HCC newsletter: An inviting message

Author

Halswell Community Church
April 17, 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
An inviting message

It’s the holidays! For some of us, that means something. For others, not so much. More importantly, I pray that what Roger shared with us in the last two weeks was challenging enough to encourage us to go out and share the gospel.

He demystified the belief that we must be trained to share the gospel and evangelise.

He also shared honestly about his experience as a pastor. I like that he called himself a “frustrated Christian willing to go out.” So now we must take this mantle seriously and share the gospel wherever we are.

This week, I am excited because we get to hear from my mother. It is almost time for her to go home now, but before she does, she has a message for us. Her message is tilted 'Come: The invite'.

Speaking from Matthew 11:28-30:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

It reads very beautifully in the message version:

28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Conquest from the Book of Joshua

We are nearing the start of our next series, Conquest from the Book of Joshua.

This will be a lengthy series as we also juggle a Pentecost Sunday, Mother's Day, and Baptism Sunday service.

It’s a good time for us to read the book of Joshua together as we see how God took Israel into the promised land and what conquests Israel had to go through in that journey.

It will also be a chance to see how the Old Testament stories intersect with our own stories, even though we are part of the New Covenant.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
On holiday pause

Children’s church will be held at the back of the service this Sunday, rather than going to the other room.

There will be a station set up for arts and crafts for all our lovely children and their parents. There will also be helpers as well.

YOUTH GROUP AND THE CASHMERE PROJECT
Reflecting on Easter Camp

The HCC team at Easter Camp.

Youth group is on a break as well during the holidays. Next Sunday (April 28th), we will be hearing from those who attended Easter Camp alongside their leaders. They will reflect on what they learned, where they experienced God and what is the next step for their journey in Christ. I’m definitely looking forward to this.

COMMUNITY
Mothers and Children

The group will venture outside this week to Halswell Quarry. We will meet opposite the Quarry Cafe coffee cart at 9:30 am. Bring something for morning tea and we’ll see you there!

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Baptism Sunday

Thank you for all those who have expressed interest in baptism. I still feel that there are some more who would like to be baptised. There is still space and we would like you to experience baptism. Please do not hesitate to write your name, or contact me directly.

Baptism Sunday is also Pentecost Sunday, so we are looking forward to what God has for us during this time.

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.

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: pollycoxnz@gmail.com

Mens home group 
Meeting fortnightly on Thursday evenings.
Contact Richard for more info: richzat@gmail.com

Young professionals home group 
Meeting on Wednesday evenings.
Contact Anna for more info: kariukiklan@gmail.com

Prayer group 
Meeting on Tuesday evenings.
Contact Mato for more info: kariukiklan@gmail.com

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

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