Shine Jesus’ Light!

Sunday we wrapped up our last day of VBS! It was wonderful to celebrate with our whole church family! Thanks for celebrating with us! Each day at VBS, we had a Bible point:
 
When life feels dark, shine Jesus’ light! (John 8:12) 
When people don’t get along, shine Jesus’ light! (Romans 12:16)
When good things happen, shine Jesus’ light! (Psalm 100:1)
When people are sad, shine Jesus’ light! (John 14:1)
When people need help, shine Jesus’ light! (Matthew 5:16)
 
We had so much fun, making new friends, playing games, eating snacks, and learning all about shining Jesus’ light! We had 41 registered students, and 67 volunteers, the highest numbers for both we have had since returning to VBS on campus in 2021! We also had 4 first time decisions from students who gave their lives to the Lord on day 4 of VBS!! Praise the Lord!! God is SO good. He provided all we needed, and He filled any voids.
 
Thank you all! Thank you for praying for this event. Thank you for helping pick up set donations. Thank you for serving as station leaders and assistant leaders and crew leaders! Thank you for donating funds and purchasing supplies! You guys are amazing! We could not have done VBS without you! THANK YOU! God moved on hearts of kiddos, volunteers, and parents. Please be praying in the coming weeks as God continues to move and people continue to respond. 
 
Many Blessings,
Pastor Sarah


It’s Not About Me

Youth Camp 2023 was absolutely an amazing experience. While I was excited to be going with 3 of the young ladies from HFC, I started to question saying yes as I was packing; was I the right person? Could I really do this? Packing for camp when I was twelve versus packing for youth camp at forty-eight was quite a bit different. I remember “younger Naomi” just throwing some clothes in a bag and barely remembering the other suggested items on the packing list if at all. This time around, the items in my bags reflected all the what if scenarios I imagined in addition to what I needed. The trunk of Gracie (my car) was about ½ full before anyone else added their stuff. I have learned over the years how to pack things well and we made it all work with a little room to spare.
 
Over the 5 days we had combined worship, breakout sessions, games, meals, & quiet time. We got to know each other a bit better, but more importantly experience God in a way we never have before and grow closer to him. The youth at camp (not just our HFC youth) need the Lord, in a big way. I was able to talk with youth that are hurting and longing for love, acceptance, and truth. Our God is exactly who they need in their lives, and they are open to having a relationship with him. We (you and I) need to do everything we can to demonstrate the love of Christ so that they see a better and different way.
 
I’m so glad I trusted God in going to camp. He gave me exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it for His glory and honor. It is not about me (us), it is all about others and most differently about Him! This week in addition to praying for VBS, please pray for the youth.
 
Your Sister In Christ,
Naomi J. Dingle


Q&A Celebrations

Monday night your staff hosted another HFC Q&A which was richly beneficial. We discussed incredible questions like:
When is our next baptism service?
Why are we looking at using an accounting company?
Why did all the staff go to the Church of God Convention?
When are we going back to Kenya?
What’s up with those Oreo Brownies?
 
It was a great time of conversation (while we ate Beth’s dairy-free Oreo brownies) and a perfect set up for the annual business meeting coming up this Wednesday, July 19th at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. In this meeting we will further discuss the proposal by the Elders to begin using an
accounting company starting in August (but sadly we will not have any brownies).
 
If you have registered to vote in the business meeting please be sure to attend as we do have minimum participation requirements in order to conduct business according to our bylaws. If you still need to register click here to fill out the online form.
 
See you Wednesday night at 7:00 pm!
Pastor Tim


Special Called Worship Meeting

The Elders and I have called a special business meeting of the church to consider the approval of an expense beyond what was already approved by the congregation in November of last year. This would provide accounting services for HFC at a rate not to exceed $950 per month for the remainder of 2023.
 
So why are we even asking for this? It is important to recognize that before I became the pastor with HFC a paid staff member maintained financial records, ensured that bills were paid, ensured the accuracy of offerings each week, reconciled accounts, and worked with the benevolence team to address any financial needs that the congregation may be able to help with. The Treasurer—a volunteer position ratified by the church—would provide an additional set of eyes as a measure of checks and balances. Presently Naomi takes care of the offerings (most of which are now online) and Cindi Sims was hired to handle the bills (although she has been asked to assist well beyond that). The responsibility for everything else has fallen onto the Treasurer with HFC.
 
