Month: March 2016

  • Order of Worship – Easter Sunday March 27 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 118:1-2

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25

    Song: Crown Him with Many Crowns – Hymn 295 v.1-2,4

    Song: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – Hymn 277 v.1-4

    New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

    Confession of Sin: From Psalm 40

    Pastor: For evils have encompassed me beyond number;
    People: My iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see;
    Pastor: They are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.
    People: Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!
    Pastor: But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
    People: May those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
    Pastor: As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.
    All: You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

    Assurance of Pardon: Romans 5:6

    Song: How Deep, the Father’s Love For Us – CCLI #1558110

    How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure
    That he should give his only son, to make a wretch his treasure
    How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned his face away
    As wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory

    Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders
    Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
    It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
    His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished

    I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
    But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection
    Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
    But this I know with all my heart: his wounds have paid my ransom

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – John 20:1-18

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “The Lion of Judah”– Revelation 5:5

    Confession of Faith: The Westminster Confession of Faith: 8.4

    He endured most grievous torments in his soul and most painful sufferings in his body; he was crucified, died, and was buried; he remained under the power of death, yet his body did not undergo decay; and he arose from the dead on the third day with the same body in which he had suffered.

    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: 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.

    Spring Men’s Bible Study: There will be no Men’s Study tonight. Class will resume next week, April 3, 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: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Brown, Bill Cowley, Phillip Jones, Daniel O’Neil, 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).

  • Order of Worship – Good Friday March 25 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 95:6-7

    Prayer of Adoration and the Lord’s Prayer:

    Song: O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile – CCLI# 4199328

    O come and mourn with me awhile, o come ye to the Savior’s side
    O come together let us mourn, Jesus our Lord is crucified
    Seven times he spake seven words of love; all all three hours his silence cried
    For mercy on the souls of men; Jesus our Lord is crucified

    CHORUS:
    O Love of God! O sin of man! In this dread act your strength is tried
    And victory remains with love, Jesus our Lord is crucified

    O break, O break, hard heart of mine! They weak self-love and guilty pride
    His Pilate and His Judas were: Jesus our Lord is crucified
    A broken heart, a fount of tears, ask and they will not be denied
    A broken heart love’s cradle is, Jesus our Lord is crucified

    First Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

    Corporate Confession of Sin:

    People: Merciful God, we are broken people. We are broken by our own sins and the sins of others. Heal us, Jesus, Savior of the world.
    Pastor: For the times we have lied to one another, and the time we have been lied to,
    People: Heal us, Jesus, Savior of the world.
    Pastor: For the times we have spoken when we should have remained silent, and the times we have remained silent when we should have spoken.
    People: Heal us, Jesus, Savior of the world.
    Pastor: For the times we have mocked another’s pain and the times we have been mocked,
    People: Heal us, Jesus, Savior of the world.
    Pastor: For the times we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves,
    People: Heal us, Jesus, Savior of the world.
    Pastor: For the times we have betrayed others, and the times we have been betrayed,
    People: Heal us, Jesus, Savior of the world.
    Pastor: For the times we have denied you,
    People: Heal us, Jesus, Savior of the world.
    All: By Your great mercy, Lord, heal us and forgive our sins. Amen.

    Assurance of Pardon: Revelation 1:5

    Song: Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted – Hymn 257 v.1-4

    Second Scripture Reading: Psalm 22:1-11

    Song: Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul – CCLI #3112430

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

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

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

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

    Third Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25

    Confession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism

    Q 40: Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer “death”?
    A: Because the justice and truth of God required that satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God.

    Q 43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
    A: That by His power our old man is with Him crucified, slain, and buried; so that the evil lusts of the flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

    The Proclamation of the Word of God:
    “Judas, the Betrayer”–Mark 14:10-21. Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder.

    Fourth Scripture Reading: John 18:28-19:19

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

    Fifth Scripture Reading: John 19:28-42

    Prayer:

    Final Acclamation:

    Pastor: Let us give praise to our crucified Lord.
    People: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might, honor and glory and blessing!

    Dismissal:

    All are warmly invited to our Easter Service of Worship at 10:30 AM this Sunday morning.

