Pastor’s Message

Straight to the point

I feel like we have just started the James series, but just like that, we are done. James had no preamble. He goes straight to the point, giving practical direction to his readers. He also leaves very little in terms of interpretation. It is all practical Christian living. In chapter 4, he addresses what I believe is the underlying cause of strife in the church and then in individuals today.

PRIDE.  This comes out in many ways, including having an ego and dismissing people because they think, look, or act a certain way that is different from ours. One of the main points to take home this week was to be a student, rather than a critic. Anytime you start a statement with the words, “I do not understand why…”, that’s your cue to be a student.

James also outlines the consequences of pride in our life. It is more convicting than you would think. The end result of pride is disobedience.  This means that we set our own course – even though we know what the Holy Spirit wants us to do, we deliberately choose to go another way. We think we are smart and that somehow it will all come out just as well.  This is called the Sin of Omission. You know what to do and still do not do it – instead choosing to do something else (ask Jonah). We are not submitted or obedient to what God wants us to do, and hence, there is pride.

Which leads me to ask this question: are you deliberately sinning? Because we have clearly heard what God has to say to us through James. Are you willing to do it? Or are you wilfully sinning?

This coming week, Zack will be speaking to us from a passage of scripture that is close to his heart. This will be the intermission before we start our next sermon series in the book of ACTS called BLUEPRINT. Richard will be leading us in communion this coming week.

I will be away for the next few weeks. On Sunday, I am in Blenheim for a tournament, and the three weeks after that, I will be in Nepal for a Global Pastors retreat. And no, I will NOT be climbing Mt Everest. During this time the church and the services will be running as usual. People who are helping will be

Rob McAuley – Fully in charge of all church matters. In case of anything, send him an email at: [email protected]

Kirstie will be helping with general church operations and organisation of the services and rosters. For any concerns, you can email: [email protected]

Tim will be helping with the co-ordination of services on Sunday morning. In addition, he will be speaking on October 26th and November 2nd. Phil will be speaking on the 9th of October.

As usual, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you and all you do, especially the ones I have not mentioned. May God see the hard work you are doing in private and bless you in public.

Have a blessed day. 

Mato.

Church Sundays

Reflection questions from James 4

There is a HEAD (Think) question, a HEART (Feel) question and a HANDS (Act) question.

Here are the reflection questions for this week on James.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

 V 1-2: It is commonly acknowledged that our behaviour usually stems from deeper heart issues. ‘What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?’ When you notice more anger or frustration or have less patience, do you know where that is coming from? How do you do the work of tracing it back to a root desire? How has that helped you in your relationships? What is true humility versus setting yourself up to be taken advantage of? 

V 3: As you look back at some asks you’ve made of God, what has been your attitude in the ask? What wrong motives have you seen in yourself as you ask of God? 

V 4-5: How could being a friend to the world make you an enemy of God? What areas of your life are you living as an enemy of God rather than a friend of God? 

V 6-10: As you read these verses, identify the things that are hard for you to do. What benefits do you see from living a life of humility and purity? 

V 12: We all sometimes struggle not to judge others. Who is the ‘neighbour’ you are struggling with? If you are in a small group, take a moment and pray together for these relationships.

 V 13-17: Why is it so hard for us not to be in control? How do you feel when you have a ‘next week, next month, next year, next 10 years’ plan in place? How do you feel when that plan gets changed by things outside of your control? What area of your life do you tend to start trusting your own plans rather than God's plan?

Prayer:


God, give us the wisdom that comes from heaven! Your wisdom is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. God, may we be peacemakers who sow in peace that we may raise a harvest of righteousness. Amen.

Youth and kids

This Sunday we are going to start the process of setting up our children's Christmas play by assigning roles and handing out scripts. The most exciting part is that all of us can be involved. 

YOUTH MINISTRY 

I begin by expressing my gratitude to everyone who participated in this year's youth ministry-focused day of giving. There is still time to give if you would like to. This term, our focus will be the seven “I AM” statements, starting with the bread of life last week.

Community

Hi everyone!

I’m holding a Quiz Night to help raise funds for my upcoming school trip to Nepal, where I’ll be taking part in community projects and learning about life in a completely different culture.

I’d love your support, come along for a fun night of quizzing, prizes, and laughter! If you can't make it but know someone who loves quizzes, please let them know about the event. Thanks heaps.

Hope to see you there,

Emily

Community

Community

Have you signed up for E4 Camp?

E4 Summer Camp 15-18 January 2026

For more information see Richard or Zack, or check out the camp Facebook page.

HCC giving details

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering

Particulars: Your Name