Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Month: February 2016

  • Order of Worship – February 28 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 63:1-3

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 3:1-6

    Song:  And Can It Be – Hymn 455 v.1,3-5

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

    New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

    Corporate Confession of Sin: Isaiah 64:6-9

    Pastor:           We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.

    People:        We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

    Pastor:           There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you;

    People:           For you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.

    Pastor:           But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

    People:           Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever.

    All:              Behold, please look, we are all your people.

    Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 103:2-4

    Song: Come Ye Souls By Sin Afflicted – CCLI# 2263115

    Come ye souls by sin afflicted, Bowed with fruitless sorrow down;

    By the broken law convicted, through the cross, behold the crown;

    Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus;

    Mercy flows through Him alone.

     

    Take His easy yoke and wear it; Love will make your obedience sweet

    Christ will give you strength to bear it, while His grace shall guide your feet

    Safe to glory, Safe to glory, Safe to glory,

    Where His ransomed captives meet.

     

    Blessed are the eyes that see Him, Blest the ears that hear His voice;

    Blessed are the souls that trust Him, And in Him alone rejoice;

    His commandments, His commandments, His commandments

    Then become their happy choice.

     

    Sweet as home to pilgrims weary, Light to newly, opened eyes,

    Like full springs in deserts dreary, Is the rest the cross supplies;

    All who taste it, All who taste it, All who taste it

    Shall to rest immortal rise.

     

    Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus; Look to Jesus;

    Mercy flows through Him alone.

     

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:

    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 15:21-39

     Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder

    “Exodus Again—Crossing Over the Jordan: Part One”–Joshua 3:1-17

    Confession of Faith: The Canons of Dort (1619)—Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People

    Since all people have sinned in Adam and have come under the sentence of the curse and eternal death, God would have done no one an injustice if it had been the divine will to leave the entire human race in sin and under the curse, and to condemn them on account of their sin. As the Apostle says: “The whole world may be held accountable to God,” and “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and “The wages of sin is death.”

    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.

    Spring Men’s Bible Study: Our biannual Men’s Bible Study will kick off on March 6th from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Church. For five weeks (March 6, 13, 27, April 3, 10) we will be studying the theme, ‘Christ: Our Prophet, Priest, and King.’ Scripture teaches us that Jesus fulfilled three important Old Covenant offices, that of the prophet, the priest, and the king. Over these five sessions we will examine the Bible’s teaching on this rich subject and consider how it has direct application to men and their families. Our study will end on week six with a Men’s Fellowship Dinner on Sunday April 17th at 5:00 PM. All men and young men of the Church are encouraged to attend, and guests are most welcome! If you have any questions please contact Mr. Mark Cooper, our Men’s Ministry Coordinator.

    Ladies Spring Retreat: Ladies will not want to miss this chance to get away and fellowship together in beautiful Mentone, AL! March 11-12 at Camp Alpine. Speaker is Gretchen McKee. Cost is $50, and you can sign up and pay via the link on the church website. More details with retreat schedule posted there, too.

    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 – February 26 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Joshua 3 is the inspired record of the miraculous crossing of another large body of water by the people of Israel.  The first was the trip across the Red Sea in Exodus 14.  And now we read of the very same miracle occurring once again at the Jordan River, swollen as it was by the spring rains, and impossible to ford without a boat.  In both of these crossings, the text of Scripture is most clear and deliberately specific.  For example, compare the following verses:

    “. . . the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land . . . . And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left”–Exodus 14:16, 22.

    “Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan”–Joshua 3:17.

    What is the connection between these two impossible crossings, and why are they so much alike? What is the Lord teaching His Old Covenant people by twice leading them to a point of crisis, and then leading them through large bodies of water on “dry land”?   And what does this have to do with us?

    As we prepare our hearts for Lord’s Day worship, let’s all take time to read this amazing story found in Joshua 3:1-17. And as we do, let’s pray that the Lord will help us to understand this impossibly great event in light of the greater ‘Joshua’ and the biggest and most impossible miracle of all!