While those who have served in the role of Treasurer over the last eight years have been gracious to volunteer more time than the role should have required the Elders and I have recognized that we need to do a better job of protecting the position that is ratified by the church. It is designed to be a role that provides checks and balances to our financial systems but it has become a role that is responsible to produce those systems.
 
As the Elders and I begin to work on the 2024 budget in August we will make financial arrangements for these things to be covered through an outside accounting company. The extra-budgetary expense that we are asking you to prayerfully consider would allow us to make the transition within the next month or two rather than waiting for January.
 
When we gather together for the HFC Q/A on Monday, July 17th and for the Special Called Business Meeting on Wednesday, July 19th we invite you to prayerfully discern with us the way of wisdom moving forward. In the Church of God we believe heavily in the unity of God’s Holy Spirit as we all come together in a posture of listening and submitting to him. That makes this time together an opportunity for genuine worship in which we might all experience a move of God.
 
If you have any questions in advance, please do not hesitate to email me at pastortim@hfcog.org . Let’s all pray in advance for clarity, discernment and wisdom.
In Him,
Pastor Tim
 
You can register for the Special Called Business Meeting HERE, but if you registered for November 2022 meeting, you do not need to re-register.


New Challenge

We just got back from the Church of God convention last week and let me tell you, it was a blast! Not only did we get to meet new people, worship together, receive the word of God every single day, but we even ended the conference by having communion together. To me, that was awesome. One take away and a question that is still resonating with me is the fact that the conversation might be over, but we still have work to do.
 
My favorite quote from the first conference was “step into your influence ” There is a lot of work to be done for the Kingdom of God.” Yes, we are saved, but what about those around us, our families, friends, etc? They also need Jesus. That is why we need to stand in faith and in our influence, so that they can also know our Lord and Savior.
 
If you are asking yourself or maybe you are even wondering “What can I do or who can I reach?”, let me tell you, only you can reach the people you know. God has placed you in a place where you can influence others, you do not need to be a theologian, you just need to be you and God will do the rest.
 
Thank you for praying for the staff as we were in Tampa FL, for the convention. We got to process different things happening during this convention. Even being part of the general assembly was fruitful. To know that there are people paving the way for the next generation (stepping into their influence) was a great privilege.
Step into your influence.
With love, Pastor David


How to . . . Summer

When you read this my family and I will be returning from Ohio after going to visit with our parents, grandparents and cousins for summer vacation. As with any change of season there are always new schedules to work through and new stresses to deal with. However, these can also be great opportunities to focus not just on what you do but how you do it.
 
Here are a couple things we can all focus on…
 
Be intentional to have quality time with God each day. Read your Bible, pray, and fast, but don’t just go through the motions. Be intentional to really connect with the Lord. Don’t just read but study too. Don’t just pray but listen too.
 
Build relationships with new people. Don’t just do the regular small talk thing. Take time to be vulnerable and transparent in conversation with new people you meet or with the people you haven’t talked to in a long time. Who knows, they might follow your example and create an opportunity to talk about how Jesus is working in your life.
 
Learn your lessons. Don’t just get through the summer and then talk about how fast the time went by. Journal about all that God is doing in your life as you go. God is speaking to you, showing you things, calling you to more. Listen and remember all that he is doing by writing it down and then sharing it with others.
 
Wherever the Lord takes you this summer think about how you can be disciples that are following whole heartedly after Jesus, and how we can make disciples who do the same. God is able!
In Him,
Pastor Tim


What’s Next?

We just celebrated Graduation Sunday and it was so much fun! Being able to celebrate this big achievement as a church family is extremely important. This celebration also means the end of a chapter for our three graduates, so what’s next?
 
Maybe they will be going off to college close by or super far away.  Maybe they want to work for a year to save some money, or just start working in an area they love.
 
I know our graduates will be fine in whatever they decide to do because they have Christ in their hearts, If they have Him they have everything. With Christ, the “what’s next” it’s not so scary, because knowing that if they feel lonely, anxious or overwhelmed we can trust and rely on God to calm and guide their hearts.
 
