Blog https://www.hbc-boise.org Thu, 28 Mar 2024 03:52:05 -0600 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Sam Rotman in concert https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/sam-rotman-in-concert https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/sam-rotman-in-concert#comments Sat, 05 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0600 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/sam-rotman-in-concert Join us at 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 24th for a concert with accomplished pianist Sam Rotman.  

samrotmanMr. Rotman received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School in New York City. While a student, he was the recipient of nine awards in the form of grants, scholarships, and prizes. Today Mr. Rotman is a member of The Augustus D. Juilliard Society at the Juilliard School.  Subsequently, he has been among the winners in five piano competitions, both in the United States and Europe.

Mr. Rotman has devoted a specific area of his musical life to the study and performance of the works of Beethoven. Beginning with a series of all Beethoven concerts in 1970 (the Beethoven bi-centennial), he was presented on Public Broadcast System in a special Beethoven concert. Mr. Rotman continues to perform the works of Beethoven in recital and with orchestra.

Growing up in in a very religious Jewish family, he was bar mitzvahed at 13 and confirmed at 15, and was faithful in his morning prayers. Besides formal worship on Friday nights and Saturday mornings, he attended religious education classes 5 days a week for 8 years, and was deeply committed to his faith. However, on May 21, 1971 he realized that he could no longer hide his sinful life from God.  For the first time, he prayed to God in Jesus’ name to forgive him of his sins, and to take his life, and make him His. When he finished praying, he knew that God had heard and answered his prayers.  "I was completely changed.  God cleansed my heart."

Please consider joining us for a time of remarkable performance and testimony.  Please note that due to the immersive nature of this performance, our typical live-stream will not be available.

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Join us at 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 24th for a concert with accomplished pianist Sam Rotman.  

samrotmanMr. Rotman received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School in New York City. While a student, he was the recipient of nine awards in the form of grants, scholarships, and prizes. Today Mr. Rotman is a member of The Augustus D. Juilliard Society at the Juilliard School.  Subsequently, he has been among the winners in five piano competitions, both in the United States and Europe.

Mr. Rotman has devoted a specific area of his musical life to the study and performance of the works of Beethoven. Beginning with a series of all Beethoven concerts in 1970 (the Beethoven bi-centennial), he was presented on Public Broadcast System in a special Beethoven concert. Mr. Rotman continues to perform the works of Beethoven in recital and with orchestra.

Growing up in in a very religious Jewish family, he was bar mitzvahed at 13 and confirmed at 15, and was faithful in his morning prayers. Besides formal worship on Friday nights and Saturday mornings, he attended religious education classes 5 days a week for 8 years, and was deeply committed to his faith. However, on May 21, 1971 he realized that he could no longer hide his sinful life from God.  For the first time, he prayed to God in Jesus’ name to forgive him of his sins, and to take his life, and make him His. When he finished praying, he knew that God had heard and answered his prayers.  "I was completely changed.  God cleansed my heart."

Please consider joining us for a time of remarkable performance and testimony.  Please note that due to the immersive nature of this performance, our typical live-stream will not be available.

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Facility Planning https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/facility-planning https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/facility-planning#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0700 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/facility-planning The Building Committee, in conjunction with the Elders and Deacons, began a process to evaluate how to make the best use of the physical plant God has provided with an eye toward growth over the next 10-20 years. The plan includes both long-term needs and short-term needs. This includes (but is not limited to) additional classrooms, an elevator and stair to connect the two floors, expanded administrative and counseling areas, a central kitchen, multi-purpose space for fellowship times, and and expanded sanctuary with 500-seat capacity.

Learn more about these plans on our Facility Planning page - where you can review documents from the architects and read responses to commonly asked questions.

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The Building Committee, in conjunction with the Elders and Deacons, began a process to evaluate how to make the best use of the physical plant God has provided with an eye toward growth over the next 10-20 years. The plan includes both long-term needs and short-term needs. This includes (but is not limited to) additional classrooms, an elevator and stair to connect the two floors, expanded administrative and counseling areas, a central kitchen, multi-purpose space for fellowship times, and and expanded sanctuary with 500-seat capacity.

Learn more about these plans on our Facility Planning page - where you can review documents from the architects and read responses to commonly asked questions.

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August 2021 COVID-19 Protocol Update https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/august-2021-covid-19-protocol-update https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/august-2021-covid-19-protocol-update#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0600 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/august-2021-covid-19-protocol-update First, the conclusion: It is our policy to continue to hold worship services and other church activities without requiring masks, social distancing, or vaccinations. The following comments reflect several factors weighed in arriving at this policy. 

● The inconsistency of “expert” and governmental sources is profound. It is the responsibility of the elders of each local church to decide how best to minister to the flock of God, and our authority is the Bible. Unless we are presented with a genuine, immediate and obvious public health risk, we will continue to meet in person according to the above policy.

