Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Month: August 2015

  • Order of Worship – August 30 2015

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    August 30, 2015

    Call to Worship: Psalm 18:46,48-50
    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9

    Song: We Will Feast in the House of Zion CCLI #7041364

    CHORUS:
    We will feast in the house of Zion, we will sing with our hearts restored
    “He has done great things” we will say together
    we will feast and weep no more

    We will not be burned by the fire; He is the Lord our God
    We are not consumed by the flood; upheld, protected, gathered up

    In the dark of night before the dawn, my soul be not afraid
    For the promised morning, oh how long! O God of Jacob, be my strength

    Every vow we’ve broken and betrayed, You are the faithful One
    And from the garden to the grave, bind us together, bring shalom

    Song: How Great Thou Art Hymn 44 v1,3-4

    New Testament Lesson: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

    Public Confession of Sin:

    Pastor: O Lord, great God, whom we behold in awe and wonder, who has kept covenant and steadfast love with Your people from age to age:
    People: We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.
    Pastor: We have known in our hearts what is right, and yet we did wrong anyway.
    People: We have been fascinated by evil, delighted with pleasing ourselves, satisfying our desires, pampering ourselves with pleasures.
    Pastor: O Lord, great God, have mercy on us according to Your steadfast love.
    People: We know You are a God who delights in goodness. Grant that we too might delight in goodness.
    All: These prayers we present to You, O Father, in the name of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain and yet lives forever more.

    Assurance of Pardon: John 8:1-11

    Song: Fairest Lord Jesus Hymn 170 v.1-3

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder James 5:1-20

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “The Fourth Commandment: Sabbath Rest, Part 3”
    Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 11:28-12:14; John 5:1-17

    Prayer of Preparation:

    Confession of Faith:

    We confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and we believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, and that we have been be saved. For with our hearts we have believed and have been justified, and with our mouths we have confessed and are saved. We believe the Word of God when it says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” We believe there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
    And we affirm that, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    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 us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    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.

    New Members Class: Sunday, September 13th is the first of a two part New Members Class. Part two will meet on September 20th. This class is for anyone interested in joining our church or learning about our philosophy of ministry. Attending the class does not obligate you to join, but attendance is required for anyone seeking church membership. The class will meet in the fellowship hall from 3:30-5:30 pm. Please sign up on the table in the narthex.

    Women’s Bible Study: Gretchen McKee will teach Hebrews starting on Thursday, 9/10 from 6:30-8 pm at the church. Kathy Cooper and Dona Sims will co-teach on Ephesians starting on Wednesday, 9/2, with fellowship at 9:30 and study at 10 am. Childcare is provided for the daytime study.

    Calendar/Other Announcements: As always, check the website www.christpreshamptoncove.org for additional news and upcoming events.

     

    PRAYER REQUESTS

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nancy Bright, Katie Brown, and Billy Cranford.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson and Matheny families as they prepare to expand.

    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: 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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

  • Announcements – August 28 2015

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Imagine a long chain, made up of individual links that are easily clipped together one at a time. This is a very simple way to view the Bible. As the story of the Word of God unfolds from its starting point in Genesis, one inspired link is added after another until the chain is completed in Revelation. Each link adds to the unfolding drama of redemption. And each link contributes something that is essential to our understanding of the larger storyline, which, of course, finds its blessed consummation in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    The giving of the Law at Sinai is another one of those critical links. And, more specifically, the Fourth Commandment regarding the Sabbath day is an especially significant link in the divine drama as we trace the ‘Sabbath theme’ from creation to consummation. This Lord’s Day, in our third of four sermons on the Fourth Commandment, we will look at the way the Sabbath is taken up in the ministry of Jesus and how the Sabbath rest finds its glorious fulfillment in Him. There are two New Testament passages that we will consider on Sunday. The first is Matthew 11:28-12:8 and the second is John 5:1-17. Take some time to carefully read these passages in the light of Exodus 20:8-11 and pray that the Lord will help us to see the ‘covenantal connection.’

