Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Month: May 2018

  • Announcements and Order of Worship – May 25 2018

    Sermon Preview

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    This coming Sunday we will open the Word of the Lord once again to Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Our second message from this epistle—one of four New Testament letters known as the ‘prison epistles’ written by Paul while imprisoned in the imperial city of Rome—will come from verses 1-8 of the first chapter.

    Last week we discovered that Paul wrote to the believers who were members of the little church, located in the now extinct city of Colossae, in order to warn them against falling prey to the seductive advances of a false teacher. And this teacher was an influential man who had been promoting a twisted message that he claimed was a better gospel than the one preached by Paul and embraced by the Colossian Christians. And yet, what this man was marketing, and some of the members of the church were attracted to, was no gospel at all! So, with pastoral affection and warm concern beating in his heart, Paul penned this inspired letter to them.

    Having introduced the Epistle last week, our journey through this letter will start at the beginning. We will be particularly interested in the way Paul describes his Christian friends in Colossae—as “saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae” (v. 2). While this may appear to be common greeting found in many of Paul’s letters, it is anything but ordinary! Every word is full of rich doctrinal truth and practical encouragement! I look forward to digging deep in the Word with you this Lord’s Day!

    Also, be sure to remember that there is no Sunday School until September 9th. Until then, we will meet for fellowship at 10:00 AM and for worship at 10:30 AM each Sunday morning throughout the summer.

    I love you all so much!

    Mike

    Upcoming Events:

    June 5, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast at Church House
    June 7, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch
    June 20, 6 PM – Diaconate Meeting
    June 25, 6:30 PM – Senior Fellows Concert in the Park
    July 16-19 – Vacation Bible School

    Order of Worship:

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

    The songs for this week are:

    The Precious Blood
    My Jesus, I Love Thee (Hymn 648, 1,2 4)
    Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross (Hymn 264, all 4 verses)
    More Love To Thee (Hymn 649, vs 1, 2, 4)

    Announcements:

    Summer Schedule: As of Sunday May 27, Christ Presbyterian is on Summer Schedule. There will be no Sunday School, and regularly scheduled bible studies for men, women, and youth are on hiatus. Fellowship will be each Sunday at 10 AM, with worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Check this space for information regarding when the normal schedule will resume, including dates and times for specific studies and activities.

    Women’s Monthly Lunch: The next Women’s Monthly Lunch is June 7 at 11:30 AM.

    Men’s Whitewater Rafting Trip: Are you a man who likes moderately dangerous river-based team activities? If so, we have a compelling and rich opportunity for you. Adam Turnbull is planning our annual day trip to raft the Ocoee. We will meet at the church in the early morning, drive the 2 hours it takes to get there, raft, eat lunch, then be back by mid afternoon. You’ll need a bathing suit, water shoes that aren’t flip flops, and a change of clothes. Cost will probably be around $40. If you are interested, there will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex the next two Sundays to gauge interest and to determine which upcoming Saturday to go. Alternatively you can email Adam directly and let him know your interest and availability for 6\16, 6\23, 7\14, 7\21, or 7\28. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the other men in the church. Please sign up so we can make plans. Thanks!

    Children’s Ministry Update: Our celebration this past Sunday was a huge success! We didn’t let the rain stop us, and the kids all had a great time. Who knew that gaga ball and fire trucks and snow cones would be such a hit? Special thanks to all our volunteers who helped, couldn’t have done it without any of them. Next up, VBS!! Let Ashley know if you’re interested in helping!

    Senior Fellows June Activities: On Tuesday, June 5 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will enjoy breakfast, fellowship and a devotional at the Church House. Guests are welcome. Also on Monday, June 25 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM the Senior Fellows will attend Music In The Park at Big Spring International Park (behind the Huntsville Museum of Art) to hear the US Army Materiel Command Bands. Bring chairs, picnic dinner, etc. Meet at the Kennedy Memorial Torch. Bring your spouse, kids, grand-kids and friends.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Jeffery Daniels, Debbie Hill, Suzanne Nimon, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
    Bereavement: Please pray for the family of Greg Hill, whose mother died this week.
    Expecting: Please pray for the Elliott family, expecting in September, and the Ely family, expecting in November.
    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).