● We stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters in Christ who have been and are being persecuted for the sole reason of gathering in person. In many places, health mandates have been abused, and are still being abused to limit or shut down churches. Some churches have been closed, some have had property seized, and pastors and other leaders have been given huge fines and/or jailed. In Canada, some churches have been driven to meeting underground in the name of public safety despite none of them being responsible for outbreaks of Covid 19 or any other disease. The constant exhortation of the pastors who have been fined or imprisoned is “open your churches.”

● Covid 19 is serious, but is not the lethal threat of widespread death we were led to expect when government leaders chose to shut down most public activity. In a tiny percentage of cases, Covid 19 has led to death. In most of those cases, other medical issues of “co-morbidity” have been present. We minister with the compassion of Christ to those who are ill to any extent, and we grieve with those who grieve. 

● Much human suffering has been caused by shutdowns. The spiritual impact of restricting church activities outweighs the supposed value of isolating people,  requiring masks or requiring vaccinations. 

● There is no such thing as “no-risk” activity. We deem the risks posed by Covid 19 to be well worth the blessings of in-person ministry. If at any time it becomes apparent that our gatherings pose a significant health risk to our church family, because of Covid 19 or any other infectious disease, we will follow prudent guidelines to mitigate the risk. 

● We believe it is up to individuals, businesses and churches to determine Covid 19 policies, not the responsibility of government to mandate “one size fits all” orders.

● We recommend you exercise discretion regarding personal contact such as handshakes and hugs, according to your conscience.

General Comments

● We respect individual convictions concerning vaccinations. The Bible neither prescribes nor proscribes receiving vaccinations. Therefore it is not a sin to receive vaccinations, nor is it a sin to reject vaccinations. It is always a sin to judge fellow believers with different convictions on non-Biblical issues. It is not a sin to wear a mask, nor is it a sin not to wear a mask, but it is always a sin to speak against one another. Spreading the gospel, corporate worship, and building up one another in the faith are more important than anyone's personal convictions about wearing a mask or receiving a vaccination.

● We urge you to join in-person worship and other activities as soon as you are able. We cannot practice the “one another” commands of the Bible in isolation, so please don't stay away unless it is for medical reasons. We will do all we can to minister to those with medical conditions which require them to remain isolated. 

 In His Service,

Heritage Bible Church Elders and Deacons

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First, the conclusion: It is our policy to continue to hold worship services and other church activities without requiring masks, social distancing, or vaccinations. The following comments reflect several factors weighed in arriving at this policy. 

● The inconsistency of “expert” and governmental sources is profound. It is the responsibility of the elders of each local church to decide how best to minister to the flock of God, and our authority is the Bible. Unless we are presented with a genuine, immediate and obvious public health risk, we will continue to meet in person according to the above policy.

● We stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters in Christ who have been and are being persecuted for the sole reason of gathering in person. In many places, health mandates have been abused, and are still being abused to limit or shut down churches. Some churches have been closed, some have had property seized, and pastors and other leaders have been given huge fines and/or jailed. In Canada, some churches have been driven to meeting underground in the name of public safety despite none of them being responsible for outbreaks of Covid 19 or any other disease. The constant exhortation of the pastors who have been fined or imprisoned is “open your churches.”

● Covid 19 is serious, but is not the lethal threat of widespread death we were led to expect when government leaders chose to shut down most public activity. In a tiny percentage of cases, Covid 19 has led to death. In most of those cases, other medical issues of “co-morbidity” have been present. We minister with the compassion of Christ to those who are ill to any extent, and we grieve with those who grieve. 

● Much human suffering has been caused by shutdowns. The spiritual impact of restricting church activities outweighs the supposed value of isolating people,  requiring masks or requiring vaccinations. 

● There is no such thing as “no-risk” activity. We deem the risks posed by Covid 19 to be well worth the blessings of in-person ministry. If at any time it becomes apparent that our gatherings pose a significant health risk to our church family, because of Covid 19 or any other infectious disease, we will follow prudent guidelines to mitigate the risk. 

● We believe it is up to individuals, businesses and churches to determine Covid 19 policies, not the responsibility of government to mandate “one size fits all” orders.

● We recommend you exercise discretion regarding personal contact such as handshakes and hugs, according to your conscience.

General Comments

● We respect individual convictions concerning vaccinations. The Bible neither prescribes nor proscribes receiving vaccinations. Therefore it is not a sin to receive vaccinations, nor is it a sin to reject vaccinations. It is always a sin to judge fellow believers with different convictions on non-Biblical issues. It is not a sin to wear a mask, nor is it a sin not to wear a mask, but it is always a sin to speak against one another. Spreading the gospel, corporate worship, and building up one another in the faith are more important than anyone's personal convictions about wearing a mask or receiving a vaccination.

● We urge you to join in-person worship and other activities as soon as you are able. We cannot practice the “one another” commands of the Bible in isolation, so please don't stay away unless it is for medical reasons. We will do all we can to minister to those with medical conditions which require them to remain isolated. 

