Welcome to our church website.
We are glad you are here!
We hope to see you soon!
Our physical gathering has been postponed until further notice!
But, our spiritual worship continues with links here.
"When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 17, 2021 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sermon: "Come and See" Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
center
448x336
c3517/17_january_2021_come_and_see.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/01262021100508_235f85cdc3407a8.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
First Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 10, 2021 1 Samuel 8: 4-18
"Give Us a King" Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
center
448x336
c3517/01_10_2021_give_us_a_king.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/01262021080412_a48b151ab13b893.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Matthew 2:1-12 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 2Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born. 5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet, 6And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel. 7Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him. 9And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. (American Standard Version)
Micah 5:2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting.
This video, "Learning to Pray, Thank you God for Jesus, our Savior King" was made to show in the Center's preschool classes and for the families to watch at home. Storybooks used in this video: "A Star for Jesus", written by Crystal Bowman, illustrations by Claudine Gevry, 2006, Zonderkidz; and "Snuggle Time Prayers", written by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Biscoe, 2016, Zonderkidz.
http://youtu.be/HoOcNOAfd3k
2020 Confirmation Class
Please join us on Thursday, December 24th. We will celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Friend, Redeemer and Savior.
At NOON, I will ring the church bell 100 times in gratitude for the COVID-19 vaccines. It has been a difficult ten months, but we have reason for joy.
That same evening of Dec. 24th, we will hold a Service of Worship via Zoom at 7:00 p.m.
Visiting - We will open the microphones and cameras in our Zoom "room" at 6:15 p.m. for those who simply want to visit with one another. At 6:40 p.m., we will play Christmas music as a prelude for worship at 7:00 p.m.
The sermon is titled, "Come, Hold This Baby."
center
448x336
c3517/12_24_2020_christmas_eve.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/01232021143717_2775d988adeebc5.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
The Prophecy of Christ: Isaiah 9:2-7, Louise Umbarger
The Prophesy of Christ: Micah 5:2-4, Carolyn Bell
The Annunciation: Luke 1:26-38, Emily Kropkowski
Angelic Visit to Joseph: Matthew 1:18-25, Matt Floros
The Visitation: Matthew 2:1-12, Stacey Pinder
The Christmas Story: Luke 2:1-20 Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
Homily: "Come, Hold This Baby", Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
Remember this scene from "A Charlie Brown Christmas"? What is a lesson we can learn from Linus at Christmas?
Click Here for 7:00 p.m. Live Worship on Facebook and Zoom
Meeting ID: 790 818 2538
Password: 503509
Or, call using: +1-301-715-8592
Attached Dec. 24, 2020. 7pm Worship Service. is a copy of the bulletin for Christmas Eve.
Together in Christ,
Pastor Steve
"Jesus in born. Happy Birthday Jesus!"
This 1min41sec video was made for the preschool classes at the Churchville Presbyterian Church Daycare/Preschool Center.
Based on the storybooks, "Christmas in the Manger", written by Nola Buck, illustrated by Felicia Bond. 1994. A Laura Geringer Book, HarperCollins Children'sBooks, and "Over in a Stable", written by Suzanne Neilson, illustrated by Aleksandar Zolotic. 2020. Zonderkidz.
https://youtu.be/DUykt4TGUVc
4th Sunday in Advent "LOVE" Angels' purple candle
December 20, 2020. Luke 1:26-38
Sermon: "Do You Remember Me", Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
center
448x336
c3517/12_20_2020__do_you_remember_me_1.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/12222020135331_6d00315edb72a82.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
3rd Sunday in Advent "Angels Rejoice" JOY Shepherds' pink candle
December 13, 2020. Luke 1:26-35
Sermon: "Visitations", Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
center
448x336
c3517/visitations_12_f13_2020.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/01252021173652_074a7a2d90c38e9.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Second Sunday in Advent "Peace" purple candle
December 6, 2020. Mark 1:1-8 Sermon Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.a
2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,b
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Preparec the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
First Sunday in Advent "Hope" purple candle
November 29, 2020. Psalms 147:7-11, Romans 5:1-5 Sermon: "Hope", seminary intern Carroll Fitzgerald
center
448x336
c3517/11_29_2020__hope.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/01252021180105_174f0c101d1f774.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
Nov. 22, 2020. Romans 8:28-39, Sermon: "Thanking God for Everything" Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton
center
448x336
c3517/thanking_god_for_everything_11__22__2020.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/11262020101944_c7cad60af0e85b4.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Adult Education
Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Steve will be teaching on the New Testament book of Romans using a commentary by Karl Barth.
