HCC Blog

Boldness

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-05-05T09:42:22-04:00

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness.

-Acts 4:29

We all have those things we are afraid of: snakes, bugs or lizards. Well, I don't have a lot of things on my "afraid of" list, but one thing on my list is heights. Every Christmas when it is time to put up Christmas lights, I often avoid the opportunity to get on the roof, because I don't want to fall off. My knees knock, my palms get sweaty and I am a chicken when it comes to climbing on something higher than a 8 ft ladder. As a matter of fact, putting up Christmas lights on the roof of the house can almost cause an emotional breakdown!

In the midst of the tensions and persecutions the early Christians faced, Peter, John and the other Christ followers prayed, "Lord, enable us to speak with boldness." Inotherwords, help us press through our present circumstances and fears, and be confident You are with us. We are not confident, so enable us to speak with freedom instead of cowering because of the potential outcomes associated with various fears.

This next week, each of us will be presented with opportunities to speak boldly about our Savior. When those times arise, may we remember to be courageous in our witness.

Prayer: Father, give us courage to speak about You with boldness. May we face our fears and understand that we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. Give us a sensitivity to those around us, and help us to remain on call and available at all times.

- Pastor Sidney

Following

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-04-19T11:06:46-04:00

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become i fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

-Mark 1:16-20

Sometimes we forget those first followers of Jesus had friends, families, and family responsibilities. I can imagine the questions that arose as Simon, Andrew, James and John communicated their decisions to follow Jesus:

"What do you mean you are leaving? Where are you going? Who is this guy named Jesus? Why follow him? Who is going to take your spot on the fishing fleet? How will you survive? When will you be back?"

The questions go on and on but the questions didn't detour them from following. As I read these passages, I reflected on my own personal call to full time Christian service and my past 25 plus years of ministry. As I reflected, I was reminded that with the call to follow always comes questions, but following Jesus isn't about security. It's about obedience.

Looking back on your own life, what has the faith journey cost you? For Simon, Andrew, James and John, the cost of following meant walking away from what they knew and the security of family, finance and potential future to enter the unknown. However, God would honor their courage to obey and use them to leave a Heritage of Faith as each of them would become not only followers but fishers of men.

-Pastor Sidney

Fishing

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-04-12T09:26:42-04:00

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.

-Matt. 4:18-20

While we were in the mountains this past week on a family vacation, we ended up hunting down some tubes and taking the kids tubing down the river several times. The water could have been a little warmer, but it was doable if you could make it past the loss of breath the first few minutes in the water. However, not only did we tube, but I got a chance to go fishing and catch a fish or two.

When we choose to follow Christ, Jesus tells us He will teach us how to fish. He does that by taking our willingness to follow then matching it with all the stuff in life that we face: the job, marriage, finances, relationships, etc. Our Heavenly Father then shapes our lives in such a way that we are perfectly positioned in someone else’s life so we can be the fisher of men on their behalf.
In otherwords, God has positioned us and will position us to be in the right place at the right time. God says, "to those things in life that seem mundane and temporary, I will bring eternal value. To ALL those things that you have experienced, I am going to use all of that stuff to perfectly position you so that if you follow me, you will learn to become a fisher of men".
True followers will eventually fish if they are followers. Where will you fish this week?
-Pastor Sidney

Ministry in the Work Place

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-04-06T11:12:54-04:00

After celebrating Easter, our hearts are centered around the power of the resurrection and living with power and confidence. This devotional below reminds us of the opportunities of ministry in our places of work.

"Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people...." - Haggai 2:2

Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah 60 years after the great temple built by Solomon had been destroyed. The temple lay in ruins, and the Lord spoke to the prophet Haggai, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Hag. 1:4) God was calling for a remnant of His people to come out of their comfort zones and restore the glory of God's house.

God is doing this same thing today among Christian workplace believers throughout the world. He is raising up a remnant of workplace believers who are being handpicked to use their resources, skills, and experience to affect nations that have not heard the message of Jesus Christ. The only way they can hear is by commerce being brought into their nation through Christian workplace believers, because these are closed regions to normal missionary efforts.

"But now be strong, O Zerubbabel," declares the Lord. "Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear" (Haggai 2:4-5).

The remnant of workplace believers God is calling today understand that they have to come out of Egypt from their past work life. Egypt signifies the way of the world. It represents sweat and toil. It is the flesh. This new way is exemplified by a pioneer spirit. God knows we need to have courage in order to move in this realm. Also, God assures us that His Spirit is with anyone who seeks to live in the realm of supernatural faith.

Are you one of these remnants He has handpicked in these days? Has He called you out of Egypt in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His Kingdom? Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the workplace this year. Then act and "be strong, all you people of the land."

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

The Cross

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-03-29T10:06:35-04:00

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

-Romans 5:8

A man once said, "Anything that is permanent can lose its' significance over time."

Is it possible that because of the popularity of the cross in our culture, we have forgotten the true significance of the pain and suffering Jesus experienced on our behalf? Have we forgotten that Jesus was willfully beaten and pierced for our disobedience toward God?

I was overwhelmed this past week when I went back and reviewed the story of Jesus's life leading up to the crucifixion. May I never forget the sacrifice He paid on Calvary for me! I don't want to ever lose my sensitivity toward the cross and become so calloused because of it's familiarity, that I fail to pause and remember to give thanks. It was for us that Jesus died. Yes! For me and you! Will knowing what He did affect how I choose to live?

This week, I challenge you to be aware of the times you see a cross, and each time you do, stop and give thanks. If you see someone else wearing a cross as jewelry, clothing etc, I would encourage you to ask them, "what significance does the cross of Christ have in your life?"

-Pastor Sidney

God is up to someting...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-03-22T10:36:10-04:00

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

-Ephesians 3:14-21

What a moving day for us yesterday at Heritage! I am so encouraged by what I see going on and what I sense God doing. I have said this before, but I have to say it again, "I sit on the edge of my seat, wondering what God will do next!" What life will be radically changed not because of our goodness but because of our Heavenly Father's greatness?

Father, not only are You able, but You are willing if we will throw aside our plans and say, "not my will, but Yours be done. I declare today in faith, that I believe that You are up to something, and I want you to know that I want to be part of what it is. Today, we are reminded that You are an AWESOME GOD, and You patiently wait on us to turn to You and surrender our lives. May we not forget how deep Your affections are for us and to the extent You went to demonstrate Your love. Father, I know that You are up to something......I am waiting.....I trust You.......and to You be all the glory given!

-Pastor Sidney

Time

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-03-15T09:38:10-04:00

Since we have been talking about using our time wisely, I thought I would share my devotional this morning with you:

"Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'" - John 5:19

Have you ever thought about a typical day in Jesus' life? Perhaps He might have had questions like these, "Who am I going to heal today? Who will I visit today? Which person will I deliver from demons this day?" etc. The demands on Jesus' time were great. Yet we see that Jesus allocated His time very deliberately. We don't get the idea that Jesus was flustered or stressed from the activity He was involved in. He often sought times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples. His life appeared to have a balance of quiet moments and active ministry into the lives He came in contact with.

How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives? What keeps us in sync with the will of our heavenly Father for the daily tasks He calls us to? Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in. Nothing more, nothing less. So often we determine our participation in an activity based on whether we have the time to do it or whether we desire to participate. The real question we should ask is, "Does the Father want me to participate in this activity?"

"Lord, should I add this Bible study to my schedule? Should I spend an extra night out on this committee this week? Should I take on new business that will take me away from home more? Should my daughter be involved in music lessons?" These are the daily challenges for the world we now live in. We are an activity-based society that often encourages more and more activity, often in the name of Christian virtue.

Our lives will become less cluttered, less stressful, and more fulfilling when we follow the model Jesus provided. It may not always please everyone. Jesus never sought to please everyone. Ask the Lord each day this week how you and He are to spend your time. Yield your schedule to Him. Let Jesus direct your every activity. You may discover that He desires you to cut back some things in order to spend more time alone with Him. He will be faithful to show you. And you will become more fulfilled because you are centered in His will for you.

(Copied from devotional book, Today God is First)

Small Groups

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-03-08T11:35:24-05:00

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

-Hebrews 3:12-13

As we sat in small group tonight, I was encouraged to sense the desire of those in our group to not only grow spiritually, but to also walk along side of one another in this journey of Faith. When the walls come down and we get seriously authentic, it is amazing how much we truly share in common: past mistakes, current pressures as well as future hopes and dreams. It is important to realize that as we are bombarded with the pressures of life, we need each other for daily encouragement. With all of the opportunities that come our way, there is no better investment of our time than being involved in a small group for spiritual growth, accountability, and encouragement because it is so easy to be distracted.

-Pastor Sidney

Unexpected Death

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-03-03T09:34:47-05:00

This is a response from a friend of mine to the unexpected death of a loved one. It bears reading and pondering in our time of pain.

These things don't just "happen". God isn't nonchalant regarding His sheep. He gave His life for us, and He's not about to forget about us, or turn His back on His children...and He doesn't allow His beloved servants to go through such brokenness, horrific heartache and pain without having a purpose. A divine plan. He counts the cost, He knows the pain, and grieves right along with those who suffer such loss, and through it all, He assures us that He is there, waiting on the other side, ready to carry us to a place of true rest. We pray that this family will experience His touch in a glorious way. May heaven come down and meet the family where they are. May the Man of Sorrows, the very Shalom of God...The Prince of Peace, walk into the room and abide there, with strength and comfort in this time of darkness.

Randy Jones, Sr

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-02-22T09:57:30-05:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

-Hebrews 12:1

Heaven has another great man to add to its list of occupants. I lost a great friend and mentor this week. As we celebrated his life tonight, I was encouraged by the testimonies I heard concerning Randy's impact on people's lives. It caused me to stop and reflect on the potential we have as Christ followers when we center our life around God's principles and choose to consider the needs of others to be more important that our own. Randy will be sorely missed, but he leaves behind a legacy of faith that is deep.

Thanks, Randy for the lessons taught and for the investment you made in me and my family. I am a better husband, father and Christ follower because of my time spent with you. I will cherish the memories and carry the torch of faith until I see you again.

-Sidney

Our Love

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-01-25T09:44:22-05:00

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
-John 13:35

How would those closest to you describe you in the workplace, at the golf course, in the neighborhood, or at home? Make no mistake, Jesus didn't leave things open for discussion but got straight to the point. They will know that you are a follower of Christ, a believer, a Christian by how you love. We might like to put something else in the place of love like appearance, giving, or going to church, but it just doesn't work that way. Jesus said that nothing else is more convincing of whose we are than how we love.

-Sidney

Album Recommendation - Life Light Up

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-01-18T09:57:42-05:00

It's been a while since I've done one of these album recommendations, so I was looking back at all the music I bought during 2009, and I'd have to say that Christy Nockels's "Life Light Up" was definitely one of my favorites for the year. Here's the track list:

1. By Our Love
2. Choose
3. Hosanna
4. In Your Hands
5. Life Light Up
6. Marvelous Light
7. A Mighty Fortress
8. My Master
9. No Not One
10. Song of the Beautiful
11. You Are Able

Christy has been my favorite female worship leader for years so when her first full-length solo album was released, I was very excited, and I can truly say that I was NOT disappointed! My favorite song is "A Mighty Fortress" which does a wonderful job describing our God with awesome word pictures you can totally envision. It becomes very anthemic at the end as the choir joins in. It's impossible not to break out in worship during this song!

My other favorites from the album are "Choose", "Hosanna", "Life Light Up", and "No Not One". This is one of those albums that you will listen to all the way through so get over to iTunes and get it now.

Meeting Together

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2010-01-11T09:06:58-05:00

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

-Hebrews 10:24-25

I love cold weather! This past week has been great except for the anticipated electric bill that will reflect our excessive use of heat trying to keep warm. With all of our record cold weather, we have had a fire going in the fireplace this whole week at home. I think I have cut and burned more firewood this past week than in the past 5 years combined. It reminds me of growing up and being at church camp singing, "it only takes a spark to get a fire going..."

Talking about the cold, I read a statistic this past week that said 48% of those that attend church, only do so once a month. I don't know the validity of the statistic, but as I thought back over the years and of people I know, it seemed to be pretty accurate. Why is church attendance so lackluster? After this long sermon today on church attendance, we are well aware that God isn't an attendance keeper. However, why would the growing follower of Christ seek to disassociate themselves from that which we so should desire? Is once a month good enough to satisfy our need, or do we think that our once a month appearance is all that is needed to satisfy our Heavenly Father?

It is so easy to slip into a mode of carrying out those rituals we feel we are supposed to do and totally miss the relationship our Heavenly Father desires with us. May we never base our relationship on religious activity but hunger to gather as often as possible as we seek to encourage one another and celebrate our risen Savior!

-Sidney

Hungry

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-12-28T10:23:27-05:00

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

-Acts 1:8

It was a humbling experience on Christmas Day to be part of an effort to feed those within our community who are less fortunate. This act of ministry was not a program of the church but the outpouring of love which began with one person saying, "I want to make a difference." Before we knew it, the food, tents and other needed items to pull it off were committed and all that was left was the hands to help serve. After sharing two weeks ago the vision for the Christmas Day feeding, we had an outpouring of volunteers.

As our family arrived to serve, the weather had turned bad, it was pouring rain and the temperature had began to fall. Those coming to be fed were small in number but a decision midway through prompted us to begin taking the prepared meals to areas that we knew people were hurting. What took place over the next two hours was amazing!

As I helped deliver meals, I thought of the similarity between what we were experiencing that afternoon and church as usual. It is normal for us to plan and prepare the meal each Sunday while depending on those in need to be in attendance and ready to receive what is being served. The reality is, most people needing the gospel are not flocking to the church on Sunday to be fed. If they are not coming to the church, where are they and why aren't they coming to the church? Don't they know what they are missing, or is it that they don't care? Regardless of the reasons as to why they aren't showing up, Jesus's instructions to us on the inside were pretty simple: Don't wait on them to come to us, go to them.

If we plan on impacting the world in which we live, this adjustment in ministry protocol must be made. How will this pattern of ministry affect how we do church? How will this pattern of ministry affect the way we live? Can we even begin to imagine the potential when we catch a glimpse of seeing what Jesus saw and doing what Jesus did?

-Sidney

The Reason For The Season

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-12-21T11:38:22-05:00

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

-Matthew 1:18-21

Jesus is the reason for the season. Or is He? In Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus, the writer reminds us that Jesus was born for a purpose. In the book of John, John's perspective of Jesus's birth was noted when he wrote in the his first chapter:

"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men"

Even though there was the sun, moon and stars, the earth was a dark place because of our sin. Man did the very best he could but his life was still a mess, broken and full of darkness. John went on to say:

"the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it:

God's response to our broken and helpless condition was to provide a Savior to save us from our sin. The Savior's name was Jesus. Jesus would penetrate the darkness and bring light. It was the birth of God's own Son who would bring hope to every person who was willing to trust in Him. May we be reminded that there is Christmas because there is sin and sin because there are sinners. In reality, I'm the reason for the season, and believe it or not, so are you!

Merry Christmas!

-Sidney

God Sent A Savior

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-12-14T09:44:15-05:00

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God...

-1 Peter 3:18

When reading the Bible, there is a sense that the religious leaders of Jesus’s time indicated our approach to God was based on what we did or didn’t do--that our relationship with God was a result of our goodness or lack of badness. We still do the same thing these days don’t we? It is easy to convince ourselves that our approach to God is a result of our personal righteousness or consistency. It would also be easy to assume that in giving more, God would love me more. However, the truth is that this theology, this way of thinking, only leaves us empty and on the religious treadmill.

The real story of Christmas, is a story where God reiterates something that has been true from the beginning. We can approach God on a relational level. However, the foundation of that relationship is not what we do or don’t do. The foundation of our relationship with God is only possible because of what He has done on our behalf. Instead of a system, God sent us a Savior. Who will you share this story with?

-Sidney

Thanks

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-11-30T09:40:47-05:00

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

-1 Chronicles 16:8-9

With all the hustle of the holidays, it can be easy to find yourself grasping for air, exhausted and overwhelmed and forgetting to "give thanks" to the Lord and recount His blessings. As I sat this morning in church, I was reminded that we must take time out to "give thanks" on a regular basis and not just at Thanksgiving. How can we set aside intentional times as individuals and families to verbalize our gratitude to our Heavenly Father? When and where might those intentional times be?

As I look at David's prayer of thanksgiving found in 1Chronicles chapter 16, I am reminded that our prayers are not only to give credit where credit is due but also a time to "make known among the nations what he has done." Our time of thanksgiving is not only recognizing from where blessings come but also a time to testify to others about our Father’s greatness.

For us to reach our friends, neighbors and co-workers for Christ, we must be bold in our thanksgiving! People are waiting to hear our stories!

-Sidney

Debt

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-11-17T14:59:25-05:00

“The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouses of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none."

-Deuteronomy 28:12

A trap that is easy to fall into is acting as if things are going well when they really aren’t. Consumer debt, hasn’t always been the norm. There was a time in this country that if you had debt, it was evidence that things weren’t going well for you. However, over the past 20 years debt has become common place.

Some statistics that are noteworthy of personal indebtedness:

-About 43% of American families spend more than they earn each year
-Average households carry some $8,000 in credit card debt
-Personal bankruptcies have doubled in the past decade
-Statistics go on to say that our consumer debt has risen by 41% since 1998

As for our indebtedness as a Nation:

-We are now 11.9 Trillion dollars in debt and that amount grows by approximately 3.93 billion dollars a day. With over 300,000,000 people living in America, each persons share is over $39,000.
-It's not clear exactly where the debt trend will take U.S. consumers or the U.S. economy. But it is clear that both personally and corporately as a Nation, we are sailing in uncharted waters.
-One thing is clear, the Bible says we are a slave to our lender.
-You might have never thought about your finances being tied to spiritual things, but I want you to know your heavenly Father is rooting for you because He knows what is at stake—your heart as well as your future.

From the beginning, God has given us instructions on how to live. We just have to choose who we will trust.

-Sidney

Dollars & Sense

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-11-09T10:52:53-05:00

Whoever loves money never has money enough; Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.

-Ecclesiasties 5:10

One wealthy man was once asked, "How much money is enough?" His response was, "just one more million dollars!"

Thinking about that question at a deeper lever, just how much is enough? What do I really need, and how much do I really want? As we get ready to focus on finances over the next few weeks at Heritage, we are so aware of the financial issues that many of our families are facing. Whether poor decision making, impulse buying or uncontrollable circumstances, it doesn't matter. The pain of financial difficulty is still real, but God has a way of using those times of pain to enlarge our sense of dependency on Him.

A desire of ours during this financial series, "Dollars and sense", is that we will come to grips with some biblical principles regarding our finances and be open and willing to make adjustments as needed.

Any time we talk about finances in the church, people have the tendency to get leary because of past experiences. However, remember this one thing, God isn't after our money. He's after our hearts. Are you willing to listen for God's principles regarding finances over the next 5 weeks and choose to follow Jesus's teachings? Step one is to acknowledge the real Owner.

-Sidney

Struggles

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-10-21T13:21:28-04:00

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

-2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been involved personally in many different challenges that people are presently involved in. From the unexpected death of loved ones to job loss, family feuds, financial set backs, sickness, marriage issues, broken promises and legal issues, you name it. Some time you just sit on the edge of your seat and say as my friend did tonight, "WHAT'S NEXT?" In the midst of those trials, it is not unusual to feel alone, abandoned and even defeated but because of God's Word we know this is not the truth. The scriptures don't tell us to run from difficult times, just expect them. As human beings, we are frail and weak, and we live under constant pressure to perform. In the midst of our struggles, we can be assured not only of Christ's presence, but His redeeming work within us. What will you face this week? Where will you turn? What will God teach you in your time of tension?

-Sidney

Love

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-10-19T10:22:39-04:00

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

-John 13:34

A couple of months ago, Merideth began a chore chart for the kids listing several responsibilities to complete at certain times throughout the day. It has been fun (and sometimes stressful) helping them take some ownership of certain duties like making their own bed, cleaning up after meals, picking up play areas and on special days, unloading the dishwasher, taking out the garbage, dusting and even vacuuming. Another item on the chart is to tell each member of the family that they love them. It just hit me funny this morning as I heard them running throughout the house proclaiming their love only to be followed by conflicts.

How easy it is to think that love is an expression that needs to be checked off on the chore chart of life. If I just tell people I love them, that will suffice. However, Jesus provided for us a different definition of love. A definition that was backed with action. The saying, "love is a verb" is appropiate because Jesus taught us that love was demonstrated, not just a verbal affirmation. If we love, it affects how we live. How are you loving others today?

-Sidney

Humility

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-10-12T09:27:48-04:00

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

-Philippians 2:3-8

Christ made a conscience decision to leave His place of authority and power, to lower Himself, and walk among us. Why? He did it out of love. He taught us that relationships are not based on positions but sacrifice. Not once do we see Jesus pull out the God card and say, "don't you know who I am!" Instead, He suddenly, yet determinedly chose to take the form of a servant and humble Himself for our sake, not His.

How does our relationship with others model the teachings and actions of Christ? What position will you take? What is at stake?

Impacting the lives of others is not as difficult as we think. It is just a question of how far we are willing to go.

-Sidney

Love One Another

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-09-28T09:42:47-04:00

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

-John 13:34

Is it possible for a man and woman who fall in love and say, “I do” to remain in love forever? Is there such a thing as "happily ever after"? As we look at the marriages around us, it would be easy to conclude that remaining married and thriving in marriage might be possible but not probable. Some say anyone with a pulse can fall in love, but remaining in love takes work. Jesus taught us in this passage that real love isn't a feeling but an action. How will you choose to follow Christ's example to love those around you this week? If you are married, how will you choose this week to actively love your spouse?

We can move from a generation that is self absorbed to one that views life through God’s word; from living life based on our feelings to living life based on eternal truths; from what feels right to what is right. We do not automatically know how to love, but we learn from the example of our Heavenly Father.

