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Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In Matthew 13:44-46 we discover two very short parables of our Lord. They are unique to Matthew’s Gospel and should be read and studied together as there are striking similarities between them.

First, in each, Jesus compares the “kingdom of heaven” to something very familiar to His audience. In the first parable, it is like a “treasure” buried in the ground. In the second, it is like a “merchant” who deals in fine pearls.

Second, both parables are about a discovery. In the first, it is an ‘accidental’ find. In the second, it is the result of a deliberate search.

Third, both stories involve the payment of a very high price. Note that the first man is said to have sold “all” that he possessed (v. 44), and the second is said to have “sold all that he had” (v. 46).

And then finally, both conclude with a purchase. In the first, the man purchases a “field,” and in the second, the merchant purchases “one pearl of great value.”

Like all of the parables of Jesus, these two contain some valuable, if not so obvious, truths about becoming a disciple of our Lord. Here, the Savior is setting forth (in very short order) an arresting image of life in His kingdom; that is, life under His gracious reign as Lord and King. And each of the four common elements listed above speak very powerfully to all who would be, or are, followers of Christ. Don’t let the brevity of these parables trick you into thinking they are any less weighty than others Jesus employed. As we will see this Lord Day, pound-for-pound they pack quite a punch!

I love you all, and pray for each of you constantly!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

July 1, 6:30 PM – Women’s Book Club
July 2, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast
July 2, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Team B Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
July 8, 6 PM – Women’s Book Club Potluck at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
July 11, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
July 12, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Team A Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
July 15, 6:30 PM – Senior Fellows attend Concert in the Park
July 17, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
July 21, 2 PM – Davie Bridal Shower at Kim Fohrell’s house
July 30, 10 AM – Senior Fellows Bags of Blessings
July 30, 6 PM – Bags O’ Blessings packing at The CARE Center
August 11, 4:30 PM – Psummer Psalms recitation
August 12, 6 PM – Women’s Book Club Potluck at Debi Walker’s house
September 8, 9 AM – Sunday School resumes
September 20, 6 PM – Marriage Enrichment Evening and Dinner

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:

Spirit of the Living God – Hymn No. 726
It Is Well With My Soul – Hymn 691 v.1-4
His Mercy Is More
Doxology – Hymn 731

Announcements:

Summer Schedule: Christ Pres is on Summer Schedule, which means Sunday School and regular weekly activities are on hiatus. Our weekly time of fellowship begins at 10 AM, with worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Regular weekly activities resume September 3 and Sunday School resumes September 8.

VBS UPDATE: We are getting closer to that wonderful week of VBS! Things are coming together, but we still need your help getting the word out to our people. Feel free to forward to friends and neighbors but remember, our guaranteed t-shirt deadline is Monday, July 8th. Please see the registration links HERE. All the information can be found on this page. Feel free to forward to those who may be interested!

Bags of Blessings: Members, Our church will pack “Bags of Blessings” food bags at the Care Center, New Hope at 6 PM, Tuesday, 30 July. These food bags are given out by public school teachers on Fridays to children not receiving adequate food on weekends. We need about 25 church helpers to accomplish this important job. If you would like to help, sign up at the table in the narthex. The packing will take place in a warehouse on Main Street in New Hope, next to the City Hall (on right facing City Hall). Take New Hope exit off Hwy 431. This is Main street and it goes by City Hall. Please arrive before 6 PM. The job should take 1-1.5 hours to complete, and children can help. Thanks for your support.

Women’s Book Club Fellowship: Title of book is Even Better than Eden by Nancy Guthrie. Meets Monday nights starting June 10th from 630-8pm at 2 locations
Home of Sharon Daughtry 5726 Jones Valley Dr HSV 256-520 0824
Home of Debi Walker 8538 Sedgebrook SE 256 929-3214
July 8th from 6-8pm will be a joint potluck fellowship at TimbersEdge Clubhouse
Aug 12th wrap up potluck fellowship for both groups at home of Debi Walker
We will not meet the week of VBS July 15-18

Psummer Psalms: Everyone in the congregation is invited to memorize one entire Psalm this summer, then join us for a recitation at the church, followed by ice cream, Sunday, Aug 11, 4:30pm. “How sweet are your words to my taste…” Psalm 119:103  Recitation can be individual, or together in a group or family. We had a great group last year–young and old sharing God’s word out loud and with conviction. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com for periodic encouragement and accountability.

Sermon Preview

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This coming Lord’s Day we will take a look at one of the parables from Matthew’s Gospel. You might know this one as ‘The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.’ It is found in Matthew 13:24-30, and the Lord’s explanation of it in 13:36-43.

We remember that the parables of Jesus are about the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven. And simply defined, this Kingdom is the reign of God though His Son, our Lord! It is a Kingdom that has come to earth in the Person of our Lord and Savior. In Him, the Kingdom was made present!  And yet, it is also a Kingdom that is on the way, and one day will be revealed in its fullness for all to see!