    Emails:

    general inquiries: admin@christpreshamptoncove.org
    benevolence needs and prayer: deacons@christpreshamptoncove.org
    men’s ministry: men@christpreshamptoncove.org
    women’s ministry: women@christpreshamptoncove.org
    children’s ministry: children@christpreshamptoncove.org
    youth ministry: youth@christpreshamptoncove.org
    senior fellows: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org

    Address:
    288 Old Highway 431
    Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

  • Announcements and Order of Worship – May 18 2018

    Sermon Preview

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    If you were to make a list of some of the massive problems confronting the world, and especially those that are prevalent in 21st century American culture, it might contain some or all of the following:

    Permissiveness in sexual morality.

    The corruption of marriage and disintegration of the family.

    Religious syncretism (the blending of religions and philosophies).

    A fascination with the spirit-world and the occult.

    But you may be surprised to discover that these are the very concerns that confronted the first believers in Jesus in the days of the Apostles! In fact, we can see each of these issues directly addressed by Paul in his letter to the Colossians.

    This coming Lord’s Day we will begin our summer preaching series on the Epistle to the Colossians. Over the next three months we will examine Paul’s message to the believers in the now extinct city of Colossae (in modern day Turkey). This inspired letter is known for its exalted view of the Lord Jesus Christ, its call for Christians to make a decisive break with sin and their old ways of living, its warning concerning the danger of seduction by false teaching, and its summons to cultivate relationships that are healthy and God-honoring.

    Our first sermon from Colossians will be an introduction to this letter. We will look closely at the setting and historical context of the letter, and the purpose for which Paul sent the epistle. As you prepare for Sunday’s worship, let me encourage you to read through the whole letter a couple of times, perhaps from two different translations. And if you would like to purchase a commentary to use as we make our way through the book, I have provided a link to a very good choice below.

    Also, remember that this Sunday is the last week of Sunday School before our summer break. After this final week, Sunday School will resume on September 9th.

    Have a blessed weekend, and I can’t wait to see you all on the Lord’s Day!

    Mike

    https://www.amazon.com/Message-Colossians-Philemon-Bible-Speaks/dp/0877842841/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1526587489&sr=8-7&keywords=colossians+commentary

     

    Upcoming Events:

    May 20, 9:15 AM– Last Sunday School before Summer Break
    May 20, 5 PM – Children’s Ministry End of Year Extravaganza
    May 22, 10 AM – PCA MNA Training
    June 7, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch
    June 20, 6 PM – Diaconate Meeting

    Order of Worship:

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

    The songs for this week are:

    Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah
    Blessed Assurance (Hymn 693, all 3 verses)
    Grace Flows Down
    Before The Throne

    Announcements:

    Summer Schedule: As of Sunday May 27, Christ Presbyterian is on Summer Schedule. There will be no Sunday School, and regularly scheduled bible studies for men, women, and youth are on hiatus. Fellowship will be each Sunday at 10 AM, with worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Check this space for information regarding when the normal schedule will resume, including dates and times for specific studies and activities.

    Women’s Monthly Lunch: The next Women’s Monthly Lunch is June 7 at 11:30 AM.

    Children’s Ministry Update: Families, Don’t forget that THIS Sunday is our last Sunday school class. Be sure and give your teachers a big hug for a job well done. They are all so faithful to our children’s ministry, and we are thankful for the job they do bringing solid gospel teaching to our kids each week.
    To celebrate our school year and SUMMER, come fellowship with us Sunday night at 5 pm. Bring a camping chair so they’ll be plenty of seating. Bring any balls or even scooters if you dare 🙂 I’ll have some yard games going on, too!  Try to park in the actual church parking lot or in the church house lot nearest to the main road. That gives us space to run around and set up near the house itself.
    RSVP HERE by tomorrow (Friday) so that I’ll be sure and have enough meat. And save room for a cool treat as I have the sno-cone truck making an appearance after dinner.
    In Him,
    Ashley
    **If you are interested in serving in children’s Sunday school next year, please let me know or be praying about this! We will start registration for class on August 1st (helps us with ordering materials and gaining everyone’s updated information).