 In His Service,

Heritage Bible Church Elders and Deacons

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May 2021 COVID-19 Protocol Update https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/may-2021-covid-19-protocol-update https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/may-2021-covid-19-protocol-update#comments Wed, 12 May 2021 20:00:00 -0600 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/may-2021-covid-19-protocol-update

For over a year, we have respectfully followed the advisories of U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Idaho Central District Health, the Governor of Idaho and the Mayor of Boise, concerning public assembly and public health as it relates to church activities in light of Covid 19. We have navigated ever-changing and often-contradictory interpretations of the situation. We appreciate the support of the Heritage Bible Church family through this process, and we believe it is time to modify our practices in light of Idaho returning to Stage 4 of the Governor's re-opening plan. In addition to changing our practices, we want to help you think Biblically about this (and all other) matters.

New Heritage Bible Church Covid 19 Policies

We recognize Scripture as our fully-sufficient and authoritative guide for the practices of the local church.

We recognize that each person is capable of, and accountable for, making responsible decisions for their own health and safety. We respect those decisions, asking only that reasonable care be taken to avoid attending church functions if you are not well.

We will continue professional cleaning services of our building twice weekly.

Wearing masks at church gatherings is optional. If you have not had Covid 19 and/or received a vaccination, it is reasonable for you to continue to wear a mask and to practice anti-social distancing whenever possible, if you so choose. One seating section (left center as you face the platform) will be designated for keeping two empty seats between households, for those who wish to continue anti-social distancing.

Physical contact such as hugging or shaking hands will be at each person's discretion and risk.

Children's ministries will be conducted as in pre-Covid days, without limitations. This includes Sunday School, Children's Church, Vacation Bible School, and Youth ministries. Serving food and drink at church functions will be considered case by case as events are scheduled.

We will continue to monitor public health information and review our policies as conditions change.

We will continue to livestream our 10:45 Sunday services, our Wednesday night services, and special events such as memorial services.

Background

In spring 2020 we were led to believe that Covid 19 was a highly lethal plague that would sweep around the world and kill an unprecedented number of people. We submitted to the orders to shut down public meetings. HBC reopened with limited capacity and stringent guidelines as soon as our Governor said churches could do so. We have gradually expanded our public ministries while monitoring advice from our health department, state, city, and medical personnel. We are thankful that Idaho is among the least restrictive states regarding operations of churches, and we continue to urge prayer for churches in places where civil authorities are using Covid 19 regulations as weapons to squash ministry.

It has become obvious that the predictions about death from Covid 19 were far more dire than the reality. 3.3 million deaths are reported worldwide, among 7.9 billion people. That means deaths from Covid 19 are 0.000418 of the population. 159 million cases are known worldwide, with a recovery rate of 98%. Of those who have died, more than half are among people over 80 years old, most living in group homes and having other medical conditions. About 75% of all deaths are among those over 70 years and with other medical conditions. In other words, Covid 19 is most dangerous for the elderly who have other medical conditions, and it is not lethal to most people who get the disease.

The CDC acknowledges Covid 19 is not as lethal as seasonal influenza for children. It has never been logical for schools to be closed in the name of sparing lives of children as a result of Covid 19.

General Considerations

Those who contract Covid 19 experience symptoms ranging from none, to life- threatening. We do not minimize the difficulties it causes for some people. Within the HBC family, only one person has been hospitalized (and recovered), and some have suffered significant malaise for a month or more. Changing our policies should not be construed as scoffing at the disease or overlooking the suffering it can cause.

We agree with the general assessment that more human suffering has been caused by shutdowns than by Covid 19. Loss of jobs, closures of businesses, increased prevalence of mental and emotional problems, delayed medical procedures, and social division over government policies are among unintended consequences of government actions. Christians isolated from other Christians is never a good situation.

Among our church family, many have contracted Covid 19 and all have recovered. A few in our midst have suffered the loss of extended family members due to Covid 19, but nowhere near the level predicted in spring 2020. The number in our midst who have survived the disease means that many have natural immunity, at least for now.

Covid 19 vaccinations are now available to all, ages 16 and over. The majority of HBC people have had the disease and recovered, have been vaccinated, or both. Thus the likelihood of anyone contracting or spreading Covid 19 at church functions is greatly reduced.

There is no such thing as “no risk” living. You are more likely to die in an automobile crash than from Covid 19. You may become sick from what you eat. You never know when you might be exposed to the common cold, influenza, Covid 19, or any other disease. We are encouraging each person to choose to live for the glory of God and to seek wisdom about what risks are acceptable. We respect individual convictions and will always seek to give wise counsel to people of all convictions regarding Covid 19.

It is not a sin to wear a mask. It is always a sin to judge a brother or sister about such a thing. It is not a sin to receive a vaccination, nor is it a sin to choose not to receive a vaccination. It is always a sin to judge a brother or sister about such a thing. We respect each one's personal convictions about masks and vaccinations (Romans 14:1-23). It is not a sin to choose to participate in events that others are not yet comfortable to attend. It is always a sin to judge a brother or sister about such a thing. It is always a sin to stay away from corporate worship when physically able, unless you are known to be endangering yourself by attending. This could include those with terminal illnesses, compromised immune systems, or chronic respiratory illnesses. We are required by the New Testament to practice all the “one another” commands of the New Testament, including assembling together and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). It is always a sin to avoid accepting those responsibilities.

