MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
What gets your affection?

Hello everyone,

This past Sunday, we began our series on Judges, and I gave an overview of the narrative, the centre of it being the sin cycle. As I mentioned before, the cycle is clear in our lives, and we can see it if we look closely enough at our decisions and choices.

What I found fascinating in this text was the description of BAAL and what Israel did. They turned their attention and affection to BAAL (the master, owner, and husband) of the Canaanite gods and totally forgot their own God, who had claimed them, and brought them to the promised land. Now these new masters required penance and payment, yet Israel could not keep up, and it kept getting worse.

So then, as Tim Keller explains:

Before we point a quick finger at Israel, we are also susceptible to "BAAL." Just think for a moment, what has your attention, affection, and trust now? How do you spend your time? Energy? Money? And other resources? It may just be that we need to refocus our affection and attention on God himself.

Have a re-focusing week,

Martin.

COMMUNITY
Q&A: Getting to know Margaret

We’re back getting to know another of our church leaders at HCC. This week it’s the turn of Margaret, our wonderful leader of the children’s ministry. Margaret doesn’t just teach and run activities with the kids, she has a heart of gold and is a great role model of servitude.

How did you come to know the Lord?

I was brought up in a Christian extended family, which is an amazing blessing. When I was a teenager, I committed my life to the Lord.

Have you got a favourite Bible verse?

I have a couple. One from when I was a teenager is Proverbs 29:11, which is a well-known verse and often pops into my head as a reminder in certain situations.

Another is Philippians 4:6, as I tend to worry a lot, and I often have to remind myself of this verse.

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

Service is probably my gift. I do like to help others and am often challenged to help in different ways by God.

Favourite thing about HCC?

I have a few. Seeing the interactions between the generations, the family feel of our church family, Mato's preaching, and being able to get cuddles from the babies and little people in our church family.

How would you spend your dream day off work?

Having a coffee with a friend/sister/daughter, doing some crafting, reading a book and going for a walk with Murray, having dinner with my family, and watching a movie (probably just with Murray, as the kids don't usually want to watch the same movies as us).

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

I have a couple of book series that I really enjoyed.

The Seven Sisters series (by Lucinda Riley) and The Sensible Shoes series (by Sharon Garlough Brown). I just went on a retreat with Sharon, the author, so I'm thinking it’s time to read the series again.

What is one important skill every person should have?

To be able to cook even just a basic healthy meal.

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

Mother Teresa because she was an amazing Christian servant woman, Mary, mother of Jesus, and actress Maggie Smith because she is a great actor and I think she would be a fun person at the dinner table.

We would have homemade pizza made in our pizza oven. (Murray cooking, but prep done by me.) If it's warm enough, then we can sit outside, eat pizza, and chat. 

CHURCH SUNDAYS
Turning our focus to Gideon

This week, we turn our attention to one of the Judges, Gideon.

He started timidly, and grew in wisdom and strength as he trusted the Lord.

But his end was not so good. So, what happened?

COMMUNITY
An appreciation of parents

As we continue to raise and disciple our children, I am very aware of the challenges facing all of us. From never-ending bugs in the winter to choices regarding school, education, and work. So I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our lovely parents who are doing an amazing job raising their children and still knowing it is important to be part of a church community.

My God see all you do and bless you in a special way. Blessed is the man who gets the opportunity to devote his life to something bigger than himself and who finds himself surrounded by friends who share his passion. Your greatest accomplishment may not be something you do, but someone you raise.

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

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.

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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