Hello church family,

You might be wondering why you haven’t heard from me in a week or two, and that’s because my wife and I were enjoying some vacation time in Mexico together when we got the news of what was going on. We returned home late Monday evening and it’s taken me a few days to sort through everything so I apologize for not sending this out sooner! We are back, coronavirus free, and only a little bit sunburned!

First off I’d like to say how thankful I am for our church leadership, our staff and all the other folks who have scrambled to address the needs of our church family, put together services online, and navigate this new normal that we all hope isn’t the norm for too long!

Second I’d like to encourage you with these verses from Lamentations 3, that seem to become more relevant with each passing day. “For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.” (Lamentations 3:31-33) This season we’re in isn’t forever, it’s temporary, and the Lord’s compassion and steadfast love to us is still seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is ours and we are His, no matter if we are in darkness or light, trials or joy; He is with us even when we can’t gather together as the body of Christ, even when we need to practice social distancing, Christ is with us! So take heart church family, be at peace and use this time to Connect, Grow and Go because God has given us this time to rest and reflect 

Connect: We are still going to be gathering online as the body of Christ to worship, hear the Word, take communion, give our gifts, etc. The staff have been working on making sure you are able to connect each week by recording our services and making them available to you on the HPF website at: https://hpf.org/sermons (you can listen to the audio or watch the videos, just look for the rectangle shape next to the headphones and it will take you to the video), or you can go to our YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/hpfworshipcenter). We will also post these links to the church facebook group which you can join at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/highpointfellowship/

At this time the Trustees, Shepherds and Staff have decided to suspend on-site gatherings for Sunday morning until after April 5th. We are hoping and praying that we are able to gather together for Good Friday and Easter services, but we will keep you informed about any changes in the coming days and weeks.

Grow: I am also so thankful that we launched our RightNow Media platform at the beginning of March. This will allow our folks to spend time as family and individuals studying God’s Word and “Growing” in their faith together by using the resources found on www.rightnowmedia.org. If you are not already enrolled through Highpoint for your free account, simply email office@hpf.org and you will receive an email invitation to sign up for RightNow Media.

I would encourage you to jump into some of the studies there, and maybe even partner up with some friends from church and do a study together! You can download the app and watch it on your TV, computer, tablet or phone. (https://support.rightnowmedia.org/hc/en-us/articles/115004838903?flash_digest=4a985c18f5c7835649fe8c5ba9bf53161f51f117) There are tons of options for everyone, including kids so don’t miss out. 

There are even some special devotionals from Dan and TW for the kids and youth that can be found here: http://bit.ly/hpfyouthkids

Go: How can we “Go” when we aren’t supposed to be around people? Well, we have two forms that you can fill out online that will help us know who we need to “Go” to and who can “Go”! If you have any needs, your church family would love to serve you, we can pick up groceries, run errands, or bring you a meal if need be. Just click below and fill out this form to let us know of any needs you may have:
bit.ly/hpfcovneed

And if you want to be on the team that helps meet some of these needs you can click here to fill out the form to let us know that you’d like to help others during this time (specifics can be explained on the form).
bit.ly/hpfcovvol

As your pastor, I am here for you. Your church family is here for you. If you would like to chat, text or email, you can reach me at: 951-537-7261 or at: brandon@hpf.org. Let’s use this opportunity to shine the light of Jesus into our communities, by being a people of hope and peace, not living in fear or worry, but trusting that our God is good and He is in control!

We love and miss being with all y’all, and I am reminded of how precious a gift it is to gathering together as the family of God, and am looking forward to the day we are able to do so again (we’re praying it’s soon!)

Until then, may “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Grace and peace,
Brandon  

—

Brandon McCaughey

Lead Pastor

Church Office: (512) 260-5449

I would like to inform you that our Trustee team has been studying and praying about how best to serve our Highpoint family and community and have determined that closing tomorrow and suspending activities this week,  while additional information is gathered,  is the wisest course of action.  This includes the Sunday morning gathering and our Youth Spring Break events. 

We know that we can count on your understanding and support as we adjust our normal practices in an effort to love and protect our whole church family, and especially those who might have additional health issues for which COVID-19 would be especially dangerous.  Because we do have a large population who are considered at risk, it is imperative that we care for our flock spiritually, emotionally, and physically. 

We do have many resources currently available and are working on more in the coming weeks to ensure that you can stay nurtured and connected during this time!  A link to tomorrow’s sermon will be posted in various locations online (also provided via email), and you are always welcome to contact the staff at office@hpf.org for any prayer needs or concerns.  We also have access to thousands of online studies, talks, devotionals, and more via Right Now Media.  If you do not have a link to access this free content, please email office@hpf.org and we will provide that for you. 

Lastly, there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty that the threat of this virus has brought to the surface both here at home and around the world.  As the people of God, we should be wise, attentive, and loving, but not fearful.  God calls us not to be anxious, but prayerful and thankful (Philippians 4:6-7).  Look for ways that you might be able to take COVID-19 conversations and turn them into opportunities to share your faith and point people to Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). We are prayerfully considering next steps and will continue to communicate with you regularly.

You are loved and important to your Trustees, Staff, and Shepherds!  Please let us know how we can serve you during this time.

Highpoint families…Come join us for our Spring family camping trip.  Inks Lake is a local favorite. There are miles of hiking trails through shady forests and across rocky hills.  You can swim, rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.  And you don’t need a  license to fish from one of the piers or shore!

Interested?  Visit the sign up genius page linked below to reserve your spot, or to get details about costs, location, meals, and more!

Get info or sign up here