Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Sunday, we will continue our study of 2 Samuel 7 where we find the inspired record of the covenant that God made with David. As we get familiar with this passage, we will focus our attention upon verses 8-17 where the Lord responds to David’s desire to build a temple in Jerusalem. Through Nathan the prophet, the Lord first reminds David of the past grace He has bestowed upon the king. And then, God grants David the promise of future grace that will be provided. Here David will discover that before he does anything for the Lord, the Lord will do something for him! What a rich passage this is, culminating ultimately in the eternal kingship of our dear Lord and Savior! I can’t wait to walk through it with each of you this Lord’s Day!

New Adult Sunday School Class Begins on Sunday!

This Sunday we will begin a new semester of Adult Sunday School. Here’s the course description:

Scripture often reminds the church that while God has gifted his people with forgiveness and mercy, He has also given them a new identity. In the Epistle of Ephesians, Paul describes this new identity using down-to-earth metaphors, accessible pictures of both the individual Christian and the corporate church. These pictures not only describe the new status of the church based on what God has done in history, but they also carry with them implications for discipleship. Paul will call the believer a son, servant, solider and saint. He will also call the church a body, a building, and a bride.This series will focus on metaphors, both individual and corporate, that Paul uses for the church in Ephesians.

The class will be an eight-week study and the schedule is below:

Week One: Introduction:A Christian Perspective of Identity from Paul’s Letter to Ephesians

Week Two: The Saint and the Sanctifier (Ephesians 1:1)

Week Three: The Son and the Father (Ephesians 1:5, 2:2)

Week Four: The Servant and the Master (Ephesians 6)

Week Five: The Soldier and the Mighty Lord (Ephesians 6)

Week Six: The Body and the Head (Ephesians 4)

Week Seven: The Building and the Cornerstone (Ephesians 2)

Week Eight: The Bride and the Bridegroom (Ephesians 5)

Praise Report from the Session and Deacons

For those who could not be with us at worship last week, I want to repeat some blessed news that we presented to the congregation on Sunday.

Recently, the owner of the little white house next door (and the half acre it sits on) came to us with a desire to sell the house and the property to the Church. Our Session and Deacons prayerfully considered this offer, and then made the decision to purchase it. Last week, we closed on the sale! As stipulated in the contract, the previous owner will remove the house and clear the property at his expense (within the next couple of months).

What a blessing and answer to prayer this is! Once again, the Lord has been so faithful in providing all that we need in order to accomplish His will and His mission in our community!

The Session wants to express our profound appreciation for our Deacons and the leadership of Jeff Brown, Deacon Chairman. They have been excellent stewards of the Lord’s financial resources and blessings!

We would now ask that you pray for your Church Officers as we seek the Lord’s will regarding the best use of this additional property.

I love you all so very much, and can’t wait to see you this Lord’s Day!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

March 29-30 – Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park
April 2, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast
April 2, 9 AM – Mother’s Morning Bible Study
April 2, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Bible Study at the Church
April 3, 10 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study at the Church
April 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
April 6, 10:30 AM – Bridal Shower for Bride of Juan Rodriguez at home of Ashley Turnbull
April 7, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
April 12, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
April 14, 12 PM – Fellowship Lunch
April 16, 8 AM – Senior Fellows fishing at Madison County Lake
April 17, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
April 26, 5:30 PM – Parents Night Out
April 28, 4 PM – Church Picnic at Monte Sano State Park
May 11, 10 AM – Gibson Wedding with Reception at Church
May 19, 5 PM – End of School Cookout at Church House

Order of Worship:

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

If you’d like to sing the songs with your family beforehand, the songs for this week are:

Be Unto Your Name
He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought – Hymn 600, vs 1,3-4
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross – Hymn 264, all 4 verses
You Are My King (Amazing Love)

Announcements:

Church Picnic: Save the date, there will be a church picnic at Monte Sano State Park on April 28. More details coming soon.

