Grace and peace be with you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ! I hope this letter finds you in a continued spirit of celebration and joy as we reflect upon Sunday’s Heritage Day celebration. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible Heritage Day Service and Celebration we experienced in honor of our church’s 60th anniversary. This milestone event was a testament to the strength and unity of our congregation, and I am overwhelmed with appreciation for everyone who made it possible. It would be difficult to personally thank every single person who participated, so I hope this letter will show my effort to say a big “THANK YOU!”

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Michelle Graham, who chaired the 60th Anniversary Planning Team with exceptional dedication and grace. Michelle’s leadership and commitment were instrumental in orchestrating such a meaningful celebration. Alongside Michelle, I would like to recognize the efforts of the entire Planning Team: Phillip Brown, Rory Francisco, Julie Gibson, Sharon Krol, Sue Monks, Martha Parker, Sue Robertson, and Andrea Simpson. Each of you brought your unique gifts and talents to the table, creating a truly memorable event for all. 

Additionally, thanks to Trace Broyles for designing the special 60th Anniversary Logo. His creative work beautifully captured the essence of our theme, “Our Past, God’s Future . . . the stories that connect us,” and provided a visual anchor for our celebration which will last a lifetime. 

Our Heritage Day Service was enriched by a special worship service led by Rev. Phillip Brown and our church staff and lay leadership. The HRBC Worship! Choir, Orchestra and current and former worship leaders, as well as band members joined together to lift our hearts in hymns and songs of praise. Their joyous voices combined with all the instruments added a beautiful depth to our worship experience. It was a blessing to see many former HRBC staff worshiping alongside both old friends and newcomers to our church family. 

Finally, I extend my gratitude to Jeff Parker and the Jubilee Bluegrass Band for their spirited concert following the fellowship meal in the Family Life Center. Their music brought joy and a sense of togetherness that perfectly complemented the day’s festivities.

This event was a collaborative effort that involved not only the Planning Team but also our dedicated church staff and a host of volunteers from all five of our church pillar groups. Your hard work and willingness to serve were evident in every detail, from the preparation of the fellowship meal to the organization of activities and the warm hospitality extended to all attendees. A special word of thanks goes to Andrea Simpson and the Fellowship Team and its volunteers for all the hard work and care that went into the wonderful meal! 

To each member of our church family who participated in and supported this celebration, thank you. Your presence, prayers, and contributions helped to create an environment of love, reflection, and forward-looking faith. This Heritage Day was more than just a celebration; it was a powerful reminder of our shared journey and God’s ongoing work among us. 

As we move forward from this milestone, let us carry the spirit of Heritage Day in our hearts, continually remembering “Our Past, God’s Future . . . the stories that connect us.” May we remain steadfast in our mission, embracing the future with faith and hope, grounded in the rich heritage that has brought us this far. Like Esther, may we “rise up” to meet future challenges with faith . . .  

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) #HRBCRiseUp 

In Christ’s care,