The Bible is offensive! The fact of the matter is that the Bible is going to offend many people, for at least two reasons: First, the Cross of Christ is offensive. We read in 1 Corinthians 1:23, “. . . but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to Gentiles.” In other words, people will not get into heaven based upon their own good works. People are sinners who have offended a holy God.
Second, Christ’s lordship offends people. Everyone likes the idea of an Aladdin’s genie-Jesus, who will fulfill their desires. But a Jesus who is LORD, who confronts sin and demands obedience – that is another story!
If you proclaim Jesus Christ crucified and as Lord, some will believe and be saved. But others will reject Him and you. Be prepared! Note that the dividing line is belief versus unbelief, as we see in 1 Peter 2:7, “So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’” Believing or not believing in Jesus Christ separates people into two distinct camps. Believers are joined to God and His people and one day will be exalted with Christ in heaven. Unbelievers who do not repent are in the darkness, headed for God’s judgment. Jesus Christ is the central issue in belief or unbelief. Either He is the cornerstone on whom a person puts his faith and builds his life; or, He is a stumbling stone over which a person falls.
So, are you willing to proclaim Jesus Christ crucified and as Lord in spite of potential of being rejected? Jesus Christ is the dividing line! May we ALL choose to stand on Jesus Christ with boldness!!
Fan the Flame Sunday
We are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14)
It’s time to Fan the Flame! Your Session is hard at work creating a Master Plan for Hope Community Church. WE NEED YOU! Last Sunday we were all encouraged to explore opportunities to serve. There are still opportunities, and the sign-up sheets will still be available in the sanctuary before and after worship!
We have established 7 areas in which we need your help and participation!
- Worship – music ministry vision, communion preparation, sanctuary decorating, etc.
- Children’s Ministry – nursery, Sunday school teaching/support, family ministry, etc.
- Outreach Ministry – Pray & Go participation, Training2Send Class, Invite Your One Sunday, etc.
- Hospitality Ministry – Welcome Team; helping with snacks; gift bags, etc.
- Adult Discipleship Ministry – Life Groups; Sunday school classes, women’s ministry; men’s ministry
- Missions Ministry – Local missions; regional missions; global missions, prioritization
- Operations Ministry – administrative duties; custodial support, yard work, marketing, etc.
Sunday Worship
This Sunday, Pastor Glen will continue his Ephesians series: Ephesians: Our Identity and Purpose. His sermon is entitled, “Chosen,” based upon Ephesians 1:4. Please read this verse in context in preparation for worship!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering plate is available when you enter the sanctuary (This Sunday at the Lodge) Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Men’s Bible Study
Our Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 at Panera Bread in the Community Room (to the left of the main entrance). We encourage men to arrive early (although Panera Bread opens at 7:00 a.m.) to purchase breakfast or a drink. Panera Bread is so generous in allowing us to use the Community Room! We are continuing our study of the Letter to the Romans in chapter 15. ALL MEN ARE WELCOME!!
OUR VISION: To see Jesus Christ become the hub of every home in our community and beyond. It is a big vision, but we serve a BIG God. We believe that God will greatly use our efforts for His glory. And it all starts with prayer.
We don’t want to even attempt to see Jesus Christ become the hub of every home without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. And that’s why we begin with prayer.
Pray & Go is an opportunity for members of our church to walk and pray for the people in the homes (at first) in the Pelham neighborhood, as that is the neighborhood where our church is located.
As we pray for the people in the homes, we will leave a door hanger with information about our church, including an opportunity for people to respond by an email if they would like for us to pray specifically about an issue in their life.
We will NOT knock on doors or ring doorbells. We will simply walk in pairs, PRAY and share the door hangers. The most important thing we can do to reach our community for Jesus Christ is to pray for the people in our community. JOIN US in participating in this exciting ministry!! If you have not done so already, please sign up to participate in this ministry! Bob Simmons is our coordinator! Let’s attempt GREAT things for God!
Senior Choir – An Invitation from Harold Coiner
As you know, COVID-19 has interrupted human activity, not just here but worldwide. Things seem to slowly be getting back to “normal”.
I have been toying with the idea of starting a senior choir. Senior choir does not mean silver hair or NO hair, just folks who enjoy singing. Rehearsals will be the second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The first rehearsal will be November 14th. The idea is to sing old songs not used much any more.
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.
Mission Corner
The Justines (YWAM) are finally back in Thailand.
Dr. Stephanie Black shared her BIG news: She is MOVING TO PRAGUE in the Czech Republic! She is running out of visa eligibility in Ireland. With this in view, last year she and her mission agency, Serge, started thinking and praying about where she should shift once her first five-year term with Serge ends later this year. As you can imagine, the pandemic with all its lockdowns and travel restrictions complicated the search for a new team and made it impossible to visit possibilities in person. But after a year of prayer and consultation she feels great joy about connecting with Serge’s Faith Community Church team in Prague.
On another encouraging note, she will be with us in worship on December 12th, and we will have an all-church event, including a meal, after worship that day. So, mark your calendars now!
October Birthdays
George Wilson, Bob Simmons, Leana Wright (10/15); Tyler Bouthillier (10/29)