Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This coming Lord’s Day, on the very last day of the year, we will be privileged to assemble ourselves together in worship and to open the Word of the Lord one final time in 2017. Our sermon will come from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, and verses 11-13.

With Advent having come (and now departed so quickly!), we have arrived at the last Sunday and final day of the year. And over the last several weeks, in anticipation of this very Lord’s Day, I have sought to discover a text of Holy Scripture that we might examine together as we conclude another year, and now look forward to the beginning of 2018. And in this search for an appropriate Biblical text and subject, I have been especially sensitive to the needs of my own heart. And, more specifically, to what I find myself in need of as we anticipate all that the Lord might bring into our lives in the 12 months that are before us. I have asked myself, what is the final thing I need to consider as we end 2017, and the first thing I need to focus upon and keep in view as we begin 2018?

In answering that question, I have been drawn to this compelling episode from the life of our Lord Jesus that we find recorded for us by Luke. In Luke 11 (and in Matthew’s parallel account in Matt. 7:7-11, although in a different setting), Jesus taught His disciples something that was most essential to their well-being as His followers, and as Christians living in the world and facing the many uncertainties that confronted them. And I believe that by the time we have considered these things that Jesus proclaimed, we will find ourselves in a much better place—in a better frame of mind and heart—to face with great hope whatever lies ahead for us in the new year.

To get the whole scene before you, take some time to read and reflect upon Luke 11:1-13 (and compare it to the similar episode in Matthew 7:7-11). And as you read and mediate upon these blessed words, think especially about the wonderful implications of knowing that we have a “heavenly Father” who always delights in giving us “good gifts” when we pray!

May our Lord bless you all most richly, and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday morning!

All my love,

Mike

PS: Don’t forget, there is no Sunday School this Sunday. There will be a Fellowship Time at 10:00 AM, followed by Worship at 10:30 AM. Sunday School resumes on January 7 at 9:15 AM.

Upcoming Events:

January 2, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
January 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Lunch
January 7, 9:15 AM – Sunday School resumes
January 9, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast at Church House
January 10, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study

Order of Worship:

You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here

The songs for this week are:

And Can It Be (Hymn 455, vs. 1, 3-5)
What Wondrous Love is This (Hymn 261, all 3 verses)
Abide With Me
Before The Throne

Announcements:

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, January 9 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will have breakfast at the Church House. Come and join us for food, fellowship and a devotional. They will also support Bags of Blessings packing at The CARE Center on January 31.

Presbytery-wide Youth Retreat: “Roots” is the Providence Presbytery’s annual winter retreat.  This retreat provides Gospel-centered teaching, worship, and fellowship for the youth in our presbytery. Make plans to join us the weekend of January 19-21, 2018 at Camp ToknowHim!! Note that registration is open until January 5. Click here for more details, including cost, agenda, and what to bring.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Suzi Jones, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, and Joyce Bosley.
Expecting: Please pray for the the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords and Deans, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

 

Sermon Preview

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This coming Lord’s Day, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we are continuing our study of what was said about the birth of Jesus. And you will remember that up to this point we have considered what Mary said, what the heavenly host said, and then what Simeon said.

On Sunday morning, Christmas Eve, we will consider another passage from the Gospel of Mathew that will reveal what the “chief priests” and “scribes” of Israel had to say about the birth of Jesus our Lord and Savior—Matthew 2:1-6. Of course, as we have looked and listened to what was declared about the birth of Jesus by others, both human and angels, we have learned more about the kind of Savior that He is, and about the kind of people that He came to save. In other words, we have been learning much about the true meaning and glory of Christmas!

The words of these Biblical and theological experts of Israel, spoken in reply to Herod’s question about the exact whereabouts of the newborn Jesus, are recorded in Matthew 2:6. Their answer represents a combination and interpretation of three passages from the Old Testament that speak prophetically about our Savior and Lord—2 Samuel 5:2, Ezekiel 34:23, and Micah 5:2:

“In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel’” (2 Sam. 5:2).

And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd (Ezek. 34:23).

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (Mic. 5:2).

What an amazing claim to make about the infant Jesus! And what a rich passage of Scripture to explore together on Christmas Eve morning!

Then, on Sunday night at 5:00 PM, we will have our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion. As we have done in the past, we will worship our Lord through a number of Scripture readings and Christmas hymns and carols, followed by the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Our table mediation will be from Matthew 2:8, and is entitled “What Herod Said.”

I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with you all, and I look forward to all of the blessings that will be ours as we come before our King in worship and praise!

