We read in Matthew 1:23, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name ‘Immanuel’ (which means God with us).” During this season of Advent, we acknowledge that God is with us at our deepest point of need. Not only is God at the center of all that is significant, but God (Immanuel) is with you and me at our deepest point of need. Are you going through a valley in your life? Christmas can be one of the loneliest times of the year. We are so exhausted by all that others expect of us that we can wear ourselves out trying to live up to their expectations – when we are empty within ourselves. We all have our needy areas in life. We all have our fears. I have my struggles, too, just as do you.
God doesn’t want you to live in denial. He doesn’t want you to have to fake a smile with Him when your heart is breaking inside. Jesus knows your trials. Jesus knows your temptations. Jesus knows your unfulfilled aspirations for yourself and your loved ones. He is inviting you to bring your needs to Him. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, at our deepest point of need.
The God of all creation, whose name is Jesus Christ (Immanuel, God with us) wants to meet you at your particular point of need during this season. I’d like to take a calculated guess. Even if you are right now bogged down with your sense of need to the point that you do not feel God’s love and care, I imagine that you can look back to a day when God was with you and you felt His presence.
I urge you to open your life to Jesus Christ for the first time if you have never received Him as your Savior and Lord. And if you have received him, I urge you to let Jesus Christ – Immanuel, God with us – touch you at your deepest points of need. He wants to walk through your peaks and valleys with you!
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 Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on 1 Corinthians 14: “The tongue’s use in the church service. Please bring your Bible.
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.
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, 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 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
Terran Williams (12/25); Cliff Scott (12/28)