The prophet Malachi’s first utterance is “I have loved you” (Malachi 1:2). The Hebrew word for love (ahav) describes an affection based on a close relationship. In other words, there is a strong emotional attachment. This love is the kind of love a man has for a woman or a parent has for a child. But in this case, it is the love God has for Israel. This is not some sort of generic love for all humankind but a specific love for His chosen people.
The interesting thing is that the expression “I have loved you” is in the perfect tense – which means “I have loved you;” “I do love you;” and “I will love you!” I have loved you in the past, I love you now, and I will continue to love you. God’s delight was in His children.
The hard part, as Malachi points out, is that while God has this undeserved, unmerited love for His children, they are NOT returning His love! When I told Kim, “I love you,” for the first time, I would not have expected a response like, “That’s nice!” Thankfully, she did say she loved me too!!
As John Piper points out, “The great temptation for Israel in the Old Testament and for the church of Jesus Christ today is to forget that we are pilgrims, not natives in this world.” It is so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget that reverence for God needs to be our priority. Therefore, may we choose to return God’s love by worshipping and honoring Him, especially as we begin this New Year!
Worship
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class
Beginning THIS SUNDAY, January 5th, our class will meet from 9:15 until 10:00 a.m., so Sound of Hope choir members and others can join us. Our class reads scripture, discusses the background of the passage, including applications to our present life, and prays. Please join Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on 1 Corinthians 16: “The Joy and Power of the Resurrection.” Please bring your Bible.
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Exploring Hope Class
Our next Exploring Hope Class will be held on Sunday, January 12th 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, as well as learn ways to be involved. By attending this class you will be invited to become a member of our church! If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Pastor Glen at drglenholman@gmail.com.
Annual Congregational Meeting
Our annual congregational meeting will be immediately after worship on January 26th. We will review 2024 and learn more about plans for 2025, including a treasurer’s report and presentation of the church budget. We will get an update on the pastor search team process. We will also vote on the Terms of Call for Pastor Glen.
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, December 16th at 6:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- Ruling Elder Bob Simmons read the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke, followed by reflections and prayer.
- Members of our Diaconate (Kathy Doyle, Jerry Coffman, Roger Graham, and Rodger Daniels) attended part of the Session’s meeting on invitation to overview their startup status and re-affirm our excitement and commitment to their service at Hope CC. A letter to Hope members from them is forthcoming.
- The Deacons agreed to become the Ride’s coordinator; stay tuned for more information.
- The next “Exploring Hope Class” will be on January 19, 2025;
- The annual Congregational meeting is set for January 26, 2025, at 11:30 AM.
- Wonderful progress on the upgrade to our Welcome Center is so clearly noticed and deeply appreciated.
- Continued securing backup/”redundant” folks for key service positions at our church, with another such position being offered very soon.
- Will request Chris Haynes to offer his thoughts on our upcoming Alpha Course while he is in the USA.
- Critically discussed our website performance and sought to have issues resolved.
- Critically discussed “ChurchTrac” and access to the online directory.
- Agreed to request a cost quote to facilitate access to the kitchen from the “Ministry Room” (formerly the “Annex) and additionally provide an informal “gathering place.”
- Discussed the desire to routinely provide an attractive “order of worship” and notes space for each Sunday’s worship.
- Session acknowledged the receipt and distribution of our new hymnals (that morning!), a gift from a member of Hope!
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for November: $25,455.75 YTD: $282,611.64
Total Expenses for November: $20,711.76 YTD: $183,064.52
Golden Oldies
Mission Corner
The Prayer Room is an outreach ministry in downtown Waynesboro, caring for people practically and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ! We are collecting personal hygiene and wrapped food items to support this ministry. Any donations can be brought to the church, and they will be 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
January Birthdays
Alan Morrison (1/2); Cheryl Reynolds (1/7); Cynthia Lam (1/8); John Guthrie (1/12); George “Hank” Coffey (1/15); Candi Brown (1/22); Janet Coiner (1/27); Don Morris (1/29); Karim Spencer (1/30)