In 2021 Thomas Tatro was brought in to serve the Lord as HCC’s Youth Leader. Since then he and Florence have worked tirelessly in ministering to both the youth and the young adults while also reaching out to the surrounding community to serve and spread the news of what HCC is doing. In addition, Thomas recently completed his B.A. in Leadership Ministry and is now pursuing his Masters Degree (MDIV) at Liberty University. In recognition of his achievement, a special congregational meeting was held on March 12 to vote on a motion to elevate Thomas to the position of Youth Pastor. After prayerful consideration the motion was passed by an overwhelming majority. Congratulations Thomas and thank you for your service!
Pastor’s Corner (Q1 Newsletter)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17
The chirping of the birds, the budding of the trees, the rising of shoots from the ground signal to us that Spring has arrived. Though we appreciate the beauty of the pure white snow, the promise of Spring fills our hearts and minds with images of new life and opportunities. These are the same qualities we find in the second letter that the Apostle Paul was inspired to write to the church at Corinth. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” In this passage, the word “new” comes from the Greek word ”kainos”. It carries with it the idea of newness in quality. This newness is seen as an innovation. It is a change and as believers, we realize the depth of truth in this aspect of the word. When we accept Christ, we are changed in so many ways. Our minds (way of thinking) are changed – we no longer think like the world. Instead, we embrace the mind of Christ – the way God thinks. There is a change of relationship. No longer are we enemies or strangers or foreigners to God. Instead, we are now embraced as friends and even as adopted heirs of God. There is also a change in our eternal destiny. When we place our faith in Christ, we are given access to Paradise – eternity with God rather than separation in Hell, so the newness we experience is very real.
However, there are also additional ideas connected with ”kainos”. The newness speaks of additional opportunity. When we accept Christ, God desires to use us to further His kingdom, to share His grace, to demonstrate His love and to declare His mercy. In this word, we see that our faith in Christ is not simply about what we receive. It also cries out what we now are able to give. We are meant to share this change with others in our lives.
As we approach Resurrection Sunday, let us recall the change that has been wrought in our lives. Let us realize the impact and the significance of what Christ has accomplished for us and let us take the opportunities that God has given us to be used by Him.
A “Minute” with Matthew (2/27/2023)
Fellowship is one of the pillars of church ministry that serves multiple purposes. First, it provides us with the opportunity to be “real” with each other. In a Sunday school class, a mid-week Bible study, or a worship service, there are natural limitations and “restrictions” that make it difficult for us to relate to each other. However, during a time of fellowship – either a shared meal, a movie night, or other events – we are able to relax and to enjoy one another’s company. This enjoyment is heightened by the shared faith that we have in Jesus Christ. As we fellowship, we realize that what is drawing us together is not the activity, program, or event. Instead, it is our trust in Christ as our Savior. Recently, HCC hosted a “Minute to Win It” event. Delicious refreshments were served. But the highlight of the evening was the numerous games that gave us opportunities to interact with each other – to cheer one another one – in a safe and fun competition. It truly built and strengthened relationships – which is a major goal of fellowship. Another purpose of fellowship is to provide opportunities to include visitors or individuals in the event. For those that have been part of a local church for years, it may be difficult to believe that people are often quite intimidated at the thought of participating in new events at new places with new people. But one of the best ways to build the local church is to offer numerous fellowship opportunities to which our family, friends, and neighbors can be invited. We are blessed at HCC to have people with a heart for fellowship and outreach. If you have not been able to participate in one of our fellowship events – challenge yourself to get involved. If you have been involved – challenge yourself to invite someone to join you!
