Christ Presbyterian Church

**THIS WEEKEND**

From Tom Stein

Rev. Bob Clark and his wife Nedra will be with us, as we explore whether God is calling Bob to serve here as Assistant Pastor for Youth.

As I said on Sunday, there are three unusual/unexpected aspects of this!

  1) Bob is a longtime friend of mine.  He was a great blessing to me, as a youth leader, in my teen years.  I want you to know that, but I also want him to come here if that is the Lord’s leading, not because he is my friend.

2) Bob is older than your average youth leader.  He is 55 years old.  He and Nedra have raised four children, three of whom are “out of the nest,” and one who is completing her first year at Taylor University.

   3) Bob is already ordained.  He has served as an Associate Pastor in Texas, and as a Senior Pastor in Illinois.  So while we were originally thinking of an unordained person to lead our youth, we would bring him here as an Assistant Pastor.  Obviously, as a full-time ordained pastor, Bob will be able to assist me in various pastoral duties.

   In the PCA, an Associate Pastor (like Dale Kulp) is called by the congregation; an Assistant Pastor is called by the Session.  So while we are not planning to vote as a congregation on Bob’s call, we would like you to get to know Bob, and give Session members your feedback.

  Friday night, Bob and Nedra will meet with elders and wives.

   Saturday afternoon, from 4 to 7, CCYF will have a special event with the Clarks at the home of Mike and Beth Allen.  Check emails from Kari Harrington for details.

   Sunday morning, Bob will share some of his vision for youth ministry, and preach.  After worship, we will not have Sunday School, but we will have an informal fellowship time for you to meet and talk to Bob and Nedra.

PLEASE pray for this weekend, and participate in this weekend.  We realize it is Mother’s Day weekend, but please make it a priority to participate.

**MORE UPCOMING EVENTS**

* Euchre Night - Friday, May 16, 6 PM, at the church.

* Wedding Shower for Elizabeth Bumbalough - Saturday, May 17, 10 AM to noon.

* “It’s Cool in the Furnace” musical - Sunday, May 18, 5:30 PM.

* Wedding of Elizabeth Bumbalough and Nick Jackson - Saturday, May 24, 12:30 p.m., at Fountain City Wesleyan Church.

* Open House/Pitch-In to welcome home Will Bumbalough and meet his wife Loren - Sunday, May 25, 4 PM to ??? - at the Bumbalough’s.

**PRAY...**

+ For the persecuted church: Pray for Mohammad Abbad, a Christian who is facing trial in Jordan for converting to Christianity.  He and his family have fled to a European country.  Mohammad has a wife and two young children.

+ For Ken Bane, as he recovers from hip replacement surgery, and for Jean Rhodes, as she recovers from colon surgery.

+ For expectant mothers: Amanda Anderson, Anna Golden, Shawna Lacy Wilson (daughter of Jim and Marilou Lacy), and Sebra Baker (daughter-in-law of Jon and Sharon Baker).

**VBS UPDATE**

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 22 to 27.  Melanie Munn and Cindy Cook are this year’s coordinators.  Please pray daily, seek young people to invite, and ask how you can help! 

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: LUKE 18:9-14**

**BABY SHOWER!**

Women, you are invited to a baby shower to celebrate the safe arrival of Isabelle Peters to Stacey and Becky Peters, this Saturday, April 26, at 2 PM.

If you want to contribute to a stroller for jogging, contact Melanie Munn.

**WEDDING**

Elizabeth Bumbalough and Nick Jackson 

Saturday, May 24, at 12:30 p.m., 

at Fountain City Wesleyan Church.  

CPC members and friends are invited.

**BIRTHDAY PARTY!**

The children of Dave Frame are having an open house in honor of his 60th birthday, on Saturday, May 3.

Please come for fun and fellowship between 1 and 5 at the Williamsburg Community Center.  No presents please.

**IT’S COOL IN THE FURNACE!**

This musical will be performed by our Club 3-4-5 and K-2 kids, on Sunday evening, May 18.

