Havana Christian Ministerial Association

01/08/2026

So here we are in a New Year. And yes, we know that whether we like it or not, want it or not, a lot will change around us. The dates on our checks (if we still write them) have (or will) become 2026. Businesses will have plans for the new year. Every television show is talking about weight loss or makeovers for the New Year. Sometimes I think the pressure (real or just forced on us) is well – pressure. Yes, a New Year gives me an opportunity to reflect upon the last 12 months, but I am a bit tired of all the pressure and hype of everything having to be New in the New Year.

So, with that in mind, just for a few seconds I want to look at a text that is so small in the gospel of Matthew it is most often overlooked. Matthew 13:52: “And Jesus said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure new things and old.’” OLD AND NEW. With that, comments: 1) Take a few moments to Look Back and take what was working in 2025 and carry it forward, especially those things that brought you closer to and more like Jesus – the OLD TREASURES; 2) Change or drop what wasn’t; especially those things that were not helpful in your life with Christ; 3) Some things are just gonna carry forward from 2025 – commit them to the Lord; 4) Expect, anticipate and ask for something New from the Lord this year; again and especially, what will bring you closer to Him and more like Him – THE NEW TREASURES. And the biggie: Remember: God is the same in this new year as before. Put your trust in Him.

12/25/2025

Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness, humbly You came to the earth You created, all for love’s sake became poor. Lying in a manger, wrapped in cloth, You are Emmanuel, God with us. Come, dispel the darkness.
Bring Your love and salvation.
Be the King of our hearts.
Merry Christmas! to everyone.

12/04/2025

This coming Sunday is the second in the Advent Season, the “Peace” Sunday. The world around us is too often chaotic, in strife, and conflict and hatred seem to reign, from Ukraine to Nigeria to even in the streets of some of our own cities, where shootings and killings are all too common. Our own lives seems upside down too much of the time. We need and long for “peace.” In this season we celebrate that the Prince of Peace came and brought the peace we need -- His peace. His offer is peace with God, peace in our soul, heart, mind, and life. This is where “peace” starts. This is the invitation He offers to all people, to us, -- to experience His peace that passes all understanding. Peace is here; the Prince of Peace is here.

12/01/2025

This is the first Sunday of the Advent Season for 2025. We are on a “countdown” to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. Each Sunday many of our churches will highlight one aspect of what our Savior brings into the world. This first Sunday is about the HOPE He brings.
Biblical Hope is far more than wishful thinking, optimism or positivity. Biblical Hope is remembering God’s faithfulness in the past and trusting Him for the (and our) future. In the middle of darkness God brings His Hope. Hope has a name: Jesus Jesus comes and is our Hope. Our sins can be forgiven, our past healed and redeemed, we have the promise that God will come right in the middle of our struggles, we can be assured that nothing can separate us from His love, our future with Him is secure. This is our Assured Hope. 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in Him the Gentiles will hope.” Romans 15: 12. This Season of Advent, we encourage you to focus on Jesus who is our Hope. The news around us can often seem dark and bleak, but the Light of His Hope can shine in your life right now.

11/07/2025

11/06/2025

Come and join us in Thanksgiving to God. A Free-Will Offering will be taken to support the work of HCMA. We help Havana residents with rent, utilities, gas and food. The need has been so great recently! and your help with the resources needed to meet those needs is greatly appreciated. Come that night, worship and give thanks to God.

11/04/2025

Well, it started again! On Sunday, November 2nd, one broadcast channel jumped over Thanksgiving and went to Christmas with the showing of the 2018 The Grinch. So much for Thanksgiving even being a speedbump on the way to Christmas! Yet many of the Psalms and other passages in Scripture remind us to Thank God continually [such as Ephesians 5:20]! In that spirit I want us to consider taking Each Day in November up to and including Thanksgiving Day to Thank God for at least one thing in your life. If its good for a vitamin, how much more for us to Thank God One a Day?

10/28/2025

As the government shutdown continues, nearly 40 million Americans will likely not receive their SNAP benefits for food assistance. What can Christians do to help here in Havana? There are several ways to help.
1. Donate money to the HCMA. The Havana Christian Ministerial Association helps lots of people with rent assistance, utilities, gas and groceries. And although we received a generous offering in July, we are already down so low we've had to put a freeze on assistance. If you'd like to help us resume assistance, send a check to HCMA c/o Havana Church of Christ, 350 S. Broadway, Havana, IL, 62644. Please make the check out to HCMA.
2. Donate to our local food pantry. We are blessed to have a very active food pantry in Havana that operates out of First Baptist Church on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9-11 am. Again, you can send the check to Havana Food Pantry, c/o Havana Church of Christ, 350 South Broadway, Havana, IL. Be sure to make the check out to Havana Food Pantry, and we'll get it to the right people.
3. Donate to Mission of Hope. Mission of Hope not only supplies clothing and household items at very low cost, but they also have an emergency food pantry there. Checks for Mission of Hope can be sent to them at 1102 State Rt. 97, Havana, IL 62644
4. Call your U.S. Senators. Express your views (nicely!) and tell them you want them to work to end the government shutdown. Small town ministries will have a difficult time keeping up with the needs while the shutdown continues. Senator Dick Durbin's Springfield number is 217-492-4062. Senator Tammy Duckworth's Springfield number is 217-528-6124. You can also find them online and send them an email, but phone calls make a bigger impact. Remember to say that you are an Illinois Voter. That makes a difference to them.. And please represent Christ well when calling.
5. Like and share this so more people are aware of the need. Thanks!

10/02/2025

Youth: Check this out!!! Make plans to attend...

10/02/2025

We had an amazing night in God's house last night.

Our Night of Hope was a huge success. You all came out and the House was absolutely packed...people standing in the back.

The altar was packed with youth and adults giving their life to the Lord, and making rededications.

Thank you to all that helped us promote, all who donated door prizes, all who donated Little Debbie snacks, all who cooked, help set up, and take down. It truly takes everyone to pull off an event like this. You are all so appreciated!

09/30/2025

Still prepping, moving right along!
Night of Hope
Wednesday 10/1/25
Walking Tacos@ 530
Dean Sikes Rally @ 630