“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:22-26
Dear Church Family and Community,
I trust that this finds you all doing well and holding on. As I write today, COVID-19 case numbers remain high across our state. This pandemic continues to cause infections, hospitalizations and, heartbreakingly, families saying goodbye to loved ones. Our lives remain upended at home and work and in so many other ways. We are even being advised that the next month may be our most challenging yet. Nevertheless, though we continue to face challenging times, we face them together and with God on our side.
I write today to provide an update about the next steps for us as a congregation going forward. We will continue with the suspension of all in-person worship services, meetings, and fellowship until further notice. Regularly-scheduled community outreach like Food Pantry and Mission of Mercy will continue with established protocols.
We believe that this is still the best way we can love one another and care for the health of one another and the communities we all are a part of. We very much look forward to being able to once again worship and be together in person. Until then, we hold on to the promise of dawn after the night’s darkness.
As our staff continues to monitor the effects of the virus in our Dauphin County community, we are doing our best to stay updated with information regarding public health and COVID-19 in our communities as it becomes available. Our commitment continues, when there is a marked improvement and it becomes safe for all to once again meet in person (and to do so in a manner reflective of HBIC), we will lovingly welcome that day! Our intent is to continue to move through this season reviewing our plans regularly and revising as we are able.
We want to share with you that we are planning to resume in-person worship services on Easter Sunday, April 4. Our current plans for this time during which we are unable to safely meet in our sanctuary are as follows:
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Hold April 4th Easter Sunday services outdoors in the blue-building fenced lot
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Offer our 4-week Rooted Series beginning on May 2nd
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Celebrate Baptism Sunday on May 23rd (with a rain date of June 6th)
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Host Church Membership Classes in the Spring (dates to be determined)
- Move to a local park if continuing with outdoor worship services during the hot summer months
We look forward to continued engagement through our current opportunities for worship, fellowship, and community, and we invite you to join us as we:
- Worship together through an online experience (video) accessible on YouTube and our website and provide weekly worship resources that accompany the online service to be used by individuals and families
- Host a Sunday Morning Reflection on Zoom that will give space for us to reflect, share, and pray together in response to each pre-recorded service
- Host a live Sunday morning service on Zoom once a month in place of having a pre-recorded online worship service
- Celebrate communion together once a month either in a pre-recorded service or live Zoom service
- Host Wednesday night prayer gathering on Zoom led by Pastor Hank or another HBIC pastor
- Offer opportunities for learning and fellowship for our children through Pastor Patty and the children’s ministry team and for our youth and our young adults through Pastor Brie and her volunteers
- Continue Life Groups, Discipleship Groups and Bible Studies virtually via Zoom
- Encourage all of us to check in with others, caring for one another
- Continue to try to connect people with one another if there are practical needs that others in the church could help to meet (please let us know)
- Seek to help to meet financial needs of those who have been adversely affected by COVID-19 (we invite you to share with any of the pastors or with your deacon if you have a financial need)
- Prayerfully consider all ideas shared with us for ways to do ministry during this season
All of our pastoral staff are available to you for prayer, counsel, or information. Please contact the church office or contact us directly through e-mail or phone:
Years ago, I remember reading about Paul saying he thanks God upon remembrance of his people. I have always appreciated that prayer and commitment. The past year or so has only reinforced my commitment to doing the same. It is a rich blessing to be a part of this HBIC family. I am so thankful and grateful for all of you, and I’ve committed to praying consistently for our church and family.
I hope that God’s strength and grace is upholding you. May the light of the Spirit be our guide. May the love of our God be our peace. And may the faithfulness of Jesus teach and help us to be faithful to God and to one another. Please remember to continue to pray for the people impacted and for our church family, and be proactive as you share God’s love. God bless you all and please take care.
