words from the pastor dr. doug ferguson, senior...
TRANSCRIPT
Words from the Pastor ▪ Dr. Doug Ferguson, Senior Pastor
Recently, I made the statement in a sermon that it
would be positively transforming for Christians and
churches if believers would take a few minutes each
day to focus their attention on the cross, particularly
on the Christ of the cross. There is so much that
surfaces in the light of the crucified Jesus.
At the cross, we see holiness, sinfulness, and
love, all with greater clarity than in any other place.
Oh, how the extravagant and immeasurable love of
God is seen there! God loved us with the crucifixion
of His dear Son! Love gives and is revealed in the giving, but I tell you that no one has ever loved to the
degree that God loves us. No one has ever given like
God gives.
Of all the things that you and I should be
thankful for this Thanksgiving Day and every day, is
that God so loved us that He gave His only Son in
death at Calvary, so that through our faith in Him, we will not perish in our sin, but live forever with Him. In
genuine gratitude we respond to His love by loving
God back. The Apostle John wrote that “We love Him
because He first loved us.” (I John 4:19)
How can we love God? We love Him by giving
ourselves to Him. In a time of gift exchanges with
someone, have you ever received an extravagant gift when you had given that person a gift of much less
value? If so, I am sure that you were embarrassed,
and perhaps you sought to be apologetic.
Why do we give little tokens of our finances to
the Lord through His church in support of the Lord’s
ministries and mission? Why are we stingy with our
time and various resources in light of the Christ of the
cross? As Paul appealed to the Corinthian Christians
to be generous in their giving, he called their attention
to how Jesus had so sacrificially given Himself for
them. There is no doubt but that a cross focus will
open our hearts and cause us to reflect the sacrificial
love of God through generosity. Paul stated that a true
love for the Lord will be seen in this type of giving: “I am testing the genuineness of your love. For you know
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: although He was
rich, for your sake He became poor, so that by His
poverty you might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:8-9) Certainly, the financial needs of our church and
its ministries and missions support are great, and I
urge you to give to help meet those needs. But don’t let that be the main reason that you give sacrificially.
During this Thanksgiving season, I urge you to
consider the love and grace of God, and give in light
of the cross. Let’s worshipfully honor the Lord and
thankfully acknowledge His sacrifice as we give.
Have you found that the more desperate our situation, the more desperate we are for God’s
presence? That the tighter the squeeze around us, the more we reach for Him?
Sometimes we wish that our lives would be smoother and our difficulties would just go away. But
one wonders: would we be driven to His presence with the same kind of zeal and desperation as in
adversity? Would we still gain those special moments of communion and strength derived from our
times of weakness? Would we know the sweet fellowship of His enduring love without the capacity
created to receive it through pain? Would we put our roots so deep if life’s storms were not trying to
shake us loose? Maybe not. As uncomfortable as they are, life’s difficulties, according to God’s
perfect plan, have a time and season and purpose in our lives.
Instead we focus on the will of God. We give our attention to fully following His commands to us in
this world. When we give our full attention to something bigger than ourselves, we become
consumed by it.
We then begin to see details of this great focus, and we are propelled into action because there is
much to accomplish. We know we can’t do it all, but we are willing to do as much as possible with
whatever time and resource that is available to us.
Our attention is so consumed by the will
of this Great God that everyday issues
retire to the shadows of purpose. They
are not deemed important enough to give
our full attention; pursuit of their
resolution is distracting. We are on a
much bigger mission. We have goals to
accomplish, so we commit the “little”
things to God and trust Him to work
them out as we pursue His plan.
He makes all things work together for
good to His loved and called ones. In
everything we will give thanks, for this is
God’s will concerning us. - Pat E. Collier
Outreach Ministry ▪ Leyland Collier, Pastoral Assistant
Sunday, November 12
11:00 a.m. Service
Church Conference at 5:00 p.m.
Worship & Music Ministry ▪ Scott Fraser, Ministry of Music
Photos from Family & Friends Day (October 22)
Hanging of the Green Service • Sunday, December 3 @ 11:00 a.m. Led by the Worship Choir and Worship Band
“Christmas! We Remember, Rejoice, Worship” • Sunday, December 10 @ 11:00 a.m.
Presented by the Worship Choir, Children’s Choirs, and Media Ministry
Children’s Choirs Christmas Program • Sunday, December 10 @ 5:00 p.m.
