Scott's Thoughts

 

Grace Presbyterian Church

E-mail bulletin

October 27, 2004

 

Dear Members and Friends of Grace,

 

The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.

 

This was Martin Luther’s 62^nd thesis of the 95 Theses that he posted on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31^st, 1517. Though he was speaking in reference to a particular practice of the church at the time (the sale of indulgences), it serves well as a theme for the entire Reformation that resulted from Luther’s actions. It was the treasure of the gospel, the full and free forgiveness of sin and the gift of everlasting life in Jesus Christ, that had been nearly lost but was recovered by Luther and the other Reformers of the church. This message of the grace of God in Christ, and of justification by faith alone, is as vital today as it was then. As Reformation Day (October 31^st) approaches, let us give thanks to God for his “inexpressible gift” (2 Cor. 9:15) of salvation, life, and hope in his Son Jesus Christ!

 

Please note the following information:

 

            This evening (10/27):

 

-         We will meet for our weekly prayer meeting at the Johnsons’ house at 7:00 p.m (our home number is 321-6151). Even if you aren’t able to attend, please let me know if there are any particular matters for prayer or thanksgiving that we should know about before we pray.

 

This Friday and Saturday (Oct. 29^th and 30^th):

 

OKC Reformed Conference:

 

-         The speaker at this year’s conference will be Jim Elliff, a former pastor and currently president of Christian Communications Worldwide. Mr. Elliff will speak on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian.

 

-         Be sure to visit http://reformokc.com/. Here you’ll find more information about the conference.

 

This coming Lord’s Day (10/31):

 

-         Bill Doerfel will continue his study of the book of Hebrews during the adult Sunday School class.

 

-         For Reformation Day we will take a break from Mark’s Gospel this week during the morning service. Instead, I will preach on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. The message will be “The Gospel of Reconciliation”.

 

-         Instead of our evening service, we will be hosting a joint hymn sing with other area churches. The hymn sing begins at 6:00 p.m. After the service, a fellowship meal will be served. If you have not yet attended one of these hymn sings, which are held every time there is a fifth Sunday in a month, I urge you to plan on attending this time. You’ll be encouraged as you worship and sing with a larger group of people and have opportunity to meet fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Next Lord’s Day, November [7^th]:

 

-         Since Bill Doerfel will be away filling the pulpit at another church this Sunday, Eric Pyle will lead our Sunday School class.

 

-         Last Sunday we completed our series through the book of 1 Samuel. I will begin a new series on Nov. [7^th] on the 10 Commandments. There is much benefit in making Sunday evening worship as much a part of your Lord’s Day as the morning worship service. So I encourage you all to come to both times of worship and fellowship.

 

Eric Pyle’s work with Wycliffe Bible Translators:

 

-         Eric Pyle writes: “With only $135/mo remaining to complete my partnership team, my hope and prayer is to be at my assignment by the end of the year.” Eric is nearing his goal of support, and Lord willing will be able soon to start his labors with Wycliffe. You can view Eric’s latest newsletter at: http://www.opcnorman.org/Wycliffe/EricPyle/. Pray for that God would provide the remainder of support needed. 

 

          Opportunities for service:

 

-         Volunteers are needed to help with a project for outreach into the community. I have prepared and acquired all the materials necessary for door hangers that we can distribute to area neighborhoods. These are clear plastic bags which will hold the following three items: our church’s tri-fold information flyer, an attractive bookmark with Grace’s information on it, and a note from me introducing the church and extending an invitation to visit. I am looking for volunteers both for putting the door hangers together and going out to distribute them. I’ll announce later a specific date and time that we can meet to distribute them. In the meantime, let me know if you would like to help out with this project.

 

-         We also need volunteers to help clean the church on a rotating basis. Please contact me if you would be able to invest a little time in helping to make sure our church building is clean and ready for Sunday worship each week.

 

 

In His service,

Pastor Scott

 

 

 

 

Pastor Scott Johnson

Grace Presbyterian Church (OPC)

Norman, Oklahoma

Visit our website: www.opcNorman.org