I challenge you this week to write on a 3X5 card the words to John 13:34, and take that card and put it in a place so that it can be viewed by you several times throughout the day. Listening is one thing, but it is an entirely different ball game when we step up to the plate and choose to obey God's Word and not just hear it.

-Sidney

Count Your Blessings

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-09-14T09:00:02-04:00

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his loving kindness is everlasting.

-Psalms 107:1

Kids say the craziest of things....

On the way to church yesterday, the skies opened up and it began to pour. I could only think about how soaked we were going to get while unloading at church when one of the kids piped up from the back of the van, "Look Mom, God is giving us a free car wash."

So much of our lives is about perspective isn't it? Take an opportunity today to stop and count your blessings, and give thanks to the Lord. The old familiar hymn says, "Count them one by one” Take this advice, and make your list!

-Sidney

So Close, But Far Away

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-09-08T11:03:52-04:00

Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

-Matthew 7:21

What a great Florida State/ Miami football game last night! I would have loved for the outcome to have been different, but then there are those that are rejoicing over Miami's win. I watched pretty intently until about mid third quarter then I dozed off only to awake with about three minutes to go. What timing! I watched as Florida State drove down to the two yard line. It seemed that Bobby's team was going to pull it out only to be stopped several times and then have time run out. SO CLOSE, BUT THEN SO FAR AWAY.

Miami 38 Florida State 34. This morning, the players and coaches will relive last night’s loss, looking back and analyzing what could have been done differently. Can you imagine the thoughts, "if I would have....?” "If we would have...?” "If there had been time for one more play....?" CLOSE, BUT SO FAR AWAY....

In reference to trusting Christ, how many people are "close, but far away"? Our good works are good enough to get us to the front gate of Heaven, but not inside.

Jesus declared that there was only one way to heaven and that was through choosing to trust Him, then expressing our Faith in Christ by our actions. Does Jesus matter? You bet He does. Not only in how we live today but where we will spend eternity tomorrow.

-Sidney

Meeting Needs

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-08-31T09:19:24-04:00

A new command I give you: Love one another . As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

-John 13:34-35

Meeting needs and caring for one another is not an option but an opportunity.

There are so many joys to being a pastor. One of the blessings of being a pastor is watching others care and minister to one another. The act of care or ministry could vary from a simple meal for a new family or the participation in a birthday celebration or house warming event. It could be the delivery of a meal to a new mom, or a baby shower for those in waiting, or an attentive ear to one who just needs to talk. It might be a phone call to check on someone you haven't seen in a while, or the note that says, “I am praying for you”. It could be financial support for the couple that is struggling because of the loss of a job or sickness.

Whatever the case, when we actively love one another, our intentional action not only helps our faith increase, but we also become a testimony to others who might be watching from a distance.

The early church was filled with stories of encouragement and sacrifice within the body. I am encouraged by what I see at Heritage. Thank you for your sacrifices of service. How will you leverage your time, talents, or resources this next week to impact the lives of those around you? If you don't, who will? There is so much at stake.

-Sidney

Potential

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-08-24T09:55:45-04:00

"Call unto me, and I will do great and mighty things which you know not."

-Jeremiah 33:3

What if we personally, as well as corporately, caught a vision for "living out a legacy of faith" instead of just talking about one? Can you imagine the opportunities we would have? Think of the potential a group of Christ followers would have it they were crazy enough to believe that God could use them and bold enough to live that way! As has been stated many times before, a church is the people of God, not the building, that are brought to life in and through the Spirit of God living in each of us that make up the living, breathing body of Christ. With this in mind, we are passing a glorious heritage down to our children and our children's children as they see this band of people of faith, loving one another, bearing each other's needs and burdens, while spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around us. May we, as a family, rejoice in the Goodness of God, and look forward to the even greater things He promises.

We love each of you dearly and anticipate hearing your stories of God at work in your lives!

Guys, remember our camping trip this weekend. Go to the website for more information. Let us know by this Wednesday if you are coming so we can make preparations.

Also, be praying about your commitment to spiritual growth.

-Sidney

Small Groups & Spiritual Growth

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-08-17T09:35:43-04:00

Let the Word of Christ, dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

-Colossians 3:16

I am so pumped about our discussions yesterday at Heritage about what growing spiritually looks like. At Heritage, we believe that growing spiritually best happens in smaller, learning environments where you can be challenged and encouraged as well as held accountable. If our desire is to leave a legacy, we must live a legacy as we live by obedience to God's Word. This is why we are opening up opportunities for you to choose a time and day to intentionally spend time with some others like you who will read God's Word and spend time discussing how it applies to life.

I know you will be praying this week about your personal commitment to grow spiritually and how that looks at this season in your life. If we have a vision to grow spiritually, it will affect our decision making. Because the clearer the vision of where we are headed, the easier it will be to make decisions on what our priorities will be.

-Sidney

Something New

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-08-10T10:08:26-04:00

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

-Colossians 2:6-7

Over the past week or so our family has enjoyed the use of a used boat that we purchased (for a cheap price I must add). It is fun to run across the road for an hour and ride the kids around on the boat as well as help them learn to ride the tube. The first time we went out each child was somewhat hesitent. The fears of going too fast or falling out of the tube almost kept them from getting in the water, but in just a short amount of time, each child has gained confidence and now are enjoying the water.

When we first began, I sat them down and talked to them about the codes for going faster, slower and stopping when riding the tube. The first couple of runs for each child began with thumbs down, meaning "slow down," but after getting used to this new experience it has usually been a thumbs up which means "go faster, Dad!"

Isn't it like this with many new things that we experience in life. How many times do we fail to begin anything new because of our fear of failure? How many times do we fail to get out of the boat because of our fear of the unknown?

I am excited about this upcoming week at Heritage because we will be trying out something new ourselves. Since the beginning of Heritage, spiritual growth has been a priority for us, but this next Sunday we will discuss how that looks for us at Heritage. We will not only discuss this in our worship service but we will be taking intentional time to get some feedback from those in attendance. For us to "Live a Legacy of Faith", we each must be committed to a lifestyle of spiritual nourishment.

I believe that our faith is not just talked about but lived out, but to live it we must first know it. Knowing comes through the study of God's Word along with an interaction with one another. I hope that you will join us on this journey of growing in Christlikeness because if we know where we are headed, the options are fewer and the decisions become easier.

-Sidney

Where are you headed?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-08-03T10:15:35-04:00

"I am carrying on a great project, and I cannnot go down."
-Nehemiah 6:3

Everyday, we find someone or something tugging on our leg, calling us aside from our priorities. With age, it seems those distractions increase. If you are like me, I bet this is something that you deal with, too. Whether in personal life, family life, finances, or in ministry, there are so many things needing my attention. There are so many "good" opportunities. So how do we say no?

A clear focus of where you are headed eliminates those good options and helps you gain the confidence needed to say no to the distractions when they come.

Sit down for a minute today and ask yourself, "Where am I headed?" If you discover and decide your destination, you will be in a better position to say no to some good opportunities and be focused on what is best.

-Sidney

Listening To God

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-08-01T09:52:10-04:00

Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, the Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord." With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
-1 Samuel 24:5-7

Saul, while pursuing David to kill him, stopped for a moment and went into a cave to “relieve” himself. It happened to be the same cave that David and his men were hiding in. It was the perfect moment. David had the chance to kill the one that pursued him. His feelings said, “take advantage of this situation.” His men said, “kill him while you have the chance.” But David did not. Instead, he let Saul go. David was at a defining moment within his life and he didn’t do what he wanted to do, but he was obedient to God even though it wasn’t a logical or popular decision.

Everything pointed to killing Saul. The circumstances, his emotions, as well as the advice from those surrounding him. But David knew what he was supposed to do. David rightfully decided not to try and replace who God had put in place. Saul was God’s anointed.

Biblical principles allow us to look through the fog to see what God wants us to see. What decisions are you needing to make today, and where will you turn for counsel?

-Sidney

Hearing From God Through Others

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-07-20T15:02:08-04:00

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.
-1 Kings 12:8

As the Israelites assembled to crown Rehoboam king, they pleaded with him to lighten the load that his father had put on them during his reign as king. Rehoboam had a decision to make. To help him hear from God and make the decision, he turned to two sets of people. One, a group of peers that he had grown up with and the other, a group of elders that served with his father. Who do you think Rehoboam would trust? How would his decision affect the kingdom? Go to 1 Kings chapter 12 to find the answer.

Here are five principles on how to hear from God through other people

1. You need to choose someone who has nothing to lose by telling you the truth. When it comes to hearing from God, you need to choose someone that isn’t in danger by telling you the truth. Rehoboams friends had a lot to loose. We all have friends that are more concerned about the friendship than the truth.

2. Choose someone that is where you want to be in life. You want to choose someone that is at the place in life where you want to be spiritually, where you want to be in your marriage, where you want to be in your finances, where you want to be in your relationships. Find someone that is where you want to be so you will want to listen to their advice.

3. Don't just settle with one person, but be willing to seek out more than one person if possible.

4. Choose someone you know and someone you don’t. Get advice from these two perspectives.

5. Most importantly, you need to go into these conversations sensitive that God may be wanting to speak to you. Go in looking for God to speak to you in the midst of the conversations.

We are each faced with decisions. Some decisions that are easy and we feel confident in making and some others that we sense the need to seek advice. God loves to communicate with His children. It isn't that He is unwilling to communicate but oftentimes our unwillingness to listen and obey.

Comments from Mike's Message

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-07-13T12:33:18-04:00

It was so encouraging to hear Mike share yesterday and recount the story of his terrible accident four years ago. Mike did an awesome job of helping us remember several truths:

1. God is always present
2. He allows and sometimes causes events in life but with the purpose of helping us learn to trust the Father more
3. The value of living life in community with others and the comfort we can bring to each other as we walk through difficult times
4. The need for sharing life, not just doing life

Each one of us has a story, and no one is exempt from difficult times. Mike reminded me of the need for sensitivity within the body even when things seem to be going good on the outside. With the growth we have experienced as a body of believers, we are at a place of exploring some new avenues for ministering to one another, as well as growing spiritually. We are looking forward to Sunday August 16th and a discussion that we will have as we share our hearts for the future of Heritage.

Who will you serve this week?

We love you,

-Sidney

Be Still and Know...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-07-07T09:07:11-04:00

“Be still, and know that I am God”
-Psalms 46:10

With the family out of town this week, I have planned to take somewhat of a week sabbatical before joining them after church next Sunday. During the next 168 hours, my desire is to spend a majority of this time, reading His Word, listening to His voice and seeking direction for the days ahead.

In the fast paced life that we live, I often find myself overwhelmed by the constant abundance of secondary responsibilities such as phone calls, emails, meetings, and visits that I find myself failing to spend enough time on primary responsibilities. In church Sunday, Brian sang a new song. The words were: "Be still and know He is Holy, Be still and know He is Merciful, Be still and know He is Beautiful, Be still and know He is God."

What an awesome reminder of our need for space in our schedules to reflect, revisit, refresh, renew and refocus our lives on our Heavenly Father. He desires our attention.

-Sidney

The Lord's Supper

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-06-30T10:08:19-04:00

Our gathering Sunday night of sharing life and remembering our Lord's sacrifice was a wonderful time for the body of Christ at Heritage Community Church. Prior to our Lord's Supper celebration, I went back in the scriptures to review the history of the passover celebration and the connections to that night in the upper room. I encourage you to go back to Exodus 12 and do some reading on your own.

2000 years ago, an event took place that would offer hope to our world. God the father saw us in our brokeness and hopelessness and intervened by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. God sent his Son out of purpose because of His love…He sent his son, because He knew the consequences of sin and our inability to save ourselves. The scripture sums it up in John 3:16: “for God so loved... that He gave his only begotten son...”

God's Son, Jesus, lived on this earth for 33 years. In that 33rd year, He went to the city and met with some of his closet of friends, called disciples, to celebrate the Passover. The Passover was the celebration remembering God’s delieverence of the Israelite people from the hand of the Egyptians. At the Passover, a perfect lamb was to be killed and the blood wiped across the top of the door. The Israelites were saved while the first born of the Egyptians died.

As Jesus gathered his friends that night to remember the Passover celebration, he shared of God’s plan for a new covenant—a covenant that was prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31. Jesus, himself, became the Passover lamb. (1 Corinthians 5:7) It was John who proclaimed in John 1:29, that Jesus was, "the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world."

That night at the Passover table, Jesus broke some bread and told them of its symbolizing His body that would be broken and beaten. Then, Jesus poured some wine and shared with them that it symbolized His blood that would be shed.

In the Old Testament, God’s people remembered His faithfulness through different memorials and celebrations, but in the New Testament, Jesus Himself initiated this supper as a way of remembering his ultimate love sacrifice. We are encouraged to remember His sacrifice until the Lord returns.

For believers, we are reminded to remember the sacrifice that was paid so that we might live. For those yet to trust Christ, the question remains, "What keeps you from trusting him with your life?"

Home Again, Home Again...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-06-23T11:10:24-04:00

The Brock's had a great time away at Merideth's brother’s wedding in Maine. I think that it calculated right at 5,000 miles of travel when all was said and done. We had a chance to visit some of her family as well as take some personal time with the kids and introduce them to some sights and signs of other places within America. When getting off the ferry at the Statue of Liberty, one of our kids looked up and said, "Girl you are huge". (this is an inside joke for those parents who have had the priviledge to watch the movie Madagascar with thier kids) It was good to be with them outside the norm of everyday life because it gave Merideth and I time to experience our kids and their differences in personalities that we might not otherwise experience within our daily routines. We have really great kids!

It was funny because coming out of the parenting series we just finished up, I found myself pondering the questions that we learned to ask ourselves while we walk along the journey of parenting:

1. What am I doing to enlarge my relationship with my child?
2. What am I doing to influence the lives of those who influence my children?
3. What am I doing to help my child’s relationship with God grow?

We have only one shot with each child. We can't redo time once it is gone. For us parents, how will we spend our time? What will our priorities be? When they are ready to leave our homes, will we look back knowing that we had done our best?

It was good to be away, but it is good to be back with our extended family at Heritage. Please remember, no morning service this Sunday because of our Sunday afternoon fellowship. So what do we do?

-have family worship time,
-attend another church and celebrate what God is doing around our community
-gather with a couple of people or families and share life together
-do a family service project
-get to know your neighbors
-ride around town to see who isn't in church (you might be surprised how many people aren't in church on Sunday's)
-quiet time alone with the Lord

We plan this time intentionally, so be intentional. How will you use this time slot this week to grow spiritually, share life or serve others?

I am looking forward to this Sunday afternoon at the park. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs and some good food (signup on line). We look forward to celebrating the Lord's Supper that night as well as spending time hanging out together. We are also blessed to have James Tealy with us to sing and share with us. Get more info on this special Heritage Day celebration.

We love you,

Sidney and Merideth

Heritage Day @ the Park

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-06-15T10:16:04-04:00

On June 28th, we will NOT be having our normal service at Wildwood Middle School. Instead, we will be having Heritage Day at the Lake Okahumpka Park in Wildwood on 44. Our time at the park will be from 5-8pm. Don’t miss out on this special time! We will have dinner, a time of worship, and plenty of fun. You will probably want to bring chairs for your family.

Please click here to RSVP!

James Tealy @ HCC

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-05-29T16:22:25-04:00

James Tealy will be with us again this year on June 28th at Heritage Day @ the Park. We were blessed by his music and encouraged by his words last year, and I can’t wait for James to be back this year.

James’ new album, “The Hardest Step To Land”, will be released at the beginning of June so the day at the park will be an excellent opportunity to pick one up and even get it signed! Check out the video below of the song “Hands” from the new album:

The Rain Will Come

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-05-26T10:09:34-04:00

...He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteousness and the unrighteousness...

-Matthew 5:45

We have been dumped on for the past week. I have heard there was over 30 inches of rain in some places. Personally, I enjoy sitting on the back porch and watching the rain fall except when it rains so much it starts coming through the doors! In other words, I don't mind the rain until the time it begins to affect me or my plans.

It is a fact of nature that there will be those days with no clouds in the sky and none on the horizon, as well as those times of rain and wind. Deserved or not, the bad weather will come and it’s the same within our lives. We will experience those times of blessings as well as times of difficulty. During the times of Jesus, and even today, it has been a common belief that difficulty in a persons life was the end result of sin. As a matter of fact, Jesus was asked one time why a person was sick and his reply was, "nothing... except that God be glorified!!"

These thoughts are close to my heart today because of several friends that I know who are struggling with physical issues or difficult situations in general. May we be reminded that God allows certain situations to happen and even goes as far as to create certain circumstances within our lives, but the desired purpose is for our faith to be enlarged and for the Father to be glorified.

Father, today we trust You in the good and bad times. We thank You because You are faithful, and You can be trusted.

-Sidney

Mother's Day

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-05-21T09:53:30-04:00

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

-John 19:25-27

While suffering on the cross, Jesus communicated the love he felt for his mom by recognizing her and making sure she was taken care of after his departure. There was no mistaking just how much he loved his mother. This Mother's Day, how did you communicate your love towards your mom? How easy it is for days, months and even sometimes years to go by without proper communication inside the family?

-Sidney Brock

The Armor of God

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-05-06T10:19:20-04:00

How can we remember that the enemy is seeking ways that he cannot only distract us, but destroy us? We must put on the armor of God as Paul directed us in his writing found in Ephesians 6:10-17. My encouragement to you is to learn to pray these verses as a reminder of the enemies schemes but also remind you to suit up daily, preparing yourself for battle.

Here is an example of how to pray this "Awareness Prayer" as taken from Paul's words.

Father, I desire to be strong in the Lord and in His power and might, and today I am going to put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand against the devil’s schemes. Lord, I don’t know what the devils schemes are for me, for Merideth, or for my kids, but I know that they are there. Father, make me sensitive so I can see the darts, temptations coming my way, that I can recognize them and do something about it. God, remind me that my battles are not with flesh and blood, not against him or her, but that there is a spiritual element to my conflicts, and help me to pray for my enemies and for the people that hurt me so that they can know the great grace and mercy you provide. God, do what you need to in my life so that I can be better at relating to others. Help me to remember it is not about flesh and blood—but my struggle is aginst the rulers and authorities and powers of this dark world, against spiritual forces in heavenly realms. God, today I put on the whole armor so that when the day of evil comes, I will be able to stand my ground. Lord, I stand firm by putting on the belt of truth, I want You to renew my mind to what is true. When I am tempted, I will be able to easily determine what is right and true from that which is a lie. Father, I want to put on the breastplate of righteousness. I thank You for giving me this breastplate, that I don’t come to you based on my good works but on the finished works of Christ on the cross. Today I want to do what is right; give me the wisdom to know what is right as well as the courage to do what is right even when it is tough. I want to put on the shoes of readiness so I am ready to go and take the gospel to the world and prioritize relationships with people that don’t know Christ. I want to be ready at all times to be used by You. I take up the shied of faith which I can use to extinguish all of the firely darts that come my way; all the flaming darts of the evil one because I will be shot at today. Let me use my shield of faith to defend myself, and by faith today, I claim victory over lust, pride, arrogance and busyness. I claim victory over anger and bad attitudes, over being greedy and selfish. Lord, You know what I am going to face today and when those temptations come my way, I am praying that You will remind me that I have already been given the victory over all of those of temptations. I want to put on my helmet of salvation that it may remind me of whose team I am on and the true gift of salvation that was given freely to me, not something that was earned. Thank You for those in my life that have influenced me for Christ. Help me today to take up the sword of the spirit and make Your Word a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path that I would not trust in my abilities but in Your Word, for it is perfect and true and teaches me what is right and wrong.

Father I pray this for my family as well. Help me as a father to prepare my children. Thank You for the armor and may I use it daily because I am in a battle.

In Your Name...

I encourage you to pray a similar prayer daily.

Preparing for the battle is serious business and so much is at stake. We must understand that there is an unseen world that is functioning in and around us. Everyday we will face the fiery darts. There is no need to be afraid, because "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” -1 John 4:4

Sidney Brock

The World

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-05-04T09:41:30-04:00

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what a man has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

-1 John 2:15-16

While being bombarded with life stuff, (marriage, children, jobs, finances), I have been reminded just how easy it is to get distracted as a believer. Everyday we are stretched and pulled from so many directions, and those stresses have the potential to drain our energy as well as set us up for disaster.

Before we know it, we can be sitting on the edge of the cliff, hanging on by just by a thread. This "World" that we live in carries with it an unseen ebb and flow that is provided by the master of disaster himself: Satan, the father of this world, the prince of this world is deceitful and a liar. His desire is our distraction and destruction.

We cannot be caught off guard, and we must not give in to the ways of this world, but be on the lookout for potential land mines that can trip us up. We must be aware of things below, but set our minds and hearts on things above. With the beginning of each new day comes the "choice" for us to demonstrate our true love. How will you choose to live today?

-Pastor Sidney

"Bring it to me."

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-04-27T10:50:54-04:00

As evening approached, he disciples came to him and said, This is remote places, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away, you give them something to eat." We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me." he said. And he directed the people to sit down in the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave hem to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children."

-Matthew 14:15--21

There was a need and the disciples were faced with with what to do. Their plan was to send the people away but Jesus said "FEED THEM". Can you imagine their response as they talked among themselves, "With what?" How many times do we face the same tension as believers. God allows us to see a need and waits to see what our response will be. How many times do we respond just like the disciples, "Who me?" "With what?"

God has a way of taking us outside of our comfort zone to stretch us and deepen our faith. The Father invites us to outside what is comfortable, convienent, and even sometimes outside of what might be or what we think are our talents or even our experiences. God uses the tension of seeing a need and making a decision of using my gifts and talents to bring us to understand our dependentcy on the Father as well as deepen our faith in Him. How are you using your gifts and talents to encourage and equip believers as well as impact the lives of those who are not followers of Christ? All the Father asks of you is to be faithful in those resources you have and leave the rest up to Him.

-Sidney Brock

Passion Week

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-04-07T10:02:25-04:00

What an awesome day Saturday at the Lady Lake Easter Egg Hunt! Thanks Karen and Crystal for your hard work! It was a huge success again. Go look at some pictures from the day.

