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HCC newsletter: Easter season gratitude
Halswell Community Church
April 03, 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Easter season gratitude
It’s been a big Easter season, both physically and mentally, for many of us. I am so grateful to God that he has led us and held our hands through this season.
The most intense was not just the Easter Camp preparation but also the Easter services. I would like to recognise and appreciate everyone who has been involved during this season. From those who consistently prayed for us to those who were on the front lines and visible, may God see you and reward you. Those who have worked tirelessly in the background, giving both financially and of their time and energy, may God see you and fulfil the desires of your heart.
Over the next few weeks, we will get to hear reflections on Easter Camp and the Easter services, especially as we lead up to Pentecost Sunday, but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your attitude of service and giving without any expectations.
You are all truly the embodiment of Matthew 6. This is not a prayer that I am praying you become, but rather this is what you are already practicing, and I am so grateful to God and to you.
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure ‘playactors’ I call them treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
CHURCH SUNDAYS
Our next sermon series is…
Over the next two Sundays, the 7th and 14th of April, we will have Roger Spicer, the former pastor of Halswell Baptist Church and Parklands Baptist Community Church, speaking to us on evangelism.
He will be sharing a part of his story and journey of pastoring and what has led him to be so passionate about street ministry.
After that, we will do a series named Conquest from the book of Joshua.
This will be a lengthy series as we also juggle a Pentecost Sunday, Mother's Day, and Baptism Sunday service.
It’s a good time for us to read the book of Joshua together as we see how God took Israel into the promised land and what conquests Israel had to go through in that journey.
It will also be a chance to see how the Old Testament stories intersect with our own stories, even though we are part of a New Covenant.
CHURCH SUNDAYS
Kids Church returns
After a week off, children’s church is back this Sunday. Before they head off, we’ll be sure to get the instruments out for children’s worship. A big thanks to all our amazing helpers who work in the background making this a special time for our young ones.
The celebration box will also be making an appearance this week.
We look forward to seeing you there!
YOUTH GROUP AND THE CASHMERE PROJECT
Growth in depth and prayer
The HCC team at Easter Camp.
Youth group is on this week. It's two weeks before the holidays, and we are excited about what God is doing among our young people. Not just the growth of our youth group, but also the growth in depth and prayer.
We are still in the middle of Alpha and we are hoping to take some time away for the Holy Spirit weekend. Please pray with us and for us as we plan for this very important weekend together.
CHURCH SUNDAYS
Baptism Sunday
This is coming up on Sunday the 19th May. If you would like to be baptised, we would encourage you to sign up.
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]
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.
COMMUNITY
Young Parents Life Group
One of our core values at Halswell Community Church is building community. We recognise and appreciate that we have many members who are in the child-raising stage. We would like to raise these children in community together, in the knowledge that it is Christ who unites us.
While we may have differing opinions on how to raise, discipline, or even talk to the child, we all agree that the children need a community where they can grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. This is why we want to have a parent life group that meets consistently to encourage one another in our journey of faith and raising children.
The next meeting, with parents encouraged to bring along their children, will be held on the evening of Sunday, April 28th.
GIVING
If you would like to contribute to HCC
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