  We will have dinner at 5:30, followed by the program.

  Mark your calendars, and contact Mindy Deckard to help(855-2420 or MKDeck311@aol.com).

**PRAY...**

+ For the persecuted church: Pray for the families of four Christian teachers who were murdered last week in Somalia.

+ For the search for a Youth Director.

+ For the David and Marta Baker family, as they continue to raise funds to serve in Ireland.

+ For seminary students Jeff Nottingham and Amy Petery, as they near the end of the spring semester.

**BACKGROUND CHECKS**

For insurance purposes, the Christian Education Committee is paying for background checks for everyone who works with children.

If you receive a form asking for information that will enable these checks to be done, please return it to the church office as soon as possible.

**WORTH READING**

By Tom Stein

Starting May 4, I will be teaching a 7-week Sunday School class based on a book called “UnChristian”, by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons.

The subtitle captures the theme: “What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity.”

Let’s be honest: we would rather ignore this subject.  We want to live with the convenient myth that people should think well of us, and that if they don’t, it’s their fault.  

   We will be humbled by this research!  Then we will use the Scriptures to guide us in living before unbelievers.

**PRAY FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! - JUNE 22-27**

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: REVELATION 2:8-11**

**GIRLS NIGHT OUT - THIS FRIDAY, 7 PM**

Women, please join other women for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun.  Invite a friend!  

**BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JEAN RHODES - SATURDAY, 3-5 PM**

Please drop by the church and greet Jean, as we rejoice together in God’s grace to her for 90 years!

**CCYF AT INDY CONNECT - THIS SUNDAY - LEAVE AT 3:45**

If you are a teen who wants to go, or a parent who is able to drive, please contact the Andersons.

**CHANGE OF PLANS - FAMILY GATHERING**

We have moved the next Family Gathering to Sunday evening, May 18, so our Club 3-4-5 kids can present the musical, “It’s Cool in the Furnace.”

Parents: Mindy Deckard will contact you about rehearsals.  One and all, please plan to attend!

**PRAY...**

+ For the persecuted church: Pray for Farzana, a Christian 16-year old girl in Pakistan, who was recently arrested and tortured by police.

+ For Kari and Molly Harrington, who leave today for Japan to visit the Pfeil family.

+ For Lia Steinfort, who is undergoing surgery today.

**WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LIBRARY?**

We have moved the library from the classroom off the sanctuary, to the church office.  Now, you can look for books all through the week.

The childrens’ books are still in the same place.

**DECISIONS, DECISIONS**

By Tom Stein

How quickly do you make decisions?  

We all struggle with this.  Some of us are far too quick, and some of us are far too slow.

   Here is something to consider: do you need to decide now?  Or would it be wise to wait, if you can wait?

   Decision-making is like driving through fog.  You don’t know what is up ahead, so you are not sure what direction to go.

Sometimes you have no choice.  If you are driving through fog on the way to the hospital with your sick child, you press the accelerator and speed on as fast as you can.

   In the same way, sometimes we have to make snap decisions.  We have God’s Word on our hearts, a prayer on our lips, and we decide.

   But it’s not always that way.  Sometimes we decide quickly, just because we don’t like uncertainty.  But unnecessary speeding through fog can cause bad accidents.

   The three “lights” of decision-making are God’s Word, prayer, and wise counsel.  Sometimes when we slow down, we can use all of these lights much more effectively.  The fog will clear, and we will make wiser decisions.

**PRAY FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! - JUNE 22-27**

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: REVELATION 1:9-20**

**ARE YOU WISE AND SANE?**

J.I. Packer once wrote that Christians are wisest and sanest when they are...praying.  If God is good and great, how true this is!

**PRAY**

+ For the persecuted church: Pray for Christians in Algeria.  Since November, 10 churches have been closed by the government.

+ For Jon and Sarah Pfeil, and new baby Calvin Jonathan.  Pray also for daughter Annabella, who has been suffering from an intense stomach virus.

