| HFA Weekly Newsletter 1.25.2026 |
| There is something sacred about the first snowfall.The world slows down. Noise is softened. Rough edges are covered. What was once ordinary suddenly becomes beautiful. Streets, fields, rooftops—everything looks new again beneath a blanket of white. Snow has a way of reminding us that God still speaks in quiet ways. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18 |
A Picture of Grace
Snow does not argue with the ground beneath it. It simply falls—freely, gently, generously. In the same way, God’s grace is not earned; it is given. It covers what is broken, worn, and stained, and declares it clean. Winter shows us that God is never absent, even when things seem still or cold. Beneath the snow, life is being protected, prepared, and preserved for what is to come.
God at Work in the Stillness
Snow invites us to pause. To breathe. To listen. To notice.
In Scripture, God often does His deepest work in quiet seasons—when hearts are still enough to hear Him. Snowy days remind us that rest is holy and waiting is not wasted.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
A Call to Reflect
As you look out at the white landscape today, let it stir your heart: Where might God be offering you a fresh start? What burdens is He inviting you to lay down? How can you reflect His purity, peace, and grace to others?
A Prayer for the Season
Lord, thank You for the beauty You paint across your creation. As the world grows quiet after the snow has feallen, help us to hear Your voice more clearly. Cover our hearts with Your grace. Renew our spirits. Teach us to trust You in every season. Amen.
A Note from the Pastor
Dear HFA Family,
As we move further into this new year, I am struck by the beauty of the season God has placed us in. It is a season of expectation. To live with expectation is not merely to wait for time to pass; it is to wait with a “stretched-out neck,” eagerly looking for where God is already moving.
Whether you are in a mountaintop moment or a valley of testing, remember that our God is a promise-keeper. I want to personally challenge each of you to remain steadfast in your daily Bible reading. The Word of God is not just a book of history; it is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).
When we neglect the Scriptures, we try to fight spiritual battles on an empty stomach. I encourage you to set aside even fifteen minutes this week to sit with the Word. Let it anchor your soul and sharpen your vision for what He is doing in your life.
The world around us can feel turbulent, but our foundation is unshakable. To stay strong in faith means to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of it all. Strength doesn’t always look like a loud victory; sometimes, it is the quiet resolve to trust God one more day. If you feel weary, lean into the grace that is sufficient for you. You are not walking this path alone.
Finally, I am so excited about our upcoming Marriage Weekend on February 7th (9-noon) and 8th. Marriage is one of the most profound mirrors of Christ’s love for the Church, yet it requires intentional cultivation.
Whether you have been married for five months or fifty years, we invite you to join us for this special time of refreshment, laughter, and biblical teaching. Let’s make the choice to invest in our homes so that they may be beacons of light in our community.
Expect great things from God this week. We are praying for you, and we can’t wait to see how He moves in our midst.
Be The One,
Pastor Shannon
We will be looking at Chapter 17 of Genesis on January 11. I am sending questions over Chapter 18 in the event we finish Chapter 17.
Genesis 18-20
- Who came to visit Abraham in V1 & 2?
- Did Abraham recognize them; and, how do we know?
- What did Abraham serve them?
- What was their message to Abraham?
- What was Sarah’s response?
- What question does verse 14 ask?
- Do you have a situation in your life that you should ask, Is anything too hard for God?
- Have you ever felt the need, as Sarah did, do deny a response you may have had to a promise God gave you?
- In verse 19, what confidence did God show in Abraham’s parenting skills?
- God told Abraham what was to happen to Sodom. List the regression of the numberof righteous people Abraham hoped to find.
- Chapter 19 Who visited Lot in v1?
- The angels were going to stay with Lot. Describe the actions of the men of the town.
- What wicked offer did Lot make in order to spare the angels?
- How did the angels protect Lot from the men of the city?
- Did Lot have any influence over his sons-in-law?
- In v 10 & 16, the angels show a remarkable act of mercy toward Lot when they physically lead Lot and his family from Sodom. Can you find any other place in the Bible where an angel physically took anyone by the hand and led them to satety?
- Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?
- What happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back?
- Verses 30-38, of Ch 19 record some of the most despicable acts in scriptures. What two groups of people were the results of these wicked acts?
- Chapter 20 In verse 6, the phrase; For I also witheld thee from sinning against me, is very encouraging to me. What does it mean to you?
- The first prayer of healing is prayed in v17. What was the healing?
The “Story of Redemption” Annual Plan
Quarter 1: Foundations & The Covenant
January: The Beginnings. Genesis and Job. (See the creation of the world and the oldest questions of human suffering).
February: Deliverance. Exodus and Leviticus. (The escape from Egypt and the blueprint for holiness).
March: The Wilderness. Numbers and Deuteronomy. (Lessons on faithfulness and preparing to enter the promised land).
