Many of you know about my vision to make High Point a “teaching church” – much like some hospitals are teaching hospitals. In other words, my hope is to build a robust in vibrant church in which some of our top young people can cut their teeth in ministry and be prepared for whatever ministry God is calling them to. Some of these people will be church planters. Some will lead in established churches, seeking to revitalize them. Others will work in parachurch ministries. And others may not go on to work in vocational ministry, but will be lifelong major contributors to a local church.
There was an aroma of lime, garlic and spices if you were in the church on Saturday, November 2. Fourteen ladies and two guys manned the spatulas, knives, and pans to make Crockpot Chipotle Lime Chicken, Italian Medallions, Chicken Garlic Mushrooms with Alfredo Pasta, Chicken and Rice Bake, and Hearty Italian Meatloaf. The Congregational Care Ministry will use these meals to bless our HPC families who are unable to prepare their own meals, while recovering from illness, surgery or a recent birth. Continue reading COOK-A-THON RECAP: OH, THE JOYS OF COOKING!→
For those of you who wanted to see the intro Nic gave about missions at High Point Church the Sunday Vince Burke was here, see below:
High Point is a missions church. We believe the message of the Gospel must be offered persuasively and non-coercively to all peoples, in all nations of the earth, in every generation.
The baptism celebration last week was one that is not easily forgotten. During the celebration people munched on food, socialized, and enjoyed the fleeting sunshine.
As the baptisms began, everyone crowded the hill to watch their friends and family take this next step in their walk of faith. Each person shared their personal story of God’s grace in their life. Many of the stories had vulnerable depth and honest raw emotion, which brought tears to the eyes of some. Then it was time to be dunked.
Below is an email message I got from an empty-nester after the vision talks I gave a few weeks ago. I thought s/he asked some really good questions, and I wanted to pass along the answers I gave.
As we go forward and you’re fleshing out the vision and finding ways to help us all get involved with it, here are some questions empty-nesters wrestle with that may have an impact on how they participate in our inter-generational church. Continue reading Applying HPC’s Vision: Questions from an Empty-Nester→
My life began in a quiet town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of North-East PA. I was born into a family that would occasionally attend a liberal mainline denominational church (U.C.C.) and was not concerned with following Christ. As I grew into a teenager I naturally adopted a “seek me first” ideology of life which led to an increasing depression. At its peak I would sleep 12-16 hours a day and would often act out violently towards my parents and brother. By the age of 16 I was at a place in life where I knew something had to change. Thankfully I had a close friend who was a Christian and I decided to “check out this Jesus thing” before I ran to alcohol or drugs, or seriously attempted suicide. As I searched, the Holy Spirit softened my heart and convicted me of my sin. I gave my life to Jesus at a youth conference in Hershey, PA.
Engage & Equip 