Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Month: January 2015

  • Announcements – January 30, 2015

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ our Lord,

    This Lord’s Day our journey into the calling and life of Abraham will continue. You will remember that we are exploring four significant Biblical themes that are evident in his story: 1) Election, 2) God’s Effectual Word of Promise, 3) The Response of Faith and Obedience, and 4) Faith Tested by Trial. This Sunday we will focus our attention on the second and third themes of God’s Word of Promise and the Response of Faith. Our primary text for the sermon will be Genesis 15:1-6. In this passage we will discover both the power of God’s spoken Word and the response the Word brings about in the human heart.

    It might surprise you to know that Genesis 1:6 is the very first place the word “believed” (the same form of the terms ‘believe’ and ‘faith’) occurs in Holy Scripture. Overall “believed” is found some 259 times in the Bible and 81 times in the Gospel of John alone! Obviously, it is a most important term and one that must be defined with appropriate precision. I say this because it is so very easy to think of faith or belief as something entirely subjective and expressive only of strong feelings, hunches, or hopes. For example, I might say that ‘I believe the Seattle Seahawks will win the Super Bowl,’ or that ‘I believe today is going to be a good day.’ However, this is not how the word “believed” is deployed in the Bible. It’s a much deeper word than this, and we will see how it finds profound expression and illustration in the story of Abraham’s life.

    As you spend time in prayer and preparation for our Lord’s Day worship, let your minds reflect upon Romans 4:1-25 and Hebrews 11:8-12.

    I love you all so very much, and I always have you in my every prayer!

    Mike

  • Announcements – January 23, 2015

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ our Lord,

    On Sunday we will continue our study of the calling and life of Abraham, our “father” in the faith (Romans 4:12, James 2:21) as we again consider the words ofGenesis 12:1-4.  As his amazing story develops there are four significant Biblical themes that are surfaced: 1) Election, 2) God’s Effectual Word of Promise, 3) The Response of Faith and Obedience, and 4) Faith Tested by Trial.   This Lord’s Day we will focus our attention on the first theme of Election.

    Perhaps that’s a rather scary word for you.  To be perfectly frank, this Biblical term has suffered much abuse at the hands of those who would approach it from extreme angles, or from defective assumptions about what it means (or can’t mean).  This grand and glorious theme is often ignored, marginalized, or made the focus of unholy speculation and debate.  But if we carefully  (and humbly!) follow this thread through the Word of God, it takes on a beauty and grandeur that prompted the Apostle Paul to exclaim, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33).

    Here in the story of Abraham we see how God, in wisdom and incalculable mercy, selects one man, one family, and one nation through which to bring the Savior into the world! Through this one man, whodeserves nothing from God, all of the blessings of heaven come to the world–a world hopelessly locked in the chains of sin and death!

    I look forward to exploring this great passage with you on Sunday, and I know the Lord will richly feed us from the treasures of His blessed Word.

    All my love and prayers, always,

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – January 25 2015

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    JANUARY 25, 2014
    Call to Worship: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder

    Pastor: O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
    People: Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

    Prayer of Adoration and Confession:

    Lord Jesus, I have sinned times without number, and been guilty of pride and unbelief, and of neglect to seek you in my daily life. My sins and shortcomings present me with a list of accusations, but I thank you that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ. Deliver me from every evil habit, every interest of former sins, everything that dims the brightness of your grace in me, everything that prevents me taking delight in you. Amen.

    Assurance of Pardon: Romans 5:1

    Old Testament Lesson: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

    Song: All Creatures of Our God and King Hymn No. 115 (v. 1,2,5)

    Song: To Thee I Come CCLI #5445851

    To thee I come, a sinner poor, and wait for mercy at thy door
    Indeed I’ve nowhere else to flee, Oh God be merciful to me!
    To thee I come, a sinner weak, and scarce know how to pray or speak
    From fear and weakness set me free, Oh God be merciful to me!

    To thee I come, a sinner vile, upon me Lord vouchsafe to smile
    Mercy through blood, I make my plea, Oh God be merciful to me!
    To thee I come, a sinner great, and well thou knowest all my state
    Yet full forgiveness is with thee, Oh God be merciful to me!

    To thee I come, a sinner lost, nor have I aught wherein to trust
    But where thou art, Lord I would be, Oh God be merciful to me!
    To glory bring me Lord at last, and then when all my sins are passed
    With all the saints, I’ll then agree, Oh God was merciful to me!
    Oh God was merciful to me!

