Dear HBC family,
The Corona-virus shutdown has been challenging for all of us. The closing of churches, schools, businesses and all public gatherings has been a major inconvenience. All of this will one day come to an end, but in the meantime, we must address how to proceed with returning to our traditional ministry at Hillcrest Bible Church. Most seem to think this will be gradual – one phase after another. It is our intention to be very careful with the health concerns of each one of you. And, we also have the responsibility of honoring our governing authorities. The elders and deacons are actively considering all of our options.
For the present, it is our intention to continue with online videos of our Morning Services and online live Adult Sunday School classes through May 31st. We will reconsider our options at that time. No firm decisions have been made by us – as startup procedures seem to be changing on a daily basis. At some point, we will plan for limited numbers to attend the morning service – perhaps rotating through those who would like to attend. No matter how we proceed, it is our expectation that you will return to church when you deem best. We perfectly understand that everyone needs to be free to decide how they will return – without pressure from arrangements made by us.
We just want you to know that starting up again is a priority for the leaders at the church. Electronic church can never replace the gathering of the church together. We all need the spiritual ministry of the Word and the loving fellowship of the saints. Ministry of spiritual gifts to one another is a most important function of the church. It is the reason that God has purposed that we come together for church on the Lord’s day. We intend to be faithful to the Lord in this regard.
When this pandemic releases its grip upon our world, we should emerge from it for the better. We are more than victims of a worldwide plague. We can be more than mere survivors of this great annoyance. By God’s grace, we should come forth from disaster refreshed in our faith in Christ. Christians will always face trials and tribulations, but these can only strengthen our relationship with the Lord. How can this happen? First, in the face of dark times, always remember to be thankful for your salvation in Christ. Today COVID-19 is a tremendous problem, but it pales in significance to the eternal sufferings of sinners in hell. Before we were saved, this doom was ours. God’s love saved us from sin and death – and we should be joyful and thankful for our eternal salvation in Christ. Second, when times grow dark, reaffirm your understanding and trust in the sovereignty of God. God owns and rules His creation – including our current Coronavirus and also us. A true understanding of divine sovereignty results in submission to God. It brings us to our knees before God in prayer. We rest in Him – knowing His love and care for us never fails. The ways of God are indeed mysterious, but His promise to be with us and make us more like Christ governs all that He does.
John Calvin’s enduring slogan is “Post Tenebras Lux” – meaning “After Darkness Light”. Let us be praying that we come out of these dark days standing firmly in the light of God’s truth. Let us also pray that many who do not know the Lord will be brought to salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. May the Lord cause His light to brightly shine in our hearts and in our world in the coming days.
Please contact the church if you have any needs for prayer or help – related or unrelated to COVID-19 pandemic. Our door is always open for your communication with us!
In Christ alone,
Pastor Gary