CPC THIS WEEK
AUGUST 18, 2010
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
GUIDING OUR CHILDREN (PART 3)
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 am using 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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The Tripps imagine a 60-ton train car rolling along a set of railroad tracks. You might think, “Look at that powerful locomotive with so much potential. What a shame that it is restricted to the confines of the tracks. Let’s set the locomotive free and allow it to run across the meadow, through the woods, or wherever it would like to go.”
But, the Tripps wonder, “How free would the locomotive be? It would quickly become mired in the soft ground of the meadow.”
They continue, “The locomotive is free on the tracks. God has laid the tracks on us. You and your children will find the greatest freedom and enjoyment in running freely along the tracks.” In this image, the “tracks” are the truths of God’s Word.
As I observe parents (including myself), I see two opposite tendencies:
1. Too little freedom. Some parents want to control everything about the lives of their children. The children are on the tracks, but they are dragging along.
2. Too much freedom. Other parents have no control over anything in the lives of their children. The children are running free - and into ditches.
As parents, we are to guide our children along the tracks of following the Lord and his truth. Yet even there, there is freedom. The Bible directs all of life, but it does not dictate every detail of life.
Our goal is to prepare them to run along those tracks themselves. As they grow older, we give them more and more freedom, yet while they are under our care, we never give them complete freedom.
We need wisdom here! As parents, we should be talking to God and each other about these issues. We need guidance and grace to stay “on track.”
WOMEN!!!
Women in the Church (WIC) will have a kick-off meeting THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 19 at 7 PM at the church. They will plan events for the coming year.
All women are invited! Bring craft/sewing projects if you like, and it will be a great evening of work and fellowship. Questions? Contact Debbie Gentry.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
The Session has scheduled a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, August 29 after worship.
The purpose of this meeting is for the congregation to vote on extending a call to Bob Clark as Associate Pastor. Bob is currently serving as Assistant Pastor, but the Session believes Bob’s responsibilities and contributions make it appropriate for a congregational call as our Associate Pastor.
According to our Book of Church Order, the call to an Associate Pastor position is from the congregation, so the congregation will need to vote on this.
Please prayerfully consider this, contact a Session member if you have questions, and plan to attend.
FROM THE DISCIPLESHIP TEAM...
Sinclair Ferguson suggests, “You are what you read.” If this is true, we need to read books that explain Scripture, search our consciences, and challenge us to spiritual growth and obedience.
With this in mind, the Discipleship Team recommends a booklet called “A Christian Reader.” You can get it in the foyer rack, or on the CPC web page: www.christpca-richmondin.net./books/
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
CPC 25TH ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICE AND CELEBRATION:
SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 19
**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.
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: NORTH KOREA
Voice of the Martyrs reports:
“Three leaders of an underground house church in North Korea have been executed and 20 of their Christian associates jailed.”
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
If you bring your cell phone to church,
please turn it off before you enter worship.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
August 20 - Cindy Cook
August 23 - Brynna Cheek, Joseph Baker
August 24 - Pat James, Mallory Munn
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: 1 PETER 2:4-10
AUGUST VERSES TO MEMORIZE: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8