Are you rooted? We read in Colossians 2:6-7, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
Friends, we are to be rooted and built up in Christ. Just as a tree is “rooted,” we are to be grounded in the soil of God’s Word. The tense of the Greek word means, “once and for all having been rooted.” Those who have received Jesus Christ are to be rooted in Him. A tree puts down deep roots to find nutrition and to provide stability. Likewise, we must go deep with Christ to find the fuel we need to flourish and to withstand the storms of life.
This image of being rooted most likely comes from the beautiful picture we read in Jeremiah 17:8: “He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
When we are rooted in a relationship with Jesus, we will have everything we need for life and godliness. Just as a tree cannot thrive without any roots, so too, we cannot grow if we have not been grounded in God’s glory and goodness. So, I come back to my original question, “Are you rooted?”
Worship
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class
Our Adult Bible Study class will meet this Sunday at 9:15 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 Galatians 1: “The Gospel at Risk.” Please bring your Bible.
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
This Week @ Hope
If you would like to include any announcements in This Week @ Hope, please get information to Pastor Glen by Thursday morning. Also, if you or someone you know would like to receive This Week @ Hope, please let Pastor Glen know. Thanks so much!
Exploring Hope Class
Our next Exploring Hope Class will be held SUNDAY, MAY 25th, after worship in the large Sunday school room. The class will include lunch and last for two and a half hours. It is a wonderful time to explore our vision, beliefs, and values and learn how to connect. By attending this class, you will be invited to join our church. If you would like to participate in this class, please contact Pastor Glen.
Session Highlights
Our Session met on Thursday, April 10th at 5:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- We gathered around God’s Word and corporate prayer. Ruling Elder Tim Stewart led a study of Revelation 21:7-8, utilizing multiple versions of the Bible.
- Ruling elder Stewart presented an overview of the financial assessment of the church relative to income, expenses, and available funds.
- Glen accepted Session’s proposed modifications to his “retirement” effective July 1, 2025, with reduced pulpit time, offloaded present duties to others, and the like.
- Session formerly approved to modify their request to the EPC Transitional Pastor Training coordinator to seek a standard one-year agreement, seeking immediate receipt of interested candidates’ Personal Information Forms.
- Susan Coffman, our Faith Community Nurse leader, will share a brief overview of this new ministry and an optional detailed explanation after worship on May 4th.
- Contact with a potential new vendor for the church website has proven “exciting,” and further exploration with him will occur on April 11th with the committee.
- Marty provided an overview of Alpha course feedback. The course is being well received, with suggestions for another course later (perhaps 2026) with a focused group (community, youth, etc.).
- Motion was made, seconded, and approved to form a task team to develop a 3-year action and strategic plan, including a focus for outreach to the community and facility usage. Ruling elder Marty Porter will lead this effort in securing team members.
- Initial response for the half-page order of worship handout (by the Greeters) has been very positive!
- Session considered that a pin attaching method for name tags would be OK for those folks not wishing the magnetic attaching method for various reasons.
- Willis has yet to set an on-site project review for the sharing of parking for their dental practice and our parking lot for their staff.
- Session supported the idea to incorporate as explained by Glen; Don will contact member Bill Watkins, attorney at law, to get the process started.
- The Clerk will seek clarification regarding an offer from Laurie Bame for an “activities bulletin board.”
- Further discussion regarding Nominations for retiring Elders, Tim Stewart, and Richard Ammons.
- Set May 27th for Elder and Deacon training for communion distribution during worship.
- Formalized W-9 form requirements for all vendors and contractors engaged to do work at Hope Community Church.
- Discussed the concern of possible air quality issues and specific plans to examine and test.
- Approved engaging Business Financial to assume greater “treasurer duties” for the church.
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for April: $28,803.06 YTD: $129,848.52
Total Expenses for April: $16,700.98 YTD: $82,201.58
Golden Oldies
Mission Corner
The Prayer Room is an outreach ministry in downtown Waynesboro that cares for people practically and shares the good news of Jesus Christ! We are collecting personal hygiene products and wrapped food items to support this ministry. Donations can be brought to the church and given to the Prayer Room.
Providing a Meal
We will be preparing and serving a meal at the Prayer Room on June 8th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for approximately eighty-five people. If you are interested in helping prepare, serve, or have a meal with the folks who come to the Prayer Room, please see Candi Brown or another member of the Outreach Team. This is a wonderful way for us to be a blessing to people in our community, including opportunities to share the love of Jesus!
Redemptive Compassion Class
A Redemptive Compassion class is being offered by Love INC between May 8 through June 26. This class offers a biblical perspective on how the church is called to holistically help people in need. This is a daytime class each Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating in this class, please click on this link. Click here to register. Seating is limited.
Love INC
We are collecting household cleaning products (laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners) from April through June 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
May Birthdays
Loretta Watkins (5/12); Patsy Farrow (5/18); Sherry Holder (5/20); Paul Childers (5/22); Larry Roberts (5/25); Oma Rexrode (5/27)
