MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Holy Week and Easter services

Welcome to Holy Week in the church calendar. This is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, observed with special solemnity as a time of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. It is called the Great Week in the Greek and Roman liturgical books because great deeds were done by Jesus during this week, although at that time, it did not look that way.

I would encourage you to attend our Easter services in partnership with Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church. Attached are the details of the services and a short description of each. The address of Hoon Hay Church is 5 Downing Street, Hoon Hay.

Tenebrae Service

Tenebrae ( tɛnəbreɪ,)—Latin for "darkness") is a service held just before Good Friday and is characterised by readings, the gradual extinguishing of candles, and a "strepitous" or "loud noise" taking place in total darkness near the end of the service. We will be doing the readings, extinguishing candles, and leaving in silence as we remember events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. The service begins at 8pm at Hoon Hay Church.

Good Friday

On Good Friday, we reflect on the resurrection. This year, we will focus on the various groups and their responses to the crucifixion. Tiberius Caesar, the most powerful person in that part of the world, was celebrating the death of a troublesome Rabbi. The disciples were huddled together, worried and uncertain about their future. Paul the Apostle, who has not come onto the scene yet, was celebrating as well. The citizens who had found so much hope in this Rabbi were confused, broken, and terrified. How did they resolve these feelings? We will be at Hoon Hay Church again on Friday, for a service beginning at 9:30am.

Easter Sunday - The Empowering invitation of the Cross

On Easter Sunday, we will be talking about the empowering invitation of the cross. To many of us, the cross is a point of reference. It may even be a good-luck charm that we put around our necks. But the cross is an invitation. It is an invitation to lose, not to win, and that thought sits very uncomfortably for us. This is why it is difficult to accept this invitation. So, what really stops us? Our resurrection Sunday service will be held at 10am at Seven Oaks School.

- Mato Kariuki, Lead Pastor

YOUTH
Full steam ahead for Easter Camp

Despite the wind and the rain, Halswell Community Church are all set for this week’s Easter Camp.

More than 3000 youth are expected to attend the event at Christchurch’s Spencer Park, which runs from Thursday to Monday.

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.

COMMUNITY
Mothers and Children Group

We welcome all the mothers and their young children for a cuppa and a catch up. The group meets on Friday morning’s at 9:30 am in Prebbleton. Contact Kirstie for more information at: [email protected] or text 0273226907.

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