We have also learned that these stories were given by our Savior in order that two things might happen. First, that God’s grace in Christ might be revealed to those who believe in His Son (these are the ones who are strangely drawn to the parables of Jesus).  And second, that God’s judgment upon unbelievers might be revealed (these are the ones who are repelled by them).  And, as we have seen, in this way the parables of Jesus separate and distinguish, for they demonstrate who belongs to Christ and who does not!

And let us also keep in mind that these blessed stories of our Lord were presented in order to confront His audience with truth, divine truth that will both challenge and comfort all who read them!  And this will certainly be the case with ‘The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares’!

As we approach the study of this parable, let me ask you a few questions that will set the stage for Sunday’s message:

Do you ever wish that you could just snap your fingers and get rid of all the evil, and evil people, in the world?

Have you ever imagined what it would be like if all the criminals in the whole world were immediately rounded up and sent away somewhere, forever?

Are you ever alarmed, frustrated, or excessively burdened by so much wickedness at work in our world, or even within your own heart?

Do you ever wish that there was something you could do about all of this evil?

If so, then be sure to pay careful attention to this parable and to the wonderful and reassuring things that our Lord will teach us!

Have a restful and most blessed weekend, and I’ll see you on Sunday!

I love you all so very much,

Mike

Upcoming Events:

June 24, 6:30 PM – Women’s Book Club
July 2, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast
July 2, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Team B Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
July 8, 6 PM – Women’s Book Club Potluck at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
July 11, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
July 12, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Team A Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
July 15, 6:30 PM – Senior Fellows attend Concert in the Park
July 17, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
July 21, 2 PM – Davie Bridal Shower at Kim Fohrell’s house
July 30, 10 AM – Senior Fellows Bags of Blessings
July 30, 6 PM – Bags O’ Blessings packing at The CARE Center
August 11, 4:30 PM – Psummer Psalms recitation
August 12, 6 PM – Women’s Book Club Potluck at Debi Walker’s house
September 8, 9 AM – Sunday School resumes
September 20, 6 PM – Marriage Dinner

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:

All Creatures Of Our God and King – Hymn 115 v.1,2,5
Be Unto Your Name
More Love to Thee, O Christ – Hymn 649 v.1,2,4
Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Announcements:

Summer Schedule: Christ Pres is on Summer Schedule, which means Sunday School and regular weekly activities are on hiatus. Our weekly time of fellowship begins at 10 AM, with worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Regular weekly activities resume September 3 and Sunday School resumes September 8.

Bags of Blessings:Members, Our church will pack “Bags of Blessings” food bags at the Care Center, New Hope at 6 PM, Tuesday, 30 July. These food bags are given out by public school teachers on Fridays to children not receiving adequate food on weekends. We need about 25 church helpers to accomplish this important job. If you would like to help, sign up at the table in the narthex. The packing will take place in a warehouse on Main Street in New Hope, next to the City Hall (on right facing City Hall). Take New Hope exit off Hwy 431. This is Main street and it goes by City Hall. Please arrive before 6 PM. The job should take 1-1.5 hours to complete, and children can help. Thanks for your support.

Women’s Book Club Fellowship: Title of book is Even Better than Eden by Nancy Guthrie. Meets Monday nights starting June 10th from 630-8pm at 2 locations
Home of Sharon Daughtry 5726 Jones Valley Dr HSV 256-520 0824
Home of Debi Walker 8538 Sedgebrook SE 256 929-3214
July 8th from 6-8pm will be a joint potluck fellowship at TimbersEdge Clubhouse
Aug 12th wrap up potluck fellowship for both groups at home of Debi Walker
We will not meet the week of VBS July 15-18

Psummer Psalms: Everyone in the congregation is invited to memorize one entire Psalm this summer, then join us for a recitation at the church, followed by ice cream, Sunday, Aug 11, 4:30pm. “How sweet are your words to my taste…” Psalm 119:103  Recitation can be individual, or together in a group or family. We had a great group last year–young and old sharing God’s word out loud and with conviction. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com for periodic encouragement and accountability.

Sermon Preview

My beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

As you read these words today our family vacation is coming to an end, and we eagerly look forward to being with you this coming Lord’s Day!

I want to express my deepest appreciation for Rev. Jim Daughtry who preached in my absence. Jim’s messages were rich and powerfully encouraging, and we are all so very thankful for his gifts and his faithfulness in delivering God’s Word to us. I can’t possibly communicate to you how reassuring it is to know that when I am away the Word of God will be preached so wonderfully! Thank you dear brother!!

And thank you for your prayers for us while we were away. We feel very refreshed and rested, and we know our Father has blessed us though your kind and faithful prayers.