Quarter 2: Kingdoms & Wisdom
April: Possession & Judges. Joshua, Judges, Ruth. (The struggle for the land and the need for a King).
May: The United Kingdom. 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles. (The lives of Saul, David, and Solomon).
June: Heart & Soul. Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. (Taking a break from history to focus on prayer and wisdom).
Quarter 3: Exile & The Prophets
July: The Divided Kingdom. 1 & 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles. (The rise and fall of Israel and Judah).
August: Major Prophets. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations. (Warnings of judgment and promises of a future Savior).
September: Minor Prophets & Return. Ezekiel, Daniel, and the “Book of the Twelve” (Hosea–Malachi).
Quarter 4: The Messiah & The Church
October: The Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. (The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus).
November: The Early Church. Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians. (The spread of the Gospel and the core of Christian doctrine).
December: The Epistles & Revelation. Ephesians through Jude, and Revelation. (Instructions for living and the ultimate hope of Christ’s return).
3 Tips for “Meaningful” Reading
1. The “One Verse” Rule: Don’t just read to check a box. Every day, pick one verse that stood out and write it down or meditate on it during your commute/lunch.
2. Use a “Bridge” Prayer: Before you open the book, pray: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm 119:18).
3. Don’t Panic if You Fall Behind: If you miss three days, don’t try to read 12 chapters in one sitting. Just start where you are today. The goal is transformation, not just completion.
Week 6 – “The Light Breaks Through”
Only 19 Days Until Christmas!
“The true Light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” — John 1:9
A Note from the Pastor
Dear HFA Family,
We’ve officially stepped into December — the month where excitement rises, calendars fill up, and hearts begin to lean in toward the miracle of Christmas. And now, with only 19 days left, we continue our countdown with anticipation and wonder.
For centuries, the world waited in darkness for the promised Messiah. But the moment Jesus entered the world, light broke through.
Not the soft glow of a candle, but a light strong enough to shatter sin, silence fear, and bring hope to the broken.
As we move deeper into this Advent season, let’s look for the Light of Christ breaking through in our own lives — in our homes, in our church, in our hearts.
Be The One with hope and joy,
Pastor Shannon
Countdown Focus: “The Light Breaks Through”
Advent reminds us that God doesn’t wait for perfect conditions to work — He breaks into the darkness right where we are.
Three Truths This Week:
1. Jesus Brings Light Into Our Dark Places.
Whether it’s fear, worry, or weariness, the light of Christ reaches places nothing else can.
Christmas isn’t just a celebration — it’s an invasion of hope.
2. Light Always Wins Over Darkness.
John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Darkness can resist, but it cannot defeat Jesus.
3. We Are Called to Carry His Light.
As Christmas approaches, your smile, your words, your kindness may be the light someone desperately needs.
This season isn’t about shining on our own, but reflecting His glory.
Scripture Focus This Week
- John 1:1–14
- Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come…”
- Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world…”
Spend a few minutes this week sitting in quiet — maybe by the glow of your Christmas tree — and thank Jesus for being the Light that never dims.
Church Announcements:
- Series Continues – “Breaking the Silence”
- December 14 will be our kids church Christmas program.
Reflection for the Week
The world may feel dark, busy, or heavy —
but the message of Christmas is simple and unchanging:
The Light has come.
The Light is here.
The Light is breaking through.
As we count down the final 19 days, keep your eyes open.
You’ll see the light of Christ in places you never expected.
We will be looking at Genesis Chapter 12 this Sunday. We will meet Abram in this lesson and will study God’s covenant with Abram. Here are some questions covering this text. Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!
Genesis Chapters 11 and 12
- According to 11:4, what did man intend to build?
- What was God’s assessment of man’s capabilities in 11:6?
- What did God do to disable man’s endeavor?
- Who were Terah’s three sons?
- What was Abram’s wife’s name?
- Terah, Abram, Lot and Sarai left ________ and ________ at God’s command.
FYI: The end of Chapter 11 marks the end of the Dispensation of Human Government.
Chapter 12:1 is the first mention we have of God conversing with Abram. We really don’t know how familiar Abram was with God at this point, if at all. Regardless, a lot of faith in God was required by Abram for him to pick up his family and leave his home to go to a land he knew nothing about.
- Chapter 12:2-3 is one of the most foundational scriptures in the Bible. It is God’s promise to Abraham. What seven things did God promise Abram?
- Did Abram move on God’s promise? Do you move on God’s promises?
- After Abram moved on God’s promise, the Lord appeared to Abram. What did God say to Abram?
- What was Abram’s response to God’s promise in 12:7?
- Did God instruct Abram to go to Egypt in search of relief from the famine? Have you ever sought for a solution to your problem without getting direction from God?
- Abram ended up in a country out of God’s will. What was his next mistake?
- Have you ever noticed when you make a decision out of God’s will, it begins to snowball on you?
