CPC THIS WEEK
AUGUST 25, 2010
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
GUIDING OUR CHILDREN (PART 4)
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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What if your child wants to buy a watch? (Young people don’t buy watches much anymore - just fill in the blanks with what else they may buy!)
The Tripps use this image to illustrate the difference between what they call “boundary” issues and “wisdom” issues.
A boundary issue is an issue of right and wrong. In this example, it would be wrong for that young person to steal the watch.
But often, the issue with our children, especially as they grow older, is an issue of wisdom. Is it wise to buy that watch?
As parents, our call is to guide our children to wisdom. Hopefully, they know the boundaries - don’t steal the watch. But do they have wisdom?
This begins with the way we live as parents. Do we make unwise purchases of watches? Do we demonstrate foolishness in other areas of our lives?
Walk will then lead to talk. Yet imparting wisdom is more than lecturing. It is a practice of listening to the issues, then helping our children use biblical principles and common sense to make godly and wise decisions.
This requires time. As our children grow older, we may think, “They do not need (or want) me around much.” Resist that! Find ways to talk (and listen).
One other thought: let them feel the consequences of their foolish decisions. If we habitually rescue them from the ditches of their foolishness, they will land in a ditch again. They grow in wisdom, as they experience the joys of wisdom and the sorrows of foolishness. May we wisely guide them to such joy.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
The Session has scheduled a Congregational Meeting for this 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.
**THIS SUNDAY: ROCK SOLID MINISTRIES OFFERING**
This offering, which we collect on the four “5th Sundays” of the year, funds our participation in serving meals at Rock Solid Ministries.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
CPC 25TH ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICE AND CELEBRATION:
SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 19
**LIFE GROUPS RESUME IN SEPTEMBER - SIGN UP THIS SUNDAY**
**SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY**
Karin Price is seeking assistant teachers for children with special needs. If you are willing and able to help, please contact Karin at karin@dillonadopt.com.
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: TANZANIA
Voice of the Martyrs reports:
“On August 12, a court in Tanzania acquitted two evangelists of "illegal preaching.
“Eleutery Kobelo and Cecil Simbaulanga were arrested in October 2009 after Muslims invited them to participate in a religious debate. The Christians reported that no Muslims showed up at the site of the supposed inter-faith debate until they arrived with government security agents who charged them with ‘using religious sermons to incite Muslims and Christians into viewing each other with suspicion.’”
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
Each week’s sermons are available (in text and audio) on our website:
www.ChristPCA-RichmondIN.net
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
August 27 - Maureen Bradley
September 1 - Tabitha Byrd
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: PROVERBS 3:5-6
AUGUST VERSES TO MEMORIZE: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8