MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Challenged by Joshua’s demeanour

Hello everyone,

As we have been studying Joshua's text over the last month, I have been very challenged by Joshua’s demeanour as Moses’s heir. He seems to be aware of God's continuous presence and guidance, regardless of what he is facing. Even when things have gone wrong, for example, the loss at Ai, Joshua’s response was to bring his disappointment to God and seek clarity and direction.

Here are some other examples:

Joshua played a significant role during the events described in Exodus 33. For forty years, he faithfully served as Moses’ disciple and remained devoted to his master. In fact, Joshua was known for not leaving Moses’ tent, symbolising his unwavering commitment.

Battle of Jericho: Joshua followed God’s instructions for the battle of Jericho. For six days, the army marched around the city. On the seventh day, they marched seven times, shouted, and the walls of Jericho fell flat. The Israelites conquered the city, sparing only Rahab and her family.

In Joshua 5:13–15, he encounters the “commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua bows down in reverence and awe, calls the man “Lord” (using the name “אדני”) and removes his sandals because the place is holy ground. This man was Jesus.

The last example is where we are headed this week. When the sun stands still.

Battle of Gibeon: Because of Joshua’s obedience, God performed another miracle during the battle of Gibeon. He made the sun stand still in the sky for an entire day, allowing the Israelites to wipe out their enemies completely.

Over the last few weeks, I have posed a challenge to you. Where do you see God moving, and are you willing to move with him? Are you content with staying where you are now and going to God when life circumstances dictate?

As someone remarked to me this week, when you do not pour your heart out to God, you are in danger of your heart being hardened towards God.

Have a God-centred week,

Martin.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
Feeling festive?

There’s no escaping the gloomy winter weather now as we head towards July. To lighten things up, we will soon have our mid-winter Christmas and quiz night. Details and date to follow soon.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
Helping the children’s ministry grow

While we are grateful and value our children’s ministry immensely, we are looking on ways we can do more. I consider the children’s ministry to be one of the core pillars in the church, and we would like to support and resource our children’s ministry and the leaders, led by Margaret. 

To this end, we shall be having a conversation with the young families about a way forward, and how to make our children’s ministry do even better.

YOUTH GROUP AND THE CASHMERE PROJECT
An exciting opportunity awaits

As mentioned in the AGM, we are venturing into the community more and using our youth leaders, and upcoming youth group members, as an avenue.

We feel privileged to have this opportunity, but we realise the daunting task ahead of us. We are asking for prayers and support during this time.

Our plan is to have a community-based youth group programme at the Halswell Community Hub (Old Library, at the intersection of Halswell Road and Halswell Junction Road).

We will do an invite through the local schools and run a programme that is both inclusive and encouraging. We will keep you updated as we move ahead. Our main focus is the year 7 and 8’s, who can then graduate to the Thursday night youth group.

Meanwhile, our Thursday night youth group continues to meet, and we are on the last session of Alpha. Cashmere project continues to meet as well. Please keep these meetings and interactions in your prayers because it has become more difficult over time to do youth ministry in our city.

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, sick kids depending!
Contact Kirstie 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.

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

CONNECT

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