CPC THIS WEEK
AUGUST 4, 2010
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
GUIDING OUR CHILDREN (PART 1)
By Tom Stein
During August, our children return to school - at all ages, and in all forms. We realize the years are passing!
This month in this space, I plan use four illustrations from Tedd and Margy Tripp’s book, “Instructing a Child’s Heart,” to guide us in guiding our children.
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Tedd tells the story of going to his son one night to speak to him before his son went to bed. He said what he had to say, then told his son he was glad they had a chance to talk.
A few minutes later, his son knocked on the bedroom door. “Dad,” said his son, “when you left my room you said you were happy we had talked together.
“I just wanted to mention that I didn’t say anything.”
This story reminds us that part of guiding our children is understanding them. We resent it when our friends solve our problems before they hear them. But we may make the same mistake with our kids. We talk, but we do not listen.
Proverbs 15:23: “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word.” Indeed, we are to speak wisdom to the hearts of our children. But how can our wisdom be “apt” and “timely” when we have not heard from them?
Why do we do this? The Tripps say maybe we do not want to face the issues that would come with real understanding. Or maybe if we would listen to them more, our expectations for them would have to change.
The Tripps encourage us to:
* Draw out our children with good questions.
* Discover when it is good for them to talk, and when it is not.
* Always express our love for our children, no matter the nature of the issue.
Are our words apt and timely? Do we listen before we speak? How would God use new habits to transform hearts and relationships in your home?
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
CPC 25TH ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICE AND CELEBRATION:
SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 19
**SOUND AND PROJECTION MEETING - THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 8**
Right after worship, there will be a meeting for current and future sound and projection people. This is a great way to serve the church - without being in the front of the church with everyone looking at you!
If you are interested, contact T.R. Munn.
**THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 -
MONTHLY MERCY MINISTRY OFFERING**
***SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES SUNDAY, AUGUST 15***
For the three weeks remaining in August, we will hear reports on summer events: mission trips, youth camp, and the PCA General Assembly.
**LIFE GROUPS RESUME IN SEPTEMBER - SIGNUPS SOON**
Life Groups are an excellent way to increase your love for God and deepen your relationships with other people in the body of Christ.
Groups generally meet twice a month for study, prayer and fellowship, although different groups will have different emphases and schedules.
At CPC, our third commitment is to “spiritual maturity expressed in every area of life.” Life Groups build this. Please consider joining a group this fall.
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: VIETNAM
Voice of the Martyrs reports:
“A house church building in Xi Thoai village, Phu Yen Province, Vietnam was attacked and damaged by a gang of youths on July 18.
“The building...was in the process of being constructed in order to serve the ethnic Hroi community as the nearby church had reached full capacity.”
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
Whenever you are in the building or the office,
please make sure all the outside doors are locked before you leave!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
August 6 - Jeff Nottingham
August 9 - Mike Allen, Mark Scheffler
August 10 - Jessica Luker
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: 1 PETER 1:1-12
AUGUST VERSES TO MEMORIZE: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8