HRBC News

Senior Adult Retreat

HRBC Staff — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:17:37 GMT

This spring we have an opportunity for renewal and reflection at the Senior Adult Retreat hosted by Virginia Baptists at Eagle Eyrie. We will travel by church bus May 17-19 to the beautiful Lynchburg area for this time of retreat. The keynote speaker for the weekend is our own, Dr. Browning. The total cost of the weekend is $125. A $15 deposit is due by April 15. The theme for the retreat is "People of God: Past Present Future." In addition to worship and discipleship time together, they will also have an old-fashioned ice cream social and hymn sing as well as a comedy night. Please see Melissa Fallen for more details.

Pennsylvania Travel Time

HRBC Staff — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:17:01 GMT

Join HRBC older adults as we travel on April 15-16 to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for fun and fellowship. After we arrive on Thursday, we will shop at the villages of Kitchen Kettle before enjoying the play, "Joseph" at Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre. After a good night’s rest, we will depart for Bird in Hand Farmers Market and an Amish Country tour before making our way back to HRBC. Prices range from $270-$350 per person and payment is due by March 12th. Please see Tom Wyatt (378-7864) for details.

Baptist Response to the Crisis in Chile

HRBC Staff — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:35:41 GMT

Update from the International Mission Board

"Southern Baptists are moving quickly to assess relief needs in the aftermath of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile at 3:34 a.m. Saturday, killing at least 82 people, collapsing buildings and setting off a tsunami.

Disaster relief specialists from South Carolina and California are on standby to respond, said Jim Brown, director of the U.S. office for the International Mission Board’s primary partner in disaster relief, Baptist Global Response. A decision about what initial response is needed will be made within the next 12 hours.

The epicenter was located just 70 miles from Concepcion, a city of more than 200,000 people, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. A tsunami wave struck the Robinson Crusoe Islands, 410 miles off the Chilean coast and tsunami warnings have been issued for Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Chile’s president, Michele Bachelet, declared a "state of catastrophe" in three central regions of the country. Several hospitals were evacuated and communications with Concepcion were knocked out.

In the capital city of Santiago, which is about 200 miles from the earthquake, IMB field personnel reported in a 5:00 a.m. e-mail that they had experienced “very scary shaking” and that electrical, telephone and water services were cut off.

IMB and BGR leadership began consulting immediately during the early morning hours after the earthquake, said Scott Holste, associate vice president for the IMB’s Office of Global Strategy.

“We are evaluating damage reports as they come in and preparing initial response plans, if it is determined that a significant response is needed,” Holste said. “Southern Baptists have ministry partners in Chile who will be able to help respond immediately with basic necessities.”

“We know that immediate needs usually include things like food, water, shelter and medical needs,” Brown said. “We have emergency response funds available to help with the crisis response. Southern Baptists always respond quickly when a disaster like this strikes. They pray and give from the heart. We’re glad to know so many people who care are ready to spring into action to help people in need.”

Word has been received from IMB leaders in Chile that all field personnel have been accounted for and are safe; information about the impact on the Chilean Baptist community is being sought. IMB will be monitoring developments and will issue further announcements about needs and response as more information becomes available.

Updates

- www.imb.org
- Twitter -- Use #QuakeResponse

How you can help

Pray -- Prayer is urgently needed for thousands of people in Chile whose lives have been upturned by a massive earthquake that struck in the early morning hours of Feb. 27, says an International Mission Board strategist closely tied to the area.

“We want to ask Christians everywhere to lift up people in need after this huge disaster,” said Terry Lassiter, strategist for the American Peoples affinity group. “We thank the Lord that all of our missionaries are well but there has been a very significant loss of life that is going to affect both our church community and the non-Christian community in Chile.” Read more.

For future prayer requests, also visit CompassionNet.

Donate -- Donations may be directed to the Disaster Response Fund at www.gobgr.org."

Preparing for Easter

HRBC Staff — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:30:58 GMT

As we approach Easter, we have an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and prepare our hearts and minds during this time of Lent. Here are a few suggestions to help you "BE" in the presence of God:

40 Days of listening to the entire New Testament in our "Faith Comes By Hearing" opportunity. The MP3 cds of the New Testament are available through the church. You can also click here to be redirected to the site with the free MP3 download available.
Journey to the Cross daily devotional
Reading the Bible through during 2010

Mark your calendars now for the following:

Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010: Worship at 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Bible study at 10:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 1, 2010: Covered Dish Dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by worship at 6:45 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010: Worship at 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Bible study at 10:00 a.m.

Staff-led Mission Experience

HRBC Staff — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:03:58 GMT

The HRBC staff and several congregation members began their mission at the African Christian Community Church (ACCC) on Monday, February 22. The tasks for the three days include:

painting two rooms
removing very old hardware and installing new door knobs
unpacking and organizing a LOT of donated children's books
organizing, rewiring, and revamping the computer lab
installing a water cooler
removing several unwanted pieces of furniture from the site

Click here to view pictures from the fun!

The ACCC is a relatively new partnership of the Richmond Baptist Association (RBA). Pastor Calvin Birch and his congregation primarily reach out to African immigrants who have settled in the area. In addition to their regular worship time, they also provide very needed ministry within the community, particularly for children through an after-school program.

St. Paul's Lenten Series

HRBC Staff — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:49:16 GMT

Our annual venture to the St. Paul’s Lenten lunch and worship series is on Wednesday, March 3. This event is open to anyone and is designed to provide us with a time for personal self-examination and renewal of our faith as we anticipate Easter. We will meet at HRBC at 11:00 a.m. and travel downtown for lunch followed by the worship service led by Rev. Amy Butler of Calvary Baptist Church in D.C. The cost of lunch is $7.00 per person plus an additional $2 if you wish to have dessert. Please make reservations with Melissa Fallen by Sunday, February 28. Please let Melissa know if you plan to drive.

Ash Wednesday Service

HRBC Staff — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:08:50 GMT

We begin our journey to Easter Wednesday evening, February 17. Join us for a covered-dish dinner at 6:00 p.m. in the gym. The Ash Wednesday service takes place in the sanctuary at 6:45 p.m. This service includes silence, time for confession and repentance, special music, and Dr. Browning will share a message. Come begin this time of preparation for Easter with your faith community.

Regular Wednesday evening activities and ministries will not take place on Ash Wednesday. Child care is available during the service.

Church-Wide Pancake Supper and Entertainment

HRBC Staff — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:08:10 GMT

The deacons and the Jerusalem Team are sponsoring a FREE pancake supper and fellowship opportunity at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 7. Every member of the family is invited. Entertainment is provided by the talented members of HRBC.

This time of fellowship is the celebration of relationships built during the Winter Warm-Ups sponsored by the deacons, and we want all members and friends to participate. Mark your calendars now for a night of food, fun, fellowship and much laughter. Reservations are not required!

Church Canceled for Wed 2/10

HRBC Staff — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:02:21 GMT

Due to the inclement weather, the church office is closed and all activities canceled for Wed, Feb 10th.

Lenten Study Begins on February 24

HRBC Staff — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:58:17 GMT

We kick-off a five-week series called Reflections on the Lord's Prayer on Wednesday, February 24, at 6:15 p.m. Many of us have memorized the words of the Lord's Prayer, but how many of us really know what the words mean. Our goal for this five-week journey is to know this prayer so we are caused to think as we speak the words. Dr. Browning will lead this study, and then we will move to small groups to discuss what is learned. If desired, you can stay and discuss in Dr. Browning's group. Join us!