A Final Message & Thank You

Dear HSCC Family,

I hope you were able to be present this past Sunday as we concluded our series “Meals with Jesus.”  It turned out to be both the last message in the series and my last message as Lead Pastor.  The two went hand in hand quite well as only the Lord can orchestrate.  

As a reminder, we discovered 4 big themes throughout the summer series.  Coincidentally, I noticed those themes as key elements of my time as Lead Pastor at High Street Community Church.  Let me connect the dots…

1.  Jesus used meals as a form of showing God’s blessing.  Over these 10+ years in my role I have seen the Lord bless us with not only great food regularly (HSCC trademark)…but other abundant blessings.  He has provided wonderful people to fulfill a variety of crucial roles in ministries at just the right times.  This includes our key staff and volunteer roles alike.  He has provided generous finances to pay for major building projects, mission trips and everyday operational expenses.   God has blessed us with connections to other churches, ministries and community involvement.

2.  We learned that fellowship naturally (and supernaturally) happens at meals.  I’ve loved watching our church connect with one another at round tables in the ACE, Sanctuary, Fireside and even outside.  There’s something unique and even mysterious about enjoying food together that bring us together socially and spiritually.  

3.  This series showed me that Jesus used meals to reconcile with people.  Sometimes I like to observe "who is eating with who” as I’ve scanned our congregation over the years.  I’m pleased to report that when I first came we tended to sit with the same people…and now the mix rarely has discernible patterns.  We have a diverse congregation in a number of ways (backgrounds, politics, socioeconomic, ages etc…) and we really have a high level of unity in our midst.

4.  Finally, meals showed us the importance of inviting others to the table.  Jesus was so clear about the Father’s heart to fill His church with as many as possible.  We are gaining a culture of inviting and I look forward with expectancy as we lean into “Explore God” this Fall.  

Thank you for being a church that shares God’s blessings, fellowship, reconciliation and invitations.  It’s clear He’s led us to Invite, Enjoy, Equip and Release.  :)

Pastor Danny