Years ago I read an imaginary story of what happened in heaven when Jesus arrived after His ascension. The story goes that the angels gather around Him, anxious to ask what’s next. “What are your plans?” they ask. Without hesitation the Lord replies, “My men and women are my plan.” Instantly the angels are alarmed as they have looked and seen the motley band of believers who had scattered under pressure in the hours before the cross. “What if they fail?” the angels ask. With a quiet, innate confidence the Lord responds, “I have no other plan.”
Think of it. Any leadership consultant worth his or her salt would have taken Jesus aside and pointed to the deficiencies of His followers. They’re prideful, rebellious, insubordinate, wavering of faith. Their priorities get twisted; and yet Jesus stakes all of His plans and His reputation on the likes of us.
It’s humbling to take the words of Jesus in John 15:5 seriously: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” And yet, that’s what we have done at Hebron for decades. Indeed, that’s what the elders of the church did eighteen months ago in setting before you a plan to take this church into the future.
Bruce Cook, a well-known Christian consultant to Christian organizations around the world, once observed, “Success for the Christian, or a group of Christians, can be best defined as determining what God wants to accomplish and then getting on with it.”
On Monday, March 18, the Session voted to commence with the two remaining elements in our long-term ministry plan. (You will recall that the first two, redesigning Hebron’s leadership into teams and hiring a Co-pastor, have already been accomplished with excellent results.) Session voted to enter into a contract with Masco Corporation to renovate the Barclay Building by installing a 45x12 foot stage into the western wall of the building, along with the installation of a new sound and lighting system. In addition, the walls in the gym space will be refinished. At the same time, the kitchen area, that was damaged by a broken pipe during this winter’s bitter cold, will be thoroughly restored.
The new stage will enable us to improve sight lines, secure equipment, and free floor space. The enhanced sound and lighting will greatly improve the worship experience. The overall functionality of the building will be improved and provide us exciting new opportunities for ministry.
Within a few weeks the contract will be signed and work will begin on the outside of the building. Not long after Easter we will vacate the building and all three Sunday morning worship services will move to the main building. The 8:15 café service will be held in the newly renovated Fellowship Hall. The 9:15 and 10:45 services will be held in the Sanctuary. All of the work on the Barclay Building is scheduled for completion by September 5.
The final element in our long-term ministry plan was to establish a Ministry Initiative Fund. The purpose of the MIF was to position us to seize opportunities to penetrate the communities that surround us with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a first step towards that goal, the Session voted to file a 501(c)(3) application with the IRS to launch a new, non-profit organization named the Hebron Community Center (HCC). With the renovation complete, we believe the Barclay Building can be used throughout the week as a ministry outreach center meeting spiritual, recreational, and educational needs of Penn Hills and the surrounding communities.
The HCC will operate as a separate non-profit entity with its own Board of Directors, enabling it to secure outside funding. Unlike the building project, the HCC is in its seminal stage of development. There is much work to be done in creating a sound and secure business and ministry plan. As in all that we do, your prayers and continuing support are most needed. What a privilege it is to be a part of Jesus’ plan to usher in His kingdom!