    Confession of Faith: The Westminster Confession of Faith
    Of God’s Covenant With Man, Chapter VII/I Trinity Hymnal p. 852

    The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God’s part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.

    New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

    Song of Response: Be Thou My Vision Hymn No. 642 (v. 1,2,4,5)

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church: Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder
    Galatians 3

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    Genesis 12:1-4 “The Covenant with Abraham, Part 2”

    The Lord’s Prayer:

    Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

    Communion*:

    Song: Holy, Holy, Holy Hymn No. 100

    Benediction:

    *Professing and baptized members in good standing of a Church in which Jesus Christ is proclaimed as Lord and Savior are warmly invited to join with us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

     

    ANNOUNCEMENTS
    Sanctuary: Because we’re trying to keep our new sanctuary beautiful and reverent, we ask that you please leave your food and drinks in the fellowship area in the classroom wing. We also ask that you put your cell phones on silent or vibrate. Thank you!
    Guests: Welcome to Christ Presbyterian Church. We want to thank you for joining us for worship! If this is your first time visiting our church, please fill out a visitor card and place it in the offerings box at the back of the sanctuary. We’d like to send you some info about our church and our ministries. Also, if you have any needs or would like additional information, please see one of the elders or deacons, or send an email to christprespca@gmail.com.
    Sunday School: We have classes for all ages starting at 9:15 and would encourage you to attend. For the adults, we have one class on the life of David taught by Fred Fohrell, and another class on Reformed Theology taught by Mike Calvert. We also have classes for children from toddler through high school. Check with a deacon for the location of each class.
    Parents Night Out: Christ Pres families are invited to participate in a Parents’ Night Out on Thursday, January 29 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Parents may drop off their kids for a fun-filled night of games and crafts. This event is free as a service to parents, allowing them an opportunity to spend quality time together. The sign-up sheet is located at the refreshment table at the Church for the next 2 weeks and anyone interested in volunteering can see Meghan Wohleber.
    Bride of Christ Tea: On February 7th, the Elders and Deacons’ wives are hosting an afternoon tea/shower for our beloved “Bride of Christ,” the church. The invite will be inside our worship bulletin or on the Narthex tables the next two Sundays. If you would like to gift our new church, we are registering at several local stores for some wonderful things to stock our kitchen. Two ways to RSVP: 1. You can fill out the bottom of the invite and drop it in the Tithes & Offerings Box. 2. You can email Rachel Matheny at Matheny.Rachel@gmail.com to be added to our RSVP list. Please RSVP soon, and be sure to invite any visitors! Contact Beth Hamilton at ham-fam@comcast.net for additional information.
    Calendar/Other Announcements: As always, check the website www.christpreshamptoncove.org for additional new and events.

    PRAYER REQUESTS
    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Ramona Edwards, Janet Cho, and Nancy Bright.
    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Calvert, Townsley, Roberts, and Johnson families as they prepare to expand.
    Ministries: Christ Presbyterian supports several missionaries and ministries, and they all would appreciate your prayers: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Reid and Kelli Jones (RUF UAH); Roy and Emily Hubbard (RUF Alabama A&M); Franky Garcia (RUF University of Central Florida); Ken and Angie Burnet (FCA)

  • Order of Worship – January 18 2015

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    JANUARY 18, 2014

    Call to Worship:                                       Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    Psalm 4                                       Trinity Hymnal p. 786

    Pastor:     Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God.
    People:     Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
    Pastor:     How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
    People:     Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.
    Pastor:     In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
    People:     Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.
    Pastor:     Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”
    People:     Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.
    Pastor:     You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
    All:         I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson:                                   Genesis 1:1-5

    Song: And Can It Be                             Hymn No. 455 (v. 1, 3-5)

    Song: All Things New                                 CCLI #5448157

    Come Lord and tarry not; bring the long looked for day;
    O why these years of waiting here, these ages of decay?
    Come for thy saints still wait; daily ascends their sigh;
    The Spirit and the Bride say “Come”, dost thou not hear the cry?

    CHORUS:
    O come and make all things new, come and make all things new
    O come and make all things new, build up this ruined Earth,
    Come and make all things new

    Come for creation groans, impatient of thy stay
    Worn out with these long years of ill, these ages of delay.
    Come for love waxes cold, its steps are faint and slow;
    Faith now is lost in unbelief, Hope’s lamp burns dim and low.

