Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Month: July 2016

  • Order of Worship – July 31 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 149:1-4

    Pastor: Praise the Lord!
    People: Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly!
    Pastor: Let Israel be glad in his Maker.
    People: Let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
    Pastor: Let them praise His name with dancing,
    People: Making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
    Pastor: For the Lord takes pleasure in His people.
    All: He adorns the humble with salvation.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-7

    Song: Be Unto Your Name – CCLI# 2177476

    We are a moment, You are forever, Lord of the Ages, God before time
    We are a vapor, You are eternal, Love everlasting, reigning on high

    Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Worthy is the lamb who was slain
    Highest praises, honor and glory, Be unto Your name, be unto Your name

    We are the broken, You are the healer, Jesus, Redeemer, mighty to save
    You are the love song we’ll sing forever, Bowing before You, blessing Your name

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

    New Testament Lesson: Romans 8:28-32

    Corporate Prayer of Confession: Psalm 139: 23-24; 25: 11, 16-18

    Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.

    Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 1:18

    Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool

    Song: Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross – Hymn 264 v.1-4

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 25:14-30

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “The Word and Salvation Part Two” – James 1:17-18

    Confession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism

    Q 13. Can we ourselves make this satisfaction?
    A. Certainly not; on the contrary, we daily increase our guilt.
    Q 14. Can any mere creature make satisfaction for us?
    A. None; for first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man committed; and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin and redeem others from it.

    Communion*:

    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

    Benediction: Hebrews 13:25

    Grace be with you all

  • Announcements – July 29 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Our sermon text for this coming Lord’s Day will be James 1:17-18.  Here the brother of our Lord is speaking of the kind of “Father” we have in heaven. You will remember that James has referred to Him as “the Father of lights”—the Creator and Provider who delights in giving “good” and “perfect” gifts to His children (v. 17).

    But as we will discover in this text, our Father is not only the Giver of all that is “good,” we also learn some other essential truths about His nature and character. First, He is always the same—“with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (v. 17).  Secondly, He is the Author of our salvation, the greatest gift we could ever receive from His hand—“of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth” (v. 18).  And, as James makes clear, He saved us by the power of His Word—“the word of truth”—the Gospel.  And third, the eternal purpose for our salvation is that we might be totally His—“a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (v. 18). And what magnificent truths these are!  And what encouragement and assurance there is to be found here, especially in our seasons of trial and temptation.

    Some Homework

    As you meditate upon these inspired verses in preparation for Sunday, let me also encourage you to become more familiar with how this second truth—that our salvation is due in total to the exercise of our Father’s “will”—is set forth by Jesus in John 3:3-8 and explained in our Reformed confessional heritage. Below you will find some statements from the Westminster Confession of Faith that will assist us as we come to contemplate more fully the gift of salvation that we have been graciously granted in Christ our Lord.

    WCF 9:3

    Man, by his fall into a state of sin, has completely lost all ability to choose any spiritual good that accompanies salvation. Therefore, an unregenerate man, because he is opposed to that good and is dead in sin, is unable by his own strength to convert himself or to prepare himself to be converted.

    WCF 3:5

    Those people who are predestined to life, God—before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and unchangeable purpose and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will—has chosen in Christ to everlasting glory. He chose them out of his free grace and love alone, not because he foresaw faith, or good works, or perseverance in either of these, or anything else in the creature, as conditions or causes moving him to do this; and all to the praise of his glorious grace.

    WCF 10:1

    All those—and only those—whom God has predestined to life, he is pleased to call effectually in his appointed and accepted time, by his Word and Spirit. He calls them from the state of sin and death—in which they are by nature—to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ. In this calling, God enlightens their minds spiritually and savingly, so that they understand the things of God. He takes away their hearts of stone and gives them hearts of flesh, renews their wills, and by his almighty power turns them to what is good and effectually draws them to Jesus Christ. Yet he does this in such a way that they come most freely, being made willing by his grace.