Christmas and Easter are 2 times of year that seem to draw the attention of people. As our world searches for hope, it is at this time that people will most likely attend a church service looking for answers. Last Sunday, Christians celebrated what is called “Palm Sunday”, where we remember Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Scripture teaches us that later that week, Jesus would assemble with his disciples in an upper room to celebrate the Passover. At this meal, Jesus told his disciples of his impending death.

The hours after the supper were riddled with a flurry of activity which eventually led to the arrest of Jesus. He was brought before the religious leaders of the day ad put on trial... he was charged with blasphemy.

Jesus was blindfolded, spat on, and beaten, and it was not long after this encounter, that the religious leaders would take Jesus to Pilate. Pilate would precede over his trial and order his crucifixion.

Before his crucifixion, the soldiers put a purple robe on Jesus and made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. They mocked Jesus and cried out “Hail to the king of the Jews.” He was beaten and led off to be crucified. The Bible goes on to tell us of those last moments as he hung on the cross--in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19.

The disciples and others had seen the Lord nailed to a cross and die a terrible death. It seemed that everything they had believed in was gone. Their hopes and expectations had been shattered and their dreams ended.

But two thousand years later, we know Jesus' death wasn’t the end of the story but only the beginning. The disciples would learn three days later that everything he had said was true. His resurrection was an event that would change our world!

Disciplines

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-04-02T09:58:50-04:00

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight, not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should not become disqualified.

-1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Near the beginning of the new year, Merideth and I made the decision to begin working towards a healthier lifestyle. A heavy workload and busy family schedules had taken their toll, and we knew that changes needed to be made. It was obvious that we had bought in to a routine characterized by a lack of sleep and eating on the run, as well as no hint of consistent exercise. Near the end of January, Merideth and I began implementing some much needed changes. She began meeting with a small group of ladies that also felt the need to work on a healthier lifestyle, and over the past 10-12 weeks, they have had a great time encouraging one another and holding each other accountable. They have shared recipes and used their weekly meetings to cook for one another, and some have even set up regular times to exercise together. The results are obvious, but they have not come without the implementation of certain disciplines.

In the meantime, I have had the opportunity to adjust my schedule and spend time working out with some guys each morning before the sun ever begins to rise. Just like the ladies, we have encouraged one another as well as provided an environment for healthier living, but in addition, we have spent quality time talking about the things of the Lord. Honestly, it has not always been easy to roll out of the bed, and walk around the house in the dark while getting dressed to go to the gym, but what began as a desire is developing into a joy. I really don't want to miss a morning these days. I love seeing the guys as well as knowing that I am making an investment in my future.

This morning, I ended up getting up a little later than usual, and as I rolled over and looked at the clock, I quickly rolled back over and convinced myself that missing one day wouldn't hurt. However, it didn't take long to realize that I needed to be there regardless of the amount of time I would be able to stay. I needed to be there... period. I needed to be there for the encouragement of the other guys but also for me.

The practice of a discipline creates an environment to produce the best results possible for a specific activity. Whereas the practice of spiritual disciplines says, “I am intentionally putting myself before God so He can transform me." The practice of spiritual disciplines says, “I want my life to be fertile ground in which God can bring growth and change.”

What spiritual disciplines do you presently practice? Silence? Solitude? Giving? Prayer? Bible study? Is your walk with the Lord characterized by a satisfaction with church attendance, or are you seeking to go deeper in your trust relationship with the Father? What is stopping you from taking the next step in laying the groundwork to experience the greatness of God?

-Sidney Brock

Relationships

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-03-25T11:10:18-04:00

If we were to sit down and pen out our life story, we would probably fill the pages with names of individuals who have influenced our lives. As I look, I am reminded of the many people that God has placed in my life over the years to help nurture and encourage me in my journey of Faith. It seems that at just the right time, certain people showed up to pat me on the shoulder or at other times, look me in the eye and hold me accountable. For those relationships, I am forever grateful because each one has played a huge part in helping me go deeper in my trust in Christ.

Relationships are just one of the many ways that God helps us grow spiritually. Look back on your life. What friend, relative or acquaintance has had a spiritual impact? In what way?

Can we flip this conversation around for a moment? Has God used you to enlarge someone else's faith? If so, who? Are you intentionally seeking out those relationships?

In 1st Corinthians 15:33 the Apostle Paul stated, "do not be mislead, bad company corrupts good character".

What Paul was saying is that there is a connection between your personal relationships and the size of your faith in God. You cannot divorce those two things.

What about you? Do you need to be more intentional or more available or just intentionally available?

Deeper

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-03-09T10:27:00-04:00

Deep is defined as "extending way down from the surface"--

Growing up, when traveling, I often asked the question, “how much longer do we have before we get there?” I assumed that the driver knew the destination, and he had a good idea of how much longer we would be on the road before we reached that destination. In following Christ, we don't always say it, but we might think along the same lines concerning spiritual growth, “How much longer before I get to the place that I should be spiritually?” How deep is deep enough?

Deeper is one of those words that we can throw around especially when we talk about growing spiritually. But what exactly is "going deeper"? How do we get there? The spiritual journey begins with trust and dives deeper as our trust grows.

Paul said, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

-Colossians 2:6-7

There are many things that go into spiritual growth, but it all starts with the willingness to jump into the water and break the surface. Are you ready to go Deeper?

-Sidney Brock

Say What

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-02-23T09:33:46-05:00

Would you be willing this week to carve some time out of your busy schedule to get in the closet, shut the door and spend time with your heavenly Father. We would never turn down an invitation to meet with a prince or president, so don't miss the opportunity to spend some time with the King of Kings!

Remember, when you get in the closet behind the door:

First and foremost, declare God's greatness and then, because of who He is, bring your life into submission to Him, and be willing to say, your agenda God before mine, your plan before my plan. Finish your time by acknowledging your complete dependence on Him for everything--this is not a prayer to be memorized but a pattern to be prioritized!!

Jesus said, Our father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us, lead us not into temptation, but deliever us from evil.

-Matthew 6:9-13

Sermon Series and Resources

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-02-09T11:52:26-05:00

The video series, "Interruptions", from Louie Giglio the past two weeks has been so relevant as the economy continues to struggle. I walked away yesterday just thankful for some of the awesome resources that are out there to help us in our Faith journey. It was an encouragement to see the workplace as one of our ministry opportunities instead of climbing the corporate ladder or a position to pay the bills. Just imagine how many lives would be impacted and changed if we saw the workplace as an opportunity! One of the moving moments to me was coming to grips that our careers only last for a season. We spend so much time building our careers yet, within the time frame of eternity, that season is very small. Sometimes it takes an interruption to capture our attention to see that there is more to life than the 9-5er. How much our heavenly Father desires our availability, not just our productivity! I am looking forward to beginning a new series this week on "Prayer" and taking a deep look into Jesus' teaching on this subject.

Yesterday, I also mentioned a book that a friend of mine recommended and after reading and absorbing it, I highly recommend it to you as well. The book is called, "The Divine Mentor" by Wayne Codeiro, and you can find it here.

While I am on resources, I had a couple ask me about talking to their children about sexuality this past week. One resource that I highly recommend is the "God's Design for Sex" series. You can find it here.

Just so you know, this series begins at age 4 and takes you through the teenage years.

I would also want to encourage you to find that closet time with the Lord this week and spend some time with the Father. He is waiting to hear from you!!! If you don't have a regular Bible reading schedule, you can go to RBC Ministries and click to get a daily scripture reading. You can also get it sent directly to your email on a daily basis so it is there when you wake up in the morning.

Merideth and I love you bunches. Remember, we are on the journey just like you are--one step at a time--the goal is not our pace but the finish line!!!

Tree Planting at WMS

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-02-04T10:29:20-05:00

On a dark, stormy day in Wildwood, the students at Wildwood Middle School were presented with a new sign as well as a palm tree which was donated by Heritage Community Church for their hard work in earning the school their first ever “A” rating. This is a big deal in the public school system and we wanted to congratulate them with the tree and also let them know how much we appreciate them for allowing us to meet at their school on Sundays.

Congratulations Wildwood Middle School! Keep up the good work!

His Word

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-01-13T11:46:07-05:00

I had to share this. Not because you need to hear this Word as I did (or maybe you do), but because I have to share about how God showed me the power of His Word tonight. (as He always does...faithfully)

Short Story: I read a great book, called "Same Kind of Different as Me". It is about a homeless man in Fort Worth, TX and a rich man who become as close as brothers through the zest of his wife's calling for the hurting. It is a remarkable story, a best-seller. I enjoyed it greatly and couldn't put it down. However, a good portion of the book shared in great detail about the painful cancer that took the woman's life. It was very hard to read. I am sure you know this about me--I cannot let thoughts about tragedy go easily. When I watch a movie that involves any sort of death or harm on someone, it really sticks with me. I have always been this way. I cannot let things out of my mind easily. Well, since I read that part of the book, I have been gripped with fear that something was going to happen to me to take me from my kids. Or that something was going to tragically happen to my children. These thoughts mostly came in the quiet, mostly when I would lay down to sleep. I have even been having bad dreams. I just couldn't shake these thoughts. I have been having consistent quiet times, but I still felt fearful.

Now the good part: Tonight I caught up on some much needed computer work since I have been on my media fast. I spent a while on the computer, and at 10:00, I didn't want to open my bible. I wasn't going to do it, but SO CLEARLY, God said, "Open your Bible and READ NOW". So, I did. I couldn't resist. Here is what God told me through Proverbs,

"Then, you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

Wow! God's Word really is living and active. The neat thing is that I read a blog of a friend in Nashville who was sharing the same stronghold before mine began. So, I will share these verses with her. His Word is far reaching.

I share this with you because I love you and want to share the intimate details of how God is working. But, also, to encourage you in your reading of His Word.

Thanks for letting me share this.

Love,
Brooke

New Year

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2009-01-05T10:25:10-05:00

I enjoy getting together with people at Heritage. Over the next several weeks, we will turn our attention to a series calls "At Heritage". It will be during this series that we discover some important attributes of the church. Today, we discovered that each person that is a follower of Christ is part of the body of Christ. We are connected to each other and each one of us is important. We learned that even though the body is made up of many parts, it is still one body. To help discover your place within the body, we have added an online resource to help you discover your spiritual gifts. This survey will take you about 15 minutes to complete, but I bet you will get excited about what you learn about yourself as well as how God has created you to function within HIS church.

--Click here for the spiritual gifts test--

As we begin a new year, I would also challenge you to commit now as an individual or family to spend more time reading God's Word. There are several internet resources that are available for free and are sent to your email on a daily basis. One that I have found to be helpful can be found at http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml.
You can also place an order, and they will send you a book free of charge to your home. We also have these devotional books available on our back table as you enter and leave during our Sunday worship times.

I pray that you are as excited as we are about the new year and the potential it brings.

God bless and have an awesome week!

-Sidney and Merideth

Blessings

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-12-29T10:48:27-05:00

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
-Phil 2:4

I had said a week ago that I was done writing on "Risky Business" and our past series, but how do you leave a topic where you have seen so much fruit harvested? I see people that are leaving their zones of comfort to serve others, and I see people laying aside their on concerns to invest with eternity in mind. Over the past several days, we have not only seen people fed, clothed and housed, but we have seen spiritual needs met and lives changed. We have seen the truths of scripture being played out in real life; seeds that have been planted over the past year have begun to be harvested, and we have experienced the blessings in giving.

Thank you Father that You are not a distant God, but You are upfront and personal. May we continue to see and experience Your presence within the family at Heritage Community Church as well as in the overall body of Christ. May we live to impact the world in which we live and leave a legacy of faith.

-Sidney

Risky Business Comes To An End

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-12-18T13:47:33-05:00

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

-2 corithians 9:7

The "Risky Business" series has been incredible!!! It was highlighted Sunday as we celebrated some stories of what God has done and is doing within people's lives. I was overwhelmed with emotion hearing your personal stories, and I anticipate hearing more as we learn to be better stewards with what God has entrusted us. It is a great responsibility being your lead pastor, but it is also a very humbling position. We are so encouraged by what we see and hear that God is doing in our midst. This is a special time in the life of Heritage, and one that we will never forget. May the touch of God always be as fresh and evident as it was this Sunday in our services. As we grow together, may we be sensitive to God's direction and be excited about the future. I saw a lot of smiles Sunday morning as we left our services. Isn't it awesome to learn God's principles, apply those principles and then witness the benefits of doing things God's way?

Estimates are that over the past 6 weeks, we have leveraged more than $45,000 for ministry outside of the Heritage family!!!! Praise the Lord!!!

It is a priviledge walking with you in this journey of Faith.

-Sidney, Merideth, Brian and Brooke

Shine Your Light

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-12-16T09:43:33-05:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Isaiah 9:6

The story was told of a family within the neighborhood who didn't take their lights down after Christmas. The next door neighbor became a little aggravated due to the seemingly lazy attitude. A couple of weeks to leave the lights up is one thing, but to leave them on for more than a month??? One day while out working in the yard, the two neighbors met. A little puzzled by the lack of concern to get his lights down the neighbor questioned him, "Hey Fred, you know, Christmas was over more than a month ago! You ever gonna take those things down?”

His neighbor responded quickly, "well, my wife and I talked about it, and we think we will leave them up anticipating our son's return from Iraq.”

This holiday season as we celebrate Christmas, what a great way to teach your children as well as set an example for your neighbors by turning on your porch light each night leading up to Christmas day to symbolize your anticipation of baby Jesus being born. He is the hope and light of the world.

Let's not hide our lights but let them shine brightly!!!

Beautiful Feet

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-12-10T12:10:13-05:00

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

-Romans 10:13-15

One of my friends walked up today after church and asked me if I was trying to put him out of work. He just happens to be a podiatrist. I told them without a doubt I desired that Heritage would be a place where people would be recognized by people having beautiful feet.

Caring is Sharing!! We don't have to go around the world to find people that are searching for the Hope; they are all around us. They are in our homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. We just need to be attentive to the people around us and be willing to share our story. For a seed to take root, it must first be planted. Will you take time this next week to plow the fields and plant some seeds? Check your feet this week. How are they looking?

Laying Up Treasures In Heaven

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-12-08T10:23:55-05:00

I woke up early this morning and spent some time giving thanks to the Lord before I ever got out of the bed. In our home with three kids, once a light comes on, the offspring begin to wake and stir so I have learned that sometimes it is good to stay in bed and talk to the Lord before moving around. I have so much to be thankful for as you probably do as well. I was especially thankful for my time yesterday with our two oldest kids. Merideth and I decided that it was a good time to take them to serve those that were less fortunate. It is our desire that they grow up and not be so self centered so we want to give them opportunities to serve those that are less fortunate and see some of the real needs that people around us are facing first hand. It was awesome, and the kids did great. It started off a little scary for them, but as they got accustomed to what they were doing, they really got into serving and sharing with those we were feeding.

Our time together that day lead to some unbelievable conversations on the way home and also around the dinner table that night as we shared stories about what took place. I believe that it is times like these that we are positioning ourselves to leave a legacy of faith. When we actually put our religion to work, the lives of people are changed; both the giver and the receiver. The scripture teaches us that Jesus said "religion that was pure and faultless was taking care of the orphans and the widows.” We could add taking care of the naked, hungry, and homeless as well.

Thank You Father for the lessons learned this week. Thank You that You have given us much so we can be generous.

Desiring to lay up more treasures in heaven!

-Sidney

The Pursuit

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-11-20T13:44:39-05:00

As the deer pants for streams of water so my sould pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
-Psalms 42:1-2

I spent the last couple of days back at home with my parents. I always like to go home sometime around the first part of hunting season and stalk the big one. This time I took our youngest child, Anna Grace along, and she had a chance to spend some good time with Nanny and Papa while our other two where in school. Abbie and Caleb were not too happy because they wanted to go as well, but school had to be the priority.

Over the years, I have come to understand that the hunting trip isn't really about the deer but the pursuit. I enjoy riding, looking and even getting out and walking while hunting in addition to sometimes sitting in a deer stand. It is great to get out into the woods and smell the clean air. The anticipation of seeing the BIG ONE is always exhilarating and enough to keep us going on just a couple of hours sleep.

Talking about hunting, it is amazing how much money, time and effort is spent this time of year in preparing for the hunting season and then executing the trips. What it would be if we would pursue our Heavenly Father with the same tenacity.

Lord, I thank you for the time away. As always for me, I enjoy the hunting and seeing family, but what I really enjoy is the quiet times that lead me to hear the voice of the Father as I pursue HIM.

Home Again, Home Again

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-11-15T08:41:23-05:00

Well the Brock's are back safe and sound after a relaxing vacation! What was not relaxing was the prep for and the clean up after. One person told me after getting back, "her family always need a vacation after the vacation just to recover!" It is good to visit other places around the world and be reminded of how blessed we are to live in the United States of America. I was belly aching several weeks ago about gas prices. While on vacation, I was in a place where gas was pushing $7 a gallon. WHEW!!! Talk about needing relief at the pump! It was great to get back and drive into Lady Lake this morning and see gas at $1.95.

On another note:
Now that the Presidential election is over, may we pray for Barak Obama as he takes office in January. He was not my choice, but he will be my President and yours, too. I ask that you commit to pray along with me for him and his family as he leads our country during his term in office. Not only pray for our President, but also others in elected and appointed positions around our country that are involved in decision making. These are critical days in the history of America. YOUR PRAYER COUNTS!!

Truth

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-11-04T15:02:55-05:00

What is truth? Is there a way to know what is true and what is not? Is there absolute truth; the kind of truth that is always true no matter what the situation? The Bible says in Matthew 24:24 "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect." Even those God has chosen to live with Him for eternity will be deceived by false prophets. That is a scary thought!

Today while doing some research on the internet, I was taken back by the number of people who seem to be well-known Christ followers who are fighting with each other over items of Biblical truth. I was afraid because I found myself being swayed in both directions and it brought to my mind Mark 12:14 which says, "They came to him and said, 'Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.'" I want to not be swayed by anything that any man or woman says just because they have a good reputation with a certain group of people. I want to be able to speak truth and recognize truth at all times and in all situations because I KNOW the way of God in accordance with HIS truth.

James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." I have concluded today, that if I am being swayed or do not know the truth in accordance to what God has to say about any situation or topic, it is because I have not taken the time to ask God for wisdom and search out His Word for the answer. I will not be tossed this way and that way like the waves in the ocean, but I will stand firm because I will know truth. I will make God's Word the priority it should be and trust that the power of the Holy Spirit in me will give me the answer. I know that this will be pleasing to my Lord.

So today, I am committing to read through the entire Bible cover to cover by December 31st, 2009 so that I will KNOW my Lord and His will for my life in all things. Then when I am confronted with different opinions, I can know that I have done everything I can to know what the truth is. Are you being swayed? Is your theology based solely on what your pastor teaches you, what you hear on talk radio, or what is said in the latest best seller by your favorite "Christian" author? If so, take this challenge with me. Let us know our God so intimately that we can say with the Psalmist:

1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

-Brian

Fall Festival

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-10-27T07:59:27-04:00

We have a saying back home when something is good, and we call it, "flat out awesome!" Well, our Fall Festival was just that... "flat out AWESOME." Thank you Karen Mercer for you and your team of people who made this afternoon a wonderful success. It was great to see people hanging out and having a good time. One comment was, "it was good to see people smiling and sitting and talking." Heritage is a place that we are "Living a Legacy of Faith". As we grow, it is important that we continue to value and strengthen our earthly relationships that God is developing--our walk with Christ is exercised as we walk together.

As I looked around tonight, I was so pleased of the efforts of so many that demonstrated a servant's attitude. Too many of you to mention by name, but I must give a shout out to Mark Jordan. You da Man! I got so tickled watching Mark make up those cotton candy treats. He had cotton candy caked on him every time I walked by, and he was smiling! Mark, you get the award for the stickiest servant.

We value each of you and are excited that God has allowed us to walk together at this point and time in the journey of Faith. One day, we will look back and see the importance of what is going on right now as we "Leave a Heritage of Faith."

-Pastor Sidney

"Let man not separate"

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-10-20T09:57:21-04:00

While the world says, "love with limits", God's design was "'til death do us part." This will be the last blog for a while on marriage, but I can't get away from the realization that we (the Church, followers of Christ) need to encourage one another and provide a safe and healthy environment for marriages to thrive and last. We must not keep our heads in the sand while friends and family suffer behind closed doors. Yes, marriage is awesome, but disagreement and conflict will come.

Then what? Where will we turn? I had a good friend tell me this past week that she did not understand "'til death do us part" because she was taught to "love with limits" and to have that plan of departure ready because it was not if divorce would happen but when!

We will have many more conversations in the days ahead about the marriage relationship, but today I lay it to rest to plan for our next series on "Risky Business-how are we using time, talents and resources to impact our world for Christ?". While I am busy preparing for this next series, may we remember the words of Jesus as he gave us the Father's design for marriage, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh, so they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Mark 10:7-9

-Sidney Brock

Risky Business

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-10-09T21:39:53-04:00

Our next series will begin on Sunday November 2nd, and it will be called Risky Business. When the market is uncertain and going crazy, is there a place that I can make an investment with a certain return? How am I using my time, talents and resources to impact my world? This Sunday, there will be a Wanted sign in your seat which will explain our investment challenge. We would like have individuals or families that are willing to step out and be willing to take $100 we will give them and make a decision of how they will invest that money in a local, state or foreign mission project. We will choose 3-6 teams on Sunday Oct. 19th and on November 2nd, those chosen will give us their plan of what mission they will be investing in and the potential plans of how they will grow the initial investment of $100. Additionally, we will be having a churchwide food drive during those 6 weeks, supporting the benevolence center at FBC Leesburg.

I hope that you will help me encourage families and individuals to sign up to take the challenge. This is going to be a great time for us as we look at sacrifice and giving of ourselves and resources.

Even though they may not be chosen, we will still encourage people to take the challenge during this time.