Before I go, just a reminder that there is no Sunday School on December 24 or 31. Our Spring Semester of Sunday School will begin on January 7. Our Adults will be studying the Christian classic by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Its Cure. A link to this book is below if you’d like to secure your own copy and read along with us.

I love you all!

Mike

https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Depression-Its-Causes-Cure/dp/0802813879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513862241&sr=8-1&keywords=spiritual+depression+martin+lloyd+jones

 

Upcoming Events:

December 24, 5 PM – Christmas Eve Service
January 2, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
January 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Lunch
January 10, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study

Order of Worship:

You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here

The songs for this week are:

Go Tell It On The Mountain – Hymn 224 v.1-3
The Son of God Came Down
Who Would Have Dreamed
What Child Is This – Hymn 213, vs 1-3

You can also access the Christmas Eve bulletin by clicking here

Announcements:

Advent Scripture Read-Along: Ladies of Christ Presbyterian Church, please join us for an Advent Scripture Read-Along through the book of Romans. We will have a slow pace in order to allow you ample time to think upon the Bible’s greatest themes, all presented and explained in 16 chapters. I encourage you to find a study bible and dig deep in the notes as you read, 5 chapters a week will allow you to chase as many rabbits as you want.

Schedule as follows:
Dec. 4-8 Chapters 1-5
Dec. 11-15 Ch. 6-10
Dec. 18-22 Ch. 11-16

Here is what the Reformation Study Bible introduction says:

“Romans is Paul’s fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel. Its compressed declarations of vast truths are like coiled springs- once loosed, they leap through mind and heart to fill one’s horizons and shape one’s life.” and later: “From the vantage point given by Romans, the whole landscape of the Bible is open to view, and the relation of the parts to the whole becomes plain. The study of Romans is vitally necessary for the spiritual health and insight of the Christian.”

There is nothing better I can say to commend this book to you than that! Please email me with any questions and I’d love to know if you’re participating! Niniandjb@gmail.com

Sincerely In Christ,
Denise Brown

Presbytery-wide Youth Retreat: “Roots” is the Providence Presbytery’s annual winter retreat.  This retreat provides Gospel-centered teaching, worship, and fellowship for the youth in our presbytery. Make plans to join us the weekend of January 19-21, 2018 at Camp ToknowHim!! Note that registration is open until January 5. Click here for more details, including cost, agenda, and what to bring.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Suzi Jones, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, and Joyce Bosley.
Birth: Congratulations to the Bryant family, whose son Jack was born this week.
Expecting: Please pray for the the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords and Deans, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

 

Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, the third week of Advent 2017, we are continuing our series of messages on ‘Who Said What About the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus.’ Up to this point, we have considered what Mary said, and then what the angelic host said about the coming of our Savior in human flesh. This week, we will be looking to see what this obscure man named “Simeon” declared about Jesus as recorded for us in Luke 2:25-35.

And let us remember that the purpose for this way of looking at the Gospel accounts of the birth of our Lord is that from these voices, both human and angelic, we discover more about the kind of Savior who came to earth, and about those He came to save and deliver from their sins.

As you read this portion of Scripture in preparation for Sunday, you will really want to pay attention as we come to the end of Simeon’s words about our Savior in verses 34-35. There is a most surprising and unexpected conclusion waiting for us!

Before I go, let me remind you once more of two special events during the Christmas Season. This coming Sunday night, December 17 at 6:00 PM, our Children’s Alleluia Choir, under the direction of Dr. Carol Bart, will present the Christmas story to us in song. Following their musical presentation, there will be a Church-wide coffee and dessert fellowship.   We encourage all of our members and visitors to attend. I can’t wait to hear our children sing the Lord’s praises!

Then on Sunday night, December 24 at 5:00 PM we will have our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion. Please invite your family and friends to join us on Christmas Eve as we worship our incarnate Lord on the eve of His birthday celebration!

I love you all so much, and you are my constant source of joy and delight in Christ!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

December 16, 10:30 AM – Alleluia Choir Christmas Program Rehearsal
December 17, 6 PM – Alleluia Choir Christmas Program
December 19, 9:00 AM – Senior Fellows visit the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home at 2701 Meridian St N. Carpooling is 8:30 AM at the church.
December 24, 5 PM – Christmas Eve Service
January 2, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
January 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Lunch
January 10, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study

Order of Worship:

You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here

The songs for this week are:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Hymn 211, vs 1-3)
The First Noel
Angels We Have Heard On High (Hymn 214, all 3 verses)
O Worship the King (Hymn 2, vs 1, 4-5)

Announcements:

Alleluia Choir: The Alleluia Choir will have their Christmas program at 6PM on December 17, and will have rehearsal for the program at 10:30 AM on December 16.

