Month: December 2015
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Order of Worship – December 27 2015
ORDER OF WORSHIP
December 27, 2015Call to Worship: Isaiah 60:1
Prayer of Adoration:Confession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism Q.1
Pastor: Christian, what is your only comfort, in life and in death?
People: That I belong—body and soul, in life and in death—not to myself, but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of His own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that He protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit His purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him.Old Testament Lesson: Psalm 96
Song: Come Thou Fount Hymn 457 v.1-3
Song: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Hymn 53 v.1-3,5
New Testament Lesson: Titus 2:11-14
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!Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder Matthew 11:1-19Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
“In the Garden with Jesus” Matthew 26:36-46Corporate Confession of Sin:
Almighty and merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You and one another in both our actions and our inactions. We recognize that in Jesus Christ our light has come, yet often we choose to walk in shadows and ignore the light. Gracious God, forgive our sins and remove from us the veil of darkness that shrouds our lives. Illumined by Your Word and Sacraments, may we rise to the radiance of Christ’s glory. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: 1 John 5:7
Communion*:
Song: In Christ Alone CCLI #3350395
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.In Christ alone! who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live.There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day, Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory, Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine, Bought with the precious blood of Christ.No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.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.
Sunday School: Reminder, Sunday School classes are cancelled January 3. A new semester of classes for all ages will begin January 10. In the meantime, please enjoy fellowship time from 10 AM to 10:30 AM prior to worship, which will start at the regularly scheduled time.
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, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, and Suzanne Nimon.
Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family 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 – December 25 2015
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
On this blessed Christmas Day let me encourage you to reflect upon that most dramatic scene from the very end of our Lord’s earthly life. In Matthew 26:36-46 we encounter those familiar words of Jesus, spoken in the context of fervent prayer: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (v. 39).
The One whose birth we celebrate today eventually went to Gethsemane where that incomprehensible transaction took place–our Lord desperately pleading with His Father, and then fully submitting to His will, and all for the sake of sinners like you and me! I can think of no more important or comforting words to consider on the final Sunday of the year than these. As we gather for worship on this coming Lord’s Day we will think about the massive implications of our Lord’s garden prayer and His complete submission to the Father’s eternal plan.
Remember that there is no Sunday School this week or next week. Our time of fellowship will start at 10:00 AM, followed by Morning Worship at 10:30 AM.
Have a wonder-filled day, and may our risen Savior bless you and yours until we meet before Him!
In His great love,
Mike
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Order of Worship – Christmas Eve Service
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Christmas Eve Service – December 24, 2015
Call to Worship: Matthew 2:6
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.
Theme One – Creation: Genesis 1:1-3,26-27; Psalm 19:1
Song: O Come All Ye Faithful Hymn 208 v.1,3,4
Theme Two – The Fall: Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 3:10-12
Song: Away In A Manger Hymn 204 v.1-3
Prayer of Confession:
Pastor: Our Father, in a world of created changeable things, Christ and His Word alone remain unshaken. O to forsake all creatures, to rest as a stone on Him, the foundation, to abide in Him, to be borne up by Him!
People: For all our mercies come through Christ, who has designed, purchased, promised and granted them.
Pastor: Father, we are guilty. We frequently sin against You and violate Your holy will, and we have no comforter, no creature to go to for help or consolation.
People: Our sin is the continual separation, disunion, and distance from You, and our hearts are often careless towards You.
Pastor: But You have given us a Gift, Jesus Your Son, as Mediator between Yourself and sinners, for only He can span the chasm breached by our sin and satisfy divine justice.
People: May we always lay hold upon this Mediator by faith. If we oppose the Word, we oppose our Lord when He is most near; if we receive the Word we receive our Lord wherein He is most nigh.
All: O Lord, who has the hearts of all people in Your hand, form our hearts according to Your Word, according to the image of Your Son; so shall Christ the Word be our strength and comfort. Amen!
Assurance of Pardon:
Pastor: Almighty God, who does freely pardon all who repent and turn to Him, now fulfill in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace, remitting all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord.
People: Amen!
Theme Three – Redemption: Isaiah 7:14; 9:2,6-7; Luke 2:8-14; 1 Cor 15:1-14
Song: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Hymn 203 v.1-3
Theme Four – Consummation: Revelation 19:11-16
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Song: Joy to the World Hymn 195 v.1,2,4
Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
“The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6
Communion*:
Song: Silent Night Hymn 210 v.1-3
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.
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Order of Worship – December 20 2015
ORDER OF WORSHIP
December 20, 2015Call to Worship: Psalm 80:1-7
Pastor: Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.
People: You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might and come to save us!
Pastor: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!
People: O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
Pastor: You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure.
People: You make us an object of contention for our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.
All: Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!Sacrament of Baptism:
Prayer of Commitment:
Confession of Faith: The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q.26 How does Christ fill the office of a king?
