Have you ever been thirsty? I don’t mean the average thirst where a drink of water sounds good after a long walk or after working in the garden on a hot summer day. I mean THIRSTY . . . where your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth and you have to peel your lips off of your teeth and all you can think about is water.
In John 7:37, we read, “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” Jesus realized that the people in the crowd were drinking from the river of ritual . . . that after the day was over, they would go back to the same old fears, the same old failures, and the same old frustrations.
What was wrong with the crowd on that day is what is wrong with many people today. They were drawing water from the wrong well. Too often, we try to quench our thirst in the wrong places. We drink from the faucet of religion, philosophy, morality, or ritual – instead of from the well of life, which is ONLY found in Jesus Christ.
Notice the condition that Jesus lays down in v. 37: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” Jesus plainly said let anyone who wants God . . . anyone who wants a relationship with God . . . could have it. If anyone wants spiritual satisfaction, they can obtain it. If anyone seeks God, they can find Him. But notice that this is specifically addressed only to those who thirst. The problem with many people is that they are just not thirsty for God and spiritual living.
Before we can have a close relationship with God, we must thirst for God. Like when King David cried out in Psalm 63:1 . . . “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Friends, we will never have a close relationship with God until we thirst for Him. That is why Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” So, are you thirsty? Come to Jesus and drink!!
Worship
In Pastor Glen’s absence, we are excited to welcome Seth McCormick to our pulpit! Seth is a staff chaplain at Carilion Clinic Hospital in Roanoke and the former pastoral associate at First Presbyterian Church, Waynesboro. Seth’s sermon is entitled, “If You Will, You Can . . .” based upon Matthew 8:1-4. Please read this text in preparation for worship!
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 Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Acts of the Apostles. This Sunday we will focus on Acts 17: Lydia’s Faith and Prison for Paul and Silas! Please bring your Bible.
Ministry Fair
We held our ministry fair last Sunday, but there is still time to explore various ministries and sign up to get involved. Please check out the sign-up sheets this Sunday in the back of the sanctuary!!
Women’s Bible Study
Join us for our morning or evening Women’s Bible Study! A 7-week study by Jennifer Rothschild, “Missing Pieces”
When? Wednesday Mornings at 10:00 a.m. February 14th – March 27th
OR
Thursday Evenings at 6:30 p.m. February 8th – March 21st
Please contact Marty Porter at (540) 471-2619 with any questions.
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. We are currently driving down Rt. 66, exploring the 66 books of the Bible. This Tuesday we explore 1 Peter. All men are invited and encouraged to join us!!
Easter Lilies
According to the Christian calendar, we just entered the season of Lent, and as we approach Holy Week and Easter, if you would be interested in ordering an Easter Lily to beautify our sanctuary on Easter morning, please place orders by March 3rd. There are two sizes to choose from: 6-1/2″ = $8.00 and 10-1/2″ = $19.00. Make checks payable to HCC or put cash in the offering box in a marked envelope.
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Are You Receiving Church Emails
If you or someone you know would like to receive periodic emails, including This Week @ Hope and the weekly Prayer Requests and Praise Reports, please provide your first and last name, as well as your email address. You may give this information to one of our elders: Albert Danraj, Marty Porter, Tim Stewart, or Bob Simmons. Thank you so much!
Golden Oldies
March 13 from 2 to 4 pm, meet at Panera Community Room with our Kim Holman as the speaker. Come and learn about our Hope Community Church website! Bring your phones or laptop computers.
April 10 at 11:30 am. Dutch treat luncheon will be held at Sooner BBQ, Stuart’s Draft.
May 8 at 10:30, meet at Panera Community Room with our speaker, Richard Ammons.
June 12 at 10:30, meet at Panera Community Room to play Bingo! We request for everyone to bring a wrapped gift so all can be winners! $10 max amount of gift. No meeting in July, as we will travel to Lancaster, PA. See Janet or Harold Coiner to sign up for the fun trip to see Daniel and Sound of Music!
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
Love INC
We have an exciting, hands-on, ministry opportunity in March. On Tuesday, March 12, we will provide dinner for the Love INC program. We are making a baked potato bar. Starting this Sunday, there will be a sign-up sheet for items you can bring, or to volunteer to serve. We will need the following: baked potatoes, cookies or brownies (no nuts), chili, sour cream, cheese, bacon, butter, and onions. Also, we will need 12 people who can serve that evening. This will be a great way to not only serve but to get to know each other better. We look forward to you participating with us!
Comfort Care
This Sunday is the last Sunday to return your baby bottle(s) with change, cash, or a check. It has been exciting to see how many bottles have been claimed!
The 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
February Birthdays
Harriet Wangler (2/16); Orville Bame (2/28)