    I can’t wait for Sunday to get here!  What a joy it will be to worship our great God and Father together! And how blessed we will be as we hear His Word proclaimed!

    I love you all so much,

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – July 24 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 71:1

    In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!

    Corporate Prayer of Adoration:

    Pastor: Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
    People: The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
    Pastor: I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.
    People: Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.
    Pastor: Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
    People: Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
    All: Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 1:10-17

    Song: All Creatures of Our God and King – Hymn 115 v.1-2,5

    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: Romans 8:26-27

    Silent Prayer of Confession:

    Assurance of Pardon: Galatians 3:27

    For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ

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

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder – Matthew 25:1-13

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “The Word and Salvation” – James 1:17-18

    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: 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: 1 Corinthians 15:58

    Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain

    *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 Summer Recess: We are currently on summer break from Sunday School. There will continue to be coffee and fellowship starting at 10 AM, with the service of worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Sunday School will resume in September.

    VBS: Thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this past week special for our children! Everyone had a great time! Stay tuned for more announcements for our children’s ministry!

    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 Dyer, Will Steward, Rebecca Berry, Jenan Nuwayhid, Debi Walker, Bill Dent, Zig Jastrebski, Emily Carter, and Joe Fikes.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process, and for the Dean family, expecting in November.

    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Reid and Kelli Jones, Jennifer Kent (RUF UAH); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

  • Announcements – July 22 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     

    This coming Lord’s Day we will arrive at a new section of the letter of James to the scattered saints of the first century.  And while it is a new segment of the opening chapter, it is very much linked with all that the brother of our Lord has said previously.  And the connection has to do with the fact that we have learned—perhaps to our great astonishment and dismay—that the source for our temptations and sins is to be found within our own hearts.  According to James, each of us is tempted when our “desire,” our various lusts, lead us astray—when they lure and entice us, and we give in to their powers of seduction (v. 14).  And when these spoiled inner cravings have their way with us, there is an inevitable downward spiral—“desire” gives birth to “sin,” and “sin” becomes “fully grown” and “brings forth death” (v. 15).

     

    Now, this is certainly a rather bleak picture, isn’t it?  Our hearts, according to the Bible, come from the womb already corrupted with passions and desires that are desperately hostile to the reign of our Creator.  Like Adam and Eve after they sinned against the Lord, we too are fallen—everything about us is broken by our spiritual treason against God.  And, of course, we know this to be the terrible consequence of ‘original sin.’  To be sure, we are all most familiar with lust. We are all continually waging a most fearsome war against persistent temptation. And all of us sin against the Lord.  These are the tragic realities of our daily existence.

     

    Along the way, however, it is very likely that some of us may be falling into despair over our passions and sins.  Some may be struggling to understand what’s going on in their hearts, and have begun to question or doubt God’s providential leading in their lives. Others may be secretly nursing complaints against the Lord, or experiencing frustration at how things are turning out for them.  And if it is true that our hearts—even as the redeemed people of God—are still infected with the poison of original sin, then what are we to do?  How can we ever please the Lord?  How do we deal with the fact that lust, unholy “desire,” still resides in our hearts?

     

    In James 1:17-18 the brother of our Savior turns to give a potent and inspired Word of encouragement to his readers concerning these important and practical matters.  And, as we will see, he will direct their minds to the contemplation of the power and character of the God who has saved them—the “Father of lights”!  The hope and help that we long for are found elsewhere, outside of us, “above” us (v. 17).

     

    J. B. Phillips translates this passage so beautifully:

     

    But every good endowment that we possess and every complete gift that we have received must come from above, from the Father of all lights, with whom there is never the slightest variation or shadow of inconsistency. By his own wish he made us his own sons through the Word of truth that we might be, so to speak, the first specimens of his new creation.

     

    On Sunday, we will begin to explore these blessed and hope-filled Words, and we will quickly discover that there is plenty of encouraging news to be found!  If you are struggling, afraid, despairing, frustrated, or doubting, there is a most blessed answer just for you!  And I can’t wait to discover it with you as we open the Scriptures together on Sunday!

