Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Month: January 2016

  • Order of Worship – January 31 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 56:4

    Prayer of Adoration

    Confession of Faith:
    The Belgic Confession, Article 13: The Doctrine of God’s Providence

    Pastor: This doctrine gives us unspeakable comfort since it teaches us that nothing can happen to us by chance but only by the arrangement of our gracious heavenly Father.
    People: He watches over us with fatherly care, keeping all creatures under his control, so that not one of the hairs on our heads, for they are all numbered, nor even a little bird can fall to the ground without the will of our Father.
    All: In this thought we rest, knowing that He holds in check the devils and all our enemies, who cannot hurt us without His permission and will.

    Old Testament Lesson: Micah 6:1-8

    Song: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – Hymn No. 92, v.1-4

    Song: It Is Well With My Soul – Hymn 691 v.1-4

    New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

    Song: Have Thine Own Way – Hymn 688 v.1-4

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 13:24-58

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “On to the Promised Land – Part Four”– Joshua 1:10-15

    Corporate Confession and Repentance: Psalm 15

    Pastor: O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
    People: He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
    Pastor: Who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
    People: In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord;
    Pastor: Who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
    People: Who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
    All: He who does these things shall never be moved.

    Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 103:8-10

    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: Romans 15:13

    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope

    *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.

    Parents’ Night Out: The next Parents’ Night Out is scheduled for this Friday, February 5th. Drop your kids off at the church for a couple of hours for crafts and fellowship. Please see the calendar on the church website for more details, and let Meg Wohleber or Ashley Turnbull know if you would like to volunteer to help

    Upcoming Parenting Class: Starting this Wednesday evening and continuing throughout February, Pastor Mike will teach a class entitled “Practical Parenting for the Glory of God” from 6 to 7 pm at the church. Children ages 4 yrs to 5th grade will be in Catechism class (bible lesson, games, & singing) led by Ashley. Family fellowship will follow from 7 to 7:30 pm. Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers. Please RSVP on the church website with your family and number of children to attend (or if you can volunteer to help with the children’s program).

    New Members Class: There will be a class for those interested in becoming members of our church on Feb 21 and 28 from 3 to 5 PM. Attending the class does not obligate you to join, but both classes are mandatory for anyone wishing to become a church member. Sign up in the narthex, and child care will be provided.

    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: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, John Baxter, and Suzanne Nimon.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process.

    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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

  • Announcements – January 29 2016

    Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    What comes to your mind when I mention the phrase ‘holy war’?  I suspect that for most of us that phrase evokes very unpleasant thoughts and images.  I think of the sad headlines that seem to confront us daily with the news of yet another terrorist attack–a ‘holy war’ being waged by radical, demonically inspired followers of an anti-Christian religion who have declared war on the whole world, and are even this moment planning for their apocalyptic grand finale that will usher in the kingdom they believe is coming. Those words ‘holy war’ are deeply offensive to the moral sensibilities of civilized people everywhere, and for good reason!  But there is something else that we must deal with.

    The staunch critics of the Gospel and the Bible are aiming their big guns at those of us who confess the name of Jesus, and precisely along this trajectory.  According to the skeptics, we Christians have no moral right to question or criticize the practitioners of Islamic jihad because our Sacred Book and its message is also about war, ‘holy war.’  They turn to the pages of the Old Testament, the Book of Joshua in particular, and say, ‘See how the armies of God slaughtered the Canaanites, sparing not even the women and the children, the innocent non-combatants!’  And, ‘See how the God of the Old Testament advances His kingdom with the sword, the sword of men like Joshua, son of Nun!’  One recent critic has even called Christianity itself a “religion of terrorism,” no better than that twisted, hate-filled ideology that for fifteen centuries has moved its fanatical devotees to carry out the worst possible atrocities in the name of their false god and prophet!

