I can’t believe it’s been 2 weeks since my last celebration letter, but time does fly when you’re having fun! Fun? Are we allowed to have fun as a church? After all, we’ve all seen too many movies where being a part of a church family is seen as boring, even drudgery, yet obligatory. However, Jesus told the disciples in John 10:10,
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
While the promise of abundant life doesn’t mean an absence of trials, it does imply joyful, celebratory worship, and maybe even that the church is a place that a little fun can be had too.
Below are some of our recent celebrations, some dates you need to know, a need you can help meet, and our financial updates from the past two weeks.
Continued Growth and Powerful Worship: God has been so incredibly faithful throughout all of 2020. To think that our church would continue to experience growth and such powerful worship in the midst of a pandemic is truly humbling. You may not be able to always tell, but the number of people coming back continues to increase each week. It should be noted that we are still taking every precaution to keep our church family and guests as safe as possible and if you want to know more you can still view our guidelines on hhbc.net/coronavirus. 9:30 a.m. is still the safest service for participating while social distancing. If you are still unable to join us in person, our tech team does an incredible job streaming our service live at 11:00 a.m. That said, if you haven’t been able to join us for in-person worship and are able to do so health-wise, God has been moving in powerful ways each week and we hope to see you again soon.
Life Change: Over the past several weeks, we have celebrated multiple baptisms as well as seen a number of people give their life to Christ with a desire to be baptized soon. If you or someone you know would like to take either of these steps of faith you can get more information at hhbc.net/nextsteps.
Children and Youth Camps: Last week was youth camp and next week our children will be heading to camp Oak Hill. God uses camps like these every year to bring real life-change to children and youth as they surrender their lives to Christ, learn what it means to walk-by-faith following Jesus, and are even called into the ministry. We already saw God move in tremendous ways last week and are praying expectantly that He will do it again at children’s camp next week. Will you join us in prayer today to thank Him for His goodness and for Him to move next week continuing to change lives with the power of His gospel?
Save the Dates/Join in the Fun:
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.
Sunday, August 16th, Dr. David Wheeler will be back with us for worship in both services. It is also promotion Sunday for our Children’s and Youth Ministries.
Sunday, August 23rd, we are launching several new life groups. Look for more info in the coming weeks and if you are interested in joining a Life Group, let us know at hhbc.net/nextsteps.
Sunday, August 30th, at 6:30 p.m. we are planning a time of celebration where we will also be sharing exciting updates regarding the life and ministry here at HHBC. Yes, there are a few things that need voted on. Yes, that officially makes this a business meeting. BUT I assure you, it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Meet a Need: One current need we have is updating some technology in our Life Group spaces, including adding new TV’s to several (at least 4) rooms. We estimate that we can accomplish this for under $1500 (Smart TV, Stand/Mounts, and Adaptors). If you are interesting in helping us update these rooms please contact Kathy Straw at kstraw@hhbc.net or by calling the office, and she will connect you with the right people.
Also, there is a family in our community whose house burnt down. If you’d like to contribute to their needs, you may drop items or gift cards off at the church office and Pastor Mike will make sure this family receives your gifts.
HHBC Weekly Financials:
July 19th Weekly Offering: $38,726.63
July 26th Weekly Offering: $31,556.34
Weekly Budget: $33,228.00
As of July 27th, 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 may 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.
4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:4-7
Dr. Josh Carter
Senior Pastor