tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90624061446025601222024-03-19T06:56:12.865-04:00Renewing.NewCastleFPC.org - The First Presbyterian Church (USA)Building Community through Christ, Renewing Fellowship in the Spirit, Transforming People by God's GraceRev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-4086453437047574512013-04-18T11:50:00.001-04:002013-04-18T11:50:39.483-04:00As the years go by…. God be with you<span xmlns=''><p>While I write on this morning in which my spirit is once again reawakening to the real presence of the One Who is alone steadfast, faithful and true to me and you, I am reminded of the saying, "April showers bring May flowers." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The thought comes to mind that somehow or another the passing of the seasons is meant for us to experience the journey of faith through the passage of time in ways that would bring us closer in our relationship with God. Even when rain showers down upon our lives, though we might not regard it as a blessing at the time, the Lord God almighty is able to turn and uses them for good in our walk with one another in Christ. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The writer of wisdom in Ecclesiastes (3:1) tells us: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana'>There is a time for everything,<span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana'><span style='font-size:10pt'> </span>and a season for every activity under the heavens:<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In all things taking place under the sun, God works for the good of those who love the Lord, who are the called out ones according to God's purpose. (Romans 8:28)<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As April showers would bring May flowers in this season of Easter through Pentecost, I also find myself reminiscing of times before when I might recall past celebrations of graduations, commencement exercises and wedding ceremonies at springtime. A renewing perspective of theological reflection and familial experience embraces me in these latter days as I bear witness to my eldest child graduating from college, a daughter's confirmation in faith, the baptism of a precious little one to preside over, a niece and Godchild's move from secondary education toward matriculation in her undergraduate studies, and a friend and relative's anticipated vows of promise together in the covenant of marriage. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>It is, for me it seems, amidst the transitions of life and ministry <em>in the Lord</em> that events transpire in a way that can make any sense. Through the ebb and flow of our lives lived for the glory of God in Christ, we are continually transformed by the power and presence of God the Holy Spirit who is ever conforming us to the image of Jesus. (Romans 8:29; 12:2)<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As I await the next season of call for the glory of the Lord, and bid one another farewell upon the upcoming transition in ministry at this time and place under the sun, excerpts of lyrics in the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em> by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick echo within my soul. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Is this the little girl I carried? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Is this the little boy at play? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>I don't remember growing older<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>When did they? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Swiftly flow the days<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Blossoming even as we gaze <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>What words of wisdom can I give them? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>How can I help to ease their way? <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Now they must learn from one another <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Day by day <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Sunrise, sunset <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Swiftly fly the years <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>One season following another <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Laden with happiness and tears <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The Lord be with you and yours in these seasons under the sun through the passing of the years <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In Christ,<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-46291792369831391192013-03-21T11:07:00.001-04:002013-03-21T11:07:47.943-04:00Freshly Fallen Spring Snow<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>As I write this in the first few days of the Lenten equinox, words come to mind at the sight of the ground before me…. oh so slidingly slow for freshly fallen spring snow….<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>The thought of slipping on by smoothly across the surface from one season of transition to another conjures up images of uncertainty over potential pitfalls along the path forward on the journey in the way of faith. It really is for me in my experience a pilgrimage calling for ever increasing trust in the Lord our God in the face of seemingly impossibly difficult situations. To prayerfully entrust one another on this road of witnessing God's great faithfulness and goodness toward us as children of the Lord is a wonder for us to behold and is precisely what we are called to in these latter days, and unwaveringly so. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>As we approach the most holy of holy weeks in our tradition of worship through millennia of Christian practice, particularly from our reformed heritage, I am personally challenged and comforted at the same time by sovereign grace manifested in the passion of the Christ. To reimagine, if we would or could, what Jesus the Holy and Anointed One must have been going through and how Christ the Lord was feeling at the time of the week preceding his crucifixion is in a sense beyond the pale. The myriad onslaught of emotions in moments of utter desperation experienced in the midst of the Christ event must for some have been overly overwhelming. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>And yet, even as I continue writing and riding on, the brightly enlightening rays of the sun are shining through whatever grey clouds there may appear to be in the skies of cumulus soaring in the upper stratus above. A so-called silver lining may yet present itself in the process of the enduring pilgrim's progress toward the golden glory of the eternal realms. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>The apostle Paul puts it in this way in the letter of love to the saints in Corinth. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 28pt'>And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 28pt'><em>2 Corinthians 3:18 (NRSV)<br /></em></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>With every trial and tribulation traversed in transition, the traveler whose triumph is totaled in the way, the truth, the resurrection and the life is continually transformed as led by the Spirit of Christ Jesus the Lord our God.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>May this be the blessed experience of the holy in our midst who are deeply loved in Christ, always and forever <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'>In God's grace and peace,<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 1pt'><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-12623015876777894052013-02-21T15:28:00.001-05:002013-02-21T15:28:32.712-05:00If at first you don't succeed…<span xmlns=''><p>Whether it's Moses or Matthew, Joshua or John, Solomon or Stephen, Saul or Paul or Peter, Job or James, or Jesus, witnesses of faith in Scripture embody and live out their faithfulness as living examples to and for us of persons who show unto others the way of the Christ. The way of the journey in faith, however, is not always, if ever it seems, straightforward. Its approach or experience in navigating through life's events and various callings are fraught with the challenges and difficulties faced by such leading witnesses along the path of a faith-filled pilgrimage. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In our reading of the scriptural narrative, we find each of these and other leading characters at one point or another facing failure in some form, if at least from a worldly, if not otherwise biblical, perspective. In view of this, a number of typically conventional sayings come to mind. Among these are the following: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>"If at first you don't succeed, try and try again." "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results." "God helps those who help themselves." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>While on the surface these sayings might seem to make sense on their own, we may upon further examination find them inherently contradictory in contrast with each other and actually nonsensical even within themselves, especially when delving into them more deeply in the light of the Word of God which exposes their folly and fallacy. More and more as I grow in my experience in the journey of faith as a student of God's Word, I find many such common sayings inadequate, if not actually antithetical to the gospel in the biblical account(s). <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>We who are seeking to be disciples of the way, the truth, the resurrection and the life in Jesus Christ are at times too quick and easy to adopt or become adopted by such insidious ideas in the world surrounding us. If we are blessed, we may discover a deeper awareness of ourselves being so readily acquiescing to the wily ways of this world in which we are called to live, but not be of it. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Rather than giving in, subscribing, surrendering and/or becoming submitted to the so-called wisely popular notions of the world around us, we would do better, beloved, in the way of the Word as the apostle Paul writes in Romans (12:1-2), urging us in view of God's mercy, to <strong><em>offer ourselves as living sacrifices</em></strong>, holy and pleasing to God in a <strong><em>reasonable</em></strong> way through loving acts of service with a worshipful attitude in the Spirit of the Lord. As Paul urges us on: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Other verses from Scripture come to mind as well. "I am the vine, you are the branches… apart from me, you can do nothing." (Jesus in John 15:5) "God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in time of trouble." (Psalm 46:1) <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>If I were to begin attempting to rewrite, reform and reformulate the more worldly saying(s) listed earlier above in the light of Scripture, it might go something like this: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>If at first you don't succeed, don't be afraid to "fail" and "fail again" as you learn along the way, always falling on your knees to pray and pray again and again, keeping on keeping on in the way of faith. Indeed, if at first you don't succeed, read and reread and heed the Word. The definition of insanity is thinking you can succeed in being and/or becoming a faithful witness without or apart from God. God actually helps those who ask God for help! <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>All the more to and for the glory of God, in this Lenten season, as well as forever and always, toward being and becoming faithful witnesses, may we remain and continue in the Lord, <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-57513612476640378642013-02-20T15:49:00.001-05:002013-02-20T15:49:02.209-05:00Revive Lenten Evening Service of Prayer & Praise<span xmlns=''><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>S</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ENTENCES OF </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>S</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>CRIPTURE<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>1 </strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Year A B C<br /></span></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'><em>Matt. 4:4<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>One does not live by bread alone, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.</span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1355753/firm-foundation'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Firm Foundation</em></strong></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>RAYER OF THE </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>D</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>AY<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>3 </strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Year A B C<br /></span></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>God of the covenant,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>as the forty days of deluge<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>swept away the world's corruption<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and watered new beginnings of righteousness and life,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>so in the saving flood of Baptism<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>we are washed clean and born again.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Throughout these forty days,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>unseal within us the wellspring of your grace,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>cleanse our hearts of all that is not holy,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and cause your gift of new life to flourish once again.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Grant this through Jesus Christ our Redeemer,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>one God, forever and ever. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen. </strong></span></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1774073/holy-love'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Holy Love</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>RAYER OF </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ONFESSION<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>God of mercy,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>We confess that we have strayed from you<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and turned aside from your way.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>We are misled by pride,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>for we see ourselves pure when we are stained,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and great when we are small.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>We have failed in love,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>neglected justice,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and ignored your truth.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Return us to paths of righteousness<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>through Jesus Christ, our Savior.<span style='color:black'><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/2180913/breathe-on-us-again'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Breathe On Us Again</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>NTERCESSION FOR </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ENT<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, remember us when you come into your kingdom.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Hear our intercessions.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For your church around the world,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask new life.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For all who carry out ministries in your church,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask grace and wisdom.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For people who have accepted spiritual disciplines,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask inspired discipleship.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For Christians of every land,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask new unity in your name.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For Jews and Muslims and people of other faiths,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your divine blessing.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For those who cannot believe,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your faithful love.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For governors and rulers in every land,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your guidance.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>For people who suffer and sorrow,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we ask your healing peace. </strong></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the leader concludes the litany:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Holy God,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and brought humanity the gift of reconciliation<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>by the suffering and death he endured.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Teach those who bear his name<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>to follow the example he gave us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>May our faith, hope, and charity<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>turn hatred to love, conflict to peace, and death to eternal life;<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>through Christ our Lord. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1680497/the-reconciliation-song'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>The Reconciliation Song</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:8pt'>A </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>T</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>IME FOR </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>T</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ESTIMONY<br /></span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ITANY FOR </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ENT<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ,</span><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1839884/jesus-jesus'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Jesus, Jesus</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>out of your fullness we have all received grace upon grace.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>You are our eternal hope;<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>you are patient and full of mercy;<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>you are generous to all who call upon you.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ, fountain of life and holiness,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>you have taken away our sins.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>On the cross you were wounded for our transgressions<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and were bruised for our iniquities.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ, obedient unto death,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>source of all comfort,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>our life and our resurrection,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>our peace and reconciliation:<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O Christ, Savior of all who trust you,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>hope of all who die for you,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and joy of all the saints:<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Save us, Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, Lamb of God,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>have mercy on us.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, bearer of our sins,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>have mercy on us.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Jesus, redeemer of the world,<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: justify'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>grant us peace.</span><span style='color:black; font-size:9pt'><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the leader concludes the litany:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>God of love,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>as in Jesus Christ you gave yourself to us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>so may we give ourselves to you,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>living according to your holy will.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Keep our feet firmly in the way<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>where Christ leads us;<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>make our mouths speak the truth<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>that Christ teaches us;<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>fill our bodies with the life<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>that is Christ within us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>In his holy name we pray. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>Amen.