MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Belief because something ‘happened’

On Sunday, we started our new series called Stories Jesus Told by looking at the parables in Luke.

At the beginning, I mentioned that I struggle to call this scripture a book because it is not really a book. This is ancient literature that wasn't written to be in the Bible but rather because something significant had happened. While scripture is key, and it is important to read it in totality, we do not believe in Jesus because of the Bible. We believe in Jesus because something happened that led to the compilation of the ancient literature into what we call the Bible.

When Luke was writing Luke and Acts, he was not writing the Bible; he was documenting events that had been fulfilled among the Jews that led them to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. So, as we start looking at the various parables, have that in mind. We also realised that parables were not about morality. They were about the restoration and reversal of the status quo and the establishment of an upside-down kingdom. And what did this upside-down kingdom mean? Luke shows us that the mission of Jesus, with his actions and his words (parables), had social implications.

He can for the Ani, a Hebrew word that translates to "poor." People of low social status. Non-Jewish people (Gentiles and outsiders). Those who have made poor life choices. He also brought freedom and release (aphesis), which refers to the year of Jubilee in Leviticus when all the slaves were released.

So, the Parables of Jesus were not just moral teachings; they were stories that illustrated a new way of life.

Might does not make right. 
Wealth does not mean domination. 
Bad choices do not mean a wasted life. 
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. 
Trust in God is not weakness but strength.

Have a week that challenges the status quo in your life.

Martin.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Looking at parables in Luke

Tim Hodge will be taking us through two parables in Luke.

This week, he will be taking us through the The Parable of the Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin. The following week we will be looking at The Lost Son.

COMMUNITY

Return of youth, children’s ministry

After a break over the school holidays, youth group and children’s ministry resume this coming week. Youth group continues with their series about lessons from animals in Proverbs, while the children continue their learning series of stories in the bible.

COMMUNITY

Day of giving and Christmas…

Our day of giving is coming up at the end of this month. This year, we are giving towards youth ministry and the family Fun Day.

We will also soon be sharing the details of this year’s Christmas project.

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