Weekly Celebration! (July 14)
Throughout college and seminary I remember often repeating, “I don’t mind the reading or writing so much... I just hate the due dates!” I thought I was quite whimsical and clever in this assertion. The truth is, sometimes I looked at the calendar and just didn’t know how I was going to make it all happen. As the world begins to open up again, I’ve found, and you probably have too, the calendar filling up and that old uncertainty about how to make it all happen began to run through my mind. Anxiety and worry are real emotions, though it’s a little funny having them on the other side of Covid-19 when things seem to be getting back to some sort of normal again! Still, God knew we would face many times in life where these emotions would creep in and gave us a strategy to have victory over them. God’s strategy to overcome worry is prayer!
As these thoughts attempted to stir up trouble in my brain, God’s Word began to form in my mind, pushing my anxious thoughts away.
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
I’ve quoted these verses hundreds of times and prayed them a hundred more. But today they were fresh again. It was as if God spoke to my heart saying once more, I can handle this. Whatever circumstances come, whatever trials still lay ahead, however hectic the schedule gets, turn it all over to Me. Rely on My strength. Trust My provision.
What’s even better, was in that moment, almost immediately, I could feel my spirit settle. The peace I needed, the peace of God that surpasses understanding and guides our hearts, that peace began to come over me as I took my worry to God in prayer.
I hope you are enjoying the new sermon series on prayer, “Thy Kingdom Come: Praying and Living out the Prayer of Jesus,” as much as I am. I’m learning, growing in faith, and my own prayer life is already changing for the better too! If you missed either of the first two sermons you can check them out at hhbc.net/watch.
Below are a few other highlights as well as our weekly financial update.
Lifeway Women’s Simulcast Event: Ladies, on Saturday, August 8th, Hyland Heights will be hosting a women’s ministry simulcast from 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Speakers include Beth Moore, Pricilla Shirer, Kelly Minter, Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, and more. Cost will be $10 and include a boxed lunch. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and to keep everyone safe during the event space will be limited for this event. For more information and to register for the event go to hhbc.net/women. If you have questions about the event you can email us women@hhbc.net.
Baptism Sunday: This coming Sunday we will be baptizing during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Baptism is an amazing celebration of what God has done, bringing new life into a person as they trust Jesus as their Savior. They are celebrations of God’s extraordinary grace! We look forward to Sunday’s celebration and hope you and your family will join with us. If you or someone you know has a question about baptism you can learn more at hhbc.net/nextsteps and even sign up to be baptized at one of our upcoming baptism services by clicking the baptism link on that page.
Next Steps: Knowing your next steps in life is so important! We use this phrase often around HHBC to help others and to help you know how you can best grow as a follower of Christ here at Hyland Heights. Due to Covid-19, we currently have a backlog of over 30 people who have completed our connect class and have joined HHBC since January but have not been able to take our next steps class which teaches about how to grow in your faith as well as find how God has gifted you to serve as a part of our church family. In addition, we also have many people who have been members of HHBC for years who may feel stuck in their walk with God and we want you to know that this class is for you too! Join us by going to hhbc.net/nextsteps and clicking the “next steps” link on the page to register for an upcoming class.
HHBC Weekly Financials:
Weekly Offering: $35,659.60
Weekly Budget: $33,228.00
As of July 13th, we have received 106% of our year-to-date budget.
Please continue to remember that giving in worship will continue to look different throughout phase 2 of our regathering plan. We will not pass the plates for your safety, but will have offering baskets where you can give as you exit the worship center following whichever service you attend. 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 the weeks to come. If you would like to give to Hyland Heights online, simply go to hhbc.net/give.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Dr. Josh Carter
Senior Pastor