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"Three Renovations: Our Program" I believe God put me here to lead Hillcrest to look afresh at our priorities, our activities, and our facilities. So, in these past four years since my arrival, we’ve been doing exactly that. I’ve often described it as a renovation project—a renovation of the heart (our priorities), the program (our activities), and the look (our facilities). Last week we reviewed the renovation of the heart. But the renovation of the heart does not make the other two renovations unnecessary; it makes them possible! When I speak of our “program,” I’m talking about what we do, how we do it, and when we do it—I’m talking about our activities, our ministries, our worship, and our schedule. Across the last four years, we’ve made a number of “renovations” in this area. We’ve added “Discover Hillcrest” as a required membership class. We’ve committed our Sunday evenings to discipleship classes. We’ve added a second
morning service (the “Bold Blend”). We’ve started the Common Ground Café. We’ve Anyone who has gone through a major home renovation can tell you how stressful it is. It’s true when a church goes through program renovations, too. But Hillcrest is a resilient family, and in these past four years you’ve set a great example of love and support and flexibility! Thank you! Now we’ve started turning our attention to the third area for renovation: our facilities. It’s not that we’re completely finished with the other two areas. In truth, the renovation of our heart is a lifelong process, and we have to be willing to constantly evaluate our program and make adjustments as necessary. But we also need to make improvements to our space, and I’ll tell you more about that in next week’s newsletter. These three renovations didn’t begin with my arrival. Four years ago, I became God’s foreman for a project that had already begun. I hope you’ll continue to pray and work with me as we make a faith-full examination of our priorities, activities, and our facilities. It’s an exciting time to be part of Hillcrest! Consider joining our team this summer! This Sunday, June 10, I teach a membership class called “Discover Hillcrest.” Look for more information in The Beacon and plan to come! —Tom Interested in Membership? Spread the word about our next Discover Hillcrest class. It will be held THIS Sunday, June 10, right after the morning service. LUNCH IS PROVIDED! The class is for those who want to become members, and for those who
just want to learn more about Hillcrest. While I teach the adult class, BJ teaches "Discover Hillcrest Kids" for children Links to Your World Why—and how—you should build your savings while you’re young (here). Vote for Herb in the KVET jingle contest! Click here, and click on the "Sam and Bob Jingle Contest." A new iMix of praise music is here! Listen to "Hillcrest Bold Gold (Volume 2)." David Jeremiah gives three reasons why you need to be connected to a local church. In last week's sermon I mentioned a German website you can use to rent protestors for your next rally. Find it here. See a slideshow of hymnals from around the world here. In "Theology in a Minor Key," Stephen J. Nichols discusses how blues music harmonises "the Curse and the Cross." Good stuff. Have you ever wanted to create your own church sign message? Now you can, at the Church Sign Generator. The New York Times asks, "Time Wasted? Perhaps It’s Well Spent." Of course, some church members may think that's all their pastor does according to this humorous website: "What Clergy Do All Week." This week's fortunate find: "Goodwill Employee Gets To Keep $5,000 Found In Pajamas." Read an executive summary here of “Faith Beyond Feelings,” a contemporary version of an old classic by Jonathan Edwards. Learn how to distinguish genuine spiritual renewal from the false. At the Elder Wisdom Circle, 600 senior adults ages 65-105 answer questions from young adults about relationships, money, careers and other matters. The Circle has answered more than 60,000 emails. One of the advantages that young adults have at Hillcrest is the chance to fellowship with those who have this "elder wisdom." “The Conservative Resurgence . . . was not about renewing churches, but making sure that theological conservatives were teaching future ministers, raining future missionaries, administering Cooperative Program funds, and accurately representing the moral convictions of most Southern Baptists in the public square." (SBC Witness.com) Danny Akin answers the question, "How Should Southern Baptists Respond to the Issue of Calvinism?" Find more at my weblog, “Get Anchored,” including the "Song of the Week" ("Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin), prayer as a church leader's main labor, and Part One of a review of our church's three
renovations. To keep up with the journal, sign up for Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.HillcrestAustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make. |
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