</span><span style='font-size:9pt'><br /> </span></strong></span></span></p><p><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1406918/shout-to-the-lord'/></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Shout to the Lord</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>O</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>FFERING, </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>B</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>LESSING AND </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>HARGE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>An offering may be received. The minister gives God's blessing to the congregation.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:6pt'><em>1 Thess. 5:23<br /></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p/></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-28200143601532162442013-02-11T14:16:00.001-05:002013-02-11T14:16:21.903-05:00Revive! Ash Wednesday Evening Service of Prayer & Praise 2013 February 13<span xmlns=''><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>All silently gather. Any procession should be in silence.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ALL TO</span><span style='font-size:10pt'>W</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ORSHIP<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt'><em>Joel 2:1–2, 12–17; Ps. 51:1–17<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us return to the Lord.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>God is gracious and compassionate,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>slow to anger and abounding in love.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Have mercy on us, O God,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>according to your unfailing love.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Wash away our iniquity;<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>cleanse us from our sins.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>The sacrifice acceptable to God<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>is a humble spirit.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>A broken and contrite heart<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>God will not turn away.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>"Even now," declares the Lord,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>"return to me with all your heart."<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>With open hearts<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we call upon the name of the Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us worship God<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1595221/come-let-us-return'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Come, Let Us Return</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER OF THE </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>D</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>AY<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us pray.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the following prayer may be said:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>1 2 </strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Year A B C<br /></span></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Gracious Almighty God, out of your love and mercy you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and neighbors. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'><span style='color:black'>You despise nothing you have made and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Call forth our prayers and acts of tenderness, and strengthen us to face our mortality, that we may reach with confidence for your mercy… Create in us new and contrite hearts, that truly repenting of our sins, and acknowledging our brokenness, we may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness; through your Son, the </span>Lord<span style='color:black'> Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. </span></span><span style='color:red; font-size:7pt'>[208] </span></span><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1595238/turn-our-hearts'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Turn Our Hearts</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER OF </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ONFESSION<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt'><em>Joel 2:1–2, 12–17; Isa. 58:1–12; Ps. 51:1–17<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>O Lord, you are gracious and merciful,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>You have called us to return to you with all our hearts.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Forgive us, for we have been slow to share with the poor,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>but quick to point the finger and pass judgment.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Even when we do not withhold from those in need, <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>we hope for some reward or recognition <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>for doing only what we ought to have done.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Hide your face from our sins, O Lord, and blot out all our iniquities.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Do not cast us away from your presence, <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>and do not take away your Holy Spirit. <br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong>Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and sustain in us a willing spirit.<br /></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0057464'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Create In Me a Clean Heart</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER FOR </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>LLUMINATION<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us pray.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>After a brief silence, the following prayer for illumination may be said:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>God our helper, by your Holy Spirit open our minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may be led into your truth and be taught your will, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.<br /></strong></span></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/2298355/open-the-eyes-of-my-heart'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Open the Eyes of My Heart</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>G</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>OSPEL </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>R</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>EADING and </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>R</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>EFLECTION </span></strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:8pt'>Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21</span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1572/open-our-eyes'><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><em>Open Our Eyes</em></strong></span></a><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>NVITATION TO THE </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>O</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>BSERVANCE OF THE </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ENTEN </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>D</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ISCIPLINE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>The following or similar words may be spoken:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Friends in Christ, every year at the time of the Christian Passover <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>we celebrate our redemption through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery. We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance, and for the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>If ashes are used, the following may be said:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>We begin our journey to Easter with the sign of ashes.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>This ancient sign speaks of the frailty and uncertainty of human life,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and marks the penitence of this community.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>The minister continues:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>I invite you, therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>by works of love, and by reading and meditating on the Word of God.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us bow before God, our Creator and Redeemer, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and confess our sin.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>The people may kneel or bow down.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>Silence is kept for reflection and self-examination.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:10pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>SALM </span><span style='font-size:10pt'>51 </span></strong></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>Psalm 51:1–17 is sung or said.</span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong><br /> </strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><em>Psalm 51:1–17 </em></strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'>Tone 7; PH 195, 196; PS 48<br /></span></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>R</strong></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span><strong><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><em>Change my heart, Oh God, make it ever true, Change my heart, Oh God, may I be like You</em></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>1 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>in your great compassion blot out my offenses.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>2 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Wash me through and through from my wickedness </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>and cleanse me from my sin. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>3 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>For I know my transgressions, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and my sin is ever before me.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>4 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Against you only have I sinned </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and done what is evil in your sight.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'>And so you are justified when you speak </span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and upright in your judgment.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>5 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>a sinner from my mother's womb. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>6 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>For behold, you look for truth deep within me, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and will make me understand wisdom secretly.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>7 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>8 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Make me hear of joy and gladness, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>that the body you have broken may rejoice.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>9 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Hide your face from my sins </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>and blot out all my iniquities. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>10 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Create in me a clean heart, O God, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and renew a right spirit within me.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>11 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Cast me not away from your presence </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and take not your holy Spirit from me.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>12 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Give me the joy of your saving help again </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'>and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. </span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>R<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>13 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>I shall teach your ways to the wicked, </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and sinners shall return to you.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>14 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Deliver me from death, O God, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'>O God of my salvation. </span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>R<br /></strong></span></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>15 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Open my lips, O Lord, </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:7pt'>16 </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, </span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>17 </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; </strong></span></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>*<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong><span style='color:black'>a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. </span><span style='color:red'>R<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>L</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ITANY OF </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>ENITENCE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Let us pray.</span><span style='font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong><em><br /> </em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Holy and merciful God, we confess to you and to one another,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Have mercy on us, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not listened to your call to serve as Christ served us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have not been true to the mind of Christ. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We have grieved your Holy Spirit.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>Have mercy on us, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>We confess to you, O God, all our past unfaithfulness:<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>The pride, hypocrisy, and impatience in our lives,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our self-indulgent appetites and ways and our exploitation of other people,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our anger at our own frustration <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our dishonesty in daily life and work,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Our negligence in prayer and worship, <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our failure to commend the faith that is in us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>we confess to you, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Accept our repentance, O God, for the wrongs we have done.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>For our neglect of human need and suffering <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>accept our repentance, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>accept our repentance, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>For our waste and pollution of your creation <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>and our lack of concern for those who come after us,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:9pt'><strong>accept our repentance, O God.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'>Restore us, O God, and let your anger depart from us.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>Favorably hear us, O God, for your mercy is great.</span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></span><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>[209]</span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt'><strong><br /> </strong></span></p><p style='text-align: justify; margin-left: 108pt'><strong><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><span style='font-size:9pt'>I</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>MPOSITION OF </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>A</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>SHES <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1565/change-my-heart-oh-god'/></span></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Change My Heart, Oh God</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:7pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='color:black; font-size:8pt'>Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth. May these ashes be for us a sign of our mortality and penitence, and a reminder that only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. </span><span style='color:red; font-size:7pt'>[210]</span></span><span style='color:black; font-size:8pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='margin-left: 108pt'><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>RAYER</span></strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:9pt'> <a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/426298/refiners-fire'/></span></span><strong><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Refiner's Fire</em></span><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:7pt'><br /> </span></strong></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='color:black'><span style='font-size:8pt'>God of compassion, through your Son Jesus Christ you reconciled your people to yourself. Following his example of prayer and fasting, may we obey you with willing hearts and serve one another in holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span><span style='color:red; font-size:7pt'>[212]</span></span><span style='color:black'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><br /> </span><span style='font-size:8pt'><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman'><strong><span style='font-size:9pt'>O</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>FFERING, </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>B</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>LESSING AND </span><span style='font-size:9pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:7pt'>HARGE<br /></span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:7pt'>An offering may be received. The minister gives God's blessing to the congregation.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:6pt'><em>1 Thess. 5:23<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:8pt'><span style='font-family:Arial'>May the God of peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Amen.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'> Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. </span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman'><strong>Thanks be to God.</strong></span><span style='font-family:Arial'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'>All quietly depart.<br /></span></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-26449315013442357432013-01-17T15:22:00.001-05:002013-01-17T15:22:52.870-05:00Don't be…. God will….<span xmlns=''><p>Eight years ago this week in January, my family and I were moving in to our new home in New Castle, Indiana. It was in the midst of downright frigid, subfreezing (if not subhuman) weather that I remember the movers from New Jersey unloaded the truck while whipping winds walloped anyone exposed to the external elements of that wintry day. And, if being subjected to that kind of "welcoming" environment wasn't enough, it was at the same time necessary to keep the front door open with the crosswind gusts rushing in, especially during the challenge of maneuvering our Steinway grand piano from the cold outside into the not-so-warm house inside. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>We were trying hard as we could to help effect our move into the new place expeditiously, but it was all too easy to become overwhelmed by the seeming immensity of the task remaining before us. I marveled then at the tenacity of the workers doing the work of helping relocate a large family of eight in the bleak midwinter of the Midwest. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>From the time of the kings of old in ancient Israel, there comes to mind a verse which the Spirit brings for my continued reflection in the Word this month. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>"Don't be frightened by the size of the task. Be strong and courageous and get to work for the Lord my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:20 (TLB/NRS)<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>These were words from King David speaking to his son Solomon who would be the king presiding over the building of the temple in Israel. The plans for the task at hand were vastly enormous! So many grand and intricate details and logistics to comprehend and oversee were to be passed on from one generation to another that the next mighty moments in Israel's worship of the Lord their God would be manifested, embodied in the building of a temple for the majesty and glory of God to be known and witnessed all the more into the future. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>This is not unlike what some may be facing in our own day and time of these latter days. Even as the wisdom given from on high to King Solomon came to bear upon the way of building the temple for the Lord God almighty in the ancient days of Israel, the writer in Ephesians (5:16) exhorts anew the reader and hearer of the New Testament to wisely make "the most of the time, because the days are evil." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Beloved, this is indeed no time to minimize our pledge to the gracious and almighty Lord our God, of whom it is said by James (1:5) that to those needing wisdom who ask God, "gives generously to all without finding fault."<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The Lord Jehovah Jireh our God is always and for ever our provider. The Lord will provide for everything we need in order to accomplish the task given us in these days. He's at our side until every last detail is completed. Will we act faithfully in a way "worthy of the calling [we] have received" (Ephesians 4:1) by renewing our pledge to Christ and his church? As the Word is proclaimed in Revelation (4:11, 5:12), he is worthy to receive all glory, honor, blessing, and power. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In a loud voice they sang:"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Courageously yours in Christ,<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-10684536793143079332013-01-17T10:18:00.001-05:002013-01-17T10:18:57.825-05:00Revive Epiphany II Evening Service of Prayer and Praise on Wednesday 16 January 2013<span xmlns=''><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>PREPARATION<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>O God, make speed to save us.<br/><strong>O Lord, make haste to help us.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>From the rising of the sun to its setting<br/><strong>your glory is proclaimed in all the world. <a href='http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/songs/item/172-from-where-the-sun-rises'/></strong></span><strong><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>From Where the Sun Rises</em></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>One or more of the following is said or sung:<br /></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>this or another prayer of thanksgiving<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>Blessed are you, Sovereign God,<br/>our light and our salvation,<br/>to you be glory and praise for ever.<br/>You gave your Christ as a light to the nations,<br/>and through the anointing of the Spirit<br/>you established us as a royal priesthood.<br/>As you call us into your marvelous light,<br/>may our lives bear witness to your truth<br/>and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise.<br/>Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.<br/><strong>Blessed be God for ever. <a href='http://briandoerksen.com/caffeine/views/resources/pdf/Hope%20of%20the%20nations.pdf'/></strong></span><strong><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Hope of the Nations</em></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:4pt'><br/></span><span style='font-size:10pt'>O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!<br/><strong>Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;<br/></strong>with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,<br/><strong>kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name!<br/></strong></span><span style='font-size:4pt'><br/></span><span style='font-size:10pt'>Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,<br/>high on his heart he will bear it for thee,<br/>comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,<br/>guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.<br/></span><span style='font-size:4pt'><br/></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong>Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness<br/></strong>of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:<br/><strong>truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,<br/></strong>these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.<br/></span><span style='font-size:4pt'><br/></span><span style='font-size:10pt'>These though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,<br/><strong>he will accept for the name that is dear;<br/></strong>mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,<br/><strong>trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.</strong></span><span style='font-size:4pt'><br/><br/></span><span style='font-size:10pt'>O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!<br/><strong>Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;<br/></strong>with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,<br/><strong>kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name! </strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'>J S B Monsell</span><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong><br /> </strong></span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:4pt'><br/></span><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em>This opening prayer may be said<br /></em></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,<br/>let us pray with one heart and mind.<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>Silence is kept.<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,<br/>so may your mercy come down upon us<br/>to cleanse our hearts<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>and set us free to sing your praise<br/>now and for ever.<br/><strong>Amen. <a href='http://choir.worshipthe1.net/worship/Lyrics/MaranathaSB/songbook_files/files/g_106.pdf'/></strong></span><strong><span style='font-size:8pt'><em>Every Time That We Are Gathered</em></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:4pt'><br/></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><span style='color:red'><em>Refrain: </em></span><strong>You created all things, O God, <br /></strong></span></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>and are worthy of our praise for ever.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>You are worthy, our Lord and God, <span style='color:red'>•</span><br/>to receive glory and honour and power. </span><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>For you have created all things, <span style='color:red'>•</span><br/>and by your will they have their being. </span><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain, <span style='color:red'>•</span><br/>and by your blood you ransomed for God<br/>saints from every tribe and language and nation. </span><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'>You have made them to be a kingdom and priests<br/>serving our God, <span style='color:red'>•</span><br/>and they will reign with you on earth. </span><span style='color:red; font-size:8pt'><em>(Refrain)</em></span><span style='font-size:10pt'><br /> </span></span></p><p style='text-align: right'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>Revelation 4.11; 5.9b, 10<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb <span style='color:red'>•</span><br/>be blessing and honour and glory and might,<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>for ever and ever. Amen.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong>You created all things, O God,<br/>and are worthy of our praise for ever.</strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><em><span style='color:red'> <a href='http://www.worship.co.za/wsv/v09v1001.asp'/></span><strong>Above All Others</strong><span style='color:red'><br /> </span></em></span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>RAYER OF </span><span style='font-size:12pt'>C</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>ONFESSION<br /></span></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>These scriptural verses are to be used throughout the time<br /></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>after Epiphany (from the Baptism of the Lord through the<br /></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>Transfiguration of the Lord) as a repeating, seasonal "envelope"<br /></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>around the Prayer of Confession for the day.<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Though darkness covers the earth, <em>Isa. 60:2<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and thick darkness the peoples;<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>the Lord will arise; God's glory will appear.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:<br/><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>and goodwill:<br/><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offences:<br/><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:<br/><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit,<br/>in communion with all your saints,<br/>entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:<br/><strong>we pray to you, O Lord.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Arise, shine; for your light has come! <em>Isa. 60:1<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:12pt'>P</span><span style='font-size:8pt'>RAYERS OF </span><span style='font-size:12pt'><strong>I</strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'>NTERCESSION<br /></span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Almighty and ever-living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>hear our prayers for this congregation and community.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Strengthen the faithful,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Grant us all things necessary for our common life,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>and bring us all to be of one heart and mind<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>within your holy church;<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'><strong>through Jesus Christ our Lord.</strong><br /> <strong>Amen.</strong><br /> </span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial'><em><span style='font-size:8pt'>The </span><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong>R</strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'>esponse here may be sung after each of the following petitions: <br /></span></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><strong><em><span style='color:red'>"<a href='http://x-trump.com/shl/innerlife/music/2200-O%20Lord,%20Hear%20My%20Prayer.pdf'/></span>O Lord, Hear My Prayer<span style='color:red'>… when I call, answer me… Come and listen to me."<br /></span></em></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>In peace, let us pray to Jesus our Lord,<br/>who ever lives to make intercession for us.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Savior of the world,<br/>be present in all places of suffering, violence and pain,<br/>and bring hope even in the darkest night.<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Inspire us to continue your work of reconciliation today. <span style='color:red'><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Lord of the Church,<br/>empower by your Spirit all Christian people, <br/>and the work of your Church in every land.<br/>Give us grace to proclaim the gospel joyfully in word and deed. <span style='color:red'><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Shepherd and Guardian of our souls,<br/>guide and enable all who lead and serve this community<br/>and those on whom we depend for our daily needs.<br/>Grant that we may seek the peace and welfare of this place. <span style='color:red'><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Great Physician,<br/>stretch out your hand to bring comfort, wholeness and peace<br/>to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.<br/>Fill us with compassion, that we may be channels of<br/>your healing love. <span style='color:red'><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Conqueror of death,<br/>remember for good those whom we love but see no longer.<br/>Help us to live this day in the sure and certain hope of <br/>your eternal victory. <span style='color:red'><strong><em>R</em></strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, <br/>to the mercy and protection of God.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.<br /></em></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:red; font-family:Arial; font-size:8pt'><em>The Collect and Lord's Prayer follow.<br /></em></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>AN EVENING COLLECT<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>Lighten our darkness,<br/>Lord, we pray,<br/>and in your great mercy<br/>defend us from all perils and dangers of this night,<br/>for the love of your only Son,<br/>our Saviour Jesus Christ.<br/><strong>Amen.<br /></strong></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='text-align: center'><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>THE LORD'S PRAYER<br /></span></p><p style='text-align: center'><br /> </p><p><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/1595104/from-where-the-sun-rises'>From Where The Sun Rises</a><br /> </p><ul><li><a href='http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/songs/item/172-from-where-the-sun-rises'>Graham Kendrick</a><br /> </li><li>Make Way Music<br /></li></ul><p><br /> </p><p><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/3540703/hope-of-the-nations'>Hope Of The Nations</a><br /> </p><ul><li><a href='http://briandoerksen.com/caffeine/views/resources/pdf/Hope%20of%20the%20nations.pdf'>Brian Doerksen</a><br /> </li><li>Integrity's Hosanna! Music<br /></li></ul><p><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/851210/every-time-that-we-are-gathered'>Every Time That We Are Gathered</a><br /> </p><ul><li><a href='http://choir.worshipthe1.net/worship/Lyrics/MaranathaSB/songbook_files/files/g_106.pdf'>Denise Graves</a><br /> </li><li>Maranatha Praise, Inc.<br /></li><li>Word Music, LLC<br /></li></ul><p><a href='https://us.songselect.com/songs/675032/above-all-others'>Above All Others</a><br /> </p><ul><li>Craig Musseau<br /></li><li><a href='http://www.worship.co.za/wsv/v09v1001.asp'>Mercy / Vineyard</a> Publishing<br /></li><li>Vineyard Songs Canada<br /></li></ul><p><a href='http://www.hymnary.org/tune/o_lord_hear_my_prayer_berthier'>O Lord, Hear My Prayer</a><br /> </p><ul><li>Jacques Berthier<br /></li><li>Taizé (France)<br /></li></ul><p><a href='http://daily.commonworship.com/prayers/prayers.html'>http://daily.commonworship.com/prayers/prayers.html</a><br /> </p><p><a href='http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/morneve/morning-and-evening-prayer-in-seasonal-time/epepiphany.aspx'>http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/morneve/morning-and-evening-prayer-in-seasonal-time/epepiphany.aspx</a><br /> </p><p><a href='http://www.thepresbyterianleader.com/Content/Site116/Basics/56990BookofOcca_00000010726.pdf'>http://www.thepresbyterianleader.com/Content/Site116/Basics/56990BookofOcca_00000010726.pdf</a><br /> </p><p><a href='http://bookoforder.info/Book-of-Common-Worship.pdf'>http://bookoforder.info/Book-of-Common-Worship.pdf</a><br /> </p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-28668975428475423862012-12-20T15:27:00.001-05:002012-12-20T15:27:46.808-05:00I will… smile<span xmlns=''><p>As I recently shared in reflection upon the smile of a dear saint's service of witness to the resurrection and the life, I was led to search for the word "smile" in various translations of the Holy Scriptures. One collection of three consecutive verses from the Bible caught my eye. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='font-size:16pt'><strong>Job 9:25-27 </strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'>(NIV1984)</span><span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>25 "My days are swifter than a runner;<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> they fly away without a glimpse of joy.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>26 They skim past like boats of papyrus,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> like eagles swooping down on their prey.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> I will change my expression, and smile,'<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Here, the Old Testament character of Job presents us with one whose relationship with God is replete with conversations which depict the height and depth of human suffering for one whose plight in life is faced with challenges that strain much of his dialogue with the very Lord of the universe. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As swiftly passing by the days of life may run their course, seemingly flying away without even as much as a glimpse of joy, skimming past like fleeting boats of papyrus as Scripture tells us, not unlike eagles swooping down upon their targeted prey below, we are presented with a choice in the wake of this Advent season of Thanksgiving and Christmas following into the New Year ahead. We are given occasion to choose what kind of attitude we may respond with whatever life may bring our way. Come what may, we can adapt in the midst of our situation(s) by deciding to adopt an attitude of gratitude, or give in to griping, begrudging and complaining. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Despite the potentially debilitating predicament of Job in the Bible by which he could have easily denounced with deep despair his sordid, sobering situation in utter despondency, he instead gives remarkable consideration to saying, "I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile"! :) While the rest of the passage provides greater context for this statement in which we find Job in further ruminations, lamenting his sorry state of late, the chapter ends with a telling turn of phrase from another translation. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='font-size:16pt'><strong>Job 9:33, 35</strong></span><span style='font-size:8pt'><strong><br /> </strong>(NLT)</span><span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>33 If only there were a mediator between us,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> someone who could bring us together.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><sup>35 Then I could speak to him without fear,<br /></sup></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'> but I cannot do that in my own strength.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>The Scriptures of the New Testament tell us that we have indeed been given a mediator in Jesus Christ. In the apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy (2:5) we read, "there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus" whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. The book of Hebrews (9:15; 12:24) refers to Christ as "the mediator of a new covenant". Jesus himself embodies the love of God that drives out all fear as expressed so affectionately in the Johannine accounts (John 3:16) and letters (1 John 4:8,18). Because of Jesus the Christ, we can have close conversation with God in prayer without being afraid as we approach the throne of grace. But, as Job points out, we cannot do this in our own strength. Only by grace can we do so. As Paul wrote to the Philippians (4:13 <span style='font-size:8pt'>CEV</span>), "Christ gives [us] the strength to face anything." <span style='font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p> <br /> </p><p>My hope and prayer for you and yours, and for all of us in this New Year in the Lord, is that God would gift us with renewed capacity of strength imbued upon us in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Blessed with certain temerity of resolve and determination toward the better future God has in mind for us, may we forge ahead into the New Year knowing that God is smiling on us with wisdom and favor from on high. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:16pt'><strong>Numbers 6:24-26<br /></strong></span></p><p>The Message (MSG)<br /></p><p><sup>24 God bless you and keep you,<br /></sup></p><p><sup>25 God smile on you and gift you,<br /></sup></p><p><sup>26 God look you full in the face<br /></sup></p><p> and make you prosper.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-14725121061498247612012-11-15T12:24:00.001-05:002012-11-15T12:24:02.682-05:00Of Christ in Christmas: In the Garden of Eden, God Planted the Seed<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>'Twas the week before Christmas but nobody knew,<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>No stockings, no ornaments, no gifts or good news.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>All the world had lost hope; all the people felt fear.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Now listen; I'll tell you why Christmas came here.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Has your heart ever had a big secret to share?<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>A surprise no one knew that you planned with much care?<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Did it tickle your tummy? Were you so excited?<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>God, too, has a mystery; and we're each invited.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>From long, long ago our God knew what we'd need;<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>In the Garden of Eden, He planted the seed.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Like a scavenger hunt, He left hints through the years<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>How to find His great gift, Who was soon to be here.