A. Christ fills the office of a king in making us his willing subjects, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.Old Testament Lesson: Micah 5:2-5
Song: Salvation is Born CCLI# 4866235
Come let us worship, come let us adore
Jesus, Messiah, our Savior is born
Carol His glory and sing His sweet Name
Offer a life of thanksgiving and praiseJoin with the angels proclaiming to earth
Join with the shepherds in awe of His birth
Join all creation rejoicing this morn
The glory of God-become-man has been bornCHORUS
Come, let us adore Him
Jesus, the hope of the world
Come, worship before Him
Christ, the Messiah has come
Salvation is bornProphets foretold Him, the Promise of God
The hope of Salvation and light of the world
Born in a stable and born as a man
Born to fulfill God’s redeeming planSong: Go Tell It On the Mountain Hymn 224 v.1-3
New Testament Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10
Song: The Son of God Came Down CCLI# 4866259
The Son of God came down and laid aside His crown
Born without great renown, this Sovereign One
All holiness and might, all glory shining bright
Have come to earth this night in Mary’s son
O come, let us adoreCHORUS: O Christ the Lord, our hope and Savior
Son of God yet made like us
O Christ the Lord, our King adored
Born a child, our Lord, JesusMessiah born so small, asleep in cattle stall
Come to redeem our fall, nailed to a tree
This tiny, helpless child through death would reconcile
The holy God and vile, His grace so free
O come, let us adoreScripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder Matthew 11:1-19Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
“Eternal Father” Isaiah 9:6Corporate Confession of Sin and the Lord’s Prayer:
Assurance of Pardon: 2 Corinthians 5:21
Communion*:
Song: What Child Is This Hymn 213 v.1-3
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.
Christmas Eve Service: Don’t forget that our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion will be on Thursday night, December 24th, at 5 PM.
Decorating: The Flower Guild will decorate the church for Christmas on 12/22 and 12/23 (10 am at the church). Please see the church website/announcements page for all the details on volunteer needs. See Donna or Virdia for more information.
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, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, and Suzanne Nimon.
Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family 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)
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Announcements – December 18 2015
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
On this coming Lord’s Day, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we will take another look at the inspired words of Isaiah as he speaks prophetically of the coming of our blessed Savior and King. The fourth enthronement name bestowed upon Jesus is “Eternal Father”–Isaiah 9:6. What an amazing title this is! And as we prayerfully explore it together may the Lord comfort us with the knowledge of who our Savior truly is and what His incarnation really means!
Announcements
This Sunday is the final week of Sunday School for 2015. There will be no Sunday School on December 27th or January 3rd. Our new semester of Christian Education will begin on January 10, 2016.
And don’t forget about our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion on Thursday night, December 24th at 5:00 PM. A nursery will be provided and we encourage you to bring guests and family to worship with us on this special night!
Regarding our parking plan for Christmas Eve, our Deacons provide the following instructions:
Christmas Eve services will be at 5 pm again this year and we expect an especially large crowd. To better accommodate our guests and late arrivals, we ask that our members consider using the overflow parking area provided at the church house. The deacons will be present to direct all the parking activities and provide security. In case of inclement weather or muddy conditions that preclude use of the church house, we will use the paved parking lot at Tortora’s for overflow parking and the deacons will provide shuttle service to and from the church building. We had a large number of visitors on Christmas Eve last year depart because there was no parking available. We hope to avoid that situation this year and accommodate everyone on the first anniversary of worship in our new building. Thanks for your understanding and for your support. Your Diaconate.
A Final Word
On behalf of Carol and our children and grand children I want to take this opportunity to tell each of you how thankful we are to be a part of your family in Christ. We have been blessed beyond measure during the course of this year, and we consider it the highest of privileges to stand alongside you in the work of our Lord and Savior.
As we come to the conclusion of yet another year and expectantly move into the next one, I want you to know how fervently I love you, how much I delight in laboring for you in prayer, and how I treasure the awesome task of serving as your pastor. Aside from our own salvation there is no greater blessing in our lives than you! It is a most wonderful honor to shepherd you, to present the Word of God to you each week, and to walk through life with you in the service of our King.
We pray that this coming year will be one of extraordinary growth for all of us in the knowledge of Christ and His blessed Word. And that as the body of Christ, we will have a profound impact upon this community as we fervently love one another, as we seek to live lives of authentic holiness, and as we all faithfully follow God’s will wherever He takes us.
May our Sovereign Lord bless each of you richly during this season of celebration as we reflect upon the awesome miracle of His incarnation. May you always “be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge”–Ephesians 3:18-19.
You are, and always will be “my beloved brethren . . . my joy and crown”–Philippians 4:1.
Merry Christmas,
Mike, Carol, and Family
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Women’s Ministry Dinner Pics
All,
Thank you to Meg and her team of volunteers who put on a wonderful Christmas dinner for our ladies – 75+ to be exact! We heard from many ladies on the importance of being in God’s word and in our bible studies and how life-changing this is! Pray for 2016 and all that the Lord will do for our families in the new year!
