MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
‘Starting’ the year with Jesus’ final hours

It has been such a joy seeing all of us worshiping together at the start of 2025. Church really does feel like home in many ways, and I thank each and every one of you for being part of this community. I have the lived experience of what David said in Psalm 122:1.

One thing that always amazes me is that the year in New Zealand officially starts on the last week of January. Before that, most people are on holiday or have slowed down to plan the year. It's a novelty to be able to do this, start the year from a place of rest. I hope and pray that these past few weeks have been restful and spiritually refreshing.

So as we “start” the year, I would like to invite you to take a journey with us through the last few hours of Jesus, as narrated by John the “Beloved” disciple. From chapters 14-17, we see Jesus engaging with his disciples in various ways, i.e., encouragement, challenge, admonition, and prayer. This is after dropping the bombshell that he would not be with them for much longer. Here is a breakdown of the chapters. 

Chapter 14: Comforts the disciples and promises the Holy Spirit

Chapter 15: Urges them to “remain in him” and shares the stark reality that the world will hate them because they have chosen to “abide.”

Chapter 16: Introduces the Holy Spirit in a new dimension, i.e., His function and position. He goes further to talk about one of the most key functions, JOY!!

Chapter 17: Jesus prays for himself and then prays for the disciples, and by extension, all the believers.

This will lead us up to Easter and the last hours of Jesus’ life on earth before his death. During Easter, we will be looking at the temptation of Jesus and how it mirrors Adam and Eve’s temptation, yet Jesus overcomes and speaks a better word. We will also be looking at the denial of Jesus by Peter three times and how Peter responds to that. 

The gospel/narrative of John has many touches that appear to reflect the recollection of eyewitnesses, and it is also unique among the gospels because it focuses on the “signs” of Jesus’ identity and mission through a practical and theological lens.

So please join us through this journey as we hear from John. Various people will be speaking, and I look forward to hearing what God has for us.

Love and blessings,

Mato.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

What’s the play with children’s church?

I always say that one of the joys at HCC is hearing the children making noise in the parents area, and of course, them coming forward to be prayed for and share what they are learning. They are also quite fun to talk to after/before the service.

As Margaret and Kirstie shared last week, it is prudent for us to split the group to make it more effective to teach and maintain the quality. We aim, as a congregation, to work alongside the parents to help the children grow and mature in their faith. 

Therefore, beginning this year, we will be splitting the groups so that the older kids have a session, and the younger kids have their space as well. Thank you to everyone who has put up their hand to volunteer and help in this ministry. We really appreciate you all.

The home group for families with young kids is also active and has been a blessing to us as parents. If you haven’t, please join the family WhatsApp group to get the details of what we are up to and where we are meeting. Message Kirstie for more information: 0273226907.

COMMUNITY

Youth group resumes

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped in moving everything from our old youth group space to the new one. So many people did a lot to make sure we are well settled in the new space. Youth group resumes this week and we are looking forward to welcoming our young people back.

We are also working on getting our outreach program back on track on Friday afternoons at the Hub. Please pray for our youth leaders as they think through this and plan for the term as well, leading up to Easter and Easter camp.

COMMUNITY

Church prayers

We usually have church prayers on Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm. This is a chance to spend an extended time in prayer and seeing God's will for us, for the church, and for whatever is coming up, both personally and corporately. Please join us on Tuesday evenings.

GIVING

If you would like to contribute to HCC

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 contribute by either using the offering box at the entrance of the church or by giving online via the account shared in this newsletter.

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