<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'><span style='font-size:10pt'>(the <strong>Narrator</strong> in <a href='http://www.familylife.com/audio/series/2011/what-god-wants-for-christmas'><em>What God Wants For Christmas</em></a> excerpted from <a href='http://www.familylife.com/audio/series/2011/what-god-wants-for-christmas'>FamilyLife</a>)<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Around Christmastime, one of the rituals in which our family has participated in years past was that of opening up our storage boxes containing Christmas tree ornaments. We would take things out of their containers and then consider out loud together how we might specifically trim the tree for the occasion at hand. We would at times set the scene beforehand and build the experience up as a great and wonderful adventure to unearth things from the past. What wonders we might find in the vast numbers of various possibilities of trimmings awaiting for us to rediscover amidst the sea of boxes large and small all spread out across the living room floor! <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>While our practice of this yuletide rite may seem simple and ordinary enough to reenact, there was for us in this blessed event a special aspect that served as an opportunity for us to be drawn closer to one another in Christ at Christmas. In this case, it involved not only the physical task of finding and putting the various ornaments in place upon the tree, but the mental, spiritual and emotional exercise of remembering the significance of each piece and its association with a particular treasured memory in our common journey(s) of faith together. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>One remembrance comes to mind of a Christmas prior to our having children when we as a couple had but only a few ornaments to choose from. Among the precious items laid out on our apartment's beautiful hardwood floor was a Christmas tree ornament from a previous trip to a place out west where we had spent some time by the ocean. Melissa and I loved to walk along various coastlines and visit lighthouses by the sea. It was on one of these our earlier travels when we discovered she was bearing the first seed of our blessed union. Little did we know, that seed would be the first of six blessings for us to bless others with from above. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>I was recently asked why it is that in our annual Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols we first include narrative readings from near the beginning of the Old Testament book of Genesis—the account of Adam and Eve. My initial response was that according to the Holy Scriptures, Jesus Christ is referred to in the New Testament as the second Adam. That is, "Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come," (Romans 5:14) however sinned; whereas Christ, who was, and is, and is yet to come again, instead obeyed. As we may read further in Paul's letter to the saints in Rome: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>"Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight." <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'><em>Romans 5:18-19 (NLT)</em><br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p>Along with my first responsive inclination, Jesus is also referred to at the beginning of the Bible as the seed of the woman, Eve when God addresses the serpent: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'>"And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed ; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel." <em>Genesis 3:15 (NAS)</em><br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p>Because of both the first and second Adam, and especially God's seed of the woman, Eve in Christ who sets us free from sin and the enemy of our souls, we beloved are delivered to be "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" from above (John 1:13). Jesus, God's Seed of Christ in Christmas celebrates us as God's own dearly loved ones, even as we celebrate the Christ child at Christmas. May the truth and reality of our spiritual identity be made more so evident for you and yours this Christmas.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In Christ Jesus,<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-13142007249342476422012-11-02T12:29:00.001-04:002012-11-02T12:29:59.784-04:00Hurricane Sandy — Presbyterian Disaster Assistance — Mission and Ministry — Presbyterian Mission Agency<span xmlns=''><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:#c60c30; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:11pt'><strong>Give to Disaster Relief--2012 Superstorm (Sandy)<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Your faithful giving is greatly appreciated<br /></span></p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/share-your-story'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><strong>Share your story about Hurricane Sandy</strong></span></a><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:#0d2345; font-family:Georgia; font-size:19pt'><strong><em>Hurricane Sandy <br /></em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:#45423e; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:16pt'><strong>On All Saints Day remember those affected by Hurricane Sandy<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>"<em>The church is catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all."</em><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>These are the words of John Donne, a cleric and poet, written upon listening to the death knells that rang each day announcing how many had died of the plague in seventeenth-century London.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>On All Saints Day as we remember all the saints whose witness prompted our faith in Jesus Christ, let us also remember our brothers and sisters who have been impacted by the massive storm that hit the eastern United States and parts of the Caribbean. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Please pray for the millions of people who have been affected by this storm. Stand in the GAP for them.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>There are ways you can help:<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#44473e'><strong>Give.</strong><br /> <a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/give/DR000187/'/></span>Provide financial support<span style='color:#44473e'> to aid in recovery efforts. You can give $10 now by texting PDA to 20222 or mail your gift referencing DR000187 to P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA.</span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#44473e'><strong>Act. <a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/making-gift-heart-kits/'/></strong></span>Make "Gift of the Heart" kits<span style='color:#44473e'> - clean up buckets, baby kits, hygiene kits and school kits. More than 18,000 kits have already been sent.</span><br /> </span></p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/volunteer-opportunities/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Organize volunteer teams</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>. There will be tremendous need for volunteer teams to help in the clean-up and recovery efforts — that will span multiple states — including many communities still recovering from Hurricanes Irene and Lee.</span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><strong>Pray.</strong> Pray for families who lost homes and loved ones. Pray as they face power loss and other challenges brought on by further inclement weather. Pray for those seek to provide physical, emotional and spiritual comfort. Pray the hope of Christ will be evident in our response.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:#45423e; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:16pt'><strong>Situation Reports<br /></strong></span></p><p><a href='http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/11/1/hurricane-sandy-no-halloween-treat/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Hurricane Sandy no Halloween treat - First word to describe the storm's damage:'Historic'</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> – Presbyterian News Service story by Jim Nedelka, October 31, 2012</span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/all-saints-day-remember-those-affected-sandy/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>On All Saints Day, remember those affected by Hurricane Sandy</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> – October 30, 2012</span><br /> </p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy-situtation-report-102912/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Continuing to monitor Hurricane Sandy</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>, which struck in the Caribbean and is heading for the East Coast of the United States – October 29, 2012</span><br /> </p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy-response/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Hurricane Sandy</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> initial report – October 26, 2012</span><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='color:#45423e; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:16pt'><strong>Resources<br /></strong></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#44473e'>Sandy response: <a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/2012-superstorm-sandy-bulletin-insert-full-color-v/'/></span>Bulletin Insert (color)<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#44473e'>Sandy response: <a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/2012-superstorm-sandy-bulletin-insert-black-and-wh/'/></span>Bulletin Insert (black and white)<br /></span></p><p><a href='http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/10/29/church-leaders-offer-call-prayer-hurricane-sandy/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Call to Prayer</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> by church leaders as Hurricane Sandy continues to rage</span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/share-your-story/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Sharing the story</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> – where do you see God at work in the storm's aftermath?</span><br /> </p><p><a href='http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/pda/pdfs/cleanup-bucket-bulletin-insert.pdf'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Gift of the Heart Kit Cleanup Bucket</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> - bulletin insert with instructions to prepare a bucket for response to U.S. disasters. </span><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#44473e'>Bulletin insert with instructions to prepare a <a href='http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/pda/pdfs/cleanup-bucket-bulletin-insert.pdf'/></span>Gift of the Heart Kit Clean Up Bucket<span style='color:#44473e'> for response to U.S. disasters. </span><br /> </span></p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/we-see-waters/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>We See the Waters</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>, hymn related to floods and storms by Clay Gunter</span><span style='font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/destruction-home/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Service of pastoral care</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> for those who have lost a home to earthquake, fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, or other disaster (adapt for specific needs and local circumstances.)</span><br /> </p><p><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/prayers-times-trouble-and-disaster/'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Prayers in Times of Trouble and Disaster</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>, prepared by the PC(USA) Office of Theology and Worship</span><br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#44473e'>The PDA Call Center has information about current opportunities for volunteer work teams around the nation. Find information <a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/volunteer-opportunities/'/></span>online<span style='color:#44473e'> or call (866) 732-6121 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 732-6121 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.</span><br /> </span></p><ul><li><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy/'><span style='color:#0d2345; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:9pt'>Print This Page</span></a><span style='color:#0d2345; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></li><li><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy/'><span style='color:#0d2345; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:9pt'>Share</span></a><span style='color:#44473e; font-family:Trebuchet MS'><br /> </span><span style='color:#0d2345'><br /> </span></li></ul><p><span style='color:#232323; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><strong>Topics:<br /></strong></span></p><ul><li><a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/browse/ministries-ministrycontent/topic/disaster-response/'><span style='color:#0d2345; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:9pt'>Disaster Response</span></a><span style='color:#0d2345; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt'><br /> </span></li></ul><p><span style='color:#232323; font-family:Trebuchet MS; font-size:10pt'><strong>Tags:<br /></strong></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#666666'>Inserted from <<a href='http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy/'/></span>http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy/<span style='color:#666666'>></span><br /> </span></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-15959014540146368012012-10-22T12:53:00.001-04:002012-10-22T12:53:20.619-04:00New Castle Courier Times | Roland Selke<span xmlns=''><div><table border='0' style='border-collapse:collapse'><colgroup><col style='width:635px'/></colgroup><tbody valign='top'><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p/></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:7pt'><em>Sunday, October 21, 2012<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:13pt'><strong>Roland Selke<br /></strong></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:7pt'><em>Sunday, October 21, 2012<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Roland Selke, 98, died peacefully Oct. 20, 2012, leaving deep sadness along with wonderful memories for his beloved wife, devoted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and so many others whom he loved and mentored.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>He was born July 4, 1914, in Cincinnati, a son of Chris and Julia Selke. He had two younger sisters and a brother, also deceased.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Roland grew up in New Castle during the Great Depression. At a young age he learned the value of hard work, family, helping others and being resourceful and practical as well as appreciating life's simple pleasures.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>After graduating from high school, Roland received a partial scholarship from his church to attend Hanover College. He studied math and the sciences and played on the college's football team. It was during a weekend home from college - sporting a broken arm from a football injury -- that he and some friends appeared uninvited at a girls' gathering. There he met Waneta La Mar, his life love and partner. From that point on they built a relationship which carried them through the joys and struggles of the Depression, World War II, raising their family and growing old together.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>They were married in 1937 in the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle where Roland later served as a Deacon and Elder. He and Waneta established an ongoing fund through the church which provides disadvantaged youth the opportunity to participate in extracurricular and enrichment programs. Roland was loyal to the church and devout in his beliefs, which he showed through example in the way he lived his life - always faithful, selfless, kind and forgiving.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Roland was employed 37 years at Chrysler Corp. in New Castle as a tool and die designer. He was chairman of the Die Sinker Apprentice program at Chrysler. During World War II, he worked in Los Angeles for ALCOA designing aircraft parts.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Roland was a man of many talents. He could build, repair and refurbish most anything. He particularly enjoyed restoring classic cars and collecting and refinishing antique furniture and clocks. He enjoyed sports, music, singing and dancing and once won a Charleston contest at Coney Island in Cincinnati. He and his wife were dance partners well into their 90s. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary just a week ago on Oct. 13.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>His memberships included the Twenty/Thirty Club in Los Angeles and, in New Castle, the Elks Club, Community Foundation and First Presbyterian Church.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Roland believed that his purpose was to provide for others, particularly his family. He designed and with his own hands, built the home in which his family found joy and comfort for 48 years. He was especially proud of the comforts and security he gave his wife and the college educations he made possible for his daughters "without a bank loan."<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Throughout his long life, Roland demonstrated his compassion, gentleness and strength to everyone he met. No one was a stranger. He greeted those he knew with a hug or handshake and was quick to notice where there was a need. He always was anxious to reach out to help anyone regardless of race, social or economic status or life circumstance by providing encouragement, prayer, a meal, transportation or financial assistance.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Roland was the patriarch of the family -- the rock upon which each could rely. The family feels blessed to have had him in their lives. Included are wife Waneta, to whom Roland was completely devoted; his grateful daughters, Diane Robbin of Chapel Hill,<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>N.C. and Susan Nuss of Zionsville; sons-in-law, David Robbin and Bill Nuss; grandchildren (to whom he was "Boompa") Scott Starbuck, Margot Starbuck, Jeff Lantz, Jennifer Moyers and their spouses and great grandchildren, Teague, Ethan, Zoe, Rollie, Abhi, Evan, Mason, Eli, Cash, Eliana and Katriel.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>He sacrificed to better the lives of his family and was proud of each of them. He will live on in spirit and inspiration through them. Among their favorite memories are summers at Lake Wawasee, sharing popcorn and chocolate sundaes, holiday traditions, family celebrations, singing in church, dancing, his sweet blue eyes and his mischievous smile. He taught many life lessons and what is important in becoming a good person.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>The family is most appreciative of the personal care, affection, humor and security that their "angel" and Roland's granddaughter, Jennifer Moyers, gave him over his last several years. She lovingly stepped into the role of caregiver allowing Roland and her grandmother Waneta to have the joy and dignity of remaining comfortable and independent.<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>"Fortunate is the man who loves and is loved."<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'><span style='color:black'>Services will be noon Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, 1202 Church St., New Castle, IN 47362. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Mar Fund at the First Presbyterian Church, Big Brothers/Sisters of Greater Indianapolis, and Smile Train with envelopes available at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. A celebration of Roland's life will also be held at Marquette Retirement Living in Indianapolis at a later date. You may express condolences or share a memory at Roland at <a href='http://www.hinsey-brown.com'/></span>www.hinsey-brown.com<span style='color:black'>.<br /></span></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:10pt'>Oct. 20, 2012<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Verdana; font-size:13pt'>Related Links:</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p><br/><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:7pt'>">Content © 2012</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:7pt'>">Software © 1998-2012 <strong>1up! Software</strong>, All Rights Reserved</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#666666'>Inserted from <<a href='http://www.thecouriertimes.com/print.asp?SectionID=9&SubsectionID=24&ArticleID=277589'/></span>http://www.thecouriertimes.com/print.asp?SectionID=9&SubsectionID=24&ArticleID=277589<span style='color:#666666'>></span><br /> </span></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-43246778737017349242012-10-18T11:04:00.001-04:002012-10-18T11:04:28.773-04:00Fall Into Love With Jesus<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-size:17pt'>Fall Into Love With Jesus<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:gray; font-size:10pt'>Thursday, October 18, 2012<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p>One of the prevailing habits characteristic of my prayer life is what I sometimes refer to as "drive-by prayers". Having lived in semi-suburban neighborhoods not too far from inner-city urban U.S. metropolitan areas during my childhood, I grew up hearing reports of "drive-by shootings" in places such as greater L.A. and other densely populated sections of our nation. Rather than dwelling on the negative images associated with those incidents of violence, promoting a positive [re]appropriation of the term(s) became for me a way of participating in the spiritual transformation and ministry of reconciliation that I am called to as a follower of Jesus Christ. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Just recently, I again found myself praying (with my eyes wide open, of course) while driving on the highway as I passed by a number of different residences, businesses and churches along the way into town. As I lifted them up to the Lord, asking for God's blessings upon one place of work, home and/or congregation after another, I came across a sign that caught my eye as the Spirit stirred my heart and soul. It read, "Fall into Love with Jesus". <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>With the leaves on the trees turning in this season of transition toward winter, the lush foliage of autumn colors spreading across the luscious landscape of the midwest is filled with opportunity for experiencing the wonder and awe of God's creation. It is a time in which we can indeed once more for the first time fall into love with Jesus all over and over again and again. Visions of children brushing upon mounds of fallen frond-like laden unfallowed ground come to mind, covering the once greener grass of the past spring into summer last. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>We are blessed beloved to be able to behold and appreciate the grandeur of our Lord in the splendor of God's majesty attested to by the entire universe and in nature all around us. The very heavens and earth surrounding us elicit a response of gratitude and praise to Almighty God Who is worthy above all to receive blessing, glory, honor and power. As David proclaimed in the Psalms (19:1a), "The heavens declare the glory of God!"<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As we approach the celebration of Thanksgiving dinners and other holiday festivities in this season of harvest time, we remember the blessed inheritance bestowed upon us in Christ through generations of saints before us. Members of the body of believers throughout all time and space remain in our collective memories as we may observe All Hallows' Evening on the eve of All Saints' Day. And we commemorate our continued traditions by re-appropriating them in service and sharing the blessings of our communal bounty in the spirit of God's love for others among us in time of need. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In this regard, we give thanks and praise to God once again for the mission and ministry of members effected through the efforts expended in holding our recent semiannual community rummage sale. Would you join me along with others also called by grace through faith in "shouting out" "drive-by prayers" of blessings of God's love showered upon nearby neighbors for the common good of all in our community? Will you prayerfully consider serving in a soup kitchen or helping stock up a food pantry in the coming weeks? Might each of us greet and pay a friendly visit with our neighbor's household or invite another family into our home for some refreshment and conversation? Could we in the process discover ourselves falling into love with Jesus in one another's lives all over again?<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>May it be so in this season of faith in Christ's love for the world, without end, Amen. <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-32841289619087090192012-09-15T12:14:00.001-04:002012-09-15T12:14:35.629-04:00the called, solitary flight... of the way, the truth, the life<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cGcRJWUY0AQ/UFSpaaUQYuI/AAAAAAAAAH8/zHzVbFQZSMU/the%252520called%25252C%252520solitary%252520flight...%252520of%252520the%252520way%25252C%252520the%252520truth%25252C%252520the%252520life_img_1.jpg"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cGcRJWUY0AQ/UFSpaaUQYuI/AAAAAAAAAH8/zHzVbFQZSMU/the%252520called%25252C%252520solitary%252520flight...%252520of%252520the%252520way%25252C%252520the%252520truth%25252C%252520the%252520life_img_1.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left cursor: pointer;" height="204px" width="320px" /></a><br><br>...can perhaps be caught and held in a picture....<br /><br>like a photograph of a bird in flight... Such is the solitary vocation. For, of all.... the solitary knows least where they are going, and yet more sure, for there is one thing they cannot doubt: they travel where God is leading them. That is precisely why the solitary doesn't know the way. And that too is why, to most others, the way is something of a scandal. (Thomas Merton)<br />Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-44077119048805815072012-07-19T17:15:00.001-04:002012-07-19T17:15:45.859-04:00Up in the Air — A Personal Perspective in Mid-Flight Over and Above the 220th General Assembly<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>What a blessing to stand with fellow delegates and colleagues at this year's General Assembly! Like a jumbo jet revving up its engines in preparation for takeoff, gaining momentum upon acceleration down the runway and setting its trajectory upward at the sky, the commissioners who gathered with others on the renewal partners' team this month flew and drove into southwestern Pennsylvania, standing firm together in faithful witness to the Word. With the Spirit's empowerment, we witnessed God's faithfulness prevail amidst the assembly's deliberations through committees and in plenary session. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>While I continue in recovery upon reentry from the aftermath of serving as commissioner to GA220, I am at the same time feeling somewhat "up in the air" about all that transpired and am in the process of discerning even more intensively, it seems, following such an exhaustively productive, if enervating experience. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>As the pastoral letter from Presbyterians For Renewal (PFR) following the 220<sup>th</sup> General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Pittsburgh, PA states: <br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 36pt'><span style='font-size:10pt'><strong>The PC(USA)</strong> "train" has left the "station" of orthodoxy and <strong>is headed into an undefined future</strong> where, seemingly, anything is possible. Individuals and congregations who are skittish about the risks and challenges of transferring their affiliation to a different denomination must understand that <strong>continuing on with the PC(USA) is not for the faint of heart<em><br /> </em></strong>either. In the decision of affiliation there is no <em>status quo</em>—<strong>there is no easy path</strong>. The only question is where is God calling you to engage in ministry? [Emphases added.]<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>This is not at all what many of us expected where we would be at this point as a denomination. Those among us commissioners who were of a more conservative, evangelical bent were initially anticipating that Christian marriage would be redefined and that divestment from companies engaged in business involving non-peaceful pursuits affecting the Israel/Palestinian conflict in the Middle East would be approved. Instead, these initiatives among others were held at bay. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>"If nothing else, [I believe] this Assembly confirmed the [critical] role of The Fellowship of Presbyterians in maintaining the unity and integrity of an evangelical and Reformed witness across denominational lines."<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>As such, I urge us all to strengthen our resolve in prayer for God's wisdom to preside upon our leadership's deliberations in the process of discerning the Lord's will concerning His church. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>May the Lord meet us "up in the air" as we pray for safe landing under God's sovereign grace. <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'>Together in Christ's Service,<br /></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10pt'><em>Pastor Rex</em></span></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-18675683379257111832012-06-21T13:10:00.001-04:002012-06-21T13:10:21.737-04:00On "Christian Marriage" at this year's General Assembly<span xmlns=''><p>In the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s <em>Book of Confessions</em>, the Westminster Confession of Faith (6.131) states: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Arial; font-size:10pt'>"Christian marriage is an institution ordained of God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, established and sanctified for the happiness and welfare of mankind, into which spiritual and physical union one man and one woman enter, cherishing a mutual esteem and love, bearing with each other's infirmities and weaknesses, comforting each other in trouble, providing in honesty and industry for each other and for their household, praying for each other, and living together the length of their days as heirs of the grace of life."<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Next week, into the month of July, the 220<sup>th</sup> General Assembly will consider if the definition of marriage defended by Jesus in Matthew 19 and Mark 10, expressed in our Confessions, and stated in the Directory for Worship in the <em>Book of Order</em>, stands in the PC(USA). Four overtures are seeking to change the wording in the Directory for Worship from "man and woman" to "two people." Six overtures are calling for authoritative interpretations that would allow for "same-sex marriages". (An authoritative interpretation can be adopted by a simple majority of one assembly and would not require ratification from/by the presbyteries.) Three overtures have been submitted toward affirming and strengthening the current definition of marriage. <span style='font-size:8pt'><sup>(1)<br /></sup></span></p><p>For those among us who may currently express more conservative, evangelical convictions of faith, these are challenging times. In the so-called mainline denominations within the tradition(s) of western Christianity, we are being affected by an increasingly progressive postmodern cultural context that, in our continually unfolding experience, threatens the undoing of the established institutions we have grown up with and have come to appreciatively esteem through generations past. While we continue to espouse the reformation's cry of <em>reformata et semper reformanda</em>—reformed and always reforming—we wonder and ask if the following qualifier "according to the Word of God" continues to be applicable as we are encouraged in our commitment to submit ourselves to always "being reformed". <br /></p><p>As you might imagine, in the aftermath of losing my spouse to cancer and now being a single parent of six, the issues concerning the subject of this article bear profound significance for me personally in my family's and my own journey of faith. And as a pastor called to help empower and equip leadership in the church for the shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God, I believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to pray with even greater zeal and fervor in the Lord for the welfare of our community. <br /></p><p>In a recent committee meeting of your leaders, we discerned the Lord calling us to gather at the service this Sunday morning together as a congregation for a conversation regarding the current state of our denomination, sharing with one another questions and sentiments surrounding the issues before this year's General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). May the Lord lead us in our continuing conversations and deliberations, for the glory of God in Christ, <br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex</em><br /> </p><p>—<br /></p><p><br /> <span style='font-size:8pt'><sup>(1)</sup></span><br /> <a href='http://www.pres-outlook.com/infocus-features/current-features/16738-outlook-forum-marriage-a-covenant-among-god-a-man-and-a-woman.html'><span style='color:blue; font-family:Garamond; font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'>http://www.pres-outlook.com/infocus-features/current-features/16738-outlook-forum-marriage-a-covenant-among-god-a-man-and-a-woman.html</span></a><span style='font-family:Garamond; font-size:8pt'><br /> </span></p><p><a href='http://www.pres-outlook.com/infocus-features/current-features/16738-outlook-forum-marriage-a-covenant-among-god-a-man-and-a-woman.html'><span style='color:blue; font-family:Garamond; font-size:8pt; text-decoration:underline'><strong>Outlook Forum: Marriage: A covenant among God, a man, and a woman</strong></span></a><span style='font-family:Garamond; font-size:8pt'><span style='color:#405f95'><strong><br /> </strong></span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-family:Garamond; font-size:8pt'>Written by TRACIE MAYES STEWART, BILL TENG AND LISA COOPER VAN RIPER <br /></span></p><p><span style='font-family:Garamond; font-size:8pt'><span style='color:#0072ae'><strong>TRACIE MAYES STEWART </strong></span><span style='color:black'>is associate pastor of Lake Murray Presbyterian Church in Chapin, S.C. </span><span style='color:#0072ae'><strong>BILL TENG </strong></span><span style='color:black'>is pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Va. </span><span style='color:#0072ae'><strong>LISA COOPER VAN RIPER </strong></span><span style='color:black'>is an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, S.C.</span><br /> </span></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-41563570046929808262012-05-21T09:56:00.001-04:002012-05-21T09:56:29.733-04:00Is the Word of God to be read by all?<br><b>Q. 156.  Is the Word of God to be read by all?</b><br /><br><b>A.  Although all are not permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves, and with their families; to which end the Holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original into the language of every people unto whom they come.  (from the Larger Catechism)</b><br />Rev. Rex Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079887396223352363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-81520406243283617082012-05-17T13:51:00.001-04:002012-05-17T13:51:44.168-04:00Pray Without Ceasing . . . Leading Up to and for the upcoming 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA)<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 5pt'>At a recent gathering of evangelical leaders hosted by the Presbyterian Coalition with the support of other Presbyterian Renewal Network partners, the presenter(s) encouraged and exhorted those in attendance. If we did not yet have a group of intercessors praying for us, especially over the next few months, we had better ask some prayerful people to intercede before the throne of grace on our behalf. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'>The meeting for the orientation and equipping of like-minded commissioners and overture advocates repeatedly emphasized for me the importance and urgency of the task(s) at hand. In obedience to the Lord, we are to be continually trained as a team to remain in Take Effective Action Mode (T.E.A.M.) in a concerted effort to purposefully and prayerfully participate in cooperation with one another and the Holy Spirit to effect God's will through due diligence in our deliberations concerning our common life together in faith. This requires much prayer in the Lord, shaping the better future God has in mind for God's people at this time and place. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'>At this month's presbytery meeting in Camp Pyoca, several presbyters were prayed for and commissioned as representatives to the national gathering of the PC(USA)'s General Assembly. Our Presbytery of Whitewater Valley has affirmed nominating and electing me as one among other teaching and ruling elder commissioners and advisory delegates from our presbytery among others from the presbyteries in the Synod of Lincoln Trails (comprising Indiana and Illinois) to represent us at the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), June 29 - July 7, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'>Many overtures have been submitted from several presbyteries nationwide concerning a myriad of topics and issues coming before the GA. In a random selection process, (after having been blessed to go on pilgrimage last November in a tour of the Holy Land,) I have now only recently this month been assigned to serve on the committee on Middle East Peacemaking issues. We will also be electing a moderator and vice-moderator of the PCUSA's General Assembly to represent and promote the GA's deliberations for the next two years. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'>In view of these and recent events in the life of our denomination, for the proclamation of the gospel in the context of issues concerning our society and culture, I strongly urge our participation in raising intercessions before the Lord our God for a fountain of prayers to be lifted up, pleading for God's mercy and grace to preside over our deliberations at this year's assembly. <br /></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'> <br /> </p><div style='margin-left: 5pt'><table border='0' style='border-collapse:collapse'><colgroup><col style='width:628px'/></colgroup><tbody valign='top'><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p>Please join with us and others in praying for the 2012 General Assembly. One helpful tool for this important work is a 40-day guide of prayers and quotations from the Book of Confessions, prepared by <a href='http://www.presbypray.org/'>Presbyterian Elders in Prayer</a>. The guide begins on May 20, 2012 and can be found elsewhere in the First Presbyterian church newsletter for May into June. <br /></p><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p>This <a href='http://www.presbycoalition.org/FORTY%20DAY%20PRAYER%20GUIDE%202012.pdf'>2012 Prayer Guide</a> is a resource to help us together take effective action mode through the 40 days of prayer leading up to the 220th General Assembly (2012) in Pittsburgh, PA. </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><strong><em>"This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10)<br /></em></strong></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'>Prayerfully yours, and His,<br /></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-80873234771904275892012-05-16T11:26:00.001-04:002012-05-16T11:26:55.079-04:00Pray Without Ceasing . . . for the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA)<span xmlns=''><div><table border='0' style='border-collapse:collapse'><colgroup><col style='width:635px'/></colgroup><tbody valign='top'><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:14pt'><strong>Pray Without Ceasing . . .</strong></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#555a4a'>Please join us in praying for the 2012 General Assembly. One helpful tool for this important work is a 40-day guide of prayers and quotations from the Book of Confessions, prepared by <a href='http://www.presbypray.org/'/></span>Presbyterian Elders in Prayer<span style='color:#555a4a'>. The guide begins on May 20, 2012. Click on the link to download a pdf of the full guide, or use the version printed below.</span><br /> </span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> </span> </p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><table border='0' style='border-collapse:collapse'><colgroup><col style='width:476px'/></colgroup><tbody valign='top'><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p><a href='http://www.presbycoalition.org/FORTY%20DAY%20PRAYER%20GUIDE%202012.pdf'><span style='font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>2012 Prayer Guide</span></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>40 days of prayer leading up to the 220th General Assembly (2012) in Pittsburgh, PA.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style='padding-top: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: none; border-right: none'><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><strong><em>"This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10)<br /></em></strong></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 1 May 20 Read Psalm 1<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>O Lord, our God, we lift up our prayers on behalf of the commissioners and advisory delegates who are preparing to serve in the upcoming GA. Provide them with the time, focus, and heart to meditate on your law and delight in it. They will read so many reports in the next 40 days…but may nothing take precedence over the reading of your Word….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 156. Is the Word of God to be read by all?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Although all are not permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves, and with their families; to which end the Holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original into the language of every people unto whom they come. (from the Larger Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 2 May 21 Read Psalm 1 and James 1:5<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>We confess, Lord God, that we have often chosen to follow the wrong advice, and take paths that have led us away from your calling on our lives. We ask your forgiveness for ourselves and for that part of your church called the PCUSA. For this day and all the days ahead, we pray for a generous outpouring of your wisdom….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 157. How is the Word of God to be read?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. The Holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, and that he only can enable us to understand them; with desire to know, believe, and obey, the will of God revealed in them; with diligence, and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation, application, self-denial, and prayer. (from the Larger Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 3 May 22 Read Psalm 1 and John 15:5<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Gracious God, we pray that each commissioner and advisory delegate will remain close to Christ in the days leading up to the GA, the days of the GA, and the days following the GA. We pray for a season of unprecedented fruitfulness for each one, and for your Church as a whole. And remind us each day that apart from Jesus we can do nothing….