Sermon Preview

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Let me thank you once again for the abundant patience and grace that you displayed as we restarted our worship together last Lord’s Day! Thank you for joyfully enduring the inconveniences that our security measures have necessitated.  And, more than anything, thank you for your faithful prayers for the Session as we continue to plan our worship gatherings in the immediate future.

This week, and perhaps for a few more, we will generally follow the pattern for worship that we set last Sunday.  One change that we will implement this week is that, out of an abundance of caution, there will be no congregational singing.  Our worship team will be providing some special music in the place of our songs and hymns.  Also, please remember that face coverings are strongly recommend by our State Health Department, and if you plan on using one please bring your own to worship.

In the very near future, the Session hopes to begin observing Communion once we have developed a plan to administer the Supper safely to the congregation.

For those who are at higher risk and are not yet able to attend, we hope the audio and video recordings have enabled you to be a part of our gatherings, in spirit if not physically. All of us long for that day when the danger of infection has passed and we may share fellowship together as the Lord’s beloved bride.  Again, we want to assure you that if you have any fears of gathering with us, we fully understand and would encourage you not to attend at this time.

Sunday’s Message

Our sermon this coming Sunday will introduce us to one of my all-time favorite Biblical topics. And I would ask that you spend time prayerfully reading and getting acquainted with Hebrews 3:18-4:11. In this section of the Epistle, the author speaks of God’s “ rest.” Later in the paragraph he calls this a “ Sabbath rest” (4:9).

Then, dotted throughout these inspired verses there is warning after warning not to forfeit God’s rest through unbelief and disobedience.  And once again, the author uses the Old Testament Israelites as prime examples of what not to do.

And yet, along with all of the many ominous calls to vigilance, there is also a blessed promise for each of us who know our dear Savior!

On Sunday, we will conduct a ‘fly-over’ of these verses, and we will introduce ourselves to the background of this great Scriptural theme of God’s Sabbath rest.

I love you all and pray for you all constantly!

Mike

Online Orders of Worship:

Below is are printable versions of this week’s Order of Worship and Children’s Bulletin

Order of Worship
Children’s Bulletin

Announcements:

COVID-19 Message:

Our weekly service of worship has resumed! Please observe the following guidelines. First, practice distancing as much as possible – no physical contact, and keep 6 feet between your family and other families. Sit in pews where marked. There will be no nursery or childcare, or any other food or beverages on church property. There will also be no communion or congregational singing. Masks are highly encouraged. There will be no Sunday School until September. Per the State Health Department, if you have been in contact with someone who been sick, if you feel sick yourself, or if you have any pre-existing health conditions, you should remain at home. We will continue to provide a recording of the worship service to allow for participation in worship at home.

Message from your Diaconate:

As we continue through this difficult time, if you have needs of any kind, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Diaconate. We’re eager to help you or to find someone who can. This is one of the main reasons the church has deacons, to make sure that congregational needs are being met. Please remember that your Diaconate and Session are praying for you, and we’re here to help however we can.

Psummer Psalms:

Announcing our 3rd year of Psummer Psalms! Everyone, young and old, is invited to memorize one entire Psalm this summer. Then join us for a recitation and light dinner at church on Sunday afternoon, Aug 16. Recitation can be individual, or together in a group or family. New this year: a trophy t-shirt for anyone who recites an entire Psalm from memory! If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com for periodic encouragement and accountability.

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:

Women’s, Children’s, Career/Singles, and Youth Ministries:

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

Men’s Studies:

The weekly Men’s study of John Calvin’s Institutes is meeting via Zoom, contact Daron Drown for details.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Ramona Edwards, Bill Dent, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for 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.

Online Donations:

If you would like to give to Christ Presbyterian, you can do so at the following link:

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