MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Moving forward while staying still?

This week, I have been reflecting on the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea.

The Israelites had left Egypt not too long before finding themselves sandwiched between the sea and an advancing, menacing Egyptian army. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. Then Moses turned to them and said;

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still. The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on."

Moses demonstrated godly leadership in this moment, but the Israelites, in their anxiety, distorted the past and refused to move forward. They preferred their miserable past to an unknown future with God. It is Moses who courageously stands alone and calls them to be still and move on. It is Moses who deliberately takes the steps to move forward and raise his staff. This he does without the support of the Israelites. He models the delicate balance of being still while at the same time moving on. In doing so, he transforms not only his own life but the lives of all those around him.

As I reflect on this story, my big question is, how can we “be still” and move forward? What is that delicate balance of moving while being still?

As we approach the end of the year and increase the amount of activities coming up, we need to be still, and we need to move. I pray that our hearts are orientated to God, just as Moses was in this crunch period.

Martin.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Stories Jesus Told

This month we start a new sermon series we are calling Stories Jesus Told. We are in the book of Luke, which is an ancient text authored by Luke. He was writing to his friend and "benefactor," Theophilus, whose name means “one who loves God." He was a Roman general of very high rank. The book was intended to instruct Theophilus and those around him in the ways of Jesus of Nazareth.

Luke was probably a gentile by birth. He was well educated in the Greek culture, a physician by profession, a companion of Paul at various times during Paul’s journeys, and was very loyal to Paul.

He uses the testimony of "eyewitnesses,"  including the apostles, to put together this gospel. This week, we will have an introduction to Luke and why parables were so important. 

COMMUNITY

Day of giving and Christmas…

Our day of giving is coming up at the end of this month. This year, we are giving towards youth ministry and the family Fun Day.

We will also soon be sharing the details of this year’s Christmas project.

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.

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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