+ For the Uphaus family, as they mourn the death of Steve’s father.

+ For the sale of the Kulp home.  A deal has apparently fallen through.

+ For Lia Steinfort, who is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, April 9.

**UPCOMING...**

+ Next Family Gathering: Sunday, April 27

+ Vacation Bible School: June 22 to 27

+ Youth Summer Camp: July 14 to 19

**SURVEY SAYS...**

As part of a class assignment at Covenant Seminary, Jeff Nottingham is asking certain members of the church to fill out a survey.  

If you receive a survey from Jeff, please complete and return the survey as soon as possible, so Jeff can complete the assignment.  

Your answers will be confidential.

**HELP!**

During this season of having a parent-led youth group, we are thankful for all who have helped with this important ministry.  If you would like to assist in some way - one-time or ongoing - please contact Kari Harrington.

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXTS**

Proverbs 11:12, 15:25, 16:18-19, 13:10, 11:2, 21:4, 15:33

Chris Harper will be preaching this week.

Next week, we will begin a series on the book of Revelation.

**PONDER**

By Tom Stein

I don’t know why, but I have been pondering the difference between praise and encouragement.

   Praise is focused on you.  Praise says, “You are great.  You are a great athlete.  You are a great musician.  You are a great parent.  You ought to really be proud!”

  Is this all wrong?  Not necessarily.  There are great athletes, great musicians, and great fathers.  

   But mere praise can feed the monster of pride.  We are tempted to think we are great in some way, because we are good in some way.

  Yet the Bible teaches that every good and perfect gift is from God.  If I do something that is worthy of praise, my boast should be in the Lord.

  So I wonder if we ought to minor in praise and major in encouragement.

Encouragement says, “God is using your athletic gifts.  God is using your musical gifts.  God is using your parenting gifts.”

   Do you see the difference?  Encouragement gives the praise to God, and gives courage to the servant of God.

   Have you encouraged anyone today?

**WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT - THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7-9:30 PM**

This is an evening of fellowship for all women, high school and older.  If you are new to CPC, you are especially welcome.

The evening will include refreshments, group games, and devotions.  Bring a favorite snack and/or drink, and a friend or neighbor!

**GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 7 PM**

This is a special service of worship, crafted to honor the Lord who died for us, and to quicken our hearts in our devotion to him.

**PRAY**

+ For the persecuted church: Pray for 21 house church leaders in China, who were recently sentenced to 1-3 year terms in labor camps for being “evil cult” members.  

+ For Will Bumbalough, who continues to serve in Iraq.

+ For Dawson Miller and family, as they seek to plant a new PCA church in Illinois, near St. Louis.

**INTERESTING...**

Does Easter seem early this year?  It is.  A reliable source writes that...

   * Easter is on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (March 20).

   * This is the second-earliest day that Easter can be.  (It can be no earlier than March 22.)

   * Most people alive have never seen an earlier Easter, and none of us will ever see an earlier Easter again.

   * The last March 23 Easter was in 1913, and the next March 23 Easter will be in 2228.

   * The last March 22 Easter was in 1818, and the next March 22 Easter will be in 2285.

   Of course, when we are with the Lord, the dates won’t matter.  The joy will be endless!

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: MATTHEW 26:57-68**

**BORED?**

A prayer by PCA Pastor Mike Kelly, who lives in the Seattle area:

“Father, we confess that we are satiated and bored;

“Creation has bored us.  Work has bored us.  Family has bored us.  Friends have bored us.

“Our homes bore us.  Television bores us.

“Redemption has bored us.  Truth has bored us.  You have bored us.

“No generation in history has ever had so much to entertain it.  

“We are jaded and cynical.

“We think the world is our servant, so we are not thankful when things go well for us, and we are not patient when they do not.

“We believe every desire should be satisfied, so we are not delighted when they are, and we are not humbled when they are not.

“We laugh, but do not know joy.  We are captivated, but are never really awed.  We celebrate, but we do not worship.

