Dear HRBC Family,

Have you ever made plans, only to have them disrupted? Perhaps there was an illness, a job situation or a cost increase that caused things to change or to be put on hold. The COVID-19 pandemic (hereafter simply referred to as “covid”) taught us all that even the best-made plans can be disrupted, postponed or even cancelled. Students missed proms, graduations, homecomings, in-person classes, games, performances, and many memories. Workers missed time at work, and some lost their jobs. Others were able to work remotely but missed the camaraderie and fellowship. And at church, we missed a plethora of activities such as worshipping together, fellowship meals and retreats. For some time, we were unable to hold funerals because of covid guidelines. And we missed seeing one another in and around the church campus. And many folks have not yet returned to a regular habit of worship. It is reported that prior to covid, the average active church member attended 2.5 Sundays per month. Now, the average active church member attends about 1.5 Sundays per month.

Unfortunately, covid isn’t quite done. It keeps rearing its ugly head. A number of our folks either have covid or are recovering from it. I tested positive on Friday evening on December 23 with the use of a home test and began to isolate right away. I went to the doctor early on Christmas Eve morning, only to have my positivity confirmed. This was not the way I had planned Christmas – with the virus that took my dad from us on July 30, 2020. All year, I look forward to celebrating the special services with our church family and covid disrupted our plans. Thankfully, Jim Townsend was willing to preach for me on Christmas Eve and David Cottrell on Christmas morning. Melanie, Isabella and I had to cancel our trip to South Carolina to visit family. Just as I came our of isolation, Melanie tested positive, so we swapped caregiving roles. (Thankfully, Isabella remains negative.)

After we were all safe, we were able to salvage our trip to South Carolina. Thanks to Aaron who preached on January 8, we traveled to visit our family for a long weekend. We visited my dad’s grave in Florence and then we spent time with my step-mother. We drove to Columbia and visited Melanie’s mom, sister and her

daughters. We were able to see my brother and his family. The, we spent the last leg of our trip in Charleston, seeing my mom and step-father. Our trip was different than we had originally planned. It was shorter. But we are thankful that we were able to see everyone and that covid did not steal the joy of celebrating Christmas!

On Saturday January 7, I was awakened with this verse on my mind, and I recited it over and again through the day and during the rest of our trip. These words remind me that God is near and that no matter what we face, we have the peace (shalom) of God that acts as a sentinel for our souls. Perhaps these words will bring comfort when things don’t go as you and I have planned . . .

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God’s peace be with you and within you,