After Darkness, Light (announcements for October 3)
Hi everyone,
Our fall Bible reading challenge begins on Monday! There are more details in the announcements below.
This Lord’s Day morning we will gather at the Lord’s Table. I thought it would be timely to include a couple of questions and answers from our Larger Catechism on the Lord’s Supper. I hope these will assist you in your preparation for worship this week.
#171 How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?
They that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer.
#172 May one who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord’s supper? One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof; and in God’s account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it, and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ, and to depart from iniquity: in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians) he is to bewail his unbelief, and labor to have his doubts resolved; and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord’s supper, that he may be further strengthened.
Sincerely,
Pastor Goligher
The Lord’s Day
Sunday school is at 9:45am. We are going to take one more week on chapter 4 of the Confession, on creation.
The morning service is at 11:00am.
- Galatians 2:17-21, “Get a Life”
- Praise Ye, Praise Ye the Lord #112
- Man of Sorrows! What a Name #246
- Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart #338
The evening service is at 5:00pm.
- Ezekiel 36:1-15, “The Mountains of Israel”
- Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode #668
- Be Still, My Soul #689
Through the Week
Tuesday Bible Study meets at 10:30, at church and on Zoom. This week we will be studying Nehemiah 13, which means we have reached the end of the book! We will take next week off, and start up again on October 19.
Prayer Meeting is on Wednesday evening at 7:15pm, at church and on Zoom.
Ladies’ Bible Study meets Thursday at 7pm, on Zoom. The study is based on Nancy Guthrie, The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis. This week’s study is: The Fall (Genesis 2:4-3:24). Complete the Personal Bible Study (pages 61-67).
Sunday school class on tithing
Next Lord’s Day, Deacon Stan Liao will teach a special session of Adult Sunday School on the subject of tithing. This is a very practical and important topic for all of us to learn about, so please do your best to join that class.
Foundations Class starts next week
Also next Lord’s Day, Pastor Goligher will begin a new Foundations Class. The class will take place during the Sunday school period, so participants should just come at the usual time for Sunday school (9:45am).
Fall Bible Reading: Week 1
There are paper versions of the reading plans available at the church. Here are the PDF versions in case you need them: Adults’ Version, Kids’ Version.
This week, we are reading the early portions of Genesis. God is the one who called light out of the darkness in the very beginning. A thick spiritual darkness settled on the world after the fall, especially in the days of Noah and around the Tower of Babel. God called Noah and Abraham out of these moments of darkness, and used them to bring light.
John’s first letter has a lot to say about light and darkness as well. What is it like to live in the presence of the God who called light out of darkness? It is only possible through his Son, who came into the world to destroy the works of the devil, who cleanses us from our sin, and who calls us to walk in the light, as he is in the light. Christians cherish the light of true doctrine, good relationships, and righteous behavior.
Kids, you will be reading Genesis 1-2. Think of how many amazing things God has made. Think about the oceans and the mountains, the stars, the plants and trees and birds and bugs and animals. God made all of them — he must be amazing! And he made you to know him and love him, so this is how you should live your whole life. “Remember your creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).