    Well, are these critics right? Should we as followers of Jesus and believers of the Bible be embarrassed by the contents of our Holy Book?  Should we, as others are now suggesting, apologize to the world for what we believe and preach? Should we, for the sake of evangelism, alter our story and modify our basic message in order to respond to modern sensitivities and convictions?  Should we rip the Old Testament from the canon and renounce it as the immoral vision of a primitive deity who is filled with rage, a deity far different than the one encountered in the New Testament–a God of love and mercy–a Savior who was non-violent and taught only a message of toleration and peace?

    The truth is, when we begin to investigate the Book of Joshua we come to that section of the Word of God that, according to one Christian theologian, does indeed raise the “most difficult ethical issue” we could face.  For here in this inspired Book we do find war, conquest, bloodshed, massacre, the annihilation of entire kingdoms, and all of it at the direct command of our God!  The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

    This Lord’s Day we will begin our journey through these deep theological waters.  Our text will once again be Joshua 1:10-18, and from this Holy Word we will extract some eternal truths about the Gospel we confess–that ‘Good News’ story of both judgment and mercy!  And in the end we will come to understand the story of Joshua and his people from a much broader vantage point, and we will see why it’s in the Bible and should remain there! For after all, this Book provides us with the account of the only true ‘holy war’ there has ever been or ever shall be. Let us humbly pray for wisdom and illumination as we sit under the proclamation of the Word of our Great and Sovereign God.

    Announcements

    Don’t Forget that Our Wednesday Night Parents Seminar Kicks off This Coming Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the Church. For all the details see our website or your Sunday Bulletin.

    And then, help us spread the word that our New Member’s/Inquirer’s Class will be held on Sunday February 21 and Sunday February 28 from 3:00-5:00 PM at the Church. Childcare will be provided. Those interested can sign-up in the Narthex.

    I love you all, and look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

    In His amazing grace,

    Mike

  • Women’s Ministry: Spring Retreat

    The women’s ministry is hosting a Spring Retreat on Friday, March 11th and Saturday, March 12th, at Camp Alpine in Mentone.
    Gretchen McKee will be our fearless leader, and she is planning some SUPER EXCITING things for us. In praying about this for the last few months, we certainly feel like this should be about fellowship, but of course we will be in God’s Word together, too. With so many new faces, it is our prayer that you will come join us for a night away to really rest and regroup with others in our church body!
    Many, many details will be coming to you in the next few weeks, but go ahead and get registered now so that you won’t forget!
    Click HERE to register. Cost is $50 (paid through the website). This includes three meals (dinner, breakfast, and lunch) as well as cabin lodging. We will have our run of the camp that weekend and can get out and explore or sit ourselves in some nice chairs on the porch 🙂 Ropes Course MAY be an option, too – are there any adventurous women out there with me on this? If so, email me to let me know your interest level…
    I can’t wait to meet together with many of you in March!
    In Him,
    Ashley
    PS. Email Gretchen if you have a desire to play a leader/planner/helper role in the weekend. 

  • Order of Worship – January 24 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 27:1

    Prayer of Adoration and the Lord’s Prayer:

    Confession of Faith:
    The Belgic Confession, Article 13: The Doctrine of God’s Providence

    Pastor: We believe that this good God, after he created all things, did not abandon them to chance or fortune but leads and governs them according to his holy will, in such a way that nothing happens in this world without his orderly arrangement.
    People: Yet God is not the author of, nor can he be charged with, the sin that occurs. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible that he arranges and does his work very well and justly even when the devils and wicked men act unjustly.
    Pastor: We do not wish to inquire with undue curiosity into what he does that surpasses human understanding and is beyond our ability to comprehend.
    All: But in all humility and reverence we adore the just judgments of God, which are hidden from us, being content to be Christ’s disciples, so as to learn only what he shows us in his Word, without going beyond those limits.

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4

    Song: Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah – Hymn 57 v.1-4

    Song: O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus – Hymn 535 v.1-3

    New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

    Assurance of Pardon: 2 Corinthians 12:9

    Song: Abide With Me – CCLI# 43190

    Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
    When other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, abide with me.

    Thou on my head in early youth didst smile; And though rebellious, and perverse meanwhile
    Thou hast not left me, though I oft left thee, On to the close, Lord, abide with me.

    I need Thy presence every passing hour; what but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
    Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.

