But, it is now the Lenten season and it is time to update you on upcoming Worship Services. For the Lenten Season, we have great plans for Sunday Morning Worship. Here they are:

2/17 – Deacon Ordination
2/24 – ‘God Has a Plan’ Genesis 15.1-8, Luke 13.31-35
3/3  - ‘It’s Time to Change’ Isaiah 55.6-9, Luke 13.1-9
3/10 – ‘Making Home Hospitable Again’ Joshua 5.9-12, Luke 15.1-3, 11-32
3/17 – ‘It Takes Your All’ Isaiah 43.16-21, John 12.1-8

These are subject to change or be adjusted slightly, but this is where we are headed in Worship.

March 24th is Palm Sunday and on March 31, Easter, we will gather at 8:30am for Morning Prayers at the Cross, followed by a light snack/breakfast and then Sunday School and Worship at their regular times.

Thank you for checking in and we look forward to connecting with you soon.

• Chapel Decoration – Sunday, November 25 at 2 pm
• Advent Wreath Workshop – Wednesday, November 28 at 6 pm – make a table-top wreath with candles to light in your home. Use the provided devotional to focus on the Advent Season. Bring some greenery clippings (boxwood, holly, evergreens, etc.) and a sturdy pie plate.
• Advent Kits – available on campus – if you know any children of any ages (grandchildren, neighbors, friends, your own, etc), be sure to pick up one kit per child, located by the welcome table. Kits provide daily activities for children, including a Scripture reading and prayer.
• Children’s Home Open House – the Baptist Children’s Home invites you to their Open House on Sunday, December 2, from 2-5 pm
• Wednesday nights Vespers and Communion Services – every Wednesday in Advent, we will have a Vespers and Communion Service – 6 pm, December 5, 12, 19
• Christmas Concert and Family Luncheon – Sunday, December 23 at 10:45 am followed by a pot-luck luncheon for all (there will be no Sunday School this day)
• Candlelight Christmas Eve Service – Monday, December 24 at 5 pm
• No services – Wednesday, December 26 or Wednesday, January 2 and no Sunday School Sunday, December 23 or Sunday, December 30

Yesterday I finished a series of sermons that were inspired by the document, Re-Envisioning Baptist Identity. It is available online. 

In each sermon, I referenced a song or two. Some were familiar, others were obscure.
But, since we now have the ability to share playlists through Spotify, I made a playlist and shared it on my Facbook Profile (fb.com/craho). If you are on Facebook, you will be able to find it. If you want it but are not on Facebook, email me and I will get it to you.

This is just for fun. But, there are some good songs on the list. I think you will enjoy when you listen.

Peace, Chris Aho

Was America Founded at a Christian Nation? by John Fea on Nov. 11 at 6 pm

“Fea offers an even-handed primer on whether America was founded to be a Christian nation, as many evangelicals assert, or a secular state, as others contend. He approaches the title’s question from a historical perspective, helping readers see past the emotional rhetoric of today to the recorded facts of our past. Readers on both sides of the issues will appreciate that this book occupies a middle ground, noting the good points and the less-nuanced arguments of both sides and leading us always back to the primary sources that our shared American history comprises.” Amazon review

and

Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? by Brian McLaren on Dec. 11 at 7 pm

“When four religious leaders walk across the road, it’s not the beginning of a joke. It’s the start of one of the most important conversations in today’s world.

Can you be a committed Christian without having to condemn or convert people of other faiths? Is it possible to affirm other religious traditions without watering down your own?

In his most important book yet, widely acclaimed author and speaker Brian McLaren proposes a new faith alternative, one built on “benevolence and solidarity rather than rivalry and hostility.” This way of being Christian is strong but doesn’t strong-arm anyone, going beyond mere tolerance to vigorous hospitality toward, interest in, and collaboration with the other.

Blending history, narrative, and brilliant insight, McLaren shows readers step-by-step how to reclaim this strong-benevolent faith, challenging us to stop creating barriers in the name of God and learn how affirming other religions can strengthen our commitment to our own. And in doing so, he invites Christians to become more Christ-like than ever before.” Amazon review

For more information, contact Rev. Christopher Aho at Hillcrest Baptist Church – 251.639.0990 or mobilehbc@gmail.com.

Reading with the Rev