MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Tirelessly working in the background

Happy new week, everyone. I would like to thank all the people who work tirelessly in the background and foreground making sure that we are running smoothly as an organisation, and our Sunday services are well executed.

There are too many people to mention, but I hope that you all feel seen and appreciated. The verse I have as I pray for you this morning is…

The context of this verse was giving money in the Temple and synagogues, where everyone wanted to be seen as devoted to God publicly through their giving. While today that is not very common, especially in our culture where people want to be private about their giving, it still holds true for other areas of giving in our congregational and communal life. 

Many of us give of ourselves a lot in secret, and I am aware we would not be where we are as a church if that was not the case. So my prayer, especially for this second part of the verse, is that God who sees what you do in secret will reward you consistently. I also pray that the reward will be what you have been praying and hoping for. Not that we believe in the cause-and-effect theory, and not that we give so that God can owe us, but believing that we give out of our devotion to God first, and then all other things will be added unto us.

As we continue to look forward to the Christmas program, may God continue to give you the grace and mercy to serve him.

Have a thank-filled week,

Martin.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

The dishonest manager

We are almost coming up to the end of our series on “Stories Jesus Told."

I have really been challenged by the words of Jesus and the challenges that he gave his disciples, and in extension, us regarding the kingdom of God, our attitudes, and how to treat others. This last Sunday was especially challenging for me, as we talked about death to self. Apologies if what I shared was too confronting. Here is the conclusion of where to start as far as dying to self goes:

• Always wanting to be in control

• Always needing to know the outcome

• Spending habits (time and money)

• Victim mentality

• Not being honest and vulnerable

• Pride/ego/tall poppy syndrome

• Leaning on your own strength

 St. John of God, while writing about our spiritual journey and where we need to get to in order to experience God's peace, added these:

• Pride (being judgemental and impatient with the faults of others)

• Avarice (suffering discontentment)

• Luxury (taking more pleasure in our spiritual and physical blessings than in God himself)

• Wrath (becoming easily irritated or impatient)

• Spiritual gluttony (resisting the cross)

• Spiritual envy (always comparing ourselves to others)

• Sloth (running from what is difficult)

This week, we will be talking about a parable that is not that common. It's the parable of the dishonest manager.

COMMUNITY

Meet Rafferty Lyon Barkley

We mentioned last week that Daniel and Isabelle welcomed a new family member, and here he is!

A meal train is also now up for the Barkleys. You can find all the details here if you would like to sign up.

As mentioned, Daniel and Isabelle live in New Brighton. If you can’t make it out there then you can drop the food off at 10c Quaifes Road and we will forward it on.

COMMUNITY

Our Christmas and New Year dates

Here is a reminder of our dates over the festive period, courtesy of Martin.

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