Dear HBIC Family,

My mother loves to tell family stories. They always have the same basic message, though the setting and details quite often differ between retellings of the same story. One particular story always involves a very young me, but sometimes I’m three, four, or five. It involves a public setting (sometimes at church, at a family party, or some other social setting). The story always ends with me in the center of the room, sharing with any who had ears to hear, what I had to say. Sometimes I’d even sing it. And here comes the punchline…my grandmother would always say, “this boy better be a preacher, ‘cause he can’t sing!”

I kid you not. My mom loves telling this story and I probably hear some version of it at least once a month. Basically, every time my mom asks about our church or asks about what God’s been preaching and saying through me, I hear this story. Every time she asks how I feel about the work God’s called me to do, my mother tells a version of this story. The best part of this story is that my grandmother, who was one of my earliest protectors and advocates, was absolutely right: I’m a preacher, not a singer. 

I love this story because my life in ministry has most definitely been a mystery that God has revealed over time. I was born into a multi-cultural family of peacemakers. I have lived in places as vastly different as Monrovia and Messiah College. I was a growing anabaptist (who didn’t know I was Brethren in Christ) until I found HBIC. Perhaps it’s more right to say God used HBIC to find me…again. The majority of people who knew me before I became Pastor Hank all say, “Yeah, this is what we knew you would be doing. It just makes perfect sense.” I just wish God had revealed this mystery to me, before it was apparently so clearly revealed to them!

This week we will continue our In Christ series by focusing on God’s mystery revealed that the family of God was always planned and purposed to be multi-ethnic. As you prepare for this week’s services, I would like to invite you to read and meditate on this passage, Ephesians 3:1-13. As you reflect, please focus on the following questions:

• What is one mystery that God has revealed to you over time?
• What mystery has God called you to reveal or unveil to others?
• What do you think is God’s plan and purpose for your life?
• What do you think is God’s plan and purpose for our church?

In Ephesians 3, Paul reflects on his calling to ministry. From his apparent prison cell, he unveils the mystery that God’s plan was always to make Gentiles heirs together with Israel, members together (with Jews) of one body, and thus sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Paul clearly states that this mystery has been revealed by God, who chose Paul, to be the carrier of this good news. Paul also shares that the fruit of God’s work in making this mystery a reality through Jesus is that it is a witness to the powers that be, it accomplishes God’s entire purpose, and it allows us to approach God in faith…but with freedom and confidence. 

One of our greatest blessings is that God gives us eyes to see, hearts to hold, and hands to join in the work of the kingdom. We are created as God’s workmanship to partner with God and each other. Our life, experiences, and gifts, are all curated to do this work together. Sisters and brothers, we are children of the King. 

Today I’m praising God for choosing us, in Christ. I’m worshipping God for bringing us all together, in Christ. And I’m celebrating with you all, and with the angels, that with the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance, and in Christ, we have a place, a position, and power to do God’s will, together. 

God bless you all.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Ephesians 3:6)