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

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – February 21 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 121

    Pastor: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
    People: My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
    Pastor: He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
    People: Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
    Pastor: The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
    People: The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
    Pastor: The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
    All: The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4

    Song: Oh Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go – Hymn No 708, v,1, 3-4

    Song: All Things New – CCLI #5448157

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

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

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

    New Testament Lesson: Romans 4:1-5

    Corporate Confession of Sin:

    O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, be the God of Your people today! We confess that we have worshipped many other gods. We have devoted ourselves to many different values. Turn our hearts to You again! We confess that we have visited pagan sanctuaries. We have sought the source of life in many other places. We have made idols of our occupations, our recreations, and our homes. By your grace we turn to You, and to You alone, to be our God, our only God. Give us spiritual integrity. Give us wholeness and holiness. Answer us, O Lord, answer us, that we might become Your people. All honor and power be to You, O Christ, forever and ever.

    Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 53:6

    Song: What Wondrous Love Is This? – Hymn 261 v.1-3

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 15:1-20

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “Rahab and the Spies: Part Two”– Joshua 2:1-24

    Confession of Faith: The Apostle’s 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: 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

    Benediction: 1 Peter 5:10-11

    May the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion 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.

    New Members Class: There will be a class for those interested in becoming members of our church starting tonight and on Feb 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. There will also be dinner.

    Ladies Spring Retreat: Ladies will not want to miss this chance to get away and fellowship together in beautiful Mentone, AL! March 11-12 at Camp Alpine. Speaker is Gretchen McKee. Cost is $50, and you can sign up and pay via the link on the church website. More details with retreat schedule posted there, too.

    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 – February 19 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Last Lord’s Day we began our look at the remarkable story of the conversion of Rahab, the sinful woman of ancient Jericho—Joshua 2:1-11.  This Sunday we will trace the rest of her story as she courageously works to save the two spies that Joshua had sent into the city, as well as her own Canaanite family (vv. 12-24), thus preserving the integrity of Joshua’s mission and ensuring the successful conquest of Jericho by the army of the Lord.

    The strategic importance of her life is powerfully set forth in three New Testament passages where her name is found. The first is in Matthew 1:5 where Rahab appears in the genealogy of Jesus. Amazingly, this former woman of ill repute is, by God’s marvelous grace, a foremother of our Blessed Savior! How incredible is that!!

    But then, her name is discovered in two Epistles, and in each she is mentioned as a model of exemplary faith in Christ.  Hebrews 11:31 states that it was “By faith” that she gave “a friendly welcome to the spies,” while in James 2:24-25 she is presented as a worthy example of those who, like Abraham, are “justified by works and not by faith alone.”

    These passages are teaching us that the reality of Rahab’s faith in God—the faith that saved her in the same way that we are saved by faith in Christ—was demonstrated by how God’s grace transformed her, and moved her to obedience, love, and service.  She is, then, an Old Covenant example of the fact that in Christ Jesus we are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that remains alone.  As James tells us, “faith apart from works is dead” (2:26).  The grace that freely saves us also transforms and delivers us!  Christ not only works for us in justification, He works in us in sanctification. Indeed, Rahab had a living faith, and we will probe the remarkable and inspired record of her life this Sunday.

    Attention Men!  Our Men’s Spring Bible Study Begins on Sunday, March 6th

    Our biannual Men’s Bible Study will kick off on March 6th from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Church. For five weeks (March 6, 13, 27, April 3, 10) we will be studying the theme, ‘Christ: Our Prophet, Priest, and King.’  Scripture teaches us that Jesus fulfilled three important Old Covenant offices, that of the prophet, the priest, and the king.  Over these five sessions we will examine the Bible’s teaching on this rich subject and consider how it has direct application to men and their families.  Our study will end on week six with a Men’s Fellowship Dinner on Sunday April 17th at 5:00 PM.  All men and young men of the Church are encouraged to attend, and guests are most welcome!  If you have any questions please contact Mr. Mark Cooper, our Men’s Ministry Coordinator.

    I love you all more dearly every day, and I am praying for you always!

    In His grace,

    Mike

  • FAQs on Spring Retreat

    Hello, Ladies;-)

    I wanted to send an email to you all and give you some insight into my heart for the women’s retreat and how I am praying for each of you.  God has graciously grown our body since moving into the magnificent building He has provided and with that has come an influx of women we may or may not know very well.  This brings a wonderful opportunity for fellowship.

