Hello church! How are you doing today? I have been praying for you every day and anticipating the day we would all be back together.
Well, it looks like that day is upon us! I trust you were able to watch the live stream on our website or Facebook page last night. The Pastors laid out Phase 1 of our reopening plan. If you were not able to watch it live, you can go back and watch it now. All the information relates to reopening the church and will answer some questions that you might have. Also, there will be an update to our website page that deals with how the church is operating under the coronavirus guidelines and restrictions mandated by our governor. You will want to check that page frequently for updates.
I would also like to say thank you in advance for your patience, understanding, and support as we navigate through this time together. We have never been here before, and we, the staff, are doing what we feel is in the best interest of our church. Thank you for praying for us and your continued prayer support.
Today’s devotional will be more encouragement than devotion. I’ve heard and seen all over social media, and the news, that churches have been closed and are set to reopen. Can I just clarify a little…the CHURCH has never been closed. You know this well, but the Church is not a building, but a people. The Bride of Christ. So even though we haven’t been able to meet like we have in the past, the Church is alive and well and has been impacting the world. God causes His Church to grow and we have seen it happen in our own communities!
My encouragement to you is this; don’t be so focused on getting back to church that you neglect being the Church. We have seen God do great things through Hyland Heights and the people that call Hyland Heights their church home. We have all made changes to how we interact with people and how we share the love of Christ with them. Do not stop doing these things just because we are getting back to “normal”. We need to continue doing these things and then some. Look for new ways to reach out to the community, to be a blessing to those we come in contact with. People are seeking and are wide open to the gospel. Let’s be the hands and feet of Christ in our communities. The Bible tells us in Matthew 9:37 that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few”.
The groundwork has been laid. The work has been established. The harvest is ready. I truly believe we are on the brink of seeing God doing something awesome! The question is, will you be actively involved in what He’s doing and wants to do, or will you just be a bystander watching it all happen? We don’t need bystanders, we need people who understand the opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom and take advantage of it. Which one will you choose? For me, I say we lock arms and get after it! Who’s with me?
Love you and praying for you!
Pastor Tim Fus
Worship Ministries Pastor