MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
How God works when choosing who to use

Happy new week!

This week, we started the story of Samson. One of Israel’s judges. We usually read the story of Samson in isolation, i.e., as a story on its own, but we now look at it in context. Samson represents the pattern of sin that Israel lived through and went round in circles.

While we did not get to the life of Samson himself, there was an important reminder of how God works when choosing who to use. God uses those who feel inadequate and unprepared.

He picked Manoah and his wife, who were Barren. Barrenness was often seen as a source of shame and social stigma. Women who could not bear children were sometimes viewed as disfavorable by God. While the miraculous birth of a child was seen as a sign of divine favour and intervention, God chose the barren family as a metaphor for Israel itself. They are under divine disfavour and do not have a future unless God comes though for them.

The Nazarite vow was also in focus. The vow allowed individuals to serve God in a special way, even if they were not part of the priesthood. The Nazarite vow was a powerful symbol of devotion and separation, emphasising a life dedicated to God’s service. While we do not a physical Nazarite vow, God calls us to consecrate (put aside) ourselves for his service. This is why Paul talks about the clean and dirty vessels in Timothy.

COMMUNITY

Getting to know Paula

We are back asking the important (and not so important) questions in another edition of our Q&A. This week we are featuring Paula, another important figure keeping HCC ticking over, to find out a few of her favourite things.

How did you come to know the Lord?

I was brought up in a Christian family, attending Sunday School etc. And while I didn't really "own" my faith until I did an Alpha course as an adult (by then married with two young children), I always had a sense of God being real AND available to me (I had a habit of getting myself into seriously precarious situations in 'the outdoors' and would always pray for HELP when I was out of options!).

Have you got a favourite Bible verse?

The 2nd half of Nehemiah 10:8 "This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Mainly because I'm really prone to relying on my own strength (and coming unstuck!) and this is so good at re-centring me. The first part of this verse is pretty good too! (“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.")

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

Sadly (because it's SOO BORING!), I believe I have the gift of administration...

Not very glamorous! Though I do think I'm also hopefully growing in the area of discernment...

Favourite thing about HCC?

I have more than one! But to sum up, it would be the feeling of 'spiritual joy' emanating from people on Sundays (and at other times during the week!). I treasure this to bits as it paves the way for a strong sense of 'togetherness'. I also really like what I call our 'around the campfire' approach to worship, as it feels genuine.

How would you spend your dream day off work?

Somewhere in my beloved outdoors (though I now avoid life-threatening situations!).

I get real peace from being in the mountains with all I need contained in my backpack. I find it very 'freeing' to have the 'normal' expectations of everyday life removed/stipped away, plus I can appreciate and revel in God's creation all around me.

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

The Bookseller at the End of the World by Ruth Shaw. Very thought provoking...

What is one important skill every person should have?

An allowance of different opinions. Especially if they don't match yours.

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

I found this to be particularly hard to answer! Where to start?

In the end, I settled on Florence Nightingale and opera singer Maria Callas—plus, of course, Jesus.

Florence Nightingale has always stood out to me for her sheer intelligence and that she used this for the betterment of many. Behind her steely mind was empathy and care for others, plus she openly declared that she felt called by God to carry out her work.

Maria Callas' life was one of such determination and dedication to her craft that it leaves me in awe. (Sadly, her personal life played out as a bit of Greek tragedy.)

I would probably do a large amount of baked potatoes and go to town on providing side dishes for adding to the potatoes (so as to try and cater for varying tastes!!!).

CHURCH SUNDAY

When talent outshines your character

After introducing Samson last Sunday, this week we get into his beginnings. This week, we consider Samsons marriage (not to Delilah) and his interaction with the Philistines. This is Judges 14 and 15. 

The question being, what do you do when your talent is bigger than your character? 

Join us again as we continue to go through the Book of Judges.

Following Judges, our next sermon series will be…

COMMUNITY

E4 summer camp in Hanmer Spings

We're excited to announce the return of E4 Summer Camp, running from Thursday 9th-12th of January 2025. Our purpose is to encourage, energise, and equip the body to enlarge the Kingdom of God! Start the year ready to listen to what God has to say to you and His church.

E4 Summer Camp is not simply a conference but a fantastic family holiday with worship, teaching, and ministry. There will also be several equipping streams and a kids programme. Afternoons are kept free for you to enjoy the beautiful alpine environment.

Key speakers are yet to be confirmed, but keep your eyes peeled for that announcement in the coming weeks. Children will have a kidzone programme.

The daily programme involves: 9.00 am worship and ministry zones for all ages; 11.00 am equipping streams; 12.30 pm lunch and free time; 7.00 pm ministry zones.

E4 is very intentional about equipping Christians, and those attending will attend a single ministry equipping stream for the whole event.

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 on Friday mornings, numbers depending
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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