202 E Main St, Hedgesville, West Virginia 25427, United States
Come hear the good news!
" See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19
A Letter from the pastor
Dear Members and Friends of HPC, May 18, 2020.
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1)
So begins the account of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church in the book of Acts. As we approach the day of Pentecost in the year 2020, we are filled with anxious excitement as we prepare to resume gathering again in our beautiful little sanctuary. We are acutely aware that it may not be possible to gather “all together in one place” in the ways we have in the past – at least, not yet. While some restrictions are being lifted in some places and for some people, the ongoing threat of the Covid-19 global pandemic will require that we return to church in a way that is measured and mindful of the needs of the most vulnerable among us. While some may begin to attend public worship in person, we know that some will need to continue to worship at home for some time.
We give thanks, then, for the promise of our faith—that the Lord God will bless and keep us, the risen Christ is with us, and the Holy Spirit connects us with believers near and far. We take comfort and inspiration from the example of the earliest believers, who “spent much time together in the temple” and “broke bread at home … with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46). As we anxiously track the news reporting new cases, more deaths, and the number of people recovering, we remember the good news of the gospel: “And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
After much careful and prayerful consideration, the Session of Hedgesville Presbyterian Church has decided to resume gathering for in-person worship for a trial period of one month beginning Sunday May 31, 2020 through June 28, 2020. During this trial period we will practice strict safety precautions and protocols which may be found by clicking the link to the right, and will be boldly posted throughout our building. At the end of this trial period we will consider how to best move forward as a community of faith, WITH LOVE, NOT HASTE, as we strive to protect the safety, health and well-being of the whole community.
As we begin to resume our gathered activities, please know that we will do so through a careful process of discussion and discernment, with an abundance of caution and concern for those who are most vulnerable, considering the best scientific knowledge at our disposal, in the spirit of constant prayer, and with full trust in the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
We may make mistakes along the way. There will surely be awkward moments as we adjust to new protocols and practices. There will be times of frustration, disappointment, and grief. We will have countless opportunities to exercise the spiritual gifts of patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
But there will also be blessings. There will be great celebrations, happy reunions, and much joy as we gather after 12 weeks apart. We will get to see glimpses of the new thing God is doing, even now. Let us be faithful, then—to God and to one another—as together we work through the challenges of this time. Let us be guided by the Word, responsive to the Spirit, and open to the grace of God. Let us remember that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus!
I have missed you all tremendously and it is my hope and prayer to see you on May 31, 2020 – Pentecost Sunday (remember to wear RED!). But if that is not possible for you, I would love to make a “porch visit” to check in with you (I’ll bring a lawn chair and visit with you from a safe distance). As always, if you have questions or concerns, you are in need of pastor care or visit, or if you just want to talk – PLEASE CALL ME!
Until then…
The Peace of Jesus Christ be with you!
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Vanessa Smith
Pastor
Learn More
Please review our Safety Protocols before arriving for in-person worship. They can be found by clicking the button below.
Your cooperation is much appreciated and necessary! Thank you!
LISTEN TO SERMONS & view RECENT WORSHIP SERVICES
April 12, 2020 Easter Worship Jesus Christ is RISEN!
April 12, 2020 Easter Worship Jesus Christ is RISEN!
April 12, 2020 Easter Worship Jesus Christ is RISEN!
Jesus Christ is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!
Easter Sunday Remote Worship
April 12, 2020 @ 9 am via Facebook LIVE.
View it here: https://youtu.be/mF5E6tGUJu4
Featuring "How the Virus Stole Easter"
by Kristi Bothur (with a nod to Dr. Seuss)
View a special Children's Message here
A reading of "God Gave Us Easter"
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
May 3, 2020 Worship Service
April 12, 2020 Easter Worship Jesus Christ is RISEN!
April 12, 2020 Easter Worship Jesus Christ is RISEN!
May 3, 2020 Worship Service broadcast on Facebook Live.
Pastor Smith preaches "Jesus Calling" based on Psalm 23 and John 10:1-11
You can view it here: https://youtu.be/mJo6uevDVU0
May 10, 2020 Worship Service
April 12, 2020 Easter Worship Jesus Christ is RISEN!
