We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
December 10, 2020
Dear Hilmar Covenant Family,
What a crazy year 2020 has become. In the midst of a global pandemic, a crazy and contentious election season, and Church Council, Senior Pastor and Worship Pastor transitions, Hilmar Covenant has been forced to face change and all of its consequences. We have adapted well to Livestream, outdoor church and indoor church with modifications. Rooted and KidSpace, our youth and children's ministries, have adapted well, providing significant ministry to our younger generations. We appreciate the many servants and leaders it takes to embark on this journey successfully.
This Sunday, December 13, is the scheduled date for our annual congregation meeting. In the midst of this pandemic, many churches and even our denomination and conference offices have had to adjust these annual gatherings to ensure people remain safe. The Evangelical Covenant Church and the Pacific Southwest Conference decided to postpone their annual gatherings for a year. However, we do not think that is a wise move for Hilmar Covenant in the midst of our many transitions. Instead, we are breaking our Congregation Meeting into two stages.
Stage One of our 2020 Congregation Meeting will begin this Sunday when we open our voting for our 2021 Annual Budget and our slate of Church Council Nominees. We are distributing abbreviated Annual Reports via email and a download from hilmarcovenant.org. For those members who do not have internet, we will have limited printed copies of the reports available through the church office. If you need someone to deliver these, or need to have them mailed to you, please call Beth in the church office at (209) 668-0400.
Beginning Tuesday, December 15, ballots will also be available in the office between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can drop by and vote in person (wearing masks and spacially distanced), or you can pick up ballots and send them back via mail once completed. Again, if you are at high risk of being adversely affected by COViD, you may call the office at (209) 668-0400 and we will make sure ballots are delivered or mailed to you. All ballots need to be received by the end of day on December 31st to be counted.
Stage Two of our Congregation Meeting will occur as soon as possible in 2021 when we can gather together face-to-face and celebrate the many blessings of God. We believe that the relational, fellowship aspect of a congregation meeting would be lost in a virtual gathering. If you have questions, comments, or any input for the Council or staff, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
In this season when we celebrate the Light of the World coming into the darkness that seems to engulf us, may our Lord continue to be our hope and refuge during this strange and unprecedented time.
In Christ's Light and Peace,
Ed Montague, Council Chair
Bud Locke, Transitional Pastor
Download the 2020 Annual Report here.