    PCA MNA Disaster Response Training: Mission to North America (MNA) is charged by the General Assembly with coordinating the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) disaster response in the US and Canada. This vital mission is accomplished through disaster preparedness awareness & training in advance of disaster events and by providing support in response to disaster events. Preparedness training is conducted regularly through local and PCA-wide events. MNA Disaster Response provides support to PCA churches in disaster affected communities through a network of staff and volunteer damage assessment teams, first response teams, site managers, and key leaders. MNA recruits and mobilizes volunteers, receives and distributes supplies and equipment, brings awareness of specific needs, channels recovery funds, focuses prayer and provides spiritual encouragement to our PCA family and their communities.

    Christ Pres will host a disaster response training session from 10 am until noon on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in the Fellowship Hall. Mike Kennamer, who serves as the Disaster Response Specialist for the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia (TAG) Region, will share about PCA MNA Disaster Response:

    – Who they are
    – What they do
    – Why they do it; and
    – How you can become involved

    Your are invited to attend. Please see Jack Cooper or Joe Sims for more details.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Greg Hill’s mother, Jeffery Daniels, Debbie Hill,  Suzanne Nimon, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
    Expecting: Please pray for the Elliott family, expecting in September, and the Ely family, expecting in November.
    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).

    Emails:

    general inquiries: admin@christpreshamptoncove.org
    benevolence needs and prayer: deacons@christpreshamptoncove.org
    men’s ministry: men@christpreshamptoncove.org
    women’s ministry: women@christpreshamptoncove.org
    children’s ministry: children@christpreshamptoncove.org
    youth ministry: youth@christpreshamptoncove.org
    senior fellows: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org

    Address:
    288 Old Highway 431
    Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

  • Announcements and Order of Worship – May 11 2018

    Sermon Preview

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    If you were to make a list of the most significant events in the life of Jesus, you would certainly include His incarnation, death, and bodily resurrection. But there is another most critical event that often goes unappreciated and, perhaps, misunderstood. Forty days following His resurrection, the Word of God tells us that Jesus ascended to the Father and reclaimed His rightful place in heaven at the right hand of God. The Gospel-writer Luke gives us two glances at this most amazing episode. The first is in Luke 24:50-53. Then, Luke records the ascension in greater detail in Acts 1:9-11.

    Even though the Lord’s ascension seems to be somewhat understated in the New Testament, it is nevertheless one of the fundamental truths of Christianity. In fact, John Calvin referred to our Lord’s ascension as being among “the chief articles of the faith.” And you might also remember its prominent place in the Apostle’s Creed. When we recite it, we confess our belief that Jesus, following His resurrection, “ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”

    But what is so important about this historical fact from the life of our Lord? Why is His ascension a vital component of the Gospel, so much so that, from the earliest days of Christianity, followers of Jesus all over the world have been confessing their belief in it?

    On Sunday we will examine Luke’s account of the ascension in Acts 1:9-11. We will try to comprehend its significance both as an essential Christian doctrine, and as a most comforting and reassuring truth set forth in the Word of God.

    I love you all so very much, and pray for you always,

    Mike

    Upcoming Events:

    May 16, 6 PM – Diaconate Meeting
    May 20, 9:15 AM– Last Sunday School before Summer Break
    May 20, 5 PM – Children’s Ministry End of Year Extravaganza
    May 22, 10 AM – PCA MNA Training
    May 24, 6 AM – Men’s Morning Study
    June 7, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch

    Order of Worship:

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

    The songs for this week are:

    O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (Hymn 535, all 3 verses)
    Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Hymn 32, all 3 verses)
    What Wondrous Love is This (Hymn 261, all 3 verses)
    All Things New

    Announcements:

    Men’s Bible Study: The Men’s Morning Bible Study is also ongoing, meeting every other Thursday. Check the calendar for the next occurrence.

    Women’s Monthly Lunch: The next Women’s Monthly Lunch is June 7 at 11:30 AM.