We will celebrate the return on our investments on Sunday December 14th as we report on our mission endeavors.

-Pastor Sidney

Conflict

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-10-08T10:16:13-04:00

I am looking forward to this weekend and concluding our series, "'Til Death Do Us Part". It has been fun looking at some of the real issues in marriage and at God's Word for instruction. We will finish this week with "Love Worth Fighting For" and talk about the rules of engagement for times of disagreement. It is said that one of the predictors of a healthy marriage is not if a couple has disagreements, but how they handle those disagreements.

Reminds me of the story about the husband and wife that bragged to their pastor that they never fough. The pastor was so amazed at this awesome marriage that he brought them up one Sunday to interview them about their success in marriage. When asked how they handle conflict, the man replied, we don’t, “I just do what I am told to do!"

It takes two people to say "I do", but three to make the marriage work!

-Pastor Sidney

Fireproof Movie

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-10-06T09:25:28-04:00

Merideth and I had the opportunity to go see the movie "Fireproof" during the opening weekend. I had been able to catch the preview showing back in July, and I was excited for Merideth to be able to see it. As I thought, she loved it as I did. We both highly recommend that you take the time to go and see the movie. "Fireproof" is a must see!

The Tongue

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-10-02T09:24:22-04:00

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
-Proverbs 18:21

Over the past several weeks we have been looking at the Biblical concept of marriage in a series called "...'til Death Do Us Part". This past week we looked at the important role that our speech plays in our relationships. Scripture teaches us that our speech can bring healing and health or destruction and death. If questioned, how would your speech rate? If you really want to know, ask those closest to you. Have a productive week by making wise choices in your conversation. You are an influence.

-Sidney Brock

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-09-25T09:27:58-04:00

It has been fun over the past couple of weeks dealing with the issue of marriage relationships. It has been a great series for me as I desire to be a better husband to Merideth and father to the kids. As we focus on the marriage relationship, I would like to invite you to join me in attending the opening of the movie "Fireproof" on Friday September 26th. I have personally seen this movie and highly recommend it to be seen regardless of how you rate your marriage. We all can use improvement! It is my desire that you will not only attend but also reach out to another couple and invite them to attend with you.

To help us work on our relationships we have a challenge each week. Your love challenge this week: Respect: what can I do that will make my spouse feel more respected by me
Those of you who are single: at school, home, work,--whose life would you like to add to by giving them greater love or respect? How will you make that happen?

'Til Death Do Us Part

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-09-16T23:44:12-04:00

We started the new series this week "'Til Death Do Us Part". BARNETT BRICKER SAID, “SUCCESS IN MARRIAGE DOES NOT COME MERELY THROUGH FINDING THE RIGHT MATE, BUT THROUGH BEING THE RIGHT MATE”. It is my desire that we will discover a new excitement for the covenant of marriage as we walk through this study together. Jesus clarified God's original intent for marriage when he quoted Genesis 2:24 by saying, "what God has joined together let no man separate".

This week, I challenge you to spend time praying for your spouse. If you are single, pray for a friend. Think of three areas that you would like to see God at work in their life.

We spend so much time trying to "fix" people. Turn it all over to the Master and let him work

Trust

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-09-09T13:42:10-04:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
-Proverbs 3: 5-6

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
-Proverbs 16:3

I was sitting in a parking lot talking to someone that is close to my heart. In the midst of conversation about the future and the “what-ifs”, it was pointed out to me that I’m a control freak. I’m an event planner, so planning is my life. It was a harsh reality but I could see where they were coming from. I put that same control, or tried to anyways, on my life. When I asked the person, whom I consider my best friend, if they worried about the present and the future they simply said "no", and that they knew God had it in His control. It wasn’t a new concept to me as I had always heard, and even tried to give my problems, worries, and concerns to God, but I would soon bring it back down and try to manipulate it myself. I couldn’t trust that God knew what was best for my life. How could He? No one knew me better than me…at least that’s what I thought.

That same day the person I had been spilling my heart to gave me the Bible out of the back seat of his car…his had references, mine didn’t… to look over and read the passages about trust, worry, and faith. It sat in my kitchen for a few days. I would walk by it, place my hand on it and just walk away. I didn’t feel ready, or that God would even accept me back into His grace, but finally, I picked it up and began looking up worry, faith, and trust. I was curious about what God had to say to me. I turned to passages that told me that worrying about my future was a lack of faith in God, and I didn’t want that for my life. I wanted to be able to wake up each day and know that God had it in His control, and that my future and the things of my heart were in His time and not mine. I wanted to be able to breathe again, and feel that joy that only God brings. I wanted to go through each day trusting and believing that God does everything for a reason, and that He loves me and does everything for my good.

I may not be able to see the whole picture right now, but slowly He is painting His way through my life. One day I will see the whole picture and fully understand his plan for my life, but for today, I am simply walking by faith. The baptism I went through on August 10th was a way for me to let go of the pride that kept me from God, and also a chance for me to humbly bow down and fully hand over all control. It’s still a conscious effort and something I will take day by day, but I am very grateful for God’s love and grace, and the conversation in the parking lot.

-Alicia Jordan

A Prayer

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-09-02T10:53:13-04:00

I read this prayer today and thought that I would share it with you as it was beneficial to me. The journey of faith is one of discovery. Part of that discovery is realizing the potential of becoming critical as time passes.

Dear God, please forgive me. I sometimes look at those I see and get frustrated by the way they are. Some are angry and act ugly and even curse. Others have no desire to do what is right. Some just want to "party" and live like the world all the time. Some are lazy. Some are hurting and holding on to bitterness. I don't always understand why they are that way. Then I, in my frustration, become angry and grumble. Forgive me for my ungodly attitudes and complaining. I am sorry. Help me to see the potential in others and to pray for them more and criticize them less. I pray that through my prayers to you and through my Christian testimony and example and through my words and deeds, these people would come to know you or come back and lay their issues on the altar. I pray that we all will lift our burdens to you and drop them at your feet, so that you can take them away and guide us in the way everlasting. Please relieve our griefs and burdens and replace them with your peace. Please bless us as we serve you. Please help us and pick us help when we stumble. Thank you for your mercies. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Men's Fellowship

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-08-23T21:08:34-04:00

Why don't you check out some pictures from the men's fellowship today!! Wayne you da man--what a cook!!! We will need to plan a new one in the near future. It is a joy walking the journey with you all.

-Sidney

Back To School

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-08-20T09:27:36-04:00

Hi ho, hi ho, its off to school we go...Today is the beginning of a new school year. We are headed to take the kids to Chick-Fil-A for breakfast and pray with them about this new school year. It is an exciting time for us as parents but also a scary time. Needless to say, our kids are growing up fast. Merideth reminded me the other night just how fast time is flying as we discussed the future.

As families are sending their children back to school, may we be reminded that our schools are a great place to live out that which we say we believe as Christians. Pray for school administrators, teachers and other personnel as well as students for opportunities as well as protection.

-Sidney Brock

Giving

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-08-12T14:49:02-04:00

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

What a privilege it is to know that you are such a giving people. We thank the Lord for your graciousness that you demonstrated this past week in giving a love offering to Lee Hyatt for his service this summer at Heritage. I got so excited knowing that your gifts were an outpouring from your hearts. May we continue to use the resources that God has given us as a body of believers to encourage and fan the flame of ministry and may God give us the increase so we can do even more......

We love you!

Goodbye Lee

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-08-11T09:15:57-04:00

Summer is almost over and it is just about time for a new schedule. One thing i will personally miss this fall is the absence of Lee Hyatt being with us. Thank you Lee for sacrificing your summer to come and serve with us at Heritage. You are a masterpiece of God's grace. We will miss your smile and enthusiastic attitude that you shared with us all summer. We thank God for sending you to us. You have left an imprint of God's love in every area you have served. May God bless you as you head back off to school. We will keep up on our new facebook account!

If you would like to keep up with Lee or maybe send him some homemade cookies, here's his address at school:

Lee Hyatt
5402 College Drive #48
Graceville, FL 32440

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brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-08-05T14:47:12-04:00

Early This Morning

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-08-03T14:50:49-04:00

"In the morning, O lord , you hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
-Psalms 5:3

I woke up early this morning just thinking about stuff. Have you ever had one of those mornings where you wake up earlier than everyone else? The house is quiet and dark yet you can't sleep because your mind is racing with stuff, or is it God saying I would like to talk with you this morning without any interruptions. This morning was my morning! After lying in bed for 45 minutes I finally submitted, "okay Lord, I will get up and listen!" I fumbled out of bed and sat in the living room "in the dark" and talked to the Lord about different things. As the sun began to rise, I moved to the porch to continue my conversation with the Lord and watch the day begin through the windows on my back porch.

The Lord so much desires our time and attention regardless of the time, but what a great way to start the day. For those of you who have been praying for the sale of our condo, the Lord blessed us last week by closing on that property. The condo was on the market for over a year, but God's timing is much more perfect than ours. Today we have needs of friends dealing with sickness and reminded of others who are separated from loved ones due to job responsibilities.

Father, would you hear us today as we petition you concerning our requests.

"this is the day that the Lord hath made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it."

God Has Been Faithful

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-07-16T17:04:06-04:00

High fuel cost, a struggling economy or real estate being at a recession level; however bleak the outlook is, God is always there and still in control. With all the financial difficulties we have personally, corporately or even as a church, God continues to provide. God has amazingly continued to bless our small church. We have been meeting as a body of believers for over one year now, and some might wonder how we are doing financially? Well, that is where the mighty power of God comes into play; HE and only HE continues to provide for our needs.

As we continue to be faithful in the small things, He is faithful in the greater things. We have been able to meet in a great facility and have been able to provide the needs for two full-time pastors, which is the mighty power of God at hand. Most plant churches in today’s times begin with one bi-vocational pastor. With all the struggles in our economy, I am excited to say that last week our offerings were the largest they have ever been. Why? One very simple reason: we allow God to be in control of our finances and when God is in control, blessings come.

In Luke 6:36-37 it states:

             Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

In verse 38 we recognize a verse we have all heard before, but carries such great truth:

             Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

This is the type of blessing I pray for our church and for each of you in your personal lives. Allow me to share with you one other scripture that encourages me every time I feel myself getting stressed with my own financial worries. It comes from the book of Malachi 3:10,

             “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it”

Please let that verse soak in and remember it during your times of struggle, the LORD says “Test me in this”. I encourage you to act on God’s work, bring your whole tithe in the storehouse and see what God has in store for you. He just might give you an unbelievable testimony!

-Randy Jones
Treasurer @ HCC

20 Years

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-07-11T09:12:13-04:00

Looking back, it seems like yesterday that we were standing at the alter saying I do! On the afternoon of July 9th, 1988, I married my sweetheart. However, our wedding day didn't go without it's fill of drama----one of the groomsman passed out and rolled down the stairs while in the middle of the service, and we had to move our reception inside because of the rain. Did I mention that we got married in the middle of a heat wave in the north and the church we got married in didn't have air conditioning? Well it didn't stop there--that night after standing in the receiving line for 4 hours and then going to Merideth's parents to open gifts, we eventually loaded the car and trailer and headed toward Boston on our way back to Florida to begin our new life together.

Our first honeymoon night, while staying at the hotel in Boston, I was awaken by the alarm clock going off at 3:00 am--or at least I thought it was the alarm clock. After pulling the clock off of the desk and throwing it on the floor, I came to the conclusion that it wasn't the alarm clock but the fire alarm. I thought, "you have got to be kidding me!" I went to the door, to witness others emerging as we were coming out of winter hibernation. We were all evacuated from our rooms and stood outside while the fire department made their inspections and declared that it was a hoax. While standing outside, we noticed this familiar looking face only to learn that Merideth's aunt and cousins were staying a couple of rooms down from us. We were eventually released to return to our rooms and awoke the next morning to continue our journey back toward Florida. That was twenty years ago, yet I remember it like it was yesterday.

Last night we celebrated our 20th anniversary. It was a special time. Today, I just wanted to acknowledge to you that God blessed me with an awesome wife and helpmate. I hit the jackpot! Merideth, I look forward to our next twenty years, and I am excited to see what God will do as we continue to grow in Him as well as together in oneness. I love you!

Your husband,

Sidney

Land Mines

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-07-07T10:36:07-04:00

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's scheme's.
-Ephesians 6:10-11

For the past week, I have had a couple of chances to take our kids into the woods to pick blueberries. It has become the ritual after each picking to see who has the most ticks and redbugs. For whatever the reason, it seems that our littlest always ends up the winner. I guess it is because she is the smallest and most vulnerable. The last time we were out, I came upon a new place down close to the swamp, that was loaded with fresh berries. While filling our buckets, it became apparent that an ole black bear had also found the berry patch and had been enjoying the berries as well. Tonight, right before dark, we went down to pick some more berries. As we made our way down to the spot, I saw where the bear had stripped a couple of pine trees of it's bark to mark his territory. I thought to myself, that ole bear didn't want us back in his berry patch, and he wanted us to know he was there and in charge. After showing the kids the bears markings, they were careful to let me know of any signs or sounds that they heard while picking.

Satan is not always as bold as the ole bear was. He loves to be subtle and cunning, leading us to believe that things are good while he lurks in the darkness scheming to destroy us. For the believer, life is a battlefield that is filled with potential land mines that can be strategically placed by the enemy. Fear, sexual sin, compromise, partial truth as well as a heart that is unforgiving, are grave clothes of the flesh that we have been instructed to take off and wear no longer. However, Satan would love for us to believe that those actions are harmless. We must be aware of the potential landmines and learn how to protect ourselves as well as learn to live in the Freedom that is available through Jesus Christ.

James Tealy

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-07-03T10:45:02-04:00

A huge "Thank You" to James Tealy for joining us at our picnic on Sunday and encouraging us through song and word! If you would like more information on James, his music, or his travels, you can visit www.jamestealy.com.

Also, you can click on the albums below if you are interested in purchasing his music.

Pacesetter Award

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-06-16T12:28:22-04:00

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
-Proverbs 25:11

Heritage Community Church and Chick-Fil-A joined together to present the "Pacesetter" award at two local school campuses. Many years ago, I was part of a team that developed this award to be able to partner with schools in an effort to encourage students and help them see the importance of making right choices. The "Pacesetter" award was created to:

Recognize students whose character is beyond reproach, morality is unquestionable, and leadership is forthcoming. The award also promotes those students whose lifestyle portrays honesty, courage, and dedication.

The "Pacesetter" award is chosen by school staff and then we are given the privilege to be part of their school award ceremony and make the presentation. This year's winners were Miss Karah Osborne of The Villages Elementary at Lady Lake and Andrew Terry at Wildwood Middle school. Congratulations on a job well done. We celebrate with you! Along with a certificate, both young people recieved a $25 check as well as a book on leadership and a certificate for a milkshake party at Chick-Fil-A for the winner and 5 friends.

As Paul said, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. " Colossians 4:5

Love in Action

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-06-10T14:01:58-04:00

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence.
-1 John 3:18-19

While sitting at a table in a restaurant this week, an older gentleman walked in and sat down at a table nearby. I noticed him as he entered the door and watched as people gave him space to walk due to his dress and smell. After being seated, he proceeded to order coffee and when it was delivered to the table, he fumbled around to find enough change to pay the bill. I was captured by the activity and sensed that the Lord wanted me to pay his bill. Immediately, I was thankful that he didn't order a steak, but there was confidence that I could afford his cup of coffee. I caught the waiters attention and with that contact, took care of his bill..all $1.00 of it. There was a great deal of satisfaction in helping this gentleman out.

A little later, the restaurant cleared out and I noticed the older gentleman was still sitting in the booth reading a book. Again, I sensed the Holy Spirit nudge my heart and tell me to go sit down and talk with him. I came up with every excuse of why I didn't have time to spend but finally gave in and proceeded over to his table. I introduced myself and with that introduction met a new friend name Joe. After our conversation, I went back to my table and thought about how many people that I come in contact with daily that are like Joe, but I fail to meet them because of my hurried lifestyle.

Father, may I be very mindful of what goes on around me and not miss opportunities that You present me daily to influence the world around me by loving people as You first loved me.

Fellowship

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-05-27T13:17:14-04:00

It was a great day hanging out with different people today as we celebrated Memorial Day. Merideth and I rushed around this morning trying to get everyone out of the house so we would be able to get a spot down at Carney Island park on Lake Weir. The park ranger had told me last week that it would probably be full by 9:45 am and I sure didn't want to be late and have to wait outside the park because there were no spaces left. We made it to the park shortly after 8:00 am and got everything situated, and the kids immediately headed toward the water which is where they stayed most of the day.

Everyone had such a good time. One of the best parts of the day was spending time with some of our friends from Heritage. Everyone bought their own food and it ended up being like a dinner on the grounds. I ended up migrating around the different tables and tasting the variety of specialties, and needless to say, I am sore as I type from all of the goodies that I inhaled. As I sat down by the beach, I was reminded that God created us to live in fellowship with Him and others. It was fun sitting back and watching people interact with one another--sharing food, space and just having fun. I over heard people talking about parenting, the economy, jobs, health and also their relationship with the Lord.

I have come to understand over the years that things happen when we take a chance to rub elbows with one another! When we get away from DOING church and start BEING the church, so much more is accomplished.

As we played yesterday, it reminded me of the stories I read in the scriptures of the early church. I thought as I sat there, "this must have been what it was like." There was such an interaction of ages and stages of life. Fellowship is not something that you make happen or that you manufacture, fellowship is intentional time spent in interaction with others where "iron sharpens iron".

May God continue to strengthen our fellowship as the church at Heritage is built, and may the fellowship become infectious as we reach out to impact the community in which we live and work.

Lest We Forget

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-05-19T10:15:53-04:00

He said to the Israelites, "in the future when your descendants ask their fathers, What do these stones mean?" tell them, Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground! For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.
-Joshua 4:21-24

It is so easy to forget. The older I get, the more difficult it is to remember things. Even with my best intentions, remembering seems hit and miss at best. The Lord told Joshua to not forget the greatness of God and His provision by having the Israelites set up a memorial. They were to ask twelve men representing the twelve tribes of Israel to take a stone from out of the dried up river bed they had crossed and set up the stones for people to see. I bet the stones were placed in a spot where people frequently traveled. Why set up a memorial and place it over in the corner behind the shed? The Lord wanted everyone to have a visual reminder of His greatness.

The church today celebrates two ordinances, Baptism and The Lord's Supper to help us as believers remember the sacrifice that Jesus made 2000 years ago. Both of these require action on our part to represent outwardly what is happening inwardly within our lives. Baptism is for the new believer as a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Moving from death to sin and raised to walk in a newness of life and the water being a symbol of the washing away of our sins and we being prepared for service. The Lord's Supper is an ongoing celebration within the church to remember the death of Christ and the sacrifice of his life, body and blood, until He returns.

May we be faithful as a church to continue the pattern that Jesus began 2000 years ago and never forget His extreme love for us and the grace that His sacrifice provided...lest we forget.

-Pastor Sidney Brock

Pruning

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-05-17T11:29:16-04:00

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
-John 15:1-2

When we first built our home, one of the first things I did out in the yard was plant fruit trees. We planted nectarines, peaches, pecans, apples, figs, plums, pears and various other trees with the anticipation of harvesting the fruit and tasting the benefits of our labors. We have had a good amount of fruit this year already but now it is time to get ready for next year by pruning the trees. I have spent a large portion of my day today working on the fruit trees that we have here at our home. I have come to learn over the years that pruning is one of the best methods of preparing the trees for a healthy crop of fruit. It has come to my attention that a gardener not only prunes back the dead limbs but also carefully trims back healthy limbs as well so that he can shape and prepare the tree for next year's harvest. It is so easy to sit back and say, "why prune?", but a good gardener knows it is a must for the health of the tree and another good year of fruit production.

While I was pruning today, my son, Caleb, was watching and he asked the question, "what I was doing", and it gave me an opportunity to talk to him about the facts of gardening but also share with him what the Bible has to say about how God uses pruning in our lives to prepare us for His service. Pruning is never easy and sometimes it seems meaningless, but if we look from the gardeners perspective, we can see that HE has our best interest in mind.

Mother's Day

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-05-11T16:47:58-04:00

Happy Mother's Day, moms! We celebrate with you the gift of being a mom and the blessings as well as the times of testings that you experience. Blessed are you!

I was blessed to have a great mom who loved us dearly. She exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman--the one that was more valuable than rubies! What a great compliment! Looking back, little did we realize as children the sacrifices she made to ensure that we were cared for. I always remember Mom being busy, but never too busy for us. I saw her burn the midnight oil many times as she carried out her other responsibilities of running a business and being a community leader. However, those responsibilities never sidetracked her from her first priority... her family! As I prepared to leave for college, my mom slipped me a column from Ann Landers. I laughed as I read because it gave me greater insight as to her intentions as a mom. I held on to that newspaper clipping for many years and shared it from time to time but finally lost it, but that same column resurfaced this week in an email from a friend. I thought I would pass it on to you to see if your mom was as mean as mine.

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them,
as my Mean ole Mom told me:
I loved you enough...
to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home. I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.
I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect. I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart. But most of all, I loved you enough...to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.
And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them. Was your Mom mean? I know mine was. We had the meanest mother in the whole world!

While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we
had to have cereal, eggs, and toast.

When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch,
we had to eat sandwiches.

And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less. We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do. She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds and had eyes in the back of her head. Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16 Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. Now that we have left home, we are all educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that is what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms!
-author unknown

First Hand

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-05-05T11:33:54-04:00

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

-Pslams 57:10

It has been an interesting week talking to people about what they believe and why. In my conversations, it is very obvious that much of our beliefs systems have come as a result of what we have heard or read instead of through our personal experience. It is one thing to talk about the stories of others yet a whole different picture when you have personally experienced God first hand.

