We read in Luke 2:20, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Praising God is the only adequate response when we behold God’s goodness and when He showers His love and favor in our lives. Is praise a mark of your celebration of Advent and Christmas this year? Or are you like Scrooge, grumping around saying, “Bah, humbug.” Take time this Christmas to praise God for His good gifts, and glory in the miracle of the Incarnation as if for the first time.
When the story of the birth of Jesus Christ was told in the 1st Century, it created quite a stir. And whenever we make attempts to keep Jesus Christ in Christmas, we should never be surprised that it brings an offense. For example, it caused a stir to have traditional Christmas carols (particularly songs of a “religious nature”) sung in a public place in our area.
Christmas may indeed be controversial, but when you strip everything else away in life, it is the message of Christmas to which we will cling in our times of desperation and challenge. Therefore, praise God for His goodness and grace! It is the ONLY adequate response!
Worship
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be at 5:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. This is a wonderful time to invite guests to join you for worship.
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class (Formerly Adult Sunday School)
Sunday Morning 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 Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on 1 Corinthians 13: “What Has Love Got to Do with It?” 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
HCC Prayer Concerns and Praise Report
Session Highlights
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 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 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
December Birthdays
Gail Fisher (12/14); Ron Layne (12/18); Terran Williams (12/25); Cliff Scott (12/28)