     

    I love you with all my heart, and always have you in my every prayer,

     

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – July 17 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 86:11-13

    Pastor: Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.
    People: Unite my heart to fear your name.
    Pastor: I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
    People: For great is your steadfast love toward me.
    All: You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 1:1-6

    Confession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism

    Q 12: Since, then, by the righteous judgment of God we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, how may we escape this punishment and be again received into favor?
    A. God wills that His justice be satisfied; therefore, we must make full satisfaction to that justice, either by ourselves or by another.

    Song: O Worship The King – Hymn 2 v.1,4-5

    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

    New Testament Lesson: Romans 8:18-23

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

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder – Matthew 24:29-51

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “Understanding Temptation—Part Three” – James 1:13-15

    Confession of Sin and The Lord’s Prayer:

    Assurance of Pardon: John 1:16-17

    Communion*:

    Song: Joyful, Joyful – CCLI# 25321

    Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of Love
    Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, praising Thee their sun above
    Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away
    Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day

    All Thy works with joy surround thee, Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays
    Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise
    Field and forest, vale and mountain, blooming meadow, flashing sea
    Chanting bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in thee

    Benediction: 2 Peter 1:2

    Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord

    *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 Summer Recess: We are currently on summer break from Sunday School. There will continue to be coffee and fellowship starting at 10 AM, with the service of worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Sunday School will resume in September.

    Senior Fellows Meeting: The Senior Fellows will meet 10 AM, Tuesday, July 19 at 4922 Montauk Trail. The meeting will focus on our Helps Ministry. We will also have a Chili Luncheon. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact: “Senior Fellows” <cpcseniorfellows@gmail.com>, or 256-532-1856.

    Care Center School Supply Ministry : This Summer CPC will again participate in the Care Center Backpack Ministry. If you would like to adopt a child (provide backpack and other school supplies for the coming school year), sign up at the table in the Narthex on (Sundays) July 10 and 17. You will be given a child’s name and supply list. All supplies must be returned to the Church by Sunday, July 24. More information on this ministry is available at the table.

    VBS: VBS is July 20-22: We need help with a few snack items for the kids and the 30+ volunteers. See the sign-up genius link from the church website. 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 Dyer, Will Steward, Rebecca Berry, Jenan Nuwayhid, Debi Walker, and Joe Fikes.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process, and for the Dean family, expecting in November.

    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Reid and Kelli Jones, Jennifer Kent (RUF UAH); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

  • Announcements – July 15 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

     

    So far in our Sunday morning study of the Epistle of James, and particularly 1:13, we have learned that God our Father is not the source of our temptations. Simply stated, we cannot say when we are being tempted that He is doing it.  For James tells us most emphatically that God cannot be tempted by evil, and that He tempts no one.  And this being the case, it is very clear that the blame for our experiences of temptation—and the sins that result—cannot be passed on to our heavenly Father, or to anyone or anything else for that matter.

     

    But in 1:14-16, James moves us deeper into a Biblical understanding of temptation. He will show us its true source. And then he will reveal to us the way that temptation inevitably progresses until it finally reaches its terrible consummation.  You can see the awful trajectory for yourself as James sets it out in verse 15—“desire,” then “sin,” and then “death.” Then in verse 16 he will sound a sobering warning for each of us to heed—“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.”

     

    The immediate relevance of this passage—1:14-16—should be very apparent to us.  It has been called “one of the most powerful statements about sin in the New Testament.”  In fact, we could well argue that here James presents us with the history of the world in three simple words: “desire,” “sin,” and “death.” This inexorable downward spiral explains everything about our own individual lives as well as the events of world history.  These three words will help us to see and understand ourselves, and the reason we do what we do in our rebellion against God.  And in these words we will also discover the key to interpreting our world through the lens of Scripture, allowing us to grasp both the reality of man’s terminal depravity as well as the glorious remedy in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

     

    Let’s commit ourselves to fervent prayer for the preaching of God’s Word.  May His Word fill our hearts with the knowledge of His blessed truth, and equip us for every good work in His Name.