I was talking with a friend today who found out a couple of weeks ago that she would be losing her job. This is so significant because this young lady just visited church after a long extended absence from the Lord. Her return to church was not because of losing her job but because a family had been faithful in loving on her and her family. It wasn't long after coming back that she got involved with a women's bible study and people began to pray for her circumstances concerning a job and other details concerning her transition. Wow, did God show up!! She shared with me today the offer of a job that would cover her expenses as well as take care of benefits with some to spare. What an answer to prayer! Did I mention that she was a single mom with three children and the only bread winner in the home?

It is one thing for someone to talk to us about trusting God, but it is another experience to see the Father at work first hand. This is a story that she will tell her children with a twinkle in her eye as she talks about the greatness of God and His faithfulness.

Beliefs

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-04-30T09:18:27-04:00

So then, just a you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world, rather than on Christ. Col. 2:6-8

I was in the kitchen the other day when our daughter walked in the door excited to show me a letter from a pen pal she had received as a result of a school partnership with another 1st grade class out in the state of Washington. The note was an exchange of information about their states as well as themselves. Abbie couldn't wait to have me read the the bottom statement on the letter she received. After a brief synopsis of details about her state, she talked about herself and finished with, "Do you know about God?". He sent His Son to die on a cross for our sins." Abbie was so excited and she had an opportunity to write this young lady back and share her own testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and tell her about her baptism several months ago.

This pen pal letter gave me a chance to sit down and talk with my daughter about God being at work around the world and not just at Heritage Community Church. It was also an encouragement to Abbie about being active in telling others about what she believes.

Talking about beliefs... when I think about the discussion of "what I believe", I am reminded that each one of us has a system of beliefs and a source of formation and influence for those beliefs, but for the follower of Christ, our "drivers manual" should be God's Word itself. There are no other added sources of truth. Over the next few weeks, we will take an honest look at several areas of basic Christian Doctrines (teachings) and look at how those teachings are to become the foundation on which we build and live a Legacy of Faith.

The Psalmist said, "Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end."

We will use this blog site to capture our steps along the way. We will begin the journey next week with "God's Word".

New HCC T-Shirt

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-04-23T11:46:15-04:00

Just wanted you to know that we have ordered a new HCC T-Shirt and they will be available on Sunday mornings in a couple of weeks. The cost is $15. There is a limited number of shirts so get 'em early!

Who do you look like?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-04-22T10:42:42-04:00

Phil. 3:20-21-- But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there , the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.

He looks like his dad! I have often heard people associate my son Caleb with me just by taking one look at him. I wonder if it is his eyes, hair, or size that gives him away. Or is it his demeanor? Whatever the case, he is my offspring and there is no denying it. Others see it, and they are quick to point it out.

I wonder if people see any likeness between me and my heavenly Father? I would hope that there is an increasing resemblance that grows daily as my life is transformed into His likeness. How about you? Who are you looking like these days? As the song says, "Make me like You Lord, make me like You". Our lives are a megaphone for His glory!!

Question of the day -- How am I treating people in my sphere of influence? People Matter!

Hope: When Life Hurts Most

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-04-21T10:58:17-04:00

The past two weeks we have used a video series by Louie Giglio on Hope. If you missed a week, want to watch it again, or would like a friend or family member to see it, you can view both weeks on the Sermon page of our website.

Spiritual Growth

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-04-14T10:35:40-04:00

Hebrews 4:12

For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

As Heritage Community Church continues to grow, so will the small group opportunities. I am so excited that we are getting ready to begin our first Women's Bible Study this Tuesday, April 15th at the home of John and Sheila West. You can get more information by clicking here.

In addition, we have several men's groups that are presently meeting and hoping to begin more. If you are not in a men's small group, but would like to participate, we will help you find the right spot. Also be looking for a small group experience for couples that will be lead by Tom and Sandy Fentress. Students will have a small group experience that will begin this month as well.

Stay tuned to the website as opportunities for spiritual growth are birthed. We want you to be included in what God is doing. Everyday, we are experiencing the blessings of the Lord at Heritage Community Church. We celebrate this week with decisions for the Lord and it also looks that after praying for 18 months, a condo that the Brock's owned in the Sanford, Florida area has sold!!!!!! We also were blessed today by having Ms. Gail Holder visiting with us in our services. Gail has given financial and prayer support to Heritage Community Church from a distance. Her now deceased husband, Wally, was Merideth's Family Pastor while she was growing up in New Hampshire. We are so thankful for those who are partnering with us in "Living a Legacy of Faith."

We will continue our series next week on "When life hurts most." Hope to see you there!

Men, it would be awesome for those of you who are married to encourage your wives to attend the Women's Bible Study by handling things around the house and taking care of the kids those nights!

We love you dearly,

Sidney and Merideth and Brian and Brooke

Family Day

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-04-11T14:48:39-04:00

Acts 2:42-47

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

We celebrated our first Family Day at Heritage on Sunday. It was a special time seeing what our kids are learning as well as celebrating the baptisms of 6 people and eating a great meal after the service. One of my favorite times is seeing father's having the opportunity to participate in the baptism of their children as well as listening to the new believers' stories of their decision to follow Christ.

Our experience Sunday so much reminds me of the stories of the early church. May we not take for granted these early days of planting Heritage Community Church, and may we always be sensitive to the unity of the body of Christ and His Church and be active in carrying our the Great Commission of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His love to the ends of the Earth!

Heat Shield

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-04-07T09:14:51-04:00

"On February 20, 1962, at 9:47 A.M., the spacecraft Friendship 7 rose on a pillar of fire, piloted by lone astronaut John Glenn. Leaving the coast of Florida far behind, the space capsule orbited the earth three times, traveling 81,000 miles in less than four hours. As the craft began its descent from space, mission controllers in Houston received a warning signal. A sensor indicated that the capsule's heat shield was in danger of detaching. If the heat shield came loose during reentry, the capsule would burn like a meteor--and John Glenn would die.

Because radio waves cannot penetrate plasma, the spacecraft experienced a total communications blackout--what astronauts and mission controllers call a "black hole".
The minutes crawled by and the suspense mounted in the Houston control room. NASA engineers felt totally helpless. Finally, after five minutes of silence, mission controllers heard Glenn's voice crackling over the radio: "Friendship 7 to Houston?"

Shouts of joy shook the control room. John Glenn was coming home. Although neither Glenn nor the mission controllers knew it at the time, the heat shield was absolutely firm and reliable. The fears for John Glenn's safety during his black hole experience were unfounded.
If you've ever been through a major crisis, you probably know what a communications "black hole" feels like. While you are in the pit of adversity, you feel that your world is collapsing, that your life is out of control--and that God is silent. The silence of a black hole is deafening. You feel isolated and alone. You question God's love, His care for you, and even His existence.

But even when it seems that God is distant and silent, your "heat shield" is still there, firm and reliable. In your black hole experience, God is teaching you to go deeper into your relationship with Him. You may think that your life is out of control and burning like a meteor, but in reality God, your heat shield, still protects you from the fiery forces that surround you. "

(taken from Prime Time with God by Os Hillman)

Take Off The Grave Clothes

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-03-24T14:00:28-04:00

Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself.

-John 20:6-7

It had happened just like He said. Three days and He was up and out. The grave couldn't hold Him. The power demonstrated that day is available for us today if we would just take off the ole' grave clothes. As believers, we are to crucify that love of self, and lay those grave clothes to the side. Don't settle for a journey dressed in a dead man's clothes. Remove them immediately. As a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, so do we as we are raised to walk in a new life as we place our trust in Jesus. Hallelujah--Jesus has risen and with that act, empowered us to live in confidence.

As you walk this week, how will the power of God be demonstrated in your life? Pay close attention because you will get lots of opportunities to exercise that power as you interact with others. The power of God shows up best when you realize that you can't do it on your own, and you have to trust him. Don't revert to that former way of living, but clothe yourselves with a fresh new set of duds, (Colossians 3) and go light your world.

Authentic Community

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-03-12T11:04:46-04:00

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"
-Psalms 133:1

I had lunch with a friend today, and we had a great conversation about the need for community amongst believers. Then tonight, another conversation about the same subject with another couple. There seems to be such a hunger for community yet it is so easy for us to be so expectant for others to come and seek us out. How many times have I sat with people that are vocal about "no one caring", yet there is no action on their part to be proactive in building intentional relationships? Let's get real for a moment and take off the masks. I understand the introvert and extrovert thing but we must all work to overcome our weaknesses. Authentic community is such a "fragrance" to the world around us.

As I walked through the orange grove today, I watched the bees as they went from flower to flower. It just made me think about the importance of sharing life together moving freely in and among one another with no hindrances. We live in a world that is so segregated and lonely, and we give the impression of community through activity, yet too much activity can undermine that which we desire so much.

As you move about the orange trees of life, remember to stop and experience the sweet fragrance of relationships. There is nothing like it. Be intentional today and invite a person out to lunch. You will be glad you did.

HCC iMix

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-03-05T16:41:46-05:00

I made an iMix today on iTunes of some of the songs we've been using during our gatherings on Sunday mornings. You can purchase the entire album for $10.89 or individual songs that you may like for $.99 each. Click here or on the album art above to open mix in the iTunes Store.

God's Preordained Path

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-03-04T08:53:28-05:00

G'Day! The other morning I poured a cup of coffee, my third, and sat down at the kitchen table with a legal pad and began scribbling like a wild woman making a "to-do" list that I feared if I didn't get control of myself, would end up long enough to stretch from here to New Jersey. My beloved husband, who seems to remain in a state of complete serenity these days, walked in and said one word. Well, two, to be exact. He smiled, took a sip from my coffee mug and said, "trust". Then headed out back to rake leaves that had taken over our yard. When I stuck my head out the door yelled, "is that all you have to say on the subject?" He looked over his shoulder, smiled, and said, "trust and obey, Babe. A heart that trusts and obeys is all He expects. He will sort out your day. He will make it a good one."

More than a little annoyed at what I viewed as a "quick fix" on my overwhelming schedule, I picked up my Bible, not sure what trust and obey had to do with the price of eggs, or the pile of shirts that needed to be ironed, or the errands that needed to be run, but at least I was willing to try. While refilling my coffee cup, I heard myself mumbling, "Lord, if everything I am, everything I have, and everything I hope to be belongs to You, then it makes sense that George is right, again. I know that even the small things in my life are in your hands."

It wasn't long before Huff came back in for a glass of iced tea. "Aha!" I thought. "Now I can corner him and pick his brain." With that in mind, my to-do list was set aside... as was my legal pad. The next couple of hours were spent together as we searched the Word for the answers to the many questions that come up in the lives of so many as they attempt to live an organized, productive life for the glory of God.

Here are some of the things we gleaned from the Word that morning. God's pathway is a preordained pathway. In reading Joshua 23:1-8, we hear God telling Joshua to stay alert because He had a course charted out for him. Joshua was ordered to remain strong and steady and to follow the commands of God in complete obedience in order to fulfill the preordained path God charted for him. In verse 11 we read, "Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that you love the Lord your God."

As it was with Joshua, it is with each of us. We must remain strong in the Word, and keep a watch on our love walk with our Lord and with others.

As we move on in considering God's preordained pathway for our lives, we need to be patient with those around us. God's plan for His children varies just as each of us have varying spiritual gifts. In other words, it is wise to guard against judging one another's walk with the Lord. It is a mark of spiritual maturity when we are able to accept differences in those in the body of Christ.

Notice, for Abraham, following God's leading meant leaving something. Abraham was commanded to leave the Ur of the Chaldees and spend the remainder of his years living in tents. Read Hebrews 11:8-10. In the same passage, we see when Moses following God's path it meant giving up something. In his case, he gave up the wealth and honor of Egypt and was sent, by God, on a wilderness wandering. On the other hand, in 2 Chronicles 17:7, we read that David, following God's plan meant leaving the sheepfold, and sitting on the throne of Israel. These are just examples of the creativity of our Father, as He sets His children on a path that was designed for us since before the foundation of the world.

God's pathway is not only preordained, it is also a personal pathway. It's not a "one size fits all" deal. God cared enough to make a plan especially for you and your offspring, and generational line, just as he made one specially designed for me and George and our twenty-two children and grandchildren. We can get advice from others as we make our journey, but we look to God for the final instructions. In Psalm 32 we see that God graciously covered all the bases by giving us a series of "I wills". Listen as He says, "I will instruct you. I will teach you. I will guide you. Write these out and place them in your pocket of your heart as you set foot on the path. Keep confidence in Him, knowing that our God does not, will not, and cannot fail in keeping one word that is promised to His children.

Remember Psalm 87:23. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord holds him up with His hand." Also be reminded that it is important what we think, speak, and hear. Practice His presence every step of the way, and tune your ears to hear Him. Isaiah 30:21, "And your ears shall hear a word saying, this is the way, walk in it! When you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left." I might add to Peterson's words in THE MESSAGE. "Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on, whenever you wander left or right: He will say, 'This is the right road. Walk down this road.'"

Finally, whether you are young and just starting out in your walk with the Lord, or you've walked with Him for years, just remember that the God-powered life is the only wise course to follow. See Ephesians 5:15-20. "We are to walk not as fools but as wise ones... understanding what the will of the Father is..."

If you haven't memorized Joshua 1:8, I urge you to do so. "This book of the law shall not depart from out of your mouth, but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein; FOR THEN you will make your way properous, and THEN you will have good success."

Whatever you face this day, however long your list of things to do, whatever your struggles or burdens, "Be strong in the Lord. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go..." Ask the Spirit of God to etch His Word on the lining of your heart, and step out on God's preordained pathway, His personal pathway, and His blessed pathway. Walk with boldness. Delight yourself in Him. Sing His promises through the day. Declare with the Psalmist, "My soul follows hard after Thee..."

You are wondering about my to-do list? It's still there. And yep! Just as you figured. It remains unfinished. But you guessed it! There's no way its going to rob me of my joy!

See you on the journey!

-George and Dorothy Huffman

Did you see that?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-02-22T21:52:55-05:00

"I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest."
-John 4:35

Have you ever heard the cry, "did you see that?" Missing the action, we usually are responding, "No, what happened? What did you see?"

In the busyness of life, it is possible that the Father has so much more for us to see yet we are so preoccupied! I believe that every day is filled with sights and sounds of the Father's footsteps as well as opportunities for us to visually catch a glimpse of Him at work. Will you join me this Saturday February 23rd in a journey of anticipation and observation as we intentionally walk and pray for the areas that we live, work and play? This is not an attempt to put another activity on our schedules but to help set aside a time of intentional awareness of the fact that God is at work around us. Remember, "the fields are ripe and ready for harvest! We just need to see the landscape as God see it.

You will find a copy of a prayer walk guide to the right. You may download it to help you better understand the importance of prayer walking as well as some tips to help you in your journey of walking and praying for your community.

Happy walking!

First Hand

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-02-18T13:11:08-05:00

"My ears have heard of You but now my eyes have seen You..."
-Job 42:5

While attending a conference in Phoenix, Arizona several years ago, Merideth and I decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon for a day to see God's creation. We had seen pictures and heard the stories of others, but we were excited about seeing the Grand Canyon personally.

What a day it was as we drove around and looked at the different sights! However, the highlight of our trip was a private helicopter ride that we were lucky enough to experience (that is a story in itself). What a ride! The things that we saw that day are forever etched in our minds. No book, movie or someone else's account of their trip there could ever replace our personal experience. It was awesome!! Even today as we tell stories of our trip, it was like we were just there yesterday.

What a statement by Job, "I have heard about you, but now my eyes have seen you"! Job moved from hear say to personal experience with this declaration. He got it! No more wondering if what he had heard was true. Job experienced God first hand and what a difference it made in his story telling. How will you experience God today? Don't settle with the stories of others. Join the journey and capture the excitement first hand so you can live a legacy of faith.

Love Check

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-02-12T15:36:25-05:00

....but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

What good is love without action? Everyday we are called to a place of deeper understanding of the true meaning of love. As we interact with one another, followers of Christ are challenged to move to a place demonstrating that which we say we believe. It seems that the greatest place to exhibit the characteristics of love is within the context of the home environment; with those that know us the best.

After I got home today, I took the kids outside and we laid down on a blanket. As we laid there wrestling and tussling with one another under the blue sky, I watched the kids as they jockeyed for position on who would sit closest to Dad. Finally, one of the kids won the position of sitting closet when one of them announced to another, "I don't like you anymore!" It reminded me of how our love for others is based on circumstances and situations. Children aren't as good as adults at disguising their feelings so out of the mouth comes the condition of the heart without coverings and with full force; if we don't get our way, our affections soon turn sour and off we go angry with the world.

Paul reminds us that real love cannot be expressed in selfishness but only self sacrifice. As we celebrate Valentine's Day this week, it is a good time for a love check! It is so easy for our outward appearance to give the indication that everything is good until we examine the motives of our hearts. How do you score? Read 1 Corinthians 13 and take the test. If you really want to be brave, ask someone who knows you best to score you based on Paul's words.

Happy testing!

God's Team

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-02-05T11:32:03-05:00

Super Bowl 42 is over, and the Giants are champions. I told Merideth last night that the Giants would win by three and guess what? They did!!! It goes to prove the value of team; a group of guys headed in the same direction knowing their positions and carrying out those responsibilities with passion.

It reminded me of the stories that we told this past Sunday in our morning worship time as we discussed the potential of the church that functions as God designed it to. What is the end result of the church that functions as the body of Christ? Impact. Great impact! As a believer, what spiritual gift has the Holy Spirit blessed you with? How are you using that gift to build the kingdom? It is a good reminder to understand that there are no bench warmers on God's team!!! Everyone is important!!

-Pastor Sidney

Firefox

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-01-27T14:50:41-05:00

A couple of people have made mention that our website does not look properly on their computer so I thought I would take an opportunity to tell you about Firefox. Firefox is an internet browser like Internet Explorer only much, much better. If you're using Internet Explorer (no matter what update), you're really missing out. Firefox will make the websites you visit look their best, and it also offers many more tools to make your web surfing experience more pleasant.

So please, please, do yourself a favor and follow these simple steps:

1. Download Firefox for free here.

2. When you open Firefox for the first time, check the box that will make it your "default" browser.

3. Take that Internet Explorer icon on your desktop and drag it to the trash!

Believe me... you'll thank me for this!

Blog Widget

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-01-26T10:11:54-05:00

If you're using an Apple computer to view this site, you can now download our HCC Blog Widget. You can read complete entries with pictures from the widget or choose to just read the first few lines before linking to the website. Download by clicking the widget above.

Process

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-01-25T21:32:29-05:00

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.—Only let us live up to what we have already obtained.

-Phil 3:12-14:16

I am not a process person but a “ I want it all now” type of guy. However, over the past few months, it seems that the Father has been teaching me more about process instead of perfection. It is so easy to view Christianity as an event—the “Well I did it” type of faith instead of a day by day deepening and discovery of our Heavenly Father.

After years of experiencing “event” Christianity, I am one that can testify to the emptiness and exhaustion that is exposed as a result of wanting it all now! As I get down into the scriptures and spend more time with the Father, I sense him saying, “one day at a time!” Be faithful in that which has been entrusted to you. It is apparent in Paul’s words above to the church at Philippi that he believed in process Christianity—one step at a time—He reminds us to not get discouraged in the journey of Faith but to look ahead and walk with anticipation.

What new discovery will you make this week as you walk with the Father?

Depth of Mercy

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-01-23T12:02:59-05:00

Depth of mercy can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood His grace;
Long provoked Him to His face;
Would not hearken to His calls;
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

Now incline me to repent;
Let me now my sins lament;
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.

There for me the Saviour stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands;
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps, and loves me still.

-Charles Wesley

If we seek Him...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-01-12T22:18:04-05:00

I have the uncanny ability to lose things from time to time. I don't understand it, they just disappear. With three kids in the house, they have become the targets of my accusations for, "Who took my........?" Eventually an all out search begins. Here lately I have been misplacing the remote control. It is amazing how something used so much can be misplaced so often. In the midst of the pursuit for the missing object, it is amazing the extent we will go to search for that which is missing or has been misplaced. Maybe you can relate.

While away for a couple of days this week, I asked the Lord to teach me a lesson. A lesson that would sink deep and allow me to sense God's presence as well as hear His voice. He did! It wasn't because I read a new book of how-to's or because I heard a new sermon series. I heard the Father speak because I sought Him out. I pursued Him. I put everything else aside and stopped to listen for that quiet voice. It was amazing how sensitive I became to my surrounding and observant to confirmation through the scriptures. It was during that time of refreshment that I heard His voice clearly and I sensed the warmth of His presence. My only comment at the end of the day was "Thank you Father for walking with me today!"

God's word teaches us the value of the pursuit and promises that if we seek Him, we WILL find Him. I learned this past week that in the journey of pursuit, the Father will encourage you along the path to assure you of His presence. However, the assurance comes when HE is ready to reveal Himself and not a second sooner. Father, thank you for walking and talking to me so personally this past Wednesday. I am refreshed and encouraged, and my faith has been enlarged.

-Pastor Sidney

Any expectations for 2008?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-01-08T10:05:39-05:00

Well, now that the Christmas season and New Year is behind us, it is time to get back to a regular daily schedule. We started off this morning as usual rushing around to get out of the door and to try to get everyone to the place they needed to be. It was a challenge but we did it (barely). As I write tonight, I was reminded that for many, the New Year starts with new commitments and great expectations of the year to come. How about you? Any New Year's resolutions? What about great expectations?

Regardless if we like it or not, last year is over and done. We cannot go back and change the past, only look ahead to tomorrow. It is hard sometimes to turn away from the past, but we must and look ahead with anticipation of tomorrow. I pray that one of our decisions for 2008 is to spend more quality time with the Father Himself. Don't wait, but decide today when that quality time will be. There are several good daily devotionals out there, but one that I use is called Prime Time for God, and you can sign up for it here.

The Psalmist told us, "Blessed is the man,,,,,,,who delights in the law of the Lord and who thinks about it day and night"--the Psalmist goes on to say that if we do it, "we will be like a tree planted by streams of water that will produce fruit in season and whose leaf will not wither and whatever he does prospers"(paraphrased) Well, that is not just a pretty good word, that is God's word and it carries weight. I want to be planted by the streams of water and for my roots to go deep. Here we come 2008!

