Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:7

I love everything about “potluck” or “covered dish” dinners at church. It’s an opportunity to walk around and talk to so many good people, to taste a little – and sometimes a lot – of everything, to sit down at a table with a smaller sampling of folk where I can get to know them better, and then go back and pick out a dessert – or two. It’s all good.

Then, and this has been the theme for this community over the past few months, to hear stories about what’s happening from people involved in mission: this week we wrapped up a series specifically designed to dovetail with the big 150th church birthday.

“Project 150” is an initiative born out of the desire to amplify what is probably the definitive reason HMPC has been so consistently visible and effective in Tarboro since 1874 – the congregation’s commitment to serve the community in the spirit of Jesus.

So we asked ourselves the following questions?

“Where do we see a need within our community? Where can we be a positive presence, and in what ways can we best help?” – Project 150 team

What does this community need?

In response, HMPC has chosen to support four highly effective local community programs designed to address the needs of children and families at risk. The Children’s Hope Alliance, My Sister’s House (domestic abuse), Ronald McDonald House and family support during children’s hospitalization, and the Children’s Resource Fund used at the discretion of Edgecombe County social workers to mitigate crisis.

We have already far exceeded our modest goal. So now the challenge is to move from modest and into downright extravagant!

And then, as Rebekah challenged the church Wednesday evening: What new and transformational initiatives of love are we being called into as our spirits are rekindled?

Howard Memorial is already known as a key leader in terms of service to this community. What if this church became a catalyst for ministry to children and families? What if those experiencing need get so saturated with the love and grace of Jesus today that they, in turn, offer grace and hope to others tomorrow?

There is such a lot of need in this community, in this county and – right now – in the flood ravaged western half of our state.

And so here we are, God’s children, so grateful for all the blessings we have received that we cannot help but reach out in any way that we can.

Peace, and more peace – DEREK

What if those experiencing need get so saturated with the love and grace of Jesus today that they, in turn, offer grace and hope to others tomorrow?