Will YOU Make a Difference in 2010?

HRBC adopted a budget of $1,052,129 for 2010.  Last Sunday, 54 families pledged $302,420 to empower the ministries of this congregation for the upcoming year.  That’s a good start, however, we want all members of HRBC to find the joy of giving.  As we discovered the past three weeks in our integrated study, Jesus taught we must count the cost of following Him and be willing to take seriously the issue of Lordship, we must open our eyes to see needs and use the resources entrusted to us to make a difference, we must reject the materialism and consumption so prevalent in our culture so we can be generous toward God.  Please turn in your commitment card today.  Giving to God is an important part of your discipleship, and your gifts fuel ministries at home and around the globe!

Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship

Join us in the gym Tuesday evening November 24th  for the annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Service.  The covered-dish dinner begins at 6:00 p.m..  Please bring a dish or two and share in this time of sharing Christian fellowship around the tables.  The family-friendly Thanksgiving Service starts at 6:45 p.m. and ends by 7:30 p.m.  How appropriate that we gather as a faith community to express our gratitude to God for all our blessings.    
 

Christmas Store Items Due Sunday November 22

Each year HRBC joins other Richmond area churches to partner with the Oregon Hill and South Richmond Baptist Centers to make certain needy families can provide gifts for their children at Christmastime.   Please place your new, unwrapped clothing and/or toys for children—ages 1 to 12 years old in the designated box in the Wallis Building by today.  Also, if you are able to help organize or distribute items for the Christmas Store during the first week of December, please contact Dotty Shepard at 272-2796.

Older Adult Christmas Dinner

The annual older adult Christmas dinner is Friday, December 4, at 6:00 p.m. in the family life center.  Join us for this evening of fun and fellowship together.  Our youth choir, United Praise, will share with us in music.  The youth are also preparing a delightful meal of chicken, potatoes, vegetables, salad, and dessert.  The total cost for the evening is $10.  You can reserve your spot no later than November 29, by giving your check payable to HRBC or cash to Lorene Wyatt or Melissa Fallen.

New Missions Partnership

The Ends of the Earth team sent an exploration team last weekend to the Kentucky Appalachian area to investigate opportunities for a potential missions partnership.  They met with local missionaries, pastors, community leaders and residents.  During this time, they learned a lot about how God is working in the community.  Continue to pray for the team as they discern God’s leadership in this new area of ministry.  Stay tuned for more information about mission opportunities there and elsewhere in 2010.

The Season of Advent at HRBC

Advent, a period of waiting and anticipating the birth of Christ, begins next Sunday, November 29, and ends with our celebration of Christ’s birth.  We will light candles to mark the time.  The candles this year are tied to our integrated study—The Birthday of a King.  Even the devotions written for our Advent Devotion Guide tie to the integrated study.  A limited number of hard copies will be available soon.  The booklet has already been posted to the HRBC website to aid your journey toward Christmas.  Writers this year include adults, youth, and children.  Please invite your friends and family members to join you for all the meaningful times of worship at HRBC during Advent.

Come Help Decorate for Advent

Join us this Monday evening, November 23, to help decorate for Advent.  Every year we decorate our buildings in anticipation of Christ’s birth.  The Christmas tree is adorned with Chrismons and each one has a special meaning and points to the One whose birth we celebrate.  Work begins at 2:00 p.m.  The official start time is 6:30 p.m.  The more who help, the quicker we get finished!  Christmas music will be playing while you enjoy food and drink.  Come be a part of the transformation of our buildings for Advent!

Family Sunday School

On Sunday, December 6, families of grade-schoolers (k-5) are invited to participate in another Family Sunday School experience.  Moms, dads and children will gather at 10:00 a.m. in the gym for learning activities they can participate in together.  Come join the fun!

Parent/Child Dedication Service

An important part of our Advent celebration is the dedication of parents and their children to God as acts of worship.  This time of dedication takes place during the worship service on December 13.  If you would like to dedicate your child, please call the church office.  Call the office to let us know your family desires to participate, and tell us the scripture verse you have chosen to honor God and your child.

Preschool Pageant

Another tradition that takes place during worship on December 20 is the Preschool Christmas Pageant.  All preschoolers between the ages of 2 and 5 are welcome to participate as angels or shepherds.  Preschoolers will dress for the pageant in their Sunday School classrooms at 10:00 a.m.  Parents are welcome to take pictures during the preparation time, but we ask that there be no photos taken during worship.  You will be able to download a group shot from the website.

Calendar for the week of November 22

Sunday, November 22

 8:45 a.m. CrossRoads Contemporary Worship Gym
 10:00 a.m. Bible Study for All Ages
  Morningside Bible Study
 11:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary
 3:30 p.m. HRBC Festival Orchestra Rehearsal
 5:00 p.m. United Praise Rehearsal Reber Music Suite
  Gloria Deo Women’s Ensemble Rehearsal Home of Joan Maples

Monday, November 23

 7:00 a.m. Legacy Builders Prayer Breakfast
 9:00 a.m. Chesterfield County Older Adult Programs
 6:00 p.m. Decorate for Advent Sanctuary
 7:00 p.m. As One Rehearsal Gym

Tuesday, November 24

 9:00 a.m. Women’s Prayer Group and Visitation
 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting MPR
 6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Covered-Dish Dinner Gym
 6:45 p.m. Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Service Gym

Wednesday, November 25

  CDC Closed (November 26 &27)
  No PM Activities 

Thursday, November 26

  Church Office Closed 

Friday, November 27

  Church Office Closed