MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Ownership vs obligation

Happy new week, everyone!

Let's talk about the AGM and SGM (Special General Meeting).

No one likes meetings generally. I was recently thinking about how much I dislike online ones. I get adrenaline rushes when I log out of online meetings. However, they are a necessary part of life and the health and flourishing of any organisation, including the church. The verse that comes to mind when I think about these meetings and the consultation process we are going through as we seek to improve our church structures is John 10:11-13.

The core message in this verse is ownership vs obligation. The Good Shepherd, Jesus has modelled ownership and genuinely cares about the sheep. The hired hand has an obligation to complete his duties but does not care much about the sheep.

Following in the footsteps of Christ, we are called to have ownership over our own decisions and practices, not doing things out of obligation. Now I admit that there are things we have to do out of obligation to keep the family unit and the society moving and orderly, but there are many aspects of life, especially spiritual life, that call us to have ownership.

I would like to say thank you for the many of us who have participated in the consultation process for HCC over the last month. We have all demonstrated ownership and a sense of unity over what happens at HCC, and that is a blessing for the leadership team.

As we draw closer to the AGM, please take time to read through the reports that will be coming to you by email later this week. This gives you a better picture of how the church is doing and what we are looking forward to. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and get clarifications on any ministry engagement that we are involved in.

As for the SGM, this will be the last part of the consultative process. We are in the process of going through all the feedback that has been received and seeing the golden thread that is running through it, as we enhance the systems and structures. At the SGM, we will have a chance to explain some key tasks and ministries and give an opportunity for volunteers to come on board.

Have an ownership-filled week,

Mato

CHURCH SUNDAYS

What happens in the king's palace?

We started our Daniel series with a bit of context from the Old Testament. Why did Daniel and his friends thrive in exile, instead of conforming to the way of the land? Here is a summary of the message.

Firm foundations require resilience.

God began working in the lives of Daniel and his friends long before they were in Babylon. It was the foundation laid by King Josiah in 2nd Kings 22 that enabled them to remain faithful many years later. He laid this foundation by being countercultural.

• Idolatry was destroyed.

• Idolatrous priests were killed.

• Mediums and wizards and their shrines were destroyed.

• Alternative sexual practices were destroyed.

• Reinstated the Passover (no Passover since the days of Judges).

Daniel and his friends were standing on the foundations of a king who had decided to go against culture and bring back real worship in Israel. Likewise, your faithfulness and willingness to stand against the pervasive culture of the day will set the foundations for your family and faith in general.

This week, we are on Daniel 1. What happens in the king's palace? Spoiler alert, it involves being vegetarian. IN THE KING'S PALACE, NO LESS!!!

COMMUNITY

Winter bugs

It's almost holiday time!!! This has surely been a short term. At youth group, we have been focusing on the Beatitudes. This last Thursday, we had a chance to re-enact the Beatitudes and hear from the youth what they have learnt so far. I could share the videos, but they made me promise not to “embarrass” them. We still have the last two Beatitudes to cover, but the next three weeks are active ones, outside.

Thursday 12th – Big night out at Mega Air (Outreach)

Thursday 19th – City Centre Chronicles – What happens in the city?

Thursday 26th – Bowling to end the term. (Need some money for this)

Please pray for our youth leaders as they continue leading this group of amazing young people, but also pray for us as we try to integrate the three groups slowly (Halswell Connections, The Cashmere Project and Thursday night Youth group).

Children’s church

This week, we had a chance to pray for Quentin, Erica and Aiden, as they have moved out of the area and found a beautiful spot in Belfast. We, of course, wish they could come every Sunday, but the commute is so far for them. I did encourage them to keep in contact and come to our families' evenings and activities, as they look for a new congregation.

We missed a lot of families due to illness and, of course, the weather conditions. As we come into winter, I usually make a call for prayer for good health and strength, especially for our young families. I am doing the same today. Let's pray against bugs, diseases and conditions that tend to keep families isolated and miserable during the winter season, and let's pray that the families continue to thrive in all their endeavours.

COMMUNITY

HCC winter engagement dates

GIVING

If you would like to contribute to HCC

Here are the new details.

You can make a donation to:

Halswell Community Church

Account: 06-0601-0867216-00

Ref: Tithes/offering

Particulars: Your Name