    I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
    Where is thy sting death? Where grave thy victory? I triumph still, abide with me

    Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies
    Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life in death, abide with me.

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 13:1-23

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “On to the Promised Land! Part Three”–Joshua 1:10-18

    Corporate Confession of Sin:

    Assurance of Pardon: 1 Peter 1:3

    Communion*:

    Song: Holy, Holy, Holy – Hymn 100 v.1-4

    Benediction:

    May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you that your lives may be a light to the world; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Go in His peace! Amen!

    *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.

    Parents’ Night Out: The next Parents’ Night Out is scheduled for Friday, February 5th. Drop your kids off at the church for a couple of hours for crafts and fellowship. Please see the calendar on the church website for more details, and let Meg Wohleber or Ashley Turnbull know if you would like to volunteer to help

    Upcoming Parenting Class: Wednesday nights in February, Pastor Mike will teach a class entitled “Practical Parenting for the Glory of God” from 6 to 7 pm at the church. Children ages 4 yrs to 5th grade will be in Catechism class (bible lesson, games, & singing) led by Ashley. Family fellowship will follow from 7 to 7:30 pm. Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers. Please RSVP on the church website with your family and number of children to attend (or if you can volunteer to help with the children’s program).

    New Members Class: There will be a class for those interested in becoming members of our church on Feb 21 and 28 from 3 to 5 PM. Attending the class does not obligate you to join, but both classes are mandatory for anyone wishing to become a church member. Sign up in the narthex, and child care will be provided.

    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: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, Philip Jones’ mom, Isabel Rodriguez, Jack Loose, John Baxter, and Suzanne Nimon.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process.

    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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

  • Announcements – January 22 2016

    Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    For the last few weeks we have been getting more familiar with the Book of Joshua.  And what an amazing Book it is!  But it is far more than simply a collection of thrilling stories of Joshua’s leadership and military brilliance; it is our story as well!  That’s right!  This Old Covenant Book, as divinely inspired and authoritative as are the other 65 books of the Bible, tells us in ‘shadowy terms’ about our own salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ!  We might even say that the Book of Joshua is the Old Covenant manual on the Christian life!  It has much to teach us about life as God’s New Covenant people. Not only do we see our Savior so beautifully foreshadowed by Joshua himself­–the one who led the Old Covenant people of God into the land of promise, Israel’s earthly inheritance–but in this exciting account of the entrance and conquest of Canaan we also discover how those who follow Christ are called to live as they too are delivered into their eternal, heavenly inheritance.

    This coming Lord’s Day our text will be taken from Joshua 1:10-18.  Here we will encounter five critical themes that flow through this beloved Book and directly relate to our lives as members of Christ’s new nation and people, the Church:

    The Possession of the Land

     Holy Warfare

     Waging War In Order to Rest

     United as One People

     Serving God With Obedient Hearts

    On Sunday, we will explore the first of these five important themes, that of the possession of Israel’s inheritance, the land of Canaan that was long ago promised to Abraham.  What did this land signify?  What does the Old Testament mean when it tells us that this land will be in Israel’s possession forever?  And how is the promise of such an eternal inheritance of land fulfilled by the work of Christ Jesus our Lord?  These are the questions confronting us as we come together to prayerfully examine this portion of God’s Holy Word.

    May our Lord bless you with rest and peace until we share the great joy and privilege of worshiping Him together on Sunday!

    I love you all with all my heart,

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – January 17 2016

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    January 17, 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 40:1-5

    Pastor: I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
    People: He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
    Pastor: He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
    People: Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
    Pastor: You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you!
    All: I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told!

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Confession of Faith:
    The Belgic Confession, Article 12: The Creation of All Things

    We believe that the Father created heaven and earth and all other creatures from nothing, when it seemed good to him, by his Word, that is to say, by his Son. He has given all creatures their being, form, and appearance, and their various functions for serving their Creator. Even now he also sustains and governs them all, according to his eternal providence, and by his infinite power, that they may serve man, in order that man may serve God.

