We read in 1 Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen race a royal priesthood . . .” ALL Christians belong to a priesthood. You are priests. You have the calling of a priest. You do not have to guess or wonder whether you are called into the ministry. You ARE a priest by virtue of your calling as a Christian. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.”
The priesthood of all believers acknowledges that there is no longer a priestly class of people, as in the Old Testament. But all believers share in Christ’s priestly status by virtue of their union with Christ. This great doctrine of the priesthood of all believers was rediscovered during the Reformation and strongly reinforced in the Second Helvetic Confession. We read in chapter 5, section 153 of the Second Helvetic Confession, “To be sure, Christ’s apostles call all who believe in Christ ‘priests’ but not on account of an office, but because, all the faithful having been made kings and priests, we are able to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ.”
So, the question you must ask: Is the High Priest, Jesus Christ, leading you to be a member of a team within the church . . . Worship, Hospitality, Children’s Ministry, Outreach, Missions, Operations? Is He leading you to participate in the Pray & Go Ministry? Is He leading you to nurture the faith of children? Is he leading you into a ministry of personal discipleship within a Discipleship Triad? Is He leading you to participate in a Training2Send class? Is He leading you to visit shut-ins?
Is your priestly calling a ministry of hospitality, or writing or mobilizing prayer or feeding the hungry or housing the homeless? So, to what is the High Priest calling you? Friends, that is the question we need to pray about, and so I ask you to seek the Lord afresh about the great privilege of ministering with Jesus Christ in the priesthood of all believers.
Sunday Worship
This Sunday, Mike Adams will be proclaiming the Word. His message will be “Weeping for a Nation,” based on Jeremiah 1:1-10. Please read this text in preparation for worship!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Hope Adult Sunday School Class THIS Sunday!
The Adult Sunday school will resume the study of the Gospel of Matthew: This Sunday – Matthew 3 – John the Baptist
ALL are welcome to join Janet Coiner for Sunday School immediately after worship in the large Sunday school room. And, PLEASE bring your Bible!
Salt Shakers is COMING!!
Would you like to get to know people at HCC more than just on Sunday mornings?
Salt Shakers is for you! Each group will consist of 6-10 people (target is 8 people per group). Groups will meet at least 3 times between January and June for dinner. Usually, the host will prepare the entrée and others will bring things to supplement. The evenings are always filled with fun and laughter!
If you are interested, sign up in the Welcome Center by November 28th. Groups will be formed the first week in December so you can plan when to meet in January. Questions? Ask Kim Holman.
Our Weekly Prayer meeting will now be held at our church facility each Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. We invite you to join with us in prayer as, together, we believe God for answers to prayer requests.
Brad Huddleston Ministries Fundraiser Event
You’re invited to a Dessert Night on Sunday, December 5th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Common Ground (15 Angela Court, Fishersville). Guest Speaker: Pastor Ray Eppard. Brad Huddleston is an internationally respected speaker, consultant, teacher and author on the important issues such as technology and culture. Register online.
October Financial Report
Monthly Revenues: $12,450; Year-to-Date Revenues: $175,205.84
Monthly Expenses: $12,793.66; Year-to-Date Expenses: $180,156.40
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.
Upcoming November Birthdays
Cindy Roberts (11/16); Kathy Doyle (11/17)
