Week of March 22, 2020
D uring this season of social-distancing in order to curb the spread of Covid-19, our church staff have been working to find ways to help us stay connected to God and to one another. Below you will find several ways to participate in worship and prayer with others from HBIC! We invite you to join us in these unique ways as we weather this storm that has so disrupted our daily lives. And we pray that you will experience the riches of the Lord's presence during this time that we are not able to be present with one another.
O ur pastoral staff will be coming together each week to record a worship service in our sanctuary. The service will be live on the HBIC YouTube Channel on Sunday mornings by 9 am, as well as anytime thereafter.

Here is the link to the service on the HBIC YouTube Channel for Sunday, March 22.

And for a double-layer of ensuring that you'll get to watch the service video, the service is also posted on Pastor Esteban's YouTube Channel .

T hese resources are designed to help you and your family follow along and participate with the online-worship video for this Sunday. Then when the service is over, you'll have a chance to both reflect on and discuss the message with the questions provided, either individually or with those in your home. ...By the way, if you have more than one device (computer, tablet, or phone), you can have the video playing on one while you follow along with this email on the other!
Call to Worship:
A reading of selected verses from Psalm 29.  (1-5,9-11)
 
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
 
Let’s pray. 
Father, we thank you for your omnipotent power over all times, people and places. Thank you for reigning on high, above the troubles of this world, above our thoughts, our struggles and our present situations. Thank you, Lord, that we can find our peace in knowing all things are in your hands. Help us now to abide in the peace of the presence of the Holy Spirit and help us to receive your all enveloping comfort and strength in this time.   Amen

Song: Way Maker

You are here, moving in our midst
I worship you, I worship you
You are here, working in this place
I worship you, I worship you

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper,
Light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are

You are here, touching every heart
I worship you, I worship you
You are here, healing every heart
I worship you, I worship you
You are here, turning lives around
I worship you, I worship you
You are here, mending every heart
I worship you, I worship you

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper,
Light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are

Prayer: Lift your heart(s) before God in prayer.

Greeting One Another:
Usually at this time, we greet one another face to face with handshakes and hugs and conversation. However, as you all know, that is not possible right now, nor safe. Instead we would like to encourage you to reach out by phone, email, or social media ...to someone in your small group, someone you normally sit near in church, someone on your ministry team, someone you may have a concern about, someone in your neighborhood, or someone you haven’t contacted in a while. Our goal during this time is for the Body of Christ to minister to the Body of Christ. Our hope is for our relationships to expand and grow, not wither during this time of crisis. ...As always, continue to pray for one another.

Offering Invitation:
If we were altogether here in the sanctuary, we would pass the offering plates, and the church family together would help to meet the needs of the church’s ministries, with gifts both large and small. ...We encourage you to continue to honor and worship the Lord through your tithes and offerings, whether you have much to give, or perhaps very little as households struggle to hold on during this precarious time. You can give any amount, large or small, in several ways. Y ou can go to the church’s website ( hbic.church ) and click on “ ways to give .” There you will see the various options, which are briefly reviewed here:

  • You can mail a check to the church (2217 Derry St.)
  • You can give through easytithe, our online and mobile phone giving platform
  • You can set up a recurring electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a bank account, at the interval of your choice; we call this option E-Tithe. Just mail or scan & email your authorization form to the church.
  • Lastly, you can initiate a request with your bank to send a check for your offering, on a one-time or a recurring basis.


There’s a lot being said these days about exercising our faith and not giving in to fear. We choose faith over fear as we take steps that require faith, and giving is one of those steps, especially now. Let’s pray...

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. We bless you today, Lord, as we consider and commit to what we might give toward the work of your church, of your people. And we pray that you will help us to grow in faith to grow in trusting you. Bless our gifts of money, of time, of love, of serving others, we pray. Amen.

