Community

We are grateful to our incredible men for leading children’s church this week and equally grateful to all our volunteers who do it every week. I have said this before: our children’s ministry is key for us, and we would like to resource it even more and disciple our children effectively. Studies have shown/are showing two very interesting trends about children.

  • People who keep their faith as they get older are the ones who had intentional discipleship at church when they were children (3-8 years old). The research does not say to entertain kids but to be intentional in teaching and walking with them.

  • In addition to the parents, the church plays a key role in influencing/impacting kids’ lives and decisions for the future, especially when they are young. This has to come from the top leadership.

Needless to say, we are still on this journey. We appreciate all you parents that bring your children along and entrust us with them consistently. Please join us in prayer regarding the future of our children’s ministry. For a dedicated children’s co-ordinator, and for the volunteers doing it now, that God will use them for his kingdom in the young people’s lives.

A.G.M.

Our AGM is coming up on Sunday 24th May. There is a lot to cover this year for the AGM.

Here is the agenda:

  • Welcome and Prayer

  • Ministry reports (Elders, Financial, Youth, Admin, Children, Pastors) These will be submitted before, so we will have had a look, and we will have a chance for any questions arising.

  • Ratifying the HCC constitution 

  • Appreciating the outgoing eldership team

  • Introducing the nominated Elders. (Rob & Kathy McAuley, Tim & Lizzie Hodge, Matt McFedries, Richard Howe). In order to be the new elders, they have to be ratified by a 2/3 majority. 

  • Praying for the Elders

  • Introducing the Halswell Community Church Trust and praying for the trustees

  • AOB and final prayers 

You can find our ‘Rules/Constitution Document under the ‘About Us’ menu on this website.

We will be doing a soup lunch after the AGM. If you can bring some soup, then please let Margaret know.
 
 

Youth 

This is a call to continue praying and encouraging our young people. Our youth group meets on Thursday evening at 7pm.

This is a time of community, but more importantly, immersing ourselves into God’s word and how that intersects with our daily life. They have very good questions and perspectives about life, and the leaders are also very encouraged by how much they have grown spiritually.

We can definitely see God working in and through our youth. They have also been very good at volunteering for Sunday morning duties and tasks. Ask one of the young people to have coffee with you after the service. It’s such an encouragement.
                              ==========================================================================================================

We ask that you please pray for some of our youth as they attend a conference called First Training, run by CCCNZ, on the 29th-31st of May.

What is First Training?

First Training is an annual two day retreat for young people from CCCNZ/Open Brethren Heritage churches in the 16-18 age bracket.

Too often we lose young people at this time, yet all have leadership potential that needs nurturing.

First Training is designed to fit in with your wider leadership development programmes, and partner with youth leaders and churches as they disciple and develop these young leaders.


Alpha course

Due to many unforeseen circumstances, we have been forced to postpone Alpha. We are still committed to running this course, but it will happen later in the year. Will keep you posted on the new dates and venues.


Children’s Church

A new school term is now underway. I would like to thank all the incredible volunteers who were involved in our holiday programme, both in the planning and execution.

 As the new term starts, we have still not finalised the children’s coordinator position. In the meantime, Kirstie Russell and Kathy McAuley have graciously planned out the terms’ learning, activities and resources. Our children’s ministry is divided into three groups as shown below.

 Children’s church oversight: Kirstie

Pre-school age leader oversight: Nikki

5 and 6 Year old’s leader oversight: Rebekah

7-10 Year old’s leader oversight: Kathy

 Kirstie will still have oversight of the children’s ministry, assisted by the three amazing volunteers. Within the three groups, various people have volunteered to lead a Sunday or two so that everyone gets a turn.

 I have been directed to inform you that on Mother’s Day, which is on 10th May, our amazing dads will be leading children’s church.


A reminder of our HCC homegroups

We will leave this here for one more week in the hopes that there is a homegroup that could suit everyone.

Life groups

Venue

Frequency/time of day

Leaders

Men’s 

Rob’s place

Fortnightly Thurs evening 

Richard

Women’s

Alisia’s place

Fortnightly evening

Margaret & Paula

Young adults

Mato’s place

Mato & Anna

Wise old friends

Various

Monthly Sunday afternoon

Rob & Kathy

Young families 1

Chris & Allie’s?

3 weekly in term time

Chris & Allie

Young families 2

Penny & Michael’s?

3 weekly in term time

Penny & Michael

Daytime Bible study

Rob & Kathy’s?

Fortnightly 

Rob & Kathy

Mum’s group

Seven Oaks

Fortnightly

Nikki & Anna S

Prayer group

Mato’s place

Weekly Tuesday evenings

Mato & Anna K

Evening Bible study

Seven Oaks

Weekly (Monday?) evenings

Tim & Liz

Youth Group

Seven Oaks 

Weekly Thurs evening terms

Youth leaders

Wise Old Friends

The wise old friends group meets every first Sunday of the month in the afternoon. They meet at various parks and share lunch as well as their beautiful lives and life experiences.
Contact Kathy or Rob McAuley for more information.

Giving

Giving details.

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering     

Particulars: Your Name