Sermon Preview:
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
As we prepare for the Second Sunday of Advent, let me encourage you to read and mediate upon the second of Isaiah’s four ‘ Servant Songs’ found in Isaiah 49:1-13.
As you consider these words, the theme of redemption will become most evident. Here is the promise that the One who is called God’s “ Servant” will save His chosen people by means of the Father’s rich compassion and mercy! And not only will He restore captive Israel and bring them back to life as His people in His grace and mercy, He will also extend God’s gracious salvation to the ends of the earth itself!
I can’t wait to explore this inspired ‘Christmas Song’ with you on this coming Lord’s Day!
Christmas Eve Service
We look forward to our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion on Thursday night, December 24 at 5:00 PM. We will gather to read God’s Word, sing some of the wonderful hymns and carols of Christmas, and observe the Lord’s Supper. The service will last under one hour, and all members and guests are warmly invited.
A Special Plan for Unusual Times
It goes without saying that we have had great challenges over the course of the last eight months. And one of the biggest is that many of our members have been unable to attend our worship services due to health concerns related to the virus. Again, let me say that we are so very grateful for the faithful and tireless efforts of Drew Thompson to provide a video recording of the services each week!
But, obviously, those who cannot come have not been able to share in the Lord’s Supper with us. As your pastor, this weighs most heavily upon my heart, for we believe that Communion is one of the chief and essential ways we are strengthened, nourished, and united as believers in our Savior’s Name.
In light of this most unusual situation, I would like to offer the Supper to those who are health-compromised and unable to attend in person. The Session has approved a plan whereby I can make home visits for the purpose of providing the Supper to those among us who are most vulnerable and fearful of infection.
Ordinarily, the Lord’s Supper may only be offered by a duly ordained Teaching Elder in the context of corporate worship on the Lord’s Day. By definition, it is not a personal, private, or small group sacrament to be observed outside of the corporate assembly of the Church. It is for the whole gathered body of Christ. However, our Book of Church Order allows an exception to this rule under certain ‘emergency’ conditions. In such cases I may offer the Supper to individuals (or families) in their homes.
Until such time that the virus threat has been sufficiently reduced and those affected can return to worship, I will be scheduling home visits for this purpose. If you are among those so impacted and would want to participate in this ministry (and would feel safe having me in your home), please contact me directly by phone, text, or email.
You are “ my joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1), and I love you all more than I could ever possibly express!
Mike
Announcements:
COVID-19 Message:
For those of you who are attending worship in person on Sunday morning, please practice social distancing as much as you are able and observe the pew markers so that we may keep a safe, 6-ft between families. During this time, we will not have nursery or fellowship time with food and drink. If any family member has been sick, or you have a pre-existing condition, please consider staying home and joining us by watching the recorded service when it is sent out. Masks are not required if you are maintaining social distance, but are welcome. We hope and pray that if you have any needs, you will let a staff member or deacon know so that we can serve you well during this trying time.
Sunday School:
Reminder that the last Sunday School session of the Fall semester is this Sunday. Sunday School will resume after the first of the year.
Men’s Ministry:
Men’s book study of Calvin’s Institutes is meeting weekly on Tuesdays at 6:15-7:15 AM. We’re meeting upstairs at the Cooper House on Randolph Ave near downtown. All men are welcome to join us in building friendships as we discuss our lives in Christ at a practical level. If interested, please contact darondrown@gmail.com
Senior Fellows:
Women’s Ministry:
Therefore, here is the Current information regarding our Bible Studies this Fall. The three studies will be listed below.
Tuesday Morning Study facilitated by Amy Schnorrenberg
Time: 9:30 am
Place: Christ Pres
Topic: Marriage
Speaker: Video series by Paul Tripp
Childcare: Will be provided and currently in the planning stages
Contact person: Amy Schnorrenberg
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Time: 10am -1130am
Place: Christ Pres Fellowship Hall
Topic: Pilgrim’s Progress (Penguin Classics )
( book can order through Amazon.com for $10.79 )
Speaker: Video series by Derek Thomas (Ligonier Ministry)
Contact person: Mary Lee McKee
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Time: 6pm – 730pm
Place: Christ Pres Fellowship Hall
Topic: Pilgrim’s Progress (Penguin Classics)
( book can be ordered through Amazon.com for $10.79 )
Speaker: Video series by Derek Thomas (Ligonier Ministry)
Contact person: Denise Scrip
For the two Wednesday Women’s studies I am in the process of learning how to incorporate a Zoom Meeting process for those who don’t feel comfortable meeting in person but still want to participate. I will let you know if and when it becomes available.
Children’s Ministry:
It is now the season of Advent, and I always send a quick email with resources for your family to use during this special time. Today, I’m linking to last year’s post, and I’m adding a couple of quick thoughts as well:
**The Deans are hosting children and families this weekend, Sunday, 12/6, for a quick supper and Advent craft. They’ll be free Jesse Tree printables available for your family. RSVP using this link to Amanda Dean if you want to come.
**One of my favorite follows on social media is Raising Boys and Girls (Sissy Goff). She mentions these three ways that we can walk with our children through Advent this year, knowing what a “different” year it has been!
1. Children need a sense of anticipation {Romans 8:24-34/How can we grow this in them?}
2. Children need purpose {What will we do this Advent season to minister to another/reach out to others/be intentional with our time and money?}
3. Children need connection {How can we stay connected during this season, even when things aren’t “normal?”}
Advent is a season of waiting, and the longer we wait, the “larger” we become in our anticipation and joy! Let’s show that to our children now and always!
If you have any questions or needs, please reach out to me. Your church staff is HERE for each of you!
Love,
Ashley
Youth:
The final Youth Group meeting of this year will be a Christmas Party on Sunday, 12/13, at 4:30 pm at the church house.
Career/Singles:
The young career/singles group meets every Sunday evening at 5:30 at the home of Jim and Sharon Daughtry, for a time of fellowship & spiritual encouragement.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Lincoln Ely, Rich Bagdazian, Zig and Virdia Jastrebski, Ramona Edwards, Bill Dent, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, and Nolan Osmer.
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); Amos and Jessica Williams (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); Gannon Miles (seminary student); 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