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-3

    Song: O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing – Hymn 164 v.1-4

    Song: In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross – CCLI #5133895

    In the shadow of the glorious cross, compelled by grace to cast my lot
    I’ll discard the loss and bare your name, forsaking all for your own fame.

    Your hymn of grace sung over me, abounding forth in glorious streams
    My thirst is quenched by you my Lord, sustained am I, redeemed, restored
    Sustained am I, redeemed, restored

    CHORUS: Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

    When death’s dark shadow’s at my feet, when I am plagued by unbelief
    You place my hands into your side, by precious blood identified
    By precious blood identified

    These crowns I’ve clenched with fisted hands, I cast the down before the throne
    Of Christ my God, the worthy lamb, Christ crucified, the Great I AM
    Christ crucified, the Great I AM, Christ crucified, the Great I AM

    New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

    Corporate Confession of Sin:

    Pastor: Merciful God, You pardon all who truly repent and turn to You. We humbly confess our sins and ask for Your mercy.
    All: We have not loved You with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with You, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in Your lovingkindness. In Your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Amen.

    Assurance of Pardon: 2 Corinthians 12:9

    Song: Amazing Grace – Hymn 460 v1-3,6

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder – Matthew 12:30-50

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “On to the Promised Land! Part Two”–Joshua 1:1-9

    Communion*:

    Song: Before the Throne – CCLI# 2306412

    Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea
    A great High Priest whose name is love, who ever lives and pleads for me
    My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart
    I know that while in heav’n He stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart
    No tongue can bid me thence depart

    When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within
    Upward I look and see Him there, who made an end of all my sin
    One with Himself, I cannot die, my soul is purchased by His blood
    My life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ my Savior and my God
    With Christ my Savior and my God

    Behold Him there, the risen Lamb, my perfect, spotless Righteousness
    The great unchangeable I AM, the King of glory and of grace
    Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free
    For God the Just is satisfied, to look on Him and pardon me
    To look on Him and pardon me

    Benediction: Hebrews 13:20-21

    Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

    *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.

    Parents’ Night Out: The next Parents’ Night Out is scheduled for Friday, February 5th. Drop your kids off at the church for a couple of hours for crafts and fellowship. Please see the calendar on the church website for more details, and let Meg Wohleber or Ashley Turnbull know if you would like to volunteer to help

    Upcoming Parenting Class: Wednesday nights in February, Pastor Mike will teach a class entitled “Practical Parenting for the Glory of God” from 6 to 7 pm at the church. Children ages 4 yrs to 5th grade will be in Catechism class (bible lesson, games, & singing) led by Ashley. Family fellowship will follow from 7 to 7:30 pm. Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers. Please RSVP on the church website with your family and number of children to attend (or if you can volunteer to help with the children’s program).

    New Members Class: There will be a class for those interested in becoming members of our church on Feb 21 and 28 from 3 to 5 PM. Attending the class does not obligate you to join, but both classes are mandatory for anyone wishing to become a church member. Sign up in the narthex, and child care will be provided.

    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: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, and Suzanne Nimon.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process.

    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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

  • Announcements – January 15 2016

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

     

    On this coming Lord’s Day we will take our second look at the opening words of the Book of Joshua found in Joshua 1:1-9.  As we discovered last week, Joshua is the continuation of the Book of Deuteronomy, and the inspired storyline picks up with the events that immediately follow the death of Moses, most importantly, the call and commissioning of Joshua to take his place.  In addition to the divine call issued to Joshua and the Covenant nation in vv. 1-2, we will also discover the divine promise (vv. 3-4), the divine assurance (vv. 5-6), and the divine command (vv. 7-9).

     

    As we prayerfully unpack these verses of Holy Scripture, our focus will be upon the way that this ancient story sets the stage for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is, we will look at these verses through ‘New Covenant glasses.’  And when we do we will begin to see how the same call, promise, assurance, and command are also given to the ‘New Israel’ of God, the Church that has been redeemed by the blood of the Savior.  As we have been doing all along in this series of messages, we will try to make the ‘Covenantal connection’ and see how all of Scripture testifies to God’s eternal plan of redemption, perfectly fulfilled in our beloved Lord.

