AuMESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
A cross rather than a crown

Hello everyone,

It's the eve of a new month, everyone! August, it turns out, was named after Caesar Augustus. The Roman Senate decided to honour Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, by renaming the old Roman month of Sextilius (which was the Latin name for what was originally the sixth month in the Roman calendar) as “Augustus.” He was a significant historical figure, and this renaming was a way to commemorate his achievements and influence. Some of his achievements and established ways of life are still very valuable to us today.

After establishing the Roman Empire and making sure there was peace and tranquilly (Pax Romana), he implemented a series of reforms. These include.

Infrastructure Development: Augustus invested in infrastructure, including roads, aqueducts, and public buildings. These efforts contributed to the prosperity of the empire.

Standardised Coinage: Augustus introduced uniform coinage, facilitating trade and economic stability.

Administrative and Legal Reforms: Augustus reorganised the empire after years of civil wars and dictatorships. He implemented administrative reforms, streamlined governance, and improved efficiency.

He, however, established a cultic worship of the emperor that would eventually lead to his overthrow and the eventual downfall of the Roman Empire.

It goes to show that, however strong and powerful you are, you are not infallible. Jesus, however, remains the king, as his kingdom is founded and based on a cross rather than a crown.

Have a dedicated week.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
How amazing was the soup?

Thank you to everyone who stayed for soup lunch this past Sunday, and a big thanks to those who made the soup.

I can confirm, as a soup critic, that the soup was awesome. I was quite full after a second helping, so maybe soup is food after all?

COMMUNITY
Q&A: Getting to know Mato

In previous editions we’ve gotten to know two of our Church Elders in Rob McAuley and Matt McKessar, but how much do you know about our lead pastor?

We all know he’s a sharp dresser and loves his football, but what’s his favourite Bible verse and TV show?

How did you come to know the Lord?

I came to know the Lord in high school. I was in Form 1 (the equivalent of year 9) and in boarding school. Someone shared the gospel powerfully, and that resonated with me. Before that, I was still kind of a Christian and did all the right things, but that time in high school was when I individualised my faith strongly.

Have you got a favourite Bible verse?

Yes, my favourite Bible verse is Proverbs 19:11. A man’s wisdom gives him patience, and it is to his glory that he overlooks an offence.

What do you believe God's gift for you is?

I believe that God’s gift for me is teaching, especially the word of God, and breaking down the complexity of it into understandable, relatable, and actionable steps. I also believe that God has given me the gift of wisdom.

Favourite thing about HCC?

I love the laid-back and authentic nature of our congregation. There is always a sense that people want the best for each other, and we are always there to be used by God for the benefit of our community. I think the congregation is very forgiving as well.

How would you spend your dream day off work?

This is what I have thought about... Wake up late, around 8 am. Have eggs and bacon with a coffee and enjoy breakfast with Anna (Jabari can come too, I suppose). Have quiet and reflection time while journaling and praying. Read something not very heavy, such as a John Grisham book, for the morning. Play football in the afternoon and have a drink and chat with the boys after. I'd then finish off the day by going out for a steak dinner with Anna and having a proper date before coming home to relax and watch some TV.

What was the last TV show, movie, or book you really enjoyed?

I'll give you an answer for all three. 

TV show: Ted Lasso. It has the best writing and acting.

Movie: Coach Carter is my all-time favourite.

Book: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.

What is one important skill every person should have?

The ability to read in between the lines and self-correct in real time. In one word: self-awareness.

Finally, what three celebrities or historical figures would you have over for dinner? What would you cook for them?

Trevor Noah (a South African comedian): We’d have traditional chapati (flatbread) and lentils.

Pep Guardiola (head coach of Manchester City football club): Cook Ugali, kale or spinach, and some nice soft beef stew.

Whitney Huston (the best R&B musician ever): Make hot dogs and sauce.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
Dedicating Josie Smith

On Sunday, the 4th of August, we will be dedicating Josie Smith.

Josie has been part of the HCC family for a while now. For those who do not know, she became the youngest ever helper at Easter Camp and helped secure our new church seats. She was there through it all.

So, this dedication isn’t just about committing her to God. It is also encouraging her to continue doing what she is already doing. Join us on the day as we pray and dedicate Josie to God.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
What’s coming up?

After dedication Sunday, we shift our attention to Judges. Here is an excerpt of what happened after the death of Joshua.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
Growing our children’s ministry

It has been exciting watching our children’s ministry grow. It is equally exciting to hear them excitedly talking in the children’s area. We thank everyone who has volunteered to help.

I consider the children’s ministry to be one of the core parts of our church, and we would like to support and resource our children’s ministry and the leaders, led by Margaret.

We are committed to growing our children’s ministry. To this end, we are doing a few things.

• Encouraging them to come to the front and get prayer.

• Occasionally, we will have a children’s lesson before they go out.

• We will sometimes have a feedback session after the service.

YOUTH GROUP AND THE CASHMERE PROJECT
An update from our Dunedin missionaries

The Bible Society has published a youth interactive bible that is easy to read and very accessible.

We would like to make those available to our young people, and we are requesting that you, our congregation, adopt a Bible. They are $20 each, so if you would like to give towards that, just use our online banking system and mark it as Bible.

Danielle and Zeke, our missionaries in Dunedin, have an update for us. It is more comprehensive than I am sharing here, but here is a snapshot of what they are doing.

CONNECT
Prayer, Youth and Home Groups

We have a variety of home groups at HCC that cater for all.

Ladies home group
Meeting on Wednesday evenings.
Contact Paula for more info: [email protected]

Mens home group 
Meeting fortnightly on Thursday evenings.
Contact Richard for more info: [email protected]

Young professionals home group 
Meeting on Wednesday evenings.
Contact Anna for more info: [email protected]

Mums and bubs group
Meeting most Friday mornings
Contact Alice for more info: 0277662737

Prayer group 
Meeting on Tuesday evenings.
Contact Mato for more info: [email protected]

Youth group 
7pm on Thursday at Seven Oaks School.
Get in touch with our Youth workers Zac (0284038758) or Sinead (0224193096) for more details.

GIVING

If you would like to contribute to HCC

For a few weeks now, people have been asking how to give to the church. We have two main ways. Either in the offering box at the entrance of the church or by giving online as well. We really appreciate everyone who has been giving to HCC. It is because of your generosity that we continue to operate. So please know that we value each contribution and that we are grateful for each member individually.

You can make a donation to:

S.B.S Bank Halswell Community Church

Account: 03-1369-0389284-00

Ref: Tithes and offering

Particulars: Your Name

CONNECT

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