     

    I love you all so much,

     

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – July 10 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 119:105-112

    Pastor: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
    People: I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.
    Pastor: I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
    People: Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules.
    Pastor: I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.
    People: The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.
    Pastor: Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
    All: I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 28:10-17

    Confession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism

    Q 9. Does not God, then, do injustice to man by requiring of him in His Law that which he cannot perform?
    A. No, for God so made man that he could perform it; but man, through the instigation of the devil, by willful disobedience deprived himself and all his descendants of those divine gifts.
    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 them 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

    Song: I Need Thee Every Hour – Hymn 674 v.1-3,5

    New Testament Lesson: Romans 8:12-17

    Confession of Sin: From Psalm 130

    Pastor: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
    People: O Lord, hear my voice!
    Pastor: Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
    People: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
    All: But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

    Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 130:7

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

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 24:1-28
    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “Understanding Temptation—Part Two” – James 1:13-15

    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: 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.

    Sunday School Summer Recess: We are currently on summer break from Sunday School. There will continue to be coffee and fellowship starting at 10 AM, with the service of worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Sunday School will resume in September.

    Senior Fellows Meeting: The Senior Fellows will meet 10 AM, Tuesday, July 19 at 4922 Montauk Trail. The meeting will focus on our Helps Ministry. We will also have a Chili Luncheon. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact: “Senior Fellows” <cpcseniorfellows@gmail.com>, or 256-532-1856.

    Care Center School Supply Ministry : This Summer CPC will again participate in the Care Center Backpack Ministry. If you would like to adopt a child (provide backpack and other school supplies for the coming school year), sign up at the table in the Narthex on (Sundays) July 10 and 17. You will be given a child’s name and supply list. All supplies must be returned to the Church by Sunday, July 24. More information on this ministry is available at the table.

    VBS: VBS is July 20-22: We need help with a few snack items for the kids and the 30+ volunteers. See the sign-up genius link from the church website. Women’s Summer Salad Luncheon: Join us on Saturday, July 16th, for lunch and fellowship. Our speaker will be Mitzi Cowley. RSVP by clicking on the link found on the church website.

    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 Dyer, Will Steward, Rebecca Berry, Jenan Nuwayhid, and Joe Fikes.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process, and for the Dean family, expecting in November.

    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Reid and Kelli Jones, Jennifer Kent (RUF UAH); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

  • Announcements – July 8 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    So far in our study of the Epistle of James we have learned about the way our Lord brings tests into our lives in order to strengthen our faith and to promote our love for Him. And because such trials come from the hand of our Father and are specifically designed for our good, we can “count it all joy” when our faith is put to the test (James 1:2-4).  The blessed outcome that the Lord desires for us in such experiences is Christian maturity, and especially the display of “steadfastness” (v. 4).

    But, we have also learned that times of testing are also opportunities for temptation, and this is the subject to which James seamlessly turns in verses 12-16.  Trials and temptations are indeed related.  With every trying experience that we are called upon to joyfully endure there is also the opportunity for disobedience and sin.  And this fact is the main concern that James expresses in these verses.

    To be more precise, James is concerned about what we “say” when we are “tempted” (v. 13).  That is, what conclusions do we draw about the source of our temptations? We might naturally think that since the Lord does, in fact, bring specific tests into our lives for the promotion of holiness and maturity, He also tempts us as well. But as you can see in verse 13, such a conclusion is flatly forbidden: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God.’”

    So, what do we make of this? How do we understand the relationship between trials and temptations?  And where do temptations originate?  And how does all of this fit in with God’s sovereignty over our lives?  Is God in control of all things or not? And if so, how can James conclude that He never tempts us?

    On this coming Lord’s Day we will open the Word and wrestle with each of these very important issues.