Presented by choirs ages Three Year Olds through 1st Grade and 2nd Grade through 6th Grade
Cookies & Carols • Sunday, December 17 @ 5:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Women’s Ministry. Each family is asked to bring a treat to share.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service• Sunday, December 24 @ 11:00 a.m. There will be no Life Groups or evening service. Enjoy spending time with your family.
New Years Eve Worship Service• Sunday, December 31 @ 11:00 a.m. Bring in the new year with Life Groups and a morning Worship Service (no evening activities).
Student Ministry ▪ “He is the one we proclaim.”
SUNDAYS LIFE GROUP
9:30 a.m. Breakfast Bites and Prayer 9:45 a.m. Praise and Worship 10:00 a.m. Gathering Time 10:15 a.m. Break into Small Groups Walk through Ephesians and learn to
study scripture using scripture. Our verse by verse approach is teaching us to identify the Truth of His Word and the relevance it holds in our daily lives.
10:50 a.m. Dismiss for Worship Service
STUDENT EQUIP
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Youth Room
“Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler
The journey into questions and answers (even the really tough ones) continues as we dig deeper for defending our faith. You don’t want to miss this study and you can join us at any time. Come as you are but “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door.” Be better equipped to stick with your faith and understand why you believe and why it's important to make a lifetime commitment to Christ and the church.
WEDNESDAYS STUDENT COMMUNITY
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • HHBC Gym
KEEP THE BUZZ GOING! Make it a point to be here and bring others with you. It is still happening and we can’t wait to see you there!
STUDENT CHALLENGE Thanksgiving is upon us. Each year I feel like this is the season/holiday that often is rushed through. We are finishing one task and preparing for another. This month I am challenging our youth to exercise Thanks and Giving. When you see something in your day that you are thankful for or you notice someone going out of their way to be giving – post it on our HHBC Student Ministry Facebook Group or your own personal page and be sure to tag Mrs. Tracee (Jeff-Tracee Wood). We will use these things to put together something special for our Student Christmas on December 3rd, Shakes & Sundaes Fellowship. There will be games and prizes involved.
You are welcomed and encouraged to contact Tracee and Jeff Wood at 678-642-6716, 678-580-9443, or [email protected].
We'd love to answer your questions and help you find a place in our Student Ministry.
Rockdale County Public Schools will be closed on
November 20-24
Children’s Ministry ▪ “Let the little children come to me.”
PRESCHOOL LIFE GROUPS (Two’s, Three’s, and Four’s)
Key Question: Who can you thank for everything?
Bottom Line: I can thank God for everything.
Memory Verse: “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart.” Psalm 111:1
This month our preschoolers will focus on why they should thank God for everything. As we enter the month of
November with Thanksgiving approaching, there is so much to be grateful for in our lives. God has given all of these
things for us to enjoy and be grateful for. Most preschoolers would say they are thankful for their mom and
dad. Others might say they are thankful for their toys. But we should really thank God for giving us the Bible, so that
we can continue to get to know Him better. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!
CHILDREN’S LIFE GROUPS (Kindergarten through 4th Grade)
During the month of November, the children will be studying about Gratitude -
letting others know you see how they've helped you.
Our memory verse is: "Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to
thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Each week we will focus on a passage in the Bible that teaches us about
gratitude.
Week 1: Celebrate what God has done.
(Keep Psalm and Be Thankful - Psalm 100:1-5)
Week 2: Adjust your attitude.
(Parable of the Vineyard Workers - Matthew 20:1-15)
Week 3: Say thank you.
(Jesus Heals 10 Men - Luke 17:11-19)
Week 4: Always be grateful.
(Give Thanks No Matter What - 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
PRETEEN LIFE GROUPS (5th and 6th Grades)
In this transitional ministry for preteens, they will be studying the
Book of Ephesians in a video series through RightNow Media. God
knew before the world began that His people would face tough
times, so He gave us His Word. The Book of Ephesians is a survival
manual—it equips believers to thrive in a world that dislikes the
message of Jesus Christ.
Early Learning Center ▪ “Play, Learn, and Grow Together!”
Kindergarten through 4th Grade will be dismissed to
Room P206 during the welcome time in the
11:00 a.m. worship service.
