All glory, praise and honor go to our Triune God for what He has done and the grace He continues to pour out on us! Beginning quite a number of years ago, the PCUSA began to change theologically and to move away from holding on to God’s Word and truth. Hebron could have gotten caught up in this, but God kept us from straying. Hebron made the decision to continue to faithfully preach and teach God’s word.
Our desires to remain faithful to our God and to belong to a denomination (the EPC) that is much more like-minded, connected and supportive, led us almost 3 years ago to begin the discernment process. After numerous sermons, group studies, Hebron Herald and newsletter articles, and meetings with a team from Pittsburgh Presbytery, we took a vote (a poll) on October 27, 2024. This could have gone either way as we needed an overwhelming majority to approve seeking dismissal, but God made His will abundantly clear as over 93% of those attending voted for dismissal.
According to PCUSA polity (rules) they hold our property and assets “in trust,” and to be officially dismissed, Hebron has had to negotiate a financial settlement. Normally this could be a very anxious and expensive process, but God has been faithful and by His grace, a fair settlement has been reached and approved by the Pittsburgh Presbytery! The specifics about this settlement will be forthcoming soon, but for now, just know that the negotiated terms exude God’s grace and will not put an undue financial hardship on Hebron or our members. No staff will be affected, our programs will not be cut back, we will still be able to maintain our buildings and property, and our Missions emphasis will remain as strong as ever! “What is impossible for man is possible for God.”
Many thought this was not possible, but God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts! He has indeed blessed us as we sought to remain faithful to Him. He was leading us all the way in every step and detail. The graciously negotiated financial settlement and the means to pay for it are clear evidence that God has been faithful! If this isn’t exciting, uplifting, and praise worthy, you may want to check your pulse! How awesome is our God! It’s truly an exciting time here at Hebron. We still need to hold a congregational vote (currently set for July 13th at 6:30pm) to approve the terms of dismissal, to praise and thank God, and so we can join the EPC and continue with a renewed vitality to glorify our Lord and look forward to Hebron’s next 175 years. Hallelujah!!
Many thanks to you all for your patience, prayers and faithfulness through this process. God is good!
Ephesians 2:4-7 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”