    Hopefully, this is going to be an occasion for Christian fellowship with people we know well, people we know only from Sunday morning, and people we need to get to know. My prayer is that it will be an opportunity for us to discover how we are knit together through Christ in a way that will garner deep, rich fellowship that carries into the everyday, not just retreats.

    We are going to spend some time in the Word of God learning about these very things; the richness of Christian fellowship and the unity that it inspires.  I desire the women of our church to be so united in our growing faith in Christ that we stand out as peculiar among our kindred and are a welcome example of what the righteousness of Christ looks like among the body.  We will look at several passages of Scripture, but one that springs to mind is Phil. 2:1-2, “If there is any encouragement from Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”  This is fellowship and true Christian fellowship can only occur within the body of Christ.  We are united by common beliefs, purposes, and goals, and this separates us from everyone and everything in this world.

    This is why we need this time of retreat.  We need a moment to gather together in the presence of God to renew, refresh, and restore our unity in Christ, in what we believe, and what who we are.

    I pray, if you are not yet registered, that you will reconsider (or consider) attending, but if not, please be in prayer for this time of Christian fellowship and the way God will be knitting us closer together as women of God in His church.

    Gretchen
    Helpful Links:
    • Click HERE to register for the retreat.
    • Check out the church calendar and other announcements on our website.
    • Email Gretchen to be more involved in the retreat.
    Frequently Asked Questions (by Ashley, as I have received all of these and more!)
    • Is there coffee early and often? YES. We will have coffee up and running all weekend! We are working with a dietitian to put together some delicious meals that we will eat together in the lodge. There will always be snacks available for people like me who need to eat ALL the time!
    • Can I come JUST Friday night and/or Saturday? Yes, of course! The retreat is scheduled for half on Friday night and half on Saturday, but you are welcome to come as your schedule allows. Of course, we secretly want you there the entire time 🙂
    • What is the drive to Mentone? From Christ Pres to Camp Alpine is less than 1.5 hrs. Although your GPS will be very faithful to you, I would recommend getting there in daylight because of the nature of the country roads.
    • What are the cabins like? The cabins are really nice! They are full of beds with plenty of room to spread out! There is also a bathroom in each cabin with two showers, two toilets, and two sinks. All cabins are heated and very warm! IF you need more privacy or special accommodations, please email me as there are more hotel-like rooms in the lodge available to use.
    • Are scholarships available? YES. If you know of someone who would like to go but money is an issue, please contact me.
    • How far is the walk from each cabin to the lodge? It is a very short walk. All of the cabins are situated in a half-circle in front of the lodge. You can sit on your cabin porch and shout to the women sitting in their rockers on the lodge porch!
    • Will we play silly games or be asked to tell ridiculous stories about ourselves? No. Although we do have some neat fellowship activities planned, I can promise you they won’t be cheesy nor will you be required to act foolish!
    • Are visitors welcome? YES. Please make sure to invite a visiting friend or send them our links.
    • What is the schedule of events for the weekend? See the PDF with event schedule HERE.
    • What is the goal of this retreat? See above! We hope and pray you will walk away with a renewed love for God’s Word and your sisters at Christ Pres. Gretchen is faithfully praying and preparing for our bible study time even now!

  • Order of Worship – February 14 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 119:171-172

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 22:1-8

    Song: How Firm a Foundation – Hymn 94 v.1-3,6

    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!

    New Testament Lesson: 2 Peter 1:16-21

    Corporate Confession of Faith:
    The Belgic Confession of Faith–Article 26: The Intercession of Christ

    We believe that we have no access to God except through the one and only Mediator and Intercessor: Jesus Christ the Righteous. He therefore was made man, uniting together the divine and human natures, so that we human beings might have access to the divine Majesty. Otherwise we would have no access.

