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