“Have mercy on us, and forgive us.

“Amaze us with grace - blood stained, incarnate, Messianic grace - the Glory of God in Christ.”

”...WARM AND WELCOMING...”

Our second commitment at CPC is to develop a warm and welcoming fellowship.  Are we?  Yes, but we can grow in this.

   We have struggled with different ways to “capture” information about visitors.  This information is important, so we can follow up with them.

   At the Welcome Table, there is a supply of blue cards.  If you see a new person or family, please take one and encourage them to fill it out.

   You can put the card in the offering plate, or give it to a member of the staff, an elder, or a deacon.

**NEXT TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 26**

* Gabe Cook will be receiving his Eagle Scout rank, in a ceremony that begins at 6:30 at the church.  All are welcome.

* Indelible Grace will be performing at Crossroads Community Church in Fishers at 7 PM.  Information is available in the foyer.

**WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT - FRIDAY, MARCH 7**

This is an evening of fellowship for all women, high school and older.  

The evening will include refreshments, group games, and devotions.

**MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES**

* Preschool Junior Church Coordinator

* The deadline for applications for the Minnesota Mission Trip is February 29.  Dates of the trip: July 19 to 26.

**PRAY**

+ For the persecuted church: Pray for the church in Algeria, where recent religious persecution has included a media campaign against the church, the closing of churches, and the charging of believers with crimes.

+ For the Harrington family, as Ben recovers from surgery.

+ For Janice Hitch, as she continues to recover at Arbor Trace.

+ For CPC members at Covenant Seminary: Jeff-Autumn Nottingham and Amy Petery.

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: MATTHEW 26:36-46**

FEBRUARY 6, 2008

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

**CPC FAMILY GATHERING - THIS SUNDAY EVENING, 5:30**

   Each family should bring a main dish and either a side dish or a dessert to share.  If you are single, please bring one item. Please bring enough to serve you and several other people!  The church will provide drinks.

**ELDERBERRIES - NEXT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 11:30 AM**

     This group meets monthly at MCL for food, fellowship and fun.  All are welcome, of all ages!  This month’s program will be Valley Deem, who does painting of eggs...and saw blades!

**TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 26**

     * Gabe Cook will be receiving his Eagle Scout rank, in a ceremony that begins at 6:30 at the church.  All are welcome.

     * Indelible Grace will be performing at Crossroads Community Church in Fishers at 7 PM.  Information is available in the foyer.

**WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT - FRIDAY, MARCH 7**

     This is an evening of fellowship for all women, high school and older.  If you are new to CPC, you are especially welcome. The evening will include refreshments, group games, and devotions.

**IMPORTANT NEEDS**

     * A 2008 VBS Coordinator.

     * A pre-school Junior Church Coordinator.

     Please pray about how God might lead you to these ministries.  If you are interested in either of these positions, please contact the church office!

**PRAY**

     * For the persecuted church: Pray for Je Yell Kim, a Christian aid worker who was recently released from prison in North Korea.  Pray for his safety and his return to full health.

     * For David and Marta Baker and family, as they continue to raise funds to serve with Mission to the World in Ireland.

     * For the new Women In the Church Advisory Group: Deb Gentry, Pat James, Ruth Williamson, Gloria Gibbs, Karin Price, and Polly McIlhenny.

**MINNESOTA MISSION TRIP**

     The Missions Committee is now accepting applications for another short-term mission trip to the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. Dates: July 19 to 26 Cost: approximately $500 per person. Age Requirement: age 14 or older (exceptions must be approved by Missions Committee). Application Deadline: February 29

**OFFICER TRAINING**

     This Saturday morning at 6:30, Pastor Stein will begin a new season of officer training.  We will meet at the church office. You don’t have to be a potential officer to participate!  If you would like to come to one or many of the sessions, please contact Pastor Stein, so he can have materials ready for you, including coffee!

