News -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

From the Hillcrest Beacon ( August 25, 2008 )...

Weekly Updates from the Church Staff:
From the Pastor
Music/Administration
Education
College/Career
Youth
Children

Information:
Attendance/Giving
Deacon/Yokefellow on Call
Van Driver
Greeters

From the Pastor

– Tom Goodman

"Are You a Functional Atheist?"

Take a look at this strange word: GODISNOWHERE.

Maybe it's, "God is nowhere" or maybe it's "God is now here." It all depends on how we look at it.

That's true in life, too. God is closer than you think, but whether you discover that truth depends on how you look at life. Take a moment to reflect on two questions, and the rest of your week will be better for it.

First, are you living as if you're on your own in this life? Maybe you've been saying, "God is nowhere." That makes you a functional atheist. Functional atheists don't say, "God does not exist," but they function as if he does not. They go about life as if they're on their own. Until Jacob's encounter with God in Genesis 28, he went through life with that attitude. Before that moment, if you had asked Jacob if he believed there was a God, he probably would have simply shrugged and said, "That's what I've heard." But God was really nothing more than a name in some old stories that his father and grandfather used to tell. He lived with no real consideration of God. As far as he was concerned, he was on his own in this life.

Second, if you've been living as if you're on your own, what should you do when you find out you're not? In Genesis 28, Jacob discovered that God was active in his life and God had a plan for his life. The way he looked at life was different, and he said, "God is now here! The Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it!" How do you respond when that realization breaks in on you? You realign your life to what God wants. You trust him. You look to him for guidance and provision. You ask him what he wants you to do with your life.

Discover the difference that comes from firm faith in God! Join us for worship this Sunday, August 31, at 9:30am or 10:45am!

Special Note: Please see BJ Linam's note below. After nearly 9 years of service at Hillcrest, BJ and Dale will be moving to Nashville. They will be dearly missed, but we rejoice with them in their obedience to God's call. Before their last Sunday, September 14, let them know of your thoughts and prayers!

Music / Administration

– Gene Chappell

Our Kid's Music Theater will begin Sunday, September 7 at 5:30pm. If you have kids 4 years through 5^th grade, please get them enrolled. They will be performing a musical called "Rock Solid" as a part of our Thanksgiving festivities on November 23. If you are in the 6^thgrade and want to participate, get in touch with Lynn and let her know.

Remember, SonShine Singers, Orchestra, and Adult Choir members – no rehearsals on August 27 or September 3. The next time we rehearse is September 10. Adult Choir and Orchestra, please make every effort to be here on the Sundays between, because you will be performing. Paul Smith will be leading music in my absence.

Education

– Herb Ingram

Right now you can review and sign up for the Hillcrest Institute of Lifelong Learning (HILL) Christian development classes being offered in our seventh semester of operation. Back in the Fall of 2005, we began to offer a balanced and relevant slate of courses to promote maturity and life skills in followers of Christ. The HILL helps us as a church to fulfill the vision of finding and following Christ together. Since we began, 281 adults have earned credit in at least one discipleship course. Over 100 of those have earned 20 or more credits (typically a course averages around six credits).

What about you? Are you enjoying the climb up the discipleship HILL? I am very excited about what we will be offering in the Fall. Check out the courses online, pick up a brochure this Sunday, or stop by my office and look over the bulletin board!

Deep Thought: Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press "Ctrl Alt Delete" and start all over?

College / Career

– Courtney Carlson

It's that time again… BACK TO SCHOOL! Classes will start back this week at UT as well as ACC and other campuses… so that means that we'll be getting back to our fall schedule. It's been a great summer with lots of fun, but now we look ahead to another great year in the college and career ministry.

We will be kicking off our Thursday Night Dinners this week and look forward to having our college students back in our home for some good food and fellowship. We will also be starting our new fall Bible study Sunday night, September 7. One of the big events that we hope to have this fall is our IGNITE Disciple Now weekend, which will be in November.

There is always something about gearing back up for the fall that is exciting. Whether it is college football or saying goodbye to the 100-degree heat, we are anticipating great things ahead for our ministry. Please continue to be in prayer as God leads and guides us this upcoming year!

Youth

– Jim Siegel

Sunday was great day for the students. It began by having at least five students join us for the first time during Bible study. Bible study was a little different yesterday as we began our new format of grouping the students around tables. Each week a teacher (by rotation) will summarize the Bible portion of the lesson for about 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, the students will continue their discussion of the lesson in their groups, share prayer needs, and pray for the "empty chair" to be filled by their friends in the weeks to come.

Sunday evening was the beginning of the fall praise-team rehearsals. We have a great group of instrumentalists and singers, and I'm really excited about working with them. We worked hard, and they really responded well. I am excited to watch them as they lead our students in praise and worship.

Finally, now that the students have been promoted, they are eligible to attend Rock Solid on Wednesday evening at 6:30pm. Encourage them to grab a friend and come on!

Awaiting the Shout,

Children

– BJ Linam

Our Dearest Hillcrest Family,

We have greatly enjoyed serving with you these past 8½ years!! You have loved us with an amazing love, and we are very grateful!! I hope you know how much you mean to us!!

On Sunday, we accepted a unanimous call to Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. I will be their new Minister to Preschoolers. Our last Sunday here will be September 14^th. Though we will miss you greatly, God has clearly shown us that this is the next step that He has for our lives.

We appreciate your prayers as we embark on this new adventure. Know that we will be praying for you!! Hillcrest will always hold a special place in our hearts!!

We love you!!!!!
BJ & Dale