Hills Church

Filled with the Holy Spirit - Christine Saywell

Across Aotearoa and around the world, churches have been gathering in prayer between Ascension and Pentecost, believing for a fresh move of God. Many believers are sensing a fresh stirring of faith, a desire for renewal, and a deep longing for the presence of God to rest over New Zealand like a long white cloud of glory. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not distant or reserved for a moment in history. He is God with us today — bringing comfort, courage, conviction, wisdom, and transformation. The Holy Spirit is not simply a feeling or an experience, but the very presence of God living within every believer. On Sunday we had a powerful reminder that spiritual growth is not about performance, striving, or pretending to have it all together. God invites us instead to surrender, to make room for His Spirit, and to allow Him to gently transform our hearts day by day. He will change us from the inside out, and that's an incredible miracle. As a church family, there is a sense that God is leading His people into deeper waters — not backwards into routine religion, but forward into fresh encounters with His presence. The prayer remains simple: “Fill me, Holy Spirit.” Fill us with confidence in Christ, comfort in hardship, and transformation that makes us more like Jesus.

A Place to Belong - John Dawson

For 75 years, God has faithfully woven together generations of people, prayers, and stories into a spiritual family built on His grace. Through every season — times of growth, challenge, renewal, and change — His faithfulness has remained constant. The church has always been more than a building. It is a place where people are welcomed, encouraged, and reminded that they belong in God’s story. Many lives have been shaped through quiet acts of service, faithful prayer, hospitality, and obedience to Jesus. Seeds planted years ago continue to bear fruit in families, communities, and ministries today. Every person carries a unique inheritance from God. He places us in families and communities for a purpose, calling us to walk faithfully with Him and trust Him with the future. As we look ahead, we do so with hope. The future is not built through striving or human effort alone, but through the leading of the Holy Spirit. God is still healing hearts, restoring lives, and calling new generations to follow Him with courage and faith. Our prayer is simple: “Yes, Lord.” Yes to His leading, His mercy, and His purpose for our church, our city, and the generations still to come.

Living Loved - Jeremy Prowse

Many of us know what it feels like to carry shame — the quiet voice that tells us we’re not enough, that we’ve failed, or that we need to hide parts of ourselves from others and even from God. Yet throughout Scripture, we see a Father who continually moves toward His people, not away from them. Looking at the story of Adam and Eve, we’re reminded that shame causes us to hide, but God’s response is always love and pursuit. Even in our brokenness, He calls us by name and invites us back into relationship with Him. John 3 reminds us that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. God’s love is not based on our performance, our perfection, or how well we think we’re doing. He loves us because that is who He is. The invitation for us is to learn to live loved. As we bring our fears, insecurities, and hidden struggles into the light, we discover freedom, healing, and the deep kindness of God. His love becomes the antidote to shame. As we go into our week, may we walk lightly and confidently, knowing we are deeply loved children of God.

Authority at the Table - Anil Kant

At the heart of faith is an invitation into a real relationship with Jesus, not just religion or religious practice. Through Him, we are welcomed as children of God—brought into His family and given a new identity shaped by love, grace, and belonging. Jesus did not come to establish another religious system. He came to reveal God and invite people into living connection with Him. Faith is not about labels or outward identity, but inward transformation—a heart made new by His presence. In Matthew 28:16–20, Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, and then sends His followers into the world. What a great reminder that life is lived not in personal strength, but in His authority. Before being sent, there is an invitation to draw near—to know Him, worship Him, and receive from Him. Communion reflects this beautifully. It is more than a ritual; it is a moment of encounter. At the table of Jesus, we come as we are and receive what cannot be earned—strength for today, forgiveness for yesterday, and hope for tomorrow. His presence meets weakness and brings peace. From this place, we receive His authority and walk in it by grace through trust in Him.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Spirit - Jason Clarke

Many people feel unqualified, unnoticed, or not ready for God to use them. We often assume that only the gifted or highly spiritual are called to serve. But Scripture shows that the Holy Spirit is poured out on all who believe in Jesus. God does not choose people based on talent or status. He gives His Spirit freely by grace. If you belong to Christ, you are already chosen, included, and empowered by His Spirit. You do not need to earn your place or become more impressive before God can work through you.The Holy Spirit also transforms us from within. Many of us carry thoughts like, “I’m not enough,” or “I need to prove myself.” But when Christ is at the center of our hearts, our identity changes. We are no longer defined by failure, fear, or the opinions of others. We are defined by God’s love. When our lives are rooted in Christ’s love, we become steady in difficult seasons. Circumstances may change, but His love remains constant. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. As we are filled with His presence, that love overflows into our words, choices, and relationships. You do not need to be extraordinary to be used by God. You are called to be an ordinary person filled with the extraordinary Spirit of God.