CPC THIS WEEK
December 29, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Man - That was Fast!”
The door is quickly closing on 2011. Maybe too quickly!
As you look back in the rear view mirror of this last year what are you thinking? Did it go as expected? Were there some surprises? Disappointments? For some, life joyfully traveled the road of family additions while others experienced the dreaded walk through the valley of death’s shadow. Along with everything else, perhaps your annual review of life’s journey will include those “rock solid” New Year’s resolutions – never to late to dust off the treadmill! Me? Like every year, I will search the channels during these last few days for one of those “Year in Review” shows that chronicles the events filling the past 365 days. We can at least say this - 2011 revealed a world in a deep chaotic condition – Politically, Socially, Economically, and yes, even Spiritually. What do we call of this? We call it living – we call it LIFE!
As you begin to gaze into a new year – a leap year at that – consider these words from the half-brother of Jesus, James:
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)
Wow! Sobering words to say the least. James flat out nails it, doesn’t he?
Our life, whatever we determine to do, is lived out in a context – not a vacuum or void. We live under the gracious rule of God’s will for our life. Taking all of our hopes, plans, and dreams into consideration we embrace this truth – “God Will’s is God’s Rule for our lives.” Now, some might find this limiting. Actually, it’s liberating! No matter we put our hands to during the next year we can be assured that a God of grace and love is guiding it. This is such an incredible comfort and encouragement for us as we live through the “chutes and ladders” of 2012. What a great God! He neither slumbers or sleeps, He knows the very hairs of my head, He knows when I rise up in the morning and l retire at night, He knows every appointment – my divine appointments – that will fill my day! Here it is – with all that this same God performs throughout His universe, He cares for me. Say it again – HE KNOWS ME AND CARES FOR ME!!! Is that not the truth of “Immanuel” we saw and sang again over this Christmas season?
I leave you with these words from the prophet Jeremiah:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11)
Walking with you into a new year of God’s Grace,
Bob
A VERY MERRY THANK YOU!!!
Nedra and I are so humble by your love and generosity displayed in your Christmas gift to our family. “Thank You” seems so inadequate for all that you often share with us. Please know how very grateful for you and your lives in Christ.
Our Love and Deep Appreciation,
Bob and Nedra
AND, ANOTHER MERRY THANK YOU
Thanks to everyone who made our Christmas season truly “merry and bright.” To all those both in front and behind the scenes – you are appreciated!
**SUNDAY'S SERMON**
“The Great Interferer”
Luke 10:25-37
Elder Jim Roszell
CPC ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
There will be no Sunday School for this week – Jan 1st.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING CPC MEETINGS:
Sunday, January 8th – Q & A during the Sunday School hour with Bob Clark regarding his candidacy for Senior Pastor – all are invited and encouraged to attend.
Sunday, January 15th – Congregational vote during Sunday School on Bob Clark as the next Senior Pastor. (Please note: Although all are invited, only CPC members 18 yr old and older may vote. You must be present to vote – no absentee voting)
Sunday, January 29th – Congregational meeting during Sunday School to elect church officers. Again, only church members may vote.
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH:
IRAN: NADARKHANI UPDATE
Iran’s Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, head of the judiciary, has ordered the judge presiding over Youcef Nadarkhani’s case to delay his written verdict for one year. The judge was specifically ordered to keep Nadarkhani in prison, using whatever means necessary to force him to recant his Christian faith and convert to Islam.
According to Present Truth Ministries, the order was designed to cause the international community, specifically Christians, to forget about Nadarkhani’s case. “Once we forget about him, then they are free to execute him,” said a spokesperson from Present Truth Ministries. “Please help us ensure that [Nadarkhani] is not forgotten.” Nadarkhani has been in prison since October 2009 after being charged with apostasy. He received a death sentence in 2010, a verdict upheld by the Iranian Supreme Court in July 2011.
In 2011, the original tribunal was asked to re-examine whether Nadarkhani had practiced Islam as an adult before becoming a Christian at age 19, according to Present Truth Ministries. Although the judge acknowledged that Nadarkhani had not practiced Islam, the death sentence was upheld. The court ruled that because he came from a Muslim family, he was guilty of apostasy, according to reports from Middle East Concern.
You can take action on Nadarkhani’s behalf by talking to your congressmen, telling your friends about the case or e-mailing the Iranian Embassy. Post his prisoner alert profile in your church or Sunday school class, or write a letter to Nadarkhani while he is in prison. Please be respectful, saying nothing negative about the Iranian government. Pray that Nadarkhani’s conviction will be overturned and that his family will continue to trust God during this time.
Sources: Present Truth Ministries, Middle East Concern, www.prisoneralert.com Posted: December 19, 2011
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
If you are a member or regular attender of CPC, you have been assigned to a shepherding elder. That elder has been matched with a deacon. You can call on your elder for spiritual needs, and your deacon for mercy ministry needs. Contact the church office for information about your elder and/or deacon.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
December
29 Roger Arnold
31 Sam Krutz
January
2 Heather Bumbalough
5 John Hitch
6 Joel Deckard