Pastor Sidney

A Hymn for the New Year

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2008-01-07T09:34:49-05:00

The year is gone, beyond recall,
With all its hopes and fears.
With all its bright and gladdening smiles,
With all its mourners' tears;

Thy thankful people praise thee, Lord,
For countless gifts received;
And pray for grace to keep the faith
Which saints of old believed.

To thee we come, O gracious Lord,
The newborn year to bless;
Defend our land from pestilence;
Give peace and plenteousness;

Forgive this nation's many sins;
The growth of vice restrain;
And help us all with sin to strive,
And crowns of life to gain.

From evil deeds that stain the past
We now desire to flee;
And pray that future years may all
Be spent, good Lord, for thee.

O Father, let thy watchful eye
Still look on us in love,
That we may praise thee, year by year,
With angel-hosts above.

By F. Pott.

HCC Soccer Team

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-12-31T10:56:42-05:00

The first ever Heritage Community Church soccer team finished in 2nd place this year! It was a great season and an excellent opportunity to reach out to families in our community. Oh yeah, the kids had fun, too!

The Gift

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-12-30T13:08:56-05:00

I sit here typing as we all are getting ready to join Merideth's family for Christmas Eve supper. The kids are excited and we are almost exhausted due to the last minute rush of store stops and making sure that everything is ready for Santa's arrival. Taking an idea from Brooke, we sat down with our kids and asked them what they would like to give Jesus for His birthday. It was neat to hear them talk about the possibilities of potential gifts. The first thing out of Abbie's mouth was, "I don't have any money!" After a few minutes of proding, we convinced them that the greatest gift we could give was ourselves. Each child chose several things they could give Jesus over the next year like; not fighting with brother or sister, no more whining, pray more and tell others about Jesus. It was a memorable time as we wrapped up their gifts and placed them on the fireplace where a figure of Baby Jesus was laying. We will look forward to opening up those gifts next year to see how we have done.

Don't miss the opportunities you have to build into your children a legacy of Faith. As a person told me today, "your children will be grown before you know it and you will never get these days back." This should be our attitude 365 days a year, not just at Christmas. Be constantly aware of those teaching moments, and let's make the most of the time we have as we live out a legacy of faith.

-Pastor Sidney

Names

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-12-21T09:40:33-05:00

Before our children were born, there was a significant amount of time given to choosing a name for each child. For each of our three children, we went back to God's Word to discover a biblical character whose name held significance. When Abigail was born, we chose her name and it meant, "my father's joy". We chose that name because we had waited so long for God's blessing of a child, and she was the joy of her father. When our son came along, we named him Caleb, for it meant "strong and courageous" and our desire was that one day he would grow up to have a bold witness for Christ. For our third child, we chose the name Anna which meant "Grace". We call her Anna Grace and it was Anna in the Bible who after losing her husband served her remaining years in the temple.

Names bear great significance. What does your name mean? Have you ever wondered what Jesus' name meant? We find in the scriptures that It means "Jehovah is Salvation" or "He is Savior". It was the angel who appeared to Joseph and told him that the baby's name would be Jesus for He would "save us from our sins". (Matthew 1:21)

As you enter into the week before Christmas, would you choose to remember the birth of the Christ child as well as remember the sacrificial gift of Himself that was given so that we might live.

On a side note, Heritage Community church had chosen 4 church planters in Canada and their families to support for Christmas, and we met our financial goal. That is exciting! Would you please remember these families in your prayers, and here are their names and addresses if you would like to send them a personal note of encouragement.

Brandon Steele
PO Box 29
Nanton, AB T0L 1R0
Canada
brsteele@gmail.com

Steve Grissom
22 Forbes Street
St. John's, NL A1E 3L5
Canada
Glorytohim2005@gmail.com

Scott Dollar
58 Mt. Rundle Road W.
Lethbridge, AB T1K 7B5
Canada
sdollar@aplacecalledhope.ca

Donnie Spivey
2531 Valleyview Dr.
Kamloops, BC V2C 4E4
Canada
donaldca@mac.com

Planting seeds together,

Pastor sidney

Christmas, A Celebration of the Heart

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-12-17T08:53:38-05:00

Christmas is on its way! Get ready... Get set........ Go! The carolers are caroling, the bells are jingling, while most of the earth's population is about to lose its collective mind in a chase of wrapping paper, colored lights, red and green bells, and brightly colored decorations. O, the joy of it all! Or, is it joy? I'm afraid that our world has been duped into thinking that to be busy is to be fulfilled. "But, not so!" Said the little red hen. We need to be reminded that there is a difference between "doing" and "experiencing" at Christmas time as well as in every other area of life.

It was years ago on a snowy December evening back in our Indiana home that I finally got a grip on the world's "get ready... get set... go" thing, and confessed to the Lord that I had been so busy dashing from Mall to shining Mall "doing" the celebration of baby Jesus' birth, that I had neglected the One whose birthday we were celebrating. That night, bone weary from a ceaseless chase of last minute shopping, I knew I needed to get away from it all. Setting aside the supper dishes, I quietly slipped out for a walk in the snowy fields behind our house. The winter sky was shawled in starry brilliance. The smell of pine burning in our fireplace mingled with the sound of snow crunching with each footstep.

Earlier, my husband read the account of the birth of our Lord from the Gospel of Luke. With his words still on my mind, I looked up at the stars and wondered what it must have been like the night Baby Jesus was born. In the hush of the moment, I sent my heart on a journey, joining those who so long ago said one to another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:1

Making my way through the silver olive groves, I continued to the place where the Christ Child lay. "I have loved you with an everlasting love," a compassionate Father had said. "I have drawn you with loving kindness." Jeremiah 31:3. And to prove that love, God enriched a hurting, dying world with a promise of hope and life eternal. Reaching down from heaven on that first Christmas Eve, He tenderly placed a star where the Christ child lay.

Coming to the manger, I paused in awe and expectancy. Mary and Joseph were there, and beneath the low leaning Judean stars lay the tiny babe. He, who existed from the beginning of time, had laid aside His glory and come to this earth for me. Me! Jesus knew full well the price to be paid for lost humanity, yet he delighted to do the will of the Father. As I worshiped the babe of Bethlehem, the restless world around me began to settle in silence. The noise and pressures of this life were lifted, leaving a peace and calm that hadn't been mine for far too long.

That Light of Life, cradled beneath that star so many years ago, beams down through the ages to our hearts today, crossing barriers, healing hurts, and cleansing the hearts of all who choose to follow. Christmas is a season of the heart. It is best celebrated in silence rather than sound. In listening, rather than talking. And in spending time with Him, alone, rather than in the rush of crowds. That night, in a snowy Indiana cornfield, I fell in love with my Lord all over again. As I headed back to the house, Jesus Christ, my glorious Lord, walked by my side, with His hand in mine. My soul was fed. My journey, complete.

Great, life changing things are bound to happen when man meets God in a solitary place. It was alone, in solitude, that Moses had the burning bush experience. Isaiah was alone in the temple when his lips were touched with a live coal from off the altar of God. Abraham wandered the Judean hillside alone, and was made the father of a nation. It was when Mary worshipped alone that the angel visited her with a message of the birth of our Lord.

How long has it been since you've been to Bethlehem? It isn't far away. Leave the crush of the crowds and make the journey, alone. Linger long in His presence. Give Him your worship. Feel His touch and rejoice as angels burst through the heavens once again, singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men." Make the Christmas a true season of the heart. Celebrate Jesus!

-Dorothy Huffman

Ideas for the season...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-12-11T08:57:00-05:00

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

-Matt. 2:11

The commercial says, "life can come at you fast", well it has been one of those weekends. A mover and shaker! I don't think I have stopped moving since Friday afternoon and I was definietly shaking last night as we took the family to see the Ice Show for the girls' birthdays. I ended up walking with Anna around the ice sculptures while the temperature was a mere 9 degrees. The poor child had never been in that cold of weather but seemed to enjoy the ice slides while shaking like a leaf. Some times it is good to live in Florida and be able to select your seasons!

As you are planning your busy schedule between now and Christmas, it is a great time of the year, if you are parents, to teach your children not only about the birth of Christ but also to put into practice the teaching of Christ that we talk about so much.

Here are some quick ideas that you might consider as you "live out a legacy of Faith" during the holiday season:

-Holiday fellowship--Plan a small snack time and invite your neighbors to come and join you. Use your children as greeters or to help prepare the fellowship

-Adopt a missionary or church planter--send them a Christmas gift

-Random act of Kindness--choose an activity and bless someone else--take your child along

-Pray--Pray for your neighbors and your children's friends

-Drink water when you go out to eat and talk with your kids about saving that money to by a gift for an angel tree reciepient--you can get information from your local Salvation Army

-Have a party for your child and their friends--call it a happy birthday Jesus party and send out invitations etc--go all the way with birthday cake etc and tell the christmas story

-Make Christmas gifts for your neighbors and use your children to help in this project

-Decide now to take time on Christmas morning to give thanks for the greatest gift, Jesus Christ

There are so many things you can do to impact the world in which you live. Take your children on the journey with you. People say "Our Christian faith is more caught than taught." If that is true, throw them a ball this holiday season that they can catch--don't just talk about it, do it!

Music Recommendation

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-12-09T22:25:31-05:00

Check out this new live worship CD from New Life Worship titled "My Savior Lives". Great songs that will inspire your personal times of worship! Just click on the album art to open up the iTunes Store.

Can a Seed Really Grow in Canada?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-11-30T13:55:14-05:00

The answer to this question is an abounding, YES! As we begin our process of planting a new church seed in Central Florida, there are many others doing the same thing in our neighboring country of Canada. In the last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to talk with four different families who have been called to do the same we are doing here; planting new church seeds in preparation of building the Kingdom. These families come from all walks of life and from different parts of the country, but all have the same purpose.

In understanding more about Canada with its unique demographics and topography, I realize that these families have taken on a vision very similar to what Paul’s ministry wanted to accomplish in Ephesus. Like Paul, they want all of Canada to hear the Word of the Lord. There are many challenges these families face:

-25% of the population are Mormon
-most are starting church plants in very rural areas
-the weather is much different than what it is here
-30% of all children come from broken families

Even with these obstacles and the lack of evangelical churches, God has a calling for these families to spread the good news.

So what does this have to do with our church family here at Heritage Community? A lot! Over the next four weeks I will introduce a family each week, highlighting their ministry, where they are located, and specific prayer needs. We will also take up a benevolence offering each week for the next four weeks to send a gift of love to each of these families.
My challenge to you is to find a way during this holiday season to give so that these ministries will continue to plant seeds necessary in growing the Kingdom. Here are some ways that you might be able to do so:

-skip eating out one time this month
-order water instead of soft drinks or tea
-place your loose change aside in a coffee cup

These are just a few examples that may help free up some money for this wonderful opportunity to help these ministries. God bless you and your families during this holiday season.

Stephen May

(Stephen is the owner of Chick-fil-A in The Villages and will be heading up all things "Missions" here at HCC.)

Stuffed!

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-11-26T10:39:47-05:00

That's the correct word for Thanksgiving. We ended up with three days of feasting, not just one, as our family headed home to my parents'. The family always seem to save the best for our arrival. Tuesday night it was "Low Country Boil"; a southern tradition around our home with shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes and onions cooked together and put in a trough on the table for people to pick through. Wednesday night it was T-Bone steaks and of course Thursday was turkey, ham and a little bit of everything else including homemade pecan pie. I think that I have had enough to last me until Christmas. Beside the food, the fellowship was great, too. It was good being with family and I was reminded of the rich heritage our family has and how blessed we were to be raised in a home with Christian values.

On the way home Thanksgiving afternoon, we ended up stopping by McDonald's for a bathroom break (no not to get anything to eat). It was during that time that I noticed a man sitting out by the door asking for help. I watched several people walk by while Merideth and Anna Grace were inside and none seemed willing to assist him. My first reaction was "someone else will help him." Then I remembered, "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat..." Matthew 25:42. It was appropiate for us to bless him regardless of the circumstances and the reasons for his hard times. As we handed him his bag of food, he thanked us and wished us a happy Thanksgiving. I told him it was a blessing from the Lord and we shared a few words together. As we drove away, I thanked the Lord for the opportunity to give and we were again reminded of the words of Jesus, "it is more blessed to give than receive."

Thank you Lord that we were blessed on Thanksgiving, not just by being with family and participating in a feast around the table, but for the one man that we met at McDonalds that reminded us of how simple things matter. By the way, Merideth and I learned about caring for others from our families. I hope to pass that down to our children as we intend to live out a legacy of Faith.

Blessings,

Pastor Sidney

An Attitude of Gratitude

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-11-22T11:17:16-05:00

Isn't it so easy to be on the receiving end of a blessing? Whether an unexpected gift or word of affirmation; blessings are fun. At least I think so! The Bible tells of a story when a special blessing almost went unnoticed. Is that possible? In Luke chapter 17, we find an account of ten men who suffered with a disease of the skin which forced them to live in isolation from the rest of the community. A meeting with Jesus changed not only their status as lepers, but it also changed their outlook on life. They were healed! However, only one returned to thank Jesus for performing the miracle. Jesus responded to the Samaritan's gratefulness by giving him something greater than physical healing; he gained eternal life.

During this season of thanks, may we express an attitude of gratitude! In I Chronicles we find David writing these words, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice."

In this season of giving thanks, what are you thankful for? There is no better day than today to cultivate that thankful heart.

"Father, we recognize your blessings on Heritage Community. Today we say thank You for Your goodness!"

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Kirklands

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-11-18T11:49:20-05:00

I live in Wildwood with my husband, Allen, and our son, Trace. Allen is an Insurance Agent for Westgate-Jones Ins. Company and a Real Estate Agent for Exit Vision Realty in Wildwood. I am a Homemaker and I love to spend time with other moms and their children. Trace is 2 ½ years old and is so much fun. He makes Allen and I laugh every day.

We are so excited to be involved with Heritage Community Church. God is so good. When we moved here a year and a half ago, I remember Allen and I talking about how we really wanted to get involved in a church. Not just go to church, but to have God really use our gifts and abilities that He gave us. Needless to say, when we heard about the new church plant, we knew this is where we were supposed to be.

Allen and I are honored to have been asked to be the Youth Leaders for Heritage. This is going to be a new venture for us as we have not done something like this. Allen and I definitely have a passion for young adults and have worked with them, but we covet your prayers as we step out and lead this upcoming generation to grow, share, and serve Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in helping out with Student Ministry at Heritage Community Church in any way, please click here and fill out the form so Allen & Sharis can contact you about upcoming events. Thanks!

Mommies Unite

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-11-13T10:18:03-05:00

Mommies Unite is a small group for mommies and their children sponsored by Heritage Community Church. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am at the Martinez house in Yalaha. It's a great opportunity to get to know others on a personal level so that we can encourage, love, and support one another. We'd love to see you there!

Click here for a Google Map.

Martinez House
27602 Mooring Cove Ct.
Yalaha FL 34797
(352) 324-1270

Living A Legacy

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-11-12T15:01:32-05:00

The Psalmist said in chapter 78,

O my people, hear my teaching;
       listen to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in parables,
       I will utter hidden things, things from of old-
3 what we have heard and known,
       what our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
       we will tell the next generation
       the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
       his power, and the wonders he has done.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
       and established the law in Israel,
       which he commanded our forefathers
       to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them,
       even the children yet to be born,
       and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
       and would not forget his deeds
       but would keep his commands.

"75-88% of students attending church today will have left the church before entering their sophomore year in college."  This astounding statistic floored me.  How could this be? But as I reflected on my years of student ministry, I could validate the findings reviewing our own experiences of working with students and families. Now having three small children of our own, I also began to consider what the statistics meant and how the reality of those statistics would affect our children as well as the generations to follow. It is out of this passion to pass our Christian faith on to the next generation and a strong calling from God that Heritage Community was birthed--Birthed out of a passion, bathed in prayer and built on faith. Our desire is that Heritage Community Church will lead people into "Living a Legacy of Faith" in and through Jesus Christ by creating environments where people are intentionally growing spiritually, sharing life together, and serving others. For us to "Leave a Legacy" of faith, we must first "live it", and that will be our focus at Heritage Community Church. Our target group will be focusing on younger adults, with and without children. However, we will be multigenerational by design, valuing the Heritage of Faith that has gone before us and realizing the need for their wisdom and influence.

In the weeks ahead, we will begin sharing the "core values" of Heritage Community Church in this blog. We hope that you will join us in the journey impacting one family at a time.

Upcoming Events

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-11-05T18:58:57-05:00

Happy November! Here's a quick glance at a couple of things coming up at Heritage Community Church:

Meeting for Youth Families:

Immediately following our gathering at Wildwood Middle School on November 11th, we will be having a meeting/fellowship for families with Youth (grades 6-12) at the home of Will & Alicia Lipps. Don't miss this meeting as we will be dreaming and discussing the future of Student Ministry at HCC.

"A Fellowship Dinner of Thankful Hearts":

As a family of Heritage Community Church, we will have our dinner Sunday November 18th at 5p.m. at Wildwood Middle School cafeteria. Please invite friends and other families to share in this time of thanksgiving to our Lord.

Please RSVP by clicking HERE.

VIDEO
We had a wonderful time at the end of October with our first ever Fall Fellowship and Baptism Service. Click here to see a quick video of the night.

Light the pumpkin

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-30T10:55:48-04:00

We carved our pumpkin yesterday! It has become a yearly memory maker for us to get out the official pumpkin carving utensils and go to work to create an unbelievable masterpiece. Obviously, my wife Merideth is the one that does all the stenciling and cutting out (the kids seem to like moms designs better than dads). I guess my designs are just too boring and conventional. Merideth goes all out with the 3D designs, and I am just a plain ole, mouth, triangle nose and eyes guy.

My big job is cutting a hole in the top and cleaning out all of the yucky stuff. I am good at that, and the kids seem to like this process as well. They all like getting their hands dirty as well as picking out the seeds. Some how, there always seems to be a food fight with the yucky insides! It only takes me looking away for a second before Caleb has got the yucky stuff and is putting it in either Anna's or Abbie's hair, and the fight is on.

The grande finale is always when the design is done and we place a candle in the middle, light it, then put the lid on. We all turn off the light and look at our newly carved pumpkin and marvel at how it looks after completion.

You know, after recieving Christ, we have the "light of the world" living within us. Just as that pumpkin is lit and others see that magnificant design, God's light in us should be very noticable by others living around us. The Bible says that, "We are a city on a hill that cannot be hidden." How bright is your light today? What do others see when they look at you? Are they reminded of Christ's love by experiencing your light?

As you drive around and see carved pumpkins this holiday season, may you be reminded that if you are a believer, you should let God's light shine through you so that others will see the love of Christ and glorify the Father in Heaven.

Seeds

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-29T11:19:41-04:00

Last Friday after picking up my son, Caleb, from preschool, we stopped by the feed store to pick up some vegatable seeds so we could go back home and plant a small garden for the fall. I love to work with my hands, and I have always planted a garden because I enjoy it as well as being able to partake of the fruits of my labor (I like to eat).

When Caleb and I got home, the first thing we had to do before we began tilling the ground was run the sprinklers over the area we were going to plant. After a sufficient soaking, we went to tilling the ground, pulling weeds as well as putting down some fertilizer to give the seeds some nutrients and building beds to plant the seeds on. One of Calebs favorite things to do is to plant the seeds, so when the time was right and he got my approval, away he went scattering the beds with mustard seeds. We finished planting the garden that day but we couldn’t wait until the seeds would begin to sprout.

When I walked out to the garden area this morning I was presently surprised to see the little mustard plants that were coming up. As I reflected, those seeds would have never sprouted if the ground would not have been watered, tilled, weeds pulled, fertilizer put out and the seeds planted. It took work... intentional work.

It reminded me of the important responsibility that we have as believers to be gardeners. When was the last time you planted any seeds?

Speaking of planting seeds, what a special time last night at our fall fellowship! In addition to the food and fun, we had the priviledge to baptize four children who had made decisions to be followers of Christ!

Jesus said, “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matt. 19:14

Be a gardener …work the soil and plant seeds and leave the growth to God.

The bible says,

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Cor. 3:7-8

Have an awesome week!

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-25T16:11:13-04:00

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth."

-Psalm 127:4

Babies. Babies! Babies!!! The next time you visit someone in a hospital, stop at the baby nursery and take a peep at the newborns lined up like little puffer bellies all in a row. Fat ones, skinny ones, short ones, tall ones. Ten fingers. Ten toes. Some dark, some fair. Some pink. Some pale. Some with tons of hair on their wrinkly heads, and some with no hair at all. A few cherubs sleeping peacefully while others are raising the roof, madder than wet hens (those would have been mine) because they were thrust, not too gingerly, from a comfortable, cushy room, pronounced "womb" and plopped into a cold, noisy place called earth. But, TaDah! They are here! When we don't have them, we long for them. But once they've made their appearance, we're not sure what to do with them. Still, these little munchkins are to be congratulated. They made the journey into this sorry world all in one piece, and believe me, they are not about to let you forget it. So, let the music begin.

Speaking of music, the other afternoon I visited a friend who had just given birth to a bouncing baby boy. Again, I'm at the window, enamored with the wonder of it all. As I watched the squawking, arms flailing, and feet kicking group of little ones, I asked the Lord to give me a glimpse of the scene through His eyes. What is their heritage? How about tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next year? Where will life take them? Will they be loved and cared for? Will they come to a knkowledge of Jesus Christ as teir Lord and Savior, or even be afforded the opportunity to hear the good news of the gospel? Will the crying ever stop?

In a split second, God was saying, "Just as I knew you before the foundation of the world, and just as I had my hand on you while you were in your mother's womb, I knew these little ones, and I held them in my hand, also." My thoughts raced to the passage in Deuteronomy 30:19, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life that both you and your seed may live."