Maybe you graduated 10, 20, 30 years ago and you know how hard life can be, Let’s make sure this generation learns to trust God, to rely on Him, to put Him first. Let’s make sure they have a relationship with our Creator, to ensure that whatever happens next, it will be in God’s hands.
 
With love,
Pastor David


Summer Shifts

In our house the summer schedule looks way different than the rest of the year. So this past weekend we all sat down to talk through all the shifts in the summer calendar so that we are all on the same page.
 
That might be a good idea for the HFC family too…
 
Shift to Celebration. We kicked this off this past Sunday by celebrating the multiplication of 4 of our Community Groups. This coming Sunday we will also celebrate our graduates and God’s faithfulness to them. And the greatest celebration of them all was the baptism of Dawn Lopez! If you want to celebrate the new life you have in Christ lets celebrate your baptism too!
 
Shift to Community Groups. This summer all of our Community Groups will take a break but they will start back again in September. Pray for the Community Group Leaders and Naomi and I lead them in a special group just for them.
 
Shift to Events. This week an HPD officer will lead an Active Shooter Training on Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. The Church of God Convention is June 22-25 in Tampa, FL and the entire staff will attend. Youth Camp is July 15-19. Then the Hallettesville Campmeeting is July 19-22. Finally, Vacation Bible School will be July 26-30. Mark your calendars now!
 
Don’t let these shifts sneak up on you. Let’s get prepared for all that God will do through each of these opportunities. Who knows how he might lead you to some shifts of your own!
In Him,
Pastor Tim


An Amazing Outfit Helps!

I have always had a love for fashion – and can I tell you some stories of what my parents had to endure when I was younger… from multiple pairs of socks, to a 45 record over a ponytail on top of my head heading to a nice dinner. Back in the early 90’s I began in retail at Learners the Northwest Mall location. It was awesome to get paid to style ladies, dress mannequins and do floor & window displays. Retail remained a huge part of my life from Learners, The Walk In Closet Resale Shop and finally Lane Bryant.
 
I am so thankful that providing clothing for ladies led to some of the best friendships, experiences, and life defining moments and transformations. Watching a lady come into the store with uncertainty of what to wear, allowing us to clothe her and then seeing her leave with a new outfit or two was beautiful. The relationships that grew into friendships kept her returning to stop by the store when she had something to share like upcoming vacations, career changes, weddings, graduations, and even funerals. She knew we were there with the doors open, ready to receive her and help her find what worked best for the situation.
 
Just like the lady coming into the store, our Lord is there for us – arms open wide ready to receive us and help. When I go to Him with uncertainty about something and need His help and guidance He is ready to listen, advise and provide. This past week, Pastor Tim talked about humility. That we are to be humble. In our Bible study last Wednesday we read in 1 Peter 5:5 that we are to clothe ourselves in humility towards one another. I trust that God will help me to be humble as I submit to Him and He will clothe me. Be encouraged! Lean in to Him and let Him clothe you in the most amazing outfit!
 
Your Sister In Christ,
Naomi J. Dingle


How To . . . Jesus

Step 1: Introduce the topic
This month we are working through a sermon series called, “How to…” In the series we are wrestling with how to look like Jesus with people and in places where we might not always see people who look like Jesus. So far we have looked at engaging people who don’t know Jesus and working through suffering. This week we will explore how to have political conversations and next week will look into engaging people in an LGBTQ lifestyle.
 
Step 2:Present the challenge
In all of these situations it is important for us to know what we believe and why we believe it. However, it is even more important to know HOW to communicate to others in a way the reflects Jesus. Think about it. If we say the right thing in the wrong way people won’t hear the truth. However, even if we say the wrong thing in the right way people will probably give us an opportunity to make it right.
 
Step 3: Support with Scripture
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). When we love well others will be more inclined to continue the conversation because they know they can trust our love. Without knowing HOW to love others well in the name of Jesus we may be dead in the water.
 
Step 4: Close before they stop reading
Only Jesus was Jesus. He is the only one who was perfect and even still he got crucified for it. Some conversations are just going to be difficult but as we seek to follow the model that Jesus gave us we will see his Holy Spirit work in the hearts of everyone involved… including ours.
 
In Him,
Pastor Tim


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