Regathering......

80 days ago, HBC found herself at the front end of a pandemic which necessitated the need for us to suspend our gathering together physically. It was something that none of us could have ever predicted. We found ourselves in a different place.
You have been so incredibly awesome through the various changes that we have made. Your support - trough prayer, offerings, texts, cards, calls, and so many other ways have continued to speak volumes about who you are as the people of God at Hazelwood. You rose to the challenge and embraced the moment - not of our choosing but of our destiny. Although we have not been able to "gather together", you continued to find ways to be the church "scattered."
You have n patient and supportive. And now .... the words that you have prayed for and wanted to hear: after meetings of our Security/Safety Team and in consultation with our Deacons and Deaconesses, we are happy to share with you that we are on our way to "regathering!"
Our first worship service together will be on July 5. It will be a "soft" opening - putting into place our "new normal" for our gathering together. We will be following CDC guidelines in terms of social distancing (no hugs or handshakes (sorry) and maintaining our 6 foot distance. We will be suggesting that you wear a mask and will have masks as well as hand sanitizer available for your use. It will give us the opportunity to "test drive" our master plan and better equip ourselves for our gatherings. We will be sharing much more information with you as the date approaches.
Our "Grand Reopening" will take place on Sunday, July 12 as we come together and celebrate our 103rd Anniversary as a Church Family! As of today, that is only 40 days away! We will be rededicating the beautiful stained glass that adorns the sanctuary, marveling at the recently painted sanctuary as well as celebrating all that God has been doing in our lives. We will be welcoming new faces into our HBC family that we have come to know through the pandemic. But ultimately, we will be sharing together in rededicating ourselves as the people of God at Hazelwood. It's going to be a special and memorable time!
Please mark your calendar and make your plans to be here!
We certainly understand that everyone will view their response and participation differently - based upon your particular situation. Not everyone will feel comfortable getting out and we want you to know that we understand.
We will ask that you not attend if you are sick or show symptoms of sickness. We will also continue to broadcast our HBC Worship Service live each week on Facebook through the help of our amazing tech team. At this time, we will only be gathering together for our Morning Worship Service.
I'm asking that you join with us in these next 40 days to pray specifically for Hazelwood and her ministries. I'm asking for you to pray for your Church Staff as we formulate plans and strategies for these exciting days. Pray also for your Deacons and other key leaders. And pray for each other - that God would be glorified, honored and pleased in all that we do!
Hang in there HBC! 40 more days. We are almost there!!
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of spiritual journey. I only hope that I am able to enrich your journey in some small way even as you have greatly enriched mine.
You are loved.....alot!
Pastor Tim
Monday, June 1, 3:35pm