  • Announcements – March 25 2016

    Dear Brothers and Sisters,

    In the Word of God we discover that there are many names and titles for Jesus our Lord.  Among them are, the “Resurrection and the Life,” the “Bread of Life,” the “Light of the World,” the “Good Shepherd,” and the “Prince of Peace.”  But there is a most unusual and puzzling one that we find in the final book of Holy Scripture. In Revelation 5:5 Jesus is called the “Lion that is from the tribe of Judah.”  Of course, such a title—like all of the special names by which our Lord is known—tells us something very significant about Him. On the surface, such a designation seems dramatically at odds with another of our Lord’s blessed names, the “Lamb of God.”  What could this name “Lion” mean?  What does it reveal to us about our Savior?

    On this coming Lord’s Day, Resurrection Sunday, we will open the inspired Word to this amazing passage found in Revelation 5:1-5. And we will mine the deep riches of this sacred Name as we worship the risen King!

    Good Friday Service Tonight at 6:00 PM

    We invite all of our members and guests to our Good Friday Service of Worship tonight at 6:00 PM. In this service we will be especially mindful of our Lord’s atoning death on the cross. Our message this evening will come from Mark 14:10-21.

    I love you all so very much, and hope to see you tonight and again on Sunday!

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – Maundy Thursday March 24 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 2:11-12

    Pastor: Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
    People: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for is wrath is quickly kindled.
    All: Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

    Prayer of Adoration:

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

    Scripture Reading: Exodus 12:1-14

    Song: Man of Sorrows, What a Name – Hymn 246 v.1-5

    Scripture Reading: Psalm 116:1-13

    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.

    Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 13:1-7

    Prayer for Illumination:

    The Proclamation of the Word of God:
    “Greatness in the Kingdom of Christ”–Mark 9:30-37. Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder.

    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!

    Prayer of Confession:

    Assurance of Pardon and Thanksgiving:

    Pastor: This is a true saying, and worthy of all people to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Lift up your hearts!
    People: We lift them up unto the Lord.
    Pastor: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
    People: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
    Pastor: It is right and good and a joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks unto You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
    People: Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Your glorious Name; evermore praising You, and saying:
    All: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of Thy glory: glory be to Thee, O Lord Most High.

    Words of Institution:

    Communion**:

    Tenebrae (The service of darkness)***:

    Scripture Reading: Mark 15: 33-39

    Song: Were You There? – Hymn 260 v.1-4

    All depart in silence

    * “Maundy Thursday” is a term that has a very rich meaning. “Maundy” is derived from the Latin phrase “Mandatum Novum,” referring to the “new commandment” Jesus gave at the Last Supper for His disciples to love one another. It is a service that historically has commemorated the events that happened in the Upper Room: the washing of the disciples’ feet, the new commandment, and the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

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

    ***Tonight’s service ends with Tenebrae, or “the service of darkness.” Tenebrae signifies the three hours of darkness that covered the earth while Jesus hung on the cross, as well as the literal darkness of the tomb. Please depart the service in silence.

    All are warmly invited to our Good Friday Service of Worship tomorrow at 6 PM, and to our Easter Service of Worship at 10:30 AM this Sunday morning.

  • Announcements – Easter Week March 23 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    What a wonderful joy and privilege we have this week of gathering together on Thursday and Friday evenings at 6:00 PM to worship our Savior and prepare for Easter Sunday. Tomorrow night, I will be preaching from Mark 9:30-37 on the subject of ‘True Greatness In the Kingdom of God.’  This service of worship is called ‘Maundy Thursday,’ signifying a special emphasis upon Christ’s command to love one another from hearts of gratitude and humility, and patterned after our Lord’s own love for His sheep. This service will end with the Lord’s Supper and ‘Tenebrae,’ or the time of darkness, calling to mind the darkness that fell upon the world as our Lord suffered on the cross—

    Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:44-46).

    Then, on Friday evening we will observe ‘Good Friday,’ and reflect upon our Lord’s suffering and death as our Substitute and Redeemer. I will be preaching from Mark 14:10-21.

    A nursery will be provided for both services and guests are most welcomed!

    Thank you for your faithful prayers, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening as we come before our blessed King.

    With His great love,

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – March 20 2016

    Call to Worship: Romans 11:33

    Reception of New Members and Sacrament of Baptism:

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Responsive Reading: Psalm 31:9-16

    Pastor: Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also.
    People: For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing; My strength has failed because of my iniquity, and my body has wasted away.
    Pastor: Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances;
    People: Those who see me in the street flee from me. I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel.
    Pastor: For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, they schemed to take away my life.
    People: But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.”
    Pastor: My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.
    All: Make Your face to shine upon Your servant; Save me in Your lovingkindness.

