MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Putting your hope in the Lord

This morning, I have been reflecting on Psalm 131.

This is a Psalm of confession on humble trust in the Lord. It is attributed to David, who was one of the most powerful and influential people in his day. Yet, it is striking how he reminds himself in this Psalm not to think too highly of himself. This Psalm is a reminder that we should not trust in our ability to master the whole creation, design our own moral code in the world, and control our own destiny. Trying to relive the tower of Babel in Genesis 11. This alienates us from God and his will. David continues to say that he does not concern himself with great matters, i.e., heroic achievements that rival or even substitute God and matters of God in our lives.

In contrast, David is calling us to trust in God for deliverance and blessing rather than seeking God-like understanding. We should have the trust of a weaned child who is walking confidently besides his mother in the unfailing love of God. 

We often forget our humanity, our limits, and our inability to change others. This Psalm is a reminder that the call is to put our hope in the Lord, both now and in the future.

What does “concerning yourself with great matters” look like for you? Is it possible to trust in the Lord fully? Make this your prayer this week.

Amen.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Preaching this Sunday

Apologies for those of us who have tried to access our recorded messages through the website. We have now sorted the issues, and we will be uploading the sermons on the website regularly, including the past ones.

This week, we continue with our series, Stories Jesus Told, albeit different. We are taking a week off Luke and going to Matthew 18, the unforgiving servant. I specifically picked this parable because of the implications it has on us individually and as a congregation. However, Luke does not record this particular parable.

Richard Neville, who we have heard from recently on Father's Day, will be speaking to us. Richard is currently working through a book on forgiveness, and I have had the privilege of sitting with him and listening to his reflections on forgiveness.

We look forward to hearing what God has for us through Richard this Sunday.

COMMUNITY

Meal train for Matt and Alice

The McKessar family have a meal train going as they adjust to live as a family of five. Here is the link.

Feel free to please sign up and make them a dinner.

COMMUNITY

Youth and Cashmere Project

This past week, we celebrated the year 13s completing high school and prayed for them as they prepare for NCEA exams. We have a new cohort of year 9-10s coming through, so please keep committing these young people to prayer. Also pray that we are able to invite more of them into the youth group and Cashmere Project space consistently.

COMMUNITY

Day of giving and our Christmas project

This Sunday is our day of giving. This year, we will be raising money to support our youth ministry and for our family fun day in December. As I shared before, pray through what you would like to give, pause and let God lead you, and then give generously. No one is pressured to give; it is totally up to you and where God is leading you.

For youth ministry giving, we are supporting the 10 hours that Sinead and Zack do for church and Oaklands School. 

Thank you all for your support.

Most of us have a favourite book. A book we go back to consistently, or one we have read in the past that has immensely impacted our lives. Why not gift this book to someone else so that they can either experience the impact you had or be encouraged by what encouraged you?

Specifically, we also hope to gift our young and amazing families a book on parenting. While there are various books on parenting, all of which are helpful, we have chosen to go with Parenting by Andy and Sandra Stanley. Here is the book link and what it looks like.

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