Pastor’s Perspective October 2023

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thess. 5:18)

Hopewell, Alene, Josh, Kimberly, and I want to say thank you from the depths of our hearts for all acts of kindness extended to each of us. I know I quote Alene often, especially during our Pastoral Anniversary, when she says “people don’t have to be nice, it’s a choice. Therefore, we are so grateful that you have chosen to be nice to us for thirty-four (34) years. We thank God for assigning us to serve this exceptional congregation. And thank you for accepting our leadership and the covenant to follow us even as we follow Christ. All I can say is, To God Be The Glory!

As we enter the month of October let us not be weary in well doing. I am excited about our commitment to renovate Hopewell West for The Training Ground. They deserve a place to worship that is relevant to their generation and experience, and we owe it to them. The conceptual rendering has been completed and the plans are being drawn. So, lets demonstrate to our youth that they are precious and their worship matters.

Hopewell, God continues to stretch our faith as we accept the challenges of church growth. He has blessed us with a progressive ministry and has given us the provisions to meet every challenge. Therefore, let us rise to every trial that threatens the level of ministry God has given us and let us conquer it. Also, as you know this is Breast Cancer awareness month, and Sis. Stanley, along with the Women’s Ministry is asking for our support to assist women who are currently receiving treatment. Let us help them make a difference in the lives of many women.

In closing I want to encourage everyone to plan to be a part of our I-Shift service on the fifth Sunday October 29^th, it is going to be a tremendous blessing for every family and person present.

Hopewell, as I enter my 35^th year of Pastoral service, again, I ask you to honor our covenant and follow me even as I follow Christ.

So, as always, I ask humbly that you continue to honor our covenant, to follow me even as I follow Christ.

Recommitted to Serving God,

Pastor R. C. Stanley