    I love you all!

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – August 23 2015

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    August 23, 2015

    Call to Worship: Psalm 84:1-2,5,10-12
    Sacrament of Baptism:

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Confession of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed

    I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell: The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy universal church: The communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen.

    Old Testament Lesson: Joshua 24:1-2,14-18

    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!

    Song: Jesus, What a Friend For Sinners Hymn 498 v.1-3,5

    New Testament Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-20

    Confession of Sin:

    Pastor: Our Father, we thank You that the same Spirit who was upon the Lord Jesus dwells in us through union with Him.
    People: We praise You that in Christ we may see the fruit of the Spirit manifested in all of its fullness;
    Pastor: That in Christ we see perfect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
    People: O Lord, would that we were more like Him! Our pride and self-centeredness taint everything we do.
    Pastor: We define love on our own terms, with a distinct bias toward serving ourselves.
    People: Our joy is conditioned on good health, favorable circumstances, or other people’s perception of us rather than our identity in Christ.
    All: Forgive us, O God, and set us apart for Your service, and manifest in us righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

    Assurance of Pardon: 1 Peter 2:24

    Song: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Hymn 252 v.1-4

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder James 4:1-17

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “The Fourth Commandment: Sabbath Rest, Part Two” Exodus 20:8-11

    Communion*:

    Song: My Jesus, I Love Thee Hymn 648 v.1,2,4

    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 us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    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.

    New Members Class: Sunday, September 13th is the first of a two part New Members Class. Part two will meet on September 20th. This class is for anyone interested in joining our church or learning about our philosophy of ministry. Attending the class does not obligate you to join, but attendance is required for anyone seeking church membership. The class will meet in the fellowship hall from 3:30-5:30 pm. Please sign up on the table in the narthex.

    Women’s Bible Study: Gretchen McKee will teach Hebrews starting on Thursday, 9/10 from 6:30-8 pm at the church. Kathy Cooper and Dona Sims will co-teach on Ephesians starting on Wednesday, 9/2, with fellowship at 9:30 and study at 10 am. Childcare is provided for the daytime study.

    Calendar/Other Announcements: As always, check the website www.christpreshamptoncove.org for additional news and upcoming events.

     

    PRAYER REQUESTS

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nancy Bright, Katie Brown, and Billy Cranford.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson and Matheny families as they prepare to expand.

    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: 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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

     

  • Announcements – August 21 2015

    Beloved Church Family,

    This Lord’s Day we will be taking our second look at the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue found in Exodus 20:8-11. This week our focus will be upon the words of verse 11 where we discover that the Sabbath Commandment looks back to something that happened on the “seventh day” of creation–something that the Lord Himself did:

    “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.”

    Long before God sounded the Ten Commandments from the top of the mountain, there was a “Sabbath”–a “blessed” and “holy” day–the “seventh day.” And when the Law is given later at Sinai, it’s as if Moses and the Covenant people are called to ‘look back over their shoulders’ into primal history in order to understand Commandment number four.

    But what does it mean that God Himself “rested”? And what is so significant about the “seventh day”? And why is the “seventh day” of creation different than the other six? Why, unlike the first six days, is there no “morning and evening” to this special day?

    As you get ready for Lord’s Day worship this week, take some time to read and meditate upon that magnificent creation account, Genesis 1:1-2:3. And then, let’s pray that the Spirit of the Living God will meet with us in worship as we hear and respond to the proclamation of His sacred Word.

