Mary Lefkowitz, a professor emerita of classical studies at Wellesley College, wrote in a New York Times Book Review several years ago: “The notion that there are many truths might seem well suited to a diverse society. But when everyone is free to define truth as he or she prefers, as at present, the result is an intellectual and moral shouting match in which the people with the loudest voices are most likely to be heard.”
We live in a post-Christian age. We live in an age where there is no common Christian consensus. There is no doubt that we have moved past the point where there is a Christian consensus in America. At one time, there was a more common understanding of Christian teaching. Today, that is not the case.
We read in 1 Timothy 3:14-15, “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” In other words, the church is the context in which truth can be discovered and known.
In one sense, the truth is absolute and independent of us. God’s truth as revealed in Jesus Christ simply is. It is true whether or not we believe it or proclaim it. But in another sense, the church is to uphold and support the truth. Dr. David Wells (a professor of my seminary), in his book, No Place for Truth argues convincingly that the evangelical church in America has minimized biblical truth in favor of things like modern psychology and American marketing techniques. We are big on spiritual experiences, emotions, and methods, but we are too often weak theologically.
It is my prayer that Hope Community Church will always be a “pillar and buttress of the truth!”
Worship
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class
Our Adult Bible Study class will meet this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on 2 Corinthians 7: “Paul’s Great Love for the Corinthian Church” Please bring your Bible.
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Women’s Ministry New Bible Study
Alpha Has Arrived
We had a wonderful beginning of the Alpha Course on Tuesday! Alpha helps create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It allows sharing thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. This 11-week course is designed to explore the basics of the Christian faith through video presentations and small group discussions, covering topics like “Who is Jesus?”, Why and how should I pray?”, and “How does God guide us?” – all in a relaxed and open environment where participants will share their thoughts and questions without pressure.
We will gather each Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We will enjoy dinner together, watch a video, and have small group discussions about the video. The course will include a retreat, which we will discuss more in the context of the course. If you are not attending the course, we encourage you to pray for all of our 50+ participants!
Exploring Hope Class
Our next Exploring Hope Class will be held on Sunday, March 23rd after worship in the large Sunday school room. The class will include lunch and last for two and a half hours. It is a wonderful time to explore our vision, beliefs, and values and learn ways to be involved. By attending this class you will be invited to join our church. If you would like to attend this class, please contact Pastor Glen at drglenholman@gmail.com or talk with him on Sunday!
This Week @ Hope
If you would like to include any announcements in This Week @ Hope, please get information to Pastor Glen by Thursday morning. Also, if you or someone you know would like to receive This Week @ Hope, please let Pastor Glen know. Thanks so much!
HCC Prayer Concerns and Praise Report
If you are not receiving the weekly HCC Prayer Concerns and Praise Report and would like to receive it, please send an email that contains your email address and cell phone (and/or home phone) number to Tim Stewart at tim.stewart30@gmail.com.
Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer
Your Pastor Search Committee is in the process of finding our next lead pastor. They are reviewing some initial inquiries about the position and beginning the process of interviewing some selected applicants.
We invite you to covenant to pray for the next pastor and specifically for the Pastor Search Committee, as they seek the Lord! As the Lord directs, you may even wish to fast for a meal or a day or more. Corporate prayer is so needed! Join with other sisters and brothers if you can.
Session Highlights
Our Session met on Monday, February 24th and Friday, February 28th. The following are some of the highlights:
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We gathered around God’s Word and corporate prayer. Ruling Elder Richard Ammons led a time focusing on service to others based on John 21:15 and following.
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We approved the minutes of the Session meeting on January 21st and the annual congregational meeting on January 26th on behalf of the Congregation.
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We invited member Susan Coffman to present her thoughts for a new ministry at Hope: “Faith Community Nursing,” which was enthusiastically approved by Session (more to follow!).
- We invited member Rodger Daniels as Deacon Chairperson to provide an update with their activities in our church and plans for the future.
- Elder Tim Stewart presented a summary of the financial budgets as is our protocol, noting the two Sunday closures due to snow/ice which impacted the income stream.
- Elder Bob Simmons provided the Session with a broad brush status regarding the Pastor Search committee.
- Received an update on the website search team and that Leola Burks will now be leading.
- Received an update regarding the “Alpha Course” by Elder Marty Porter.
- Accepted an offer from a member to join a group when formed to seek ways to attract young(er) families to Hope.
- Adopted a schedule for Elder/Deacon service for serving the Lord’s Supper.
- Accepted a gifted rolling cart for portable storage of the two printers/copiers/scanner and a gifted “portable, rolling kitchen” for multipurpose uses.
- Agreed to develop a formal task team to critically look at a three-year plan to assess needs regarding our physical plant.
- Agreed, in concept, to provide all members/regular attenders with magnetic name tags as details for management/costs payment can be developed.
- Agreed to purchase four round tables.
- Agreed to relocate the TV/monitor in the Sunday school room to the Ministry Room.
- Agreed to pay down our mortgage by $20,000 from the Capital Campaign account at the appropriate time in 2025.
- Accepted the expanded role/name of a ministry to “Care Giving and Respite Care Ministry.”
- Agreed to search and acquire a locking file cabinet for critical hard copy documents to augment those stored in a secure cloud.
- Received presently available estimated costs for parking lot repair/re-pavement, awaiting others, for future planning/possible execution.
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for January: $16,836.96 YTD: $16,836.96
Total Expenses for January: $19,471.06 YTD: $19,471.06
Golden Oldies
Mission Corner
The Prayer Room is an outreach ministry in downtown Waynesboro that cares for people practically and shares the good news of Jesus Christ! We are collecting personal hygiene products and wrapped food items to support this ministry. Donations can be brought to the church and given to the Prayer Room.
Love INC
We are collecting paper products (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues but NOT paper paper napkins, as they have plenty) from January through March for Love INC.
The Missions Team actively keeps in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Mission Page
March Birthdays
Maryellen Lemons (3/12); Alice Reider (3/13); Esther Danraj (3/18); Helen Ammons (3/22); Debby Ray (3/31)