Pastor’s Message

It is prudent to begin by thanking God for a successful Family Fun Day last Sunday. We have spent time in prayer over every aspect of that event, beginning with the weather, the service providers and the outreach aspect of the event. We have been involved with the Family Fun Day for the last few years, and I can say that this one was a standout. God came through in all ways, including us getting the overgrown lawns mowed and ready in the last three days before the event.

It was also very encouraging to see how everyone of us came along to help and supported throughout the day. From those who came very early to help set up, to those who brought morning tea (thanks, Pam), to those who stood in the heat to welcome people, stood in the heat to help with the cooking and serving, and stood in the heat to set up on the stage or do music. Thank you also to those who stayed back and helped set down. May the God who sees in secret see all your hard work and dedication and bless you and your families now and in the future.

It was encouraging to see and hear the responses from those who attended. The prayer now is that the words shared will speak to the hearts of people and they will either find Jesus for the first time or will rededicate their lives to Christ. We also pray that they discover a congregation to be part of and call a family. Part of me, of course, wishes that this will be HCC, and we hope to see some of those come along to our services now and in the future. Please join us in prayer for all these areas.

Have a prayerful day,

Mato.

Community

Here are some photos from our Family Fun Day. If you would like to watch a video compilation of the day, Murray has clipped together a short film to relive the day, which can be seen on our Facebook page here.

Church Sundays

On the pulpit this week…

There are instances in scripture where tides turn. In Acts 15, we have one of those. The context for this instance is that there was building tension between the Jews and the new Gentile converts. Food and mannerisms around food were an issue, how to worship was also in contention, and there was the slight issue of circumcision as well. There were rumours of a big split. But the Jerusalem council had a meeting and came up with helpful resolutions. In so doing, James, the brother of Jesus, makes one of the most telling statements, a statement that we should listen to today if we are serious about God’s kingdom. 

Community

The Christmas season

Advent season is starting. “Advent” means “the arrival of an important person or thing.” We are preparing for the arrival of the King himself.

This year, the theme will be “crowning a king, in silence, stillness and reverence". We usually tend to ramp up services and activities during Christmas to make sure we keep up with the traditions and the expectations. I realise that we are already doing that for our own families. However, for the church services, we are going to dial it down a notch. Here are the services we are having, and we will try and make them encouraging and reflective, leading up to our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Every Sunday for the next four Sundays, we will have our Advent readings, a time for us to rest and reflect on Christmas. I am looking forward to spending this time with you all.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be collecting donations of food or gifts for Christchurch City Mission. Please place anything you can give under the Christmas tree at HCC.

Community

Dinner and desert evenings…

We have two upcoming events in our wider church community.

Looking back, looking forward is a desert evening taking place tomorrow, the 27th of November, hosted by Rowley Bible Church at 26 Rowley Avenue, Hoon Hay.

You’re invited to come along at 7pm as we’re an independent church part of www.cccnz.nz.

Along with others in the movement, come and hear from Mark Grace (outgoing CCCNZ Ambassador) about God working in and through this movement of churches over the last 10 years, and dream with Roger Osbaldiston (incoming CCCNZ CEO) about the next 10 years.

No rego required, but to ensure enough dessert, please let Tim Hodge [email protected] know you’re coming.

Our annual youth group dinner is coming up on the 4th of December. This year, we would like to bring all the groups that we serve together. Youth group, the Friday connections programme, and the Cashmere Project. Please pray for us as we continue planning for this.

Community

Prayer corner

• Pray for Mark, Nikki and their family after the sudden passing of Mark’s father.

• This is also Luke Ladbrook’s last Sunday in New Zealand before he goes back to the US with his family. We will pray for him at church.

• Upcoming Christmas services.

• Direction on how to support and engage our older primary and intermediate kids.

• Prayer of church location.

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