HPRC: The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center 2019 Fundraising Banquet is Thursday, April 25th, from 6:30-8:30. Come hear Abby Johnson speak and learn how you can support the HPRC. There are a limited number of complimentary tickets. For more information and to reserve your spot, please see Loralee or Clay Davis.

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, April 2 at 9 AM the Senior Fellows will enjoy breakfast, fellowship and a devotional at the Church. Guests are welcome. On Friday, April 12 the Senior Fellows will meet at Entrance 2 of the Downtown Rescue Mission at 11:15 AM and start feeding at 11:30 AM. Carpools will leave the church at 10:30. On Tuesday, April 16 at 8 AM the Senior Fellows will go fishing at Madison County Lake. Carpools will leave the church at 7:15 AM. Bring the kids and grand kids, and pack a lunch.

Youth Group: Youth Group for ages 13-18 meets April 7 at the church at 4:30 PM.

Women’s Bible Studies: This semester of Women’s Bible studies will be wrapping up soon. The last Mother’s morning study will be on April 9. The Tuesday evening study will wrap up April 2, and the Wednesday morning study will finish April 3.

Bridal Shower: Women of the church, you are invited to a bridal shower for Victoria, bride-elect of Juan Rodriguez, at the home of Ashley Turnbull on April 6 at 10:30 AM. RSVP HERE.

Parents Night Out: We are excited to be having a Parent’s Night Out on Friday, April 26th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. The event is a great time for our children to be together with their church family and will include games, crafts, dinner and short teaching on Christian life from Hebrews 12. We will send out a reminder email closer to the date but please consider participating or volunteering. We will need 12-15 volunteers and it’s a wonderful way for all ages (teen to retired) to get to know the children and serve our parents. The link to sign up is http://evite.me/R1k5weXa8z . You can also contact Meghan Elliott directly.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Clay Davis, Pat Galecki, Andy Trent, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Katie Dyer, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant 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: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@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

Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

This coming Sunday morning we will be returning to our series of messages on some of the ‘Great Events in the History of Salvation.’ And you will recall that in this series we have been considering several of the noteworthy events in the Bible’s storyline that link its central message concerning the way that God rescues and redeems sinners by His grace, mercy, and power. Once again we will be tracing the beautiful story of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ–a story and a plan that began in eternity past, and will flow into eternity future. It is a blessed story of the rescue of desperate sinners through the Beloved and Only-Begotten Son of God!

And as we have learned, the inspired record of this beautiful drama did not begin with the birth of our Savior in the manger, but in the very first book of the Bible! There (Genesis 3:15), God promised Adam and Eve that one of their descendants would come and destroy the works of Satan, and would redeem all who turn from their sins and place their faith in Him!

On Sunday, we will begin probing 2 Samuel 7, what has been called “one of the most important chapters in the Bible,” and a critical link in “the Bible’s storyline of salvation.” It is in this chapter that we will encounter God’s covenant made with king David.  And this reminds us that the storyline of redemption is framed upon a series of covenants, or sacred agreements and promises, that God has made to us, which find their consummation in our Savior. This is why 2 Samuel 7 is regarded as a “constitutional text” not unlike our Declaration of Independence.

When we speak of ‘covenant theology,’ we are referring to the fact that God’s plan of salvation, the only one there is, has been progressively revealed through history, and specifically though the history of God’s Old Testament people, Israel. And this means that there is but one way that God has chosen to save us from our sins and from His wrath!  And that beautiful plan is woven into the very fabric of God’s Word from beginning to end! The Bible is all about Jesus!

As you prepare your heart and mind for worship, read 2 Samuel 7 very carefully.  And let us join together in prayer that God’s Word will bless and transform us as we worship Him on the Lord’s Day.