     

    Let me also encourage you to begin reading through and digesting this remarkable story of the conquest of the Promised Land. In the weeks ahead, our studies in Joshua will take us through some of the deepest and most profound theological waters we have yet faced as a congregation.  And in the midst of such deep and challenging truths, we will be richly fed from the eternal springs of God’s Word that never returns empty!

     

    Resource for the February Parenting Seminar

     

    As we get ready for our upcoming Wednesday Night Series on ‘Practical Parenting for the Glory of God’ (each Wednesday night in February from 6:00-7:00 PM), I wanted to mention one of the resources we will use in our studies.  Much of our discussion will be prompted by ‘Gospel-Powered Parenting: How the Gospel Shapes and Transforms Parenting,’ by William P. Farley (P&R Publishing, 2009).  It’s well worth purchasing and reading!

     

    I love you all so much, and I want to tell you again how wonderful it is to serve our Lord with you. Your passion for His Word, for His worship, and for faithfulness to Christ and His Kingdom are so very encouraging!  I can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

     

    In His ever-sufficient grace,

     

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – January 10 2016

    ORDER OF WORSHIP
    January 10, 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 29:1-2

    Corporate Prayer of Adoration:

    Almighty Lord God, You gave Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the light of the world: We praise and magnify Your holy name that in Him You have revealed the wonder of Your saving love to all people. With those of old who brought their tribute to His feet, confessing Him as King of heaven and earth, we now present the worship of our grateful hearts, asking You to grant us grace to offer ourselves to You, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

    Confession of Faith: The Belgic Confession, Article 11: The Deity of the Holy Spirit

    Pastor: We believe and confess also that the Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son,
    People: Neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but only proceeding from the two of them.
    Pastor: In regard to order, He is the third Person of the Trinity,
    People: Of one and the same essence, and majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son.
    All: He is true and eternal God, as the Holy Scriptures teach us.

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 42:1-9

    Song: I Sing the Almighty Power of God – Hymn 119 v.1-3

    Song: We Shall 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

    New Testament Lesson: Acts 10:34-43

    Song: How Deep – CCLI# 4803944

    You were broken that I might be healed
    You were cast off that I might draw near
    You were thirsty that I might come drink
    Cried out in anguish that I might sing

    CHORUS: How deep is Your love, how high and how wide is your mercy
    How deep is Your grace, our hearts overflow with praise to you

    You knew darkness that I might know light
    Wept great tears that mine might be dried
    Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
    Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder – Matthew 12:1-29

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “On to the Promised Land!”–Joshua 1:1-11

    Corporate Confession of Sin:

    Assurance of Pardon: Romans 7:24-25

    Communion*:

    Song: Nothing But the Blood – Hymn 307 v.1-4

    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.

    Sunday School: Reminder, Sunday School classes resumed this morning, and you are warmly invited to participate. Classes start at 9:15 AM, and childcare is provided. There are classes for children, teenagers, and adults. Please see Ashley Turnbull for info about the children’s classes, or any deacon for info about the adult classes.

    Women’s Morning Bible Study: The Women’s Morning Bible Study will begin 9:30 AM, Wednesday, January 13. We will be studying the Lord’s Prayer.  Study Books (for $14) will be available in the Narthex this Sunday, January 3 and Sunday, January 10.

    Parents’ Night Out: The next Parents’ Night Out is scheduled for Friday, February 5th. Drop your kids off at the church for a couple of hours for crafts and fellowship. Please see the calendar on the church website for more details, and let Meg Wohleber or Ashley Turnbull know if you would like to volunteer to help

    Upcoming Parenting Class: Wednesday nights in February, Pastor Mike will teach a class entitled “Practical Parenting for the Glory of God” from 6 to 7 pm at the church. Children ages 4 yrs to 5th grade will be in Catechism class (bible lesson, games, & singing) led by Ashley. Family fellowship will follow from 7 to 7:30 pm. Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers. Please RSVP on the church website with your family and number of children to attend (or if you can volunteer to help with the children’s program).