Advent Scripture Read-Along: Ladies of Christ Presbyterian Church, please join us for an Advent Scripture Read-Along through the book of Romans. We will have a slow pace in order to allow you ample time to think upon the Bible’s greatest themes, all presented and explained in 16 chapters. I encourage you to find a study bible and dig deep in the notes as you read, 5 chapters a week will allow you to chase as many rabbits as you want.

Schedule as follows:
Dec. 4-8 Chapters 1-5
Dec. 11-15 Ch. 6-10
Dec. 18-22 Ch. 11-16

Here is what the Reformation Study Bible introduction says:

“Romans is Paul’s fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel. Its compressed declarations of vast truths are like coiled springs- once loosed, they leap through mind and heart to fill one’s horizons and shape one’s life.” and later: “From the vantage point given by Romans, the whole landscape of the Bible is open to view, and the relation of the parts to the whole becomes plain. The study of Romans is vitally necessary for the spiritual health and insight of the Christian.”

There is nothing better I can say to commend this book to you than that! Please email me with any questions and I’d love to know if you’re participating! Niniandjb@gmail.com

Sincerely In Christ,
Denise Brown

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, December 19 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will visit the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home at 2701 Meridian St N. This will be a great opportunity to spend some time with great American veterans, showing the love of Christ and our thanks for their service to America. We will receive a tour of the home and then spent time talking with the vets. You are encouraged to bring small gifts like socks, underclothing, toiletries, sweets (no nuts or hard candy). Pat Galecki (retired Navy) will accompany us to minister to the lady vets. Carpools will leave the Church at 8:30 AM. We will go to lunch (about 11.30 AM) following the visit. Don’t miss this blessing.

Presbytery-wide Youth Retreat: “Roots” is the Providence Presbytery’s annual winter retreat.  This retreat provides Gospel-centered teaching, worship, and fellowship for the youth in our presbytery. Make plans to join us the weekend of January 19-21, 2018 at Camp ToknowHim!! Note that registration is open until January 5. Click here for more details, including cost, agenda, and what to bring.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Ian Trent, Suzi Jones, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, George Boyd, and Joyce Bosley.
Birth: Congratulations to the Bryant family, whose son Jack was born this week.
Expecting: Please pray for the the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords and Deans, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

 

Sermon Preview

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In Luke 2:8-14 we find the familiar and heartwarming story of the appearance of the angel to the shepherds out in the fields with their flock near the little village of Bethlehem. It is within this nighttime scene that the first public announcement of the birth of our Savior is made. Having received the angelic proclamation, the shepherds eventually made their way to the place where our infant Lord was discovered, just as the heavenly messengers had declared—“wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (vv. 12, 15-17).

According to verses 13-14, that tender moment—when the shepherds initially heard the blessed announcement—was interrupted unexpectedly. “Suddenly” the sounds of “a multitude of the heavenly host” joined in unison to praise the God who had brought about such a miracle! They said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (v. 14).

As you know, during Advent our sermons are investigating the things said about the incarnation of our Lord by men and angels—the words of which we have recorded for us in the Matthew and Luke. Last Lord’s Day we considered Mary’s reply to the angel Gabriel, who informed her that she would give birth to the Savior. This coming Sunday we will be making a close inspection of the praise-filled words spoken by the “host” of heaven in Luke 2:14.

Also on Sunday, in keeping with the Advent theme, I will be leading our Adult Sunday School class in a two-week study of the Doctrine of the Incarnation. We will begin at 9:15 AM in the Worship Center.

Before I go, let me remind you once more of two special events during the Christmas Season. On Sunday night, December 17 at 6:00 PM, our Children’s Alleluia Choir, under the direction of Dr. Carol Bart, will present the Christmas story to us in song. Following their musical presentation, there will be a Church-wide coffee and dessert fellowship.   We encourage all of our members and visitors to attend. Then on Sunday night, December 24 at 5:00 PM we will have our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion.

Thank you for your kind and faithful prayers as we prepare to preach the Word, and may the Lord richly bless and keep you until we meet joyfully before Him in worship on Sunday.