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
— Luke 2:10
A Note from the Pastor
As the days grow shorter and Thanksgiving draws near, we find ourselves standing on the edge of one of the most joyful seasons of the year. The Christmas lights are beginning to appear, and soon we’ll hear carols that remind us of the night heaven touched earth.
But before the celebration begins, we find ourselves in a season of waiting — waiting for gatherings, waiting for Christmas morning, waiting for promises fulfilled. Waiting isn’t always easy. Yet in God’s kingdom, waiting is never wasted.
It’s in the waiting that our faith grows and our hearts learn to trust. That’s why this week’s focus in our Countdown to Christmas is Joy in the Waiting. Because even when the answer hasn’t come, and the prayer isn’t yet fulfilled, we can still rejoice — not because everything is perfect, but because God is present.
Be The One with joy and anticipation,
Pastor Shannon
Countdown Thought: Joy in the Waiting
When the angel appeared to the shepherds, the message wasn’t “Be happy because life is easy.”
It was “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
True joy doesn’t come from circumstances — it comes from Christ. And sometimes, it’s in the waiting that we discover that most deeply.
Here’s how we can practice joy this week:
Choose Joy Daily.
Joy isn’t a mood — it’s a mindset. Wake up and thank God for one thing before anything else
Stay Prayerful in the Waiting.
Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us to bring everything to God in prayer. When we pray with thanksgiving, peace follows.
Spread Joy to Others.
Send a card, make a call, or serve someone in need. When we share joy, it multiplies. Even when life feels uncertain, we can still say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Scripture Focus:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” — Romans 15:13
Take time this week to reflect on the ways God has shown His faithfulness in your past. Joy grows when we remember that the same God who was faithful before will be faithful again.
Church Announcements
Thanksgiving Sunday – November 23th:
Join us as we gather for a special time of worship and gratitude. It’s the perfect way to begin the Advent season with thankful hearts.
Advent Series Begins November 30th:
Invite your friends and family to our Christmas series: “Breaking The Silence.” This Christmas series examines Jesus’ arrival after the “four hundred years of silence.” You will be encouraged to worship God for his faithfulness and trust in Jesus’ assured return.
There will be no Sunday Night services during the month of December. Take this time and spend it with your family and friends celebrating our King!
Don’t forget to pick up your awesome HFA apparel if you ordered it. You must pay for it before receiving it.
Reflection for the Week
Joy is not the absence of hardship — it’s the presence of Jesus.
As we count down to Christmas, let’s not rush past the waiting. Let’s rejoice in it.
Because even in the in-between moments, God is working, hearts are softening, and His promise is still true:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6)
So, keep your eyes lifted and your heart joyful —
Christmas is coming, and so is the Light of the World.
We finished Genesis Chapter 6 last week and will begin in Chapter 7 on November 16. Here are the questions covering Chapters 7 and 8. Looking forward to seeing you Sunday morning!
The Flood: Genesis 7-8
Please answer each question and list scripture reference.
What groups of animals entered the ark by sevens? What group entered by twos?
How many days and nights did God say it would rain? For what purpose was it to rain?
In verse 11, from what two sources did the water come?
Who shut Noah and his family and the animals in the ark?
Read verse 16-22 from: The Lord shut him in until: and all that was in dry land died. Describe, in your own words, the scene on the earth as the waters climbed the tallest peaks and the ark floated off in safety.
How many days were the waters upon the earth?
Where did the ark rest at the end of the flood?
How many times did Noah send out a bird?
What symbol of life did the third bird bring back to Noah?
FYI: 8:14 marks the end of the second dispensation, Conscience. 8:15 marks the beginning of the third dispensation, Human Government.
What was the first thing Noah did after leaving the ark?
What did God conclude about the imagination of man’s heart?
“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.”
— Luke 3:4
A Note from the Pastor
Can you believe we’re already in the middle of November? Thanksgiving is almost here, and right behind it — Christmas! Decorations are going up, plans are being made, and before we know it, the calendar will turn to December.
But before the rush of the season sweeps us away, let’s pause for a moment. The second week of November is a perfect time to begin preparing our hearts for what Christmas is really about — not the presents, but His presence.
As John the Baptist once said, “Prepare the way for the Lord.” That’s our calling too — to make room for Jesus in our lives, homes, and hearts.
So as we continue our Countdown to Christmas, let’s not just count the days — let’s make the days count.
Be The One with love and anticipation,
Pastor Shannon
Countdown Thought: Preparing the Way
When John the Baptist began preaching, he wasn’t just talking about clearing a road; he was talking about clearing the heart. Our world is noisy, busy, and full of distractions — and it’s easy to let that noise crowd out the quiet joy of Christ. Preparing for Christmas isn’t about perfect decorations or finding the best gifts. It’s about making space for Jesus in our everyday lives.
