Coronavirus Updates

by Heritage | Mar 12, 2020 | Uncategorized

Plans for Resuming our Sunday Gathering! Updated May 13, 2020

We are planning to resume our Lord’s Day services this coming Sunday. Visit the Heritage Resume page to learn about our plans for Sunday. That page is to-the-point, but some of our thinking and details are on Pastor Trent’s blog post, “Together Again, this Sunday: Why and How.”

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You’re Invited! Join Us Online Updated March 21, 2020

Go to our Heritage Live page for instructions and plan to join us this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

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COVID-19 Update | Pastor Trent’s Blog Post Updated March 19, 2020

Read it here: Hardship and Church Health: How This Could be Good for Us

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COVID-19 Update | Update on Sunday’s Online Service Updated March 18, 2020

Heritage Family,

As Sandy shared in his email to you on Monday, we have canceled our normal Lord’s Day gathering for this Sunday. We are glad to comply with the governor’s request. As I shared in Saturday’s blog post, “Coronavirus, Community, and the Cross,” in this circumstance we would consider hosting something in place of our gathering through digital means. That is our plan.

This Friday, look out for an email and invitation from me to Sunday’s online meeting. We’ll be using a video platform called Zoom. More details and instructions to come. It should be as easy as following a link, which was important to us.

This email comes before all of our plans are completely laid, but I wanted to bring you up to speed. Thank for your patience as we get things in good order.

Grace to you –

Trent

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COVID-19 Update | March 16 HBC Update

Here we are, following our Good Shepherd day by day. The CDC is now advising groups of more than 50 to not meet for the next 8 weeks. The SC Governor has suspended school until the end of March. Just this afternoon the White House issued guidelines advising people to avoid gathering in groups of more than 10. So we are praying and making adjustments.

So until further notice, there will be no gathering on Sunday morning or in smaller official HBC groups at other times. Again we will continue to monitor recommendations from the CDC and SC DHEC. Then, make decisions for our ministry. For some insights into precautions for yourself and others, review the article Trent included in his blog. If you are in a high-risk category, be extra careful.

Don’t you love that we are invited not to fear? Dozens of passages such as Deuteronomy 31:7-8 or Matthew 14:22-33 remind us that God the Father and God the Son know the human tendency toward fear. Divine presence and powerful action on our behalf should assure our hearts and give us courage. As you pray, think, talk, and act, there are two simple categories: Loving God and Loving Others (members and neighbors).

Loving God

Continue spending time in God’s Word and praying.

Stay informed but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed in the 24/7 news cycle. We will continue to share articles like this one to encourage and equip you.

Sunday Service: Alternative to Gathering

For now, just know that we are talking and planning toward a 9:30 a.m. Sunday video/internet strategy. Trent will be sending an email on Wednesday to give more details. He and Brian Burch, HBC Tech Director, have already been talking through specifics and logistics.

Loving Members

Elder Communities and Shepherding Groups

Later this week, Abe Stratton will be sending an email update to Elders, Deacons, and Shepherding Group leaders. Especially during this time, our focus will be on loving each other through more time and energy given through elder communities and shepherding groups.

Benevolence

Be prepared to share your time and resources to help others in your elder community and shepherding group. Different sectors of our economy will be temporarily hurt worse than others. Someone in your elder community or shepherding group may have to stay home with a child, work reduced hours, or be temporarily suspended from working.

Loving Neighbors

Do you have a co-worker or an older neighbor in a high-risk category? Offer to check on them and help in various ways (e.g. pick up their groceries or medicines).

Psalm 23,

Sandy McCormick
Executive Pastor

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COVID-19 Update | Pastor Trent’s Blog Post Updated March 14, 2020

Trent posted a blog this morning following up with some biblical and pastoral thoughts about church life for the next weeks or months. Read it here: “Coronavirus, Community, and the Cross.”

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COVID-19 Update | Gathering and Programming Plans Updated March 13, 2020

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) circumstances continue to evolve each day. Out of love for others, we have to err on the side of reasonable caution.

So for an indefinite period of time, we are cancelling all church programming except our weekly Lord’s Day gathering at 9:30 a.m.

Nursery, Pre-School, and Children’s Church will function as normal for this Sunday. However, we ask that no volunteers over 60 serve in these areas. If you are scheduled to work this Sunday, your ministry leader will be in touch with you. Parents: We ask you be extra careful that no child with a fever, cough, runny nose, etc. is brought to church.

