I love the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17. In that story, Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem on the border between Galilee and Samaria, and as he enters a village, he encounters ten lepers. They all cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Jesus looks at them and tells them, “Go show yourselves to the priests (which is what was required in Leviticus 14:2, so that a priest could pronounce the person clean of leprosy after examining the person outside the camp) . . . and as the lepers went away, they were healed of their leprosy!
ONE of them, when he realized he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” And, he fell on the ground at Jesus’ feet THANKING him for what he had done for him. This was an act of humility! And, that man was a Samaritan (a person who was known as a half-breed; a person who did not fit in the Jewish community, who was despised because his religion was heresy to the Jews).
Jesus asks this man who returns, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And, Jesus says “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” ONLY one out of ten returned to give thanks to God.
How often do we express our gratitude? In this season of Thanksgiving, we are especially reminded of the importance of gratitude!! Do you say thanks even to the clerk at the store or to someone waiting on you at a restaurant or to someone who comes to fix your toilet, or to your barber or hairdresser? The lists go on and on!
I remember as a child being asked the question, “Did you forget something?” I can remember being confused by the question, until I realized I had forgotten to say THANK YOU to someone who had helped me or who had given me a gift! May we always be ready to give thanks, especially to the God who saves us!!
First Sunday in Advent
This Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent. Pastor Glen’s sermon will be “God With Us,” based on John 1:1-14. Please read this text 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 will resume the study of the Gospel of Matthew: This Sunday – Matthew 4 – Winning the Battle of Self-Control
ALL are welcome to join Janet Coiner for Sunday School immediately after worship in the large Sunday school room. And, PLEASE bring your Bible!
Outreach Opportunity – Salvation Army
Our church will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Walmart on December 18th from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. We will need volunteers on an hourly basis . . . you are welcome to take two hours!! A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. Let’s serve the Lord by helping others during this holy season!!
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.
Brad Huddleston Ministries Fundraiser Event
You’re invited to a Dessert Night on Sunday, December 5th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Common Ground (15 Angela Court, Fishersville). Guest Speaker: Pastor Ray Eppard. Brad Huddleston is an internationally respected speaker, consultant, teacher and author on the important issues such as technology and culture.
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.
December Birthdays
John Severs and Sam King (12/1); Melissa Bare (12/6); Gail Fisher (12/14); Ron Layne (12/18); Kate King (12/21); Cliff Scott (12/28)