This Sunday, we begin our Summer Preaching Series on ‘The Parables of Jesus.’ Just about everyone knows that our Lord Jesus loved to tell stories. He has been called the “master story-teller.” The stories that Jesus told are known as “parables” in the Bible. The New Testament records at least 24 major parables, and a couple of dozen shorter ones as well.

The major parables are discovered in three of the four Gospels (the ‘Synoptic Gospels,’ or Matthew, Mark, and Luke, so called due to their similarity), but are concentrated largely in Matthew and Luke. It has been estimated that about one-third of the teaching of Jesus comes to us in the form of parables. So this demonstrates how critical it is that we study them carefully.

And when it comes to the parables of our Lord, we all have our favorite ones. For example, ‘The Pearl of Great Price,’ ‘The Lost Sheep,’ ‘The Prodigal Son,’ ‘The Rich Man and Lazarus,’ or ‘The Good Samaritan,’ just to name a few.

Over the summer months we are going to make a study of several of these larger (and more familiar) parables. However, we will begin our investigation not with a parable per se, but with our Lord’s own explanation as to why He taught this way.

Our text for Sunday’s message will come from Matthew 13:10-17. And as you review this passage, you’ll also want to consider the parallel accounts found in Mark 4:10-12 and Luke 8:9-10.

I love you all so very much, and I long to see you this Lord’s Day!

In His rich grace,

Mike

Upcoming Events:

June 17, 6:30 PM – Women’s Book Club
June 21, 7 PM – Senior Fellows attend City Lights and Stars Concert
July 8, 6 PM – Women’s Book Club Potluck at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
July 11, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
July 17, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
July 21, 2 PM – Davie Bridal Shower at Kim Fohrell’s house
July 30, 6 PM – Bags O’ Blessings packing at The CARE Center
August 11, 4:30 PM – Psummer Psalms recitation
August 12, 6 PM – Women’s Book Club Potluck at Debi Walker’s house
September 8, 9 AM – Sunday School resumes
September 20, 6 PM – Marriage Dinner

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:

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – Hymn 53 v.1-3,5
Before the Throne
Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Hymn No. 32 v.1-3
Come Thou Fount – Hymn 457 v.1-3

Announcements:

Summer Schedule: Christ Pres is on Summer Schedule, which means Sunday School and regular weekly activities are on hiatus. Our weekly time of fellowship begins at 10 AM, with worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Regular weekly activities resume September 3 and Sunday School resumes September 8.

Bags of Blessings:Members, Our church will pack “Bags of Blessings” food bags at the Care Center, New Hope at 6 PM, Tuesday, 30 July. These food bags are given out by public school teachers on Fridays to children not receiving adequate food on weekends. We need about 25 church helpers to accomplish this important job. If you would like to help, sign up at the table in the narthex. The packing will take place in a warehouse on Main Street in New Hope, next to the City Hall (on right facing City Hall). Take New Hope exit off Hwy 431. This is Main street and it goes by City Hall. Please arrive before 6 PM. The job should take 1-1.5 hours to complete, and children can help. Thanks for your support.

FCA:  In less than a month; June 17^th-21^st  FCA’s camp (http://northalabamafca.org/madisoneast) will be held right across the street! I get the privilege of helping to serve lunch at that camp. Each year members from our church have donated food items, and volunteered to help prepare, serve and clean up lunch each day during camp as well as the very large family night meal on Wednesday June 19th. Much of the food served is donated by local businesses and individuals. Our church has supplied many needs for past camps; specifically dessert and side dishes for the coaches and staff table, coffee needs for the coaches and staff each morning, a fun dessert for the 13 year olds attending camp their last year, and HOURS of hands on help in the kitchen. This is such a blessing to so many! The kitchen staff is unusual in that we get to serve and come into contact with most everyone attending and working the camp. Having a team of people to help this run smoothly I believe allows more moments to spend pointing those kids to the gospel….the whole reason this camp happens!  If you would like to join me and several others from our church body in helping during camp please contact me! I think we have a lot of fun in the kitchen!  If you would like to donate food items I have a sign up genius for specific food needs. If you have any questions contact me! I love to chat about what we are doing and how this camp blesses so many!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA5A92DABFD0-fcacamp

Thanks, Erica McNeese

Women’s Book Club Fellowship: Title of book is Even Better than Eden by Nancy Guthrie. Meets Monday nights starting June 10th from 630-8pm at 2 locations
Home of Sharon Daughtry 5726 Jones Valley Dr HSV 256-520 0824
Home of Debi Walker 8538 Sedgebrook SE 256 929-3214
July 8th from 6-8pm will be a joint potluck fellowship at TimbersEdge Clubhouse
Aug 12th wrap up potluck fellowship for both groups at home of Debi Walker
We will not meet the week of VBS July 15-18

HPRC: Sunday, June 16, is the final day to return your baby bottles to support the Huntsville Pregnancy Center. Please return them at the Welcome Desk in the Nartex at the church. If you won’t be there on Sunday you may still return them to Jack Cooper by noon on June 19 at the church. Jack is in his office every morning—  simply ring the doorbell on the side of the building and you will be able to give your donation to him. Thank you, in advance,, for getting those bottles back to us right away and for supporting this important work.

