving. People in places experiencing profound loss see Jesus as the ‘Just Judge’. We view power the way God views it… Cruciformed (Not even a word in the English language, but such a powerful word.)

God’s power cannot be understood apart from the revelation of Jesus.

God’s power is not revealed by being more violent than violent empires, but through absorbing the violence of the world into Christ’s body and by transforming it into liberation. Invitation. Come to the cross and let it transform you.

We will then be moving on to…

Community

Children’s ministry

The children will still go out to their lesson this Sunday, but they will be back for the baptism session. It's important for them to observe and enjoy the process, and it is even more important that parents explain what is happening and why.

Community

An upcoming reminder…

HCC is part of the CCCNZ movement of independent churches, and the Regional Summit is an annual highlight. Hosted this year by Rutland Street Church on 13th September, it’s for all of us!

It’s a time to connect with others across the network and hear what God is doing across the region. Last year, several people from our group attended, and the experience was both refreshing and encouraging. Please come along for this one-day conference.

More details and rego at www.cccnz.nz/regional-summit

Giving to HCC

If you would like to give to HCC, here are our banking details. Thank you!

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/offering

Particulars: Your Name