    Confession of Faith:                        The Apostles’ Creed
    Trinity Hymnal p. 845

    I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

    New Testament Lesson:                    Acts 19:1-7

    Prayer of Confession:

    Assurance of Pardon:                        Ephesians 1:7

    Song of Response: Sovereign                    CCLI #6453309

    Sovereign in the mountain air, Sovereign on the ocean floor
    With me in the calm, With me in the storm
    Sovereign in my greatest joy, Sovereign in my deepest cry
    With me in the dark, With me at the dawn

    CHORUS:
    In Your everlasting arms, all the pieces of my life
    From beginning to the end, I can trust You
    In Your never failing love, You work everything for good
    God whatever comes my way, I will trust You

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:        Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder
    Galatians 2

    Preaching of the Word:                                       Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    Genesis 12:1-4                                         “The Covenant with Abraham”

    Communion*:

    Song: The Precious Blood                    CCLI# 4804297

    Before the cross I kneel and see the measure of my sin
    How You became a curse for me though You were innocent
    The magnitude of Your great love Was shown in full degree
    When righteous blood, the crimson spill rained down from Calvary

    CHORUS
    Oh, the precious blood that flowed from Mercy’s side
    Washed away my sin when Christ my Savior died
    Oh, the precious blood of Christ the crucified
    It speaks for me before Your throne where I stand justified

    And who am I that I should know this treasure of such worth
    My Savior’s pure atoning blood shed for the wrath I’d earned
    For sin has stained my every deed my every word and thought
    What wondrous love that makes me one your priceless blood has bought

    Benediction:

    *Professing and baptized members in good standing of a Church in which Jesus Christ is proclaimed as Lord and Savior are warmly invited to join with us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

  • Announcements – January 16, 2015

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    This coming Lord’s Day we will attempt one more time to resume our sermon series on ‘Great Events In the History of Redemption.’ As I indicated last week (before our plans were interrupted by a little water!) I will be preaching the first of several messages from the Book of Genesis on the covenant God made with Abraham. This Sunday we will meet the man we first encounter as ‘Abram.’ Our text will be Genesis 12:1-3. If you have time, let me suggest that you study Genesis 11:24-17:27, as well as Romans 4:1-25 in preparation for these messages.

    Sunday School Begins This Sunday

    Our new semester of Sunday Schoolbegins this week at 9:15 AM. There areclasses for all ages. For our Adults there are two classes to choose from:

    Mr. Fred Fohrell will be teaching on ‘The Life of King David.’ This is a study of Israel’s greatest king, and the one described as ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ The class will explore his life, ministry, failures, and triumphs with special attention on how David ultimately prepares the way for the arrival of the King of Kings! This class will meet in the Education Wing in the room to the far right of the south end of the building.

    I will be teaching a class on ‘An Introduction to Reformed Theology.’ In this class we will explore the depth and riches of our theological heritage. We will consider the importance of theology for the worship and life of the Church, and will seek to understand the distinctives of our beliefs as they relate to salvation, the Church, the Christian life, prayer, and evangelism. This class will meet in the Worship Center.

    May our Father bless you all with a restful (and water free!) weekend, and I’ll see you Sunday!

    All my love and prayers for each of you always,

    Mike

  • Women’s and Children’s Ministry Announcements

    Friends,

    I am so excited about all that’s going on in Women’s & Children’s at Christ Pres. Our committees are looking so forward to winter and spring and the things we have planned. As always, we pray these activities and events are opportunities for you to feel the love of Christ through fellowship with others in our church body. 

    As we mentioned last week, we have several opportunities coming up for you to be involved. Please read the details below and forward to any visitors or guests who may be interested! 

    Thursday, January 28th, is our inaugural Parents’ Night Out 

    Christ Pres families are invited to participate in a Parents’ Night Out on Thursday, January 29 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm.  Parents may drop off their kids for a fun-filled night of games and crafts. This event is free as a service to parents, allowing them an opportunity to spend quality time together. The sign-up sheet will be located at the information/refreshment table at the Church for the next 2 weeks and anyone interested in volunteering can see Meghan Wohleber . Should this event receive favorable feedback, we hope to provide the event on a quarterly basis. {For planning purposes, you must be signed up in order to participate – More details on what to bring/how to drop off will be coming the week of the event.} 

    Let’s Shower our Bride, the new church!

