Pastor’s Message

In the Old Testament, specifically Genesis chapters 18 & 19, is the disturbing story of Sodom and Gomorrah. These two cities were so perverse in their actions that those around them cried out to God against them. Then God, in the form of angels, came down to destroy these cities, but before he did so, he told Abraham.

Imagine being so close to God that He reveals His plans to you before He acts. 

Because of that intimate relationship, Abraham tried to intercede (pray on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah). The prayers involved asking God to spare the city if there were at least 10 righteous people. (Abraham started from 50 and negotiated with God down to 10.)

Unfortunately, not even 10 righteous people could be found. Do you think that we can stand as the righteous and boldly intercede on behalf of our city? Our Country? Our world today? Is it possible to have the boldness of Abraham?

God eventually destroys the city (read the perverseness of the cities in Genesis 19) but saves Abraham's nephew Lot. I believe it's because Abraham had interceded for him. Lot and his family (wife and two daughters) are told to “flee and not look back".

However, Lot's wife did not listen, and when they were fleeing, she looked back.

Even today, salt formations along the dead sea are reminders of her disobedience. Her disobedient hesitation became proverbial in later generations. My guess is that Lot's wife had built a life in the city. She had friends; she had a lifestyle. Both of her daughters were engaged and planning to marry and settle down. She was excited to be the mother hen. (Genesis 19:12-14). However, that was not God's plan. They were in the wrong place. 

So, as we start a new month, Lot's wife gives us the challenge of the month.

What are you holding on to, or looking back on, that is holding you back? To put it more succinctly, what are you holding on to that is making you a pillar of salt?

May this month be a month of trusting in the Lord’s goodness and not looking back on what we have created for ourselves.

Mato.

Get to know our elders: Richard Howe

1). Tell us a little about where you grew up and what life was like as a child.

I moved from Wellington to Christchurch at age 6 with my mum and younger sister Jane.

My favourite place we lived in when growing up was on the hill in Cashmere – a big historical house that was split into eight flats.

Hopefully my history is right, but my understanding is it was originally transported from Sumner and taken up the hill in four pieces by traction engine! We had lovely views and fantastic areas nearby to explore and find shortcuts down the hill to school. We didn't have much money, but we had lots of fun, joy and beauty in our lives.

2). How did you become part of our church/community family?

My mum made sure we always went to church, and that was a given on a Sunday, even though I sometimes had to miss or be late for soccer practice on Sundays. We went to many different churches, but most of the time was spent at St Augustine's Anglican Church before I left to live in Wellington. When I returned to Christchurch, I had a beautiful wife (Cathy), a toddler (Bella) and a 7-week-old baby (Zack) in tow, along with a dog. We ended up back at St Augustine's, where (amongst others) we met a youth pastor called Mato, whom the kids both loved. When Mato was called to start his own church, we jumped at the opportunity to be part of HCC, having previously prayed about where we should be heading as we prepared to move on from St Augs.

3). What is one favourite memory or highlight from your life so far?

My favourite highlight is undoubtedly the constant blessing of family and especially the (positively) evolving relationships with Cathy, Bella and Zack – and also my mum.

4). What advice or wisdom would you love to pass on to younger generations?

Advice for the young: Back yourself and your values – don't be scared to say no to things or people you don't think will be good for you. For Christians, don't be ashamed of your faith – if others ask awkward questions about what you believe and why, pray that God will help you answer them, and then ask them the same questions. Your answers will be much better than theirs! Finally, don't be scared to ask for advice from people you trust, chances are they have been through similar experiences before – learn from our mistakes and successes!

5). What is something fun or surprising people may not know about you?

Check out my current haircut. Yet, when I was at primary school, my nickname was "Hairy".

Community

On the 21st of June, we will have a baptism service. We love Baptism because it is the outward demonstration of our belief in God. During baptism, we get to hear people’s testimonies, and we celebrate that God is still at work. If you would like to be baptised, there is a sign-up sheet at church. We will contact you with all the details.

Church Sundays

This last Sunday, Phil spoke on the second part of Galatians 5 vs. 13-26, and differentiated between the soul and the spirit. There was quite a lot to chew on, so here is a short summary.

The three main functions of the spirit are fellowship, receiving revelation from God, and worship. Man’s Soul—The soul is the part of us that is self-conscious. It is all about me. It is the part of us that says "I." I want, I think, I feel… In the fall our soul was subject to rebellion. The Body .With our bodies, we encounter the world through our 5 senses: eyes, ears, taste, touch & smell.

The way of the soul—Depending on how much you allow your soul (mind, will & emotions) to run your life will determine its direction... A good upbringing and moral compass may help, but without the Holy Spirit you are all on your own. I, me, my, myself.

The way of the Spirit—God's plan is that we become sons and daughters who love and obey our heavenly Father. Walking, being led by, living in, and following the Holy Spirit. We die to our own will. We dethrone our minds from having exaltation over our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to govern them. We are not tossed around by our emotions but instead walk by faith, living in the power of the Holy Spirit… We know God!

What is the strongest force in a person? Our will. There is one force outside of this that is stronger. The power of the Holy Spirit… So we pray this for ourselves…

Lord fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit today so that we may walk, be led by, live and follow you in our lives.

Lord, as we yield all we are to you, help us to walk by faith, renew our minds so that they are governed by your Holy Spirit and give us the grace to do your will, dying daily to our own.

Lord, you know our hearts and our desires, we will not get this right in one day. Thank you Lord that “There is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death.”  (Rom 8:1-2)   Amen

This week, Zack is taking us through the first part of Galatians 6, and next week, we conclude Galatians and move on to Ephesians.

Youth

A big part of our youth ministry this term, and probably next term, is focused on helping our young people understand mental health through a biblical perspective. It is not enough to know about it. We would like them to know that there is a way out and there is healing in the power of the Holy Spirit. I strongly believe that healing comes in two ways.

1. Instant healing through prayer and laying of hands (Mark 16:18, Mark 9:18)

2. Healing through prayer and the power of community around us.

Mental health is a darkness, a dark cloud that continues to hover over people, and the constant feeling that they are walking without seeing any light at the end of a very dark tunnel. What we do is pray that the Holy Spirit pieces that cloud and brings light into the lives of these young people for now and for the future. This is why we are spending so much time talking about it and even more time praying about it. 

Weekly plan

• 4/6/26 - Mato, Identity in Christ

• 11/6/26 - Zack, self-worth 

• 18/6/26 - Nicola, peace

• 25/6/26 - Tim, Psalm 88, light in the darkness

• 2/7/26 - Bowling

Evening plan

• 7pm chats and snacks

• 7:20pm conversation question/starter

• 7:40pm game/activity

• 8-8:30pm lesson

• 8:30-8:45pm questions & prayer

• 8:45 – chats and closing

Giving

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering Particulars: Your Name