What Really Matters?

We begin a new series this week on 1 John.  John, the apostle, devoted his life to telling others about God’s love.  He did that for 40 to 60 years.  Finally, at age 65 or 75 years old, John wrote to a group of people that mattered deeply to him.  In this little letter, he calls them, “Little children, my little children,” and “Beloved” or “dear friends.”

Over the years, something has happened to John.  In his early years, he experienced God’s love, through His Savior, Jesus Christ.  And now, towards the end of his life, it’s practically all he can talk about, all he can think about, all he cares about.  I hope by the end of my life that is all I think about or talk about.  What about you?

Erma Bombeck once said, “If I had my life to live over again . . . I would have talked less and listened more.  I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.  I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.  I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.  I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.  There would have been more “I love you’s.”  More “I’m sorry’s.  But mostly, given another shot at life,” she said, “I would seize every minute . . . look at it and really see it . . . and live it.”  Stop sweating the small stuff.  Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.  Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us.”

By the time John writes this letter, he’s learned what Erma had learned, that relationships are really all that matter.  The toys, the titles, the money, the events, at the end of life, they don’t really matter.  Relationships do . . . and especially our relationship with Jesus!!

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 conclude our study of the Acts of the Apostles.  This Sunday we will focus on Acts 28: Paul on the Way to Rome.  Please bring your Bible.

Men’s Bible Study

Our Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. in the Community Room at Panera Bread.  This Tuesday will be the last weekly Bible study meeting until September.  Next Tuesday we will explore Psalm 4.  All men are invited and encouraged to join us.

Our annual end-of-the-year picnic will be on May 21st, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Lofton Lake, thanks to the gracious hospitality of Harold Cook.  Please bring side dishes and desserts to share, as well as drinks and lawn chairs.

Church Grounds Cleanup Day

We are VERY grateful for the men who came out to clean-up our grounds.  Thank you SO much!!!

Spring Fling

HCC needs help with Spring Fling

THIS SATURDAY, May 11^th from 7:00 a.m. to Noon

Ways to get involved.

Sign up at the Welcome Center Table

1. Sign up for a table. (Sell your own goods, we ask that a portion of your proceeds be donated to church missions or designated to any church fund of your choice.)
2. Sign up to bring Yard Sale items to donate to HCC.

(We ask that you do not donate appliances).

3. Sign up to bring simple breakfast items.

Donuts, muffins, cinnamon buns, etc.  (Free to anyone that comes to the yard sale).

4. Sign up for Childrens Craft and Balloons.

(Crafts for children to do and balloons to be given away).

5. Sign up to help put together Mother’s Day Gift Bags.

(Gift bags to be given away to all the moms that come to the event).

THANK YOU

Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

On behalf of our entire family, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who prayed for us, supported us, encouraged us, sent cards to us, and loved us in the wake of my mom’s death!  Your prayers and love meant so much to us during these days!!  While we miss my mom, we thank God for the hope we have in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus and the promise of her resurrection and ours!

We want to thank you, especially for sending such a beautiful flower arrangement for the graveside service.  What a wonderful surprise and blessing to be greeted with such a gracious gift!!

We are very grateful for all of you.  We are indeed blessed to have each of you in our lives!!

In Christian love,

Pastor Glen & Kim and Family

Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer

Your Pastor Search Committee has finalized the Church Information Form and will begin the search for our next lead pastor.

We invite you to covenant to pray for the next pastor and specifically for the Pastor Search Committee, as they together with you, seek the Lord!

May Birthdays

Loretta Watkins (5/12); Sherry Holder (5/20); Paul Childers (5/22); Larry Roberts (5/25)