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 1. What is your only comfort, in life and in death?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. That I belong—body and soul, in life and in death—not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him. (from The Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 4 May 23 Read Acts 1:21-26<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Faithful God, in every season you provided leaders for your Church…even our small part of it. We believe your Holy Spirit gives us the gift of discernment to help us choose not only good leaders, but the best leaders for this time in our denominational life. Help us to treat all who feel called to leadership with kindness and respect…and reveal to us the best leaders for the PCUSA at this time. We pray specifically for the candidates for Moderator, Vice Moderator, and Stated Clerk….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>The church thus orders its life as an institution with a constitution, government, officers, finances, and administrative rules. These are instruments of mission, not ends of themselves….(from the Confession of 1967)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 5 May 24 Read I John 5:9-13<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Jesus, our one and only Savior, give us a greater hunger for you, for your presence, your power at work in our lives now and forever. We pray for that greater hunger for you to be growing in everyone who will be a part of the General Assembly in Pittsburgh….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 31. What is effectual calling?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel. (from the Shorter Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 6 May 25 Read John 17:6-19<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>How blessed we are, Lord God, to know your Name. We receive this and every word from Jesus as a gift from you to each one of us. We pray that your Name will be remembered, lifted high and exalted, as our part of your Church prepares for and gathers in Pittsburgh. And at the name of Jesus may our knees bow and our tongues confess his Lordship….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 32. But why are you called a Christian?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Because through faith I share in Christ and thus in his anointing, so that I may confess his name, offer myself a living sacrifice of gratitude to him, and fight against sin and the devil with a free and good conscience throughout this life and hereafter rule with him in eternity over all creatures. (from Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 7 May 26 Read John 17:6-19<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Jesus, our Lord and Savior, how humbled we are to remember how you prayed for us before you were crucified…and you continue to intercede in prayer for us today. You know how hard it is for us to be "in the world but not of the world." You know how much we need protection from evil. May our prayers join your prayers, especially for all those who will be preparing for, attending, participating in, and reporting on the GA….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 44. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them. (from the Larger Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 8 May 27 (Pentecost Sunday) Read Acts 2:1-21<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>We praise you, O God, for the outpouring of your power, love, and mercy through the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. We praise you for the birth of the Church of Jesus Christ. We pray for a mighty outpouring of your Holy Spirit on our small part of the Church…before, during, and after the General Assembly gathering. We pray for a mighty outpouring of your Holy Spirit on your Church throughout the world—we all need a new Pentecost!<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 53. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. First, that, with the Father and the Son, he is equally eternal God; second, that God's Spirit is also given to me, preparing me through a true faith to share in Christ and all his benefits, that he comforts me and will abide with me forever. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 9 May 28 Read Acts 2:14-36<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>We pray for a very strong and personal outpouring of your Holy Spirit on all those who will be participating in the GA…those sons and daughters, old men and young men, men and women, and any who are enslaved by sin. Reveal yourself to them, Jesus. Speak to them and through them. And may those you call to speak in committees and in plenary sessions be empowered by your Spirit to speak with the faith, clarity, and brevity of Peter….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> to pray without ceasing,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> to unmask idolatries in church and culture,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> to hear the voices of people long silenced,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> and to live holy and joyful lives,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>even as we watch for God's new heaven and new earth,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> praying, "Come, Lord Jesus!"<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>(from A Brief Statement of Faith)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 10 May 29 Read Ezekiel 37:1-10<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Come, Holy Spirit, breathe life into your people. So many of your churches, presbyteries, and denominations look and feel lifeless. We pray for our own…and for others'. We pray that your Spirit will breathe life into us, and restore strength and vitality…not for the sake of institutions but for the good and the glory of your kingdom….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>We trust in God the Holy Spirit,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> Everywhere the giver and renewer of life;<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> Sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor,<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> And binds us together with all believers<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em> In the one body of Christ, the Church.<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>(from A Brief Statement of Faith)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><span style='text-decoration:underline'>Day 11 May 30 Read Psalm 104:24-34</span>In just a few weeks, Lord, a great number of your Presbyterian children will gather in a busy city. We trust you to provide all that is needed: food, shelter, safety, and a very holy space to meet and worship. We pray that you will find joy in our songs and words of praise, and that all our meditations and deliberations will be pleasing in your sight. May your glory endure forever…<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 54pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and to fully enjoy him forever.(from the Larger Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 12 May 31 Read John 15:26-27<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>O Lord our God, already we are swamped by overtures and reports…and rumors of reports. We need the Counselor, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from you and testifies to Jesus. So many words will be written, read, and spoken. We open our minds and hearts to the Spirit of truth. We long to hear YOUR Word….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body is joined and knit together." [Ephesians 4:15-16]. <br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>The Christian Church is the congregation of the brethren in which Jesus Christ acts presently as the Lord in Word and Sacrament through the Holy Spirit. As the church of pardoned sinners, it has to testify in the midst of a sinful world, with its faith as with its obedience, with its message as with its order, that it is solely his property, and that it lives and wants to live solely from his comfort and from his direction in the expectation of his appearance.<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>We reject the false doctrine, as though the church were permitted to abandon the form of its message and order to its own pleasure or to changes in prevailing ideological and political convictions. (from the Theological Declaration of Barmen, 3<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 13 June 1 Read John 16:4b-15<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Jesus, as we prepare for our GA in Pittsburgh, we pray that each person involved will come with a spirit willing to be convicted of sin. May each one walk in humility and repentance. And may each one listen so closely to the guidance of the Counselor that fruits of righteousness will be abundant. We pray this not only for the sake of our part of your church, but for the sake of all those who will be watching and listening as well….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 2. How many things must you know that you may live and die in the blessedness of this comfort?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Three. First, the greatness of my sin and wretchedness. Second, how I am freed from all my sins and their wretched consequences. Third, the gratitude I owe to God for such redemption. (from The Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 14 June 2 Read John 16:4b-15<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Lord we pray for an anointing on our hearing. We have been so fearful of hearing truth…but the hearing of truth is exactly what we need most. Please send your Spirit of truth…speaking words of truth directly from your heart. Help us to hear and receive your truth, even as you declare to us what is to come. May we hear your glory, even in Pittsburgh….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 160. What is required of those that hear the Word preached?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. (from the Larger Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 15 June 3 Read Isaiah 6:1-8<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Powerful Savior, your Presbyterian children have not been well-known for seeing visions. We are much more comfortable reading about visions your prophets saw many centuries ago. But, Lord…we dare to pray for visions now…visions of your glory, your power, your call upon our lives and our churches. And most of all, we are desperate for a vision of our Lord seated on a high and lofty throne over our General Assembly meeting….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit all believers being vitally united to Christ, who is the Head, are thus united one to another in the Church, which is his body. He calls and anoints ministers for their holy office, qualifies all other officers in the Church for their special work, and imparts various gifts and graces to its members. He gives efficacy to the Word and to the ordinances of the gospel. By him the Church will be preserved, increased, purified, and at last made perfectly holy in the presence of God. (from the Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter IX, 4)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 16 June 4 Read Isaiah 6:1-8<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Lord God, we are people of unclean lips. We are surrounded by people of unclean lips. When we think of all the things we have said to and about each other—even within our churches—we bow our heads in shame. Forgive us, Jesus. Anoint our lips for speaking your words, in your tone of voice, with YOUR truth and grace….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 112 What is required in the 9th commandment?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. That I do not bear false witness against anyone, twist anyone's words, be a gossip or a slanderer, or condemn anyone lightly without a hearing. Rather I am required to avoid, under penalty of God's wrath, all lying and deceit as the works of the devil himself. In judicial and all other matters I am to love the truth, and to speak and confess it honestly. Indeed, insofar as I am able, I am to defend and promote my neighbor's good name. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 17 June 5 Read Psalm 29<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Our God, we love to pray for your peace within the church. We crave calm, we want all things to be done "decently and in order"…and to go according to our plans, of course. You are the God of peace…but you also shake. The power of your Word shakes people, nations, opinions, and the church at all levels. We dare to pray that YOU will shake us where and when and how we need to be shaken at this time. Help us to discern your shaking from other forces—especially sinful forces—that would shake the church. We trust that your shaking will lead to true peace and strength….<br /></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, doth often-times leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, until they be humbled; and to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends. (from the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter V, 5).<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 18 June 6 Romans 8:12-17<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Because you know us inside and out, you know just how often and how easily we live by the flesh. We prefer to take the "easy" way…we would rather "win" in challenging situations…we avoid suffering whenever possible…even if these patterns lead to sin. Help us to be faithful and obedient to the leading of your Spirit. We do not want to live as slaves to sin, and to the spirit of fear that comes with that. Both inside and outside the church, help us to live as your children, led by your Spirit….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification are: assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. (from the Shorter Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 19 June 7 Read John 3:1-17<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help us to seek Jesus. Help us to come to this day (and to the General Assembly in Pittsburgh) seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus' wonders and his teaching. Even as well-educated Presbyterians, there is so much we do not know. We pray for hungry, humble, and teachable hearts. We also pray for repentant hearts….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts; and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word: by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened. (from the Westminster Confession of Faith, 1)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 20 June 8 Read John 3:1-17<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Come, Holy Spirit. Come into our homes, our local congregations, our workplace, our denomination, our committee plans, our GA. We know that like the wind, you blow where you will…we cannot "see" you, but we can often feel your presence and we can see the effects of your power. Blow through us, Holy Spirit, as we prepare for and meet as the General Assembly. Blow through us with gentleness when we need a cool breeze of encouragement. Blow through us with great force when we battle with sin and rebellion. Blow where and when and how you will…for we would be born of your Spirit….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Our faith and its assurance do not proceed from flesh and blood, that is to say, from natural powers within us, but are the inspiration of the Holy Ghost; whom we confess to be God, equal with the Father and with his Son, who sanctifies us, and brings us into all truth by his own working, without whom we should remain forever enemies to God and ignorant of his Son, Christ Jesus. For by nature we are so dead, blind, and perverse, that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness from our minds, and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of his blessed will. (from the Scots Confession, Chapter XII)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 21 June 9 Read John 3:1-17<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Oh Jesus, how simple, how beautiful, is the core of your gospel. You came to us out of love…you were sent not to condemn, but to save. Us. The world. Your Church…and our small part of it. We long for abundant life and eternal life for ourselves, our churches, and the world. Give us a spirit of gratitude for who you are and what you have done (and are always doing!) for us. Give us a passion to share the simple, beautiful, and powerful message of your gospel…<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 33. Why is he called GOD'S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, since we also are God's children?<br /></em></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Because Christ alone is God's own eternal Son, whereas we are accepted for his sake as children of God by grace. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 22 June 10 Read Psalm 138<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Lord Jesus, we pray for the spiritual fruit of humility to grow throughout your Church, and especially in our small part of it. We pray for humility to grow in those who are making preparations for the GA, those who will serve on-site, those who will be reporting on the activities and decisions made, and those who will be in the Exhibit Hall. And as you help us to remember that we are not the center of the universe—or even the church—help us to prayerfully remember our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are living under intense persecution for their faith. For them and for us, Lord, please do not abandon the works of your hands….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q.116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Because it is the chief part of the gratitude which God requires of us, and because God will give his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who sincerely beseech him in prayer without ceasing, and who thank him for these gifts. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 23 June 11 Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>May we believe, speak, and pray out of deep, authentic faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior. May the power that raised Jesus from the dead be at work within us…not for our glory, but for his. May our words, actions, and prayers become a Spirit-led means for the grace of Christ to spread far and wide. May our prayers of thanksgiving overflow to the glory of God….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Since there is no other way of salvation than that revealed in the gospel, and since in the divinely established and ordinary method of grace faith cometh by hearing the Word of God, Christ hath commissioned his Church to go into the world and to make disciples of all nations. All believers are, therefore, under obligation to sustain the ordinances of the Christian religion where they are already established, and to contribute by their prayers, gifts, and personal efforts to the extension of the Kingdom of Christ throughout the whole earth. (from the Westminster Confession of Faith, 4)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 24 June 12 Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Merciful God, so many of your children struggle with afflictions and discouragement. For those who will be a part of the GA, afflictions and discouragement are intensifying. We pray for your strength and protection over their health and well-being, and for the health and well-being of their families and local congregations. Through your Word and your Spirit, speak clear words of encouragement to them today….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 100. What doth the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. The preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, "Our Father which art in heaven," teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others. (from the Shorter Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 25 June 13 Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Wise Lord, teach us to focus on what is unseen. We are grateful for the assurance that you see what we see in the here and now…we are even more grateful for your eternal perspective. Christ is Lord over what we see and what we cannot yet see. As our General Assembly meets this summer, help us to see with your eyes. How will our deliberations and decisions look from an eternal perspective? Knowing our time on this earth is limited, help us all to use that time faithfully….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by his inscrutable providence for such end as his eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of his own glory. (from the Scots Confession, Chapter 1)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 26 June 14 Read Mark 3:20-35<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>O Lord our God, you know us so well. You know that when we find ourselves in crowded, confusing situations we are unlikely to be at our best. We can become so irritable, so full of misunderstanding, blurting out words that are foolish and hurtful. The gatherings of our General Assembly are no exception. We are part of your family. Help us to act like a family at its best…doing God's will with Jesus' clarity and his love….