HILLTOP CHAPEL NEWSLETTER
JULY 2020
“LET FREEDOM RING”
When July 4th rolls around each year, I tend to reminisce about the “good old days” of my youth. There was a parade down the main street of town, speeches by the mayor and other dignitaries , a barbecue in the backyard, games, lots of laughter and as darkness finally descended, the fireworks display. From the first dazzling starburst to the Stars and Stripes finale, my gaze never left the sky in anticipation of the next “poof” as another rocket made its way into the night. It still amazes me, 60 years later, to think of all the planning and technical knowhow needed to put on a 15 to 20 minute pyrotechnic show.
Think how Francis Scott Keys must have felt as he watched the real bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. He wrote the Star Spangled Banner during that fateful night, not knowing whether his beloved country would survive. Can you imagine his delight as he saw the American flag still flying, though badly tattered and torn, over the fort as morning dawned?
Many years have passed since out forefathers penned the document that set in motion the most remarkable experiment in the history of the world: “...a nation of the people, by the people and for the people”. I thought it might be appropriate, at this time in our nation’s history to revisit that document and see what it really says and how we measure up to its true intent today. There is not enough room here to examine the entire document, but the first two paragraphs give the essence of the whole: “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and the nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which compelled them to the separation.”
“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same objet evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.” Thomas Jefferson wrote the draft, which was later approved by congress and entered into the record on July 4, 1776.
Those brave men, many of whom gave their fortunes and their lives for the cause of freedom, never wavered in the belief that liberty was well worth the sacrifice. We are the beneficiaries of the vision that drove them to fight, against incredible odds, those who sought to oppress them. They saw a nation that would be built, first and foremost, on biblical principles, both from Old and NewTestaments, which they knew would stand the test of time. Those same principles are the fundamental reason that our country is still here today. The question becomes, how much longer can the United States survive when we see the erosion of our national adherence to the very elements that forged our nation in the first place!
It saddens me and, I”m sure, all of you to watch the steady stream of legislative actions and Supreme Court decisions that move us further away from our biblical underpinning. Can we still turn around? Yes we can! But, do we have the courage to stand and proclaim the truth that will set this nation free again. II Chronicles 7:14 says. “...if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” We need God’s forgiveness in the worst way, as individuals and as a nation. The only way it will happen is if we humbly seek His forgiveness and turn away from our sinful ways.
The future of the United States hangs in the balance. What we do, as Christians, in the next weeks and months may well tip the balance one way or the other. Only God knows the outcome and ultimately, His will is going to be done. What will you do to make a difference?
Pastor Rod
HILLTOP CORNER
Here at Hilltop Chapel we have Begun to hold Morning Worship on the front lawn. Attendees have been bringing their own lawn chairs and we are following all requirements of COVID-19 as set by the State of California and the Fresno County Health Dept. The weather has been very accommodating...so far. Pastor has begun to Live-stream the Worship Service and you can watch it on YouTube or on Facebook. It has been quite an exciting experience for Pastor, as he is reaching people across the globe, people that probably don’t even know where Hilltop Chapel is located. It is an exiting time in the life of Hilltop Chapel. We do not know when things will get back to “normal”, we will probably have a “new normal”, but we will follow guidelines that are set before us. We look forward to being able to meet again in the Sanctuary soon, but in the meantime, come out and join us on the front lawn.
We give a happy, but sad at the same time, send-off to our wonderful friend Edie Raper who has gone to live with family in Virginia. Talking to her on Sunday morning, she seemed very happy to able to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren she hasn’t even seen yet. We pray that she has a smooth adjustment and we will miss her greatly!
Please continue to pray for those families you know that may have had a family member or friend become ill or pass away during this COVID-19 global pandemic. Every life is precious to Jesus!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Due to the ongoing restrictions placed upon us due to the COVID-19 virus, we’re still working to meet the needs of those who have health issues and those who may be wary of venturing out due to concerns due to age. It is our desire to get back to normal operating conditions as soon as possible.
Our “Church on the Lawn” services have been well received and we will continue those for the near future. It is, however, our intent to move back into our sanctuary and/or the fellowship hall at the earliest possible moment. We will keep everyone informed as to the latest adjustments to schedule as they become available. Thank you for your patience with us during these very trying times.
SCHEDULE FOR JULY
7/2 Tues 7:00 PM Deacons’ & Deaconesses’ Meeting. We will be meeting in the church Fellowship Hall to address the spiritual needs of the church, as well as monitoring the latest updates concerning the Corona Virus and its effect on the life of the church and our community. Please pray for us.
7/4 Independence Day. Continue in prayer for our great nation as we celebrate the 244th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence & the founding of the United States of America.
7/5 SUN 9:00AM Independence Weekend Worship Service. If there were ever a time for God’s people to gather together, worship and seek Him, this is it! Our task is obvious and vital—preach the Gospel to everyone. Join us as we look to our Savior for courage and strength in these troubled times.
7/7 TUE 10:00AM Ladies Bible Study. There will be no Helping Hands Meeting this month. There will be Helping Hands Meetings resuming in August.
7/12 9:00AM We have a scheduled concert this Sunday with one of our favorite singing groups, “Reliance”. This talented trio, led by Ken Hurley, has toured extensively, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ with their unique song stylings. Schedule may change and we’ll keep you posted with updates. Join us and bring a friend.