    Song: Blessed Assurance – Hymn 693 v.1-3

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder – Matthew 14:22-36

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “Rahab and the Spies: Part One”– Joshua 2:1-24

    Responsive Reading and Prayer of Confession: Psalm 99:1-5

    Pastor: The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
    People: He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
    Pastor: The Lord is great in Zion; He is exalted over all the peoples.
    People: Let them praise Your great and awesome name! Holy is He!
    Pastor: The King in His might loves justice.
    People: You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
    Pastor: Exalt the Lord our God; worship at His footstool!
    All: Holy is He!

    Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 40:1-2

    Communion*:

    Song: Better Is One Day – CCLI #1097451

    How lovely is your dwelling place, oh Lord Almighty
    My soul longs and event faints for You
    For here my heart is satisfied, within Your presence
    I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings

    CHORUS
    Better is one day in your courts, better is one day in your house
    Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere

    One thing I ask and I would seek, to see Your beauty
    To find you in the place your glory dwells

    Repeat CHORUS

    My heart and flesh cry out, for You, the living God
    Your Spirit’s water for my soul
    I’ve tasted and I’ve seen, come once again to me
    I will draw near to You, I will draw near to You

    Repeat CHORUS

    Benediction: 2 Peter 3:18

    May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. 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.

    Parenting Class: Continuing on Wednesday evenings throughout February, Pastor Mike is teaching 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 are in Catechism class (bible lesson, games, & singing) led by Ashley. Family fellowship follows from 7 to 7:30 pm. Nursery is provided for infants and toddlers. Please see Ashley Turnbull if you are interested in more information.

    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.

    Ladies Spring Retreat: Ladies will not want to miss this chance to get away and fellowship together in beautiful Mentone, AL! March 11-12 at Camp Alpine. Speaker is Gretchen McKee. Cost is $50, and you can sign up and pay via the link on the church website. More details with retreat schedule posted there, too.

    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 – February 12 2016

    Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

     

    In Joshua 2, we discover the remarkable story of a conversion. We meet up with one who can only be described as a common prostitute—a woman name “Rahab,” who operated a brothel from her own home in the walled city of Jericho. By the providential working of Israel’s God she meets up with two spies sent into Jericho by Joshua, the God-appointed ‘general’ of the army of the Lord. What follows is simply amazing!  You can read it for yourself in Joshua 2:1-24.

     

    Embedded in this story of the salvation of Rahab and her family, and the eventual judgment and destruction of Jericho, are some beautiful and surprising components of the ‘Grand Story of Redemption’ we are currently investigating together on Sunday mornings.  Among them are:

     

    God’s unconditional, elective mercies for undeserving sinners,

     

    Salvation for the Gentiles, in fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant,

     

    The power and efficacy of the Word of Yahweh,

     

    The Lord’s delight in saving families,

     

    The blessed fruit of saving faith,

     

    And the mighty, historic deeds of the Lord that bring both conviction and terror, and foreshadow the ministry of the Incarnate Savior.

     

    But then, there is that lie that Rahab strategically deploys against the wicked king of Jericho (2:4-6), an act of wartime deception that ensured the safety of the Israelite spies and the completion of their divine mission.  What shall we think about this?

     

    There is much to discover here as we probe this inspired story!  Take some time to read the whole chapter, and then pray that as we explore it together over the next couple of weeks the Lord will build His Church and glorify His Name among us!

     

    A Quick Word About Our Parent’s Seminar

     

    Over the previous weeks we’ve shared in two great nights together looking at how God’s Word speaks to Christian parents about their duties and responsibilities, and the joys of raising children. And our children have been learning God’s truths from our Catechism under the leadership of Ashley Turnbull and her staff of dedicated teachers.

    On this coming Wednesday night, February 17th at 6:00 PM in the Worship Center, Ken Burnett will be speaking to us about parenting and the practical insights he has gained from many years of working with teenagers.  I hope you will join us from 6:00 to 7:00 PM for a wonderful time of teaching and discussion.

     

    May the Lord bless you all, and I love you dearly and pray for you constantly!

     

    Mike

  • Parents’ Night Out: Seeking our REAL treasure!

    Our first Parents’ Night Out of 2016 was a huge success, and we have pictures to prove it! We are so thankful to have some AWESOME volunteers in our children’s ministry to put this together. Thank you to Meg and her team of pirates who came together to serve the parents AND provide a fun and loving environment for our children.