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>What is the Church? The Church is an assembly of the faithful called or gathered out of the world; a communion, I say, of all saints, namely, of those who truly know and rightly worship and serve the true God in Christ the Savior, by the Word and Holy Spirit, and who by faith are partakers of all benefits which are freely offered through Christ. CITIZENS OF ONE COMMONWEALTH. They are all citizens of the one city, living under the same Lord, under the same laws, and in the same fellowship of all good things. For the apostle calls them "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph.2:19), calling the faithful on earth saints (I Cor. 4:1) who are sanctified by the blood of the Son of God… (from the Second Helvetic Confession)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 27 June 15 Read Mark 3:20-35<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>O Lord, sometimes we are stunned by the way people reacted—and still react—to the person and teachings of Jesus. Sometimes we are stunned by our own reactions, and the reactions of others within our church family. We all want Jesus to say and do as we would say and do…but, praise God, he does not. Forgive us for resisting Jesus and his authority in our daily life and in the life of the church. In Christ alone is our unity….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>CHRIST THE SOLE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. It is the head which has the preeminence in the body, and from it the whole body receives life; by its spirit the body is governed in all things from it, also, the body receives increase, that it may grow up. Also, there is one head of the body, and it is suited to the body. Therefore the Church cannot have any other head besides Christ. For as the Church is a spiritual body, so it must also have a spiritual head in harmony with itself. Neither can it be governed by any other spirit than by the Spirit of Christ. (from the Second Helvetic Confession)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 28 June 16 Read Mark 3:31<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>O Lord our God, in so many of our gatherings—including past General Assemblies—we have demanded that you come to us…to our opinions, agendas, demands. We pray for a different spirit this year. Show us how to come to you, to meet with you in a circle of humility, listening to your Word, seeking to obey your will….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>And those who are such in the Church have one faith and one spirit; and therefore they worship but one God, and him alone they worship in spirit and in truth, loving him alone with all their hearts and with all their strength, praying unto him alone through Jesus Christ, the only Mediator and Intercessor; and they do not seek righteousness and life outside Christ and faith in him. Because they acknowledge Christ the only head and foundation of the Church, and, resting on him, daily renew themselves by repentance, and patiently bear the cross laid upon them. Moreover, joined together with all members of Christ by an unfeigned love, they show that they are Christ's disciples by persevering in the bond of peace and holy unity. (from the Second Helvetic Confession)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 29 June 17 Read I Samuel 16:7<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Jesus, we live in the midst of a society that judges everything and everyone by outward appearances. We fall into the same pattern every day. Forgive us for judging people, homes, and even church facilities by how they look on the outside. We are grateful that you see below the surface, behind the wall…and judge the heart. As our General Assembly meets in just a few days, help each participant to see as you see. By the power of your Spirit, prevent us from being dazzled by that which has no right to dazzle us. Help us to be spiritually alert for those unexpected and even unimpressive leaders and speakers…who may just be people after your own heart. And we pray that none of us will be like Saul, who grieved the Lord with his disobedience and unfaithfulness….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>We must not judge rashly or prematurely. Hence we must be very careful not to judge before the time, nor undertake to exclude, reject or cut off those whom the Lord does not want excluded or rejected, and those whom we cannot eliminate without loss to the Church. On the other hand, we must be vigilant lest while the pious snore the wicked gain ground and do harm to the Church. (from the Second Helvetic Confession)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 30 June 18 Psalm 20<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Lord Jesus, we pray that you will be victorious in the work of your Church, including our own denomination. Help us to take pride in you alone, and not in our chariots and horses, our agendas and organizations, our reports and our handouts in the Exhibit Hall. Lord Jesus, we know that only in your victory will the Church (and our small part of it) rise and stand firm….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>What is faith? Christian faith is not an opinion or human conviction, but a most firm trust and a clear and steadfast assent of the mind, and then a most certain apprehension of the truth of God presented in the Scriptures and in the Apostles' Creed, and thus also of God himself, the greatest good, and especially of God's promise and of Christ who is the fulfillment of all promises. (from the Second Helvetic Confession)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 31 June 19 Read Mark 4:26-34<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Jesus, our Teacher, as we reflect on the simple but so powerful parable of the mustard seed, help us to see the General Assembly in perspective. This meeting is part of a much bigger picture…a picture that includes our mission partners and churches around the country and the world. Our prayers seem so small…but we offer them to you in faith. Come, Lord, and grow your kingdom among us and far beyond us. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 123. What is the second petition?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. "Thy kingdom come." That is: so govern us by thy Word and Spirit that we may more and more submit ourselves unto thee. Uphold and increase thy church. Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against thee, and all wicked schemes thought up against thy holy Word, until the full coming of thy kingdom in which thou shalt be all in all. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 32 June 20 Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-10<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>While our GA is meeting there will be time for many things, Lord: listening, speaking, trying to find our place on the laptop, worship, prayer (both private and public), debating, voting, fellowship around the table, fellowship in the exhibit hall. By the presence and power of your Holy Spirit, help all those in the Assembly gathering to make it their aim to please Jesus. In everything, may our confidence and our satisfaction be found in Christ….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>FAITH EFFICACIOUS AND ACTIVE. The same apostle calls faith efficacious and active through love (Gal.5:6). It also quiets the conscience and opens a free access to God, so that we may draw near to him with confidence and may obtain from him what is useful and necessary. The same faith keeps us in the service we owe to God and our neighbor, strengthens our patience in adversity, fashions and makes a true confession, and in a word, brings forth good fruit of all kinds, and good works. (from the Second Helvetic Confession)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 33 June 21 Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-13<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Compassionate Savior, not only do you teach us not to judge others by their outward appearance, but you also teach us not to take pride in our own outward appearance. Within ourselves as well as within others, the heart is what matters to you…and the condition of the heart is what must matter to us. We pray for the gift of your compassion, Jesus. Help us to be alert at all times to those who struggle with physical disabilities, those who will find it hard to simply get around the Assembly area, those who will find it painful to sit for hours, those who struggle to see or hear clearly, those less skilled in communication technology.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>May all who are a part of this upcoming General Assembly be commended by Christ, because of what is in our hearts….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 107. Is it enough, then, if we do not kill our neighbor in any of these ways?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. No; for when God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, he requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to show patience, peace, gentleness, mercy, and friendliness toward him, to prevent injury to him as much as we can, also to do good to our enemies. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 34 June 22 Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Almighty God, as many people prepare to participate in the GA, and many others prepare to pray over and for that Assembly, we ask to be compelled by your love in Christ. We long to be a new creation, not bound by the old sin and rebellion and animosity, but new in Christ Jesus. We thank you for his forgiveness and the work of reconciliation he has done in our lives. We want to see that grow…and we want to be a part of it. Help each one of us to be faithful ambassadors for Christ—not for a worldview, mindset, or people-pleasing positions—but for Christ alone….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>"Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption." (I Cor. 1:30) As Jesus Christ is God's assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God's mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures.<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>We reject the false doctrine, as though there were areas of our life in which we would not belong to Jesus Christ, but to other lords—areas in which we would not need justification and sanctification through him. (from the Theological Declaration of Barmen)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 35 June 23 Read I Samuel 17:1a, 4-11<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Ancient of Days, it looks like our part of your Church is not just facing one Goliath, but is surrounded by them. Of course, our Goliaths go by other names: Financial crises, Discouragement or even exhaustion of church leaders, Churches Closing, Membership Dwindling, Presbyteries Fighting, Missions in Need of more than we have to give, Seeming Irrelevance in our communities…and many others. We look so small and feel so weak. But you are our God, and you are mighty. As we approach our GA, help us to put our hands in yours, our trust in your power and provision. Give us faith, Lord Jesus. Your hand is not too short to save….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>"Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matt. 28:20). "The word of God is not fettered." (II Tim.2:9) The church's commission, upon which its freedom is founded, consists in delivering the message of the free grace of God to all people in Christ's stead and therefore in the ministry of his own Word and work through sermon and Sacrament.<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>We reject the false doctrine, as though the church in human arrogance could place the Word and work of the Lord in the service of any arbitrarily chosen desires, purposes, and plans. (from the Theological Declaration of Barmen)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 36 June 24 Read Psalm 9<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>With overflowing hearts, we praise you. We will sing your praises and tell of your wonders. As final preparations are made for our Assembly in Pittsburgh, we choose to remember that you are our refuge, you judge with righteousness and govern with justice. We will not trust in our own personalities, or the size of our groups, or the number of our overtures. We will trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q.28. What advantage comes from acknowledging God's creation and providence?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. We learn that we are to be patient in adversity, grateful in the midst of blessing, and to trust our faithful God and Father for the future, assured that no creature shall separate us from his love, since all creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they cannot even move. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 37 June 25 Read Psalm 133<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Our Father, we are in great need of some goodness and much pleasantness when our General Assembly meets in Pittsburgh. We pray for unity…a unity we have not known in many years. We do not pray for a false sense of unity, or a forced unity which is no unity at all. We pray for real unity, which is found only in our devotion and obedience to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH IS NOT IN EXTERNAL RITES. Furthermore, we diligently teach that care is to be taken wherein the truth and unity of the Church chiefly lies, lest we rashly provoke and foster schisms in the Church. Unity consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but rather in the truth and unity of the catholic faith. The catholic faith is not given to us by human laws, but by Holy Scriptures, of which the Apostles' Creed is a compendium. (from the Second Helvetic Confession)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 38 June 26 Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-13<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>Our loving and merciful Savior, we pray that this will be "an acceptable time" for you to listen to us, your Presbyterian children. We pray that this will be "an acceptable time" for your to pour out your wisdom upon us. We pray that we will not place stumbling blocks in anyone's path, especially those traveling to Pittsburgh from places far away. We pray that all of our guests and helpers, as well as commissioners, will be treated with understanding, patience, kindness, and sincere love in the Holy Spirit….<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 86. Since we are redeemed from our sin and its wretched consequences by grace through Christ without any merit of our won, why must we do good works?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Because just as Christ has redeemed us with his blood he also renews us through his Holy Spirit according to his own image, so that with our whole life we may show ourselves grateful to God for his goodness and that he may be glorified through us; and further, so that we ourselves may be assured of our faith by its fruits and by our reverent behavior may win our neighbors to Christ. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 39 June 27 Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>On this June day, Lord God, we offer up two prayers of our hearts. First, we pray for those current Christians, who, like the early disciples, have or are enduring afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments…sleepness nights, hunger. Help us to honor them with our attentiveness and prayers. As so many of us gather to meet in the comfort of hotels, restaurants, and large meeting spaces in Pittsburgh, may we never forget the millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have never known such luxury and safety. And for the few persecuted ones who will find themselves with us in this General Assembly, may we be generous with our care and support. And secondly, we pray to come to Pittsburgh with our hearts open wide to our merciful Savior, Jesus Christ…and to all those who come in his Name…..<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit all believers being united to Christ, who is the Head, are thus united one to another in the Church, which is his body. He calls and anoints ministers for their holy office, qualifies all other officers in the Church for their special work, and imparts various gifts and graces to its members. He gives efficacy to the Word and to the ordinances of the gospel . By him the Church will be preserved, increased, purified, and at last made perfectly holy in the presence of God. (from the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter IX, 4)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt; text-decoration:underline'>Day 40 June 28 Read Mark 4:35-41<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'>How we need this clear reminder that you, Lord Jesus, can calm storms. We pray for safe travel for everyone making their way to Pittsburgh for our GA. We pray for safe travel for all the local presbytery volunteers who will be rushing around the city making last minute plans. We pray your protection from last-minute "storms" at home, work, local congregations…and for any storms that would disrupt the technology we'll be using in the work of the church. When turmoil and crises threaten, let us hear your voice. "Peace, be still." "Be still, and know that I am God."<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>Q. 129. What is the meaning of the little word "Amen"?<br /></em></span></p><p style='margin-left: 27pt'><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><em>A. Amen means: this shall truly and certainly be. For my prayer is much more certainly heard by God than I am persuaded in my heart that I desire such things from him. (from the Heidelberg Catechism)<br /></em></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><strong><em>"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14.6)<br /></em></strong></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><strong><em>"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber . . . I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved." (John 10:1,9)<br /></em></strong></span></p><p> <br /> </p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'><strong><em>"Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death. We reject the false doctrine, as though the church could and would have to acknowledge as a source of its proclamation, apart from and besides this one Word of God, still other events and powers, figures and truths, as God's revelation." (the first evangelical truth listed in the Theological Declaration of Barmen)<br /></em></strong></span></p><p><span style='color:#555a4a; font-family:Georgia; font-size:9pt'> </span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:#666666'>Inserted from <<a href='http://www.presbycoalition.org/pray.cfm'/></span>http://www.presbycoalition.org/pray.cfm<span style='color:#666666'>></span><br /> </span></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-81271805772609486672012-02-16T09:08:00.001-05:002012-02-16T09:08:09.967-05:00reEngage the Faith!<span xmlns=''><p><span style='font-size:17pt'>reEngage the Faith!<br /></span></p><p>a biblical study of confessional essentials<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>As recently stated in the foreword to a document issued by The Fellowship of Presbyterians, it is worthwhile and timely for us <em>"to identify the statements of our confessional heritage that connect us with the one holy catholic apostolic church and express our distinctively Reformed convictions within that church."</em><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>In the Presbyterian Church, we provide new members, confirmation classes and officers of the church who have been elected to serve in leadership a number of resources toward deepening our life in faith lived together in community for the glory of God. One of these is the Book of Confessions which, as stated in the ordination vows for both teaching and ruling Elders as well as Deacons in the PCUSA, promotes <em>"the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do."</em> Leaders vow to <em>"be instructed and led by those confessions as [we] lead the people of God."</em> With Jesus Christ as Lord, church leaders vow to serve together <em>"in obedience to Jesus Christ under the authority of Scripture and continually guided by our confessions."</em><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>While the above is true, we have room for improvement in increasing one another's biblical and theological literacy in the church. As expressed by the task force on theology for The Fellowship of Presbyterians: <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 36pt'><em>Casual affirmation of our theological heritage by our generation has severely weakened our worship and witness. We are squandering the gifts our confessional heritage could give us. We confess we have not been good stewards of the Faith. We must now reengage the Faith of the Church in ways that are more deeply committed to its truth and thus its value in ordering our life toward faithfulness.<br /></em></p><p><br /> </p><p>Beloved, we are in need of re-formation! I wonder how many of us have really mined the depths and/or recently re-examined the jewels of the Christian faith to be found and rediscovered in the Presbyterian and reformed stream of Christianity. How much have we truly treasured the gifts of God given for us in the reformed tradition to uniquely share with our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ in order to bless the world which God so loves? <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>Contrary to the notion that affirming the uniqueness of our particular expression of Christianity is not as important as promoting our unity and oneness in the Spirit of Christ, we may actually be doing the world and ourselves a disservice by hiding that aspect of our light under a bushel! If in our diversity we are all created in the image of God, then by downplaying our distinctiveness we could be robbing one another of the opportunity to more fully display the richness of the deeply broad heritage and desirably divine beauty of the body of Christ. The Fellowship Theology Taskforce goes on to say: <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 36pt'><em>We reject the proposition that theology divides. Instead, we affirm the proposition that truth tends toward unity. <br /></em></p><p style='margin-left: 36pt'><em>This depth may be challenging for some. We acknowledge this and we encourage you to read more than once, and to read together with others. This is a teaching moment. Let us use this to deepen our knowledge of the Reformed Faith.