MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
The resurrection is the reason why we believe

I would like to appreciate everyone who was part of all our Easter services, including Easter camp. Those who were there physically on Friday and Sunday, those who went to Easter camp as campers and helpers, as well as leaders, and those who supported beforehand with a lot of prayer, baking and giving.

We have really felt the support this Easter season.

On Sunday 4th May, we will get to hear from the Easter camp participants regarding their learning and reflection and what touched them at Easter camp. I like calling these moments God moments, so the big theme will be “God moments at Easter camp”.

On Resurrection Sunday, we had a chance to listen to the resurrection story once more. We are in danger of making something too familiar when we hear it too often. It's important to remember the resurrection is the reason why we believe. There would be no Christianity if there was no resurrection. Our Sunday message summarised:

• Makes Jesus and our faith authentic – Our belief in Christ is not based on blind acceptance but on an event that was thoroughly investigated. First by the disciples themselves, then later historians. Our faith is anchored on an event that changed history. I would even argue it's harder not to believe.

• Gives everyone significance – As we read accounts of the resurrection, we see Mary Magdalene, she who had seven demons affirmed by the risen Christ. Jesus could have chosen anyone else to share that message, yet he chose the least qualified person and of the wrong gender at the time. This was a demonstration of how different the kingdom of God is and how radically upside down the message of the risen Christ has to be. If Jesus could choose the lowest in society then, he has definitely chosen you today.

• Makes us courageous/bold – After the resurrection, Jesus was seen by more than 500 of his followers. A group of timid, worried and illiterate Jews were suddenly bold and courageous enough to face death for what they had witnessed. Their core message was that the messiah had been killed, he rose from the dead, and everyone should repent and accept him. This boldness would get most of them killed. Not because of what they believed, but because of what they had seen.

Have a Resurrection-inspired week.

Mato

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Wrapping up ‘Towards the Cross’

We are concluding our series “Towards the Cross” this week by looking at the middle part of John 17. Jesus praying for his disciples. This has been a series designed for us to reflect on the last hours of Jesus and the agony and discomfort felt by his disciples as he shared a reality they did not want to believe in.

It is also designed to help us sit in the discomfort of knowing that we can be in the presence of Christ and still not have our questions fully answered, and that is ok.

Most importantly, this series shows how Jesus deeply loved his disciples and, by extension, us, and what he was willing to do because of that love. Listen to how Jesus prays for you;

I would encourage you to go back and re-listen to this series on our Facebook page.

COMMUNITY

Youth group is still on break

The youth group is still in hibernation this week as the holidays continue. We resume on Thursday, 1st May.

GIVING

A change to HCC giving

We will be changing our bank account very soon. We have been banking with SBS Bank, but they have since informed us that they will not be having a banking facility that caters to charities and organisations with charitable status. At the moment, the giving details remain the same, but that will change at the end of June or the beginning of July.

We are also aware that the end of the financial year is upon us, and we will be giving tax receipts soon. The money that you all graciously gave during the bake sale will not be included in the tax receipt, as the person purchasing the goodies “directly benefits from the purchase".

As we always say, thank you so much for your generosity.

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