This Sunday we will complete our studies in the Book of Ezekiel. The sermon text will be taken from Ezekiel 48:30-35. In this final section of the prophecy, Ezekiel gives us a short description of the new heavenly city of Jerusalem, the city of God. However, the name of this city has been changed from “Jerusalem” to “The LORD is there” (v. 35).
What the prophet has envisioned here is the final dwelling place for all of God’s redeemed people, the place we know as “heaven.” This is confirmed when we examine John’s use of this same vision in Revelation 21:10-22:15 (be sure to look carefully at this passage before Sunday).
If you have ever wondered what heaven is like, then both Ezekiel and John will shed much light on the answer. Amazingly, the place that our Lord has prepared for us (John 14:1-4) can be described by the combined images of a new people, a new temple, a new city, and a new land!
The Next Sermon Series
The Lord willing, on Sunday February 23 we will begin a new series of sermons on the First Epistle to Timothy. Of course, this is the Apostle Paul’s first letter to his protégé and fellow-pastor Timothy. I look forward to digging deep into this inspired letter that speaks so powerfully about the purpose, leadership, and work of a true New Testament Church.
A Word About the Lord’s Supper
Our Presbytery recently passed a rule regarding the distribution of the Lord’s Supper. In order to come into closer conformity to our Book of Church Order, the Presbytery ruled that only Teaching and Ruling Elders may distribute the elements to the communicants. As you know, we (along with other PCA congregations) have used our Deacons to assist the Elders with the serving of the Supper (and we are most thankful for their help!). However, beginning this Sunday we will restrict the distribution to our Session Members. Thank you for your patience with us as we learn how to do this in the most efficient and timely manner.
Congregational Meeting on Sunday March 30
On Sunday March 30, immediately following the Service of Worship, there will be a Called Meeting of the Congregation for the purpose of Electing Deacons. In keeping with the Book of Church Order, on Friday February 28th the Session will provide you with a list of the men who have been nominated, trained, and examined for the Office of Deacon. This will certainly be another great milestone in the life of our Church, and please put this on your prayer list.
I love you all so much, and rejoice each day in each of you,
Mike
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Members Class – New member class starts this Sunday and will be conducted over five Sundays during the Sunday school hour, February 16th – March 16th. You must attend four of the five sessions to become a member.
Senior Brunch – The Christ Pres Children’s Ministry invites our senior brothers and sisters for brunch on Saturday, March 1 at 9:00am in the church fellowship hall. Please RSVP HERE or in the narthex.
Officer Election – All communing members are encouraged to participate in our next officer election for our deacon candidates. The congregational meeting will be immediately following morning worship on Sunday, March 30th.
Midweek Fellowship – Please join us for church-wide fellowship, dinner, and discipleship for all ages on Wednesday, February 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 at the church. The dinner theme is Italian cuisine. Adult discipleship classes will be a) Biblical Wisdom for Parents of Adult Children: Practical Solutions for Common Relational Problems and b) Christian Charity. The next Midweek gathering will be Wednesday, March 26th.
Children’s Ministry – Save the date: VBS 2025 will be June 9-12. Please contact Anne Swanner if you are interested in serving.
Women’s Ministry
• Family Forum Date Change – Fellowship and teaching for our moms with elementary-aged children and younger will be Tuesday, February 18th from 6:30-8:30pm at the home of Leslie Jeffery.
• Tuesday morning study at 9:30am at the church – Revelation study by Jen Wilkin (Childcare provided).
• Tuesday evening study at 6pm at the church – Esther study by Lydia Brownback
• Wednesday morning study at 10am at the church – Hebrews study by Jen Wilkin.
• Women’s monthly luncheon is the first Thursday of every month at 11:00am at the Timbers Edge Clubhouse. All ladies are invited!
• Senior Sisters monthly meeting is on the third Thursday from 10-11:30am.
• Senior Sisters weekly exercise class meets Tuesdays at the church, 10-11:30am.
Men’s Ministry
• Men’s Friday Bible study meets 11:30-12:30 in the church fellowship room. The men will study the miracles in the Gospel of John.
• Men’s Devotion/Prayer meets Tuesdays at 6:30am at the office of Paul Matheny. Please contact Adam Turnbull with questions.
• Junior Fellows – Next meeting will be a game night at DJ Alhorn’s house on February 21st at 6pm.
• Senior Fellows – Next breakfast will be at 9:00am on Tuesday, March 4th.
Youth Ministry – Sunday Night Youth will meet Sunday, February 16th, in the Church House from 4:30-6:30.
Career Ministry – Bible study & fellowship meets Sundays at 7pm 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, Sonny Henry, Elizabeth Holton, Ned Nuwayhid, Joe Sims, Dona Sims, and Steve Terry
Expecting – Please pray for the Bucks and Butlers due in April and the Thompsons due in June.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries:
• Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland)
• Noah and Karleigh Stephens (Thailand)
• Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH)
• Marcus and Jessica Nobles (RUF at Alabama A&M)
• Northeast Alabama 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)