We read in Matthew 7:13, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” In Jesus’ day, fortified cities had limited access. Many of the passages into the city were barely large enough for a person to fit through – thus the term narrow gate in verse 13. This was intentional. A soldier from an enemy army couldn’t make it through the gate with his spear and shield. Entering through the narrow gate meant entering without your possessions. Getting into these gates was reserved for those who carried nothing. Jesus goes on in v. 14: “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Jesus distinguishes between the road that leads to eternal life and the road that leads to eternal destruction. Those who think that it doesn’t matter what they believe or how they live their life should pay serious attention to what Jesus said.
Regarding the way that leads to heaven, He cautions us that the gate is narrow. First, there is only one gate to eternal life, and that gate is Jesus. He made this quite clear in John 10:7-9: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”
We are reminded that not only is there just one gate, but that gate is “narrow.” To enter, we must lay aside all of our “baggage” – our arrogant pride and works of self-righteousness. As long as we insist on wearing our self-sufficient garments, we will never be able to enter that one Gate that leads to heaven. We must recognize ourselves as sinners. Remember, it doesn’t matter how good you are, your good works will not get you to heaven.
On the other hand, the gate that leads to hell is wide! It has an easy entrance. You can keep your pride, self-righteousness, and any Christ-less religion you espouse . . . and no one entering that gate will give you any trouble. The road to hell is broad . . . indeed it is a “superhighway!” The longer you travel and the farther you go on this road, the more difficult it will be for you to find an “exit ramp.”
So, what baggage are you carrying? What are you counting on to give you access to heaven? Will the things you currently value make it easier or harder for you to live a life of faith? Consider your daily activities. What are your top five priorities? Now consider your life from God’s perspective. What should be your top five priorities?
Worship
Adult Bible Study Class
Our Adult Bible Study 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 focus on 1 Corinthians 10: “Flee Idolatry and Glorify God.” Please bring your Bible.
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.
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Hurricane Relief
As of October 21st, $2,400 has been donated by HCC members (above tithes/offerings) to the EPC General Assembly for the Hurricane Disaster Relief effort. Thanks so much for making a difference in so many whose lives have been dramatically changed!Our Session met on Monday, November 18th at 5:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- Ruling elder Marty Porter led a study of 2 Peter 1:5-9 and Galatians 5:22-24, focusing on the importance of self-control in our lives, which is a fruit of the Spirit.
- Additional discussion/development of the “Alpha Course” for Hope early in 2025
- Agreed to look for innovative ways to cover Hank’s retirement from being the Administrative Assistant via Richard and two Deacons who volunteer for that effort; agreed to pursue a Deputy Treasurer in training.
- Accepted the proposed “Inclement Weather/Church Closing” policy and procedure [stay tuned for a website update on that]
- Reviewed church domain email addresses for select church service roles for providing continuing addresses for the role as people change roles
- Agreed to purchase a TracPhone type device for use by Care and Compassion leaders to assist them in communication with people in need
- Hand-rails-on-the-bank installation is imminent, with the contractor donating his labor for the installation
- Successful test of ChurchTrac sending of one-way-only text messages for church closings/delays for those with mobile phones listed in ChurchTrac
- Requested attorney Bill Watkins to present a brief “Legacy Giving” announcement during worship
- Agreed to engage a professional janitorial service to clean our bathrooms, weekly, perhaps expanding services later
- Agreed to provide the “Annex” for our Women’s Ministry once contractual necessities are signed, including church internal easy access to/from the annex, safety provisions for using the Annex, etc.
- Received a suggestion and discussed ways to improve/maintain “fellowship time” on Sunday mornings
- Approved the purchase of fifty (50) padded folding chairs to become dedicated “Annex chairs” for the Women’s Ministry and other church gatherings
- Presented the Pastor’s Terms of Call (which will be voted on at our annual congregational meeting in January); approved planned earnings adjustments of merit for other staff
- Agreed to meet in a week to finalize the 2025 budget for the church and expectedly approved lease modifications with Miller’s Supplies at Work
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for October: $25,568.20 YTD: $257,155.89
Total Expenses for October: $9,808.58 YTD: $161,414.86
Golden Oldies
The Golden Oldies have reduced the age to 70 for those who want to participate in their gatherings. There will be NO meeting in December. Celebrate with church services and family gatherings!!
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 cleaning supplies (e.g., dish detergent, all-purpose household cleaner, laundry detergent) from October through December 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
Holy Yoga
We are currently hosting Holy Yoga, led by Emily Gray. Holy Yoga offers a holistic approach that connects the mind, body, and spirit with God, and it is accessible to everyone. This approach is founded on three pillars: exercise, breathing, and meditation. Emily leads the class using the Bible as the focal point. The class meets each Thursday at 6:00 in our church facility. If you have questions, please contact Emily at ewgray@live.com.
December Birthdays
John Severs (12/1); Don Land (12/3); Melissa Bare (12/6); Jennifer Berry (12/11); Gail Fisher (12/14); Ron Layne (12/18); Terran Williams (12/25); Cliff Scott (12/28)