Announcements – May 10, 2024

My Beloved Church Family,
In Romans 10:14 the Apostle Paul raises one of the biggest questions of life: “how shall they hear without a preacher?”  Then, just three verses later he makes what is really a startling claim about preachers and preaching: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (10:17).  Flowing between the lines of this remarkable statement is the fact that preaching, when done faithfully, is the very “word of Christ” to His people and to the world!
In light of this truth, it was Dr. D. Martyn-Lloyd Jones, arguably one of the greatest of modern preachers, who said that “the main task of the Church and of the Christian minister is the preaching of the Word of God” (Preaching & Preachers, p. 19).  No one who reads the Bible faithfully could argue against this.
Surprisingly, this is where the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel can help us tremendously.  As we discovered last Lord’s Day, a wealth of truth regarding the essential ministry of preaching may be gleaned from the opening chapters of his prophecy.  You will remember that we were able to extract a basic definition of preaching from Ezekiel 2:7–“speak My words to them.”  Simply expressed, preaching is the delivery of God’s Word by a God-called man to God’s redeemed people, and to the world.
But what about the preacher himself?  What are the characteristics that should distinguish and identify him? What are his duties and obligations?  Well, once again Ezekiel comes to our aid.
As we examine Ezekiel 2:8-3:3 for a second time this coming Sunday, we will uncover a portrait of a faithful preacher.  Here is what he must do and what he must be.  Here is his divinely-ordained job description.  Here is what all preachers must engage in. Here we will find what every Christian Church must seek and expect in a preacher.
Let me encourage you to prayerfully reflect upon this passage and its wider context (2:1-3:4) as we prepare to come together in worship this Lord’s Day.  And let us get on our knees and beseech our Sovereign King to enable our spiritual ‘ears’ to hear and respond to the voice of our Great Shepherd!
I love you all with all of my heart,
Mike

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Video Team – The video team is working on a project to show how God has worked through the church in the past 19 years. If you would like to be interviewed, please see Timothy Alhorn.

Children’s Ministry
• Nursery
– We still have some volunteer slots open this quarter to help in the nursery. Please see the link in your email or sign up on the paper sheet in the narthex. Contact Amanda Dean if you have any questions.
• VBS – Register online for VBS on June 10-13, 2024. Please contact Anne Swanner if you are interested in serving at VBS this year.

Women’s Ministry
• Tuesday morning study meets 9:30-11am at the church. Childcare provided. Bible study concludes May 21st.
• Senior Sisters meet monthly on the third Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30am.
• Senior Sisters exercise class meets Tuesdays at the church, 10:00 to 11:30am.
• Monthly luncheon held the first Thursday of the month at Timbers Edge Clubhouse at 11am.

Men’s Ministry
Senior Fellows – Our next breakfast will be at 9:00am on Tuesday, June 4th.
Men’s Lunchtime Bible Study – Meets Fridays at 11:30 in the Fellowship Hall

Career Ministry – Bible study & fellowship meets at the home of Jim and Sharon Daughtry, Sundays at 5:30 pm.

Bridal Shower – A bridal shower honoring Katy Yonkee will be held at the home of Mrs. Debi Walker on Sunday, May 19th from 2-4. 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Healing – Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Collins Bailey, Maurice Belrose, Marilyn Calvert, Bill Cowley, Amy Fortenberry, Sonny Henry, Elizabeth Holton, Steve Terry and Kristy York

Expecting – Please pray for the Thornhills due in September and the Kings due in October.

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)
• Marcus and Jessica Nobles (RUF at Alabama A&M)
• Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA)
• Franky and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada)
• Dieter and Marty Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL)
• The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center
• Southside Presbyterian Church