While we will have the service, there is no judgment on you if you do not attend for personal safety reasons. Each of us needs to pray, keep monitoring CDC and SC DEHC updates, and consider how we serve others. Let’s be creative in staying connected and loving one another.

Several on the elder team are in frequent communication. We are getting input from a small group of HBC healthcare professionals. We would all appreciate your prayers.

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Coronavirus Update March 12, 2020

The news and updates about the Coronavirus, like all situations in life, present us with an opportunity to glorify God. How can God help us demonstrate love for Him and others? We want to respond with faith in God and loving wisdom in caring for ourselves and others.

Remember and share these truths about God and our world.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1)—whether spiritual, financial, emotional, relational, or physical. He reigns and nothing happens outside his loving, wise, and good sovereign reach—even disease and death (Dt. 32:39; 1 Sam. 2:6; Job 1:20-21; Ja. 4:13-16). The Coronavirus is not the first of its kind (e.g. H1N1/Swine flu, Avian flu, Ebola, MERS, SARS), nor will it be the last until the Lord ushers in the new heaven and the new earth (Rev. 21:1-4). Ask the Lord to help you trust Him and not be anxious (see this article).

Pray, letting your requests be made known with thanksgiving.

Any reminder of our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9) and brevity of life (Ja. 4:14) is good for us (Ps. 119:67, 71). The Coronavirus reminds us to fervently pray for ourselves, our neighbors, and our ministry partners. Here is a useful blog about prayer related this situation. One of our ministry partners, Lewis Kong in Hong Kong, has been having services online for a few weeks. There are actually new contacts being made as people view the services online.

Following are several actions we are taking and some which you can take:

Stay informed. We are continuing to monitor the latest news and recommendations released by the CDC, SC DHEC, and local officials. These links are provided for your ongoing use. We are also proactively learning what churches in other parts of the country and the Upstate are doing. For example, some content in this letter was used and adapted with permission from Downtown Cornerstone Church in Seattle, WA.

Keep gathering on Sunday morning. Unless you are in a high-risk category (see below), we encourage you to continue to gather with the church. If you are in a high-risk category, please be aware that COVID-19 has a much higher risk for acute illness than normal viruses. As of Wednesday afternoon, the top SC public health official is not recommending the general public avoid large group gatherings. Therefore, we are not planning to cancel Sunday worship or electives. Note: Concerning Communion, we do not share a common cup or a common loaf of bread. But the elders will be discussing any appropriate adjustments to how we might lovingly and wisely serve the Lord’s Supper.

Use discernment in participating in other gatherings.  We will continue to monitor healthcare recommendations and update you on changes to any gatherings. For now, use your personal discretion about participating in Shepherding Groups, Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies, etc.

Remain flexible and cooperative regarding any modifications or cancellations. For example, we are cancelling the Senior Servants Banquet on March 21 because of so many in the high-risk categories. Also at this time, we are keeping the Family Meeting on Sunday, March 22 but cancelling plans for the breakfast for supper meal. There will be no meal that night. Use your judgment in possibly inviting other HBC members to join you for a meal after the Family Meeting.

Take normal precautions. As with any virus, the CDC recommends staying home when you are sick. If you or a family member has a cough, fever, or other respiratory difficulties, we ask you to refrain from participating in any church-related activity until you are fever-free for 24 hours. Additionally, frequently washing your hands and covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze are also key preventative actions per the CDC. All of our bathrooms not only have soap dispensers but hand sanitizer. Each of the children’s rooms is also equipped with hand sanitizer.

Take extra precautions in cleaning. Our facilities staff is paying extra attention to cleaning and sanitizing after any gatherings at our church. On Sunday mornings, various door handles will receive extra cleaning. You should do the same in your home and your workplace.

Take extra precaution when meeting and greeting others. For now, do an elbow bump, give an “air hug,” etc. when you want to welcome others. This could be at church or anywhere.

Avoid possible cross-contamination: Sharing or passing multiple-touch items. Out of love for others be prepared to be inconvenienced in order to care for each other. We need to be cautious because some members not in high-risk categories care for an elderly parent or another high-risk individual. Or a member might work in the healthcare field and serve those in high-risk categories. Effective this Sunday and for the immediate future, we will:

• Not be passing offering plates during the morning service. But please be faithful in your giving via online or through the lobby offering boxes.
• Not be passing clipboards in the Elective Classes.
• Not be serving coffee on Sunday Mornings.
• Not be having food items or beverages in the Electives.

