SERMON PREVIEW:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
‘The Parable of the Good Samaritan.’
This parable told by Jesus, and found Luke’s Gospel, has been described as “one of the Gospel’s most beautiful parables.” Of course, we all know it by its popular title as mentioned above. But if I could venture to be so bold, I’d like to offer another title. Perhaps we should call it, ‘A Parable for All Those Who Are Seeking to Justify Themselves Before God.’
I suggest this because of what we learn in Luke 10:29.
We discover here what it was that initially triggered the telling of this beloved story to an inquisitive and testy Biblical scholar (Luke 10:25-29). This “lawyer” was the whole time seeking to “justify himself” before Jesus. That is, he was essentially attempting to save himself, to commend himself before God’s perfect standard of righteousness, and to earn his way into “eternal life” (v. 25).
Our Lord’s reply to this question, as we shall see, is really shocking when you think about it. The Savior tells a story. But this story, far from being just a simple (though emotionally charged!) illustration, proves to be a death blow to any attempt at self-salvation.
This coming Sunday, we will take a fresh look at this amazing parable together. And I hope that you will prayerfully reflect upon it as we prepare to gather before our great King on Sunday.
I love you all so very much!
Mike
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Second Sunday Lunch: We will have lunch in the fellowship hall immediately after worship February 12. Everyone is welcome!
Meals for Pregnancy Center:
We have the opportunity to support the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center by teaming up with other CPC ladies to provide an occasional meal for their Thursday evening parenting classes. It’s a tangible way to serve these expectant parents and their babies. Please click the link below to sign up to participate.
https://www.signupgenius.com/
Thank you for being willing to serve in this way. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Carol Cummings
RUF Snacks:
This Sunday (Feb 12) is “Sign-Up” day for snacks for RUF (Reformed University Fellowship)/UAH large group meeting. These college students LOVE home baked cookies (actually anything!!), Other suggested items will be on the sign up sheet in the narthex near the RUF/UAH logo sign. The snacks should be brought to church on Sunday, February 19th, and left near the sign up table. They will be delivered to the campus on Monday evening February 20th.
Additionally, please pray for the young men and women who attend the RUF large group meeting. Many hearts are turned to the Lord during these sessions.
Thank you for considering this service opportunity.
Cheryl Johnson
Book study on Christian marriage and relationships: A six-week small group study in the winter/spring beginning in the new year. This study will be a focus on Christian marriage and relationships using Vernick’s How To Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong. Each evening will have a potluck style meal with study and prayer following. Childcare will be provided at the location for those who need it!
When: Wednesday nights (5:30-7:30) in winter/spring (January 18th/25th ~ February 1st/15th ~ March 1st/8th)
Where: Elliott residence, Calvert residence
For questions or additional information, please contact Matthew Elliott at mattke@live.com.
Youth Group: The schedule for the Winter/Spring is as follows:
February 12th (Souper Bowl Party)
February 26th
March 5th
March 26th
April 2nd
April 16th
April 23rd
May 7th
May 21st (Class of 2023 Night)
VBS Save the Date: Mark your calendars for VBS 2023: The Race is On! June 12-15 9:00am-12:00pm. Please contact Anne Swanner (swanner.anne@gmail.com) if you are interested in serving at VBS this year.
Senior Fellows: The Senior Fellows will have breakfast on the first Tuesday of each month at 9 AM at the church.
Women’s Ministry Monthly Lunch: Our next monthly luncheon will be the first Thursday of each month at 11 AM at the Timbers Edge Clubhouse located at 1 Timbers Main, Brownsboro. It’s potluck – feel free to bring a dish or just yourself. If you have questions or transportation needs please contact Pat Galecki at 256-244-0612
Women’s Ministry Bible Studies: There are three ongoing bible studies.
Tuesday Morning Study:
Time: 9:30-11 am
Location: Christ Pres Fellowship Hall
Teacher: Amy Schnorrenberg
Wednesday Morning Study:
Time: 10-1130 am
Location: Christ Pres Fellowship Hall
Topic: Book of Ephesians
Teacher: Mike Calvert
Book: The Bible
Material: Lesson handout sheets will be given out a week in advance
Wednesday Evening Study:
Time: 6-730 pm
Topic: The Messy Women in Jesus’ Genealogy
Facilitator: Cynthia Keen
Book: What’s She Doing Here by Susan Tyner can be ordered through pcabookstore.com for $16.99 +SH
Men’s Ministry:
Men’s Retreat (Save the Date)
Please save the date for our Spring men’s retreat March 31st/April 1st. The retreat will be on Friday night and Saturday morning at Guntersville State Park. Dr. Calvert will be providing the teaching for the weekend. This is a great opportunity to fellowship with other men from our church. Please mark your calendars for the event! Further details will be forthcoming.
Culinary Fellowship
We look forward to a men’s food and fellowship evening together towards the end of April or early May! This is a great event to simply meet other men from the church and enjoy some amazing food!
Friday Bible Study
Our men’s Friday Bible study runs Friday, January 13th through Friday, April 28th. Mike will be teaching on the book of Ephesians. While no book is required, John Stott’s commentary on Ephesians (The Bible Speaks Today Series) will be a helpful companion. The study runs from 11:30 to 12:30 each Friday.
Tuesday Bible Study
The men are currently studying a classic of the Christian faith, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. For additional information, please contact Joseph Prinzinger at prinzinger.joseph@gmail.com.
Career Group: Sunday evening Bible study & fellowship meets at the home of Jim and Sharon Daughtry, 5726 Jones Valley Drive each Sunday at 5:30 PM.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Bud Lancaster, Collins Bailey, Ramona Edwards, Steve Terry, Bill Cowley, and Elizabeth Holton. Additional details may be found in the Ministries/Prayer Requests section of the church website.
Expecting: Please pray for the Butlers (February); the Guytons (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 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 by clicking HERE.
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