    Now…can you find the adults in this picture 🙂

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    piratenight1 piratenight2 piratenight3  DSC_0050 DSC_0024 DSC_0029 DSC_0035

    Parents’ Night Out is a quarterly fellowship that brings our children together for a Christ-centered lesson and playtime while their parents enjoy a few hours away. If you’d like to be involved in this ministry, email the church. 

  • Order of Worship – February 7 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 112:1-7

    Pastor: Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.
    People: His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
    Pastor: Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
    People: Light arises in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and compassionate and righteous.
    Pastor: It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; he will maintain his cause in judgment.
    People: For he will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever.
    All: He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 58:1-9, 12

    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

    Song: Spirit of the Living God – Hymn No. 726

    New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

    Corporate Confession of Sin and Assurance of Pardon:

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

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder – Matthew 14:1-21

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

    Confession of Faith: Colossians 1:18-20

    We confess that Christ our Lord “is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross”

    Communion*:

    Song: Wonderful, Merciful Savior – CCLI# 106879

    Wonderful, merciful Savior, precious redeemer and friend
    Who would have thought that a lamb could rescue the souls of men?
    Oh you rescue the souls of men
    Counselor, comforter, keeper, Spirit we long to embrace
    You offer hope when our hearts have hopelessly lost their way
    Oh we hopelessly lost the way

    CHORUS: You are the One that we praise, you are the One we adore
    You give the healing and grace our hearts always hunger for,
    Oh our hearts always hunger for

    Almighty infinite Father, faithfully loving your own
    Here in our weakness you find us falling before your throne,
    Oh we’re falling before your throne

    Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26

    The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

    *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.

    Parenting Class: Continuing on Wednesday evenings throughout February, Pastor Mike is teaching 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 are in Catechism class (bible lesson, games, & singing) led by Ashley. Family fellowship follows from 7 to 7:30 pm. Nursery is provided for infants and toddlers. Please see Ashley Turnbull if you are interested in more information.

    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.

    Ladies Spring Retreat: Ladies will not want to miss this chance to get away and fellowship together in beautiful Mentone, AL! March 11-12 at Camp Alpine. Speaker is Gretchen McKee. Cost is $50, and you can sign up and pay via the link on the church website. More details with retreat schedule posted there, too.

    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.

    Bereavement: Please pray for Mitzi Cowley, whose brother died over the weekend. Also pray for Lynn Doughty, whose father also died over the weekend.

    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 – February 5 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

     

    For a number of weeks now we have been with Joshua and the people of the Old Covenant, poised on the banks of the Jordan River getting ready to enter the land of promise (Joshua 1:1-18).  Soon, spies will be sent into the city of Jericho (2:1-24), the first stop on the way to the conquest and possession of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.  What’s ahead for the covenant nation is war, and lots of it.  But then, after fighting their way into and through this occupied territory, there will be “rest” at last (1:13; 21:44; 23:1).

     

    If indeed the Book of Joshua is ultimately about our Savior and His people, those of the New Covenant in His shed blood, then there is something very important here for us—something that prepares us for serving and obeying our Lord and King now.  There is a pattern at work, one that is repeated throughout this ‘grand story of redemption’ that we see moving from Creation all the way to Consummation. The persistent movement is from salvation, to war, to rest!  And this simple rhythm has everything to do with you and me and the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ!  Like Joshua and his generation, before we can finally be at rest in the presence of the Lord, safe in His heavenly Kingdom, we must go to war (Ephesians 6: 10-20).  And as we fight we must believe and obey!  Rest, God’s “Sabbath rest,” awaits us (Hebrews 4:9-11), but only after we have “suffered for a little while” (1 Peter 5:10).

     

    This coming Lord’s Day we will try and put all of this together in our minds and hearts. And as we do so, this amazing account of the life and times of Joshua will explode with power and eternal relevance!  As you pray, keep your Bible open to the first two chapters of this great book. Read them over and again. Soak up all of the drama and fervently ask the Lord to speak to His people from these inspired pages.

     

    I love you all, always!

     

    Mike