Good morning HMC,
Earlier this week I was reading in Romans 8. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” God’s Word is full of reminders of where our [everything] comes from (God) and that the most precious thing He has given us is Himself.
Yes, it is easy to get distracted by horizontal matters. May we be diligent to fix our gaze on God, vertically, and praise Him for the blessings that we find in Him. (Be encouraged by Hebrews 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:10-20 as well — “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”)
At our March 28th Town Hall Meeting, we as a family of families discussed: staffing for U18, an offer from Hanover Chrysler to purchase a parcel of our land, and the need for volunteers for several teams. An update on finances was also given.
I thought it would help to share some of the details here in an email, as not everyone was able to join the meeting
1. It came up that some people may be trying to indicate their concerns by withholding their tithes. It was clarified that the Ministry Council does not know if anyone changes their giving—up or down. MC does not see granular giving detail. If you have concerns, please reach out to a pastor or Ministry Council member. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Ministry Council meets on the third Tuesday of every month. You can send a letter to be discussed, or ask for an invite to come in person.
2. A number of people suggested that the youth and those that have helped with children and youth should be asked for their input as the next step before a search committee and ministry profile are finalized. Plans were being put into place for a hybrid meeting, and then the current stay-at-home order was announced. Stay tuned.
3. A number of people expressed a desire to have more conversation about why Pastor Amos and Pastor Kristina resigned. The pastors and members of the Ministry Council are available to answer questions. Let’s schedule a visit. Again, we want to hear from you and answer your questions as best we can.
4. It was stated that if someone with concerns is not comfortable approaching the Lead Pastor (Dave Hildebrandt) or the chairperson of the Ministry Council (Jason Bechtel), there are other options. Anyone on the Ministry Council can be approached (Karen Schmalz, Kaia Kontrimas, Carolyn Pearson, Charlotte Spitzig, Dan DeVisser) and we have an elected moderator, Marilyn Schmitt, who can also be approached. You should never feel as if you are unable to express your concerns. We are a body of believers and we want to hear from you.
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Please know that you are missed. You are loved. We are all looking forward to getting back together again soon and having sweet fellowship around the Son.
Let’s keep looking up, fixing your eyes on Jesus.
On behalf of the Ministry Council,
Jason Bechtel