Sunday Morning Schedule

By the time you read this we will have just completed a six-week series of messages wrestling with the question, “What on earth are we here for?” We noted that our tradition has discerned from scripture six “Great Ends” or purposes for the church and for our lives. The beautiful new banners in our sanctuary remind us that in short those purposes are: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Evangelism, and Mission.

Since March our visioning task force (commissioned by the session) has been exploring concrete steps to help us re-organize around these six crucial areas. One of the first issues our session asked them to address was the Sunday morning schedule.

Currently, the challenges facing us Sunday mornings are these:

1. We have 50 minutes allotted for our 9:00 am worship service and almost always run one hour.

2. We have a coffee/refreshment time after the 9:00 service to encourage fellowship and to foster an atmosphere of hospitality which welcomes visitors (evangelism). However, if you choose to stick around for coffee and fellowship you cut into Sunday school time (discipleship).

3. We have Sunday school scheduled from 10:00 - 10:50. Realistically, because of worship and fellowship, this doesn’t begin until 10:15 (at the earliest). And, if you are involved in a ministry, such as choir, or serving as usher or greeter, you have to leave by 10:40 which does not allow much time in class.

4. We know that whenever worship, fellowship, or discipleship are impacted by such time constraints, our mission is impacted; because through them we are encouraged and challenged to act on our faith.

Our task force and session spent much time and effort in study (looking at other churches), congregational survey (over 200 responses received from you in a 2 week period), deliberation, and prayer.

A new Sunday morning schedule was created that they believe will help us better achieve these 6 Great Ends. It will be as follows, including what the task force and session perceive as the benefits:

9:30 – 10:30 – Contemporary Worship / First Sunday school hour

• Allows for a full hour of worship.

• Allows for a full hour of Sunday school (discipleship) and/or Small Groups (fellowship and discipleship).

• Enables evangelism. Studies show a later time (9am or later) is better for reaching those who don’t go to church.

• Studies also show that many youth and young adults prefer later time. This is important because this is a very tough demographic to reach (evangelism).

10:30- 11:00 – Fellowship

• Intentionally bridges the two worship services.

• Provides adequate time to connect with friends and visitors (fellowship and evangelism).

• Allows time for people involved in ministries (choir, worship, greeters, etc) to prepare for their ministry and attend Sunday school (discipleship) if they choose.

• Allows for a common time for congregational meetings which are currently held after the 11:00 am service (not very convenient for those who attend at 9:00).

11:00- 12:00 – Traditional Worship / Second Sunday School hour

• No time change. Our survey found that most members were content with this time slot for our traditional worship.

• Allows for a full hour Sunday school (discipleship) and/or Small Groups (fellowship and discipleship)

We will begin this new schedule on Sunday, January 4, 2009. Obviously, it is not without its own challenges, nor is it perfect for everyone. Some of you will be asked to sacrifice for the health of the whole and for the well-being of those who God is calling us to reach.

We will have a second informational meeting on Sunday morning, November 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. In the meantime, I would love to hear from you if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, or solutions!

There are some beautiful things going on in the life of the church. Our worship and Wednesday night attendance are way up over previous years (usually a good sign of health), and we continue to be involved in serving our community and world in powerful ways. While change is never easy, I believe that this will only enhance our mission and our life together.
 

Peace, Joe.

Worship Services:  

Our Contemporary Worship Service is on Sunday at 9:00 am. 

Our Traditional Worship Service is on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Nursery provided for both services, and church school. 

Church School: - Sunday School Classes are held at 10:00 am. 

New/Existing Adult/ Children's Sunday School Classes -- See below

Monthly Church Key Newsletter will not be mailed anymore - unless...

HBPC is going green! Starting in December we will no longer automatically mail the Church Key to everyone. Instead we will send you a link to our website so that you can view future newsletters electronically. You will be able to print the information you want on your own computer.

Do we have your e-mail address so we can send you the link?

If not, please provide it to the church office no later than November 17th. Or simply send an e-mail with the e-mail address you would like to use. If you use an email client such as Outlook, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes then click on the following link: hodges@hbpcusa.org, or if you use a web browser for your EMAIL, click here to use our feedback form.

If you absolutely have to continue receiving a printed copy of the newsletter please contact the office on 223-6922.

Wednesday Evening:

5:30-6:15 Family Dinner
6:00-6:30 Jammin’ Joys Percussion (2nd—8th grades)
6:15-7:30 Nursery (Birth-3yrs.)
6:30-7:15 Joyful Noise Children’s Choir (2nd—5th graders)
6:30-7:30 Wednesday Friends (PreK—1st graders)
6:30-7:30 Youth fellowship: NOOMA videos, book study
6:30-7:30 Adult Offerings:

Open Bible Study:

• The Book of Ephesians led by Mike Steve

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was designed for those with a need for a deeper and more consistent fellowship with God and His people. Paul wanted his readers to learn more about unity through Christ and for them to have Christ as the center of their lives so they would know how to cope with suffering.