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Announcements: Christmas Week Decorating
From the Flower Guild:
Tuesday, December 22, 2015 – 10AM
1. We plan to complete all outdoor decorations – placing fresh wreaths with bows on all entrance doors, one front window, and side door. Suction cup wreath hangers will be provided for this.
2. Cutting, folding, and wrapping all poinsettia plants.Wednesday, December 23, 2015 – 10AM
1. Please bring your clippers and fresh greenery for arranging. Our needs are: Little Gem Magnolia, Grandiflora Magnolia, Holly, Cedar, Pine, Cryptomeria, Nandina with berries, and Jackson Vine. Please condition these the day before – woody stems should be cut in an “X” on the bottom and use a veggie peeler to trim around the sides of the stem – about 3″ high. Make sure to use clean buckets and water.
2. We will plan on completing the following arranangements:10 Sanctuary windows – with lanterms, candles, poinsettias, glass blocks or bricks, and fresh greenery.
3 Narthex arrangements on tables – poinsettias with fresh greenery.
2 Restrooms – poinsettias with greenery
Mantle above altar to be done by Amy with poinsettias, fresh greenery, etc. Helper provided by church will do the ladder work.
2 pedestals on altar – these will be done by Virdia and Donna with poinsettias and fresh greenery.We should be able to complete this on Wednesdaymorning, then it will not be necessary for anyone to come on Christmas Eve until right before the service – turn on candles, etc. The poinsettias in the Narthex can go home with donors on Christmas Eve; the rest on Sunday after our morning service.
We will also need help putting everything away and cleaning up. Either Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
Thank you all for assisting us in decorating to the glory of God.
Contact Donna or Virdia for questions (or Jack at the church email – he can forward to them!).
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Order of Worship – December 13 2015
ORDER OF WORSHIP
December 13, 2015
Call to Worship: Isaiah 60:1-3, 19
Pastor: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
People: The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your ever- lasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Prayer of Adoration:
Confession of Faith: The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q.25 How does Christ fill the office of a priest?
A. Christ fills the office of a priest in his once offering up of himself to God as a sacrifice, to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God; and in making constant intercession for us.
Old Testament Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-2
Song: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Hymn 211 v.1-3
Song: The First Noel
The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
New Testament Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7
Song: Angels We Have Heard On High Hymn 214 v.1-3
Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder Matthew 10:24-33
Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
“Mighty God” Isaiah 9:6
Corporate Confession of Sin:
Pastor: Lord Christ, we confess our willingness to be loved but also our reluctance to love. We confess our readiness to accept Your forgiving love but also our refusal to forgive. We confess our eagerness to grasp Your offer of redeeming love but also our resistance to follow You without question.
People: In this Advent time, forgive us for our failure to respond as we should. Come to us anew, and by Your grace, assist us to receive You with joy, as the shepherds; with gratitude, as Simeon; with obedience, as Mary; with love, as You have loved us. Even so: come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Communion*:
Song: O Worship The King Hymn 2 v1,4,5
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 Christmas Party: Children’s Christmas Celebration is today from 5 to 7 p.m. All families with children nursery through 5th grade are invited.
Christmas Eve Service: Don’t forget that our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion will be on Thursday night, December 24th, at 5 PM.
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, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, and Suzanne Nimon.
Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family 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)
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Announcements – December 11 2015
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Over the last few weeks we have been giving prayerful consideration to the message of Israel’s magisterial prophet, Isaiah. And we have learned that he had a Word from the Lord for the people of his generation, one of both judgmentand hope. Isaiah predicted that though God would indeed judge His own people for their disobedience and spiritual apostasy, He would also move to save them and bring them back into a place of unparalleled blessing and prosperity. This amazing recovery, recorded in the inspired words of Isaiah 9:2-7, would be accomplished by the arrival of a new Davidic King. This One, whom the Lord Himself will send from heaven, will sit on “the throne of David,” and will rule the entire world with “justice and righteousness,” and will reign in sovereign power “forevermore” (v. 7). And we have also learned that this great King, according to the prophet, has four special names or titles. Last week we considered the first one, “Wonderful Counselor.” On this coming Lord’s Day, the third Sunday of Advent, we will be looking at the second royal title ascribed to Him, “Mighty God.”
Of course, we know that the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy did not occur until some seven hundred years had passed. The “child” and “son” that the prophet had spoken of was born to the virgin (see Isaiah 7:10-14 and Matthew 1:18-25) and then “wrapped in cloths” and placed in “a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). And the miracle of miracles is that the helpless baby there in that manger was the one and only “Mighty God”! On Sunday we will explore the glory, wonder, and mystery of this blessed event, and how this royal title helps us to better understand and love our Savior and Lord.
I love you all so very much, and you are always on my heart and in my prayers!
Mike