I love you all,

Mike

Upcoming Events:

March 26, 9 AM – Mother’s Morning Bible Study
March 26, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Bible Study at the Church
March 27, 10 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study at the Church
March 20, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
March 29-30 – Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park
March 31, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
April 2, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast
April 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
April 12, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
April 14, 12 PM – Fellowship Lunch
April 16, 8 AM – Senior Fellows fishing at Madison County Lake
April 26, 5:30 PM – Parents Night Out
April 28, 4 PM – Church Picnic at Monte Sano State Park
May 11, 10 AM – Gibson Wedding with Reception at Church
May 19, 5 PM – End of School Cookout at Church House

Order of Worship:

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

If you’d like to sing the songs with your family beforehand, the songs for this week are:

I Know Whom I Have Believed – Hymn 705, vs 1-4
This Is My Father’s World – Hymn 111, all 3 vs
Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
More Love To Thee – Hymn 649, vs 1, 2, 4

Announcements:

Church Picnic: Save the date, there will be a church picnic at Monte Sano State Park on April 28. More details coming soon.

HPRC: Our church is partnering with the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center (HPRC). If you would like more information on how you can help please contact Norman Dean ndeaniv@gmail.com.

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, April 2 at 9 AM the Senior Fellows will enjoy breakfast, fellowship and a devotional at the Church. Guests are welcome. On Friday, April 12 the Senior Fellows will meet at Entrance 2 of the Downtown Rescue Mission at 11:15 AM and start feeding at 11:30 AM. Carpools will leave the church at 10:30. On Tuesday, April 16 at 8 AM the Senior Fellows will go fishing at Madison County Lake. Carpools will leave the church at 7:15 AM. Bring the kids and grand kids, and pack a lunch.

Youth Group: Youth Group for ages 13-18 meets March 31 at the church at 4:30 PM.

Bridal Shower: Women of the church, you are invited to a bridal shower for Victoria, bride-elect of Juan Rodriguez, at the home of Ashley Turnbull on April 6 at 10:30 AM. RSVP HERE.

Men’s Spring Retreat: I am enthusiastic to share the plans for our Spring Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park Lodge. Mike will be leading four sessions on the theme: Counsel and Encouragement from the Apostle Peter. Session One- (1 Peter 1:1-2) “Living With Purpose”, Session Two- (1 Peter 1:3-5) “Living With Hope”, Session Three- (1 Peter 1:6-9) “Living With Joy” and Session Four- (1 Peter 1:13-16) “Living With Purity”. Logistics for the retreat are outlined below.

When: Friday night and Saturday morning, March 29-30.

Lodging and food plan: The cost per man is $75 which includes logging for Friday night (double occupancy), supper Friday night and breakfast Saturday morning. We will have a signup sheet for attendance and roommate name this Sunday and for the next three Sundays; or you can email Mark Cooper at cooperma777@gmail.com. Please pay by check made out to Christ Presbyterian Church noting Men’s Retreat on the memo line – deposit checks in the offering boxes by March 24.

This retreat is a great opportunity to have fellowship as brothers and be uplifted by God’s word.

Our preliminary outline for the event is as follows:

Friday Night
Arrive and Check In: 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Music: 7:00 – 7:15 PM
Session 1: 7:15 – 8:00 PM
Session 2: 8:15 – 9:30 PM
Saturday Morning
Checkout before 11:00 AM
Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Music: 9:00 – 9:15 AM
Session 3: 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Fellowship and Check-out: 10:15 – 10:45 AM
Session 4: 10:45 – Noon

There is planning underway for a golf outing by Ben Calvert. Other possible activities, such as hiking, are being considered.
If you have questions please contact Mark Cooper.

Food Help for RUF UAH: We have the opportunity to help RUF UAH (college ministry) provide snacks for their large group sessions on Monday evenings. We are taking on two Mondays remaining in this semester. Please consider helping! The dates are March 25 and April 15 but the food items need to be brought to the church the Sunday prior to those dates (March 24 April 14). Someone will be in the kitchen area to assist the collection. Judi Fikes will be in the narthex area for the next few Sundays to sign you up so we know what we have. Items will be finger foods and can be homemade or bought… Cookies, mini brownies, chips, pretzels, cheese cubes, etc. They usually have around 100 students and leaders! Look for Judi and the RUF logo this Sunday! If you can’t be there you may email: judifikes@gmail.com

