FELLOWSHIP FOOTNOTES
Newsletter of Hamilton Bible Fellowship
November 2007
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise
his name.
For the Lord is good and his love
endures forever;
his faithfulness continues
through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
The first part of this rather familiar passage describes what we do when we come into our building, particularly on Sunday mornings. Up until recently it was more like, “Enter his gates with toolbelts and his courts with tasks.” While there is still some of that remaining, we are largely done and the facility is quite functional - and beautiful. Much has been accomplished over the last four years. It was wonderful to celebrate this at the open house and dedication festivities last month; thanks again to all who made it possible. Certainly we have experienced the fact that the Lord is good, in quite tangible ways - and it was great to share this with the greater community.
We were challenged by Chuck Tompkins to make this building a place where God’s glory - his goodness, love and faithfulness - are all evident. This is an appropriate challenge. The ongoing question before us now is, “What are we going to do with this facility, and how are we going to do it?” We have established the foundation of our legacy by building a place for ministry that will outlive us. But development of ministry is not automatic. The Lord’s “faithfulness continues for all generations;” how will we see that begin to happen in and through HBF?
Ideas have already begun to percolate, and some things are already happening or in the works (small groups, lessons, plays, public meetings, concerts). I think the possibilities are limitless - yet we will only actually end up doing certain ministries. Which will they be; and in what ways can we do what we’re already doing more effectively? The Sounding Board (which will be initiated shortly) and the Worship Review Board will consider some ideas, but we will also in the coming months have additional opportunities for such discussions. Meanwhile, if you have any thoughts or ideas, talk to any of the elders (Barb, Jim, Putter). And - remember God’s goodness and faithfulness to us this Thanksgiving.
NEWS AND PRAYER UPDATE:
Pray for Rob & Mary Charest as they continue legal proceedings in relation to Jack and their ability to move up here permanently.
Pray for CCF as they select next year’s leadership team and rethink the categories for the new leaders.
Pray for the Young Life Fall Weekend (Nov. 9 - 11). A good number of HCS (and HBF!) High schoolers are going. Also pray for the Dessert Night in early December.
Pray for health issues: Linda Cox, Jean Deiter, John Hubbard, and for parents of Gaye Andrews, Bev Babcock, Dianne Button, Candy Hayes and Susan Nolen.
THE QUOTE CORNER
Joy and sorrow are this ocean, in its every ebb and flow
Now a door the Lord has opened, that all hell could never close
Here I’m tested and made worthy, tossed about but lifted up
In the reckless raging fury that they call the love of God
Rich Mullins
COMING EVENTS CALENDAR:
Sunday Nov. 18th we will be hosting Ralph & Tara Leo and boys for Sunday morning worship with a pot luck lunch to follow. This should afford ample opportunity to here stories of their work first hand!
Sunday December 2nd: Colgate Chamber Players perform at HBF at 3:00. This is the wonderful student group led by Laura Klugherz. Come hear good chamber music right in our auditorium!
The Big December Weekend (early notice): HBF Christmas play, Saturday evening & Sunday morning (during worship) Dec. 8th & 9th. The HBF Christmas Dinner will be the evening of Dec. 9th, hopefully at the church building.
November Birthdays: 1 Jim Andrews; 2 Mary Ellen Shen; 20 Jeff Schindler, Jr.; 21 Becky Smith;
27 Tim Hayes