Psummer Psalms: Everyone in the congregation is invited to memorize one entire Psalm this summer, then join us for a recitation at the church, followed by ice cream, Sunday, Aug 11, 4:30pm. “How sweet are your words to my taste…” Psalm 119:103  Recitation can be individual, or together in a group or family. We had a great group last year–young and old sharing God’s word out loud and with conviction. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com for periodic encouragement and accountability.

Senior Fellows: On Friday, June 21 at 7:00 PM (show starts at 7:30) the Senior Fellows will attend the Burritt on the Mountain City Lights & Stars Concert to see the In the Mood Band (Richard Bagdazian). Buy tickets on line at BurrittOnTheMountain.com). The address is 3101 Burritt Drive. Carpools will leave the church at 6:30 PM.

Sermon Preview

Church Family,

This coming Sunday, Rev. Jim Daughtry will be continuing his two-part sermon series on John 1:1-18. This week’s message is entitled ‘Behold Your God: Part Two.’

We appreciate Jim filling our pulpit while Mike is out on vacation, and please lift Jim up in your prayers are he prepares to deliver God’s Word to us.

Upcoming Events:

June 14, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Team A Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
June 21, 7 PM – Senior Fellows attend City Lights and Stars Concert
July 11, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
July 17, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
August 11, 4:30 PM – Psummer Psalms recitation
September 8, 9 AM – Sunday School resumes
September 20, 6 PM – Marriage Dinner

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
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Holy, Holy, Holy – Hymn 100 v.1-4
Joyful, Joyful

Announcements:

Summer Schedule: Christ Pres is on Summer Schedule, which means Sunday School and regular weekly activities are on hiatus. Our weekly time of fellowship begins at 10 AM, with worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Regular weekly activities resume September 3 and Sunday School resumes September 8.

FCA:  In less than a month; June 17^th-21^st  FCA’s camp (http://northalabamafca.org/madisoneast) will be held right across the street! I get the privilege of helping to serve lunch at that camp. Each year members from our church have donated food items, and volunteered to help prepare, serve and clean up lunch each day during camp as well as the very large family night meal on Wednesday June 19th. Much of the food served is donated by local businesses and individuals. Our church has supplied many needs for past camps; specifically dessert and side dishes for the coaches and staff table, coffee needs for the coaches and staff each morning, a fun dessert for the 13 year olds attending camp their last year, and HOURS of hands on help in the kitchen. This is such a blessing to so many! The kitchen staff is unusual in that we get to serve and come into contact with most everyone attending and working the camp. Having a team of people to help this run smoothly I believe allows more moments to spend pointing those kids to the gospel….the whole reason this camp happens!  If you would like to join me and several others from our church body in helping during camp please contact me! I think we have a lot of fun in the kitchen!  If you would like to donate food items I have a sign up genius for specific food needs. If you have any questions contact me! I love to chat about what we are doing and how this camp blesses so many!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA5A92DABFD0-fcacamp

Thanks, Erica McNeese

HPRC: We are partnering with the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center to offer support for their ministry to families in Huntsville. On Mother’s Day we will have information available to determine how you can be involved at the Welcome desk. You can also stop by and pick up a baby bottle to deposit your pocket change (dollars and checks also accepted) every day to collect funds for the center. The bottle can be returned every Sunday in May in the Narthex with the final collection date on Father’s Day. This would make a great project for your children to be involved in, too. Watch for details this summer on an upcoming baby shower to gather baby supplies for the center to help the new mothers. Contact Christina Bagdazian, 256.812.2442, with any questions.

Psummer Psalms: Everyone in the congregation is invited to memorize one entire Psalm this summer, then join us for a recitation at the church, followed by ice cream, Sunday, Aug 11, 4:30pm. “How sweet are your words to my taste…” Psalm 119:103  Recitation can be individual, or together in a group or family. We had a great group last year–young and old sharing God’s word out loud and with conviction. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com for periodic encouragement and accountability.

Senior Fellows: On Friday, June 14 the Senior Fellows will serve at the Downtown Rescue Mission. They will meet at 11:15 AM and start feeding at 11:30 AM. Carpools will leave the church at 10:30. On Friday, June 21 at 7:00 PM (show starts at 7:30) the Senior Fellows will attend the Burritt on the Mountain City Lights & Stars Concert to see the In the Mood Band (Richard Bagdazian). Buy tickets on line at BurrittOnTheMountain.com). The address is 3101 Burritt Drive. Carpools will leave the church at 6:30 PM.