    Children’s Ministry Update: Hello, May! Our last Sunday school class is Sunday, May 20th. Be sure and give your teachers a big hug for a job well done. They are all so faithful to our children’s ministry, and we are thankful for the job they do bringing solid gospel teaching to our kids each week.
    Let’s celebrate the end of our school year (and the beginning of summer) with a big cookout for all our Children’s Ministry Families! I’ll have the guys grill up some burgers and hot dogs, and we can bring sides and drinks for all to enjoy. I’ve also invited the sno-cone truck to make an appearance 🙂 We’ll have yard games and our new gaga ball pit ready to go (I think!). Bring a camping chair and come fellowship with us.

    RSVP HERE so I know how much food to provide! Invite a visiting friend, too!

    **If you are interested in serving in children’s Sunday school next year, please let me know or be praying about this! We will start registration for class on August 1st (helps us with ordering materials and gaining everyone’s updated information).

    PCA MNA Disaster Response Training: Mission to North America (MNA) is charged by the General Assembly with coordinating the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) disaster response in the US and Canada. This vital mission is accomplished through disaster preparedness awareness & training in advance of disaster events and by providing support in response to disaster events. Preparedness training is conducted regularly through local and PCA-wide events. MNA Disaster Response provides support to PCA churches in disaster affected communities through a network of staff and volunteer damage assessment teams, first response teams, site managers, and key leaders. MNA recruits and mobilizes volunteers, receives and distributes supplies and equipment, brings awareness of specific needs, channels recovery funds, focuses prayer and provides spiritual encouragement to our PCA family and their communities.

    Christ Pres will host a disaster response training session from 10 am until noon on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in the Fellowship Hall. Mike Kennamer, who serves as the Disaster Response Specialist for the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia (TAG) Region, will share about PCA MNA Disaster Response:

    – Who they are
    – What they do
    – Why they do it; and
    – How you can become involved

    Your are invited to attend. Please see Jack Cooper or Joe Sims for more details.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Greg Hill’s mother, Jeffery Daniels, Debbie Hill,  Perry Calvert, Suzanne Nimon, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
    Expecting: Please pray for the Elliott family, expecting in September.
    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).

    Emails:

    general inquiries: admin@christpreshamptoncove.org
    benevolence needs and prayer: deacons@christpreshamptoncove.org
    men’s ministry: men@christpreshamptoncove.org
    women’s ministry: women@christpreshamptoncove.org
    children’s ministry: children@christpreshamptoncove.org
    youth ministry: youth@christpreshamptoncove.org
    senior fellows: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org

    Address:
    288 Old Highway 431
    Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

  • Announcements and Order of Worship – May 4 2018

    Sermon Preview

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    When our two sons were small, I enrolled the three of us in a taekwondo class offered by a local community program. The boys and I had a great time learning about self-defense, and developing some strength and flexibility. But I well-remember the words of our instructor on the very first day of class. He said that, “The best way to avoid a punch is to not be there when it happens!” In other words, when one is a situation of danger, the first and best option is always to run! That’s very wise counsel, indeed.

    This comes to mind when we read 1 Samuel 17, the detailed account of David’s improbable victory over Goliath. As we discovered last Lord’s Day, when this massive—even freakish—giant made his appearance and began to challenge and taunt the army of Israel, all of the fighting men of the Covenant nation, including king Saul, decided to avoid the punch by not showing up! In a pathetic scene, we discover that no one from the Lord’s side would answer the challenge of the Philistine champion. But in this case, running from the danger was exactly the wrong thing to do! Who would defend the honor of the Lord’s sacred Name? Who loved God enough to go to war for His glory? Who would protect God’s people, the beloved sheep of His pasture? Who cared enough to make a sacrifice for the God of the Covenant? No one, apparently!

    Yet, there was this little boy, a shepherd, the last son of eight who, on first appearance, was completely outmatched and ill-equipped. David cared about the Lord’s honor! David loved God’s people! David would defend them! David was not about to avoid the mighty punch of this massive blasphemer by running from the challenge! And the rest is history!

    But what does this story really teach us? Better yet, who is this episode really about? And why is this chapter so very important for us as New Covenant believers who likely will never face such an imposing and impossibly big threat?

    The answer is that in the details of this blessed and well-known story we find our Savior and His people. We discover Jesus and His Church! We encounter a wonderful picture of our Great Champion who never ran from a battle, but came and rescued His precious sheep from grave danger, and gave them eternal life in His name!