    All my love and fervent prayers for each of you, through Christ Jesus our blessed Lord,

    Mike

  • Announcements – Fall Supper Groups

    Hello Everyone,

    We’re going to begin signup for the next round of dinner-fellowship groups with hopes of starting the new season early in September. God has richly blessed us with many new members, visitors, and friends since we began worshiping in our new facility, so this may be new information for some of you. Here’s the deal:

    The idea is to provide an opportunity for a small number of folks to get together several times so that you can get to know just a few people rather well. We structure the get-togethers around a set of (typically four) “pot providence” dinners (Inside joke. We Presbyterians don’t believe in luck. If you’re puzzled, ask Mike about it!). We’ll provide full details once we have everyone registered and have made the group assignments. All you really need to know for now is that you’ll enjoy it immensely. We usually think of these as “adult” get-togethers, but that’s entirely up to the members of each group to decide. All you need to do for now is for husbands/wives to talk it over to decide if you’d like to participate. Singles are absolutely welcome. In the past we’ve tried to get everything done over a period of about 4 months (that means 1 dinner per month), but we’re considering extending that. If you have any preference, please let us know how you feel about how long we should go before we re-shuffle the deck.
    We’ll begin the signup process by placing signup sheets around the narthex and snack areas. Just stop by and give us your names and contact info. Please help us by writing as legibly as you can. If you have questions you can contact us directly at:

    joeandjudifikes@gmail.com
    or 256-883-5281.

    God’s blessings on you all!

    Joe and Judi Fikes

  • Announcements – August 14 2015

    Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    This coming Lord’s Day our sermon will come from Exodus 20:8-11. This section of the Decalogue sets out the Fourth Commandment regarding the observance of the “sabbath,” or “seventh day.” When we read that word “sabbath” we immediately think of the restriction the Commandment places upon work. According to the Lord, work is for the first “six days” of the week (v. 9). But on the “seventh day” there is to be no labor of any kind performed by anyone, even the cattle, the servants, and sojourners (v. 10).

    Perhaps that’s about all we know concerning the Sabbath–the Israelites were commanded not to work on that holy day for some reason. But if that’s all we really understand about the Fourth Commandment, then we will struggle to comprehend how such a restriction applies now in the New Covenant era. Admittedly, believers in Christ have arrived at different answers to this question regarding the contemporary application of the Sabbath law. Some Churches and denominations rest and worship on Saturday, the actual seventh day of the week. Others, along more traditional lines, worship on Sunday, the first day of the week, while holding to the view that sees Sunday as kind of a ‘Christian Sabbath.’ And then there are others who interpret the Sabbath Commandment as unique among the ten, viewing it distinctly through the lens of creation and redemption, and the consummation of these themes in Christ’s earthly ministry as Redeemer and Lord.

    Over the next several weeks, we are going to take a slow walk through this section of the Decalogue. To be sure, the issue of the interpretation and application of the Fourth Commandment is complex, and believers have arrived at different conclusions. Yet, however difficult it may be, it is my conviction that the ‘Sabbath theme,’ which spans the whole Bible from cover to cover, is one of the richest themes in all of the Word of God! And I am convinced that to the degree we understand and embrace it, our lives will be deeply enriched as disciples of the Lord Jesus!

    As you pray and prepare for Lord’s Day worship, here are some other passages you might consider: Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 16:22-30; Exodus 31:12-17.

    A Little Church History and A Reason for Praise

    The month of August will always be a special month for our Church family. It was exactly ten years ago next week that everything came together to officially establish Christ Presbyterian Church (this is why our cornerstone has the date ‘2005’ etched in it). As you remember, our Church began as a little Bible study in a home back in the fall of 2003. With the help and authorization of the Presbytery (then it was Evangel Presbytery), the small group of believers appealed for and was granted ‘mission status’ in the early part of 2004. By March of that year, the little flock moved into Hampton Cove Middle School and began Sunday morning services there in the auditorium. Then, by the late summer of 2005, the Presbytery granted us ‘particular Church’ status, meaning that we had finally arrived at the stage where we could stand alone as a fully functioning congregation of the PCA with duly ordained and commissioned Church Officers. On Sunday August 21, 2005, Dr. Frank Barker, Pastor Emeritus of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, came and preached at our special service of worship that officially ‘launched’ us out into “all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

    What a decade it’s been! Not only have these ten years flown by so quickly, but we have also witnessed the amazing faithfulness of our God over and again. He has richly provided everything and everyone that we have ever needed! By the power of His Word and Spirit, He has done more among us than we could have possibly imagined. And the best part of all is that we are just getting started!! All praise and glory to our Blessed Lord!!

