Pastor’s Message

Good evening, everyone

We have just celebrated Easter, a beautiful time to relive the greatest story ever lived and told. As I sit today and reflect on both the story and the weekend, I am humbled by God's grace and mercy. 

It’s easy for us to simply take these terms as Christianised, just words we say because we are Christian but devoid of meaning. But I believe there is depth to these words. God's mercy means that we do not get what we deserve, even after we have sinned, i.e., missed the mark. God has mercifully forgiven us and tells us that he does not count our sin against us.

Grace, on the other, is a higher bar. If mercy is not getting what we deserve, God goes a step further and gives us what we do not deserve, i.e., all the blessings we encounter, and how much God comes through for us even when we are unaware of it. So, when we say that God is gracious and merciful, those words have a profound meaning. David, in Psalm 103, writes it this way…

Reading this can bring up a myriad of thoughts and feelings in all of us, depending on the season you are experiencing currently. My response to this is to feel both honoured and humbled. Honoured because God sees me and who I am. Humbled because God does not hold anything against me, even when I have held things against others. I consistently miss the bar when it comes to showing grace and mercy to others, yet God does not miss a beat when showing grace and mercy to me.

We're starting another season, which goes by a few names. In the business world it's called 'Q2', in the education world it's called 'term 2', and in the church world it's called 'waiting for Pentecost'. I pray that each of us will remember that God's grace and mercy transcend all our misgivings in all seasons, and we are called to celebrate and also show grace and mercy.

Have a gracious and merciful week.

Mato

Community

Currently, this group is doing an overview of the whole Bible. This is key because the Bible is one big story that begins at creation and has not ended. You are still part of the story.

In fact, a biblical term we use for what we are living in now is “the now, and not yet”. I am also reasonably convinced that many of us have stayed away from parts of the Bible because they are either too difficult to understand or gruesome and uncomfortable. Reading the Bible together helps us understand context, reconcile the scenarios and see how God has woven this grand story together.

Join Tim and Lizzie on Monday evenings as they lead this bible study together. This is open to everyone who would like to come along.

Church Sundays

We are getting closer to finalising our children's coordinator position. Thank you very much for your patience. Thank you too to those who have volunteered to help during this time and have offered so much of their time.

During the holidays, we will be running a combined programme for all our families. Please keep praying for us as we search and finalise a children's/families co-ordinator to lead our amazing volunteers and parents.

Community

The youth are back from Easter camp, excited and tired. We will not get tired of saying thank you to all of you who have supported us during this journey. Your labour and sacrifice are not in vain.

On Sunday, 26th April, we will have Easter Camp Sunday, where we get to hear God stories from the youth and their leaders and how that has translated to day-to-day life after Easter Camp.

The theme of this will be “Life after Easter”. In the meantime, during the holidays there will be relaxed youth group time with movies, games and reflections. Our usual youth group nights resume on Thursday 30th April 2026.

Community

Alpha course

Ever had a conversation with someone about why you believe what you believe? Or even how to read scripture? How to pray? How to answer life’s big questions? 

Beginning 3rd May 2026, we will be running an Alpha course at HCC. Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that explores all the big questions of life. It includes open discussion, food and a time to ask questions. We will run this on Sunday mornings, from 8:30 a.m., with breakfast provided.

Invite someone along and join them. If you have children and would love to come along, do not worry, we will have a programme for them at that time as well. Here is a link to find out more.

Giving

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering Particulars: Your Name