As followers of Jesus Christ, our speech (our conversation) ought to be encouraging and uplifting. Some people we are around may talk in unwholesome ways. But there is no place for profanity, ridicule, gossip, destructive criticism, complaining, or any other damaging conversation among us as believers! We are to be those who use words that build up, and impart grace, encouragement, praise, helpful counsel, gratefulness, sympathy, gentle correction, and truth!
The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossians (4:6), “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Paul also commended the Ephesians in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Does your conversation “give grace” to those with whom you are in conversation? As Christ-followers, we must set an example by using our tongues for building up and not tearing down. We must allow Jesus to be the Lord of our speech! As in a children’s sermon that I used in the past, you cannot put toothpaste back in the tube once it is out!
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 8: “Gleeful Giggling Generosity” 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
After two weeks, the Alpha course is off to a great start with 50+ participants. Alpha helps create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It allows sharing of 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 gather each Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We enjoy dinner together, watch a video, and have small group discussions about the video. The course includes a retreat, which will be on April 4-5 at the Natural Bridge Hotel. 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 THIS 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.
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 February: $23,070.75 YTD: $39,907.71
Total Expenses for February: $17,410.34 YTD: $36,878.40
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
Helen Ammons (3/22); Debby Ray (3/31)