    I love you all so much,

    Mike

  • Order of Worship – July 3 2016

    Call to Worship: Psalm 117

    Pastor: Praise the Lord, all nations!
    People: Extol him, all peoples!
    Pastor: For great is his steadfast love toward us.
    People: The faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
    All: Praise the Lord!

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 26:1-6

    Confession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism

    Q 7. From where, then, does this depraved nature of man come?
    A. From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise, whereby our nature became so corrupt that we are all conceived and born in sin.
    Q 8. But are we so depraved that we are completely incapable of any good and prone to all evil?
    A. Yes, unless we are born again by the Spirit of God.

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

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

    New Testament Lesson: Romans 8:1-11

    Confession of Sin:

    Pastor: O eternal God and merciful Father, we humble ourselves before Your great Majesty against which we have frequently and grievously sinned.
    People: We acknowledge that we deserve nothing less that eternal death. We are unclean before You, and children of wrath.
    Pastor: We continually transgress Your commandments; failing to do what You have commanded us, and doing that which You have expressly forbidden.
    People: We all like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.
    Pastor: Wash us in the pure fountain of Christ’s blood, so that we may become clean and white as snow.
    People: Cover us with His innocence and righteousness, for the glory of Your Name.
    All: Deliver our understanding from all blindness, and our hearts from all willfulness and rebellion. Amen.

    Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 43:25

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

    Scripture Reading and Prayer for the Church:
    Dr. Bud Lancaster, Ruling Elder – Matthew 23:13-39

    Preaching of the Word: Dr. Michael Calvert, Teaching Elder
    “Understanding Temptation—Part One” – James 1:13-15

    Communion*:

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

    Benediction: Hebrews 13:21

    May the Lord 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.

    Sunday School Summer Recess: We are currently on summer break from Sunday School. There will continue to be coffee and fellowship starting at 10 AM, with the service of worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Sunday School will resume in September.

    VBS: VBS is July 20-22: We need help with a few snack items for the kids and the 30+ volunteers. See the sign-up genius link from the church website. Women’s Summer Salad Luncheon: Join us on Saturday, July 16th, for lunch and fellowship. Our speaker will be Mitzi Cowley. RSVP by clicking on the link found on the church website.

    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 Dyer, Bill Cowley, Will Steward, Rebecca Berry, and Joe Fikes.

    Expecting/adopting parents: Please pray for the Johnson family as they continue in their adoption process, and for the Dean family, expecting in November.

    Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Reid and Kelli Jones, Jennifer Kent (RUF UAH); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

  • Announcements – July 1 2016

    Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    This coming Lord’s Day our sermon series on the Epistle of James will continue as we begin our examination of James 1:13-15. This New Testament letter, addressed to the scattered saints of the first century, is commonly characterized as the most practical of the epistles. One popular commentator has summarized the message of James as ‘Faith works!’ It deals straight up with real-life issues and how we are to face them in light of our commitment to Christ our Lord.

    In these three important verses of chapter one James addresses the subject of temptation. And in his typically practical fashion, he lays out for us some of the truths about being tempted that we need to be aware of. For example, he will reveal to us the connection between being tested by God and facing temptation, as well as the significant differences between these two experiences. And then in a most startling and disarming way he will expose for us the true source of our temptations, explicitly noting where temptation does and does not originate. Then, overarching all of this James will reveal the role that our Heavenly Father plays both in our times of trail and in those of temptation as well.

    Take a few moments over the weekend to re-read and meditate on the first fifteen verses of James once again, and pray that the Lord will speak with power and clarity to us as we come before Him this Sunday.

    Speaking of prayer . . . let me encourage you to be in fervent prayer for our upcoming Vacation Bible School, July 20-22. Please pray for Ashley and her team of leaders as they teach our blessed little ones about the great King who is coming soon!

    I love you all and can’t wait to worship our Lord with you this Sunday morning!

    In His abundant grace,

    Mike