Christ Presbyterian Church

CPC THIS WEEK

September 2, 2011

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

 

Will there be any Pumpkins?

(practically a pumpkin parable)

That’s the question I’m asking myself these days.  Getting a late start to my garden this summer I decided to forego corn and do something new – Watermelons and Pumpkins!  So far, I’ve managed to pick a watermelon too soon, and am having grave reservations about the future of picking anything that even resembles a pumpkin from my garden.  My watermelons will make it – if I can have the patience, but I’m not as confident about the pumpkins.  I’m afraid Cinderella would miss the Ball entirely if she waited on a Clark Farm Pumpkin!

You see, I didn’t do “all” of my homework.  Determined to get things planted during a hasty weekend between trips to St. Louis, I planted and watered a variety of vegetables and herbs.  Leaving the recommended amount of space for both the melons and the pumpkins (by the way, not even close; they took over) I eagerly watched and waited before leaving for Youth Camp.  That’s when it happened!!!

Upon my return from camp the luscious flowering vines were under a vicious fungal attack.  Where’s John Madden when you need him!

After some further investigation I discovered that my watering was actually doing more harm than good.  The summer was hot, the ground was dry, so I watered – and then watered some more.   But in this case, the saying is true – less would have been more.  My watering was the perfect setting for the powdery mildew that developed.  And, I’ve been fighting it ever since.

It’s amazing what a little instruction can do for you – especially in advance!  And, it’s also equally amazing how that translates to our spiritual lives as well.  Even though our actions are well intentioned, we simply need more than what appears on the back of a plant identifier stake – even if it includes a pretty picture.  In my haste to get something planted I didn’t get all the facts.  I didn’t spend the time needed talking with folks who have done this before.  I assumed way too much - based on way too little.

I can, and have, done the same thing spiritually.  Whether in times of haste or not, I have allow past experiences and knowledge to serve as a substitute for intentional and thorough study of God’s Word.  The result?  Well, let’s just say not the outcome I was hoping for – for myself, or others. 

Will I have pumpkins this year – who knows? God may yet do something extraordinary with my little patch of dirt.  He often does that for us, doesn’t He? Whether we’re working in our garden or His.  But even if I don’t see a little round orange ball this year, I’ve learned a valuable lesson for next year.  And who knows – maybe my grandchildren will have something fun to pick out of grandpa’s garden when they come to visit! 

In His Grace, Bob  

 

 

 **SUNDAY'S SERMON**

“Following in My Father’s Footsteps”

A Labor Day Sermon

Genesis 1:1-2:3

Bob Clark

 

 **NEXT SUNDAY'S SERMON**

More Than Conquerors

“Inseparable!”

Romans 8:35-39

Bob Clark

 

There will be no Sunday School this Sunday, September 4. 

 

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY: There will be separate Sunday School Classes for men and women on September 18.  The Women’s class will share the vision about “The Essence of an Extra-Ordinary Women” Retreat coming up November 12.  The men’s class will be “Sexual Purity, One Click at a Time.”

 

THANK YOU for your donations to build a Home in Haiti. We have reached the goal of $4500.

 

The BIRTHRIGHT WALK is September 24.  An insert in the bulletin with details is coming soon.

 

The Missions Outreach Ministry Team meets at the Prices’ on Tuesday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m.

 

The Session meets at the church building Thursday, September 8, at 5:30 p.m.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR and plan to attend the CCYF Parent Meeting & CCYF Sunday, September 11, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the church. 

We will begin serving wine in addition to grape juice for communion on September 11. 

 

Iran: Pastor Faces Charges

Iranian pastor Abdolreza “Matthias” Haghnejad was released from prison on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, after a family member pledged their property for his bail. Haghnejad is charged with blasphemy against Islam, according to VOM contacts.

Haghnejad, a pastor from the city of Bandar Anzal, was arrested on Aug. 17, while making a pastoral visit in the city of Rasht. VEVAK, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and National Security, held Haghnejad in prison in the Rasht area until his family paid the $30,000 bail, according to ASSIST News Service.

“[Blasphemy against Islam] is a serious charge against Haghnejad, so I ask that you continue to pray for him and his family,” VOM contacts said. “God made a way for his acquittal previously, and I believe he will do so again.” 

Haghnejad and 10 other church members were detained earlier this year and charged for activities against the Iranian order and drinking alcohol but they were later acquitted on May 1. The charges referred to their involvement in a house church meeting and to taking communion wine. 

Haghnejad’s most recent arrest occurred amidst reports of escalated government pressure on Christians. Please pray that God will provide Haghnejad and his family with strength and courage while they wait for the court hearing on the blasphemy charges. 

Sources: VOM contacts, Present Truth Ministries, ASSIST News Service

Posted: August 29, 2011

 

THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER

Email addresses occasionally disappear from our bulk email lists.  If you stop receiving the e-newsletter, the weekly prayer list and/or prayer requests, please contact the church office.

  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

September 4 Helen Morgan

September 5 Asher Nottingham

September 5 Kim Soots

September 5 Connie Whitaker