The book of Ephesians compresses a large message into a short space. It gives us good news about the nature of the universe and God’s plan for believers. In many ways, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a summing-up book. Paul gives an overall view of the grand scheme of the Gospel.

Join us for a study of this important book and “Put on the full armor of God” to learn more about Paul’s message to us nearly 2,000 years after it was written. It was good advice then, it is good advice today, and will remain good advice for the future.

The Interpreter’s Bible states “The Epistle to the Ephesians occupies a place of supreme importance in the history of Christian theology.” Join us as we explore this fascinating book. If you don’t know a lot about the Bible, come join us and expand your knowledge. If you do, please come and share your knowledge. Each week stands alone, and the structure of the class is discussion oriented.

Small Groups:

• * Making the Most of Marriage—6 Week DVD Series led by: Joan & Hiram Lomanto, Alice & Chuck Harper

• * They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights from Emerging Generations by Dan Kimball—6 Week DVD Series—This six week study is for those interested in being able to grapple with the challenging questions asked about Christianity and the church today. Led by James Kendrick

* ReGroup—Each new small group will start with this DVD training session on the how-to’s of being a small group.

Come and GROW your faith with us!

A Community of Faith and Friends,

for Fourth and Fifth Graders 2008-2009

A group of tweens and their parents gathered at Ms. Debbie’s house in September and came up with the following calendar of events. The events are meant to build friendships and a safe place to discuss our faith.
 

 

NOVEMBER 8th 3-5 p.m.	WHEN Saturday, Nov. 8 from 3-5 p.m. WHERE Meet at the church then go to Atlantic Pottery COST $10 per person (Scholarships available) THEME Gifts: Why, What, Where, When, Who GUESTS We love friends! Bring a ton of them! RSVP Absolutely! I need a head count. Call or email Debbie at the church!
DECEMBER 13th 3:30—9:00	Annual Tween Progressive Dinner Start early with Hors D'oeuvres at house #1, then go caroling, have entrée at house #2, finishing with dessert at house #3
JANUARY 9-10th 7pm-8am	Tween LOCK-IN at the church!!!!!! CRAZY!!! Start with scavenger hunt or bowling (tbd), then back to the church for video game challenges and spa makeovers, popcorn and a movie. Then…..SLEEEEEEEEP!
FEBRUARY 7th or 8th	ICE skating (Time to be determined - probably in the afternoon.)
MARCH (tbd)	Baldwin Rail Trail Bicycling/Picnic
APRIL (tbd)	Overnight Camping at Hannah Park!!!
MAY (tbd)	DeLeon Springs and Pancake EXPERIENCE!!!

Cost of each adventure and other details will be made known closer to each event. As with all events at the church, scholarships are available. We want all tweens to participate, no matter what!

Adult chaperones will be needed for each event. The lock-in and camp out will need more than the others. Questions? Suggestions? Want to help? Call Debbie or email her at the church.

• Provides perpetual support to ensure that Christ's mission continues beyond our lifetime.
• Nurtures an “attitude of gratitude” for God, the Giver of all good things.
• Supports our church's outreach today, tomorrow and well into the future.
• Strengthens our Christian influence locally and globally.

A brochure explaining the Endowment Program is available in the pew racks, in the church office, or click here to download it.

As one of our members indicated, “The Endowment Fund provides an opportunity to leave a legacy to continue Christ's work after I am gone.” Another member stated, “I am concerned about our physical facility in the future.” The Endowment Fund can now accept gifts addressing this long term need.

I am sure you have been approached by your college or university and other charities concerning long term and deferred giving opportunities. Now HBPC’s Endowment Fund can provide the same deferred giving opportunities working through the Presbyterian Foundation, which has $1.9 billion in assets.

Feel free to address your questions to Pastor Joe or to me, as Chair of the Endowment Fund, or to one of the following Committee Members or Advocates: Maryellen Beiletti, Milton Fulton, Marie Hix, David Johnson, Fran Meza, Brant Newland, George Ross, Bill Sick, Andrea Stutler, Edythe Tebbs, or Roger Tompkins.

More information on the Endowment Fund will be available at the Wills Emphasis Seminar.

Come, Sing, and Play with

“The Light Within”!

We are a music program that allows individuals at all levels of experience (beginners welcome) to explore their talents of musical expression.  Our hope, while not mandatory, is for those who participate to join us in presenting these efforts as special musical offerings in a worship setting.  We meet on most Sunday Mornings at 11:00 in the Fellowship Hall.