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9

    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

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

    New Testament Lesson: Philippians 2:5-11

    Confession of Sin and the Lord’s Prayer:

    Assurance of Pardon: 1 Peter 1:3

    Song: I Know Whom I Have Believed – Hymn 705 v.1-4

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 21:1-17

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “Twelve Stones, Part Two”–Joshua 4:1-24

    Confession of Faith: The Belgic Confession of Faith, 21

    We believe that Jesus Christ is a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, made such by an oath, and that he presented himself in our name before his Father, to appease his wrath with full satisfaction by offering himself on the tree of the cross and pouring out his precious blood for the cleansing of our sins, as the prophets had predicted.

    Communion*:

    Song: This Is My Father’s World – Hymn 111 v.1-3

    Benediction: Revelation 22:20-21

    He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. 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.

    Spring Men’s Bible Study: Our biannual Men’s Bible Study is continuing on Sunday evenings throughout the Spring. We’re studying the biblical themes of prophet, priest, and king. 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.

    Children’s Ministry: Easter Resources and Links for parents can be found on the website. Lots of good book recommendations for the Easter season!

    Women’s Ministry: Thank you to all those who donated time or resources for the Spring Retreat. It was wonderful! Go to our website to see a short video with scenes from the weekend and make plans to join us next year when we go back!

    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, Phillip Jones, Daniel O’Neil, 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 – March 18 2016

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in our Blessed Lord,

    This Sunday begins what is commonly called ‘Holy Week.’  During the days leading up to Easter Sunday, we will join the Church through the ages in remembering and reflecting upon the passion, death, and bodily resurrection of the Son of God—our mighty Savior and Redeemer. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, commemorating our Lord’s final journey to Jerusalem and His triumphal entry into the city where He would be crucified for our sins (Matthew 21:1-11). Then, on Thursday we will celebrate Maundy Thursday, or ‘Commandment Thursday,’ the day set aside to remember and reflect upon the institution of the Lord’s Supper and the giving of the great commandment to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:1-20).  And on Friday, Good Friday, we will especially recall our Lord’s death on the cross, and His redeeming love that held Him there until our full atonement had been secured.   Then on Easter Sunday, we will gather to remember the truth and the glory of His bodily resurrection and the death of death itself, swallowed up as it was by His infinite power and love!

    Our Maundy Thursday (March 24) and Good Friday (March 25) services of worship will be at 6:00 PM each night, and a nursery will be provided.

    Our sermon for this coming Sunday will once again be taken from Joshua 4:1-24.  We will consider the significance of the Jordan River in the eternal plan of God’s salvation through Christ our Lord.  In preparation you might want to read 2 Kings 2:1-14, 5:1-14, and Matthew 3:13-17.  I think you’ll discover some surprising and amazingly sweet ‘connections.’

    Men’s Spring Bible Study Continues This Sunday Evening, 5:00-6:30 PM

    This week we will be studying ‘Christ, Our High Priest.’ All men of the Church and guests are invited!  We meet in the Education Building at 5:00 pm.

    May our Lord bless you each and every one, and I love you dearly and pray for you constantly,

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – March 13 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 23

    Pastor: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
    People: He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
    Pastor: He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
    People: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
    Pastor: For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
    People: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
    All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

    Sacrament of Baptism: Blake LeighAnn Stanford

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: 1 Samuel 16:1, 10-13

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

    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.

    New Testament Lesson: Ephesians 5:8-14

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

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder – Matthew 16:13-28

    Confession of Faith: The Second Helvetic Confession–Chapter One

    THE PREACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WORD OF GOD. Wherefore when this Word of God is now preached in the church by preachers lawfully called, we believe that the very Word of God is proclaimed, and received by the faithful; and that neither any other Word of God is to be invented nor is to be expected from heaven: and that now the Word itself which is preached is to be regarded, not the minister that preaches; for even if he be evil and a sinner, nevertheless the Word of God remains still true and good.

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “Twelve Stones In the Jordan”–Joshua 4:1-24

    Corporate Prayer of Confession: Psalm 69

    Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

    Assurance of Pardon: John 3:16

    Communion*:

    Song: Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Hymn No. 32 v.1-3

    Benediction: Ephesians 6:23

    Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

    *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 is continuing on Sunday evenings throughout the Spring. We’re studying the biblical themes of prophet, priest, and king. 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.