What we choose to do within the life of Heritage Bible Church applies only to our church activities. No Christian should rebel against different policies implemented by other groups. For example, if you want to shop at a store that requires masks, your testimony as a follower of Christ dictates you should follow the recommendations or choose not to shop there. We are not claiming to state what should be done anywhere other than at HBC.

]]>

For over a year, we have respectfully followed the advisories of U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Idaho Central District Health, the Governor of Idaho and the Mayor of Boise, concerning public assembly and public health as it relates to church activities in light of Covid 19. We have navigated ever-changing and often-contradictory interpretations of the situation. We appreciate the support of the Heritage Bible Church family through this process, and we believe it is time to modify our practices in light of Idaho returning to Stage 4 of the Governor's re-opening plan. In addition to changing our practices, we want to help you think Biblically about this (and all other) matters.

New Heritage Bible Church Covid 19 Policies

We recognize Scripture as our fully-sufficient and authoritative guide for the practices of the local church.

We recognize that each person is capable of, and accountable for, making responsible decisions for their own health and safety. We respect those decisions, asking only that reasonable care be taken to avoid attending church functions if you are not well.

We will continue professional cleaning services of our building twice weekly.

Wearing masks at church gatherings is optional. If you have not had Covid 19 and/or received a vaccination, it is reasonable for you to continue to wear a mask and to practice anti-social distancing whenever possible, if you so choose. One seating section (left center as you face the platform) will be designated for keeping two empty seats between households, for those who wish to continue anti-social distancing.

Physical contact such as hugging or shaking hands will be at each person's discretion and risk.

Children's ministries will be conducted as in pre-Covid days, without limitations. This includes Sunday School, Children's Church, Vacation Bible School, and Youth ministries. Serving food and drink at church functions will be considered case by case as events are scheduled.

We will continue to monitor public health information and review our policies as conditions change.

We will continue to livestream our 10:45 Sunday services, our Wednesday night services, and special events such as memorial services.

Background

In spring 2020 we were led to believe that Covid 19 was a highly lethal plague that would sweep around the world and kill an unprecedented number of people. We submitted to the orders to shut down public meetings. HBC reopened with limited capacity and stringent guidelines as soon as our Governor said churches could do so. We have gradually expanded our public ministries while monitoring advice from our health department, state, city, and medical personnel. We are thankful that Idaho is among the least restrictive states regarding operations of churches, and we continue to urge prayer for churches in places where civil authorities are using Covid 19 regulations as weapons to squash ministry.

It has become obvious that the predictions about death from Covid 19 were far more dire than the reality. 3.3 million deaths are reported worldwide, among 7.9 billion people. That means deaths from Covid 19 are 0.000418 of the population. 159 million cases are known worldwide, with a recovery rate of 98%. Of those who have died, more than half are among people over 80 years old, most living in group homes and having other medical conditions. About 75% of all deaths are among those over 70 years and with other medical conditions. In other words, Covid 19 is most dangerous for the elderly who have other medical conditions, and it is not lethal to most people who get the disease.

The CDC acknowledges Covid 19 is not as lethal as seasonal influenza for children. It has never been logical for schools to be closed in the name of sparing lives of children as a result of Covid 19.

General Considerations

Those who contract Covid 19 experience symptoms ranging from none, to life- threatening. We do not minimize the difficulties it causes for some people. Within the HBC family, only one person has been hospitalized (and recovered), and some have suffered significant malaise for a month or more. Changing our policies should not be construed as scoffing at the disease or overlooking the suffering it can cause.

We agree with the general assessment that more human suffering has been caused by shutdowns than by Covid 19. Loss of jobs, closures of businesses, increased prevalence of mental and emotional problems, delayed medical procedures, and social division over government policies are among unintended consequences of government actions. Christians isolated from other Christians is never a good situation.

Among our church family, many have contracted Covid 19 and all have recovered. A few in our midst have suffered the loss of extended family members due to Covid 19, but nowhere near the level predicted in spring 2020. The number in our midst who have survived the disease means that many have natural immunity, at least for now.

Covid 19 vaccinations are now available to all, ages 16 and over. The majority of HBC people have had the disease and recovered, have been vaccinated, or both. Thus the likelihood of anyone contracting or spreading Covid 19 at church functions is greatly reduced.

There is no such thing as “no risk” living. You are more likely to die in an automobile crash than from Covid 19. You may become sick from what you eat. You never know when you might be exposed to the common cold, influenza, Covid 19, or any other disease. We are encouraging each person to choose to live for the glory of God and to seek wisdom about what risks are acceptable. We respect individual convictions and will always seek to give wise counsel to people of all convictions regarding Covid 19.