Moms and Dads, these years of birthing babies and building families can be the most blessed and at the same time, the most exhausting days of your life. Each season of life has its compensations, and this season of new beginnings is no exception. It is more precious than gold. You are setting these little lives for eternity. So, handle them with care. Our God is a generational God. What you bring to the table from day one, and seeds that you so faithfully in Jesus' name, will not be returned empty, but will pay in spiritual dividends for generations to come, and will bring a harvest that promises to last throughout eternity. WOW! Can it get any better than that?

I have to admit that Godly parenting might seem like a tall order, but don't let that frighten you. Remember, you are not alone. And neither are your babies. Our loving Father carries your children in His heart just as He carries you in His heart. And His mercy hovers over your offspring, just as the mercy of God, through Jesus, covers you in every aspect of life. "The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto His children's children." Psalm 103:17

Speak the Word over your babies. Give them Jesus, cover them in prayer, then trust God to give the rest. While raising children might be a new experience for you, it isn't new to God. He has been in the business of establishing and blessing families since the beginning of time. So, He's the expert. Call on Him! Run to Him! Listen for His voice. Obey Him. Be at rest as you hear Him say, "Follow me. I know what I am doing! I have it all planned out. Plans to take care of you, not abandon you. Plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me and pray to me, I will listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." Jeremiah 29:11-13. (The Message) As I said before, can it get any better than that?

"Thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children."
-Isaiah 54:13

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth."
-Psalm 127:4

Be Blessed!

-Dorothy Huffman

Fall Festival

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-24T14:17:56-04:00

Don't forget about our Fall Festival this Sunday night from 5:00-7:30 pm. We will be meeting at the home of Wayne Smith instead of at Wildwood Middle School. Please bring lawn chairs so we will all have a place to sit. For more info and to RSVP, go to the Fall Festival page here.

Memories

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-23T09:25:01-04:00

Abbie was out of school yesterday, so when Caleb finished up pre-K at 11:30, we all loaded up the van (looking like the Beverly Hillbillies) and headed down to Tampa to the Lowery Zoo. I would love to take credit for the idea but leave it to my wife Merideth to have secured that kudo. My intentions are good but she seems to always beat me to the punch in creating those memorable moments. However, I must say that I did gain some serious points for my two day camp out several weeks ago. Even though it was only 100 ft from the back door, we were technically "IN THE WOODS", and it was definitely a memory maker. The kids had a blast, and I was left blowing up my air mattress every couple of hours which they thought was hilarious. Thankfully, I had prewired the tent for electricity by running a line from the house which allowed me most of the comforts of home including an electric air pump which helped me blow that crazy mattress up in one minute instead of thirty minutes. It was definitely a memory maker!!!

Can you believe that our brains are actually storehouses for memories? How many times, as an adult, have you had a moment where a certain memory of the past was triggered by a specific smell or hear a special song and it reminds us of a past experience whether good or bad? It happens to me all the time.  As parents, we are in charge of memory making for our children. What kind of memories are you making? As we affect the taste buds of this next generation, are we giving them a taste for convienience, entertainment, comfort or are we helping them develop a hunger for the things of God as we create those memories?

As parents, we must be purposeful in creating memories that are intentional in passing faith on to the next generation. What will you next memory maker be?

The psalmist said ,

"Listen, dear friends, to God's truth, bend your ears to what I tell you.
   I'm chewing on the morsel of a proverb;
      I'll let you in on the sweet old truths,
   Stories we heard from our fathers,
      counsel we learned at our mother's knee.
   We're not keeping this to ourselves,
      we're passing it along to the next generation—
   God's fame and fortune,
      the marvelous things he has done."

Psalm 78:1-4 (The Message)

An easy memory maker this week will be to join us for our Fall Fellowship this next Sunday night, Oct. 28th from 5:-7:30 pm. Go to the Fall Fellowship page for more details. Hope to see you there!

Blessings.

Camping

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-18T13:49:18-04:00

It was the excitement and anticipation of the cooler weather this past weekend that drove me to pull out the camping equipment and set up camp for the kids. We worked diligently Friday afternoon to get things set up and ready. Caleb and I started the fire early in the afternoon to have it ready in time to cook hamburgers over the fire pit as well as have a perfect fire for the making of SMORE'S! It was a great time in the good ole outdoors. I guess I need to confess to you that we set the tent up in the woods close enough to the house so I could run an electric line out to the tent for lights and other amenities (for the kids of course). I just have to remind myself that we are making memories one step at a time.

As we were breaking down camp, I was reminded that it seems to be easier setting up camp than breaking it down. Everyone was willing to help set up, but it seemed that as the pegs were being pulled from the ground and camping stuff being put away, the kids got busy thinking about other things.

May we be faithful servants of the Lord, not content with just setting up our heavenly home, but playing hard till the final bell rings. It is so easy to be distracted and disengaged by lessor things.

Our Savior is coming back one day. What are you doing in preparation for His return? What opportunities of ministry will the Father allow us to see this week? Will we seize those opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ?

The writer of Hebrews said, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...."

Enjoy your day for this is the day that they Lord hath made!

Music Recommendation

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-15T11:24:05-04:00

One of my favorite Christian artists is Paul Baloche. He has written songs like "Open the Eyes of My Heart", "Above All", "Your Name", and "Hosanna". On September 18th, Paul released his newest album, "Our God Saves", and it is a must have!

Some of my favorite tracks are "Hallelujah to My King" (we sang this Sunday night), "God Most High", "You Gave Your Life Away", and "Rock of Ages You Will Stand". If you love listening to music that makes much of God and who He is, you'll love this album. Click the album art above to get it on iTunes and also check out the link below for videos of Paul telling the stories of some of the songs.

The Power of Perseverence

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-10T09:18:03-04:00

What a mighty God we serve! We are about to celebrate 2 very hard and exciting years of marriage on Monday. In our short marriage we have owned 2 houses, Grace has had 4 different teaching jobs, and I’ve had 3, we moved from Florida to North Carolina to live with my parents for a month, drove from North Carolina to South Carolina for our jobs until we moved into our home in Gaffney, SC. There have been so many changes, it makes my head hurt to try and put all of it in order. We had 2 mortgage payments for exactly one year and oh yea, we had a baby during all of that!

I kept hearing God during all of that tell me that if I was faithful, He would bless us. He sure did, in a way I could not have imagined. I became the head basketball coach at Limestone College today and I am only 30 years old. God did something today that was so supernatural, I cannot even begin to take credit for it. Perseverence is such an amazing thing. It does lead to character and to character hope and hope does not disappoint. You know who else doesn’t disappoint? God, He never lets me down and actually the more it looks like He is letting me down, if I will just hang in there with Him, He blesses me in ways that blow my mind.

This past year was one of the hardest of my short Christian life, but the most rewarding. There were so many opportunities to doubt and to question His timing, but He showed me that those were also opportunities to do the opposite, like be still and know that He is God. Trials have a way of revealing things and making faith real or lack there of. To understand that the God of the Universe really is with me no matter how high I go up, or low I go down. He is a friend and He loves me no matter where I go and I can cling to His Word and His promises.

During this past year I spent a lot of time reading about the Israelites leaving Egypt and how they wandered in the wilderness for so long and eventually died out there. What is crazy is that what they wanted for themselves, God wanted for them, but they kept getting in the way. They kept trying to do God’s business instead of being about His business. They wanted to be God and decide when it was the right time for them to enter the Promised Land, and when it didn’t happen when they wanted, they made the mistake of grumbling, whining, complaining, and ultimately rejecting God Almighty for man made idols. Over and over I heard, if You hear my voice, don’t harden Your hearts like you did in the rebellion. God allowed me and Grace to go through the valley not for the valley itself, but for the experience so He could prepare us for the mountain.

For every dream or promise there has to be a change in us so we don’t destroy the promise once we get it. I truly believe that Jesus gives us direct instruction for how to walk through the wilderness, the posture we need to have and the attitude we need to have when He tells us in John 15 that He is the vine and that we are the branches. No branch can survive without the vine and we cannot survive without Him, but along with that comes a great promise. That if I stay in Him and give Him control of my branch and just stay connected to the vine, than my branch will flourish and grow into all that I was destined for. He is the gardener and He will prune me, He will get rid of everything that hurts me and holds me back.

Translation... 4 short years ago, I decided that I needed a vine. I was tired of my life and I decided to give it away. It has been very hard on many occasions not to try and take it back, but I promised Him I would trust Him and trust His love for me. In 2003, I was a JV head coach and varsity assistant at Leesburg High School, with no girlfriend and no prospects of a girlfriend. All I had was my life and my new best friend, Jesus Christ. I made a commitment that He knew better than me and He could do whatever He wanted with my life, because He knew me better than I knew myself. I didn’t know if He would take away coaching or ever bring me a wife. Well in 4 short years, I have a beautiful wife of 2 years today, a beautiful almost 5 month old baby girl, I have been a head coach in high school, and now I am a head coach in college.

Many times during this short journey, it didn’t look like He was with me or that He was faithful and at those moments I had a choice, I could believe what satan was telling me or I could choose to have faith in the Word of God and what God has told me. Over and over in the book of Psalms, it says that God heard their cry for help and saved them and I know that God has heard our cry for help and is in the process of saving us. What a mighty God we serve, He never lets me down. The scarier my circumstances look, the tighter I hold on to Him and His Word and at the end of the day Word, His Word always wins in the end. What a brilliant teacher He is! God is so good, and I consider myself so lucky and blessed to know Him. And You know what? He knows me, too!

(Brandon and Grace Scott are very close friends or ours, and it has been exciting to watch them grow together in their faith. Both of them use their places of work and influence on young people to share the love of Christ with them. We are considering Brandon and Grace as Heritage Missionaries in South Carolina. Please pray for their family as they take on this new position of leadership.)

Desktop Picture

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-09T10:37:18-04:00

Here's a picture we put together to use as our desktop picture on our computers. If you like it... download it by clicking it!

God -- The Aggressive Lover

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-07T12:55:05-04:00

1 John 4:7-21

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us ..." (v.10)

When we perceive how much God loves us, an amazing effect is produced in our personalities -- we begin to love like Him. We cannot help it. Love -- agape love -- is not the fruit of labor; it is a response. When we stand at the foot of Calvary, the place where the love of God is fully focused and caught up, the scales drop from our eyes and our own love flames in response. We love Him because He first loved us.

Teresa of Avila tells how one day, going into her private room, she noticed a picture of our Lord being scourged before His crucifixion. She must have seen it hundreds of times, but in that moment of revelation she saw it as she had never seen it before. She saw God suffering -- suffering for love and suffering for her. The revelation sent her to her knees sobbing in pain and wonder, and when she arose, she was a changed woman. The revelation of Calvary's love was the great divide in her life. She said that she arose with a sense of "unpayable debt" and went out to share God's realized love with others.

Don't try to manufacture love. Linger in the shadow of the Cross. The love of God finds its most burning expression there. Meditate on it. Contemplate it. Remember that heaven knows no higher strategy for begetting love in mortal hearts than by granting us a vision of how much we are loved, a vision strong enough to evoke a response in our hearts -- and by that answering love begotten in us by the Holy Spirit, we are freed and purged and saved.

Prayer:
Gracious Father, I see that before I can love, I must comprehend how much I am loved. Help me be aware that in my heart I have the most aggressive Lover in the universe. I am eternally grateful. Amen.

For Further Study:
Rom. 5:1-8; Jer. 31:3; Eph. 2:4-5; 1 John 3:1
1. How has God demonstrated His love for us?
2. What kind of love is God's love?

(Today's devotional comes from CrossWalk.com and is a section from Every Day Light written by Selwyn Hughes.)

Music Recommendation

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-03T15:31:48-04:00

Monk & Neagle released their newest album on September 18th, and it is a must have!

"Telling these stories is front and center for Monk & Neagle, an acoustic-pop duo that sprang to life organically in Amarillo, TX out of a 12-year friendship between Trent Monk and Michael Neagle. Now back with their sophomore album release, The Twenty-First Time—its first on Reunion Records—Monk & Neagle deliver a storyteller's delight, full of deep spiritual conviction, high-octane fun, passionate imagination, and sincere, heartfelt worship. A road-worthy soundtrack for life from start to finish, The Twenty-First Time beckons you to listen and follow."

-Christianity Today

Check out this great album on iTunes!

Team Work

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-10-01T10:12:47-04:00

Well, the first soccer game ended with us waving the white flag of surrender! It is so funny watching the kids running around, pulling grass, holding hands, hugging, and having a good time. I was trying to remember back when I was four and what it was like.....staying focused--I still can't stay focused!

As i watched the kids, not knowing that much about soccer, I did learn that each player has a different position on the field as well as different responsibilities while playing as a team. When one person scores, the team benefits. When a shot is blocked, it is a block for the team. Isn't that like the body of Christ! The Father has gifted us in so many different ways yet we are one body and there is one Lord. We don't have to feel isolated in our work or all alone because part of His body; the church! We are all on the same team!

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:27, that as believers "We are the body of Christ and each one of us is part of it." What a great encouragement! Use your gifts this week to build up God's church. I am glad that we are on the winning team!

Let God Run Wild

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-27T10:42:14-04:00

This is a devotional from the archives at PurposeDrivenLife.com. Jon Walker writes a daily devotional on the site that is free to everyone. Check it out!

Let God Run Wild
By Jon Walker

“… God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
As my six-year-old tried to open a package, I sat patiently waiting for him to ask me for help. It was one of those protective, hard plastic packages that some manufacturers use – you know, the kind that are nearly impossible to open short of using a small explosive.

I knew my son wouldn’t be able to open the package on his own, but I make it a general rule never to grab things out of my son’s hands – like one child might disrespectfully snatch something away from another. Sure, I’m bigger than him, and I could’ve taken it out of his hands, but I wanted him to make his own choice about whether or when he would ask me for help.

It didn’t take long before he looked up at me, and I said, ‘Do you want me to help you?’ He said yes and handed me the package. I knew it would require more than my hands (or teeth) to open it, so I found some heavy scissors and squeezed hard to cut through the plastic.

Today, you may be holding a package in your hand, and wrapped in its hard plastic shell is something Jesus called the “abundant life.” You’re straining to get inside the package, using all the means and schemes you can think of to break through to the abundant life.

God is patiently sitting next to you, waiting for you to abandon your independent attempts to create the abundant life, waiting for you to let him loose in your life, waiting for you to say, “I can’t, but, God, you can.”

In that moment, God becomes your strength, “so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)

What now?

• Let God run wild – Accept the powerful love of God in your life and allow his grace to run free in your life.

• Stop trying to open the package – Give the package to God and let him open the abundant life for you. Ask God to show you what package you’re struggling to open, and when he does, hand the package to him.

• Trust God with your needs – God knows you need to open the package. What makes you think you have to open it on your own? Why do you believe that your efforts to open the package will produce a better life for you than if you allow God to open the package? (What is your behavior saying about your beliefs?)

© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.

Patience

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-21T00:44:36-04:00

Each night at our home, our ritual is that Dad gets the priviledge of tucking the kids into bed. That is not always the easiest of tasks, and it doesn't always come at a good time (sometimes i am busy doing something that seems to be so important at the time) but it has somewhat become the norm and expected practice and pattern in our home. The process of getting kids down to sleep begins with Anna and then the other two are usually vying for the last position to say that they stayed up the longest. Every night, we sort of recap their days followed by a time of scripture memory, prayer and sometimes singing a song. With Anna, she will not close her eyes until we have sung the "B.I.B.L.E" followed by "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

Each night there seems to be a story or two that I can take from our time together that makes me run with different emotions. The other night while talking with Caleb about his memory verse, (Romans 3:23-"for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God") I was just reminded again of God's patience with me while I was growing up (and my parents). WOW! Did I make mistakes! And Caleb will too. I just need to be reminded of that in the parenting role.

Thinking about patience in the parenting process, I want to be a better parent! I hope you do as well. The prayer I read this morning reminded me of God's patience with me, and I would like to share it with you:

Dear God, Thank you for having a purpose for my life and for telling me what Your expectations are through the Bible. I know You must be disappointed with me many times, when I fail to meet Your expectations of me. I can identify with that from a human standpoint. When I expect a family member to be responsible and to do something that they do not do, or when they make wrong choices in life, I am very disappointed. Sometimes I feel frustrated or angry and other times heartbroken. Help me to be kind-hearted and long-suffering with them, like You are with me. Guide me to handle those disappointments with integrity; to remain quiet when I should and to speak up when I should. Please give me the thoughts, words, and actions You want me to have. And God, please forgive me for disappointing You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

-by Os Hillman

Living a Legacy

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-18T11:41:55-04:00

As we were finishing up at bath time last night, I was wrapping the towel around our little girl when she looked at me and mumbled something. I didn't understand so i asked her, "what did you say?" She again mumbled those same words which i still did not understand. I asked her one more time as she stood there, "Honey, what did you say?" In her broken English, looking up at me she said, "Rock me Daddy! Rock me!" I picked her up in my arms, all wrapped in that towel and began singing to her and rocking her back and forth as we made off toward her bedroom to get ready for bed. As I sang, she sat and listened and readied herself for a night of rest. It was a sweet time, one that I will always remember and maybe her as well. Don't be afraid to ask your Heavenly Father for a sweet embrace. He is willing and waiting just as I was with Anna Grace.

Mark 10:16 says, "And he took the children in His arms, put his Hands on them and blessed them."

As we are developing a core team who will help us plant Heritage Community Church, ministry to our children is happening. Each time we are together, Mrs. Brooke is providing take home materials to help families talk about God's Word during the week. Please take advantage of those opportunities and let's "live out a legacy of Faith."

Join us this next Sunday night at 5:00 pm at Wildwood middle school.

Blessings,

Pastor Sidney Brock

Music Recommendation

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-17T09:24:40-04:00

I thought it'd be good from time to time to offer some albums that I think are definitely worth buying. The first one is the band Leeland titled Sound Of Melodies. This has to be one of the best albums from the last year! You can easily listen to every track without ever pressing the skip button. The lead singer and writer of most of the songs is Leeland Mooring. He was only 17 when this album was recorded. You won't believe that when you hear him sing!

"Leeland is the best thing I have heard in a long, long time," says Grammy Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith. "I can't stop singing the songs in my head. Great melodies. Great band. Great voice."

So check out Sound of Melodies on iTunes by clicking on one of the links in this blog or by clicking the album art above.

Relevant Magazine

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-15T10:41:41-04:00

Relevant Magazine is one of the best resources available for young Christians! The magazine, website, and podcast are all musts for anyone interested in music, movies, and more for our culture. You'll find music and movie reviews, interviews with artists, and tons of articles on stuff YOU care about!

"RelevantMagazine is twentysomething Christians. We want to break stereotypes, challenge status-quo and enact change through the media."

Check out the website by clicking here.

Check out the free podcast here.

Subscribe to the magazine here.

First Gathering

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-12T09:09:56-04:00

Well the time is here, and we are now "Gathering" each Sunday night at 5:00 pm for worship and bible study.

Our first Gathering was this past Sunday night, and it was such a sweet time. We are so excited about what God has in store for those that will join us in the journey of "tilling the ground" and "planting seeds" in the Northern Lake and Sumter County areas. One person sent an email today commenting on our time Sunday night, they said,

"You asked during the service what the definition of home is. I have been thinking about that the last few days. Home is the place I kick off my shoes and I can be myself, I can take a deep breath and I feel comfortable. We were in agreement that the first service this past week was home, we just 'took our shoes off' and worshiped in a way that we felt very close to God. We are very excited to be on the road to great things in Christ with Heritage Community."

This was an encouragement to our team as we do believe that God will use us to help others "Live out a legacy of Faith" as well as leave a lasting impression for generations to come!

If you are interested in Heritage Community Church, please join us this Sunday at 5pm at Wildwood Middle School.

Making A Difference

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-07T19:51:30-04:00

I don’t know about you, but I love fall. Forget about the New Year, this is the time of year for change for me. Now that Kyle is in school, I get to experience that “back to school” adrenalin rush all over again. If only it were cool enough to throw on a sweater and see a few leaves on the ground, I would be in heaven!

In my last blog I shared how I felt completely overwhelmed by all the things going on in this world. I wasn’t sure how my life was going to make a difference in the Kingdom. There are many things I would personally like to see change… the environment our kids have to grow up in, the media and the things they dwell on… the list goes on and on. I have been asking God, "what can I do?" I found this story in a motivation catalog called Successories, which for me, was an answer to prayer.

An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean. “Why do you bother?” the old man scoffed. “You are not saving enough to make a difference.” The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water. “Made a difference to that one,” he said. You make a difference every day. (Imagine God saying that to you)

Though I have been battling some mood swings… which I blame on hormone issues, (don’t we always ladies?) God has definitely shown me the Power of Positive. Dan got me an iPod and I have been getting up and working out to DC Talk and Big Daddy Weave to start my day. Then when I get to work, I turn on the Z and surround myself with positivity.

I have been feeling the Holy Spirit reminding me to share these positive thoughts with others. I’ve started sending the little stories like the one above to some of my co-workers who have a lot of daily challenges in their jobs. A couple of ladies and I have been meeting weekly during our lunch break to petition God on behalf of our businesses, our community and those in our lives. We have been asking for big things, and others have noticed changes in the areas we keep bringing to God. Pastor Sid is right; we need to keep knocking at His door! If someone comes to my mind, I try to contact them that day to see why God put them on my heart. I don’t always know if I am encouraging them, but they sure are encouraging me! This Sunday is a big day in the life of Heritage Community Church. Our families will join together on a weekly basis to encourage one another in our growth in Christ. Isn’t that exciting? What is God going to do next? How will you make a difference?

-Terra Machande

"Minding" Your Own Business

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-09-04T11:53:49-04:00

With Labor Day just behind us, I thought this was a great devotional from Robert Siegel about working like we are working for the Lord.

I was recently having lunch at a fast-food restaurant and happened to watch the busboy clearing and wiping tables. Suddenly he stopped and stared at a glass door across the room. Taking a fresh rag out of his pocket, he walked over and rubbed hard at a nearly invisible smudge on the glass. Then he went back to wiping tables.

I was impressed.

