This past weekend has been an incredible gift of reflecting back on the past and the great role Hacienda Heights Baptist Church played in my life. The church celebrated its 50th anniversary with a BBQ lunch on Saturday, a beautiful worship service Sunday morning, and a special dinner Sunday evening. My brain is on overload with memories, and my heart is full of joy and gratitude for all the friendships that came out of that church.
My parents started attending HHBC about the time I was five years old (1969), and HHBC became the very center of our family's life. Our social activities, friendships, and faith in Christ came from that church, and we have never been the same. My parents were in the choir, and on just about every committee that was ever formed. I accepted Jesus into my heart at eight years old, and I can remember the evening that I was baptized like it was yesterday.
I treasure my memories of Family Camps, youth camps, Wednesday night Bible Studies, and Afterglows on Sunday night. There were potlucks, pie socials, and special dinners. We laughed together, we grieved together, we learned about the love of God together. We were a family, so sometimes we didn't always agree on everything. We learned to forgive, be gracious like our savior, and show mercy.
I realize there are many people who don't understand what it means to be a part of a church family. Sadly, the church is often a place of guilt and frustration. It's not always a great reflection of God like the Bible calls the church to be. We are all failed, and those failings become glaringly obvious when held up to the light of Christ. A church needs to always put scripture first in order to stay on course and be in favor with God.
Why is it important to go to church? Because God wants us to come together and be a body of believers with each person having their own function within the body. We each have special talents, and we should be using those gifts within the church. It is also important to be accountable to each other, and challenge our knowledge and beliefs. The church should be a place where we help each other with life's struggles and temptations. The church is not a building or a certain denomination. The church is a group of people who have a passion for God's word and a common goal to reach others for Christ.
Why was HHBC so important to me? The body of believers at HHBC helped me to lay the foundation of my faith in Christ. The people of that church taught me that I have an indescribable God that has no limits. They taught me how to be a servant to others, and how to use my talents. They taught me about love and forgiveness, and gave me the passion that I have now to share my faith with others. The people of HHBC sparked a flame that continues to burn not only in me, but in many others.
If you are someone who does not see the need to be part of a church, I hope you will reconsider. God wants us to be in fellowship with others. The power of prayer in a group is beyond measure. The power of being with a group of believers is life changing. God does not want us to be alone. We get to know God best when we see His word come to life.
If you live where you can attend Hacienda Heights Baptist Church, I encourage you to give them a try. It is a church on the move for Christ! The youth group is a breath of fresh air, and Pastor Jon Lambert is a great teacher and lover of God's word.
Thank you to my parents for giving me the gift of HHBC. Thank you to the many pastors and friends who made a difference beyond anything I could possibly describe. Thank you to all who worked hard to make this anniversary of HHBC so very special. The walk down memory lane was beautiful.
God Bless,
Sandy