    On  February 7th, the Elders and Deacons’ wives are hosting an afternoon tea/shower for our beloved “Bride of Christ,” the church. The invite will be inside our worship bulletin or on the Narthex tables the next two Sundays. If you would like to gift our new church, we are registering at several local stores for some wonderful things to stock our kitchen. Two ways to RSVP:

    1. You can fill out the bottom of the invite and drop it in the Tithes & Offerings Box.

    2. You can email Rachel Matheny atMatheny.Rachel@gmail.com to be added to our RSVP list. 

    Please RSVP soon, and be sure to invite any visitors! Contact Beth Hamilton at ham-fam@comcast.net for additional information. 

    Books & Coffee to benefit the Nursery & Children’s Classrooms

    Finally, on February 19th, from 6 to 8 p.m., we will host a come and go Book Fair at the church. Gracie Clark, a member at Southwood, will have Usborne books on display. You may purchase them for your family or purchase for our new nurseries. These are wonderful children’s books that we can use with our little ones on Sunday! It’s also a great chance to stock up on Easter or birthday gifts! Christ Pres will receive 25-50% of the sales in free books! Two ways to order or make a donation:

    1. Attend the Books & Coffee Fair (and desserts of course). Bring your kids and let them look as well!

    2. Order online using our online link (forthcoming). We will have a “wish list” online that you may choose and order from (if you are ordering to donate to the church).

    Watch for another email about this the week of the event.

    As always, you can find our church calendar HERE on our website. We will make sure these and other events are listed and complete with explanations and details! 

    In Him,

    Ashley Turnbull
    aoturnbull@gmail.com

  • Church Services Resume

    Brothers and Sisters,
    The past four days have seen a flurry of activity assessing damage, cleaning and repairing the areas effected by the fire sprinkler malfunction. Fortunately, the line break and overhead damage was limited to the ladies restroom in the narthex.  Workmen were on site when the failure occurred and the water valve was closed after only 8 minutes of  water flow.  Unfortunately the break was in a 2″ pipe and the water pressure was 130 pounds per square inch.   That resulted in a lot of water that flowed from the restroom area into the narthex and sanctuary.  Water never reached the stage area of the sanctuary or the classroom wing.  Cleanup work began immediately after the water valve was closed and most of the water was professionally removed within 2 hours of the occurrence.  Drying and repair operations will continue through Friday and then the building will be cleaned for Sunday School and Worship Services.
    During services on Sunday, all areas are safe and accessible except the ladies room in the narthex.  There also will be some contractor equipment in the area.  Praise the Lord that we are back in our worship center and that the disruption has been minimal.  Thank you for your prayers.
    Your Diaconate

  • Services Canceled for Janurary 12, 2015

    Church Family,

    This afternoon at our new Church building there was a major malfunction of the fire suppression system that resulted in the flooding of the entire worship center floor with several inches of water. This problem occurred in the ladies bathroom ceiling and caused water to flow from the Narthex area into the worship center. All of the hardwood flooring and carpeting was submerged. Thankfully the education wing was spared and no water was released from the valves in the ceilings of either the worship or education areas. Damage to the ladies room is substantial, and we are awaiting word on how much damage has been done in the worship center. Crews are on site now extracting the water and repairs will begin tomorrow.

    In assessing the situation the builder has advised us that we cannot meet at the Church building on Sunday. The carpeting and flooring will not be properly dried (and replaced where needed) and other repairs cannot be made in time for worship this week. In light of this, we have made the decision to cancel services for this Sunday, January 11. Please help us pass this word to others who may not receive our Church emails.

    After the weekend we will have a better understanding of how much damage has been done and how long repairs will take. We will keep you updated as we get more information.

    As I surveyed the scene this afternoon with Jack Cooper I was reminded of how great and good our Lord is. Even this, a minor setback in the whole scheme of things, will serve His greater purposes and glory. And we are also reminded at a time like this that all earthly and material things, including beautiful places of worship, are transitory and fragile–here one minute and gone the next. And yet, our sovereign and gracious Lord never changes, His mercies never fail, His promises never falter, and He is worthy of our highest love and deepest devotion! Let us give Him thanks and praise even in this!

    Your Church Officers will keep you advised about this situation and we appreciate your prayers more than we can express.

    I love you all so very much!

    Mike