Parents Night Out: We are excited to be having a Parent’s Night Out on Friday, April 26th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. The event is a great time for our children to be together with their church family and will include games, crafts, dinner and short teaching on Christian life from Hebrews 12. We will send out a reminder email closer to the date but please consider participating or volunteering. We will need 12-15 volunteers and it’s a wonderful way for all ages (teen to retired) to get to know the children and serve our parents. The link to sign up is http://evite.me/R1k5weXa8z . You can also contact Meghan Elliott directly.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Clay Davis, Pat Galecki, Andy Trent, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Katie Dyer, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant 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: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@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

Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

For one last time this coming Lord’s Day, we will open the Word of the Lord to the Epistle to the Colossians. Our sermon text will be Colossians 4:7-18, and with our consideration of this passage we will bring our series of messages on this letter to a conclusion.

On Sunday we will take a closer look at the final section of the Epistle where the Apostle Paul says farewell to his friends from his place of confinement in Rome.  And this is a lengthy section, composed of 12 verses, more than half of the final chapter!

As we study the conclusion to the letter, we should remember that this was the typical thing that the Apostle Paul did in just about all of the New Testament letters he wrote. It was not uncommon for him to conclude his letters by listing a number of friends and associates, and offering some final exhortations and greetings. You might remember, for example, that his Epistle to the Romans ends with an extensive list of at least 35 co-laborers, and friends!  And here in this final chapter of the Colossian Epistle, we discover a list of 10 names!  And in most cases, there is a brief word about each person.

As we read these final 12 verses of the letter, we might be asking ourselves, Is this really a critical and necessary part of the Word of the Lord? Is this ending of the letter, which is composed largely of just a list of people’s names, really worth our time to read and study?  Is this passage profitable, and how?

Let me encourage you to get familiar with Paul’s farewell, and join me in asking our Lord to show us how even these simple words are, indeed, our Father’s inspired Words!

No Sunday Lunch This Week

Due to Spring Break we will have our next Sunday Fellowship lunch on April 14.

I love you all!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

March 19, 9 AM – Mother’s Morning Bible Study
March 19, 10 AM – Senior Fellows visit Huntsville Museum of Art
March 19, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Bible Study at the Church
March 20, 10 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study at the Church
March 20, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
March 29-30 – Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park
March 31, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
April 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
April 14, 12 PM – Fellowship Lunch
April 26, 5:30 PM – Parents Night Out
April 28, 4 PM – Church Picnic at Monte Sano State Park
May 19, 5 PM – End of School Cookout at Church House

Order of Worship:

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

If you’d like to sing the songs with your family beforehand, the songs for this week are:

And Can It Be – Hymn 455 v.1,3,5
What Wondrous Love is This – Hymn 261 v.1-3
How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name – Hymn 296 v.1,3,6

Announcements:

Church Picnic: Save the date, there will be a church picnic at Monte Sano State Park on April 28. More details coming soon.

HPRC: Our church is partnering with the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center (HPRC). If you would like more information on how you can help please contact Norman Dean ndeaniv@gmail.com.

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, March 19 at 10:00 AM the Senior Fellows will visit the Huntsville Museum of Art for a one hour docent led tour through the Our Shared Heritage and Jared Small exhibits. The group will have lunch at Pane e Vino afterwards. Admission is $8 per person. Wives and guests are welcome.

Youth Group: Youth Group for ages 13-18 meets March 31 at the church at 4:30 PM.

Men’s Spring Retreat: I am enthusiastic to share the plans for our Spring Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park Lodge. Mike will be leading four sessions on the theme: Counsel and Encouragement from the Apostle Peter. Session One- (1 Peter 1:1-2) “Living With Purpose”, Session Two- (1 Peter 1:3-5) “Living With Hope”, Session Three- (1 Peter 1:6-9) “Living With Joy” and Session Four- (1 Peter 1:13-16) “Living With Purity”. Logistics for the retreat are outlined below.

When: Friday night and Saturday morning, March 29-30.