</em><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>In this season of Lent, let us together approach with confidence the confessions of our faith anew with reverence and awe for the glory of God in Christ! Join one another in Christian Living at Sunday School this winter into spring! See you in C.L.A.S.S.<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex</em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-61499398353223460242012-01-03T15:38:00.001-05:002012-01-03T15:38:27.194-05:00Pastoral Reflection for Annual Report 2011-2012<span xmlns=''><p>Certain passages from the Scriptures come to mind as we continue to traverse through the year ending and into the coming new year. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In Numbers 13, the Lord tells the prophet Moses to send leaders to explore the land that the Lord is giving to the people of God. Among those sent in leadership are Caleb and Hoshea (or Joshua). Upon together submitting their report to Moses and Aaron, Caleb speaks out and says, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But others instead express fear and reluctance, saying, "We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In Judges 6, the people of Israel again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Still, in the midst of their disobedience, a messenger of God was sent. The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?" The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>This year has marked a beginning for our exploration in leadership to discern the Lord's leading, seeking God's will and favor as a church congregation gathered in the unity and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. In view of the new and changing denominational landscape of the old mainline churches, and particularly in our Presbyterian Church (USA), the leadership of First Presbyterian Church of New Castle, Indiana is embarking on exploratory initiatives to determine our course of action for the near and foreseeable future. Varied trajectories are open before us, available for due consideration. The time is at hand for this process to further unfold over the next year. A number of your Elders in leadership will be in attendance as The Fellowship of Presbyterians convenes their covenanting conference in Orlando this January 2012, following their inaugural gathering which I attended in Minneapolis last August 2011. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Prayer of the faithful continues to be critical along this journey. I pray we continue and proceed with the same mindset as Caleb's. Let us go up and take the land the Lord our God is giving us! And also, like Gideon before us, let us go in the strength we have and be witnesses sent by the Lord, Who is our salvation! As we contend with the challenges before us, may we experience God's success and presence with us in the Lord, our mighty warrior. Let the leaders' journeying continue and let the New Year begin!<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>In the Mighty Presence and Spirit of the Lord our King, <br /></p><p><em>Rex Espiritu<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-24826928696747476632011-12-28T14:52:00.001-05:002011-12-28T14:52:20.134-05:00The Most Wonderful Time<span xmlns=''><p><span style='color:gray; font-size:10pt'>Wednesday, December 14, 2011<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p>It's the most wonderful time of the year. Or so the song lyrics of the same title go. However, though, in the fullness of time, I wonder if that is indeed true of some others' experience of this season. Is it really all the time all that wonderful for all? <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>I had a conversation recently with a friend whose family has had many experiences of grief and loss over the years. In sharing with each other about some of our common, similarly emotional moments of remembering loved ones who have passed on to eternity, they made mention of sometimes having mixed feelings about holiday, anniversary and/or birthday celebrations. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>There seems to be for some a bittersweet sense of joy and manifest pain of loss present at the same time that characterizes such celebrated life events. Questions unanswered, even such unspoken thoughts rise to the surface of our conscious being. Where might we be now, if not for…? What might this Christmastime be or have been like if they were still here with us today? <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>One person offered that, in their experience, not necessarily the first, but the second or third subsequent holidays, birthdays or anniversaries become particularly difficult over time. And yet, life truly does and has to go on, doesn't it? There is, as the hymn that ascribes of God's steadfast loving-kindness goes, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Because of the Lord's great compassion we are not consumed. We, above it all, experience mercies renewing every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us of God's great faithfulness unto us amidst the challenges in and through which the Lord identifies with us.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>One colleague in ministry says that during times when we may find ourselves at a low point emotionally or otherwise, s/he finds it helpful to give oneself to and for others. Whether it is unto those in need or not, the act of giving in the service of others for their greater blessing actually lifts up our own spirits for our betterment as well.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>In and through the wonder of it all, we experience God's grace for us and for our loved ones both living and also on the other side of eternity. In this case, I do resonate with certain themes in the romanticism of the tune. <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>It is the most wonderful time of year. It is a time of year filled to the full with wonder and awe at the God of wonders who came to be born to us in awfully humble surroundings. That is certainly worth celebrating most wonderfully, even throughout the whole year. <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>May this holiday season be for you and yours entirely filled with joyfully fulfilling holy days of yuletide reverence to the glory of the Holy One of Bethlehem. Blessings at Christmas for the New Year to come! <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>In the Spirit of the King, <br /></p><p>Rex Espiritu<br /></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-47965426138946838502011-12-28T14:47:00.001-05:002011-12-28T14:47:00.440-05:00Pastoral Perspective—On the Charge and Benediction of Joy inPrayer and Thanksgiving<span xmlns=''><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='font-size:9pt'><span style='color:gray'>Tuesday, November 15, 2011</span><span style='color:black'><br /> </span></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>The words continually ring true. The charge and benediction of my pastor at the end of Sunday morning worship services from my childhood and teenage years even now resound throughout my very being, and maybe especially so in the deep recesses of my heart and mind. I had the honor and privilege of reciting the very same words as a pastor and guest preacher six weeks ago in the sanctuary of my old home church in Mount Vernon, New York. I cannot even imagine growing up and going through life without a regular charge and benediction on a regular basis, particularly at the end of each service of worship. There may be varied incantations but the general gist of it goes something like this:<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>"Go forth into the world in peace! Take hold of that which is good. Do not pay back wrong for wrong. But support the fainthearted, and help those who are in need of help, for you thereby show due honor to every person. Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus our Lord. And may the love of God the Father, the grace of God the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you and those whom you love this day and always. Amen."<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>It was a heartfelt moment. It was an emotional event. To have a sudden, immediate, keen awareness of God's hand upon you as your life seemingly flashes by before you. When things appear to come full circle in the unity of all things past and into the present future, one cannot help but stand in reverence and awe at the wonder of the Lord's providential grace in one's life. Still before the Holy One, there is a sense of speechlessness amidst the experience of the eternal presence.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>Thomas Merton writes on the Feast of the Dedication of Gethsemane's Church, "Nothing could be more beautiful, nothing could make me happier." Tears of joy, peace everlasting, grace abounding. Such gladness of heart with gratitude to God. "And yet it raises again the unanswerable question: 'What on earth am I doing here?' " Yes, I hear the charge to go. Yes, I heed the exhortation to receive and live the good word. But what exactly am I doing here for God's sake? For what purpose have you and I been called?<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>Merton goes on to write, "I have answered it a million times. 'I belong here,' and this is no answer. In the end, there is no answer like that. Any vocation is a mystery, and juggling with words does not make it<br /></span></p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>any clearer. It is a contradiction and must remain a contradiction."<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>It's like that saying, "The more you know, the more you realize the less you know." Even when questions may be answered, they beget more questions. And so, it is enough to surrender in awe with great thanksgivings unto the One Who is worthy of all our praise.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>Therefore, beloved, this Thanksgiving through Advent and always: Go in peace! Do good, not wrong. Support, help, honor, rejoice, pray, give thanks each and every time! We belong here together. This is our lot in life. Let it be so.<br /></span></p><p><br /> </p><p style='margin-left: 5pt'><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'>To God be the glory,<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:black; font-size:10pt'><em>Pastor Rex</em></span></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-56955960942579828142011-10-20T08:40:00.001-04:002011-10-20T08:40:20.676-04:00Pastoral Perspective – On the In-Between<span xmlns=''><p>A few years ago, my wife Melissa read an article in a publication focusing on the notion of being sandwiched between two generations. Upon sharing it with me and in the course of our ongoing conversation, I felt led to encourage her (and myself) to reflect further on it. After writing in her journal(s), she began to experience a sense of call to this time and space in which she acknowledged in her prayer life that God had placed her to bridge the gap between one generation and another other than her own.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Last week, a friend mentioned that they had been reading a book, delving into this subject in another way. <em>"The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions"</em> by Jeff Manion explores the Exodus of the people of Israel as they traversed through the desert land between the bondage of Egypt and the greater freedom of the promised land.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Our own recent forays into this year's lectionary passages from the Pentateuch of the Old Testament give us pause to consider our own plight as a congregation gathered together from one generation to the next. The Books of the Law handed down from Moses through the generations of God's people provide for us an ample compendium of illustrations ripe for our application.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>These ruminations serve to engender a renewed sense of call for me to share that the Lord our God indeed beckons us anew to bridge the gap that is before us in imparting the good news of the Gospel from one generation through us onto another. I believe our church is at a critical juncture in the journey of faith together as the Lord leads us further and farther to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>We are in an <em>in-between</em> time through which we have been afforded a window of opportunity to choose to discern well and re-up our commitment to the call. We must stand once again for the way, the truth, and the life that our Lord and our God has given us in Jesus Christ that the world may know that the Father has sent the Son, once and for all.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In a recent seminar that our presbytery hosted in preparation for the end of the liturgical year and the beginning of Advent, the study at one point also led into a discussion on this topic. Like the Israelites before us, we are, beloved, chosen ones upon whom the mantle of leadership has been laid in order to effect the transition of God's people from generation to generation to generation for the glory of God to be manifest in the spread of the Gospel through the very end of the age. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>May the Lord find us faithful in proclaiming the Word. And may God's presence go with us as we continue to go forth from this place. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Prayerfully yours, and His,<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-12511884050509493172011-09-30T12:43:00.001-04:002011-09-30T12:43:05.226-04:00Pastoral Perspective on The Fellowship of Presbyterians<span xmlns=''><p><a href='http://www.fellowship-pres.org'>www.fellowship-pres.org</a><br /> </p><p> <br /> </p><p>On August 25 and 26 in the Twin Cities area at the conference hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota, what was initially anticipated in early spring to be attended by three hundred people instead showed to be nearly two thousand strong. The inaugural gathering of like-minded evangelicals in The Fellowship of Presbyterians signaled a significant movement of the Holy Spirit already underway among presbyters concerned with recent outcomes of voting by Presbyteries which has effected major changes in polity for the Presbyterian Church (USA). <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Throughout the two days filled with several seminars, workshops, breakout sessions, table group discussions and stimulating conversations, I witnessed what I regard to be the incipient beginnings of monumental transformation yet to come and in some ways already in progress. We will likely be experiencing rapid, accelerated changes in structure and organization across the denomination in what I might now more emphatically refer to as the post-denominational landscape of the new millennium. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Nearly twenty-five years ago, I saw and had to participate in the radical re-ordering and massive restructuring of a major corporation. The company I worked for was part of a global conglomerate that at the time was much hindered in its businesses by outdated bureaucratic procedures and multiple levels of organizational hierarchies which impeded their ability to act nimbly and quickly in response to the demands of their various constituencies. The varied units across the multi-national corporation were streamlined from having in some cases thirteen different levels of management down to just five layers of supervision. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>I believe that this is not unlike what is currently happening or about to happen in the PCUSA today. It is not just about theology per se, as important as that is, but also the reforms necessary to more practically effect the renewal of missional ministry in the church for the rapidly changing world around us. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>On Sunday , October 23, I am envisioning a shortened morning service followed by an informational gathering of the congregation to provide a setting in which we may explore further in conversation these things which are currently happening among Presbyterians in and surrounding the PCUSA. Please keep the efforts of The Fellowship of Presbyterians in your prayers as we all seek the Lord's face together in pursuing the better future God has in mind for us to discover and realize anew. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As the prophet in Jeremiah (29:11-14a) proclaims, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me. And I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.<br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In the grip of God's amazing grace, with you, I remain and continue <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062406144602560122.post-59935819607085134862011-08-17T16:14:00.001-04:002011-08-17T16:14:38.838-04:00Pastoral Perspective… On Excellence… From the Start through the End…<span xmlns=''><p>In a quote attributed to William Arthur Ward, pastor Bill Teng from National Capital Presbytery recently shared a thoughtful note of gratitude on the notion that tears "prepare our eyes for a clearer vision of God". I understand and appropriate this to mean that, upon our countenance becoming awash with tears, our eyes are hence provided for a renewed clarity of insight concerning our perceptions and perspective of God. In the aftermath, we gain a keener sense of who God is, what God has in mind and is about doing, and what God has in store for us. Tears "prepare our eyes for a clearer vision of God." <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As I read this, again, the passage of Saul on the road toward Damascus when scales fell from his eyes in the process of changing to Paul comes to mind. I am reminded of a personal sense of cleansing that occurs when tears are shed through one's eyes, flowing upon the face, moistening cheeks touched by the very healing power, gracious presence and tendering mercies of God. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>This month, as we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I imagine and share in, along with many others in this nation and world, a salutary stream of solvent tears over the years. As we may find ourselves from time to time encountering some sobering times in and through life even over the past decade, the Lord of heaven and earth continually carries and brings us to and through transforming moments by which we experience the very heart of grace whose tears fell down upon the garden's ground at Gethsemane. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>We are, dear ones, treasured and beloved children of God in Whose eyes we are forever eternally precious and by Whose hands, arms and shoulders we are always beheld and ever being carried forward with tender care. It is within this context and present, ongoing reality of God's love for us that we are enabled and empowered to exhibit excellence by the grace and for the glory of God. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>As the apostle Paul writes to the saints in Philippi, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8) While many may experience the onslaught of terribly tragic tribulations, ever are we also presented opportunity to rise above situations in the circumstances of humanity to exercise valor and in humility display a depth of determination to persevere together in prayer. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Throughout the highs and lows of life in lives lived by faith, we are called and resolved to relieve one another in Christ toward the redemptive, reconciling purposes of the Lord. Under the sovereign grace of almighty God Whose banner over us is love that shields us, protects us, and covers a multitude of sins, we are set free in the way, the truth, and the life to glorify and enjoy God forever. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Therefore, as ones holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and above all put on love which binds all together in perfect unity. Let your light shine before others that they may truly witness and experience the glory and grace of God at work in and through you for the blessing of many in the Lord. From the very start, on to and through the end, may you exude excellence in the Lord alone Who gives you strength for the journey ahead. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>Do not give up meeting together and being wholly present to, with and for one another as some are in the habit of doing. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, praying and sharing in the Word with each other. Raise the standard, lifting high the cross of Christ, fixing our gaze upon the Holy and Anointed One Who is the very healing of our lives—the author, pioneer and perfecter, finisher of our faith. Let tears "prepare our eyes for a clearer vision of God." The One Who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it. <br /></p><p> <br /> </p><p>In Christ Jesus our Lord,<br /></p><p><em>Pastor Rex<br /></em></p></span>NewCastleFPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739550292888520099noreply@blogger.com0