I figured this guy had the lowliest job in the place, but he practically owned the restaurant. That is, he was treating the restaurant as if it were his own, as if he were responsible for every detail looking good and working well. It won't be long before he's a manager, I thought. Perhaps he'll really own the place someday.

By imagining the restaurant his own—what we might call minding his own business—he revealed his personal initiative and drive to those around and above him. He turned a possibly boring, menial job into one with some excitement.

We're all familiar with business owners or CEOs who hurry—to do any small task, no matter how humble, needed by the business. Their minds are occupied with the whole operation, intent upon it—hardly bored.

The busboy reminded me of the young manager of a local restaurant where I occasionally order take-out. This man—no older than five or six others also working the counter and the large, open kitchen—picked up my name from the order slip and greeted me by it the second time I came in. It's no surprise to me that he is manager: this small personal courtesy keeps me returning there. It makes personal an otherwise impersonal transaction, and makes the already excellent sandwiches taste even better.

Jesus said to his disciples, "He who is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matt. 23:11, RSV). He later demonstrated what he meant by washing their feet, a job usually reserved for servants. Both the busboy and the young manager are servants: serving the customer, serving their fellow workers by their example, serving the owners, and serving themselves as well. Their personal drive and leadership in serving the business will advance their careers.

They will become "great" through serving.

Taking ownership and leadership in what we do should involve taking an even longer view. In our work, we are serving others and ourselves, but ultimately we are serving God and God's plan for the whole creation. If we do everything as for him, the New Testament tells us, we make noble and splendid the most humble task.

By Robert Siegel. © 2001 - 2007 H. E. Butt Foundation.

Soccer anyone?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-08-30T09:49:58-04:00

Heritage Community Church will be sponsoring a little league soccer team this fall. What an incredible way to reach our community! Some of our kids from HCC will be on the team and Johnny Mellado and Chris Munn will be coaching. The team had its first practice the other night and we thought we'd share some photos with you.

Done any dreaming lately?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-08-27T14:53:02-04:00

Have you done any dreaming lately? Did you take time this summer to ask God to give you a special dream, a fresh vision of what He would have you do in the future? Do you share your dreams with those of like faith?

Sometimes I think we are so insecure in our dreams, that we tend to hold on to them like they are the last peanut butter sandwich we will
have have, and we're not going to share them with anyone. Not even God.

What we give Him, He takes. What He takes, He cleanses. What He cleanses, He fills, and what He fills, He uses for His glory.

But giving our dreams to the Lord does not involve risk. Nothing about our walk with God involves risk, when you know the heart of the One who holds you in His hand. When we place our desires in the hand of the great Almighty, we find that first they will be broken, and then buried. But, not to worry, because then comes resurrection day. A hallelujah day where the dream
emerges with a fragrance and newness of life that far exceeds the life we could have carved out for ourselves.

Keep your eyes on Him, the spinner of dreams. Watch Him remake your dream into a thing of beauty that will not only outdo itself in satisfying the longings of our heart, but will be a bright testimony and display of HIS magnificense and resurrection power to those around us!!!

Don't settle for a mundane journey.....no more "gee...I prayed...and I guess He heard...and I can only hope he'll answer..." When we're seated in the heavenlies with Him, all guess work is gone.

Martin Luther said, "I've held many things in my hand and have lost them all...but the things I placed into the hands of Jesus, those things I still possess..."

Eph 1:8..."wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence..." The Message says, "He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need,". God's 'more-than-enough' grace operates within the framework of His infallible will -

With what He saw in us, and, how much He loves us, and how large and perfect His plan is for us at Heritage Community, how can we do anything less than make our dreams big!!!

-Dorothy Huffman

Drawing Near to Darkness

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-08-22T09:40:51-04:00

The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. - Exodus 20:21

Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel, but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses did. This grieved the heart of God.

Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?

Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown. The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.

Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us—a calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His presence means we enter through an unexpected door—a door that appears to have nothing good behind it.

We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will become an entry to new levels of relationship with a God who longs for fellowship with you and me.

-by Os Hillman, August 22, 2007

Is that really You, God?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-08-16T09:38:53-04:00

I was sitting in the living room tonight with Caleb and Abbie spending a few minutes with them before bed. We just happened to be watching a DVD that Merideth had bought for Abbie that had dancing in it (Abbie has been taking dance for the past two years). She and Caleb were having a good time trying to imitate the dances while I (the audience) paid close attention and applauded their efforts.

While the music was playing and they were acting out their dances, my ears caught a subtle sound that was familiar. I turned the music down, but I didn’t hear it again. So I turned the music back up, and they resumed their dancing on the floor in front of me. After turning the music back on, I again heard that familiar sound so I turned the music back down. A little irritated with me, Abbie immediately replied, “Dad it is just the TV, turn it back up”! I agreed with her after I didn’t hear the noise anymore and again turned the sound back up only to hear that whisper of a sound again. Out of instinct, I got up from my seat and went to our 2 years old’s room. I had put Anna to bed earlier and usually when she is down, she is out—but this time she had awoken and was calling for me. I comforted her, covered her back up and then proceeded back to the living room to continue my duties as the audience for my two dancers.

Some would say, “I can’t believe you heard her over the noise and commotion that was going on in front of you?” But then again, I know her voice. It really wasn’t that complicated. I just had to be tuned in and attentive to what was going on around me.

When is the last time you heard the voice of God speak to you? It can be difficult if you aren’t tuned in and attentive but impossible if you don’t know HIS voice. The key to knowing the voice of God is not a formula or the result of a method you can follow. Knowing God’s voice comes from having an intimate love relationship with HIM. I picked Anna’s voice out of the noise because I know her intimately.

In the Bible, John 8:47 says, “He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

As you pray and read the scriptures, watch and see how the Holy Spirit uses prayer, God’s word, and circumstances to reveal Himself and speak to you.

He still speaks! Trust me. Better yet, trust God!

New Relationships

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-08-13T09:04:19-04:00

I can't believe that the summer is almost over. Now it is time for hurricane season--aren't you excited!?! In our home, we have been getting ready for school this week--Merideth has been busy cleaning out the kids closets as well as shopping for new clothes and school supplies. The kids have been so excited trying on their new clothes as well as showing off their new backpacks to anyone who has come around the house. You know, I remember those days like it was yesterday.

As Abbie and I were talking the other day about the start of the new school year, I asked her what she was looking forward to the most this year as she was getting ready to go back to school. She quickly replied, "Getting to meet new people." I thought that was an interesting response since most of us like sticking with the same old crowd and not venturing out to meet new people. I praised her for her enthusiasm and marveled that she would even be thinking about meeting other people.

When we prayed that night, Abbie prayed that she would meet new people so she could invite them to come to church...Boy, was I proud; but also convicted. How many days do I wake up in the morning praying, "God who will you put in my path today so that I can share the good news of Jesus Christ and influence in the world in which I live?" Isn't this important?

The latest Statistics tell us that 80-85% of our churches today are either plateaued or declining and that the churches that are growing, a majority of them are growing only by transfer growth with people joining from other churches. Why are these statistics so bleak? Could it be that we have become content in doing church and not being the church.

For Heritage Community Church to break the mold, we need to clarify that our win as a congregation will not be in our budgets, numbers in attendance or the building that we will occupy, but our win must be measured by if we as a congregation are being intentional at building new relationships with the intent of sharing Christ. Swapping sheep will not impact the culture in which we live. We will need to live a life of purpose and understand that our place of business, school or wherever we are is an opportunity to live out a legacy of faith.

1 John 3:18 says, "Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

How will you demonstrate the love of Christ this week?

Why is it important for me to go to church?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-08-09T09:26:26-04:00

You can see God's glory there! Ezekiel 43:1-5

Maybe you had a bad experience in a church where God's people didn't live up to their names, or the fact your family holds differing beliefs makes the choice of a church difficult. Perhaps you live a high-pressure life that begs for Sunday morning in bed or you feel uneasy walking into a building and sitting in a crowd of people where you don't know a soul and don't know when to stand, sit, kneel, or sing. Church just doesn't address where you are in your life-and besides, you don't like the music. Is it worth overcoming these obstacles to go? Yes.

Every church is flawed (it is, after all, made up of mere humans). But in a mysterious sense, a body of Christian believers gathered to worship God makes up the present-day version of God's temple (see 1 Corinthians 3:16). Near the end of his book, Ezekiel was blessed with a vision of a new temple not yet built. But he saw the glory of God return and fill that temple.

God's glory fills a gathering of His people in a way that isn't possible in us individually. It's one of the wonderful mysteries of God. In church, if you open your spiritual eyes, you just might see His glory. (See also Acts 2:1-13,41-47; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 3:10-17; Ephesians 2:11-22.)

(From ChristianBibleStudies.com)

Knock

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-28T17:46:38-04:00

Around our home, it is not unusual for the kids to begin wandering around the home in the wee hours of the morning. Usually a scary dream, upset stomach or a thump in the night sends them headed for Mom and Dad’s room. Since our room is on the other side of the house, they will usually find a light and turn it own to illuminate their way. Several mornings, we have awakened to pounding on our door with a refusal to go to bed until they have seen us, and we have consoled their imaginations or hurts. If we don’t get up and attend to their needs, they will continue to knock without reservation until their needs have been met.

It reminds me of the story when Jesus is teaching on prayer in Luke 11:1-10. It tells the story of a man who is knocking on the door of another man, asking for bread in the middle of the night. The man asking for the bread is refused by the one in the bed; but the man standing at the door continues to knock.

The scriptures tell us that the man does not get up because his friend is in need but because the man is persistent in his knocking on the door. The scripture goes on to say that the man in the bed only gets up and helps because of the boldness of the man in need. As a matter of fact, the man gives the other all that he needs. We find another cross reference to this passage in Luke 18 when Jesus talked to his disciples again about prayer—He said, that they should pray and never give up.

How do you pray? Are you bold and persistent in your prayers? I am knocking right now persistently concerning several things and will continue to knock until my Father comes to the door to answer.

He loves our interruptions.

-Pastor Sidney Brock

Flyer for your friends

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-26T10:30:36-04:00

Don't forget that our second fellowship is coming up on August 18th at the Lake Okahumpka Park. If you haven't already, please fill out the form on the Events page to RSVP.

Also, you can download a .pdf flyer by clicking here to hand out to your friends. See you there!

Is the world out of control; or is it just me?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-24T19:49:07-04:00

This week's blog was written by Terra Machande. Dan and Terra live in The Villages and have a 4 year old son, Kyle.

I’ve been telling God, “enough already” for months. I feel like one of those moles in a Whack ‘em Game. As soon as I start to see a little daylight, I’m knocked out again. As I look around me, everyone seems to have pain and heart break so it can’t be just me who feels like this. Why do they look like they’ve got it all figured out? What do they know that I don’t?

“Come to me…” I hear.

Yeah, yeah God, I know the verse. “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28) I know the words, but I don’t know how to do it.

“You used to… remember?”

I am not that person anymore.

“Well, what was different?”

I had a goal. I was focused. You took care of the details. I just kept on going.

“Haven’t I taken care of all the details?”

Yes, sir.

“Haven’t I given you more than you could have imagined?”

Yes, sir.

“So, what is the problem?”

I am overwhelmed. I feel like I am failing at everything. Aren’t Christians supposed to know how to juggle the pain in the world and keep focused on You? I can’t do it all.

“Dear child, you can’t be perfect. Forget about your shame. Let go and give it to Me. I have a purpose for you.” What is it Lord? “You are worried and upset about many things but only one is needed. Choose what is better and it will not be taken from you.” (paraphrasing Luke 10:41-42)

I must get it through my thick skull that the steering wheel is not mine to control but God’s got the car full of airbags. It may not be a smooth ride… especially when I keep trying to grab the wheel, but the destination is worth the bruises. As we begin this part of the journey together at Heritage Community, I look forward to taking the narrow and bumpy path that will leave a legacy of faith for our children.

Spiritual Giftedness

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-19T09:51:00-04:00

God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles; and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

Hebrews 2:4

Did you know that God has given you a gift? Not just the gift of salvation, but a "gift of the Holy Spirit" or a Spiritual Gift. Have you figured out what your gift is? Do you know what it's for? Have you started using it?

As Heritage Community Church begins to meet on a regular basis this fall, figuring out our spiritual giftedness will be of high priority for us. Our desire is for each member to know their spiritual gifts and discover ways to put them to use. God expects us to use the gifts He has seen fit to give us. Listen to these words in Romans:

God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:6-8

These gifts have been given to build up the body of Christ (the Church). So for us to not do our part could be detrimental to the growth of the Church. I hope you are excited about what God is doing with Heritage Community Church and about finding out your giftedness this fall. If you already know your gift, begin using it now! God is at work and there is already much to do. Let's begin working together to build this body and experience all the wonderful things He has in store for us!

The gift of work...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-17T10:55:47-04:00

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

-Philippians 2:12-13

Although God gives each of us a measure of faith as He determines, (Romans 12:3) it is not His desire that we leave it at that or that we do not pursue more and more. Paul hoped that the church's "faith would increase" and encouraged them that their "faith was growing abundantly".

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul begged them to "work out your own salvation" because God had given them the gifts of grace and faith so they could. God's gift does not replace our effort in growing towards Godliness, it enables and helps us to do so.

Are you doing your part in growing your faith? Or are you satisfied with where you are? God's gifts are new to us each day, and each day they are enough for us to grow in our faith even more than the day before. Be proactive today as you grow towards Godliness and I will hope that your "faith would increase".

Are they listening?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-14T22:52:51-04:00

Sometimes we wonder if our children are listening...

A couple of days ago, Merideth and I had some friends over to sing and share God's word. During that time, Merideth decided to take the children out to teach them a Bible lesson about the wide and narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14). Merideth was creative and had them draw with the big pieces of chalk on the driveway and illustrate the two different roads, and then they discussed what kind of road we should be traveling and what that might look like. Well, our son Caleb (4 years old) woke up this morning asking Merideth if it was okay if he cleaned his room today and helped her around the house. Merideth was so excited she called me! But the best part of the story was when Caleb came back a few minutes later and asked, "Mom, does that mean I am walking on the skinny path"?

Don't underestimate the learning capacity of our children, and may we take every opportunity to creatively teach the Word of God to them on a regular basis. God's Word says in the Old Testament in Deuteronomy chapter 6, that we are to teach the commandments of God to our children in various ways with the intent of being PROACTIVE in raising children of faith. Training our children in Faith is our responsibility as parents. The church is here to help resource you to teach your children in faith; not teach them for you.

One easy method to incorporate into your faith training as a family is replacing secular videos that your children might watch during the day with videos that teach a faith message.

One resource that we would recommend is the Boz series. Take a look online to see what they have to offer at www.bozthebear.com, but shop around because you will find special deals from time to time. This is also a good gift for Christmas or one that relatives can purchase for special events such as birthdays etc.

Happy training!!!

Sidney and Merideth

Do you value your work too much?

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-09T08:54:26-04:00

I was reading this morning a devotional about our value of work and the role that it plays in our lives. Since I have been personally struggling with this as of late with schedules, priorities and responsibilities, it was a good reminder to be careful that our work does not become our source of value. When work becomes our source of value our lives become performance based and we can never work long enough or hard enough, and the end result is a performance based life. That performance based life tells us, "the harder you work, the longer you work, the more money you make, the more business deals you close...(you fill in the blank), the more acceptable you will be to yourself and others around you." How quick this road will lead us towards destruction because we can never do enough to satisfy that craving to be accepted and valued. Oh, by the way, have we ever heard of the word "Workaholic".

Gaining satisfaction from our work is not bad and we need to be "worthy of our hire". God the Father was the first one to give us a job (Gen. 2:15). However, our source of satisfaction should not flow out of what we do but what HE has done. If our lives are centered in Christ, when difficult times come (which they will) we will not be destroyed because the foundation (Matthew 7:24-27) is still strong and in place.

Is your life in balance today? Are you living a performance based life instead of a God centered life?
This would be a good discussion for spouses if you are not afraid of the honest answers.

Go to the Father and ask Him today to reveal your source of value. If you sense your life is unbalanced and in need of adjustment, one step in the right direction is spending time with the one who values you the most.

Please continue to pray for...

-sale of Brian & Brooke's home in TN as well as a condo that Sidney and Merideth have in Sanford
-new prospects for Heritage Community Church
-options for meeting spaces for training and bible study
-July and August Fellowships
-Interim Steering Team and decision making

BLESSINGS..

-We received our official 501(c)3 coverage letter last week and notification as an official church plant status of the Florida Baptist Convention. Heritage Community is on the map!
-Our office space is awesome!!!
-Purchase of a new computer so we now have one for the office
-Purchase of Signs for Heritage community to help us with events
-Donation of Financial program to help with record keeping
-Prayer and Financial supporters for Heritage Community

A reminder that our next fellowship time for the new church plant Heritage Community Church is coming up this Saturday July 14th. Check the information above for more information on the fellowship.

Picnic in the Park...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-03T09:07:57-04:00

Our first fellowship is coming up on Saturday, July 14th. Click here for all the information.

Unusual Week...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-07-02T10:49:44-04:00

It has been an unusual week with Merideth gone to Liberty University to complete her last intensive class on the school campus as she works on her Master's. We have managed not having mom around, but needless to say, I have great respect for moms and the jobs they do--from maid to cook to referee--by the end of the day, I am exhausted physically and emotionally. We are all excited about mom coming home tomorrow!

Several times this week, the kids have reminded me that I wasn't being nice and my son Caleb even went out on the limb to tell me that I was being "Grumpy"--and my response was, "you haven't even begun to see Grumpy". Then I reminded myself that "I am Living a Legacy of Faith". Our lives being lived out before our children supercedes what we tell them or instruct them to do. It is in our actions that those around us will discover the love of Christ as well as learn how to live. The hardest people to fool will be those that know us the best!

May "Heritage Community Church" be known for its encouragement to people to "Live out a Legacy of Faith" as we grow together in our Faith journey.

We are looking ahead to our next "Gathering" coming July 14th out at the Lake Okahumpka park off of hwy. 44. This fellowship will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 pm that Saturday evening and there is plenty of room for the children to run and play and some awesome swing and play units. Be looking for the official flyer that you will see this week.

Would you consider becoming a prayer partner for Heritage Community church? Just email us at prayer@theheritagecommunity.org to be added to our list of prayer partners.

New offices...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-06-21T20:07:54-04:00

Our days of going to Panera Bread for the office are over! We've been blessed with wonderful office space in Leesburg on 44 headed towards Wildwood. The space is brand new and comes with internet, printer/copier, and furniture. The Lord is answering prayers and affirming this work on a daily basis! How exciting it is to be right in the middle of His will and what He is doing!

What a week...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-06-18T12:34:01-04:00

Thank you for being so faithful in praying for HCC. Everyday is an exciting day for us in this faith journey. Many have been asking about the first informational meeting that we held last Friday night, June 15th. We are excited to report that it was a great time as we came together to discuss God’s calling in our lives as well as the driving vision for Heritage Community—Leading people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our desire will not only be “leaving a legacy of faith” but “Living it.” We dream of a church that will be known by the character of our lives as well as our influence within our homes and community in which we live. This church will leave a lasting mark as we are intentional about passing faith on to the generations to follow.

Our next official “Gathering” will be held on Saturday afternoon July 14th at Lake Okahumpka Park on Hwy. 44 before you get to Wildwood. We will give you more details as the time approaches but we have the large pavilion reserved and there is a large area for children, recreation, etc. This is for all people interested in knowing more about HCC. We will be sharing a meal together and look forward to seeing you there

We have been receiving some responses to support letters that the Brock’s and Williams’ sent out as we stepped out in faith to begin this new work. Thank you for your support of HCC and our families. Be looking for a personal thank you note in the mail over the next week.

In addition to the prior prayer requests, please add:

-Caleb Brock, broken arm-Dr. appointment today
-Meeting with mike Holliman on 6/19—church planting consultant

Praise reports:

-Meeting today about available office space 6/18
-Continued financial support arriving
-Meeting with our local Baptist association and their support of HCC
-Last Friday’s informational meeting
-Your words of encouragement in what God is doing

Blessings
Sidney, Merideth, Brian and Brooke

Prayer Partners...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-06-12T15:51:02-04:00

We've added a list of our Prayer Partners to this website. It's exciting to see all of the people across the world who are partnering with Heritage Community Church! If you would like to be added to the list, please email us at prayer@theheritagecommunity.org with your name and location.

We are only days away now from our first Interest Meeting. It will be held this Friday at the Wildwood Middle School at 7:00 pm. It will be a time for us to share how God has led us to this point as well as some of the vision for HCC. We will also be revealing our new HCC logo!

Thank you so much for your prayers during this time.

Prayer items:

1. Interest meeting on Friday night
2. Sale of Brian's house in TN and of Sidney's condo in Sanford
3. Office space
4. Meeting space for HCC
5. Financial Support

Brian and Brooke arrive...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-06-04T09:36:21-04:00

Brian and Brooke arrived last Thursday to find 26 friends waiting to help unload and get them organized in their home. It is good to have them back here as we begin working on the plant of Heritage Community.

We have been blessed by letters and cards sharing people's support in this church planting journey. Heritage Community has also began to receive financial gifts and commitments from our friends and family who also share in the vision of planting this new work. Pray for us as we draw out plans for the next six months and we work towards the Launch date of Heritage Community.

Please be praying for these items:

-The Sale of Brian and Brooke's home in Tennessee as well as a condo that Sidney and Merideth own in Sanford
-Temporary meeting site for Heritage Community and future property
-Office Space
-Financial support
-Interest Meeting in Mid June
-Interim steering team meeting June 5th

Coming soon...

brian@theheritagecommunity.org — 2007-05-22T23:38:17-04:00

Heritage Community Church ---"Living a Legacy of Faith"--- birthed out of a common passion, bathed in prayer and built on Faith.

We are in the begining stages of preparing to launch a new church work in the northern Lake County, Florida area that will target young families while having a multi-generational approach. We will be committed to a simple structure of ministry while partnering with families to raise children of Faith. Stay tuned for more details.