I love you all so very much,

Mike

Upcoming Events:

December 10, 3:30 PM – Alleluia Choir Practice
December 10, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
December 12, 9:00 AM – Senior Fellows breakfast and 2018 planning meeting at the Church House.
December 12, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
December 13, 10 AM – Women’s Bible Study Brunch at Amy Schnorrenberg’s house
December 14, 6 AM – Men’s Morning Bible Study
December 16, 10:30 AM – Alleluia Choir Christmas Program Rehearsal
December 17, 6 PM – Alleluia Choir Christmas Program
December 19, 9:00 AM – Senior Fellows visit the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home at 2701 Meridian St N. Carpooling is 8:30 AM at the church.
December 24, 5 PM – Christmas Eve Service
January 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Lunch
January 10, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study

Order of Worship:

You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here

The songs for this week are:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Hymn 194, vs 1,4-5)
Who Would Have Dreamed
We Three Kings
Angels From the Realms of Glory (Hymn 218, vs 1,3,5)

Announcements:

Alleluia Choir: The Alleluia Choir (Grades 2-6) meets this Sunday at 3:30 pm upstairs in the Church House. NOTE THE CHANGED PRACTICE TIME! They will have their Christmas program at 6PM on December 17, and will have rehearsal for the program at 10:30 AM on December 16.

Advent Scripture Read-Along: Ladies of Christ Presbyterian Church, please join us for an Advent Scripture Read-Along through the book of Romans. We will have a slow pace in order to allow you ample time to think upon the Bible’s greatest themes, all presented and explained in 16 chapters. I encourage you to find a study bible and dig deep in the notes as you read, 5 chapters a week will allow you to chase as many rabbits as you want.

Schedule as follows:
Dec. 4-8 Chapters 1-5
Dec. 11-15 Ch. 6-10
Dec. 18-22 Ch. 11-16

Here is what the Reformation Study Bible introduction says:

“Romans is Paul’s fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel. Its compressed declarations of vast truths are like coiled springs- once loosed, they leap through mind and heart to fill one’s horizons and shape one’s life.” and later: “From the vantage point given by Romans, the whole landscape of the Bible is open to view, and the relation of the parts to the whole becomes plain. The study of Romans is vitally necessary for the spiritual health and insight of the Christian.”

There is nothing better I can say to commend this book to you than that! Please email me with any questions and I’d love to know if you’re participating! Niniandjb@gmail.com

Sincerely In Christ,
Denise Brown

Youth Group: Youth Group meets Sunday at 4:30 PM at the church.

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, December 12 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will have breakfast at the Church House. Come and join us for food, fellowship and a devotional. Following the breakfast we will have a planning meeting on Senior Fellow Activities for 2018. On Tuesday, December 19 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will visit the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home at 2701 Meridian St N. This will be a great opportunity to spend some time with great American veterans, showing the love of Christ and our thanks for their service to America. We will receive a tour of the home and then spent time talking with the vets. You are encouraged to bring small gifts like socks, underclothing, toiletries, sweets (no nuts or hard candy). Pat Galecki (retired Navy) will accompany us to minister to the lady vets. Carpools will leave the Church at 8:30 AM. We will go to lunch (about 11.30 AM) following the visit. Don’t miss this blessing.

Presbytery-wide Youth Retreat: “Roots” is the Providence Presbytery’s annual winter retreat.  This retreat provides Gospel-centered teaching, worship, and fellowship for the youth in our presbytery. Make plans to join us the weekend of January 19-21, 2018 at Camp ToknowHim!!  Registration is open from now until December 17th. Click here for more details, including cost, agenda, and what to bring.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Bud Lancaster, Suzi Jones, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, George Boyd, and Joyce Bosley.
Birth: Congratulations to the Bryant family, whose son Jack was born this week.
Expecting: Please pray for the the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords and Deans, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).

 

Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in our Lord,

As hard to believe as it is, Advent begins this coming Sunday! As I shared with you last week, our Advent Sermon Series for this year will be entitled “Who Said What About Jesus?” The sermon texts and titles for each Sunday of Advent are listed below so that you can read ahead and be prepared each week:

December 3, “What Mary Said”–Luke 1:34, 38, 46-55

December 10, “What the Heavenly Host Said”–Luke 2:13-14

December 17–“What Simeon Said”­–Luke 2:21-35

December 24, “What the Chief Priests and Scribes Said” ­–Matthew 2:4-6

December 24, Christmas Eve Service of Worship (5:00 PM), “What Herod Said”–Matthew 2:8.

This Sunday’s message will focus upon the words of Mary, the mother of our Lord, recorded for us in Luke 1:34, 38, 46-55. The larger section in verses 46-55 have been historically called the ‘Magnificat,’ based upon the Latin rendering of the Greek word translated as “magnifies” in verse 46. By closely examining what Mary declared here—immediately after receiving the news from the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus—we will discover so much about our Father’s gracious plan of salvation, and the divine Savior who would come to deliver us.

Also this Sunday, December 3, don’t forget that your Session will be conducting an Informational Meeting during the Sunday School hour for our Adults. We want to share some very exciting news with you, and give you a look at some of the future plans that we have been prayerfully considering.

