Worship Opportunities for September
September 12, 2010 – Worship at 9:30 a.m. - This morning’s message will be “Godly Wisdom,” based on Luke 15:1-10. Jesus' critics grumble against him because "this fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." Jesus was constantly criticized for welcoming sinners and eating with them, for welcoming outcasts to his table. A distinguishing mark of his ministry was his open hospitality. Those of us who gather in the church, in Jesus' name must eat and drink the same way as Jesus welcoming hungry sinners and outcasts as we have been welcomed.
September 19, 2010 – Fall kick off – Join us for Church School at 9:15 a.m., followed by worship at 10:30 a.m., as we return to our fall/winter schedule. Today’s text is Luke 16:1-13, and Pastor Rob’s sermon will be “Thank You Jesus!” Jesus delivers a challenging parable about the shrewdness of a dishonest servant and follows it with several sayings about the nature of faithfulness. Let's be brutally honest: There are times in our lives when we are not very nice people, you and I. We lie, steal, deceive, and take advantage of other people. In short, we sin. Yet thanks be to God, Jesus Christ loves sinners, dies for sinners, has promised a kingdom to sinners. There is something in the heart of God that enables God to love not just good people which we are not but also the sinners who we are. Thanks be to God! We will commission our church school teachers and celebrate Communion together.
September 26, 2010 – Worship at 10:30 a.m. – Today’s message will be about “Jesus Talking Stewardship” based on Luke 16:19-31. In this passage, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and the poor man. God has created us not only to be receivers but also to be givers. In giving, we experience our best selves, we participate in some of the same graciousness and creativity with which God has so generously blessed our lives. Jesus teaches us that we cannot be slaves to wealth. One of the ways we master wealth is through our giving to others through the church, the body of Christ. Following Jesus means that we are commanded to deal with wealth as he deals with wealth. We will welcome a new child into the faith through the Sacrament of Baptism, and our Fellowship Hour Baby Shower will follow worship.
Special Ordination and Installation Service Planned
We are very pleased to announce that Benjamin Libert will be ordained a Minister of the Word and Sacrament at a special worship service at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 19 in the Sanctuary at Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. Following his Ordination, he will be installed as the full-time Associate Pastor for our congregation. This date marks the culmination of years of study and preparation, as Ben embarks on a new calling for Christ. We extend our congratulations to Ben on this milestone, and pray God’s blessings on his future! Everyone is invited to join the worship service, and share in refreshments in Fellowship Hall following Ben’s installation to welcome him to his new role in our church family.