Can you imagine what it would be like if people just walked through the doors at church? We didn’t have to knock on their doors . . . they just showed up at HRBC? You might say, “Pastor Bob, people don’t just show up at church these days! That was 30 to 40 years ago.” Well, it is happening! Read more to find out how and what you can do about it . . . 

Each week, nearly 400 50+ adults come through the doors of HRBC. Our mission field is coming to us! This is happening through the partnership that we have had for over a decade with Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation (CPPR) Active Lifestyle: 50+. We are thankful to host a variety of programs, classes and events every week, Monday through Wednesday. Susan Miller is the CCPR representative and shares space in the Sunday School office.

Here’s the link to the winter/spring program. Please visit pp. 23-28 for all of the programming that is offered right here at HRBC.  

Here’s how you can get involved in representing HRBC: First, you can volunteer through the HRBC Outreach Pillar and serve at the hospitality table where we welcome CCPR guests, offer a smile and even a free cup of coffee and snacks. Or you might register for classes like Ukulele like some of our members are doing. There are classes for Tai Chi; Watercolor; Brain and Body Fitness; CPR; Crime Prevention and Safety; Master Gardening; Organizing Your Financial Records; and even Bridge groups!   

Here’s a program that I just registered for: Storytelling by Theresa Gee. Her website states the following:  

Theresa G, the storyteller, captivates her audiences by sharing stories from the past that are inspirational and educational for people of all ages.  She skillfully employs the use of props, period costumes, voice inflections and characteristic gestures to deliver historically accurate depictions of African American women in history.  Her characters come to life in her creative, moving and entertaining performances.  She offers lasting and emotional impacts through the timeless stories she tells. Theresa G is available to schools, libraries and churches as well as other organizations.  She stands ready to teach about the struggles and triumphs of renowned African American women (visit https://theresagee.com/characters/)  

On February 21, from 10-11 a.m., Theresa Gee will give the performance of Coretta Scott King, the wife of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is in celebration of Black History Month. I am looking forward to this performance and to meeting some of our neighbors who attend. Perhaps there might be an opportunity to share about what’s happening here at HRBC! We never know how God might use us when we engage in one of the classes at CCPR. If you’re interested in this class, it’s on p. 23, Course number 43686. 

Please hold CCPR in your prayers as we continue in this partnership. We have made significant connections over the years, and I believe we could make many more if we made ourselves available. Remember, we plant seeds, but it’s God who makes them grow! 

Paul wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6, NIV) 

In Christ’s service,