Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Just how great is our Savior and Lord?

That’s what we are led to contemplate as we read and meditate upon the words of Hebrews 1:2-4. What we find in these opening verses of this New Testament letter is a description of Christ that, in the words of R. C. H. Lenski, causes all human language to groan and strain “ with the weight of [its] meaning.”

We’ve referred to these verses as a grand ‘tour of the Seven Wonders of Jesus.’

We find seven phrases here that set forth His unparalleled greatness and supremacy. And they have been given to us in order that we might be moved to an ever-increasing love for our Lord, and to a deeper faithfulness to His Kingdom.

This coming Lord’s Day, we will examine three more of the seven descriptions of Jesus that appear in verse 3. Here, the author tells us that:

Our Lord is the “ radiance” of the Divine “ glory.”

Our Lord is the “ exact imprint” of the Divine “ nature.”

Our Lord is the One who “ upholds the universe” by means of His Divine “ word.”

What magnificent attributes!

But we need to see this list as much more than a rehearsal of certain significant points of theology, but as the very means by which our faith can be sustained, our obedience sharpened, and our love for our Savior purified and strengthened.

These phrases, each speaking of one of the wonderful dimensions of our Savior’s divine essence, are designed to help us see Him more clearly. For there is something almost magnetic about the beauty of the One who has redeemed us. So magnetic in fact, that Jesus Himself said, “ I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).

And when we are so attracted to the beauty and glory of our Lord, we will then be irresistibly moved to embrace Him more firmly by faith.

I can’t wait to go further with you on this wonderful tour!

I love you all, and always,

Mike

Upcoming Events:

These are upcoming events and activities over the next few days at Christ Presbyterian Church.

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:

He Will Hold Me Fast
We Will Feast in the House of Zion
Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Hymn 32 v.1-3
How Great Thou Art – Hymn 44 v.1,3-4

Announcements:

Women’s Ministry:

Women’s bible studies and monthly fellowship lunches are on-going. Check the church website for dates and times.

Children’s Ministry:

Crafts!

Save the Date for a fun afternoon of crafting (Crafternoon!) on Saturday, February 15th, from 2 to 3:30 pm at the church. Fellowship is open to grades 3rd thru 8th grade, and you are welcome to bring a friend or neighbor. Please RSVP HERE so that we have enough supplies. Guys and gals are welcome! For anyone who wants to help (high school and older), email Kerry Tameling to be involved.

VBS Survey Results

It appears the best date for VBS 2020 is July 13th to the 16th. Please mark your calendars and plan to help or attend! Get excited because this year’s theme is OLYMPICS!

Senior Fellows:

Breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 9:00 AM at the Church House
Sonny Henry life story/chili lunch on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 10:00 AM at the Church

Men’s Studies:

The men are meeting at Panera at Bridge Street on Tuesdays at 6 AM to study Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com

Career/Singles:

Continuing each Sunday at 5:30pm , the Career/Singles group will meet at the Daughtry’s house at 5726 Jones Valley Dr, 35802. Email them to get involved.

Youth Group:

All CPC Middle and High School Students are invited to a Super Bowl Fellowship this Sunday, February 2, from 4:30 PM until halftime at the Church. Visitors are welcome!

Second Sunday Lunches:

Please join us for Second Sunday Lunch, February 9th in the Fellowship Hall. Take Note! The remaining Spring dates are as follows: March 8th, April 5th (will be early because of Easter Sunday on the 12th) and May 3rd (will be early because of Mother’s Day on the 10th).  Please check for a “Sign-Up Genius” link that will be sent out the week leading up to the lunch.  Or contact Denise Brown niniandjb@gmail.com to offer your help.  Thank you very much!

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Bill Dent, Suzi Jones, Sharon O’Neil, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Brackins, expecting in March, and the Elliotts, expecting in May.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Noah and Karleigh Stephens (Thailand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada); Dieter Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL); The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center.

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 Christ,

Have you ever been inspired or deeply moved by a simple photograph or picture?

I’m sure we’ve all had this happen to us. More than once I’ve read accounts from the battlefield of soldiers who have kept a photo of their wife or children with them while in combat. And as the fighting ensued, there would be opportunities to gaze at that picture, and draw courage and strength.

Well, this is something like what we discover in the first four verses of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

There is a magnificent ‘photograph’ here. It is a picture of Jesus our Lord. And the intent of this photo was to promote courage, faithfulness, and resolve in the hearts of some first-century believers who were sorely tempted, by persecution and hardship, to abandon the Christian faith and their Lord and Savior.

The picture of Jesus that is presented here contains some truly stunning details. In fact, there are seven phrases employed by the author to describe the One who is indescribable!

Of the Son of God, we learn that:

1. He is the One who is the “heir of all things.”
2. He is the One who is the Creator of “the world.”
3. He is the One who is the very “radiance” of God’s “glory.”
4. He is the One who is the “exact imprint” of God’s “nature.”
5. He is the One who “upholds all things” by His powerful “word.”
6. He is the One who has accomplished the “purification for sins.”
7. He is the One who has taken His seat “at the right hand of the Majesty on High.

Here is a portrait of the eternal superiority, glory, power, and majesty of the Son of God! And it is presented to us for the express purpose of moving our hearts to worship Him. And, as a result, to serve Him with faithfulness and persistence.

On Sunday, we will begin our examination of this beautiful picture our Lord and Savior. So let us pray that as we consider it, we too shall be “ lost in wonder, love, and praise.”

Pray for Our Middle and High School Students

Please remember to fervently pray for our Middle and High School Students and Adult Chaperones who are attending our Presbytery Youth Retreat this weekend.

And also pay for Rev. Daniel Hightower, the RUF Minister at Jacksonville State University, who will be the guest Bible teacher.

I love you all more than I can express!!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

These are upcoming events and activities over the next few days at Christ Presbyterian Church.

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:

Wonderful Merciful Savior
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus – Hymn 535 v.1-3
Have Thine Own Way – Hymn 688 v.1-4
Before the Throne

Announcements:

Women’s Ministry:

Womens’ bible studies are on-going. Check the church website for dates and times. Also, if anyone is interested, Nancy Guthrie will speak at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on February 1 at 8:30am-3:30pm. Standard registration ends January 25.

Children’s Ministry:

Baby Nursery Staff Member Need

Our precious Ms. Merlene, who has been with us more than 8 years, is leaving us in February. This leaves a big hole as she has faithfully served the babies and watched so many of our children grow up. If you know of a sweet woman who would like to work for us, please have them call or email me or Jack Cooper. The pay is very good, and there is opportunity to work more than just Sunday morning. Current need is Sunday morning from 8:45 to 12:15.

Baby Nursery Volunteer Sign-up

At the beginning of each semester, I send out this sign-up form for you to volunteer in our baby nursery each week. This class varies so much that it is vital that our members volunteer to rock babies or play with the little ones (up to age 2). Girls ages 12 and up are also welcome to volunteer. Please consider taking 1-2 dates.

Click HERE to volunteer.

Children’s Ministry Meeting

If you are interested in helping me map out our 2020 events, plan to join me on Sunday, 1/26, at 5 pm (church) for an hour long planning session. I would love input into our ministry (nursery to 5th grade) from various aged parents. Email me to let me know you’ll be there! I already have some awesome things set for our children this year!

Crafts!

Save the Date for a fun day of crafting on Saturday, February 15th, from 2 to 3:30 pm at the church. Fellowship is open to grades 3rd thru 8th grade, and you are welcome to bring a friend or neighbor. Please RSVP HERE so that we have enough supplies. Guys and gals are welcome! For anyone who wants to help (high school and older), email Kerry Tameling to be involved.

VBS Survey

For all interested volunteers and families, please fill out my quick VBS date survey found HERE. This will help me in determining a good date this year’s event.

Men’s Studies:

The men are meeting at Panera at Bridge Street on Tuesdays at 6 AM to study Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com

Career/Singles:

Continuing each Sunday at 5:30pm , the Career/Singles group will meet at the Daughtry’s house at 5726 Jones Valley Dr, 35802. Email them to get involved.

Youth Group:

Be in prayer for our youth at the Presbytery-wide Roots retreat going on THIS weekend. There are close to 20 from our church there as well as over 250 from the area churches. Upcoming youth bible study dates are on the church website calendar.

Also, Youth Bible Study for Middle and High School continues February 2 from 4:30-6:15 PM.

RUF Help:

We will be helping RUF UAH with snacks for their large group meetings again this semester. They appreciate it so much! Our first opportunity will be Jan 27. Sign up will be next Sunday in the narthex. Look for the RUF logo! Judi Fikes will be there to answer any questions. We collect the items on the Sunday morning before and they are brought over to campus for the Monday meeting. Please finger foods only. There will be item needs on the sign up sheet. Thank you for your help! It is an opportunity to be a part of the fellowship for the students.

Second Sunday Lunches:

Many of you remarked to me that you’ve only been able to come to one or two lunches because of forgetting or making other plans – well let me encourage you to mark your calendars! 😉

We plan to continue each 2nd Sunday of the month from January through May. The May lunch will most likely move to the 3rd Sunday because of Mother’s Day.

February 9 is the next one coming up. Please make plans to join us in the Fellowship Hall after worship. And please welcome visitors to stay and join us to eat!

***A word of thanks to all the MANY helpers who prep, set out tables, serve the meals, bring food or dessert or tea, and those who linger to clean up – THANK YOU for making these lunches a great success. It is a pleasure to work alongside you and serve the church body this way.

Sincerely in Christ,
Denise Brown

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Suzi Jones, Sharon O’Neil, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Brackins, expecting in March, and the Elliotts, expecting in May.
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 and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada); Dieter Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL); The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center.

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 this coming Sunday we will again consider the subject of the Sanctity of Human Life.

You may remember that last year our Church began the tradition of using the third Sunday in January each year as a time to hear from God’s Word on this central Biblical doctrine. Along with many other Christians and Churches across our land, we will turn to the pages of Holy Scripture to discover the profound implications of being made in God’s image and likeness.

Our sermon this year will be based upon three texts from the Gospel of Matthew, 6:26, 10:29-31, and 12:12.

Each of these passages record the direct words of Jesus. And each shares a common theme, that of the incalculable worth of a human life.

As we probe these inspired words from our Savior, we will learn that being ‘pro-life’ extends far beyond our righteous opposition to abortion, for it touches every dimension of our lives and our relationships.

At this annual time of special reflection, we also want to increase our payers and support for one of our ministry partners, The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center. Praise the Lord for their sacrificial work and faithful witness to our city!

I hope you will carefully read these passages from Matthew, and pray not only for us as we gather around God’s Word, but also for our community and world that needs the grace mercy of our Lord.

Looking Ahead

Our current Adult Sunday School Class on Spiritual Warfare will conclude on February 2. Then on Sunday February 9, I will begin teaching a new class on The Origin of the Bible.

The central questions we will try to answer in this study are, 1) How did the 66 books of the Bible come to be regarded as the written Word of God? And 2) Why were only these 66 books included in the canon of the Old and New Testaments and not others?

I love you all, and always!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

These are upcoming events and activities over the next few days at Christ Presbyterian Church.

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:

How Sweet To Wait Upon the Lord
He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought – Hymn 600 v.1,3-4
His Mercy Is More
Sovereign

Announcements:

Women’s Ministry:

The Mother’s study has resumed on Tuesdays at 9am at the church, studying “In All Things” by Melissa Kruger. The Women’s Night study is also on Tuesdays at 6pm at the church, studying “Sermon On The Mount” by Jen Wilkens. The Women’s Morning study has resumed on Wednesdays at 10am at the church studying “Sermon On The Mount” by Jen Wilken. Also, if anyone is interested, Nancy Guthrie will speak at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on February 1 at 8:30am-3:30pm. Standard registration ends January 25.

Children’s Ministry:

Baby Nursery Staff Member Need

Our precious Ms. Merlene, who has been with us more than 8 years, is leaving us in February. This leaves a big hole as she has faithfully served the babies and watched so many of our children grow up. If you know of a sweet woman who would like to work for us, please have them call or email me or Jack Cooper. The pay is very good, and there is opportunity to work more than just Sunday morning. Current need is Sunday morning from 8:45 to 12:15.

Baby Nursery Volunteer Sign-up

At the beginning of each semester, I send out this sign-up form for you to volunteer in our baby nursery each week. This class varies so much that it is vital that our members volunteer to rock babies or play with the little ones (up to age 2). Girls ages 12 and up are also welcome to volunteer. Please consider taking 1-2 dates.

Click HERE to volunteer.

Children’s Ministry Meeting

If you are interested in helping me map out our 2020 events, plan to join me on Sunday, 1/26, at 5 pm (church) for an hour long planning session. I would love input into our ministry (nursery to 5th grade) from various aged parents. Email me to let me know you’ll be there! I already have some awesome things set for our children this year!

Men’s Studies:

The men are meeting at Panera at Bridge Street on Tuesdays at 6 AM to study Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com

Career/Singles:

Resuming on January 12 at 5:30pm , the Career/Singles group will meet at the Daughtry’s house at 5726 Jones Valley Dr, 35802. Email them to get involved.

Transportation for Jean Terry to Worship

Steve Terry’s treatment, which will take place in Arkansas, will be a long process – 42 weeks. So, we as a church body have the opportunity to serve this sweet family during the difficult road ahead. One way we can serve and bless them is to provide transportation for Jean Terry, Steve’s mom, to and from worship service. A link is provided to sign up if you are able to help in this manner. Please contact Kim Fohrell if you have questions about serving. Click HERE to volunteer to drive Ms. Jean to and from worship service.

Youth Group:

RUF Help:

We will be helping RUF UAH with snacks for their large group meetings again this semester. They appreciate it so much! Our first opportunity will be Jan 27. Sign up will be next Sunday in the narthex. Look for the RUF logo! Judi Fikes will be there to answer any questions. We collect the items on the Sunday morning before and they are brought over to campus for the Monday meeting. Please finger foods only. There will be item needs on the sign up sheet. Thank you for your help! It is an opportunity to be a part of the fellowship for the students.

Second Sunday Lunches:

Many of you remarked to me that you’ve only been able to come to one or two lunches because of forgetting or making other plans – well let me encourage you to mark your calendars! 😉

We plan to continue each 2nd Sunday of the month from January through May. The May lunch will most likely move to the 3rd Sunday because of Mother’s Day.

February 9 is the next one coming up. Please make plans to join us in the Fellowship Hall after worship. And please welcome visitors to stay and join us to eat!

***A word of thanks to all the MANY helpers who prep, set out tables, serve the meals, bring food or dessert or tea, and those who linger to clean up – THANK YOU for making these lunches a great success. It is a pleasure to work alongside you and serve the church body this way.

Sincerely in Christ,
Denise Brown

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Suzi Jones, Sharon O’Neil, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Brackins, expecting in March, and the Elliotts, expecting in May.
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 and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada); Dieter Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL); The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center.

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

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:

I must sadly confess that it has been at least forty-four years since I’ve read anything penned by William Shakespeare. But I do remember one famous line embedded in the words of Macbeth:

“And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle.
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
that struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
and then is heard no more. It is a tale
told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
signifying nothing.”

I think we’d all agree that ours is also a era of such empty “ sound and fury.”

Each day of the week without fail, we are exposed to such vacuous sounds. It is true that our day is a day of many voices and noises that vie for our attention and call for our allegiance. In whatever direction we turn, someone is speaking to us, yelling at us, claiming to be the truth, the authoritative interpreter of ‘the facts,’ and the possessor of life’s ‘secret.’

To whom should we listen? What sound and whose voice should we discover and cherish among all of the countless options?

Well, this is where the author of Hebrews can help us.

In Hebrews 1:1-2, we are told that, amidst all of the meaningless “ sound and fury” of our age, there is but one Voice, one Authority to whom we should give our undivided attention. Here we encounter the twin claims that, “ God spoke,” and that “ He has spoken.”

It was Dr. Raymond Brown, the former principal of Spurgeon’s College in London, who said:

“ The letter to the Hebrews begins by asserting the greatest single fact of the Christian religion: God has spoken to man through His word in the Bible and through His Son, Jesus.”

It is this absolute claim, this sound coming from heaven, and its life-changing implications, that we will prayerfully consider on Sunday.

May our Lord bless you as you prepare your hearts and minds to come before Him in worship!

I love you all so very much!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

These are upcoming events and activities over the next few days at Christ Presbyterian Church.

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
And Can It Be – Hymn 455 v.1, 5
Come Ye Souls By Sin Afflicted
My Jesus, I Love Thee – Hymn 648 v.1,2 4

Announcements:

Schedule Note:

Reminder, all regularly scheduled studies and activities for all ages have resumed for the Winter/Spring. Check the Upcoming Events for times and dates.

Women’s Ministry:

The Mother’s study will resume on January 14 at 9am at the church and study “In All Things” by Melissa Kruger. The Women’s Night study will resume January 14 at 6pm at the church and will study “Sermon On The Mount” by Jen Wilkens. The Women’s Morning study will resume on January 15 at 10am at the church and will study “Sermon On The Mount” by Jen Wilken. Also, if anyone is interested, Nancy Guthrie will speak at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on February 1 at 8:30am-3:30pm. Standard registration ends January 25.

Children’s Ministry:

Baby Nursery Staff Member Need

Our precious Ms. Merlene, who has been with us more than 8 years, is leaving us in February. This leaves a big hole as she has faithfully served the babies and watched so many of our children grow up. If you know of a sweet woman who would like to work for us, please have them call or email me or Jack Cooper. The pay is very good, and there is opportunity to work more than just Sunday morning. Current need is Sunday morning from 8:45 to 12:15.

Baby Nursery Volunteer Sign-up

At the beginning of each semester, I send out this sign-up form for you to volunteer in our baby nursery each week. This class varies so much that it is vital that our members volunteer to rock babies or play with the little ones (up to age 2). Girls ages 12 and up are also welcome to volunteer. Please consider taking 1-2 dates.

Click HERE to volunteer.

Children’s Ministry Meeting

If you are interested in helping me map out our 2020 events, plan to join me on Sunday, 1/26, at 5 pm (church) for an hour long planning session. I would love input into our ministry (nursery to 5th grade) from various aged parents. Email me to let me know you’ll be there! I already have some awesome things set for our children this year!

Men’s Studies:

The men are meeting at Panera at Bridge Street on Tuesdays at 6 AM to study Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com

Career/Singles:

Resuming on January 12 at 5:30pm , the Career/Singles group will meet at the Daughtry’s house at 5726 Jones Valley Dr, 35802. Email them to get involved.

Transportation for Jean Terry to Worship

Steve Terry’s treatment, which will take place in Arkansas, will be a long process – 42 weeks. So, we as a church body have the opportunity to serve this sweet family during the difficult road ahead. One way we can serve and bless them is to provide transportation for Jean Terry, Steve’s mom, to and from worship service. A link is provided to sign up if you are able to help in this manner. Please contact Kim Fohrell if you have questions about serving. Click HERE to volunteer to drive Ms. Jean to and from worship service.

Youth Group:

Second Sunday Lunches:

Many of you remarked to me that you’ve only been able to come to one or two lunches because of forgetting or making other plans – well let me encourage you to mark your calendars! 😉

We plan to continue each 2nd Sunday of the month from January through May. The May lunch will most likely move to the 3rd Sunday because of Mother’s Day.

January 12 is the next one coming up. Please make plans to join us in the Fellowship Hall after worship. And please welcome visitors to stay and join us to eat! Please click HERE  to sign up for desserts, drinks, or to help clean up after our 2nd Sunday lunch this Sunday, January 12.  We will be serving Lawler’s BBQ.

***A word of thanks to all the MANY helpers who prep, set out tables, serve the meals, bring food or dessert or tea, and those who linger to clean up – THANK YOU for making these lunches a great success. It is a pleasure to work alongside you and serve the church body this way.

Sincerely in Christ,
Denise Brown

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Brackins, expecting in March, and the Elliotts, expecting in May.
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 and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada); Dieter Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL).

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 our Lord.

A funny thing happened on the way to the temple!

As 2019 was winding down, I had all but decided to begin preaching from 1 Kings 7 on the building of Solomon’s temple. This is, after all, the next step in our journey through the ‘ Great Events in the History of Redemption,’ our on-going sermon series.

But as I reflected upon this over the week of Christmas, I began sensing that we should go in a different direction here at the beginning of a new decade. Over and again, my heart was drawn to the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Oddly enough, I have never once in all of my years of ministry preached completely through this letter. There have been the occasional sermons from Hebrews here and there, and some lectures on the epistle in the seminary, but never a series of messages from beginning to end, covering every verse in this inspired New Testament book.

Perhaps the main reason I am drawn to Hebrews at this time is what it says about remaining faithful to our Lord and His Word.

The message of the book of Hebrews is focused upon the persistent threat the Church faces to “fall away” from Christ (Hebrews 3:12, 6:6). I mean by that the ever-present possibility that the pressures of the world–both in its hatred for the Truth, and in its seductive strategies designed to shape us in its image–will prevail, and that some will abandon Christ.

In 2019 we were rocked too many times by the news that once prominent Evangelical leaders had done precisely this; they turned their backs on the Savior and the Gospel they once proclaimed. And we’ve also learned of local churches, and even entire denominations, doing the same.

Sadly, and as we have mentioned many times before, our own PCA has also witnessed this very sin of apostasy creeping into her ranks.