    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: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, and Suzanne Nimon.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process.

    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); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student)

  • Announcements – January 8 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    What is it that you know about Joshua, the man and the Old Testament book named after him? Most of us remember him as the special man of God who led the Israelites to march around the ancient city of Jericho. ‘Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, and the walls came a tumblin’ down!’  And many of us can recall the Lord’s command to him to “Be strong and courageous” found in 1:6. And then there are those truly inspiring words uttered by Joshua at the end of the book in 24:15–“choose this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

    But why is this book in the Bible?  What is its significance and place? What does this very old book have to do with us?  A book that is filled with war, conquests, and bloodshed on top of that!

    Well, as you might remember, we have been on a journey through the Scriptures, and we have been looking at those great events that string together the larger story of the 39 books that are called the ‘Old Testament.’ For there is one Grand Story being told in each of these books, and incredibly, it is one that directly leads us to the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ!

    Now, this is something that you may have never really considered before. But the truth is that all of the Word of God–from Genesis, the book of beginnings, to Malachi, the last of the Old Testament books, and on to Matthew and then to the final book of the Bible, Revelation–is about our Lord Jesus and His saving work!  And if this is the case, then the Book of Joshua is profoundly important for us! It is an essential component of the larger story of Redemption, for this is the message of the Word of God and why we have made Joshua the next stop on our journey through the Scriptures!

    This Lord’s Day we will consider the opening lines of Joshua 1:1-9 and get more familiar with the background and setting of the inspired record that tells both his story and His Story!

    Announcements

    Sunday School Begins Again This Sunday at 9:15 AM

    As always, there are classes for all ages.  The Adults will be meeting in the Worship Center to continue our study of Pleasing God, by Dr. R. C. Sproul. This week we will cover Chapter Eight on ‘Fear and Guilt.’

    Youth Bible Study Is This Sunday Night From 4:30-6:30 PM at the Church House

    All Middle and High School Students are invited to our Bi-monthly Bible Study and Fellowship led by Ken Burnett. Below is the schedule for the spring studies:

    January 10, 31

    February 7, 28

    March 6, 13

    April 10, 17

    May 1

    Coming in February . . . ‘Practical Parenting for the Glory of God’

    On each of the four Wednesday nights in February (3, 10, 17, 24) we will be having a special time of teaching and fellowship for all parents and parents-to-be (and grandparents!). We will be studying what the Bible says about raising our children for the glory of God. We will meet from 6:00 to 7:00 PM each of the four nights at the Church.  There will be childcare and teaching for children as well.

    For the children, Ashley Turnbull will lead a catechism class for ages 4 years through 5th grade. This is a great opportunity for the children to study the first five catechism questions through Bible lessons, songs, and activities. It will be both interactive and exciting for the kids! She will need several non-parent adult volunteers to serve alongside her. Please email Ashley to be involved.  A Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers (ages 2-3). Please RSVP to Ashley with your family’s name if you plan to attend or volunteer.

    I love you all dearly, and you are always on my heart and in my prayers,

    Mike

  • Wednesday Night Program: Practical Parenting for the Glory of God

    Coming in February . . . ‘Practical Parenting for the Glory of God’

     On each of the four Wednesday nights in February (3, 10, 17, 24) we will be having a special time of teaching and fellowship for all parents and parents-to-be (and grandparents!). We will be studying what the Bible says about raising our children for the glory of God. We will meet from 6:00 to 7:00 PM each of the four nights at the Church.  There will be childcare and teaching for children as well.

    For the children, Ashley Turnbull will lead a catechism class for ages 4 years through 5th grade. This is a great opportunity for the children to study the first five catechism questions through Bible lessons, songs, and activities. It will be both interactive and exciting for the kids! She will need several non-parent adult volunteers to serve alongside her. Please email Ashley to be involved.  A Nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers (ages 2-3). Please RSVP to Ashley with your family’s name if you plan to attend or volunteer.

    We will have a fellowship time following class from 7:00 to 7:30 pm for those that want to stay.

    Children’s Catechism Class Sign-up