Pastor’s Perspective December 2021

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Hopewell in the words of our Chairman of the Executive Board Deacon Marvin Lowe, we have entered the last mile of 2021. And we can all say without any reservations that God has been extremely Good to The Hopewell Family. Yes, this has been a challenging 11 miles, but The Lord has supplied our every need. He has comforted us in our sorry, strengthened us in our weakness, assured us when we doubted, healed us in our sickness, and provided us with our necessities. This is a good place to say, THANK YOU!!!

Since we have regathered God has manifested Himself in ways that has caused us to marvel. While all of us have not fully regathered yet, God has moved by His Power both during our in-person and virtual worship. The scriptures are clear Faith Honors God and God Honors Faith; and because of our faithfulness to Him as a Congregation, He has poured out His Blessings on all of us.

Hopewell, this time last year we were Sheltered in Place, worshiping only via livestreaming. But look at God, we are gathered back in the House of The Lord. And we will be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior together as we reflect on that recognized historical event when God took on the likeness of man that he might save humanity. John said He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly or in all its fullness. And what can be fuller than to receive eternal life. As always, I am asking every member to participate in our Happy Birthday Jesus celebration by bring a sacrificial gift of one hundred ($100.00) dollars or whatever you are able to give. Because Christmas will be on Saturday this year, we will only have a Christmas service, Saturday at 9:30am and we will not attend church on Sunday. On Sunday, I am encouraging all of us to spend time with our family. This is also, a good time to have a rewind Sunday. Find a service to view with your family. Now in order for this to be successful, I am asking everyone that is able, to bring your family and friends to this one-of-a-kind Christmas service. Let’s make this Different, but not Deficient, worship experience memorable.

Hopewell, as we enter this last mile of 2021, we do not want to become complacent or uncommitted, for it is imperative that we finish strong with our time, talent, and treasure. In fact, I would like to challenge those who are interested in finishing strong in the area of time to purpose in your heart to attend as many in-person services as possible; those who want to finish strong in your talent, whatever ministry or auxiliary you have served in, reconnect yourself and get involved; and those who want to finish strong in your treasure, I challenge you to make sure your tithe (10%) is a true representation of the amount of income the Lord has blessed you with this year. It has been said, the way you lay down is the way you rise up. And I believe the way to finish a year is the way you go forward into the New Year. LET’S FINISH STRONG!!!!!

As always as we navigate through this last mile with the commitment to finish Strong, I ask that you follow me even as I follow Christ.

Christ Is the Cause For Christmas,

Pastor R.C. Stanley