MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Why we’ve joined the CCCNZ

Good evening,

After a long process of prayer and conversation, we are now officially part of Christian Community Churches of New Zealand (CCCNZ).

While we have been “loosely affiliated” with the organisation, especially in the youth scene, we are now officially recognised as a CCCNZ affiliate church.

After having conversations regarding oversight for HCC, we are not content with just being an “independent community church” going forward.

We are an elder-led congregation, and the elders have been doing a good job at that, but we still felt that we needed to be part of a network of like-minded churches/individuals.

Some of the criteria for choosing an oversight network were:

• The oversight organisation had to align with our values and beliefs as a congregation (conservative evangelical church). 

• Have similarity in vision/execution of that vision and mission. 

• Be a network, as opposed to a denomination. 

CCCNZ is a movement of independent local churches and the regional camps and national ministries that support them, working together to point people to Jesus through the gospel, from the Scriptures.

Initially started as an open brethren movement in the early 1900’s, this network has expanded to include the community churches of New Zealand and works on a principal of networking rather than denominational or hierarchical leadership.

The organisation is conservative evangelical, and their main aim is to help the local community churches achieve their vision by offering support through their affiliate churches and regional enablers.

You can read more here.

The elders met, listened, and prayed, and decided to sign into the CCCNZ network. Our recommendation to the board was supported by the regional enabler and the other CCCNZ churches in our area, such as Riccarton Community Church.

While being part of a network does not change who we are, it gives us a form of credibility, support, and accountability as a local community church.

CHURCH SUNDAY

What is in my heart to share

This Sunday, we are taking a pause from our Judges series to share something called "The Pastor's Heart." This is what the pastor would say to the congregation, given a chance. 

Looking at the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-37), we will consider these aspects: What has God been impressing on our hearts? Why is it important, and why do we keep doing what we are doing?

There are five main things God has put in my heart to share. If I were to rank them in order of importance, numbers 1 and 2 would sit at the top. The rest can come in any order.

1. Prayer (in season and out of season)

2. Adoration of Christ (read your Bible and pray every day)

3. Consistent generosity (time and resources)

4. Empathetic engagement (community and individuals)

5. Relationships (inter-generational connections)

Join us this Sunday as we look at what these important things mean to us.

COMMUNITY

A show of appreciation

We would like to thank Margaret, Rebecca, and Kirstie for all their incredible work with the children this past Sunday. Not only helping the children with their Father's Day presentation, but doing the laminating, which is such a commitment.

It was a joy seeing them up the front talking about their fathers, what they love about them, and what they would like to get for them, such as Lego sets or planes.

I was particularly encouraged to see who received a cookie from the kids, as they were encouraged to share them out.

May God bless these three incredible ladies for their hard work and to everyone else who has had quite a bit to do with children’s ministry. We really appreciate you.

COMMUNITY

E4 summer camp in Hanmer Spings

We're excited to announce the return of E4 Summer Camp, running from Thursday 9th-12th of January 2025. Our purpose is to encourage, energise, and equip the body to enlarge the Kingdom of God! Start the year ready to listen to what God has to say to you and His church.

E4 Summer Camp is not simply a conference but a fantastic family holiday with worship, teaching, and ministry. There will also be several equipping streams and a kids programme. Afternoons are kept free for you to enjoy the beautiful alpine environment.

Key speakers are yet to be confirmed, but keep your eyes peeled for that announcement in the coming weeks. Children will have a kidzone programme.

The daily programme involves: 9.00 am worship and ministry zones for all ages; 11.00 am equipping streams; 12.30 pm lunch and free time; 7.00 pm ministry zones.

E4 is very intentional about equipping Christians, and those attending will attend a single ministry equipping stream for the whole event.

COMMUNITY

Youth Group and Cashmere Project

This term at Youth Group and Cashmere Project, we are going through the characteristics of animals that Proverbs mentions as important. Here is the chapter.

This week, we are considering the Hyrax!!

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

CONNECT

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