Pastor Tim and Hillcrest’s Coronavirus Update
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Hello Friends and Partners of Hillcrest,
As the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to evolve, we want to assure you, our valued friends, guests and partners in ministry, that we are monitoring the situation closely. However, we do so from a position of faith and trust in our heavenly Father.
We are in the valley of the virus! However, we believe here at Hillcrest that this valley is a great opportunity to shine the peace that surpasses all understanding. Hillcrest’s mission to Change The World as we Love, Grow and Go continues on and we appreciate your support, prayers and partnership. We know our Father will take us through this valley and we will be victorious!
The principles that have guided our decisions are: Faith over fear, sacrifice over selfishness and to share the light of Jesus.
To help serve you and your family here are the latest Hillcrest Updates:
On-Line Sunday Service Only For The Next 2 Weeks
This decision was difficult because I love to see your smiling faces on Sunday. However, in light of the recent recommendations and consultations with experts, we believe it is best to go to an on-line only service. We will re-evaluate in 2 weeks.
For the many awesome partners who support the mission of Christ here at Hillcrest through their offerings, thanks for asking how you can still give. Currently, we are setting up an on-line option and we believe it will be available next week. Yes, you can mail your offerings in or use your bank’s online bill pay as a direct giving option.
We understand that giving is a big part of your faith expression. We also know that many of you support in many ways. We thank all of you and please know we are doing all we can shine the light of Jesus in this current time.
500 Viewers is Our Goal!
Jesus said, “See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Revelation 3:8 NKJV). He was talking about the door of opportunity.
While our doors on Sunday will be closed to public worship, we will still have church! I am so excited to bring a message of hope. I am going to share how through Christ, we can have victory as we walk through the valley of the virus!
Last week we had almost 400 people view our service through Facebook! That is amazing! Let’s get over 500 for this week. Invite friends to tune in through the Hillcrest Facebook site. Join your family on Sunday morning and let us worship the One who makes us more than a conqueror.
Facebook Set-Up Instructions
If you want to watch on Facebook you will need to have an account or sign up for an account. Then search Hillcrest Baptist Church Columbus Oh and click on our page. Then click on the word Posts on the list on the left hand side of the screen and it will bring up the service. If you don’t see the live stream after 10 a.m. then refresh the page.
How Can We Change The World?
The door of opportunity is wide open. Hillcrest strives to change the world as we Love, Grow and Go! Here is what I am suggesting.
Pray!
Take time each day to pray for our leaders, neighbors, those lost in fear, isolated people, and health workers. Be in prayer that the hope of Jesus will shine and for hearts to receive His peace. I am asking we all take time at noon each day (Or when it works for you) up until Easter to ask God to do a great work through this time.
Love Our Neighbors!
Check in with your neighbors, friends and family. This is the greatest command…love God and your neighbors. Call and check in. My personal goal is that every person in the Hillcrest directory gets a personal phone call from a leader of Hillcrest. How refreshing it is to hear someone say we love you and we are praying for you. Reach out and tough someone (With a phone call) and let them know you care.
Grow Your Family’s Faith!
Cherish the time we have as families. Laugh with your kids, play games and have spiritual conversations. One resource I recommend is Josh McDowell’s Ministry. His web site is https://www.josh.org/.
You can find all kinds of resources and sign-up for his family devotionals that offer questions and discussions points. We use this in our home and we love it!
Go!
I know we are supposed to stay put. However, for the virus vulnerable, it is critical they stay put. If you are heading to the grocery store, ask them if there is anything you can pick up for them. And if you find any toilet paper…pick-up regardless! What a gift to give to someone!
Be Encouraged!
We don’t know what the future holds but we know the One who holds the future. We believe here at Hillcrest the door of opportunity is wide open and we also believe God will not only carry us through the valley of virus, but He will use us through it as well.
God bless and Go bless!
Pastor Tim