It is not a sin to wear a mask. It is always a sin to judge a brother or sister about such a thing. It is not a sin to receive a vaccination, nor is it a sin to choose not to receive a vaccination. It is always a sin to judge a brother or sister about such a thing. We respect each one's personal convictions about masks and vaccinations (Romans 14:1-23). It is not a sin to choose to participate in events that others are not yet comfortable to attend. It is always a sin to judge a brother or sister about such a thing. It is always a sin to stay away from corporate worship when physically able, unless you are known to be endangering yourself by attending. This could include those with terminal illnesses, compromised immune systems, or chronic respiratory illnesses. We are required by the New Testament to practice all the “one another” commands of the New Testament, including assembling together and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). It is always a sin to avoid accepting those responsibilities.

What we choose to do within the life of Heritage Bible Church applies only to our church activities. No Christian should rebel against different policies implemented by other groups. For example, if you want to shop at a store that requires masks, your testimony as a follower of Christ dictates you should follow the recommendations or choose not to shop there. We are not claiming to state what should be done anywhere other than at HBC.

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April 2021 COVID-19 Protocol Update https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/april-2021-covid-19-protocol-update https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/april-2021-covid-19-protocol-update#comments Wed, 12 May 2021 08:56:07 -0600 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/april-2021-covid-19-protocol-update

Covid Protocol Update 

Since the mandated shutdown of all public gatherings a year ago, HBC has taken measured steps to meet in person for worship in accordance with our governor's guidance. We are blessed to live in a state in which the governor has encouraged churches to reopen earlier than other entities with similar numbers of people, and for that we are thankful. Pray for those elsewhere who are not so blessed. 

It is the conviction of the Elders and Deacons of HBC that the recommendations asked of us are not unreasonable, so we have done our best to comply. Our policy is to minister in person to as many as possible, but also to be as safe as possible. 

We are taking steps to incrementally restore events and regular practices. We are weighing several factors: 

  • Covid 19 is serious, but thankfully it did not reach the level of lethal threat of widespread death we were led to expect.
  • More human suffering has been caused by shutdowns than by the Covid virus.
  • Local Christian schools have been meeting without restriction for months, and
    without serious incidents.
  • Children are at very low risk for Covid complications.
  • The majority of our people have recovered from Covid and/or been vaccinated. That
    percentage increases every day.

General Comments

  • We respect individual convictions concerning vaccinations.
  • We respect individual convictions concerning when it is safe to return. Among our
    church family are some at very high risk, and we will continue to do our best to
    minister to all.
  • We urge you to return to in-person worship and other activities as soon as you are
    able. We cannot practice the “one another” commands of the Bible in isolation, so
    please don't stay away unless it is for medical reasons.
  • We must not judge fellow believers with different convictions on non-Biblical issues. It is not a sin to wear a mask, nor is it a sin not to wear a mask, but it is always a sin to speak against one another.

    With prayerful consideration, we are amending our Covid 19 safety protocols as of April 1, 2021. 
  • More chairs have been returned to our worship area, still not to the pre-Covid total.
  • Please keep two (no longer three) empty chairs between households and groups who have not been exposed to one another. We are slightly reducing the anti-social
    distancing.
  • Children's Ministries are being restored to pre-Covid policies, except that children go directly to Children's Church without being in the main service. Full nursery service is restored.
  • Masks are required while entering, exiting, conversing or singing. Masks can be removed while sitting quietly.
  • Plexiglass barriers are removed from in front of musicians (all of whom are immunized).
  • Livestream of Sunday 10:45 services and Wednesday evening services will continue.
  • Serving food “buffet style” is still not permitted.
  • “No-contact” communion service will continue.
  • We anticipate holding Vacation Bible School July 12-16.

Thank you for your patience and cheerful cooperation. We will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation and bring back more of our normal activities as soon as possible.

In His Service,
Heritage Bible Church Elders and Deacons 

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Covid Protocol Update 

Since the mandated shutdown of all public gatherings a year ago, HBC has taken measured steps to meet in person for worship in accordance with our governor's guidance. We are blessed to live in a state in which the governor has encouraged churches to reopen earlier than other entities with similar numbers of people, and for that we are thankful. Pray for those elsewhere who are not so blessed. 

It is the conviction of the Elders and Deacons of HBC that the recommendations asked of us are not unreasonable, so we have done our best to comply. Our policy is to minister in person to as many as possible, but also to be as safe as possible. 

We are taking steps to incrementally restore events and regular practices. We are weighing several factors: 

  • Covid 19 is serious, but thankfully it did not reach the level of lethal threat of widespread death we were led to expect.
  • More human suffering has been caused by shutdowns than by the Covid virus.
  • Local Christian schools have been meeting without restriction for months, and
    without serious incidents.
  • Children are at very low risk for Covid complications.
  • The majority of our people have recovered from Covid and/or been vaccinated. That
    percentage increases every day.

General Comments

  • We respect individual convictions concerning vaccinations.
  • We respect individual convictions concerning when it is safe to return. Among our
    church family are some at very high risk, and we will continue to do our best to
    minister to all.
  • We urge you to return to in-person worship and other activities as soon as you are
    able. We cannot practice the “one another” commands of the Bible in isolation, so
    please don't stay away unless it is for medical reasons.
  • We must not judge fellow believers with different convictions on non-Biblical issues. It is not a sin to wear a mask, nor is it a sin not to wear a mask, but it is always a sin to speak against one another.

