"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness." (Isaiah 9:2)
Most people have seen 2020 as a year full of darkness, or at least full of much frustration. Words like “pandemic,” “new-normal,” and “unprecedented” have now become part of our regular vocabulary. Yet, in the midst of the darkness, during this time of year -- Christmas, we are reminded that night does not have the final say. A light has come. His name is Jesus. We who know Jesus and are called by His name, no longer live in darkness. True, it may come around now and then. Yet we live in the light of hope because we have eternal light and eternal life. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let each of us remember that Jesus is the light of the world, and he shines brightest through His people as they live out His mission… especially in the midst of momentary times of darkness.
Thank You to HHBC Men’s Ministry
This past Wednesday evening our men’s ministry helped knock out a few projects around the church, including battery replacement on many of our indoor security lights and helping to sound-proof the new offices by placing extra insulation in the ceilings. Thank you to all who served this past Wednesday! In addition, if you have not yet plugged into what God is doing through our Men’s and Women’s ministries, you’re missing tremendous opportunities to grow in your faith, experience amazing friendships, and serve alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ. I can’t wait to see what God does through these ministries in 2021!
Family Christmas Photo Op!
Only one week left! Everyone loves a great Christmas photo. Make sure to check out our family photo booth at entrance one to grab your photo this week. The photo area will remain set up through December 20th.
A Candlelight Christmas Service:
Sunday evening, December 20th, at 6:00 p.m., Hyland Heights will host a Christmas Candlelight Service as we enter into the week where we celebrate the birth of our Savior. This worship experience is family friendly: children will be encouraged to participate and will be given glow sticks to use during the candle-lighting portion of the evening. We hope you, your family, and your friends will join us for this special night of celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Advance Winter Bible Conference:
In the first two weeks, spots have already started filling up! January 24-27 (6:30-8:00pm), Hyland Heights will be hosting our first ever Winter Bible Conference. We have an absolutely incredible line-up of guest speakers that you are going to want to hear each night. Please remember that registration is limited. You can register your family today or learn more by going to hhbc.net/advance.
Your End-of-Year Generosity Makes an Impact:
We want to say thank you once again for your generosity and remind you that your giving truly does make an incredible impact in the lives of our church family, community, and around the world as we share the gospel of Jesus. Your family’s regular giving and end-of-year gifts can help us finish 2020 stronger than ever, and even get a head start on our church’s 2021 goals. Please remember that your end-of-year gifts are tax deductible on your 2021 tax return if they are postmarked by December 31st, 2020. You can always give online as well at hhbc.net/give. Thank you for your heart and continued support of the ministry at Hyland Heights Baptist Church.
HHBC Weekly Financials:
December 13th Weekly Offering: $32,161.91
Weekly Budget: $33,228.00
As of December 18th, we have received 100% of our year-to-date budget.
Sunday Reminders:
Please remember that giving in worship will continue to look different as long as Covid-19 persists. We will not pass the plates for your safety, but will have offering boxes at each entrance to the worship center where you can give as you enter or exit. For many, we know that you have started to give online, and this continues to be an excellent choice to make giving easier/safer for you, and to make sure that the ministry and mission of HHBC continues to impact more lives in the weeks to come. If you would like to give to Hyland Heights online, simply go to hhbc.net/give.
HHBC continues to strive to keep our church family safe during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. We continue to encourage everyone to take the precautions you would take when entering into any other building. If doing things like social distancing, washing hands well, and wearing masks can help us love our neighbors better and avoid potential spread in our church family so we can continue worshiping together in person, we should strive to do these things as much as we are able. We also want to remind everyone that the 9:30 service still has plenty of room for you and your family to join us while best maintaining social distancing. Thank you for your help and understanding as we strive to keep the people we love as safe as possible. For additional information on HHBC’s response to Covid-19 go to hhbc.net/coronavirus.
Seeking the Light of the world,
Dr. Josh Carter
Senior Pastor