Doxology:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

The Word:

Micah 6:1-8 NIV

Listen to what the Lord says:
“Stand up, plead my case before the mountains;
    let the hills hear what you have to say.
“Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation;
    listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the Lord has a case against his people;
    he is lodging a charge against Israel.
“My people, what have I done to you?
    How have I burdened you? Answer me.
I brought you up out of Egypt
    and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
    also Aaron and Miriam.
My people, remember
    what Balak king of Moab plotted
    and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
    that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.”
With what shall I come before the Lord
    and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
    with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
    with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.
 
 
Micah 6:1-8 The Message
 
Listen now, listen to God:
“Take your stand in court.
    If you have a complaint, tell the mountains;
    make your case to the hills.
And now, Mountains, hear God’s case;
    listen, Jury Earth—
For I am bringing charges against my people.
    I am building a case against Israel.
Dear people, how have I done you wrong?
    Have I burdened you, worn you out? Answer!
I delivered you from a bad life in Egypt;
    I paid a good price to get you out of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you—
    and Aaron and Miriam to boot!
Remember what Balak king of Moab tried to pull,
    and how Balaam son of Beor turned the tables on him.
Remember all those stories about Shittim and Gilgal.
    Keep all God’s salvation stories fresh and present.”
How can I stand up before God
    and show proper respect to the high God?
Should I bring an armload of offerings
    topped off with yearling calves?
Would God be impressed with thousands of rams,
    with buckets and barrels of olive oil?
Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child,
    my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
    what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
    be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
    take God seriously.
 
 
Questions for Reflection and/or Discussion:
 
·       In Micah 6, God reminds Israel, of some of the things He has done. Why is it important for us to remember what God has done for us?
·       What is worship?
·       What can we do to help us worship God, everywhere and in every situation?
·       What is justice, and why is it important to God?
·       Why is it important for followers of Jesus to live and love like Jesus?
·       What is one way you plan to bring peace to others this week?

Song: It Is Well

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

And Lord haste the day when the faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so it is well with my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Announcements:
  1. Thank you for joining us this morning via YouTube. This link is posted on our website and on the church's YouTube page. We hope to "see” you again next week! 
  2. Wednesday nights - we will be offering an opportunity to connect for prayer together and a brief Q&A on the Sunday am message by using Zoom. Connect with others from 7 to 8 pm.
  3. We will be using our Harrisburg BIC website for updates, and we will be sending out emails as well. Please be sure to let us know if you know of someone who does not have any access to any of these means of communication.
  4. Connect – in this time of isolation and separation, please remember our call to be the Body of Christ. We want to invite you to please find creative ways to keep connected to people in your circles and neighborhoods, people that come to mind, or anyone you know that may be in need. If you can help, please help. If we can help, please let us know. God bless you. 
 
Song: Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)

The Lord is my Shepherd
He goes before me
Defender behind me
I won't fear
I'm filled with anointing
My cup's overflowing
No weapon can harm me
I won't fear
Hallelujah, I am not alone
He's my Comfort,
Always holds me close
He always guides me
Through mountains and valleys
His joy is refreshing
Restores my soul
Mercy and goodness
Give me assurance
That I'll see His glory Face to face
Hallelujah, I am not alone
He's my Comfort,
Always holds me close
Hallelujah, I am not alone
He's my Comfort,
Always holds me close
Your Spirit lives within me
So I will walk in Your peace
Your Spirit lives within me
My victory, My victory
My victory (repeat)
Hallelujah, I am not alone
He's my Comfort,
Always holds me close

Closing Prayer: Lift your heart(s) before God in prayer.
 

May God bless you as you worship him at home this Sunday!

O n Wednesday evenings, we will be hosting a Virtual Prayer Meeting, beginning this week, March 25. This will give us an opportunity to connect together for prayer and to share in a brief Q&A on the Sunday am message. We'll connect by using Zoom, 7 pm (limit is 100 people). Connect here for our Zoom Virtual Prayer Meeting , on your computer, tablet, or phone; or call in by phone, 1-929-205-6099 to get the audio-feed. The meeting link will be activated at 6:50 pm.
We will be distributing food through our Food Pantry this Thursday, March 26. If you are healthy and would like to volunteer to help pack boxes on Wednesday or help to distribute boxes on Thursday, please contact Pastor Carmen to see if additional help is still needed.