MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Happy Holy Week

Why is it referred to as Holy Week? What is the significance?

It’s the time between Palm Sunday and Good Friday. This week is also known as the Great Week. This is because great things happened during this week. It reminds us of Christ’s final journey to the cross and the events surrounding it, including

• Christ cleansing the temple and driving the traders out.

13 And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13)

• The last supper and the washing of his disciples feet.

This is my body…and my blood… Do this in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19-20).

• Judas betraying Jesus because Jesus did not meet his expectations.

• Jesus is arrested.

• Peter denying Jesus three times.

• Jesus before the Sanhedrin, then before Pilate, and eventually his crucifixion.

There was a lot happening that week, and most of it was counter intuitive to what his closest followers expected. While we call it Holy Week, for the first-century followers and those who had walked closely to Jesus, this time was nothing but holy. The messiah who they had believed in, followed, been awed by and formed their lives, livelihoods and identities around was unmercilessly crucified. His fate was no different from other rebels from earlier times.

I often ponder how the disciples and his mother felt at that moment. The moment of darkness and despair when the whole world went dark, literally and figuratively. I am always reminded that before I move on too quickly to the resurrection, it is my sin and darkness that had put Jesus there.

So how much does Jesus love you? Just look at his outstretched arm on the cross after a busy week, in order to make you and me holy and sinless.

Have a holy week.

Martin.

Mato

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Palm Sunday

Thank you everyone who attended our service this last Sunday, as we celebrated Palm Sunday.

As I said from the front, it was a beautifully glorious and chaotic service, and we loved every minute of it. This is what church is like and about. Experiencing the spirit of God wherever we are.

COMMUNITY

Easter camp week

Easter camp is upon us! Thank you to everyone who has helped with every aspect of this endeavour. From the volunteers on setup day, the ones who gave, the ones who baked, and most importantly, the ones who prayed continually.

I am sure it will be significant for all those who attend. We look forward to hearing their reflections on Sunday, 4th May 2025.

This week we celebrate one of our most significant members of the children’s church. It's Margaret's birthday (15th April). We love Margaret and who she is, so please take time to send her a message and appreciate her.

Over the holidays, we will not have our children going out, and our children’s programme will resume on Sunday, 4th May. There will be activities at church, so do not feel too pressured regarding what to do with the children.

On Mother's Day, our lovely volunteers (mostly mothers) have requested that the dads do children's church so that the mums have a chance to sit in church. So if you are a dad and you are reading this, it is your chance to shine. We already have some dads helping at children’s church anyway, so this will be a good extension.

COMMUNITY

Growth in the community

The Halswell connections programme is going well so far. We have about 15 intermediates constantly. Please continue to pray for the intermediates who have become regulars, as we also get to know their parents and their families as well.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Women of Power

After the Easter season, we will do a short series on “Women of Power” as part of celebrating our mothers.

We will hear from four women who have had a chance to reflect on their motherhood journeys. These are not Ted talks. These are deep theological reflections that have shaped their decisions, family life and what makes them who they are. Please pray for them as they prepare to share with us.

During this Easter season, we have two services. A Good Friday Holy Communion service, with morning tea and hot cross buns, as well as our Resurrection service on Sunday.

GIVING

A change to HCC giving

We will be changing our bank account very soon. We have been banking with SBS Bank, but they have since informed us that they will not be having a banking facility that caters to charities and organisations with charitable status. At the moment, the giving details remain the same, but that will change at the end of June or the beginning of July.

We are also aware that the end of the financial year is upon us, and we will be giving tax receipts soon. The money that you all graciously gave during the bake sale will not be included in the tax receipt, as the person purchasing the goodies “directly benefits from the purchase".

As we always say, thank you so much for your generosity.

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