    Youth Group: The Youth Group will meet tonight at 4:30 at the church house.

    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, Phillip Jones, Luke Townsley, Joe Holton, 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 – March 11 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Joshua 4:1-24 provides us with the account of another unusual event that occurred in the life of the Covenant nation as Joshua obediently led God’s people across the Jordan River into the land of Canaan.  You can read about the rather strange divine order given through Joshua to the people in verses 2-3. Twelve men were to be selected from the people, one man from each of the twelve tribes of Israel.  And then, these men were to collect twelve stones from the middle of the river and take them to the other side, placing them in the location of their first encampment in the Promised Land.  In addition to this, Joshua also set up a monument of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, leaving them there to become visible in the river when the waters were at a lower level following the spring rains (v. 9). The first collection of stones was eventually erected at a place called “Gilgal” (v. 20), and it was to remain there as a “memorial forever” (v. 7), giving silent testimony to the greatness and faithfulness of God and promoting the “fear” of the Lord (v. 24).

    So, what was all of this about? And what is the significance of the construction of two stony monuments, one in the river and the other on the land?  The blessed answer may be found in verses 21-24On Sunday, we will consider Joshua 4:1-24 and begin to explore the riches and eternal relevance of yet another ‘Great Event in the History of Redemption.’

    Pray for Our Ladies’ Retreat

     As you know, tonight and tomorrow our ladies will be enjoying a time of fellowship and Bible study over at Camp Alpine, near Mentone. Let’s remember them in our prayers as they spend this special time together.

    Time Change This Saturday Night

    Once again that dreaded weekend has arrived that robs us of sixty precious minutes of sleep on Saturday night.  Be sure to set your clock forward one hour before bed on Saturday.  While this is indeed a yearly pain, the tomb of our Lord is empty, and He is worthy of the worship and praise of His redeemed people! Let us “come before Him with joyful singing”–Psalm 100:2.

    Men’s Spring Bible Study Continues Sunday Evening

    Our Men’s Spring Bible Study got off to a wonderful start last week as we began examining the subject, “Christ: Our Prophet, Priest, and King.”  This week we will be looking at how our Lord Jesus fulfills the Old Testament office of Prophet, and the powerful implications this great truth has for all Christian men.  All the men of the Church and visitors are invited, and we start at 5:00 PM in the Education Building.

     Missing Jerry

    Our hearts are still heavy having learned of the death of our brother Jerry Bridges.  While I could add very little to the many tributes that have been offered in his memory, I am full of gratitude for Jerry and Jane, and for the way they lovingly ministered to our Church family over these years. Of the eleven years we have officially been in existence as a Church body, Jerry and Jane came to visit us on nine occasions! That’s hard to believe, but it reveals Jerry’s abiding love for the local Church, and especially for a small congregation like ours.

    Jerry was a man of the deepest humility and grace.  Never flashy or fancy. He was just a simple servant of Christ, faithfully using his gifts for the glory of His Savior and the building up of the Body of Christ.  And most remarkably, Jerry was used so powerfully by the Lord in the midst of great suffering and bodily afflictions.  As the years went by, Jerry grew physically weaker with each visit to our Church. His last weekend with us was in May of 2015. When I picked up Jerry and Jane at the airport he was in obvious pain, he moved much more slowly than before, and he could hardly stand upright.  Yet when he began to speak, he was filled with the strength that the Spirit supplies, and I would say that his last visit was the best and richest of all of them.  Amazing!

    Jerry’s impact on us will continue through the years, for he was used mightily of the Lord to teach and apply the infallible, all-sufficient, ever-enduring, life-giving Word of the cross.  Let us give glory to God that He allowed us the magnificent privilege of learning from a most faithful servant of the King!  And please join me in holding up Jane and their children and grandchildren in your prayers.

    I love you all, always!

    Mike

  • Easter Resources for Families

    Easter season is upon us! It seems that Easter will come early this year, so I wanted to go ahead and send out this document of Easter Resources that may interest you. It was compiled by a friend at another PCA church in Florida, and I thought it may give you some ideas of devotionals that you could purchase to usher in this time of remembrance.
    Two other neat crafts that we did in our family last year to great ease and effectiveness (it’s gotta be easy!) were these:
    Resurrection Garden OR Here {we just went out into the yard and grabbed earthly stuff to do this!}
    If you have any questions or need help finding these – don’t hesitate to email me!

    Easter Resources (1)