“Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 46:10

Dear HBIC Family,

Someone reminded me a day or so ago that we’re a few days away from the second anniversary of our first state and national shutdown due to the Covid pandemic. With this reminder came the thought that we were experiencing our last “normal” week, and we had no idea. The last two years have been both unforeseen and unimaginable. Change, which happens normally, has seemed to arrive even quicker. We have had to learn, adapt, and then learn and adapt again. What a long two years this has been!

Amidst all of this change, we have been challenged on so many levels. Physically, we have either experienced Covid personally or with people who are very close to us. Emotionally, we have grown in anxiety, confusion, loneliness, and just stress! Spiritually, we have had dark nights of the souls and moments of deep and lasting growth as well. Even financially, some of us have experienced harder times than we can ever imagine. But throughout all of these changes, God has been with us and keeps seeing us through!

It is with this blessing of God’s presence and leading that we move forward with HBIC Next Steps. As we prayerfully discern, gather information, and invite the congregation and community to speak into the future of our work together as HBIC, we trust that God is with us. We rely on the Holy Spirit leading us and endeavor for keeping Jesus at the center.

This Sunday evening, I would like to invite you to join us at church from 6PM – 7PM to learn more about HBIC’s Next Steps and to explore practical ways that you can get involved! During our time together we will:

• Introduce you to our new staff, board members and Next Steps Team
• Share the key areas of strategic focus for this year
• Take a spiritual gifts test to help better understand how you are wired and where you shine
• Explore a neighboring initiative that includes a book study on “The Art of Neighboring” and opportunities for you to do a prayer walk of our local community with others
• Pray together for our neighborhood and community

As we pray and prepare for our future ahead, it is good to know that God is with us. As we gather together and share with one another, we are blessed that the Spirit is in us and working among us. And as we seek God while seeking to continue God’s call for us “to be a thriving diverse urban church sharing Christ’s love and serving the needs of our local and global communities,” we seek Jesus first and pray that our eyes remain on him.

Please join us on Sunday. Please continue to join us in prayer. Please continue to join us in this work God has for all of us here at HBIC.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Psalm 46:10)