The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s gospel begins with the disciples gathered at the feet of Jesus and with the crowds listening in. He begins by pronouncing a certain kind of person fortunate. We call these pronouncements “beatitudes” from the Latin word for happiness or blessedness.
The Beatitudes are attributes or attitudes that describe the lifestyle of those who choose to follow Jesus. Christ-followers are called to cultivate all eight of them; they are not items from which we can pick or choose. ALL apply!! All eight beatitudes are interconnected and flow from one another: the “poor in spirit,” those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted.
So, the beatitudes are words of celebration for the disciples. And they are words of invitation for the crowds – the people who come to worship out of tradition, curiosity, or skepticism. And for some, they are words of transformation – by the power and mercy of God!
And so, it is with you and me . . . we are in charge of our attitudes . . . the way in which we respond to life’s ups and downs. So, I wonder do you or I need an attitude adjustment? Which of the beatitudes poses the greatest challenge for you?
Worship
Pastor Glen will continue his series in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The sermon this week is “Growing in Humility,” based on Philippians 2:5-8. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper this Sunday. We encourage you to examine yourself before receiving the Sacrament per 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.
Daylight Savings Time
Please remember that THIS SUNDAY Daylight Savings Time ends. Please set clocks BACK before going to bed!!
Name Tags
We are encouraging our members and friends to wear name tags on the first Sunday of the month (THIS SUNDAY), in order to get better acquainted with our guests. May we offer hospitality to one another and especially to our guests!! (Romans 12:13)
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will begin a study of the Acts of the Apostles. This Sunday we will focus on Acts 2: The Coming of the Holy Spirit; Power from Heaven! Please bring your Bible.
Exploring Hope Class
Come to our next Exploring Hope Class! Exploring Hope is a gathering designed to communicate a brief overview of what is important to us here at Hope, including our history, what we believe, our values, our focus, our direction, and how to get connected. Our next Exploring Hope Class will be on Sunday, November 26th, after worship. The two-hour class will include lunch in our main Sunday school room. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Glen if you plan to attend!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
September Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $15,302.00 YTD: $160,068.29
Expenses: Monthly: $22,802.51 YTD: $156,356.87
Capital Campaign: $1,350.00 YTD: $41,462.12
Church Sign Donations: Monthly: $0 YTD: $2,800.00
New AED Device
Our Session recently arranged for the purchase of an “AED” (Automated External Defibrillator) for placement in our building for emergency cardiac events. There are a few folks already trained in AED use along with CPR and Basic First Aid, but we would like to solicit others interested in learning and becoming members of our Medical Response Team. The training is expected to be without cost but class size will be limited. Interested? Please let Richard Ammons know, in person or via ChurchTrac directory contact information. If you wish to help pay for the AED, please make checks payable to Hope Community Church (Memo: For AED).
Online Church Directory
Are you looking around wishing you knew the names of a few more people? You are in luck. We have an online church directory, complete with photos! Here is what is needed for you to access it:
- You need to be a regular attendee of Hope Community Church
- Send the following information to hope@hopechurchwaynesboro.org:
o Name
o Email
o Address
o Phone
o Birthday
o Photo – this can either be an individual photo, a couple, or a family
- Allow about 2 days for the information to be input into our church database
- Go to About Hope Community Church and follow the instructions under “Directory Access for Members”. Click the + next to “Instructions for the first time to Director Site”.
If you are a member, and your name appears in the directory, then please click “Manage what information I share with others…” and select the items you want to share. Ideally, you will share your photo so others can see you.
Golden Oldies
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at 10:00 a.m.!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointments, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
October Birthdays
Joan Hughes (11/6); Tiffany Severs (11/7); Cindy Roberts (11/16); Kathy Doyle (11/17)