    As we look back across the years, let us be encouraged that the Sovereign One who “began a good work” in us will surely bring that work to completion “until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Let us unite our hearts in fervent praise for our Father’s immeasurable blessings, and let us also diligently seek His face and pray that we shall always be faithful to the One whose Name we bear and whose blessed Gospel we proclaim!

    I love you all more than I could ever express, and can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – August 16 2015

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    August 16, 2015

    Call to Worship: Proverbs 3:5-6
    Confession of Faith: The Nicene Creed

    Pastor: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
    People: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds;
    Pastor: God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
    People: Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
    Pastor: He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
    People: And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
    All: And I believe in one holy universal and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

    Song: Lord Most High CCLI #2037688

    From the ends of the earth, from the depths of the sea
    From the heights of the heavens, your name be praised
    From the hearts of the weak, from the shouts of the strong
    From the lips of all people, this song we raise, Lord

    CHORUS: Throughout the endless ages
    You will be crowned with praises, Lord most high
    Exalted in every nation, sovereign of all creation
    Lord most high, be magnified

    Song: God Of My Life, To Thee I Call CCLI# 5397370

    God of my life, to Thee I call, afflicted at Thy feet I fall
    When the great water flood prevail, leave not my trembling heart to fail

    CHORUS: Poor though I am, despised, forgot
    Yet God, my God, forgets me not
    And he is safe, and must succeed, for whom the Lord is sure to plead

    Friend of the friendless and the faint, where should I lodge my deep complaint?
    Where but with Thee whose open door invites the helpless and the poor

    That were a grief I could not bear didst Thou not hear and answer prayer;
    But a prayer hearing, answering God supports me under every load.
    New Testament Lesson: Ephesians 5:15-20

    Confession of Sin and The Lord’s Prayer:

    Assurance of Pardon: John 3:16-17

    Song: Great Is Thy Faithfulness Hymn 32 v.1-3

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder James 3:1-18

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “The Fourth Commandment: Sabbath Rest, Part One” Exodus 20:8-11

    Communion*:

    Song: Take My Life And Let It Be Hymn 585 v1,2,5,6

    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 us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    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.

    Children’s Ministry: Families mark your calendars! Saturday, August 22nd, we will host a Back to School bash for our toddlers thru 5th grade (siblings welcome). Come play in the water with us and enjoy lunch and ice cream! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church house. We also need youth to help serve! See details on the church website, or contact Ashley for more info.

    Women’s Bible Study: There are two bible study options for women this Fall. The evening study starts Thursday, September 10th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Gretchen McKee will teach an in-depth study on the book of Hebrews. Join her group for dinner & fellowship on 9/10 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to kick things off. Email Gretchen to reserve your spot! The daytime study starts Wednesday, September 2nd, at 10 a.m. It will be a study of the book of Ephesians, facilitated by Kathy Cooper and Dona Sims. Please see either of them for details. If you are planning on attending this study and require childcare, please see Ashley Turnbull.

    Calendar/Other Announcements: As always, check the website www.christpreshamptoncove.org for additional news and events.

     

    PRAYER REQUESTS

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nancy Bright, Katie Brown, and Billy Cranford.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson, Matheny, and Stanford families as they prepare to expand.

    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: 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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

  • Order of Worship – August 9 2015

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    August 9, 2015

    Call to Worship: Psalm 100
    Pastor: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
    People: Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
    Pastor: Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
    People: Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
    All: For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: 2 Samuel 12:1-7

    Song: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Hymn 53 v.1,3-5

    Song: More Love to Thee, O Christ Hymn 649 v.1,2,4

    New Testament Lesson: Ephesians 4:29-5:2

    Confession of Sin:

    Lord God, eternal and Almighty Father, I acknowledge and confess before Your holy Majesty that I am spiritually poor and needy, conceived and born in guilt and corruption, prone to do evil, unable of myself to do any good. I confess with the Apostle Paul that I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