Note if you are in a high-risk category.  People who are at higher risk of illness should consider ways to lower their risk of infection by limiting contact with crowds. The most high-risk categories are those: (1) over 60 years old, or (2) with underlying health conditions such as heart disease and lung disease, or (3) who are immune-compromised.

Note if you become exposed to the Coronavirus and self-quarantine. Should you be contacted or somehow learn that you have been exposed to an infected person, we ask you to self-quarantine (which is a way to love others). Check with your doctor for the latest instructions about a self-quarantine and when it is permissible to lift the quarantine.

Note if you become sick with the Coronavirus and please notify us immediately. We will need to identify those who may have had contact with you.

Be patient as the elders discuss and finalize contingency plans for alternatives to group gatherings. There will be plans should federal, state, or local authorities issue recommendations affecting group gatherings. Please pray for the elders to have wisdom about any possible changes. A small HBC team of professionals serving in various healthcare sectors will be consulted for real-time assessments and information to share with the elders.

Have Compassion and Serve. We grieve with those who have lost loved ones to this latest pandemic (Rom. 12:15). As things continue to unfold, all of us should be prayerfully sensitive about looking for ways to serve others who are high-risk, sick, or just fearful about the entire situation (Gal. 6:10). One possibility would be temporarily hosting some of our college students who have had an unexpected change in their semester schedule. Contact Dan Cruver if you are willing to temporarily host a student or students.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

To the Nations

by Heritage | Feb 20, 2020 | Uncategorized

Elder & Deacon Nominees 2020

by Heritage | Feb 4, 2020 | Uncategorized

As part of our Family Meeting on Sunday, February 23, at 11:00 a.m., Members will affirm Elders and Deacons for 2020-21. Nominees are listed below and a sample ballot is available for your review.

Elder Nominees

Lewis Carl

Testimony: I had the privilege to grow up in a Christian home where the Gospel was not only given but lived out. Christ saved me at an early age after my father gave evening devotions. Though I do not remember that evening, I can clearly see God’s saving power demonstrated throughout my life. Through the influence of my parents and two godly pastors who took an interest in me, serving and ministering to the Body of Christ in various ways—no matter my age—was strongly encouraged. I was later baptized around the age of 16 after realizing the importance of publicly declaring Him as my Savior and following/obeying Him. God used those early opportunities to prepare and instill a love for ministry and missions, which ultimately took me (and later my wife, Sarah) to the mission field of Venice, Italy. Those years in Italy were filled with incredible teaching moments that continue to influence our walk with God today. Heritage has been a huge blessing in not just supporting us while on the field, but providing a place of healing, rest, growth, and service. We are excited to see how God will continue to lead through our Heritage family.

Ministry Involvement:

• Elder
• Impact Sponsor
• Elective Teacher
• Shepherding Group Participant and Former Leader
• Graphic designer/illustrator for various events
• Former missionary/co-pastor of Filipino church in Italy

Travis Fleshman

Testimony: I grew up in a Christian home and was baptized around the age of five. When I was eleven, I attended a Christian camp, and was convicted of my sin. I repented and embraced the gospel. After years of wrestling, I was baptized as a believer, and have continued to grow since. My wife and I have been married for twelve years and have four wonderful children. We continue to pursue God both individually and as a family, anticipating the day when we will finally be with Him.

Ministry Involvement:

• Elder
• Shepherding Group Leader
• Elective Teacher
• Former Preschool Teacher

John Gardner

Testimony: I was saved while in elementary school and have grown in the grace and knowledge of our Lord since then. My wife, Deanna, and I have been attending HBC for 31 years. I am a retired law enforcement officer and currently self-employed.

Ministry Involvement:

• Elder
• Shepherding Group Leader
• Elective Teacher
• Safety Team Coordinator
• Former Deacon
• Former Impact Leader

Pete Hansen

Testimony: I grew up in the great Pacific Northwest. I graduated from Bob Jones University in the early 1980s, and have spent my career as a filmmaker and video producer. My wife Shelley and I have four grown children, and we have been at HBC for 21 years. A godly heritage runs deep in both sides of my family. My parents loved and lived Christ, so much so that I desired and accepted Him as my Savior when I was six years old. Spiritual growth and sanctification thus have been lifelong endeavors, and God continues, both through amazing providences and painful circumstances, to develop Christlikeness in me through His mercy-rich work.

