"From the Pastor's Heart"

     As the new Shepherd at Higher Ground Christian Church in Afton, I will be writing thoughts from my heart to yours, on our web page. 

Anytime you would like to respond or inquire of me, please email me at  hgcc777@gmail.com  I would welcome hearing from you. Please include your full name when communicating, thank you. I pray you will be blessed by an intimate relationship with Jesus as you learn of Him, seek His face, and keep your heart fixed upon Him. Godspeed.    

~Pastor Mary 

     As we are in a season of Thanksgivng and headed for a year of "new beginnings", I would like to take some thoughtful time and say, "thank you Body of Christ at Higher Ground Christian Church". You truly are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." ( I Peter 2:9) And as it is clear that "the end of all things is at hand; be ye sober, and watch unto prayer."  It is important that we follow these words, BUT ABOVE ALL THINGS.....HAVE FERVENT CHARITY AMONG YOURSELVES". ( I Peter 4:7-8) As your Pastor, it is clear to me you have followed this gospel of truth and as your Shepherd I just want you to know I am touched by your kindness and your love, not only to me, but to one another. When our eyes and hearts are fixed on Jesus we can assuredly know before Him we have pure hearts. He looks upon the heart, man looks upon outward appearance. Clearly Jesus reminded us how we could know a disciple, it is by his "love". Therefore we must always be mindful that our motivations are from a pure heart of love. Faith works by love, without it we have hindered our faith. Jesus asked if He would find faith in the heart of man when He returns. Body of Christ at HGCC, let Him find faith in us when He returns. I love you all sincerely as I love the Lord and press on with you for His purposes.

     This past year we have had many Holy Spirit times together. We have had many successes and have seen first hand what God will do when we surrender to His way and not our own. We have had the privilege of ministering to new Body members, to see broken people made whole, to see hearts healed as if tender reeds restored, to stand in awe of who God is and worship together in His Holy Presence. We have had opportunity to be living water and serve the thirsty. We have seen the Lord heal, restore, improve, and build a Holy People for His name sake. We will continue to grow, to build, to replenish, to worship, to praise, to love, to testify of His Holy Name, as a community of believer's called in the end time "to stand" and having done all "stand". So, thank you Body of Christ at HGCC for standing when it wasn't easy to stand, for standing when it would have been easier to quit, for standing when it felt the weariness was too heavy, "THANK YOU" for standing. What we have today is because you didn't quit. The joy of the Lord that is our strength is because you didn't quit. The peace of God that is with us is because you didn't quit. The love that we share is because you didn't quit. So from my heart to yours, thank you for not quitting and for pressing on with purpose and in His love. And we,  together,  will continue to run the race with purpose, and press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. I love you all,  Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Season now and through out the new year!

 

                                         ~~~Pastor Mary

We're Here
For You!

Physical Address
Higher Ground
Christian Church
96 East Main St.
Afton, NY 13730

Mailing Address
96 East Main St.
Afton, NY 13730 

Phone: 607-639-3746
Fax: 607-639-3746
Email: hgcc777@gmail.com

For Directions to our Church
Click Here 

Services also at: 
Higher Ground Christian Church
in Addison, NY
(outside of Corning, NY)
108 Front St.
Addison, NY 14801
(607) 222-7545

Please call for  
service times and
information

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