Christ Presbyterian Church

CPC THIS WEEK

September 23, 2011

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

One Final Lesson (I think) from My Bathroom

Drywall’s in and painted (shhhh – let’s not talk too much about the light test).  In fact, if you walked into the bathroom at this very moment you would think that everything is in working order.  Vanity in place, toilet securely fastened, and the shower unit in its place.  Even the lights work!  Yes sir, everything looks just like I planned it.  But it’s what you don’t see that makes the difference – a big difference.

Even though all the essentials are in place, there’s one final step remaining – connecting the all the water supply lines to their respective station.  And, since the Clark ladies are headed to a Bridal Tea in Alabama this weekend, it’s the perfect time to shut things down for the final connections.  Don’t worry; I’ll get a hot shower in before Sunday morning! 

Everything looks great – it’s just not connected.  And, the same thing can be said of some of us living and serving in Christ’s body.  Everything may appear to be to be in place, even appear to be in working order, but we may not be connected to the supply lines offered to us in the church. 

Two weeks ago we introduced a number of Life Groups that are beginning at CPC – some have already started.  But it’s not too late to take advantage of this fellowship opportunity.  As someone told me, “it’s hard to decide which one to join, they all look so good!”  And they do – it’s a great Fall lineup! 

CPC Life Groups are an excellent way to get connected in your church; whether you’ve been here for ten years or ten weeks.  Moving from our larger worship fellowship environment, life groups give you opportunity to engage in deeper friendships that relate and respond at the heart level of our lives.     

So, why not take a look at the sign-up sheets in the lobby this weekend and join a group.  There’s plenty of room left for you to be part of a sharing and caring fellowship of grace. 

As for me? Well, for now, I better get busy “sweating” a few tees and elbows.  You know, plumbing can be such a tremendous source of encouragement to my sanctification!!!  

Remember: Getting connected – it can make the all difference in the world; and the church!  

Yours in Grace,  Bob

PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH:  

SUDAN: CHURCH LEADERS THREATENED 

In July and August 2011, Muslim extremists sent threatening text messages to at least 10 church leaders in Khartoum, Sudan, according to Compass Direct News. The messages warned that Christian leaders, buildings and institutions have been targeted for future attack. As a result of the threats, many Christians have reportedly stopped attending church. 

“We want this country to be purely an Islamic state, so we must kill the infidels and destroy their churches all over Sudan,” stated one text message circulating in Khartoum.

Church leaders now fear increased persecution by local Islamists. A local Christian told Compass Direct News that Muslim extremists from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh arrive in Sudan every two weeks to undergo training in secret camps. The extremists then travel throughout Sudan preaching Islam and demolishing church buildings, according to the Compass Direct source.

This is not the first time extremists have targeted churches and other religious institutions. On June 28, Muslim extremists burned down a church in Omdurman. And on July 18, a group of Muslim extremists attacked the home of Bishop Andudu Adam Elnail, attempting to kill him and two other pastors. Thankfully, no one was home at the time of the attack, so the assailant left a letter warning the pastors of future, similar attacks. 

“We are aware of your anti-Islamic activities,” the letter warned. “We have been monitoring the evangelization that you carry out these days, and therefore we declare jihad against you. We declare jihad against you in order to protect Muslims from your infidel influence, because you are the enemy of Islam.”

Please pray that Christians in Sudan will trust God despite increasing persecution.

Source: Compass Direct News  Posted: September 15, 2011

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

1.  The Grand Demonstration: This class will face the hard truths concerning the so-called problem of evil, the responsibility of man, the nature of God, election, predestination and the free offer of the Gospel. This study concerns Romans 9 and is a good follow-up on Pastor Bob's teaching from Romans 8. Hopefully we will come away with a new appreciation of the greatness and glory of God.  Leader:  Jim Roszell.  Location:  Sanctuary

2. Biblical Hermeneutics (a.k.a. – “How To Interpret the Bible”). Ever had a tough time understanding a particular passage of scripture?  This class will give you a basic orientation to the breadth of Biblical literature and a simplified approach you can use when interpreting its text.  Leader: Bob Clark.  Location: Large classroom off the sanctuary.

BIRTHRIGHT WALK

Saturday, September 24 Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at Community Christian School. Questions?  Call 962-7439

BABY SHOWER: Calling all women.  We are going to have a baby shower to celebrate the birth of Eli Creech.  It will be Sunday, October 2^nd after Sunday School at the Harringtons (12 Parkway Ln.).  We will all bring a salad to share and either Pamper diapers size 2 or 3 for a boy and/or give money towards a Pack ‘n Play.  Please RSVP to Kari so we have enough cake!!!!  Kariharr12@aol.com

Women please register soon at the CPC office for “The Essence of the Extraordinary Woman” Saturday November 12, 2011, from 9:30am - 6:30pm at Lingle Grand Hall Reid Hospital

 **SUNDAY'S SERMON**

We begin a new series this week in the book of Psalms that will last until Advent. 

This Week:

“What is Your Delight?”

Psalm 1

Bob Clark

THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER

All of the materials on the two racks in the foyer are free.  Please feel free to take them and share them!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!