Lodging and food plan: The cost per man is $75 which includes logging for Friday night (double occupancy), supper Friday night and breakfast Saturday morning. We will have a signup sheet for attendance and roommate name this Sunday and for the next three Sundays; or you can email Mark Cooper at cooperma777@gmail.com. Please pay by check made out to Christ Presbyterian Church noting Men’s Retreat on the memo line – deposit checks in the offering boxes by March 24.

This retreat is a great opportunity to have fellowship as brothers and be uplifted by God’s word.

Our preliminary outline for the event is as follows:

Friday Night
Arrive and Check In: 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Music: 7:00 – 7:15 PM
Session 1: 7:15 – 8:00 PM
Session 2: 8:15 – 9:30 PM
Saturday Morning
Checkout before 11:00 AM
Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Music: 9:00 – 9:15 AM
Session 3: 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Fellowship and Check-out: 10:15 – 10:45 AM
Session 4: 10:45 – Noon

There is planning underway for a golf outing by Ben Calvert. Other possible activities, such as hiking, are being considered.
If you have questions please contact Mark Cooper.

Food Help for RUF UAH: We have the opportunity to help RUF UAH (college ministry) provide snacks for their large group sessions on Monday evenings. We are taking on two Mondays remaining in this semester. Please consider helping! The dates are March 25 and April 15 but the food items need to be brought to the church the Sunday prior to those dates (March 24 April 14). Someone will be in the kitchen area to assist the collection. Judi Fikes will be in the narthex area for the next few Sundays to sign you up so we know what we have. Items will be finger foods and can be homemade or bought… Cookies, mini brownies, chips, pretzels, cheese cubes, etc. They usually have around 100 students and leaders! Look for Judi and the RUF logo this Sunday! If you can’t be there you may email: judifikes@gmail.com

Parents Night Out: We are excited to be having a Parent’s Night Out on Friday, April 26th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. The event is a great time for our children to be together with their church family and will include games, crafts, dinner and short teaching on Christian life from Hebrews 12. We will send out a reminder email closer to the date but please consider participating or volunteering. We will need 12-15 volunteers and it’s a wonderful way for all ages (teen to retired) to get to know the children and serve our parents. The link to sign up is http://evite.me/R1k5weXa8z . You can also contact Meghan Elliott directly.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Clay Davis, Pat Galecki, Andy Trent, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Katie Dyer, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant 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: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@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

Sermon Preview

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

If we were to consider how the grace of God finds its most powerful expression in the lives of the redeemed, what would come into your mind first? We might be tempted to think of something spectacular, perhaps on the order of an Old or New Testament miracle. I think of Daniel’s three friends whose vibrant faith in the Lord protected them, even in Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. Or you may be reflecting upon the Spirit-empowered courage of Peter and the other Apostles who courageously preached the Gospel in the city of Jerusalem, though they had been arrested for it, beaten, and warned never to do it again.

In Colossians 4:5-6 Paul addresses this very issue. But the way he speaks of the evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives is very much pedestrian, to say it nicely! According to the imprisoned Apostle, the transforming power of the Gospel is made beautifully evident by our daily ‘walking and talking.’ Now, to be sure, this is not the stuff movies are made of.  And no one would ever be moved to write a book about it! But here it is, in black letters–the proof that we have been radically changed by Christ. Note what he says here:

“walk in wisdom” (v. 5)

“Let your speech always be gracious” (v. 6)

Actually, the spectacular things, while much more impressive, are easier to pull off!  What’s really hard, and takes nothing less than the resurrection power of the Spirit, is a daily, consistent, and faithful “walk” under the reign of Christ that evidences itself even in our “speech”! And ‘walking and talking’ this way in full view of “outsiders,” or the unsaved, and often in hostile environments!

This coming Sunday we will open the inspired Word of God and learn about ‘walking and talking,’ and how, even in these mundane things, the world-changing power of the message of salvation is made known.

Clock Adjustment This Saturday Night

I’m so very sorry to have to break the news to you that this coming Saturday night is that dreaded day of the year when we must move our clocks forward one hour to accommodate the start of Daylight Savings Time. Be sure to make this painful adjustment before you head to bed Saturday night!

And also, please note that Our Second Sunday Fellowship Lunch will be next Sunday, March 17 (not this week).

