Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
At this same time every year, I always think very hard about the final sermon that will be preached before the beginning of the new year. For several weeks now, my heart has been drawn to the inspired words of the prophet Isaiah that are found in Isaiah 42:3–
“a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench.”
The One speaking is the Almighty Himself, “God the Lord” (v. 5). And He is describing the ministry and mission of the One who is called “My Servant” (v. 1).
Virtually every Old Testament expert who comments on this passage makes note of the tenderness and compassion that both flows from the Servant’s heart, and is to be beautifully, and perfectly, expressed in His mission. Here, of course, is a prophecy of Jesus our Lord, who would come to seek and save the lost, those despised souls that are depicted as bruised reeds and smoldering wicks.
But there is yet another amazing message contained in this prophecy of our Savior’s love and tenderness. It is one that applies to those who already belong to Him by faith. Without spoiling the plot, let me just say that this message is very fitting for the ending of one year and the beginning of another!
Remember, No Sunday School This Sunday
Beginning January 5, 2025 we will resume Sunday School at 9:15 AM. We will also begin a new Adult Class on Psalm 119, ‘The Great Psalm.’ This will be an 8-week study of the longest Psalm, 176 verses!
I love you all with all my heart,
Mike
ANNOUNCEMENTS
No Sunday School – December 29th
Women’s Ministry
• Ladies’ Bible Studies will resume in January.
• Women’s next monthly luncheon is Thursday, January 2nd at 11:00 at Timbers Edge Clubhouse.
• Senior Sisters next monthly meeting is Thursday, January 16th from 10-11:30am.
• Senior Sisters weekly exercise class meets Tuesdays at the church, 10:00 to 11:30am.
Men’s Ministry
• Men’s Devotion/Prayer will resume Tuesday, January 7th at 6:30am at the office of Paul Matheny. Please contact Adam Turnbull with questions.
• Junior Fellows – Next meeting is Friday, January 3rd at 6pm at DJ Alhorn’s house for pizza and game night. Contact DJ for details.
• Senior Fellows – Next breakfast will be at 9:00am on Tuesday, January 7th.
Youth Ministry
• The annual Providence Presbytery youth Roots retreat will be on January 24th – 26th at CampToKnowHim. Please contact Gannon Miles for details and registration.
Career Ministry – No meeting December 29. Regular Bible study/fellowship will resume January 12, 2025 at the home of Jim and Sharon Daughtry.
See christpreshamptoncove.org for detailed news and upcoming events.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Care and Healing – Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Collins Bailey, Maurice Belrose, Bill Cowley, Amy Fortenberry, Ken Galecki (brother of Leon Galecki), Sonny Henry, Elizabeth Holton, Ned Nuwayhid, Joe Sims, and Steve Terry
Expecting – Please pray for the Bucks and Butlers due in April.
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
• Adam & Lisa Venable (Southside Presbyterian Church)