    Assurance of Pardon: 1 Peter 1:18-19

    Song: Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul CCLI #3112430

    Dear refuge of my weary soul, on Thee, when sorrows rise
    On Thee, when waves of trouble roll, my fainting hope relies
    To Thee I tell each rising grief, for Thou alone canst heal
    Thy Word can bring a sweet relief, for every pain I feel

    But oh, when gloomy doubts prevail I fear to call Thee mine
    The springs of comfort seem to fail, and all my hopes decline
    Yet gracious God, where shall I flee, Thou art my only trust
    And still my soul would cleave to Thee, though prostrate in the dust

    Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face, and shall I seek in vain
    And can the ear of sovereign grace, be deaf when I complain
    No still the ear of sovereign grace attends the mourner’s prayer
    Oh may I ever find access to breathe my sorrows there

    Thy mercy seat is open still, here let my soul retreat
    With humble hope attend Thy will, and wait beneath Thy feet
    Thy mercy seat is open still, here let my soul retreat
    With humble hope attend Thy will, and wait beneath Thy feet

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Fred Fohrell, Ruling Elder James 2:1-26

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “The Third Commandment: The Sacred Name” Exodus 20:7

    Confession of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed

    I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell: The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy universal church: The communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen.

    Communion*:

    Song: Hark! The Voice of Love and Mercy CCLI# 2793362

    Hark, the voice of love and mercy, sounds aloud from Calvary!
    See it rends the rocks asunder; shakes the earth and veils the sky!
    “It is finished, it is finished,” hear the dying Savior cry.
    “It is finished, it is finished,” hear the dying Savior cry.

    “It is finished,” o what pleasure do these charming words afford.
    Heavenly blessings without measure flow to us from Christ the Lord.
    “It is finished, it is finished,” saints the dying words record.
    “It is finished, it is finished,” saints the dying words record.

    Finished all the types and shadows of the ceremonial law.
    Finished all that God had promised, death and hell no more shall awe.
    “It is finished, it is finished,” saints from hence your comfort draw.
    “It is finished, it is finished,” saints from hence your comfort draw.

    Tune your harps anew, ye seraphs, join to sing the pleasing theme
    Saints of earth and all in heaven join to praise Immanuel’s name.
    Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Glory to the bleeding lamb!
    Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Glory to the bleeding lamb!

    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 us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS
    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.
    Children’s Ministry: Families mark your calendars! Saturday, August 22nd, we will host a Back to School bash for our toddlers thru 5th grade (siblings welcome). Come play in the water with us and enjoy lunch and ice cream! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church house. We also need youth to help serve! See details on the church website, or contact Ashley for more info.
    Sunday School: Sunday School has resumed, and meets at 9:15 AM. We have classes for all age groups, from toddlers through adults. There will be two classes for adults: ‘Let My People Think!’- Confronting the major issues of the day with the Word of God, and ‘What Did Jesus Really Say?’ – Examining some of the more difficult sayings of our Lord. We encourage you to find a class and get plugged in!
    Calendar/Other Announcements: As always, check the website www.christpreshamptoncove.org for additional news and events.
    PRAYER REQUESTS
    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nancy Bright, Katie Brown, and Billy Cranford.
    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson, Matheny, and Stanford families as they prepare to expand.
    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: 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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

  • Announcements – August 7 2015

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Our sermon series on the Ten Commandments will continue this coming Lord’s Day as we consider Exodus 20:7 and the Third Commandment regarding the misuse of the Lord’s sacred name. The Commandment forbids the taking of the Lord’s name “in vain.” But what does that mean, and how is this Commandment violated?

    We get a little hint of an answer to these questions when we remember that the first petition of The Lord’s Payer is that the name of our God will be “hallowed,” or kept holy. To misuse the Lord’s name, then, has something to do with profaning, or scandalizing the reputation of the Lord by various means. But the Commandment also implies the positive side, that we will guard the name of the Lord and seek to protect it from such abuses.