You are all deeply loved and always prayer for!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

March 9, 2 PM – Bridal Shower for Gibson Family
March 10, 2 PM – New Members Class
March 12, 9 AM – Mother’s Morning Bible Study
March 12, 10 AM – Senior Fellows Bags of Blessings
March 12, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Bible Study at the Church
March 13, 10 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study at the Church
March 19, 10 AM – Senior Fellows visit Huntsville Museum of Art
March 20, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
March 29-30 – Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park
March 31, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
April 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
April 26, 6 PM – Parents Night Out
April 28, 4 PM – Church Picnic at Monte Sano State Park
May 19, 5 PM – End of School Cookout at Church House

Order of Worship:

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

If you’d like to sing the songs with your family beforehand, the songs for this week are:

To God Be The Glory – Hymn 55 v.1-3
Let Us Praise God Together – Hymn 659 v.1-3
Take Time To Be Holy – Hymn 537 v.1-4
Take My Life and Let It Be – Hymn 585 v.1-3,6

Announcements:

Church Picnic: Save the date, there will be a church picnic at Monte Sano State Park on April 28. More details coming soon.

HPRC: Our church is partnering with the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center (HPRC). If you would like more information on how you can help please contact Norman Dean ndeaniv@gmail.com.

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, March 12 at 10:00 AM the Senior Fellows will meet at Sam’s Club on South Parkway to transport food to the CARE Center. On Tuesday, March 19 at 10:00 AM the Senior Fellows will visit the Huntsville Museum of Art for a one hour docent led tour through the Our Shared Heritage and Jared Small exhibits. The group will have lunch at Pane e Vino afterwards. Admission is $8 per person. Wives and guests are welcome.

Youth Group: Youth Group for ages 13-18 meets March 31 at the church at 4:30 PM.

Bridal Shower: The women of the church are invited to a bridal shower Faithann Gibson is throwing for her brother’s fiance at the church on March 9 at 2 PM. The evite to sign up is here.

Men’s Spring Retreat: I am enthusiastic to share the plans for our Spring Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park Lodge. Mike will be leading four sessions on the theme: Counsel and Encouragement from the Apostle Peter. Session One- (1 Peter 1:1-2) “Living With Purpose”, Session Two- (1 Peter 1:3-5) “Living With Hope”, Session Three- (1 Peter 1:6-9) “Living With Joy” and Session Four- (1 Peter 1:13-16) “Living With Purity”. Logistics for the retreat are outlined below.

When: Friday night and Saturday morning, March 29-30.

Lodging and food plan: The cost per man is $75 which includes logging for Friday night (double occupancy), supper Friday night and breakfast Saturday morning. We will have a signup sheet for attendance and roommate name this Sunday and for the next three Sundays; or you can email Mark Cooper at cooperma777@gmail.com. Please pay by check made out to Christ Presbyterian Church noting Men’s Retreat on the memo line – deposit checks in the offering boxes by March 24.

This retreat is a great opportunity to have fellowship as brothers and be uplifted by God’s word.

Our preliminary outline for the event is as follows:

Friday Night
Arrive and Check In: 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Music: 7:00 – 7:15 PM
Session 1: 7:15 – 8:00 PM
Session 2: 8:15 – 9:30 PM
Saturday Morning
Checkout before 11:00 AM
Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Music: 9:00 – 9:15 AM
Session 3: 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Fellowship and Check-out: 10:15 – 10:45 AM
Session 4: 10:45 – Noon

There is planning underway for a golf outing by Ben Calvert. Other possible activities, such as hiking, are being considered.
If you have questions please contact Mark Cooper.