    With prayerful consideration, we are amending our Covid 19 safety protocols as of April 1, 2021. 
  • More chairs have been returned to our worship area, still not to the pre-Covid total.
  • Please keep two (no longer three) empty chairs between households and groups who have not been exposed to one another. We are slightly reducing the anti-social
    distancing.
  • Children's Ministries are being restored to pre-Covid policies, except that children go directly to Children's Church without being in the main service. Full nursery service is restored.
  • Masks are required while entering, exiting, conversing or singing. Masks can be removed while sitting quietly.
  • Plexiglass barriers are removed from in front of musicians (all of whom are immunized).
  • Livestream of Sunday 10:45 services and Wednesday evening services will continue.
  • Serving food “buffet style” is still not permitted.
  • “No-contact” communion service will continue.
  • We anticipate holding Vacation Bible School July 12-16.

Thank you for your patience and cheerful cooperation. We will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation and bring back more of our normal activities as soon as possible.

In His Service,
Heritage Bible Church Elders and Deacons 

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Adjusted Mask Policy https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/adjusted- https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/adjusted-#comments Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:00:00 -0600 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/adjusted- Special Announcement: Governor Little's announcement that Idaho can return to Stage 3 of his Reopening Plan means that we can return to our policy of requiring masks at church while entering, leaving, singing, and whenever you are conversing with someone. While sitting quietly with anti-social distancing, you may remove your mask. This policy was approved by the Boise Mayor's office when we first adopted it. 

Govenor's announcement: https://rebound.idaho.gov/stage-3-stay-healthy-guidelines/

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Special Announcement: Governor Little's announcement that Idaho can return to Stage 3 of his Reopening Plan means that we can return to our policy of requiring masks at church while entering, leaving, singing, and whenever you are conversing with someone. While sitting quietly with anti-social distancing, you may remove your mask. This policy was approved by the Boise Mayor's office when we first adopted it. 

Govenor's announcement: https://rebound.idaho.gov/stage-3-stay-healthy-guidelines/

]]>
Join us on Christmas Eve https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/join-us-on-christmas-eve https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/join-us-on-christmas-eve#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2020 11:00:00 -0700 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/join-us-on-christmas-eve Join us as we worship our King in a service filled with Christmas hymns and a message from Jim Harris. Seating is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, and all individuals over 2 years old will be required to wear a mask at all times while inside.

Due to limited seating registration is required.  Please register at www.hbc-boise.org/register-christmas-eve-service.

The service will be live-streamed at www.hbc-boise.org/live if you are unable to join us in person.

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Join us as we worship our King in a service filled with Christmas hymns and a message from Jim Harris. Seating is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, and all individuals over 2 years old will be required to wear a mask at all times while inside.

Due to limited seating registration is required.  Please register at www.hbc-boise.org/register-christmas-eve-service.

The service will be live-streamed at www.hbc-boise.org/live if you are unable to join us in person.

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Idaho Returns to Stage 2 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/idaho-returns-to-stage-2 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/idaho-returns-to-stage-2#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2020 18:00:00 -0700 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/idaho-returns-to-stage-2  