Grab your masks and capes as we fight injustice
through the inspiration of the heroes in the Bible!
Three and Four Year Olds
Thanksgiving Program & Feast
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
11:00 A.M.
Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall
Men’s Ministry ▪ “Stand firm in faith, be courageous, be strong!”
Missions Ministry ▪ “Across the Street … Around the World!”
The Acts 1:8 Ministry invites you to participate in
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
by filling a shoebox with school supplies, toys, and
hygiene items. OCC shoeboxes are available at the
Missions table in the Commons Area, or you may
provide your own box. If you cannot fill a shoebox,
please consider making a donation of $9, which will
help Samaritan’s Purse cover shipping expenses.
You may return your shoebox anytime up until
November 12. Thank you for your generosity.
Women’s Ministry ▪ “Seek Him … Serve Others”
Unifying the Generations of Women
Ages 16 and Up
Thursday, November 2 @ 6:30 p.m. • Banquet Room
Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship while making Christmas crafts. Childcare is provided. Please sign up on the
sheet provided in the Commons Area.
Blanket Ministry · Friday, November 10 @ 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join us in the Banquet Room for a time of fellowship and service as we make blankets for foster kids in the Rockdale County Division of Family and Children Services.
The Men's Ministry is looking for a few good men to join our "Steering Committee." We need spiritually lead and committed men to help with the program planning and development for our ministry.
If you are interested in joining us, please contact Jack Hober at [email protected]
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 1 2
10:00 am Our Father’s Closet Open 5:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper 6:00 pm Our Father’s Closet Open 6:00 pm Prayer Service/ Bible Study 6:00 pm Student Community 6:00 pm Children’s Choirs 7:00 pm Guitar with Billy 7:00 pm Worship Choir Rehearsal
9:15 am Coffee Shop 9:45 am Life Groups 10:40 am Time of Prayer 11:00 am Worship Service 5:00 pm EQIUP Classes 6:30 pm HHBC Officers Meeting 6:30 pm Student Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am Building and Grounds Work Day 11:30 am Awaken His Church Community Prayer 3:00 pm Search Committee/ Personnel Team Meeting
9:00 am Bus Reserved 9:30 am Staff Meeting 6:00 pm Trunk or Treat
5:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper 6:00 pm Prayer Service/ Bible Study 6:00 pm Student Community 6:00 pm Children’s Choirs 7:00 pm Guitar with Billy 7:00 pm Worship Choir Rehearsal
9:30 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Women’s Ministry Meeting
9:15 am Coffee Shop 9:45 am Life Groups 10:40 am Time of Prayer 11:00 am Worship Service 12:30 pm Lunch ‘N Learn 4:00 pm Nominating Team Meeting 5:00 pm Student EQIUP 5:00 pm Trustees Team Meeting 6:30 pm Student Choir Rehearsal
9:30 am Homeschool PE Class 6:00 pm Women’s Blanket Ministry
9:00 am Building and Grounds Work Day 11:30 am Awaken His Church Community Prayer 7:00 pm Deacon’s Meeting
9:15 am Coffee Shop 9:45 am Life Groups 10:40 am Time of Prayer 11:00 am Worship Service 12:30 pm Lunch ‘N Learn
9:00 am Building and Grounds Work Day 11:30 am Awaken His Church Community Prayer
9:30 am Staff Meeting
NO ACTIVITIES
5:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper 6:00 pm Prayer Service/ Bible Study 6:00 pm Student Community 6:00 pm Children’s Choirs 7:00 pm Guitar with Billy 7:00 pm Worship Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am Building and Grounds Work Day 11:30 am Awaken His Church Community Prayer
9:30 am Staff Meeting
9:15 am Coffee Shop 9:45 am Life Groups 10:40 am Time of Prayer 11:00 am Worship Service with Lord’s Supper 12:30 pm Lunch ‘N Learn 5:00 pm Student EQIUP 5:00 pm Church Conference 6:30 pm Student Choir Rehearsal
OFFICE CLOSED
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
Set your clocks back one hour before retiring.