Food Help for RUF UAH: We have the opportunity to help RUF UAH (college ministry) provide snacks for their large group sessions on Monday evenings. We are taking on two Mondays remaining in this semester. Please consider helping! The dates are March 25 and April 15 but the food items need to be brought to the church the Sunday prior to those dates (March 24 April 14). Someone will be in the kitchen area to assist the collection. Judi Fikes will be in the narthex area for the next few Sundays to sign you up so we know what we have. Items will be finger foods and can be homemade or bought… Cookies, mini brownies, chips, pretzels, cheese cubes, etc. They usually have around 100 students and leaders! Look for Judi and the RUF logo this Sunday! If you can’t be there you may email: judifikes@gmail.com

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Andy Trent, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Cynthia Dent, Katie Dyer, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant 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: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@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

Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

On Sunday, as we take one final look at Colossians 4:2-4, we will again be considering the subject of prayer. And as we focus upon verses 3-4, we find the Apostle Paul laying out two specific requests that he asks the Colossians believers to remember in their prayers. What’s remarkable about these points of intercession is what Paul does not include.

Of course, he is in prison in Rome, and we might well expect him to request prayer for his release, and that he will not be sentenced to further imprisonment, or even death by the Roman tribunal. What we find instead are these two concerns:

One, “that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison.”

And two, “that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”

If we compare these remarkable words to similar things he requested from the Philippians–who were also exhorted to pray for Paul at the same time–we can gain even more insight as to Paul’s primary concerns:

“for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:19-21).

In both of these passages, where the Apostle is laying out his deepest desires regarding himself, we discover a similar theme. He is most concerned about bringing glory to Christ through the accomplishment of his commission to preach the Gospel, and even if this means death.

The practical matter we will explore this coming Lord’s Day is how this ultimate concern of the Apostle Paul instructs us as we learn to pray, and to practice the kind of persistent intercessory praying commanded here. How does this ultimate concern for the gory of Christ, particularly by the extension of the Gospel, impact our daily praying for our Church, our families, and for our own lives?

I look forward to exploring this Scripture passage with you on Sunday!

Before I go, let me offer a word of encouragement to all of our men concerning our upcoming Spring Men’s Retreat, March 29-30, at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. One of the most blessed events in the life of any Church is a time of concentrated fellowship and Bible study with fellow-brothers in the Lord. This will be special occasion, and I hope that all of our brothers will plan to come and will also invite visitors, especially those who may not know our Lord. Details are in the bulletin and on the website, and I hope you will plan to go! Make sure to sign up this Sunday!

I love you all and find the greatest joy in being your pastor and brother in Christ,

Mike

Upcoming Events:

March 3, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
March 5, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast
March 5, 9 AM – Mother’s Morning Bible Study
March 5, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Bible Study at the Church
March 6, 10 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study at the Church
March 7, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
March 8, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
March 9, 2 PM – Bridal Shower for Gibson Family
March 10, 2 PM – New Members Class
March 12, 10 AM – Senior Fellows Bags of Blessings
March 17, 12 PM – Second Sunday Fellowship Lunch
March 19, 10 AM – Senior Fellows visit Huntsville Museum of Art
March 20, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
March 29-30 – Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park
April 26, 6 PM – Parents Night Out
April 28, 4 PM – Church Picnic at Monte Sano State Park
May 19, 5 PM – End of School Cookout at Church House

Order of Worship:

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

If you’d like to sing the songs with your family beforehand, the songs for this week are:

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – Hymn 92, all 4 verses
Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah
Have Thine Own Way – Hymn 688, all 4 verses
God of My Life to Thee I Call

Announcements:

Childrens’ Ministry Update: I just wanted to send a quick update from our Children’s Ministry. So many exciting things to look forward to over the next six months. Our ministry thrives because our church body is so supportive! Thank you!!! Our nurseries are always growing and changing. We have been blessed with so many new, young families, and also many visitors. Almost every week we have a family visiting with small children. To be our main support, we have seven paid staff members who work in our three nursery/classrooms or to assist me each week. I also have a member volunteer in the baby nursery to supplement our staff. But, there is always a need to rock babies! I still have some slots needed for Spring: Click HERE to volunteer for the next few weeks.

