Good morning from Hillsdale Baptist Church!

The pastoral staff has been planning for a traditional Palm Sunday observance, but of course, without you being physically present for our worship services. Nothing can replace our church family being together; however, we have determined to reach out to you through the means available to us at www.HillsdaleBaptist.org and Hillsdale’s public Facebook Page.

There was quite a debate this past week over whether or not churches should congregate and exercise our constitutional religious liberty; this in spite of the cautions of our federal, state, and county officials. While my desire to be together is strong, my love for you as a shepherd in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis is overwhelming to protect you, your family, and loved ones from unnecessary exposure. In my opinion, this is not a religious liberty issue, but a case of integrity with our community and common sense. I assure you that I will be among the first to stand up and speak out for our constitutional liberties.

We continue our virtual worship ministry this morning at 9:45 AM with Justin Jarrett, our youth pastor, bringing a Teen Bible Study titled, “Make Those Changes, Because the Mirror Doesn’t Lie”, from James 1:19-25.

An interlude of recordings from Hillsdale’s choir and musicians will follow at 10:15-10:30 AM.

You are invited to join Hillsdale’s pastoral staff for our Palm Sunday worship service that begins at 10:30 AM.

After a brief greeting and time of prayer, the pastoral staff will lead in a full service of congregational music songs sheets for 4 5 2020, special music with Pastor Armstrong and his daughter Jenna singing “Jerusalem,” and the staff singing “Almighty, Unchangeable God.”

I look forward to preaching a message titled, “Journey to the Cross” and invite you to print out the extended sermon outline listing the events of the week leading up to the Cross.  I will begin with Christ’s final passage from Jericho (Matthew 20) and close with the prophecy of Zechariah Jesus fulfilled in His triumphant entrance to Jerusalem.

I am attaching a link for a PDF copy of today’s student outline and invite you to print it out for use during the 10:30 AM service at www.HillsdaleBaptist.org.

01 – Journey to the Cross – Timeline student blank

Don’t forget: In addition to my daily devotional commentaries (today’s will be posted this afternoon), Family Pastor Eric Peterman and ministry intern Thomas Simpson are posting brief “Hot Shot” video clips for children on Hillsdale’s Facebook page. You are invited to check them out!

With the heart of a shepherd,

Pastor Travis D. Smith

Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith