Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Month: March 2020

  • Order of Worship – March 29 2020

    Call to Worship:  Psalm 130

    1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
    2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
    3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
    4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
    5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
    6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
    7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.
    8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Song: All Things New (link)

    Song: What Wondrous Love Is This (link)

    The Old Testament Lesson:  Ezekiel 37:1-14

    1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. 2 And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

    7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

    11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. 14 And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”

    Prayer of Confession: From Psalm 38

    O LORD, rebuke me not in Your anger, nor discipline me in Your wrath! For Your arrows have sunk into me, and Your hand has come down on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. But for You, O LORD, do I wait; it is You, O Lord my God, who will answer. Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Amen!

    Assurance of Pardon:  Ephesians 2 :13

    But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

    Song: In Need (link)

    New Testament Lesson:  Romans 8:1-11

    1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

    9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

    Confession of Faith: The Apostle’s Creed

    I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,      the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

    Scripture Reading and Prayer of Intercession for the Church: Acts 8:1-40

    The Sermon: “The Champion and the Children.” Hebrews 2:14-16.

    Song: Nothing But the Blood (link)

    Closing Prayer:

  • Announcements – March 27 2020

    Sermon Preview

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    As you know, we will not be able to meet together for worship this Sunday, or on April 5. Beyond that, the Session is awaiting the recommendations of our State Health Department as to future meetings of the congregation.

    As I talk with our people during the week, there is a common refrain that finds its way into virtually every conversation: ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before!’

    I’ve also been very interested in what is being said about this virus, especially by Church leaders who want to speak of this pandemic in more theological/spiritual terms. Again, there seems to be a common refrain that characterizes every article or online post about the spiritual implications of COVID-19: ‘We must offer hope and comfort to the world in a time like this.’

    Well, while we admit that this is a very good thing to say, I’ve been wondering of late if it’s all that the Church needs to say to the world.

    Of Mass-Murders and Falling Towers

    Look, for example, at the following words from Jesus, recorded in Luke 13:1-5–

    There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

    Here, our Lord refers to two disasters, or tragedies. First, Pilate had murderously slaughtered some Galilean peasants while they were worshipping in Jerusalem. And then, there was a disaster in Siloam (inside the walled city of Jerusalem) when a tower suddenly fell down, crushing 18 people to death. Now, it would pay us great dividends to look at how our Lord interpreted these events, and what He said to the crowds that followed Him.

    Twice our Savior’s reply is, “ unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” The first tragedy was a mass murder. The second was a terrible accident. But the reply of our Lord is precisely the same for both. People have died, some by the hands of a wicked ruler, and others seemingly by chance. But the lesson from these twin tragedies is the same: “ repent” or “ perish”!

    What we don’t find here is Jesus offering ‘hope and comfort’ to the world. Rather, in view of these terrible things, He sounds a dire warning.

    So, what do we make of this? What do we take from this episode in the life of our Lord as we converse with people all around us regarding the deeper significance of the virus that is sweeping our world?

    Following the trajectory of our Lord’s reply, as well as the overall thrust of Scripture, it would seem that there are two ways to view the tragic events of our day:

    One, this nasty virus, and the death and havoc it is bringing down upon us, is a foreshadowing, and a gracious warning, of a greater disaster that awaits the world. The author of Hebrews puts it most succinctly: “ it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).The only way to be prepared for this awful day, and to escape the eternal death this day will surely bring, is to “ repent.”

    Two, then for those who do trust in Christ, we find even in our pains and sufferings the presence and power of our Lord and Champion! It is we, and we alone, who find ‘hope and comfort’ in the middle of this disaster! After all, it was our Incarnate Lord Jesus who came to us that “ he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

    So, what then, do we say to the world today?

    “Our Virus”

    Well, we tell them the whole truth, just as Jesus did! Rather than arguing about what we should call this virus, whether the “Chinese Virus,” “Wuhan Virus,” or simply “COVID-19,” we must first recognize it as “our virus.”

    Like all disasters and tragedies, both moral evils (mass murder and the like) and natural evils (like towers falling by accident), we have brought this one down upon ourselves as well. The inexorable law of God stands unchallenged, “ the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and even now, “ the wrath of God is [being] revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18).

    The profound words of Dr. Helmut Thielicke come to mind:

    “ in all the fateful guilt that hovers over the world, its continents and seas, my guilt is a part of it too. What I see there is my own heart blown up to gigantic, global proportions . . . . [and] what I see there in global proportions must only remind me of my own ‘Babylonian heart’ . . . . I am the one who needs forgiveness, and the sanitation of the world must begin with me” ( Our Heavenly Father: Sermons on the Lord’s Prayer, 104-105).

    To the lost world we say, ‘Repent, for a greater disaster is coming! Yet, in this present moment there is the grace of time to turn away from sin, and to come running to the Savior who has defeated the powers of death and hell! And then, and only then, will you find comfort and hope in the One who is King and Lord of all.’

    And then, to one another, to other brothers and sisters in Christ, we say, ‘Take courage, for our Champion has defeated all hellish powers. We are more than conquerors in Him! There is no fear in His love. Even if we suffer and die, we yet live in our resurrected King! We have His peace to guard our hearts and minds! Let us hold fast our confession of faith in Him alone!’

    Our sermon for this coming Lord’s Day will be taken from Hebrews 2:14-16, the passage I referred to above. And like last week, we will be providing a worship guide for you to make use of as you view the message on Sunday.

    Until we can meet again in person, please know that I love you all so deeply, and that my heart longs to be with you. What a joy it is to be your pastor, your brother in our Savior, and fellow-sharer in the sufferings of Christ our Lord!

    Mike

    Order of Worship:

    This week’s order of worship will be posted on Sunday morning along with a sermon video for use as you worship at home.

    Announcements:

    Resources for Further Study:

    Pastor Mike has posted a list of books on a variety of theological topics that you might find useful. Check out the list by clicking here. You can also find this list from the About Us menu on the web site home page.

    Senior Fellows:

    Senior Fellows activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Women’s Ministry:

    Women’s Ministry activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    There will be a wedding shower for Lauren Tepool on Sunday, April 26th from 2-4pm at the home of Sarah Burgess.

    Children’s Ministry:

    As you know, we have chosen July 13-16 for our VBS week this year. The theme is Olympics! It will be a wonderful time learning about Christ. I am planning to send out my volunteer need list the first of March. Please start praying about what you would like to volunteer with. I need as many as 40 volunteers to make this happen. I cannot wait to see all the people God raises to work with us this year!

    Men’s Studies:

    Men’s activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Career/Singles:

    These activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Youth Group:

    Youth Bible Study for Middle and High School has been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Second Sunday Lunches:

    Second Sunday Lunches are suspended until the virus outbreak is contained.

    Flower Guild:

    Have you noticed the beautiful flowers in the narthex and sanctuary?  The Flower Guild places the flowers weekly.  If you would like to assist in that ministry, please contact Donna Henry or Virdia Jastrebski.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Lynn Doughty, Ramona Edwards, Pat Galecki, Bill Dent, 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; the Elliotts, expecting in May; the Libertos, expecting in August; the Elys, expecting in September.
    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

  • Order of Worship – Sunday March 22 2020

    Dear Church Family,

    This is a worship guide that we have prepared for use today.  It follows our normal schedule of readings from the Old and New Testaments. We would encourage you to follow the order, then listen to the message.

    I love you all!

    Pastor Mike

    Call to Worship:  Psalm 142

    1 With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
    2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
    3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
    4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.
    5 I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
    6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!
    7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.

    Prayer of Adoration:

    Song: How Firm a Foundation (link)

    Song: He Will Hold Me Fast (link)

    The Old Testament Lesson:  Isaiah 42:14-21

    14 For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant.
    15 I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn the rivers into islands, and dry up the pools.
    16 And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.
    17 They are turned back and utterly put to shame, who trust in carved idols, who say to metal images, “You are our gods.” Israel’s Failure to Hear and See
    18 Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see!
    19 Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as my dedicated one, or blind as the servant of the Lord?
    20 He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.
    21 The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify his law and make it glorious.

    Prayer of Confession:

    O Lord Most High, we confess that we have often tried to please You with our righteousness, instead of pleading the righteousness of Christ. We have tried to cleanse our sins by becoming better Christians, rather than receiving forgiveness through Your blood. We have constructed idols for pleasure and for ambition, and have not been joyful in Your presence, nor rested in Your accomplishment. We have sought our nourishment in vain activities and in setting our own course, instead of trusting in Your daily provision.

    Merciful Father, continue to purge our darkened hearts with the light of Your Gospel. Help us not to fear the cleansing work of Your Spirit, but make us eager for it, delight in it, and rejoice with unspeakable joy that we are being conformed to the image of Your dear Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

    Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 54:10

    For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

    Song: Great is Thy Faithfulness (link)

    New Testament Lesson:  Ephesians 5:8-14

    8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

    “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

    Scripture Reading and Prayer of Intercession for the Church: Acts 7:1-26

    The Sermon: “Christ Jesus Our Sanctifier.” Hebrews 2:11-13.

    Song: It Is Well With My Soul (link)

    Closing Prayer:

  • Announcements – March 20 2020

    Sermon Preview

    Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Some Encouragement

    I hope and pray that you are all well, and that even in these difficult times you are experiencing the fullness of joy in our risen Lord and Savior!

    Over the last several days I have been frequently reminded of the wonderful and reassuring words found in Philippians 1:12-14. There the Apostle Paul speaks of the fact that he has been imprisoned for preaching the gospel, what most would consider an absolute disaster, and something that would certainly result in the termination of his ministry. But look at what he says here about all of this:

    I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear(ESV).

    Amazingly, Paul viewed his uncomfortable circumstances as an opportunity for the gospel to advance, not to be impeded! How incredible!

    There is an obvious and most encouraging lesson here for us as we face the uncertainties, interruptions, and potential dangers of the COVID-19 outbreak. What appears to be a setback, or even a loss or tragedy, is often the very means by which our faithful Heavenly Father brings unprecedented blessings to His people, and advances His Kingdom.

    I pray that this one amazing truth will prompt each of us to find the greatest confidence in our Lord today! Let us believe that even in the midst of “ what has happened” to us, He is powerfully at work, not only blessing us in ways that we would never have otherwise experienced, but also providing us with increased opportunities to declare the one Truth that really matters! And let us, in the spirt of such radiant hope in our Lord, be faithful to pray for one another each day!

    The Latest Update on Worship

    Yesterday, the Session made the decision to cancel all Church meetings and activities through Saturday April 4. However, as you know, our State Health Officer issued a directive later in the day that forbids all gatherings of more than 25 people through April 6. This means that we will not have worship together on Palm Sunday, April 5. Should this directive be extended, we will communicate with you as soon as we know. And thank you for your prayers as your Session makes decisions regarding our future meetings.

    Beginning this Sunday, the sermons will be recorded on video each week, and will then be uploaded to the internet where you may view them at any time thereafter. Once the video for this Sunday is ready, we will send out a notice to the Church family.

    Sermon Preview

    Finally, our sermon for this Sunday will come from Hebrews 2:11-13. Below is a Worship Guide that you may use as you view the message.

    I miss you all so much and pray for you constantly! Please let me, the Session, or any of our Deacons know how we may help you in any way at all.

    All my love for each of you through our glorious and gracious Lord,

    Mike

    Order of Worship:

    This week’s order of worship will be posted on Sunday morning along with a sermon video for use as you worship at home.

    Announcements:

    Resources for Further Study:

    Pastor Mike has posted a list of books on a variety of theological topics that you might find useful. Check out the list by clicking here. You can also find this list from the About Us menu on the web site home page.

    Transportation for Ms. Terry:

    We are so thankful for all of you who have volunteered to bring Ms. Jean Terry to worship each week while the Terrys are out of town.
    Please sign up on our list HERE.
    Contact Kim Fohrell if you have any questions: fohrell@att.net

    Senior Fellows:

    Senior Fellows activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Women’s Ministry:

    Women’s Ministry activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    There will be a wedding shower for Lauren Tepool on Sunday, April 26th from 2-4pm at the home of Sarah Burgess.

    Children’s Ministry:

    As you know, we have chosen July 13-16 for our VBS week this year. The theme is Olympics! It will be a wonderful time learning about Christ. I am planning to send out my volunteer need list the first of March. Please start praying about what you would like to volunteer with. I need as many as 40 volunteers to make this happen. I cannot wait to see all the people God raises to work with us this year!

    Men’s Studies:

    Men’s activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Career/Singles:

    These activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Youth Group:

    Youth Bible Study for Middle and High School has been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

    Second Sunday Lunches:

    Second Sunday Lunches are suspended until the virus outbreak is contained.

    Flower Guild:

    Have you noticed the beautiful flowers in the narthex and sanctuary?  The Flower Guild places the flowers weekly.  If you would like to assist in that ministry, please contact Donna Henry or Virdia Jastrebski.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Ramona Edwards, Pat Galecki, Bill Dent, 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; the Elliotts, expecting in May; the Libertos, expecting in August; the Elys, expecting in September.
    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

  • COVID-19 Update on Church Activities – ALL CANCELED THROUGH APRIL 4

    Brothers and Sisters,

    The Session made the decision today to cancel all Church meetings and activities through Saturday April 4.

    Our sermons for 3/22 and 3/29 will be video recored and uploaded to our website.

    We will make a decision later regarding our future schedule, and I’ll keep you posted.

    I love you all . . . praying for you always . . . and please let me know if you need anything at all!!

    Mike

  • March 15 Sermon Posted

    My Beloved Church Family,

    Today’s sermon from Hebrews 2 is on our website (as well as last week’s message).  Just click on the Sermon button and you will be able to download and listen to the message.

    I want to sincerely thank D. J. Alhorn (and my special ‘assistant,’ Parker Calvert!) for meeting me at the Church this morning and taking care of the recording and all of the technical matters.  We will follow this procedure again next Lord’s Day as well.

    I preached this message from our pulpit, just as I would on any other Sunday (the robe excepted . . . first time I’ve ever preached in Church  on a Sunday while wearing a jogging outfit!!).  And as I preached, I imagined each of you in the pews, Bible’s opened, and hearts and minds attentive to the Word of God.

    Our prayer is that, while not the ideal situation, this recording might nonetheless be used of the Spirit to nourish your souls, lift your hearts, and fill you with an unconquerable joy, even amidst these trying hours.

    We don’t know how long the present crisis will last. But one thing we know for sure is that all of this, down to the very smallest details and circumstances, rests securely in the mighty hands of the One who has loved us so amazingly.  We are not to be afraid.  We are not to doubt His tender mercies and constant watch-care over us.  Even this very moment, our Savior sits on His throne, where He “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25). Praise His Dear Name!

    Please remember, that even though for a little while we cannot assemble together, we remain the eternally loved body of Christ.  No virus, or even the very powers of hell itself, can ever threaten the flock that our “Good Shepherd” purchased with His own blood!  We are all one in the One who loved us!

    As you go about this week, with whatever challenges the Lord allows to confront us, please remember that my ministry to you will continue as always.  And I also speak for my dear and faithful brothers on the Session and the Diaconate. We are always here for you!

    I love you all so very much, and may our Father bless you richly as you receive His all-sufficient Word.

    Mike

    PS:  Some have asked about how to give your tithes and offerings on these Sunday’s when we cannot meet.  As for now, the best answer is to mail in your gifts to the Church.

    The address is:

    Christ Presbyterian Church
    288 Old Highway 431 South
    Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

  • COVID-19 Update on Church Activities – ALL WORSHIP AND ACTIVITIES CANCELED

    Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    In light of the growing concerns regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and the recent declaration of states of emergency in both Alabama and across the nation, your Session has made the decision to  cancel worship and all Church activities for the next two weeks, beginning tomorrow. This cancellation includes all Church-sponsored weekday meetings and Bible Studies.

    Following this two-week period of suspension, we will then re-evaluate the situation and make decisions about future gatherings of the congregation.

    We believe that this unprecedented action, while difficult to take in one sense, is absolutely essential for the protection of our members, guests, and our community. We are also joined in this decision by a host of other local churches and sister PCA congregations, both here in Huntsville and all across the country.

    I am very much thankful that our President has called the nation to prayer tomorrow, and I would ask that we join together in spirit to lift up our hearts to our heavenly Father in fervent supplication for His great mercy upon us.  And as we pray, let us also ask that the Name of our dear Lord and Savior might be magnified even in this, and that we might bear a powerful witness to the Gospel as we endure these uncertain and trying days.

    On these two next Sundays let me encourage you to gather with your families and loved ones for worship, prayer, and the reading of God’s Word.  The Order of Service for tomorrow’s worship is posted on our website, and you might use our Scriptures readings, songs, and confessions to assist you. We will also post next week’s Order on the site as well.

    In addition, I am hoping to record tomorrow’s sermon (and next week’s message) and post it online. When this is done, I will let you know.  And should the cancellation of our worship services extend further, I will continue to prepare and record the sermons from Hebrews each week.

    During these two weeks, our Session and Deacons will shepherd and serve you as we always do. Nothing at all will change in terms of our ministry to the congregation, and I remain available to care for you in any way that is needed.  And, let us all be very deliberate in our efforts to bear one another’s burdens, to love one another as Christ has loved us, and to assist each other and our neighbors as needs develop.

    A Word of Encouragement

    As I sit here in my study typing these words, there are many emotions flooding my soul.  And I believe you share them as well. I am sad that we cannot meet together tomorrow, fearful about the extent of this emergency and its potential effects upon our lives, concerned about the health and well-being of my dear Church family, and hopeful that this will pass quickly, and that the Lord will be merciful to those who become ill.

    But far above them all, I am thankful to our Lord for you, and full of praise for all of the blessings He has so abundantly bestowed upon us through the years!

    For fifteen years we have witnessed the unfailing power and faithfulness of our Father. He has truly “ blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).  He has nourished us on His Word, carried our burdens, answered our prayers, forgiven our sins, filled us with His Spirit, abundantly supplied our every need, and even more! And He has so graciously used our little flock to bring the Gospel to our community, and equipped us to be “ salt” and “ light” (Matthew 5:13-14). Praise the Lord!!

    If I might borrow some additional inspired words from the Apostle Paul, our Father has indeed “ begun a good work” in us, and He has promised that He will surely “ bring it to completion” for His own glory (Philippians 1:6).

    This magnificent promise is not in the least way threatened by any virus, or any adversity for that matter!  This present emergency, like all of the emergencies and calamities throughout human history, is fully under His sovereign command!  His “ good work” will never be frustrated!  And the witness of Scripture is that our dear Father takes a special delight in revealing His grace and mighty power in times of profound human weakness and inadequacy, with the result that He alone is glorified!

    Let us cling to this promise! Let us rejoice in our afflictions! Let us believe that His Holy will shall be accomplished! And let us stand together in His unfailing grace and strength!

    I love you all more than I can describe with words!

    May our Lord richly bless you all and keep you in His tender care,

    Mike

    PS: Please help us pass the word regarding the cancellation of our services to any guests who have been visiting with us.

  • Announcements and Order of Worship – March 13 2020

    Sermon Preview

    Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

    Before I share our weekly sermon preview with you, I want to say a brief word about all that is going on regarding the corona virus that is so drastically impacting our lives.

    The presence of this virus (and its rapid spread and sweeping effects) is only adding to what has proven to be a very interesting last several years in our world, to say the least! There have been colossal, and seemingly unprecedented, disruptions in every area of life. Most disturbingly, we’ve witnessed these enormous shifts in the arena of basic human morality and decency. We have seen shocking developments and declensions (and occurring with such speed!) that we could have never anticipated.

    And now, as if all of this were not enough, we are dealing with a threat (whether simply perceived and somewhat overblown, or terrifyingly real) that has essentially called a halt to our normal everyday lives and routines. So, what shall we do?

    Let me encourage each of us to do what believers in our Sovereign Lord and Savior have always done in times like these:

    Let us rest in the perfect faithfulness and love of our Father in Heaven!

    Let us rejoice even in our afflictions and tribulations!

    Let us fear no evil, for He is always with us!

    Let us continue to worship and serve Him who is the King and Lord of all!

    Let us pray without ceasing!

    Let us reckon the sufferings of this present world as nothing in comparison to the glory that will be ours in the presence of our Lord!

    Let us embrace and enjoy His peace, that far surpasses all human comprehension!

    And let us love one another as He has loved us, and freely given Himself upon the cross for our redemption!

    May our Lord use these uncertain and tumultuous days to make our faith stronger and deeper. And may our lives be further purified and made worthy of the Holy Name we bear!

    Before leaving this subject, let me commend to you a very helpful word from Dr. John Piper. The link to his post is below, and I pray it will richly bless and encourage you today.

    https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-we-make-sense-of-the-coronavirus

    On Sunday, as we gather before our Triune God, our sermon will come from Hebrews 2:10. While this is only one verse of Scripture, like so many others we have seen along the way, it is filled to the brim with truths about our Lord and the salvation He has won for us.

    As you meditate upon this passage, allow me to suggest that you especially focus upon these words that appear in the verse (based on the ESV): “ fitting,” “ founder,” and the phrase “ perfect through suffering.”

    I eagerly look forward to our gathering together in the presence of our Savior, and I love you all so very much, and never, ever, cease praying for you!

    Some Important News from the Session

    Before I go, I want to tell you about a very important action that your Session has recently taken.

    As you know, there is a debate within the broader Evangelical Church over the issue of ‘same sex attraction,’ and, more specifically, over whether a celibate believer in Christ may identify as a ‘gay Christian.’ This issue has also been at the epicenter of much recent controversy within the PCA, and is officially under investigation by a specially appointed Study Committee on Sexuality formed last summer by our General Assembly.

    Over the last several months, your Session has spoken openly to you about our serious concerns regarding this matter. We have taken the position that such an identification is not only unwarranted and inappropriate, but also strikes at the very heart of our understanding of the Biblical teaching on human sexuality, marriage, temptation, and sin. It also has massive implications for our Doctrine of Christ’s Humanity. Fundamentally, it is both a matter of Scriptural interpretation and Scriptural authority. You might recall that we have sought to explain and defend our positon from Scripture in recent Sunday School classes.

    As we await the conclusions of the Study Committee (which may be presented at the General Assembly this June), your Session has made the decision to officially adopt a theological and pastoral statement produced by one of our sister PCA congregations, Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. And just in case you’re not familiar with this Church, Briarwood (pastored at the time by Rev. Frank Barker) served as the ‘flagship’ Church when the PCA was first established by theological conservatives in 1973.

    Last summer, the Session of Briarwood Church authored what they have called ‘ The Briarwood Statement: A Theological Ministry Statement on Homosexuality with 10 Affirmations and Denials.’ As stated, the purpose for the production and adoption of this document is,

    “ to serve as both a clear theological statement of truth amidst the unnecessarily confusing language prevalent in our culture and, at the same time, a practical ministry tool that communicates truth in love.”

    Your Session is in full agreement with the contents and purpose of this Statement. Furthermore, with the blessing and encouragement of the Briarwood Session, the Session of CPC has formally adopted it as our own position.

    We join with our brother Elders at Briarwood in these 10 affirmations and denials, and we pray that by embracing them as our own we can stand with others in our denomination who share similar concerns and theological positions.

    Below you will find a link to this Statement, and we would encourage you to read over it carefully and prayerfully. Then, on Sunday April 5, the Session of CPC will be conducting a special one-day Adult Sunday School class where we will discuss this Statement and seek to answer your questions.

    In the meantime, please join us in fervent prayer for our Church and for the PCA. We believe that we have arrived at a most critical turning point in the history of our denomination, and we need both courage and clarity as we seek to stand upon those Biblical truths which we have always held and proclaimed.

    https://briarwood.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Briarwood-Statement_June-2019.pdf

    Upcoming Events:

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


    Widget not in any sidebars

    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 Sing The Almighty Power of God – Hymn 119, vs 1-3
    My Help, My God (based on Psalm 42)
    Precious Lamb of God (There is a Redeemer)
    Holy, Holy, Holy – Hymn 100, all 4 verses

    Announcements:

    Resources for Further Study:

    Pastor Mike has posted a list of books on a variety of theological topics that you might find useful. Check out the list by clicking here. You can also find this list from the About Us menu on the web site home page.

    Transportation for Ms. Terry:

    We are so thankful for all of you who have volunteered to bring Ms. Jean Terry to worship each week while the Terrys are out of town.
    Please sign up on our list HERE.
    Contact Kim Fohrell if you have any questions: fohrell@att.net

    Senior Fellows:

    On Tuesday, March 17 at 10:00 AM the Senior Fellows will pick up Bags of Blessings supplies at SAM’s on South Parkway. Carpools will leave church at 9:15 AM.

    On Monday, March 23 at 2:00 PM the Senior Fellows will attend the IMAX presentation “Winter Skies” at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. For more information, contact Jack Loose at 256-881-8953 or jackdloose@gmail.com.

    Women’s Ministry:

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

    There will be a wedding shower for Lauren Tepool on Sunday, April 26th from 2-4pm at the home of Sarah Burgess.

    Children’s Ministry:

    As you know, we have chosen July 13-16 for our VBS week this year. The theme is Olympics! It will be a wonderful time learning about Christ. I am planning to send out my volunteer need list the first of March. Please start praying about what you would like to volunteer with. I need as many as 40 volunteers to make this happen. I cannot wait to see all the people God raises to work with us 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

    Also, continuing every other Wednesday, from Noon until 1:00 PM, Pastor Mike will be teaching a Men’s Lunch-time Bible Study. The study will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn near the old Landry’s restaurant location, just off I-565. We will be studying the Gospel of John, and all the men of the Church and guests are invited to participate. And, if you’d like to eat with us, then bring your own lunch and we will share both physical and spiritual food!

    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:

    Youth Bible Study for Middle and High School that was scheduled for March 15 from 4:30-6:15 PM is cancelled.

    RUF Snacks:

    One more time this school year! If you have missed the opportunity in the past this is your chance! THIS COMING SUNDAY we will signup the people to help! Bring the item to CHURCH on SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 22. They will be brought to campus for the large group meeting on Monday evening. Vinnie Athey shared with the Senior Fellows on Tuesday morning how important this fellowship time before and after the meeting is to the life of the students and the ministry there. We can help!
    Judi Fikes will be in the narthex standing with the logo sign THIS COMING SUNDAY to sign up… Items will be listed.

    Second Sunday Lunches:

    Second Sunday Lunches are suspended until the virus outbreak is contained.

    Flower Guild:

    Have you noticed the beautiful flowers in the narthex and sanctuary?  The Flower Guild places the flowers weekly.  If you would like to assist in that ministry, please contact Donna Henry or Virdia Jastrebski.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Ramona Edwards, Pat Galecki, Bill Dent, 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; the Elliotts, expecting in May; the Libertos, expecting in August; the Elys, expecting in September.
    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

  • Announcement – COVID-19 Note from the Session

    Dear Church Family,

    The Session has recently discussed how our Church members might respond to the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus, and how we could play our part in trying to limit its spread.

    Given what we know today, our encouragement to you is this:

    • If you are suffering from a chronic or acute illness, or are frail in health, we would counsel you to avoid gathering at church.
    • If you have traveled to other areas of our country, or outside the US, please use great caution. If you believe you may have been exposed to someone displaying symptoms of the virus, then we would encourage you to follow the published health guidelines and avoid church attendance for two weeks.
    • It will also be appropriate to limit close physical contact with one another as we assemble for worship, and our various weekly Bible studies and group meetings, until the threat of infection has passed.
    • Then, of course, we should all most fervently pray that our Sovereign Lord will protect and bless us and our community as we place our trust in Him.

    In regard to our observance of Communion, the Session is temporarily suspending our weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper. We are doing this out of an abundance of caution. As we continue to assess the situation, we will keep you informed as to when we will resume our observance.

    Otherwise, if you are healthy, by all means meet with the saints as we continue to worship our Lord and King!

    Our regular Sunday schedule will be in place, with Sunday School and Worship at the normal times.

    Your Elders and Deacons will closely monitor the situation, and will stay informed as to any recommendations that may be issued by our governmental health officials.

    We love you all,

    The Session of CPC

  • Announcements and Order of Worship – March 6 2020

    Sermon Preview

    Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    What’s love got to do with it?

    Before you read this note any further, I want to invite you to do something.

    If you have a Bible program on your computer, or app on your phone, that allows you to do a word search, look up “love” (you can also use an ‘old fashioned’ concordance).

    As you do, notice how many times the word “love” appears in the New Testament.

    Then check out how many times the word “love” appears in the Epistle to the Hebrews.

    Take a few minutes right now to do this . . . I’ll wait for you!

    Ok . . . so what did you find?

    You likely discovered that “love” is found six times in Hebrews.

    Then, if you looked further, you would have discovered that only one time is the word “love” used in reference to God’s love for us. And this is in 12:6 where we read that, “ the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

    Now, this seems very odd to me!

    There is no mention of Christ’s love for us.

    There is no mention of the fact that God the Father loved sinners and, therefore, sent His Son to save them by dying on the cross!

    We don’t see love connected at all to our salvation. . . not even once!

    And this appears strange because it is in this amazing book that the ministry of Christ as our High Priest is so uniquely and powerfully set forth!

    Why, in a book about the sacrifice of Christ for our sins is there no mention of “love”?

    There is no statement to the effect that Jesus loved us, and died for us because of it?

    “Love” in disguise!

    Well, as we will see this coming Lord’s day, Hebrews may not tell us that we are loved as much as other New Testament books do. Yet, it shows us what love does in a way that is surely unique among the inspired Scriptures!

    Our sermon text for Sunday will be Hebrews 2:4-9. And I would invite you to read and meditate upon this passage for a while this weekend.

    And as you do, see if you can discover God’s amazing love in disguise. See if you can uncover what it is that love does! And then, we will all know for sure what love’s got to do with it!

    Time Change This Saturday Night

    Just a reminder that it’s that dreaded weekend when we ‘Spring Forward.’ Be sure to adjust your clocks accordingly before you go to sleep on Saturday night.

    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.


    Widget not in any sidebars

    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:

    O Worship the King – Hymn 2 v. 1,4-5
    The Precious Blood
    Be Thou My Vision – Hymn 642v. 1-2,4-5
    Why So Heavy

    Announcements:

    Resources for Further Study:

    Pastor Mike has posted a list of books on a variety of theological topics that you might find useful. Check out the list by clicking here. You can also find this list from the About Us menu on the web site home page.

    Transportation for Ms. Terry:

    We are so thankful for all of you who have volunteered to bring Ms. Jean Terry to worship each week while the Terrys are out of town.
    Please sign up on our list HERE.
    Contact Kim Fohrell if you have any questions: fohrell@att.net

    Senior Fellows:

    On Tuesday, March 17 at 10:00 AM the Senior Fellows will pick up Bags of Blessings supplies at SAM’s on South Parkway. Carpools will leave church at 9:15 AM.

    On Monday, March 23 at 2:00 PM the Senior Fellows will attend the IMAX presentation “Winter Skies” at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. For more information, contact Jack Loose at 256-881-8953 or jackdloose@gmail.com.

    Women’s Ministry:

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

    Our women’s luncheon is Thursday, March 5 at 11:30at Timber’s Edge Clubhouse.

    There will be a wedding shower for Lauren Tepool on Sunday, April 26th from 2-4pm at the home of Sarah Burgess.

    Children’s Ministry:

    As you know, we have chosen July 13-16 for our VBS week this year. The theme is Olympics! It will be a wonderful time learning about Christ. I am planning to send out my volunteer need list the first of March. Please start praying about what you would like to volunteer with. I need as many as 40 volunteers to make this happen. I cannot wait to see all the people God raises to work with us 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

    Also, continuing every other Wednesday, from Noon until 1:00 PM, Pastor Mike will be teaching a Men’s Lunch-time Bible Study. The study will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn near the old Landry’s restaurant location, just off I-565. We will be studying the Gospel of John, and all the men of the Church and guests are invited to participate. And, if you’d like to eat with us, then bring your own lunch and we will share both physical and spiritual food!

    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:

    Youth Bible Study for Middle and High School continues March 15 from 4:30-6:15 PM.

    RUF Snacks:

    Check this space for info about our next RUF snack signup!

    Second Sunday Lunches:

    Please click this link to sign up to help with the Second Sunday Lunch, THIS Sunday, March 8.
    The menu is Jambalaya, Salad, Bread and Tea. No seafood will be in the Jambalaya.
    Thank you!
    Sincerely,
    Denise Brown

    Church Picnic:

    Save the date for the Spring Picnic on Sunday, April 5th at 4 pm at Monte Sano State Park. More details will come out next month, but for now, mark your calendars.

    Flower Guild:

    Have you noticed the beautiful flowers in the narthex and sanctuary?  The Flower Guild places the flowers weekly.  If you would like to assist in that ministry, please contact Donna Henry or Virdia Jastrebski.

    Prayer Requests:

    Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Ramona Edwards, Pat Galecki, Bill Dent, 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; the Elliotts, expecting in May; the Libertos, expecting in August; the Elys, expecting in September.
    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