We read in Ephesians 1:5, “[God] predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.” God has adopted us as his children. Now I want to address a common misconception we have – even in the Church today. We are not born as God’s children. This is not a biblical concept. We do not inherit our membership in God’s family by our birth – at least our biological birth. We are born as God’s creatures not as God’s children. The Apostle Paul gives this wonderful description about Jesus in Paul’s letter to the Romans (8:29): “We were predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Or, as we read in New Revised Standard Version, “within a large family.”
Friends, we only become God’s children in this large family by our re-birth – by being “born again” from above, as we learn from Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus in John 3.
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old?” Jesus then makes this important distinction: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
And, friends, we get into this family by our adoption – by our re-birth in Jesus Christ. God doesn’t force us to be in His family. We won’t see people in heaven who don’t want to be there. Nobody will be forced to be in heaven. Therefore, may we rejoice that as followers of Jesus Christ God has adopted us into His family through our re-birth!!
Sunday Worship
This Sunday, Pastor Glen will continue his Ephesians series: Ephesians: Our Identity and Purpose. His sermon is entitled, “Chosen for an Inheritance,” based on Ephesians 1:11-12. Please read this verse in context in preparation for worship!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Hope Adult Sunday School Class THIS Sunday!
The Adult Sunday school class got off to a great start! They will resume their study of the Gospel of Matthew: This Sunday, November 14, 2021 – Matthew 2 – Wise Men or Three Kings?
ALL are welcome to join Janet Coiner for Sunday School immediately after worship in the large Sunday school room. And, PLEASE bring your Bible!
Congregational Missions Ministry Interest Level
The Interest Level sheet will be collected THIS SUNDAY! If you are not able to be present this Sunday, the information can be emailed to you. Please contact Tim Stewart at: tim.stewart30@gmail.com if you would like a copy! And, you may return your completed copy via email, as well!
Salt Shakers is COMING!!
Would you like to get to know people at HCC more than just on Sunday mornings?
Salt Shakers is for you! Each group will consist of 6-10 people (target is 8 people per group). Groups will meet at least 3 times between January and June for dinner. Usually, the host will prepare the entrée and others will bring things to supplement. The evenings are always filled with fun and laughter!
If you are interested, sign up in the Welcome Center by November 28th. Groups will be formed the first week in December so you can plan when to meet in January. Questions? Ask Kim Holman.
Our Weekly Prayer meeting will now be held at our church facility each Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. We invite you to join with us in prayer as, together, we believe God for answers to prayer requests.
Senior Choir – An Invitation from Harold Coiner
Rehearsals will be the second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The first rehearsal will be THIS SUNDAY. We will sing old songs not used as often anymore.
I will be glad to listen to suggestions, music selections, or personal requests, and the like. Please share with me your interest or suggestions at (540) 447-0434 or buckomh@aol.com. Thanks so much!
Contagious Disease Preparedness Plan
The Session recently adopted a Contagious Disease Preparedness Plan to support our church family, as well as our visitors. We want to be supportive of our entire church family, as well as our community in this season of increased cases of COVID-19, including the delta variant. The plan has been sent to our members for reflection and feedback and is available at the church.
Upcoming November Birthdays
Cindy Roberts (11/16); Kathy Doyle (11/17)