Then, the next two Sundays, December 10 and 17, I will be teaching a two-part Sunday School lesson on the Doctrine of the Incarnation. There will be no Sunday School on December 24 or 31.

Finally, we are so excited to announce that our Alleluia Children’s Choir, led by Carol Bart, will be singing for us on Sunday night, December 17 at 6:00 PM in the Worship Center. It will be a special time of Christmas celebration for the whole Church family, and I hope you will plan to attend.

All my love for each of you in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Mike

Upcoming Events:

December 3, 12:30 PM – Visitor’s Lunch at Bagdazian Home
December 3, 3:30 PM – Alleluia Choir Practice
December 3, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
December 5, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
December 6, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study (Final study of 2017)
December 6 – Women’s Christmas Party
December 7, 6 AM – Men’s Morning Bible Study
December 7, 11:30 AM – Women’s Lunch
December 12, 9:00 AM – Senior Fellows breakfast and 2018 planning meeting at the Church House.
December 13, 10 AM – Women’s Bible Study Brunch at Amy Schnorrenberg’s house
December 19, 9:00 AM – Senior Fellows visit the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home at 2701 Meridian St N. Carpooling is 8:30 AM at the church.
December 17, 6 PM – Alleluia Choir Christmas Program

Order of Worship:

You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here

The songs for this week are:

Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah
The Son Of God Came Down
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (Hymn 196, all 4 verses)
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Hymn 457, all 3 verses)

Announcements:

Alleluia Choir: The Alleluia Choir (Grades 2-6) meets this Sunday at 3:30 pm upstairs in the Church House. NOTE THE CHANGED PRACTICE TIME! They will have their Christmas program at 6PM on December 16, and will have rehearsal for the program at 10:30 AM on December 15.

Advent Scripture Read-Along: Ladies of Christ Presbyterian Church, please join us for an Advent Scripture Read-Along through the book of Romans. We will have a slow pace in order to allow you ample time to think upon the Bible’s greatest themes, all presented and explained in 16 chapters. I encourage you to find a study bible and dig deep in the notes as you read, 5 chapters a week will allow you to chase as many rabbits as you want.

Schedule as follows:
Dec. 4-8 Chapters 1-5
Dec. 11-15 Ch. 6-10
Dec. 18-22 Ch. 11-16

Here is what the Reformation Study Bible introduction says:

“Romans is Paul’s fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel. Its compressed declarations of vast truths are like coiled springs- once loosed, they leap through mind and heart to fill one’s horizons and shape one’s life.” and later: “From the vantage point given by Romans, the whole landscape of the Bible is open to view, and the relation of the parts to the whole becomes plain. The study of Romans is vitally necessary for the spiritual health and insight of the Christian.”

There is nothing better I can say to commend this book to you than that! Please email me with any questions and I’d love to know if you’re participating! Niniandjb@gmail.com

Sincerely In Christ,
Denise Brown

Youth Group: Youth Group meets Sunday at 4:30 PM at the church.

Visitors Lunch: We are now scheduling a quarterly Visitor’s Lunch at the home of Rich and Christina Bagdazian following Sunday worship. The next luncheon is Sunday December 3.  All visitors to the Church are invited to attend, as well as any members who would like to join us. If you would desire to connect with others in the Church or to assist us in welcoming our visitors, we’d encourage you to plan on eating with us.  Sign-up for the luncheon begins this Sunday in the narthex, and for more information you may contact Christina.

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, December 12 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will have breakfast at the Church House. Come and join us for food, fellowship and a devotional. Following the breakfast we will have a planning meeting on Senior Fellow Activities for 2018. On Tuesday, December 19 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will visit the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home at 2701 Meridian St N. This will be a great opportunity to spend some time with great American veterans, showing the love of Christ and our thanks for their service to America. We will receive a tour of the home and then spent time talking with the vets. You are encouraged to bring small gifts like socks, underclothing, toiletries, sweets (no nuts or hard candy). Pat Galecki (retired Navy) will accompany us to minister to the lady vets. Carpools will leave the Church at 8:30 AM. We will go to lunch (about 11.30 AM) following the visit. Don’t miss this blessing.

Presbytery-wide Youth Retreat: “Roots” is the Providence Presbytery’s annual winter retreat.  This retreat provides Gospel-centered teaching, worship, and fellowship for the youth in our presbytery. Make plans to join us the weekend of January 19-21, 2018 at Camp ToknowHim!!  Registration is open from now until December 17th. Click here for more details, including cost, agenda, and what to bring.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Bud Lancaster, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, George Boyd, and Joyce Bosley
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant family, expecting in December, the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords and the Deans, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).