Pastor’s Message

In the ‘Gray Zone’

This week, I have been reflecting on liminal spaces and liminality. Jack Lasky describes a liminal space as “often empty places of transition that may also have some sort of nostalgic appeal.” (Lasky Jack 2023). These spaces bring a sense of unease because they are “in-between” what we know and are familiar with and the new that we look forward to with fear and hope in equal measure. German-French storyteller Arnold van Gennep first used the term “liminality” in 1909, in his book Rites de Passage. He says that liminality is a period of change during which a person is at once not what they previously were and not yet what they are about to become. It is also worth noting that the linguistic roots of the word liminal are found in the Latin term limen, meaning “threshold”.

Closely related to this idea is the “Gray Zone”. This is a term used by Australian pastor Mark Sayers in his book “A Non-Anxious Presence”, which we have read as an elders team. He observes that the gray zone is the messy middle. i.e., we are in the land between. There’s a sense of the old going but the new not quite arriving, and it’s a difficult place. 

I do not know about you, but I have sensed that we are at a gray zone as HCC. That things keep moving on, even growing, but we are not quite there yet. Here are two examples.

We had to be in a gray zone as we waited to hear about meeting space, especially last week. Thank you to everyone who prayed and everyone that held hope and encouragement, including those who messaged/enquired and even offered solutions during this time. It is a difficult place to be. 

The line that keeps coming to me is from a song called Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong.

Such a powerful prayer, especially when God answers it.

I also had a strong sense that many of us are in the gray zone/liminal space in our personal lives. We have had a number of heartbreaking bereavements in the last few weeks. This is in addition to the usual hustle of life and decisions, sicknesses to contend with and families to raise and navigate. It’s easy for us to say that we prefer the “good old days”.

What encourages me is that in the gray zone there is life if we could pause long enough to see it. In this gray zone, I have witnessed lives transformed by God's power and grace, a growing hunger in people for the transcendent, a dissatisfaction with what was and a desire for what could be and what should be. I sense a slow but steady awakening of the dreamers and the darers, people not just asking why. But also, why not? And willing to push cultural and spiritual barriers.

The gray zone is difficult, demanding, and at times disorienting. But there is life in the gray zone: seeds of renewal, green shoots of promise and more than a few hints of heaven. 

So do not be quick to leave the gray zone/liminal space. God has put us there for a reason.

Have a liminal day,

Mato

Community

Daniel's Vision of the Ram and the Goat

This last week, we only covered the first part of Daniel, i.e., the Antichrist and God’s throne room.

In Daniel’s dream, we see the reality of our world today. Good and evil exist in the same space. However, the existence of evil/suffering does not mean the absence of God. We also gave an overview of the series so far.

• The first part of Daniel (Ch. 1, 3, 6) offers hope to God's suffering people because of the evil in the world.

• They suffer because the human kingdoms/kings have become beasts (Ch. 4, 5).

• Ch 2.7 tells God's people to be patient. God’s people are to wait for him to bring good rulership and vindication.

Normally, I would be happy to leave it there, but part two of this text is very profound as well. This includes the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus) and how he is given dominion and power over all creation. I strongly feel, therefore, that we should cover part two of this chapter, which we will on Sunday 24th Aug.

Here is a schedule of what is coming up...

10th Aug: The Ram and the Goat – Daniel 8 (Rob) Service leader: Mato

17th Aug: The vision of a Man – Daniel 9 & 10 (Tim) Service leader: Daniel 

24th Aug: Daniel 7 (Part 2) - (Mato) Service leader: Lizzie

31st Aug: Baptism Sunday

7th Sept: Father’s Day - (Phil speaking) 

14th Sept: Kings of the Earth - Daniel 11 (Mato) Service leader: Lizzie (conclusion of Daniel)

21st Sept: Dead Faith (Study in James) Dead faith CAN’T SEE

28th Sept: Dead Faith CAN’T TOUCH

5th Oct: Dead Faith CAN’T SPEAK

12th Oct: Dead Faith CAN’T TASTE

19th Oct: Blueprint series (A study in the book of Acts)

Community

Youth and kids

It's encouraging to know that the youth group continues to run out of Seven Oaks School. We are also encouraged by those attending, and the youth leaders have done a phenomenal job to make sure everyone feels welcome and has a sense of belonging. The group is now very diverse in terms of age, areas of residence, spiritual maturity and outlook on life. Please pray for us as we navigate through how to teach this group of young people.

We will be moving onto the “I AMS” of Jesus in the New Testament. 

Last Sunday, focus on prayer continued. This time the children were focused on HOW to pray. We could learn a lot from this structure of prayer. I took a photo of it this morning since it is permanently stuck on our fridge. Take a moment to pray through these areas.

Church Sundays

Baptism Sunday

Thank you everyone who has said they would like to be baptised. There will be a sign-up sheet for baptism this coming Sunday at church, so please write your name down if you would like to be baptised.

Community

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

Community

E4 Camp

Since we are now in the second part of the year, here is something for you to think about regarding the summer.

E4 Summer Camp 15-18 January 2026

Where: Hanmer Springs

Why: Start the year inspired by God

HCC: We are using this camp as our church camp

Who: All ages. There will be kids, youth and adults activities

Great speakers and excellent study stream topics while the children are looked after as they learn.

There are early bird prices and very attractive family prices. Also, the sooner you commit, the sooner you can lock in your accommodation.

For more information see Richard Howe, or check out their Facebook page for more information.

Giving to HCC

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/offering

Particulars: Your Name