Ministry Involvement:

• Elder
• Shepherding Group Leader
• Elective Teacher
• Global Outreach Team
• Music Team
• Host Ministry
• Former Deacon

Kevin Johnson

Testimony: I had the privilege of being born and raised in a Christian home. As a young child I heard the Gospel and put my trust in Christ as my Savior. In my early teen years I had some doubts but gained assurance and know today that my faith in Jesus’ obedience to His Father on my behalf will result in eternal life in heaven.

Ministry Involvement:

• Elder
• Elder Vice-Chairman
• Children’s Worship Teacher
• Elective Teacher
• Personnel Committee
• Finance Committee
• Global Outreach Team
• Shepherding Group Participant and Former Leader
• Former Deacon Chairman

Dan Rundle

Testimony: By God’s grace I was born to Christian parents and came to Christ at a young age. I’m thankful for the influence of the AWANA ministry throughout my childhood which helped saturate my mind with Scripture. There are many times in my life when God has used difficulty to reveal my idols and deepen my dependence on Him. I’m amazed and humbled by His sustaining grace. Throughout my life He has grown my love for the church—it truly is a gift of grace to live in community with other Christians. Susan and I have been married for almost 15 years and have way too much fun with our four kids.

Ministry Involvement:

• Elder
• Elective Teacher
• Personnel Committee
• Shepherding Group Participant and Former Leader
• Former Deacon

Deacons Nominees

Phil Adams

Testimony: In spite of growing up in a Christian home and making an early profession of faith, I later experienced a very dark period and began to question and doubt everything I had grown up hearing. I lived with these doubts for a long time and foolishly did not seek help–I kept trying to get over them. I prayed multiple times for salvation, but the doubts continued until I finally recognized that I was somehow trusting my faith and not Jesus. Once I understood the completeness of His work for me, I was able to embrace that gift and stop trying to evaluate the genuineness of my faith, and now I can testify that my faith has found a resting place. My wife Valerie and I have been married for 36 years, have been at Heritage that entire time, and have been involved in a variety of different ministry opportunities. We have three married sons and four grandchildren.

Ministry Involvement:

• Elective Teacher
• Shepherding Group Leader
• Host Ministry
• Nursery Ministry
• Former Deacon and Elder

Milton Ashley

Testimony: I was born into a Christian family. I attended church since birth and heard the gospel for as long I as I can remember. My father was a pastor for most of my growing up years. One Sunday evening when I was quite young my mother led me to the Lord before we left to walk to church. We waited a few years for baptism because my parents wanted to be sure that I understood what it meant. They wanted it to be my public profession (not theirs for me), and I appreciate that. I have been involved in Christian education as a teacher and as an administrator since graduating from college. Currently I work at the BJU Press.

Ministry Involvement:

• Former Deacon
• Shepherding Group Leader
• Host Ministry
• Men’s Ministries Team
• Offering Counting Team

Tim Bullock

Testimony: I grew up in a Christian home on Long Island, NY. At the age of four I responded to the Holy Spirit’s call in my life. God used my sister on her birthday to show me my sin and my need for Christ. Now I can look back and see with greater understanding the grace of God. I am grateful Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and His work on the cross appeased God’s wrath. In the 10th grade, I knew I wanted to teach Mathematics. After graduating from Cedarville College with a Pre-Seminary Major, I taught in a Christian school in Michigan where I met my wife, Cynthia. We have four children, three of whom are profoundly deaf. After several moves we are happy to be in Greenville where I teach Mathematics at Berea High School. I am striving to be faithful as God is continually working in my life making me be more like Him.

Ministry Involvement:

• Deacon
• Shepherding Group Leader
• Ordinance Committee
• Technology Team
• Photographer for Pictorial
• Directory
• Men’s Bible Study Leader

Brian Burch

Testimony: I was saved as a child in elementary school. God blessed me with godly parents and the privilege of a Bible based education. By His grace, I have had the honor of serving Lord in many ways and situations over the years. As I have grown in Christ, His grace and mercy, as well as my sinfulness, have become clearer to me.