A Moment with Matthew
Then [Jesus] said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13:51 NKJV)
For many, the New Year is an opportunity to embrace change. Today, we are sixteen days into this year. I wonder… How many people have already reverted to their “old” ways of doing things in this “new” year. As believers, there is value in much of the “old”. We honor traditions that encourage our faith and motivate us to a deeper walk in faith. But grasping the “old” too tightly can actually be a hindrance to what the Lord is calling us to do. Focusing too much on traditions or “the way we always do things” can cause us to neglect many wonderful and encouraging opportunities. As a church, it is so easy to look to and to rely upon the past. But God calls us to be people that neither grow weary of the “old” nor fear the “new”. This year let us challenge ourselves to embrace the new – new people, new ministries, new ways – while we still uphold the old… If we will do that – we will be blessed and we will be a blessing to others.
Pastor Matthew
January 16, 2023
College and Career
College Career is a young adult ministry for ages 18-25 for those who are followers of Jesus Christ in college or early career years. We meet on Friday nights at 7:00 pm for a time of worship, Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. We also get together for various events and to minister together.
Spreading the Message through Song!
A group from Hadley Community Church spread Christmas Cheer and the Message of Christ’s Birth through song during the evening on Saturday, December 10. The weather was wonderful, and the group was warmly received by members of the Hadley Community.
Celebrating The True Light of Christmas
HCC invites you and your family to join us for a special service to celebrate Christmas on Sunday, December 18 at 6PM. This service will feature special music, inspiration readings, and beautiful candlelight. The program will emphasize the truth that Jesus (whose birth we celebrate on Christmas) is the Light of the World. Please make plans to attend and bring your family and friends for a night that will remind us of God’s gracious plan for all.
Reflections On Thanksgiving
Although each year the world seems less and less focused on Thanksgiving, this is a wonderful time for Christians to remember the amazing blessings we have in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: Following are some quotes from fellow believers that reinforce the reasons we can be thankful each and every day!
•“Thank you heavenly father, for you have never failed anyone. You give me strength in times when I am weak.”
•“Thank you, God, for the blessing of a new and splendid day; to enjoy the sunshine in the morning, to have the chance to see the beauty of the stars in the evening.”
•“I was lost in darkness, but now I can see the light. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for everything you have done in my life.”
•“Thank you for giving me the strength to conquer challenges in life. Truly you are a loving God. I appreciate everything you have done for me.”
•“Thank you, Lord, for giving me the chance to enjoy life, for having the opportunity to love and be loved.”
•“Being your child is the most fulfilling thing in my life, knowing that I no longer live under the curse of sin. Through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross I have the hope of seeing eternity.”
•“When this crazy world says there is no God, I look around me and see how creation testifies to the power of your majesty. Thank you, God, for giving us the simple and the mighty things in life to declare your glory.”
Shoeboxes & More Shoeboxes!
On November 14th 15 volunteers met together to pack 148 shoeboxes of blessing for needy children during Christmas. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Missionary Spotlight:
Bryan & Heather Macphail-Fausey
This month we focus on the last of our supported missionaries, Bryan and Heather Macphail-Fausey. Since 2012 the couple has been serving in Cameroon, West Africa through Baptist Mid-Missions with a primary emphasis on church planting. They write…
“Thank you for partnering with us to establish healthy churches in Cameroon.
Our course on ‘How to Study the Bible’ has now been requested by several pastors. This teaching is helpful because many of the members of the congregation find reading the Bible daunting, yet personal Bible reading is now even more important because false Gospel messages are so prevalent. Beginning in September and finishing in October, Bryan completed this teaching series in a local church that is led by one of the pastors who previously worked in our Federation of Church Planters. Pray that these church members would grow spiritually from regular personal Bible study.
In October, Federation solicited input from all those who previously benefited from this teaching to help determine our future direction. One suggestion was pairing pastors of the current churches with those in the theological education program to provide real-life experience for future church planters. Please be in prayer for wisdom and guidance for the Federation as we consider next steps.
Lastly, we are grateful for Bryan’s good health and safe travels, but mostly for his return to Yaounde. We often say, “par la grace de Dieu.” By the grace of God, we are well and continue to serve in Yaounde, Cameroon. Thank you again for praying for us!”
– Bryan & Heather Macphail-Fausey