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-8**

JANUARY 23, 2008

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

**WORTH READING**

“The Reason for God”, by Timothy Keller

Reviewed by Tom Stein

     I have never taken the risk before, but I would like to recommend a book to you that I have not read!

     I just received a copy of this book, which is scheduled to be published in February.  Tim Keller is the Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, and is one of the most respected thinkers and leaders in our own denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America.

     This book is subtitled, “Belief in An Age of Skepticism,” and is designed to explain how Christianity is a rational faith.

     If you haven’t noticed, the atheists are on the warpath.  They are now arguing that Christianity is both irrational and harmful.

     Tim Keller has a gift for answering Christianity’s critics and articulating the truths of our faith in a kind but persuasive way.  I am confident he will do it again with this book.

     I plan to read this soon.  I encourage you to do the same!

**UPCOMING EVENTS**

     * Ohio Valley Presbytery Men’s Retreat - February 1-2 at Hueston Woods.  Sign up at ovpretreats.com.

     * CPC Family Gathering, Sunday, February 10, 5:30 PM.  This is not just for families.  It is for our portion of the family of God!

**PRAY**

     * For the persecuted church: Pray for Christians in Jijiga, Ethiopia, who have been the target of several recent attacks by Muslims who want to drive all Christians out of the region.

     * For CPC teens and adults who will be attending Winter Retreat, near Chicago, this Friday to Sunday.

     * For Will Bumbalough, as he continues to serve in Iraq.

**MINNESOTA MISSION TRIP**

     The Missions Committee is now accepting applications for another short-term mission trip to the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota.

     Ministries:

     * Helping lead a Bible Camp for children from the reservation.

     * Construction and maintenance through an evangelical church on the reservation.

    Dates: July 19 to 26

    Cost: approximately $500 per person.

    Age Requirement: age 14 or older (exceptions must be approved by Missions Committee).

    Team Leader: Kim Soots

    Application Deadline: February 29

    Applications are available from Jim Price, or the church office.

**CHURCH OFFICE BASEMENT**

     The basement at the church office is being cleaned out!  If you have something down there, or know of something that needs to stay, please remove it, or contact the church office about it, by February 1.

**THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: EXODUS 20:9**

CPC e-News: January 9, 2008

**SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST**

Tuesday night’s rain caused widespread flooding in the lower level at Community Christian School.  

Please pray for:

* Wisdom and strength for Kim Soots and everyone at Community Christian as they deal with this situation.                                                                                                            

* Favor with the insurance company, which has denied previous flooding claims.

**COMING UP...**

     * Sunday, January 20, 11 AM - annual Congregational Meeting.  We will present information about the new budget, and plans for 2008.

     * February 1-2 - Ohio Valley Presybtery Men’s Retreat.  You can still sign up at ovpretreats.com.  John Sartelle is this year’s main speaker, and former CPC Senior Pastor Mark Dalbey is one of the seminar speakers.

     * February 10, 5:30 PM - CPC Family Gathering.

***PRAY***

     + For the persecuted church: Jim and Karin Price report that “John” and other prisoners recently detained by the Chinese government have been released.  However, they are still facing a trial.

     + For Jon Ford, Mark Harrington and Tom Stein as they represent CPC this Friday and Saturday at the Winter Meeting of Ohio Valley Presbytery in Indianapolis.

     + For the youth and leaders, as they prepare for Winter Retreat, during the last weekend in January.

     + For the Lord to raise up a coordinator for this year’s vacation Bible School.

     + For Janice Hitch, as she continues to recover from a serious blood infection.

     + For Ken Bane, as he recovers from major back surgery.

**SIGNS OF THE TIMES**

     A writer named Stephen Moore is disputing much of the pessimism we see, hear and feel about our world.  He notes that:

     * Illiteracy has been cut in half in the last 37 years.

     * More people live in free countries than ever before.

     * The average human being born today will live 50% longer than the average person born in 1955.

     Is he right?  I don’t know.  But isn’t it great to know a Father who knows, and cares, and holds history in His hand?

***THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: MATTHEW 13:44-46***