What is your standard of living? As followers of Jesus, love is to be our standard of living. Jesus gave us the command in John 13:34, “Love one another.” But Jesus did not stop there; he added a qualifying adverbial phrase to modify this new command. He said, “Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” The adverb kathos in this phrase means “just as” or “in the same manner.”
When we provide an object lesson for our children; for example, when we show them how to tie their shoes, what do we do? We show them and then we say, “Now, you do it just like me.” The same is true when Jesus shows us how to love.
Earlier in John 13, Jesus knelt down and washed the disciples’ feet. He served them. Jesus provided concrete examples day after day through his teachings, through his miracles and compassion, and through his healing and acts of service that he loved. Jesus shares the commandment again in John 15, and he goes on in verse 13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for one’s friends.” Ultimately, Jesus served his followers when he laid down his life for them on the cross so that they may have forgiveness of sin and eternal life. So, if we want to love like Jesus, we must love in such a way that it is our standard for living the Christian life.
Worship
We will be adding an additional communion station this Sunday in the back of the sanctuary.
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 Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on 1 Corinthians 8: “Love More Important than Knowledge.” Please bring your Bible.
Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer
Your Pastor Search Committee is in the process of searching for our next lead pastor. They are currently reviewing some initial inquiries about the position. They are 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! You may even wish to fast for a meal or a day or more as the Lord directs. 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, October 21st at 5:00 p.m. with a follow-up meeting on Thursday, October 24th. The following are some of the highlights:
- Ruling elder Tim Stewart led a study of Romans 1:17, focusing on the importance of the righteous living by faith.
- We approved the session minutes for September 16th and the called session meeting for October 7th.
- Pastor Glen shared his report, which included a recap of the October Presbytery meeting. Mike Adams and Bill McCaskill led the “Order of the Day,” regarding evangelism. Pastor Glen was installed as the moderator of the presbytery.
- Review of the budget by Elder Tim Stewart, including the plans for the 2025 budget.
- We received an update on the welcome center upgrades
- We approved the purchase of additional chairs for the sanctuary and the purchase of additional hymnbooks.
- We continued our conversation regarding the potential responsibilities of the new Board of Deacons. The new deacon board will meet to share their ideas as a clear set of duties is established.
- We reviewed a policy regarding Session meeting attendance by members
- We discussed plans for the Alpha course, which will commence in January.
- We approved the purchase of a cell phone and separate email for the Caring and Compassion Ministry.
- We discussed the policy for inclement weather procedures.
- We discussed the use of the “annex” for women’s ministry and potential other uses.
- We reviewed the process for communion, including potential new stations.
- We established a short-term designated fund to provide improved safety while descending/ascending the slope/bank from the upper parking area.
- We also negotiated the use of the “annex” between the main church building and Millers Supplies at Work for the Women’s Ministry and other church ministry activities.
- Please pray for the Session, as they will meet next on Monday, November 18th.
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
Our next gathering is on November 13th for a lunch out at the Wood Grill in Harrisonburg. Please see Harold or Janet Coiner if you will attend so that reservations can be made.
There will be NO meeting in December. Celebrate with church services and family gatherings!!
Mission Corner
Young Life Banquet November 12, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. Church On The Hill 100 Foursquare Ln. Fishersville, VA Registration will begin at 6:15 p.m. The Prayer Room is an outreach ministry in downtown Waynesboro, caring for people practically, as well as sharing the good news of Jesus Christ! We are collecting personal hygiene items 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 is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Mission Page
November Birthdays
Cindy Roberts (11/16); Kathy Doyle (11/17)