Currently, we are embroiled in yet another fight for the Bible, for the Gospel, and for our unity as those who are under the full authority of Christ and His Word. Long-time members of the PCA tell us that we are repeating the very sins of the past generation, those sins that first led theological conservatives to depart from the PCUS and form the PCA back in the early 1970’s.

My heart is broken by this, but we should not be surprised at all. The fact is, the Church and the Truth are always under assault, and always have been. And this will be the case until our Savior returns in glory and victory.

Well, all of this has been bouncing around in my mind as we have entered another year. And if there is one book of the New Testament that addresses where we are right now, it is Hebrews.

On Sunday, we will begin our trek through this majestic letter. And in our initial sermon from this epistle, we will pay close attention to its purpose, major themes, dire warnings, and amazing promises for all who remain true to our King.

If you’ve not read Hebrews in a while, let me suggest that you add it to your daily reading. It will also be very beneficial if you are able to read it in at least two different translations. I might recommend the ESV, and then also the NASB. And for a wonderful contemporary rendering of this epistle, check out the Phillips Translation.

And please join me in prayer as we ask our Lord to make us strong, and to preserve us in fidelity to Him until He comes!

I love you all, much more than my words can express!

Mike

Upcoming Events:

These are upcoming events and activities over the next ten days at Christ Presbyterian Church.

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:

In The Shadow Of The Glorious Cross
I Need Thee Every Hour – Hymn 674 v.1-3, 5
My Help, My God (based on Psalm 42)
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Hymn 457 v.1-3

Announcements:

Schedule Note:

Reminder, there will be no Sunday School the morning of January 5. We will have fellowship at 10 AM, with the service of worship beginning at 10:30. Our regular schedule for all activities will resume January 6.

Children’s Ministry:

Baby Nursery Staff Member Need

Our precious Ms. Merlene, who has been with us more than 8 years, is leaving us in February. This leaves a big hole as she has faithfully served the babies and watched so many of our children grow up. If you know of a sweet woman who would like to work for us, please have them call or email me or Jack Cooper. The pay is very good, and there is opportunity to work more than just Sunday morning. Current need is Sunday morning from 8:45 to 12:15.

Baby Nursery Volunteer Sign-up

At the beginning of each semester, I send out this sign-up form for you to volunteer in our baby nursery each week. This class varies so much that it is vital that our members volunteer to rock babies or play with the little ones (up to age 2). Girls ages 12 and up are also welcome to volunteer. Please consider taking 1-2 dates.

Click HERE to volunteer.

Children’s Ministry Meeting

If you are interested in helping me map out our 2020 events, plan to join me on Sunday, 1/26, at 5 pm (church) for an hour long planning session. I would love input into our ministry (nursery to 5th grade) from various aged parents. Email me to let me know you’ll be there!  I already have some awesome things set for our children this year!

Men’s Studies:

The men are meeting at Panera at Bridge Street on Tuesdays at 6 AM to study Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com

Career/Singles:

There is an ongoing weekly bible study and fellowship at 5:30 PM Sunday evenings at the home of Jim and Sharon Daughtry. Email them to get involved.

Transportation for Jean Terry to Worship

Steve Terry’s treatment, which will take place in Arkansas,  will be a long process – 42 weeks.  So, we as a church body have the opportunity to serve this sweet family during the difficult road ahead.  One way we can serve and bless them is to provide transportation for Jean Terry, Steve’s mom, to and from worship service.  A link is provided to sign up if you are able to help in this manner.  Please contact Kim Fohrell if you have questions about serving. Click HERE to volunteer to drive Ms. Jean to and from worship service.

Youth Group:  

Second Sunday Lunches:

Many of you remarked to me that you’ve only been able to come to one or two lunches because of forgetting or making other plans – well let me encourage you to mark your calendars! 😉

We plan to continue each 2nd Sunday of the month from January through May. The May lunch will most likely move to the 3rd Sunday because of Mother’s Day.

January 12 is the next one coming up. Please make plans to join us in the Fellowship Hall after worship. And please welcome visitors to stay and join us to eat!

***A word of thanks to all the MANY helpers who prep, set out tables, serve the meals, bring food or dessert or tea, and those who linger to clean up – THANK YOU for making these lunches a great success. It is a pleasure to work alongside you and serve the church body this way.

Sincerely in Christ,
Denise Brown

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Brackins, expecting in March, and the Elliotts, expecting in May.
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 and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada). .

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