Pastor’s Message

As I have conversations and interactions with people both in our congregation and around us, it has dawned on me how intense life is. From the big events of the world, like wars affecting the economy and, by extension, our family budgets, to the weather events affecting our country every other week now that come with untold devastation. Then there are our own realities every day. Raising children well, dealing with sicknesses, having parents who are unwell or live very far from us and yet require our help, or being on the verge of burnout as we work to make ends meet and be good role models to our families. The very many situations that we have to deal with as individuals are difficult to even comprehend or share. 

What we crave is certainty. A sense that we understand what is happening now and what will happen in the future. An understanding that brings peace. Yet we all know that we are never certain of anything in this world, except, as Benjamin Franklin said in 1798, death and taxes. Certainty is different from clarity, which is what we should be praying for. Clarity is being clear-minded/headed in the current situation, even though we do not know the outcomes. We usually do not know the outcomes. Clarity provides us a glimpse into the heart of God if we choose to embrace it.

I have found myself sharing and meditating on the words of Paul in Philippians 4:6-7.

'Do not be anxious' is more of a command rather than an option. He understands that our human disposition is anxiety and stress, so we have to almost “tell ourselves off” and move away from our human nature.

But in every (ALL) situation, by “prayer and petition". These two aspects of prayer are similar but distinct. 'Prayer' is a broader word that can mean all of our communication with God, while directly asking God to do something. Many of our prayers go unanswered because we do not ask God for anything specific. Sometimes we feel he is too busy with more serious things. Here, God invites us simply to let your requests be made known. He is interested. God already knows our requests before we pray them; He wants us, in an act of courage and intimacy, to let us tell Him what we need. Just like a parent who knows what the child wants but will wait for the child to ask, God will often wait for our participation through prayer before granting that which we request. With thanksgiving, this guards against a whining, complaining spirit before God when we let our requests be made known. 

When this first part is done, then the peace of God…not the peace of certainty or resolve, but a peace, as Spurgeon explains it, that is "the unruffled serenity of the infinitely happy God, the eternal composure of the absolutely well-contented God.” Will guard our hearts. This peace surpasses all understanding. It isn’t that it is senseless and therefore impossible to understand, but that it is beyond our ability to understand and to explain; therefore, it must be experienced. 

This peace will "guard your hearts and minds”. The word 'guard' speaks of a military action. This is something that the peace of God does for us; it is a peace that is on guard over our heart and mind. When we “lose” their heart or mind, it often is connected to an absence of the peace of God in our lives. The peace of God then does not act as a guard for our hearts and minds. 

This week, and in the ones coming along, I encourage you to take this verse and pray it aloud. Memorise it if you can and apply it to all the situations you face in your day-to-day life. It gives your life and grace to face the day.

Have a peaceful day.

Mato.

Church Sundays

A new school term is now underway. I would like to thank all the incredible volunteers who were involved in our holiday programme, both in the planning and execution. 

As the new term starts, we have still not finalised the children's coordinator position. In the meantime, Kirstie Russell and Kathy McAuley have graciously planned out the terms’ learning, activities and resources. Our children's ministry is divided into three groups as shown below.

Children’s church oversight: Kirstie
Pre-school age leader oversight: Nikki
5 and 6 Year old’s leader oversight: Rebekah
7-10 Year old’s leader oversight: Kathy

Kirstie will still have oversight of the children's ministry, assisted by the three amazing volunteers. Within the three groups, various people have volunteered to lead a Sunday or two so that everyone gets a turn.

I have been directed to inform you that on Mother's Day, which is on 10th May, our amazing dads will be leading children’s church. Speaking of Mother's Day…

Coming up on Sunday 10th May. This year, we will be hearing from two incredible mothers who have purposely raised their children in the Lord and what that has taken over the various stages of their family life. I am very much looking forward to hearing from them. There might also be a treat for all the mothers during the service. Come along to find out!

Community

This week is Easter Camp Sunday. We get to hear all the incredible stories and “God moments” at Easter camp this year. The youth will be leading our service, as well as sharing and helping us understand what Easter camp is all about and why we spend so much time planning and praying for it. So please pray for our youth as they plan for this Sunday.

Community

An update on the Alpha course

Due to many unforeseen circumstances, we have been forced to postpone Alpha. We are still committed to running this course, but it will happen later in the year. Will keep you posted on the new dates and venues.

Giving

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering Particulars: Your Name