Dear HCF,

Happy Week 2 of classes!

The most important announcement of the week is to fill out the when2meet by Friday!  

Also of note: this week, we are kicking off the semester with Morning Prayer on Tuesday 9-10am in F430.  Please join us if you are able!  And please mark your calendars for our first HCF dinner in two Sundays (not Superbowl Sunday) at Jake's house in North Berkeley.

Grace and Peace,

Anthony, Jake, and Megan

Weekly Reflection - Anthony

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” –Luke 6:37

Have you ever found yourself in an environment that you dread? An environment such that, with every day that passes, the thought of “going back” evokes anxiety due to the fear of the people there – their harsh words, lack of love, and general attitude around you?

I spent some time this weekend encouraging a couple loved ones in my life that are undergoing this exact situation. Hurt and frustrated, they just want to be separated. They believe that being “away” equates to being “free” – free to love, enjoy life, and forgive. As much as I empathize with their situation, I believe Jesus Christ called us to an even greater life.

Jesus gave us a mighty call to love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). Because we do not fight against flesh and blood but against the spirit of this age, we ought to see people as human beings that Jesus Christ sought to redeem on the cross. If God loved us all that He would come to save us all, then surely He does not want us to see people as enemies, but as potential brothers and sisters who also need to be forgiven just like we do.

Of course, if we are in an unsafe or abusive environment, we ought to separate. But if we are only desiring to separate because we believe that “they are so unholy,” then we must examine ourselves to see if we are truly living out the gospel, for we too are unholy without the Lord. Instead of trying to separate from the environment, we ought to be bringing the joy and message of Jesus Christ into the environment. Rather than being self-righteous, let us humble ourselves, remembering that we, too, are in need of the grace of God and that it’s only through Jesus Christ that we are even saved.

In sum, let us not walk into any environment without being clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praises and Prayer Requests

PRAISE for beautiful weather.  Praise for the Haas community.  Praise that God's mercies are new every morning.  Great is his faithfulness! 

PRAYER for HCF in the Spring semester.  Pray for community-building, real conversations, support for the weary, and wisdom to take HCF in God’s direction and not ours.

Please also pray for those in the throes of internship/job searching.  Pray for time to prepare and for peace.

As the Phone-a-Thon starts, keep the class of 2017 in your prayers as well!

Please submit your own praises and prayer requests to your co-presidents and specify whether we have permission to include them in the newsletter.  Even if you don't want them to be public, we would be so delighted to share in your blessings and lift up your burdens.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Fill out the when2meet!!

Please fill this when2meet out by the end of Add/Drop (this Friday!)

Churches/Fellowship

Do you currently attend a church?  Do you currently go to any other non-HCF bible studies, fellowship events, or other activities that might be of relevance to the group?  If so, please fill out this survey so that we can create a reference document for people who want to get plugged into churches or otherwise be “fed” in the Spring.

Believers in Business Conference (NYC)

2/20-2/21

Contact Anthony Patterson if you’re interested in coming!  We have a solid group of Haasies already planning to attend.

Anything else you want to see?  

Contact one of your co-presidents!