9:15 am Coffee Shop 9:45 am Life Groups 10:40 am Time of Prayer 11:00 am Worship Service
9:00 am Building and Grounds Work Day 11:30 am Awaken His Church Community Prayer
9:30 am Staff Meeting
5:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper 6:00 pm Prayer Service/ Bible Study 6:00 pm Student Community 6:00 pm Children’s Choirs 7:00 pm Guitar with Billy 7:00 pm Worship Choir Rehearsal
9:30 am Homeschool PE Class
ROCKDALE COUNTY THANKSGIVING BREAK - NO SCHOOL
9:30 am Homeschool PE Class
OFFICE CLOSED
6:30 pm Café Connect
11:00 am Early Learning Center Three and Four Year Olds Thanksgiving Program & Feast
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Follow Us On 2987 Highway 212 SW
Conyers, Georgia 30094-6609 www.hhbcga.org
Dr. Doug Ferguson, Senior Pastor 770-922-2027
The Vision and Values of HHBC
Our Vision
To be a missional movement of Christ that positively connects and impacts the people of Conyers and beyond.
Our Five Core Values
Bible - We value the authority and application of God’s Word.
People - We value people and accept them like Jesus does.
Spiritual Growth - We value growth and life transformation.
Service - We value serving God by serving others.
Excellence - We value excellence in all we do to honor God.
404-787-5080 Billy Adamson, Vice Chairman 770-922-2597 Ed Anderson 770-860-0972 Eddie Goddard 770-231-9557 Gene Hardy 770-388-9780 Fred Kirksey 770-483-9653 Bill Passmore 770-929-3923 Larry Pelphrey 770-922-7871 Larry Pendergrass 678-910-7855 Jeff Ross, Chairman 770-981-9365 Darrell Walker 770-929-8517 Phil Williams 678-580-9443 Jeff Wood, Secretary
2017 Deacon Leadership Team
We are excited to have so many committed volunteers to serve as ushers and greeters. There’s still room for you! If you would like to serve in this ministry, please contact Scott Fraser
at [email protected] for ushers and Tanya Cobb at [email protected] for greeters.
USHERS
November 5: Richy Smith, Serge Vilmar, Mike Walker, Carlton White, Damon Williams, Phil Williams, Ed Anderson, Chris Atkinson, Steve Bassett
November 12: Deacons
November 19: Mike Bell, Harold Biffle, Jerry Cates, Bob Cooper, Jim Dunaway, Dan Freemyer, Eddie Goddard, Brandon Harrell, Stan Hill, Jack Hober, Tom Jackson
November 26: Fred Kirksey, Lee Lovall, Steve Maloy, Jerry Melson, Bill Passmore, Larry Pelphrey, Harry Phillips, Bobby Simmons, Richy Smith, Serge Vilmar, Mike Walker
GREETERS
November 5: Joan Ferguson, Larry Pendergrass, Lee Lovall, Jack Hober, Cheryl Casarow, Debi Lovall, Tanya Cobb
November 12: Joan Ferguson, Larry Pendergrass, Mike Walker, Jack Hober, Jan Ross, Jewel Kirkus, Marie Hall November 19: Joan Ferguson, Larry Pendergrass, Jack Hober, Callie Hober, Gloria Butler, Cheryl Casarow, Tanya Cobb November 26: Joan Ferguson, Larry Pendergrass, Lee Lovall, Debi Lovall (more volunteers needed)
Adults: $6.00 ($7.50 To-Go) Children 4-12: $3.00 ($3.50 To-Go) / Children 3 and under: Free
November 1 Honey Mustard Pork Loin, Roasted Red Potatoes, California Medley, Tossed Salad, Rolls, Dessert, Beverage
November 8 Chili with Double Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Corn on the Cob, Tossed Salad, Dessert, Beverage
November 15 Turkey and Dressing with Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Rolls, Dessert, Beverage
November 22 No Supper or Activities - Happy Thanksgiving! November 29 Beef Stew, White Rice, Tossed Salad, Corn Bread, Dessert,
Beverage
► PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATION BY 10:30 A.M. ON TUESDAY. ◄
BEREAVEMENTS - The church family extends their sympathy and prayers to the families of:
Frank and Marinne Jones in the passing of Marinne’s stepfather. Mollie Hucks in the passing of her grandson, Dana Hucks. Carolyn Voyles in the passing of her husband, Herman. David and Marva Harden in the passing of David’s brother,
Bennie Harden.
The Sanctuary will be open every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (except 12/25, 1/1, 1/15, 5/21, 5/28, and 9/3) for the community to fast and pray for
spiritual awakening of the church.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:13