Ministry Involvement:

• Deacon
• Director of Technology
• Shepherding Group Participant
• Facilities Committee
• Impact Technology Team

Doug Goldstrom

Testimony: I was born and raised in a Christian home. My parents were and still are both great examples of living for Christ and pursuing a walk with Him. Because of this influence I accepted Christ around the age of five. As time went on, I struggled with doubts and fear and prayed many more times for Christ to save me. In 1986 I entered the sixth grade and through my teacher and several messages from Pastor Conley, I realized I needed to be sure of my salvation. Since putting my faith in Christ at that time, Christ has erased all doubts of my salvation and my love for Him and desire to know Him continue to grow. I have been a child of God for the past 33 years and have attended Heritage for 36 years. I was baptized on October 26, 2014 to publicly display my salvation and desire and commitment to serve the Lord.

Ministry Involvement:

• Host Ministry Leader
• Offering Counting Team
• Shepherding Group Participant

John Grove

Testimony: I was blessed to grow up in a godly Christian home and learn at an early age what Christ had done for me on the cross. At the age of 5, I accepted Christ as my Savior after a Sunday school lesson on heaven and hell, and subsequently talking with my parents that afternoon about my need for salvation. Later in life I struggled with doubts about my conversion, and God made it clear to me that my doubts were not because I wasn’t a believer, but because I had been living with hidden sin in my life. After making things right, confessing my sin to God, and getting counsel from my parents and pastor, God gave me the peace that comes with being reconciled to Him. After college, I met my wife Amber while working at Red Cliff Bible Camp in Pinedale, Wyoming. In 2015 I moved to Greenville, got married, and started attending HBC.

Ministry Involvement:

• Technology Team
• Sunday Facilities Assistant
• Music Team
• Shepherding Group Participant

Jim McQuaid

Testimony: I was not blessed with salvation at an early age like many Christians. My family raised me Catholic, believing in God and attending church every Sunday. Fast forward about 25 years later; God blessed me with a devout Christian lady to be my wife. I didn’t even imagine that God was beginning to bring me to Himself, and that He wouldn’t cease His pursuit of me until He accomplished His plan. My wife and her friends prayed for my salvation unceasingly, but I resisted. When my wife developed serious health problems and wasn’t able to drive to church, I began taking her and staying for the service. Several years later, I had a real wake-up call when I had serious surgery. Several months later at a Christmas service, I welcomed Christ into my life, accepting Him as my Savior. I have been an active member of Heritage for 14 years and am working to grow in my faith and relationship with Christ. Another goal is to serve the congregation by helping them feel welcome and pray for them when they are suffering.

Ministry Involvement:

• Deacon
• Benevolence Committee
• Shepherding Group Participant
• Host Ministry
• Technology Team Assistant

Peter Selby

Testimony: I was saved at the age of 4. My parents had the opportunity to lead me and my older brother to Jesus on the same evening after we’d both heard several Sunday school lessons about salvation. While I don’t remember all of the details of that day, my assurance is in the promises of Jesus Christ that He has saved me by grace through faith alone–not in any specific details of anything I did that day, or even in my complete comprehension of the gospel at that time. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. We began attending HBC in 1990 where I had the privilege of hearing the Word under Pastor Conley, then Danny Brooks, and now Trent Hunter. Now a family of four, we are excited about the continued opportunities for growth at HBC.

Ministry Involvement:

• Shepherding Group Participant and Former Leader
• Offering Counting Team
• Nursery Ministry

Dan Wilkin

Testimony: I was saved my junior year of high school. I started going to church to get out of work, and the Lord used that to bring me to a saving knowledge of Him. My wife and I have been at Heritage for 37 years.

Ministry Involvement:

• Deacon
• Facilities Committee
• Host Ministry
• Men’s Ministries Committee
• Senior Servants’ Coordinator
• Shepherding Group Participant
• HVAC Maintenance

Tim Winstead

Testimony: I attended Falls Road Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC from an early age until my wife and I relocated to Greenville and began attending Heritage approximately seven years ago. Growing up in the home church of the Proteen Youth Program, I was blessed to receive a strong, God‐centered upbringing. Though I made a profession of faith in the fourth grade, it was not until the 10th grade that I genuinely saw myself as a sinner and in need of a Savior. I praise the Lord the He gave me the faith to believe in His finished work alone for the payment of my sins. As His child, it is my desire is to serve Him as He allows.

Ministry Involvement:

• Deacon
• Finance Committee
• Offering Counting Team
• Host Ministry
• Shepherding Group Participant
• HBC Accounting/Bookkeeping Consultant