    As always, we will also seek to make the ‘covenantal connection’ between the ways this Commandment was applied in the Old Testament and its contemporary application to us as New Covenant believers.

    Sunday School Starts This Sunday!

    At 9:15 AM this coming Lord’s Day our Fall Semester of Christian Education begins. There are classes for every age and we encourage you to participate in this vital ministry. The simple reason that we have Sunday School is that Jesus commanded it. In the Great Commission our Lord instructed us to proclaim the Gospel and to “make disciples” by “teaching them all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Sunday School, then, is the “teaching” ministry of the Church, and by it we seek to be faithful to our Lord’s direct order.

    Along with our Children’s, Middle School, and High School classes, there will be two classes for adults to choose from. Dr. Bud Lancaster will be teaching “Let My People Think: Confronting the Major Issues of the Day With the Word of God.” This class will meet in the large room on the southeast side of the Education Building. Mr. Fred Fohrell will be teaching “What Did Jesus Really Say: Understanding the Difficult Sayings of Jesus.” This class will meet in the Worship Center. I hope you will join us!

    A Quick Follow-Up to Last Week’s Sermon

    Due to the constraints of time I was unable to address one very important question about appropriate worship in last week’s message on the Second Commandment. Perhaps you were wondering about the application of this Commandment to the use of crosses, or stained glass, or other architectural features that we find in many worship centers including our own. In other words, are we violating the Commandment against images when we include these symbols in the design of our worship space? I would say that the answer is ‘no’ as long as these symbols serve as a ‘confession of faith’ and not as objects of veneration. For two thousand years, the cross has been utilized by Christians to confess their faith in the risen Savior, along with the symbol of the fish. And Church buildings have also been designed throughout Christian history to bear silent witness to the Gospel, and to signal that what takes place in that space has to do with the worship of the Triune God who saves sinners only through His beloved Son.

    Also, you might be wondering about the wearing of a cross and whether or not this violates the Commandment. Again, it depends. If it is worn as a confession of faith, then that can be a very good thing indeed (and Christians through the centuries have done this very thing). However, if we treat such a symbol as if it has some power (magical or otherwise), or as an object to be worshipped, or even as a tool to bring us closer to God, then the Commandment would be transgressed. I hope this answers some of your questions and sheds more light on this important topic.

    I love you all, and can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

    Mike

  • Announcement – Back to School Bash

    All,

    The Children’s Ministry has had a great summer – since we weren’t seeing each other in Sunday school, we have made more of an effort to gather around town with four socials/playgroups. I hope that we can do the same thing next year!
    Sunday School
    As you know, Sunday, August 9th, we will start back to Sunday school at 9:15 in the fellowship wing of the church. Our classes are broken up as follows:
    • Toddlers (ages 2-3) will meet in the nursery.
    • Pre-K & Kindergarten (Meg Wohleber) will meet in Classroom 1 (by the kitchen).
    • 1st & 2nd (Todd Cranford) will meet in Classroom 2.
    • 3rd to 5th (Jeff Brown) will meet in Classroom 3.
    Please be praying for all of these teachers as they seek God’s Word and present it to our children through our wonderful curriculum. Also, I am still in need of help w/ the toddlers. If you have a heart for this age, email me for more information!
    Back to School Bash
     

    To end summer, we are excited to host one last fellowship! We have some really fun things for ages nursery and up, including a giant water slide, pools, sprinklers, food, art, and a surprise visit from the ice cream truck (Shh! Don’t tell the littles!).

    You will find all the details by clicking HERE on the church website calendar. Watch for flyers posted around the church and in the bulletin. On the website, you will find a place to RSVP, so please do that so we know what numbers to expect! Siblings and guests are welcome, too!
    I need a few YOUTH to come and serve our children at the event: manning the water slide, serving lunch, helping with art, and cleaning up. If you have a youth-aged child (6th thru 12th grade) or just have a heart to come and serve us, please sign up using the website above. Thank you!
    In Him,
    Ashley