HBC Family,
    I get it. Your heart sank when you heard that Idaho is pushed back to Stage 2 of recovery, due to the raging surge of Covid 19 cases. We have at least six active cases within our church family, thankfully none of which are connected to church activities, but the spread is real and it's on our doorstep. Your heart likely sank lower if you read the advisory from Central District Health, which includes advising that all churches close for now. Our Elders and Deacons met Tuesday night to sort out what we will do. 
     Under Stage 2, Governor Little specifically exempted churches from the limit on gatherings, as long as anti-social distancing and precautions are maintained. That includes the sanitizing we do rigorously, the distancing we hate but work hard to maintain, and wearing masks whenever we are in the building. Sadly, we are reverting to the requirement to wear a mask at all times when you are in the church building. This applies to all ages over 3. Only teachers and preachers, at least 12 feet from the nearest hearers, are exempt. 
     We are not at this time choosing to follow the advisory to close the church. We now have 5 months of experience with protocols that are working well, so the only change we are implementing is the full-time mask requirement, like it was when we first re-opened. We greatly appreciate our governor, who extends far more latitude to churches, realizing our value to society. We respect the CDH advisory but do not believe it is necessary to implement it. They are asking us to revert to pre-Stage 1 protocols, which we regard as needlessly restrictive at this time.
     Through all these stages, every public venue has been required to recognize and respect requests for medical exemptions from wearing a mask. If such a condition applies to you, you may reply to this email to explain your situation (replies come only to me, and will be handled discreetly). We will accommodate you for in-person worship if possible. We also realize it may be wisest for some to stay home until we can return to the protocols we have been following.
     Thank you to all my fellow leaders for their extra work all these months. Please pray we can move back in the positive direction very soon. Livestream broadcasts Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights will continue. 
-Jim
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HBC Family,
    I get it. Your heart sank when you heard that Idaho is pushed back to Stage 2 of recovery, due to the raging surge of Covid 19 cases. We have at least six active cases within our church family, thankfully none of which are connected to church activities, but the spread is real and it's on our doorstep. Your heart likely sank lower if you read the advisory from Central District Health, which includes advising that all churches close for now. Our Elders and Deacons met Tuesday night to sort out what we will do. 
     Under Stage 2, Governor Little specifically exempted churches from the limit on gatherings, as long as anti-social distancing and precautions are maintained. That includes the sanitizing we do rigorously, the distancing we hate but work hard to maintain, and wearing masks whenever we are in the building. Sadly, we are reverting to the requirement to wear a mask at all times when you are in the church building. This applies to all ages over 3. Only teachers and preachers, at least 12 feet from the nearest hearers, are exempt. 
     We are not at this time choosing to follow the advisory to close the church. We now have 5 months of experience with protocols that are working well, so the only change we are implementing is the full-time mask requirement, like it was when we first re-opened. We greatly appreciate our governor, who extends far more latitude to churches, realizing our value to society. We respect the CDH advisory but do not believe it is necessary to implement it. They are asking us to revert to pre-Stage 1 protocols, which we regard as needlessly restrictive at this time.
     Through all these stages, every public venue has been required to recognize and respect requests for medical exemptions from wearing a mask. If such a condition applies to you, you may reply to this email to explain your situation (replies come only to me, and will be handled discreetly). We will accommodate you for in-person worship if possible. We also realize it may be wisest for some to stay home until we can return to the protocols we have been following.
     Thank you to all my fellow leaders for their extra work all these months. Please pray we can move back in the positive direction very soon. Livestream broadcasts Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights will continue. 
-Jim
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COVID19 Continues to Shape Our Plans https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/covid19-continues-to-shape-our- https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/covid19-continues-to-shape-our-#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2020 13:00:00 -0600 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/covid19-continues-to-shape-our- After some progress toward returning to normal, our city and state has regressed in controlling Covid 19. For us at HBC, we're in a holding pattern.

Attendance in person is welcome, with conditions:

  • Please register to attend either service. This is to assure we don't exceed our seating capacity with social distancing. Click “register” on this site.
  • Masks are required as you enter, as you leave, and while we sing. We got approval from the mayor's office to continue with this procedure even after the city-wide mask-in-public-places order was issued.
  • There must be three empty seats between households of people in the service.
  • We would love to have you volunteer to help with ushering (before service) and/or sanitizing (after service). It takes extra manpower these days. Either task requires only about 20 minutes of your time, and is light work
  • Our 10:45 service is also delivered via livestream. Click “live” on this site.



Other things we are doing to minister as effectively as possible through these unprecedented days:

  • We send a daily email with church news, interesting links, and a brief study in God's word. If you want to be added to the distribution list, please send your request to secretary@hbc-boise.org.
  • We have plans ready to roll out for phased return of Children's Church, when Idaho and Boise have completed Stage 4 of the governor's re-opening plan.
  • Studies for parents to lead children are available from Dirk Wageman, dirkw@hbc-boise.org.
  • We're researching the feasibility of limited outdoor seating for the 10:45 services. Check daily emails for updates.
  • We're working toward a safe way to celebrate communion for those who are able to attend in person. Check daily emails for updates.
  • Our Elders and Deacons have a gift for you. It's the two DVD set of American Gospel: Christ Alone and American Gospel: Christ Crucified. If you haven't been to church yet, your set should arrive in the mail by the end of July.
  • Our Elders and Deacons are doing their best to maintain weekly contact with the flock. If you have a need and haven't been contacted, please let us know at info@hbc-boise.org.
  • Offerings are being received by way of the offering box at church, by mail to Heritage Bible Church, 7071 W. Emerald St., Boise, ID 83704, or online.  Click the “Give” tab on this site.


Please continue to pray for one another, reach out to your friends and neighbors, and share the Gospel with needy souls. If you know of a need not being addressed, please let us know by writing to info@hbc-boise.org.

Hope to see you in person soon!

In His Service,
Pastor Jim

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After some progress toward returning to normal, our city and state has regressed in controlling Covid 19. For us at HBC, we're in a holding pattern.

Attendance in person is welcome, with conditions:

  • Please register to attend either service. This is to assure we don't exceed our seating capacity with social distancing. Click “register” on this site.
  • Masks are required as you enter, as you leave, and while we sing. We got approval from the mayor's office to continue with this procedure even after the city-wide mask-in-public-places order was issued.
  • There must be three empty seats between households of people in the service.
  • We would love to have you volunteer to help with ushering (before service) and/or sanitizing (after service). It takes extra manpower these days. Either task requires only about 20 minutes of your time, and is light work
  • Our 10:45 service is also delivered via livestream. Click “live” on this site.