Call Joel Kovacs @294-7234 for more information.

Audio                                                      Music

You Are My King                                    You Are My King

Shout to the North                                    Shout to the North

A Prayer 

Road Trip For Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study
 

Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Invites you to…

Come as you are, any Wednesday morning at 9:15-10:30, and join a great bunch of women as they seek to find joy in following God’s will for their lives.

Wednesday, November 12th, we will be beginning a new 6 or 7 week Women of Faith Bible Study called Knowing God’s Will. How many of us have asked that question and not known where to look for answers. Some of god’s guidance is given by Jesus himself, who laid out a foundational principle: “Seek first the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 6:33) Seek!

Call or email Debbie Abbott to reserve your copy today. ($7)
By popular demand, a group of us are going back to eat lunch at the Clara White Mission on Friday, November 14th.

Be at the church, ready to leave exactly at 11:00. We will be back at the church no later than 12:55 so Moms can pick up children at 1:00. The cost is $7 for the lunch.

Check out the Clara White web site: www.clarawhitemission.org . They usually list the menu for the day.

Call Debbie to reserve your spot on the van. EVERYONE is welcome.

Report On Hurricane IKE, by Milton Fulton, PDA NRT Volunteer.

After Hurricane Ike came ashore on Galveston Island, Texas, September 13, 2008, I was deployed as a member of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) National Response Team (NRT) to the Presbytery of New Covenant in Houston. General Presbyter Rev. Mike Cole requested that PDA send in teams to help the Presbytery respond to the needs of their churches, their members and those in the coastal areas impacted by this Category 2 storm.
I arrived on Thursday, September 18, along with my teammate from St. Louis, MO. There were six PDA NRT members deployed during that week for a total of twelve team members. We found that the catastrophic damage was in a wide area along the Texas coast as well as in western Louisiana. The barrier islands took a direct hit that flattened homes, destroyed mariners and businesses and left behind widespread flooding. Working with Rev. Mike Cole, PDA NRT teams were tasked to:

Assist the Presbytery in organizing a Hurricane Ike Recovery Committee;
Make contact with the churches in the Presbytery to find out how each church and their members fared;
Scout possible locations for placement of PDA Volunteer Villages;
Assess the damage in the affected areas in order to determine how much assistance would be needed.
Most of the Presbytery churches received only minor damage, but some in the coastal areas will be a long time cleaning up and restoring their buildings to a usable state. Millions, including homes, churches and businesses lost power that was slow coming back because the damaged area was so large.
Now the recovery phase begins. When we left, a volunteer coordinator was in place, and a recovery committee had begun their most difficult work and two volunteer village sites were recommended to PDA. General Presbyter Mike Cole was very thankful for our presence and assistance. To quote Rev. Cole “We’ve got a lot left to do, but without you (PDA NRT) we would still be stuck on ‘What do we do next?’”
The PCUSA through PDA will be working along the Texas coast for many years to help those who most need assistance rebuilding their homes and somehow getting their lives back to normal. Your financial help and your volunteering to work in the IKE recovery will be appreciated.
PDA is funded in part by the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

Mission Trip to New Orleans - Photos:

On May 11-17 2008 a group of HBPC members traveled to New Orleans on a Katrina Relief Mission Trip that was sponsored by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Those who participated were: Herb & Jane Ramsdell, Milton & Margaret Fulton, Mel & Sue Williams, Dan Gutshall & Lynette Kennison, Carolyn Wohlwend, Martha Shafer, Carol Daniels, Scott Thornton (Carol’s son-in-law), Manny Ordonez.

To see photos of their trip please click here.

Here at Hodges we want to make sure that each and every child feels that he/she: Belongs—to God and to a community of faith Trusts—can depend on us as family, friends, disciples of Christ Knows God—trust is based on knowing God’s love Has faith—children need role models of faith Feels secure and safe IS LOVED!

Working with our children is a ministry of love and connection. Children learn through warm, loving, accepting persons and through the community of faith.

For more information about Children’s Ministries at Hodges contact:
Debbie Abbott, Director of Children’s Ministries, at 223-6922 or email her at dabbott@hbpcusa.org

Children’s Choirs Update: Joyful Noise, Jammin’ Joys And Cherub Choirs

Wow! What a busy fall we have all had! Our children have been doing an awesome job of participating in worship and other activities here at the church. Thank you to all who sang and played during the World Communion Sunday services. Many people commented that the drum circle at the beginning of worship was very meaningful and well done!

Another big thank you to the Joyful Noise members and parents who participated in the Music and Arts Festival. Several people asked if we could do that piece again during worship.

On SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd, both choirs will be singing at the special 10:00 Commitment Sunday service. PLEASE be at the church by 9:15 that Sunday. Many different groups will be preparing for this worship and we need to be punctual! (P.S. Remember that the time changes that weekend!

Going Forward Into 2009:

The theme for this year’s Fall stewardship campaign is GO! We want to be people who GO before the Lord, GO beyond ourselves, and GO to the ends of the earth. Jesus said: “GO into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.” (Mark 16:15)

HBPC has been active this year in Going into the world to live out our faith. Some examples include:

• Completing a house along with 11 other churches as part of the Apostles` Build for Habitat for Humanity.
   

• Providing food, shelter and comfort to over half dozen homeless families as part of the Family Promise ministry.
   

• Supporting the Jamaica Mutual Mission of our Presbytery with medical supplies and personal assistance by our own Nancy Robinson.
   

• Sending a work team to New Orleans to continue the reconstruction by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance after Hurricane Katrina.

Besides your Time and Talents, we also need your Treasures to carry on the Mission and Ministry to God’s people – both within and outside this congregation.

We will have a mail campaign this year where each family in mid October will receive a letter from a member of the congregation asking for your support for the Church’s ministry for 2009 along with a Commitment Card.

On Sunday, November 2 at 10a.m., we will have a Combined Service when we will dedicate our 2009 Commitments to the Glory of God. Then at 11a.m., we will have a Celebration Brunch in the Fellowship Hall to give thanks for the financial support of our members.

In the coming weeks, take time to prayerfully consider this theme of GO! Pray for spiritual renewal in your family and in our church family. And pray about your Financial Commitment for 2009. Then celebrate with us on November 2 during worship and the brunch.

Tim Keeley, for the Stewardship Mission Team

October 7th was the preschool’s Friendship Night when parents, friends, and relatives of the children came by to get to know each other and to see what happens in our classrooms. We served cookies and lemonade and there was a lot of chatter and socializing happening. The Pre-K classes made cookies to give to their families as a thank you gift and the families brought school supplies for Arlington Community Services. We collected a lot of boxes of markers, crayons, paper and pencils which have already arrived at their destination!
The curriculum has had a definite fall feel to it and many leaves and trees have been coming out of the classrooms and into some of your homes. In the next few weeks I have no doubt that we shall be thanking God for the many pumpkins he supplied for us!
Several of the classes have been looking at community helpers and how wonderful it is to be a member of the community. In keeping with these they were treated to a visit by a fire truck.
Lastly, I’m sure that many of you may think that the staff sleeps here at the preschool. No! I recently had a visit to my office from one of the 2 year olds who wondered where I disappeared to after visiting the classroom. After looking around for a while she asked, “Where’s your bed?” Out of the mouths of babes! This is just one of the many funny things we get to hear in the wonderful program God allows us to enjoy here.  Janet Saunders. 904-254-7304.

Presbyterian Women News

The PW Cookbook has been a great success, and we have raised over $1300. The earnings will be divided evenly among PACE, Thornwell Children’s Home, Montgomery Conference Center, The Kay Beckman Scholarship Fund, and needed items for our church. We have already purchased 4 new tables for Fellowship Hall. If you have not purchased a cookbook, it is not too late. They make great Christmas or hostess gifts, and they are available in the church office during regular office hours for $10 each.

We will begin a new fundraiser led by Pamella White. High quality costume jewelry will be for sale through the circles. Samples will be on display at circle meetings and catalogues are available to make choices for orders. PW will receive 50% of the amount sold. If you do not regularly attend a circle, ask Pamella White or Maryellen Beiletti for information, or better yet, come to a circle meeting. Morning, afternoon, or evening times are available, and we know you will enjoy it. Call the church office for information 223-6922

Our annual Christmas Gathering will be Monday evening, December 1st at 6:30 p.m. We hope you can join us for a delicious dinner and festivities to begin the holiday season.

Wayfarers:

For 55 and over; married or single.

Most excursions (day or overnight) require headcounts and reservations.

Please allow for a full day unless otherwise noted.

Contact Herb & Jane Ramsdell for more information: 641-0728

Session Minutes:

At the request of session we are including the minutes from Stated Session meetings for the following months:

May 2008 Stated Session meeting.  Click here to download it...

June 2008 Stated Session meeting.  Click here to download it...

July 2008 Stated Session meeting.  Click here to download it...

"Hanging of the Greens"
Preparing for Advent - Sunday, November 23rd

Following 11:00 service, Sunday, November 23rd, bring a pot (crock pot) of chili or soup—enough for your family +4. We will have a quick lunch followed by a little work in the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary. Sign up in the bulletin or call the church office 223-6922.