May 10, 2020 Worship Service
May 10, 2020 Mother's Day Service
Use the link below to listen to this week's worship service. Sermon "Mothering Ones based on Luke 10:38-42 by Rev. Vanessa Smith Use the Link below to watch the video
May 17, 2020 Worship Service
May 24, 2020 Ascension Sunday
May 10, 2020 Worship Service
Remote worship service aired LIVE on Facebook May 17, 2020 Sermon by Rev. Vanessa Smith based on Acts 17:22-31 and John 14:15-21
Service video available here:
(please excuse the hat and glasses, I accidentally added a filter to the video)
Bulletin available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s3fyNavP-VmXmHasyjWgqTrTig4zHr4L/view?usp=sharing
May 24, 2020 Ascension Sunday
May 24, 2020 Ascension Sunday
May 24, 2020 Ascension Sunday
Remote Worship Service May 24, 2020 @ 11 am. Ascension Sunday Sermon on Luke 24:44-53 and Acts 1:1-11
by Rev. Vanessa Smith
Watch the service video here:
Print out the bulletin here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YnnmlMNNsblcIZLCqbljaedaMNkiJxkH/view?usp=sharing
May 31, 2020 Pentecost Sunday
May 24, 2020 Ascension Sunday
May 24, 2020 Ascension Sunday
May 31, 2020 Pentecost Worship Service at HPC streamed on Facebook Live
Sermon "The Birth of a New Day" by Rev. Vanessa Smith based on John 20:19-23 and Acts 2:1-21
Watch the service video here:
Print out the bulletin here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WcdOKDSQaNbHvHBQIlItOrrtSh_KEyos/view?usp=sharing
UPCOMING EVENTS
FREE COMMUNITY DINNER
COMMUNITY EASTER PARTY
FREE COMMUNITY DINNER
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL!
Join us Tuesday February 25th 5:30-7pm for BAKED POTATO BAR with Chili and ALL the fixins. ALL-U-CAN-EAT! (while supplies last) Eat in only. All are welcome! Bring and neighbor. Bring a friend!
Jesus calls us to feed the hungry and welcome the stranger, saying:
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these … you did it to me.” (Mt.25:40)
FREE BLESSING BOX
COMMUNITY EASTER PARTY
FREE COMMUNITY DINNER
Are you hungry? Visit our new Blessing Box! Stocked with a variety of shelf-stable foods and toiletries. Everything is FREE.
Take what you need -- Give what you can.
If you have shelf-stable food to share--Donations are gladly accepted!
This ministry is supported BY the community FOR the community.
COMMUNITY EASTER PARTY
COMMUNITY EASTER PARTY
COMMUNITY EASTER PARTY
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our annual Community Easter Party has been postponed until further notice Check back for date and time.
COMMUNITY EASTER PARTY
Join us for a play about the True Meaning of Easter, visits with the Easter Bunny, and a GIANT EGG HUNT with PRIZES.
All are Welcome! Off-street parking.
Meet the Pastor
Hello! I'm Rev. Vanessa Smith, but my friends call me "Pastor V." I did my undergraduate studies at WVU and received a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. In 2017, I accepted God's call to pastor HPC and WHAT A BLESSING IT HAS BEEN!
I'd love to hear from you!
Ministries
Mountaineer Disciples
Love Your Neighbor Giveaway
Mountaineer Disciples
The Mountaineer Disciples are a group of cognitively challenged adults who meet weekly at HPC for Bible study and activities.
Youth Ministries
Love Your Neighbor Giveaway
Mountaineer Disciples
Faith can be fun! Mission projects and mission trips are currently being planned. We don't currently meet on a set schedule so events and gatherings are communicated through Sunday announcements.
Love Your Neighbor Giveaway
Love Your Neighbor Giveaway
Love Your Neighbor Giveaway
Yes, there are pews under all those clothes! During Hedgesville Heritage Days (traditionally the first Saturday in October) we will host a Community Closet offering FREE clothing to anyone who needs it.
GROW TO SHARE
Other Ministries
Love Your Neighbor Giveaway
GROW TO SHARE is a ministry of HACC -- Hedgesville Area Community of Churches. The purpose of this ministry is to provide fresh produce to area families through the Loaves and Fishes ministry.
Loaves & Fishes
Other Ministries
Other Ministries
Loaves and Fishes is a ministry of the churches of Hedgesville and hosted by Hedgesville United Methodist Church (our neighbor). This ministry provides food to folks who need it. Distribution is monthly on the 4th Friday of the Month.
Other Ministries
Other Ministries
Other Ministries
HPC supports many ministries and outreach programs by partnering with other churches and organizations in the Hedgesville/Martinsburg area that serve to show God's love for all.