We are facing unparalleled challenges not only in our church, but in our world. The ravages of the coronavirus are being felt by each and every one of us. As Christians, let us face this uncertainty with a faith-filled sense of peace, knowing that we are trusting in a loving God who holds us in His hands.
As we endeavor to comply with recommended guidelines to deal with this pandemic, we must also seize the moment to continue ministry as a church. We will have to be creative, flexible, and compassionate in order to serve congregational needs as well as those of our community. We will be experimenting with several new and for us, untried methods including bold steps with technology. While we may not be able to meet together in the sanctuary for the foreseeable future, we will take some baby steps toward an on-line video time of worship and prayer. This will be available to those who have smart phones or on-line computers. Most likely we would utilize the vehicle of our church’s Facebook page and perhaps link it with our church website which is www.harmonyhillchurchofgod.com . As pastor, I am trying to do some new things with our website and will try to freshen it up and make it more current, especially in regards to the calendar and events area. During this time, we will continue to utilize texting on smart phones to quickly disseminate important information and prayer concerns. For those who do not have these capabilities, we will try to use phone calling in order to remain engaged.
I am asking everyone to discover ways to reach out to others who are isolated, vulnerable, and at risk during this time. Develop a contact list of people you can call and check with on a regular basis. You can discover if there is a need, express your personal love and concern, and perhaps even pray with them. People need to know that they are not alone while facing this crisis. When needs arise, we as a church will try to find ways to reach out and help or connect people with those who can help. We will need volunteers who can make phone calls or deliver food items and supplies to those who cannot get out. Anyone with technology skills that they would be willing to invest can also be greatly used. We all can be used by God during this time to reach out and help others in need. All indications seem to say that this crisis will get worse before it gets better. It will affect every family and every individual.
This is very important! Though we are not meeting together at church, the business and work of the church must continue. Bills and financial responsibilities will continue to need to be met. I am trying to lead by example. I just wrote my tithe check to be sent in to the church and I am asking everyone to continue to
faithfully support the church during this time. I am enclosing an envelope for you to use for this purpose. We are also looking into other ways to help you with your contributions during this period. On-line bill payment, set up through your bank or credit union might help some of you. We will be glad to help you figure out how this can be done. We are also looking into other means of on-line giving that would be connected with our web site. We will let you know as these opportunities are developed. These are exciting times for the ministry of God’s church if we will prayerfully embrace the moment and truly be what the church has been called to be. . . . . The hands and feet of Jesus touching the lives of people for Heaven’s sake!
In the love of Christ,
Don W. Hackney, pastor
Parsonage phone: (931) 240-1144 Pastor’s cell phone: (931) 307-5637 Church phone: (931) 433-5940