CPC THIS WEEK
September 9, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
“That was a First”
Yesterday we said final goodbyes to our dear friend and
brother, Mike Adcock. It was time for us as a church to join with Becky
and other family members to mourn his death and celebrate his life. But
there was something about the service that was a “first” for me.
While I was preparing a few things prior to the service a
local florist delivery van pulled in front of the church to drop off a few
floral arrangements for the visitation and service. I didn’t think too
much about it, until he brought in the last item. It was an arrangement
of BALLOONS! That’s right, a group of brightly colored, helium filled
balloons, sent by a group of children from West Virginia that knew Becky from
hers days of ministry there.
WOW - Balloons? You bet! A rainbow of joy to marked the
homecoming of child of God. As I continued to think about it a little
longer it made all the sense in the world to me – this world and the next. It
reminded of the following passage from 1 Thessalonians 4:
13 Brothers, we do not want
you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of
men, who have no hope. 14 We
believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring
with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
That’s when the balloons really hit home with me. We
don’t grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. Yes, we
mourn, just as Jesus did at the death of His good friend Lazarus. But we
do not mourn, we do not grieve like others in the world who are only living for
this world. We have a HOPE, we have a future waiting for us in heaven
because we have a Savior who has conquered death for us. The final enemy
has been defeated. Praise God!
As I was reading one of the passages for Mike’s service, I
could feel balloons behind me brushing my shoulder due to the air circulation
in the room. Finally, they fell from their platform, nudging me forward
as the dropped to the floor. It was all I could do not to break out in
laughter. Had Mike been there I know He would have laughed - that’s how
he viewed death, a celebration. And no doubt, there was a party in heaven
last Saturday night when Michael Scott Adcock pierced the barrier of eternity
into the presence of His Redeemer and Friend.
Like you, I will remember this dear brother – both in
brokenness and blessing. And, like the rainbow given as a reminder to
Noah of God’s grace, whenever I see an bunch of happy balloons I will
particularly remember to celebrate Mike’s life and death as a victory in
grace.
Balloons at funeral were a first for me – may I hope it will
not be last!
Welcome home Mike, can’t wait to see you again!
Grace,
Bob
WINE IN COMMUNION
This week we will begin using wine along with grape juice in
the Lord’s Supper. We will be using colored cups on the inside ring of
the communion tray for wine; the juice will be in clear cups in the outer ring.
Jim Roszell’s two-week Sunday School study guide is available for in the
lobby for those of you who missed his class. Also, there is a shorter
explanation in the form of a brochure in the lobby as well.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School this week, September 11th, will
include two topics. First, you will have the opportunity to preview a
number of Life Groups that are forming for the Fall. Second, Mike Allen
will present an update from the Pulpit Search Committee. Please join us
for this Sunday following worship.
Also, next Sunday, September 18th, we
will have separate classes for our Men and Women. The Women will learn of
the exciting plans for a Fall Women’s retreat about “The Extraordinary
Women.” The Men’s class will discuss the topic of Sexual Purity in an
internet age.
CCYF PARENTS’ MEETING
The meeting for both youth and their parents has been
rescheduled from this week, September 11th to
immediately following worship next Sunday, September 18th.
**SUNDAY'S SERMON**
More Than Conquerors
“Inseparable!”
Romans 8:35-39
Bob Clark
ELDERBERRIES is
meeting Wednesday, September 21, at 11:30 a.m. at MCL Cafeteria. The
program will be presented by Sgt. Curt Leverton and his dog. Sgt.
Leverton is with the Richmond Police Department K-9 unit.
Remember the BIRTHRIGHT
WALK is September 24.
Tuesday Evening Women’s
Bible Study will start September 27.
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH:
China: Glory in Midst of Trials
After serving two years in Chinese labor camps Labor Camp,
five leaders of the Linfen house church have been released: Fao Fuqin, Zhao
Guoai, Yang Caizhen, Yang Hongzhen and Li Shuangpin. Although each person
experienced physical and psychological torment, they all feel strong, experiencing
“glory in the midst of trials and tribulations,” reported ChinaAid
Association.
“We who have been released express our most sincere gratitude
to the brothers and sisters around the world who have been concerned about us
and who have helped us. May God remember your prayers and that you did God is
with us all,” the five told ChinaAid.
The Christians were arrested in the aftermath of a Sept. 13,
2009, attack on Linfen church, when over 400 local police, government officials
and hired thugs attacked one of the church branches. In the attack, they
demolished a church building and clashed with several hundred members of the
50,000 member church, sending 30 to the hospital. Five of the ten leaders
detained were sentenced to prison terms of up to seven years during a one-day
show trial, and the other five were sentenced to two years of re-education
through labor.
“We sincerely urge all brothers and sisters around the world
to pray for Linfen church… At the same time, we also ask brothers and sisters
to remember in prayer the Linfen leaders who are still suffering in jail,” the
five told ChinaAid. “May the Lord move the police to release them early so that
they can be reunited with their families.”
Police still occupy the site where the main Linfen church
building stands. The church’s members are scattered, but they continue to meet
and worship in private homes, according to ChinaAid.
“The Linfen church leaders and their families suffered cruel
persecution for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the church,” said
Bob Fu, ChinaAid founder and president. “We express our great respect for them
and continue to lift up prayers for them and their families These loyal and
devoted brothers and sisters are not only the hope of the church, but also are
the hope of Chinese society.”
Sources: ChinaAid Association Posted: September 7,
2011
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
Hearing assist devices are available at the sound booth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
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September |
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