Need: Nursery Backup Team There are times where I am scrambling to get a volunteer due to sickness or absence. I need women who would be able to sub in nursery on a last minute basis. This might mean a Saturday night text. But, with 6 women on my list, it would happen very infrequently. Ideally, this would be non-baby/toddler moms 🙂 Additionally, I am interested in finding any women who have experience with special needs children. This may mean that you have job experience or that you simply have a heart to serve and pray for this component of our ministry. Click HERE to sign-up to be on my nursery team. And email me at children@christpreshamptoncove.org if you have a heart for special needs (in any way, shape, or form). Please prayerfully consider serving in this way – not much of a commitment to you except to support this ministry!

Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, March 5 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will enjoy breakfast, fellowship and a devotional at the Church House. Guests are welcome. On Friday, March 8 the Senior Fellows will meet at Entrance 2 of the Downtown Rescue Mission at 11:15 AM and start feeding at 11:30 AM. The feeding and clean up should take about 2 hours. On Tuesday, March 12 at 10:00 AM the Senior Fellows will meet at Sam’s Club on South Parkway to transport food to the CARE Center. On Tuesday, March 19 at 10:00 AM the Senior Fellows will visit the Huntsville Museum of Art for a one hour docent led tour through the Our Shared Heritage and Jared Small exhibits. The group will have lunch at Pane e Vino afterwards. Admission is $8 per person. Wives and guests are welcome.

Youth Group: Youth Group for ages 13-18 meets March 3 at the church at 4:30 PM.

New Members Class: The Next New Member’s Class will be on Sunday March 10, from 2:00-6:00 PM at the Church, with supper provided. Please sign-up in the Narthex and indicate if you need childcare.

Bridal Shower: The women of the church are invited to a bridal shower Faithann Gibson is throwing for her brother’s fiance at the church on March 9 at 2 PM. The evite to sign up is here.

Men’s Spring Retreat: I am enthusiastic to share the plans for our Spring Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park Lodge. Mike will be leading four sessions on the theme: Counsel and Encouragement from the Apostle Peter. Session One- (1 Peter 1:1-2) “Living With Purpose”, Session Two- (1 Peter 1:3-5) “Living With Hope”, Session Three- (1 Peter 1:6-9) “Living With Joy” and Session Four- (1 Peter 1:13-16) “Living With Purity”. Logistics for the retreat are outlined below.

When: Friday night and Saturday morning, March 29-30.

Lodging and food plan: The cost per man is $75 which includes logging for Friday night (double occupancy), supper Friday night and breakfast Saturday morning. We will have a signup sheet for attendance and roommate name this Sunday and for the next three Sundays; or you can email Mark Cooper at cooperma777@gmail.com. Please pay by check made out to Christ Presbyterian Church noting Men’s Retreat on the memo line – deposit checks in the offering boxes by March 24.

This retreat is a great opportunity to have fellowship as brothers and be uplifted by God’s word.

Our preliminary outline for the event is as follows:

Friday Night
Arrive and Check In: 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Music: 7:00 – 7:15 PM
Session 1: 7:15 – 8:00 PM
Session 2: 8:15 – 9:30 PM
Saturday Morning
Checkout before 11:00 AM
Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Music: 9:00 – 9:15 AM
Session 3: 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Fellowship and Check-out: 10:15 – 10:45 AM
Session 4: 10:45 – Noon

There is planning underway for a golf outing by Ben Calvert. Other possible activities, such as hiking, are being considered.
If you have questions please contact Mark Cooper.

Food Help for RUF UAH: We have the opportunity to help RUF UAH (college ministry) provide snacks for their large group sessions on Monday evenings. We are taking on two Mondays remaining in this semester. Please consider helping! The dates are March 25 and April 15 but the food items need to be brought to the church the Sunday prior to those dates (March 24 April 14). Someone will be in the kitchen area to assist the collection. Judi Fikes will be in the narthex area for the next few Sundays to sign you up so we know what we have. Items will be finger foods and can be homemade or bought… Cookies, mini brownies, chips, pretzels, cheese cubes, etc. They usually have around 100 students and leaders! Look for Judi and the RUF logo this Sunday! If you can’t be there you may email: judifikes@gmail.com

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Andy Trent, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Cynthia Dent, Katie Dyer, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant 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: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@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