Other things we are doing to minister as effectively as possible through these unprecedented days:

  • We send a daily email with church news, interesting links, and a brief study in God's word. If you want to be added to the distribution list, please send your request to secretary@hbc-boise.org.
  • We have plans ready to roll out for phased return of Children's Church, when Idaho and Boise have completed Stage 4 of the governor's re-opening plan.
  • Studies for parents to lead children are available from Dirk Wageman, dirkw@hbc-boise.org.
  • We're researching the feasibility of limited outdoor seating for the 10:45 services. Check daily emails for updates.
  • We're working toward a safe way to celebrate communion for those who are able to attend in person. Check daily emails for updates.
  • Our Elders and Deacons have a gift for you. It's the two DVD set of American Gospel: Christ Alone and American Gospel: Christ Crucified. If you haven't been to church yet, your set should arrive in the mail by the end of July.
  • Our Elders and Deacons are doing their best to maintain weekly contact with the flock. If you have a need and haven't been contacted, please let us know at info@hbc-boise.org.
  • Offerings are being received by way of the offering box at church, by mail to Heritage Bible Church, 7071 W. Emerald St., Boise, ID 83704, or online.  Click the “Give” tab on this site.


Please continue to pray for one another, reach out to your friends and neighbors, and share the Gospel with needy souls. If you know of a need not being addressed, please let us know by writing to info@hbc-boise.org.

Hope to see you in person soon!

In His Service,
Pastor Jim

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Return to Church Plans https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/return-to-church-plans https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/return-to-church-plans#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:00:00 -0600 https://www.hbc-boise.org/blog/post/return-to-church-plans Last night, our Elders and Deacons and a few others discussed at length how and when it will be best to re-open church. Governor Little's phased plan allows churches to jump ahead of other entities under certain conditions, but in general, groups of 50+ won't be allowed for over a month if cases of Covid 19 continue to decline. The current encouraging decline is directly attributable to social distancing.

We appreciate Governor Little and his team trying to accommodate the desire to return to church, Some believe their people must participate in rituals and ceremonies to achieve salvation, so the pressure is even greater from those circles, putting those in public leadership in a very difficult position.


We are happy to be allowed to reopen, but we decided to wait. The horrific situation of the church choir in Washington that met and rehearsed (prior to the quarantine and with no one showing symptoms) is haunting. Dozens became infected and two died. We consulted local medical personnel who have treated people who went from healthy to intubated and near death in less than a day. In the end, we believe caution is wise, so we are going to wait--at least through the two weeks of Phase One--before we reopen.


In the meantime our team is putting together the plan for a Sunday schedule, how to maintain CDC protocols, and how to keep our indoor environment safe when we gather. When it's time to implement the plan, we will give you plenty of notice. I'll keep you posted as things develop. [Preview: We will need a lot of ushers, people to disinfect between services, and people to distribute masks. And you'll need to arrive well ahead of time, or risk missing out on the service.]


We don't want to be risk being part of a news story to the effect "Local Churches Reopen and Covid 19 Cases Spike." We would rather be patient a little longer, and help the whole city get back to normal sooner than risk contributing to a setback--not to mention putting our own high-risk people in greater danger.

I know many of you didn't want to hear this. Please trust the Lord to work through the leaders He has given us, and pray for wisdom (like James 1:5 says!) to be granted each step along the way. God is in control, and He is good--all the time!

Jim

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Last night, our Elders and Deacons and a few others discussed at length how and when it will be best to re-open church. Governor Little's phased plan allows churches to jump ahead of other entities under certain conditions, but in general, groups of 50+ won't be allowed for over a month if cases of Covid 19 continue to decline. The current encouraging decline is directly attributable to social distancing.

We appreciate Governor Little and his team trying to accommodate the desire to return to church, Some believe their people must participate in rituals and ceremonies to achieve salvation, so the pressure is even greater from those circles, putting those in public leadership in a very difficult position.


We are happy to be allowed to reopen, but we decided to wait. The horrific situation of the church choir in Washington that met and rehearsed (prior to the quarantine and with no one showing symptoms) is haunting. Dozens became infected and two died. We consulted local medical personnel who have treated people who went from healthy to intubated and near death in less than a day. In the end, we believe caution is wise, so we are going to wait--at least through the two weeks of Phase One--before we reopen.


In the meantime our team is putting together the plan for a Sunday schedule, how to maintain CDC protocols, and how to keep our indoor environment safe when we gather. When it's time to implement the plan, we will give you plenty of notice. I'll keep you posted as things develop. [Preview: We will need a lot of ushers, people to disinfect between services, and people to distribute masks. And you'll need to arrive well ahead of time, or risk missing out on the service.]


We don't want to be risk being part of a news story to the effect "Local Churches Reopen and Covid 19 Cases Spike." We would rather be patient a little longer, and help the whole city get back to normal sooner than risk contributing to a setback--not to mention putting our own high-risk people in greater danger.

I know many of you didn't want to hear this. Please trust the Lord to work through the leaders He has given us, and pray for wisdom (like James 1:5 says!) to be granted each step along the way. God is in control, and He is good--all the time!

Jim

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