Here’s how we can begin:
Slow down before the season speeds up.
Take a few moments each day for prayer and Scripture. Even five minutes can re-center your heart.
Notice God’s blessings now.
Before we rush into Christmas lists, let’s make a gratitude list. What has God done in your life this year?
Reach out in love.
Maybe “preparing the way” means forgiving someone, encouraging a friend, or serving a neighbor in need.
When we do these things, we’re not just counting down to Christmas — we’re inviting Christ to come closer.
Scripture Assignment
Take a few moments this week to read Luke 1–2. Ask God to show you something new about the miracle of Jesus’ coming.
Reflection for the Week
As we move through these final weeks of November, remember: Christmas isn’t something we rush to — it’s something we prepare for.
So let’s begin the countdown not with stress, but with stillness.
Let’s quiet our hearts, lift our eyes, and get ready for the greatest story ever told —the moment when Heaven came to Earth and God’s love took on flesh
Nov 1, 2025
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
Isaiah 9:2
A Note from the Pastor
It’s hard to believe it’s already November! The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and soon the sounds of Christmas will fill the world around us. While stores are setting out decorations and holiday ads are everywhere, this is also a powerful time for us as believers to prepare our hearts for what Christmas truly means.
This year, each week’s newsletter until Christmas will be your invitation to join me in a “Countdown to Christmas.” Over the next several weeks, let’s intentionally focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love that came into the world when Jesus was born.
Before we rush into the hustle and bustle of December, November gives us a chance to slow down and look up. It’s the perfect time to realign our hearts with Christ — to remember that Christmas isn’t just a day on the calendar, but a story that changes everything.
Let’s begin the countdown together — one week, one prayer, and one act of love at a time.
Be The One with anticipation,
Pastor Shannon
The Countdown to Christmas Starts Now
1. Begin with Gratitude
Before the tinsel and trees, let’s start with thankfulness. November reminds us that a grateful heart prepares the way for a joyful Christmas.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1
Take time this week to thank God not just for what you have, but for who He is — the Giver of every good gift.
2. Watch for His Light
Time changes tonight, so as the days grow shorter and the nights darker, we are reminded of the promise that a light has come into the world. Jesus brings light into every shadow, hope into every hardship.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” – John 1:9
Ask God to shine His light in your life this month — in your home, your work, and your relationships.
3. Prepare Your Heart Early
Advent doesn’t start until December, but spiritual preparation begins now. Use this first week of November to refocus your priorities and make room for Jesus.
“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” – Luke 3:4
Maybe that means letting go of busyness, or carving out time each day to read Scripture. Whatever it looks like for you, start preparing now.
Church Announcements
- Tomorrow Night Sunday November 2:
Fireside Fellowship 5pm, Firepit, Hotdogs, Smores, and games for all ages. If you want to bring chili for the hotdogs you are more than welcome to do so. - Tomorrow we will be announcing something special we will be doing instead our regular Thanksgiving Giveback. It be just as special, I promise.
- Thanksgiving Series “I Give Thanks” starts tomorrow November 2.
This series looks at the thanksgiving prayers in Paul’s epistles and uses four different points of thanks that Paul offers to God as a way to inspire gratitude and praise in our hearts as we enter the Thanksgiving and holiday season.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Final Thought
November is more than just a month of falling leaves and pumpkin pie — it’s the doorway to the miracle of Christmas. As we step through it, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Light of the World.
The countdown has begun… (54 days till Christmas) and it starts right now, with a grateful heart and an eager spirit.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, we’re reminded that life is made up of seasons—both in nature and in our walk with God. Just as we can’t rush spring or hold back autumn, we can’t always control the seasons of our lives. But what we can do is trust the One who holds every season in His hands.
Maybe you’re in a season of growth, where God is planting new dreams in your heart. Or maybe you’re in a season of pruning, where He’s gently removing what no longer bears fruit. Some of us might be in a season of rest, where God says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
No matter what season you find yourself in, remember this: every season has a purpose. Every change carries a promise. And through it all, God remains faithful.
As a church, we too are moving through seasons. We’ve seen God bring new faces, stir up new ministries, and breathe fresh life into familiar places. With each change, He is preparing us for what’s next—calling us to deeper unity, greater faith, and renewed passion for His mission.
So let’s embrace this season together. Let’s thank God for what He’s done and trust Him for what’s to come. Because even when the seasons change… our God never does.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Be The One,
Pastor Shannon
A Note from Pastor’s Desk:
Church family, as we enter this new season, I’m filled with gratitude for each of you. I see God at work in so many ways—through your faithfulness, your service, and your love for one another. My prayer is that we won’t just watch this season change, but that we’ll grow through it together. Let’s continue to seek God’s will and stay sensitive to what He’s doing among us. Be The One, because the best is still ahead!