    I can’t wait to probe the deep and reassuring truths of this passage with you on Sunday! And I hope that you will be able to spend some time meditating upon this episode from the life of Israel’s greatest king.

    I love you all so very much!

    Mike

    Upcoming Events:

    May 8, 9:00 AM – Women’s Book Study
    May 8, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
    May 10, 6 AM – Men’s Morning Study
    May 16, 6 PM – Diaconate Meeting
    May 20, 9:15 AM– Last Sunday School before Summer Break
    May 20, 5 PM – Children’s Ministry End of Year Extravaganza
    May 22, 10 AM – PCA MNA Training
    June 7, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch

    Order of Worship:

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

    The songs for this week are:

    Come Christians Join to Sing – Hymn 302 v.1-3
    How Sweet to Wait Upon the Lord
    Amazing Grace – Hymn 460 v.1-3,6
    Come Thou Fount – Hymn 457 v.1-3

    Announcements:

    Youth Group: Youth Group is on hiatus until the Fall. Thanks.

    Women’s Bible Studies: The Women’s weekly studies are ongoing. Check the calendar for days and times.

    Men’s Bible Study: The Men’s Morning Bible Study is also ongoing, meeting every other Thursday. Check the calendar for the next occurrence.

    Women’s Monthly Lunch: The next Women’s Monthly Lunch is June 7 at 11:30 AM.

    Women’s Book Club: The final Women’s Book Club of the Spring is Tuesday at 9 AM at the church. Contact Amy Schnorrenberg for details.

    Children’s Ministry Update: Hello, May! Our last Sunday school class is Sunday, May 20th. Be sure and give your teachers a big hug for a job well done. They are all so faithful to our children’s ministry, and we are thankful for the job they do bringing solid gospel teaching to our kids each week.
    Let’s celebrate the end of our school year (and the beginning of summer) with a big cookout for all our Children’s Ministry Families! I’ll have the guys grill up some burgers and hot dogs, and we can bring sides and drinks for all to enjoy. I’ve also invited the sno-cone truck to make an appearance 🙂 We’ll have yard games and our new gaga ball pit ready to go (I think!). Bring a camping chair and come fellowship with us.

    RSVP HERE so I know how much food to provide! Invite a visiting friend, too!

    **If you are interested in serving in children’s Sunday school next year, please let me know or be praying about this! We will start registration for class on August 1st (helps us with ordering materials and gaining everyone’s updated information).

    PCA MNA Disaster Response Training: Mission to North America (MNA) is charged by the General Assembly with coordinating the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) disaster response in the US and Canada. This vital mission is accomplished through disaster preparedness awareness & training in advance of disaster events and by providing support in response to disaster events. Preparedness training is conducted regularly through local and PCA-wide events. MNA Disaster Response provides support to PCA churches in disaster affected communities through a network of staff and volunteer damage assessment teams, first response teams, site managers, and key leaders. MNA recruits and mobilizes volunteers, receives and distributes supplies and equipment, brings awareness of specific needs, channels recovery funds, focuses prayer and provides spiritual encouragement to our PCA family and their communities.

    Christ Pres will host a disaster response training session from 10 am until noon on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in the Fellowship Hall. Mike Kennamer, who serves as the Disaster Response Specialist for the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia (TAG) Region, will share about PCA MNA Disaster Response:

    – Who they are
    – What they do
    – Why they do it; and
    – How you can become involved

    Your are invited to attend. Please see Jack Cooper or Joe Sims for more details.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Greg Hill’s mother, Jeffery Daniels, Debbie Hill, Allison Randall, Perry Calvert, Suzanne Nimon, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
    Expecting: Please pray for the Elliott family, expecting in September.
    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).

    Emails:

    general inquiries: admin@christpreshamptoncove.org
    benevolence needs and prayer: deacons@christpreshamptoncove.org
    men’s ministry: men@christpreshamptoncove.org
    women’s ministry: women@christpreshamptoncove.org
    children’s ministry: children@christpreshamptoncove.org
    youth ministry: youth@christpreshamptoncove.org
    senior fellows: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org

    Address:
    288 Old Highway 431
    Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763