Click Here for Live Discussion Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Advent Activities for all ages
There are Four Sundays in the season of Advent. This is the time of year we prepare for the birth of Jesus.
We begin November 29, 2020.
We have two special Advent programs this year.
November 29 – “It’s A Wonderful Life”
December 6 – “Home Alone”
December 13 – “Elf”
December 20 – “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Click Here for the Weekly Movie Devotionals
Every day starting at MIDNIGHT (and not before) on November 29, you can open each video to watch with your family.
There will be a video link where we will hear area pastors talking about the letter and the Advent Project.
You can get ALL this information in the Advent Boxes in the Child Care Center office. There are a limited number of boxes so act soon! The boxes are arranged for the number of people in your family.
Finally, we have a "Reverse Advent Calendar" attached. For each day, we collect items for people in need.
When we are all done, we will have the necessisties delivered.
Attachments:
Advent is a time of preparing for the birth of Jesus. Once again, we are reminded of what started this Christian faith of ours. It had a starting point. Two refugees wandering from home. They were afraid. Mary was pregnant. Joseph was her protector. There were politicians who did not want them in their country. There were people eager to send them packing and others who would give no thought to killing them.
She gave birth. From the first moment the Child cried, the world began to turn in a new direction. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it is bent towards justice.” God giving the Law to the Jews started to bend the curve, but it was at that moment in a Bethlehem stable the arc made its eventual turn back towards God.
One day that bend will be complete. As John says in his Revelation, “the earth will pass away… there will be no more sadness and there will be no more tears.” In the meantime, as Christians, we prepare to celebrate this day. If the hatred of Herod, the loneliness of being homeless, and the doubt of the world could not stop the first birth, then no virus or political stubbornness can stop it this time.
There is no question that Christ was born and there is no question he will be born again, the only question is are we willing to allow this Christ to be born in us?
Mary calmed her fears. Joseph paid attention to his dream. The shepherds allowed themselves to be distracted. The Magi made a long journey. Simeon was patient in his righteousness. Anna was persistent in her faith.
Are we willing to stop long enough to listen?
Are we able to consider watching for angels?
Are we determined to consider God?
As a person prone to melancholy, I am glad to say, I am even joyful at the thought, Christ is here and will be here and especially at this time, we can receive Him.
The Christmas spirit is the hope which tenaciously clings
to the hearts of the faithful and announces in the face
of any Herod the world can produce
and all the inn doors slammed in our faces
and all the dark nights of our souls
that with God all things are possible,
that even now
unto us
a Child is born!
- Ann Weems
Together in Christ,
Pastor Steve
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
October 25, 2020. "Fairness" Matthew 20:1-16
center
448x336
c3517/25_september_2020_fairness.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/10292020124147_e8fea5c2920d4f4.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
October 18, 2020. "No one knows the hour" Matthew 24:36,37
center
448x336
c3517/no_one_knows_the__hour.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/10222020160833_ea8cf5aa410edbd.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
October 11, 2020. "Privileged" James 2:1-9
center
448x336
c3517/11_october_privileged.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/10222020162716_b4167e0a6ef99dc.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
October 4, 2020. "Hubris and Israeli intertribal conflict and bloodshed", Judges 12:1-6
center
448x336
c3517/04_october_2020_shibboleth_or_sibboleth.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/10092020145606_d03d17697909977.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
Sept. 27, 2020. "Forgiveness--coming to terms with the past, part III", Matt 6:7-15
center
448x336
c3517/27_september_2020.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/10092020123704_665b86d4c5ba861.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
Sept. 20, 2020. "Forgiveness--coming to terms with the past, part II", Matt 5:21-24
center
448x336
c3517/20_september__2020.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/09212020172042_922032162f2a3b0.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
Sept. 13, 2020. Rally Day, Compassion Sunday. Sermon: "'Vergangenheitsaufarbeitung'--coming to terms with the past", Matt 18:21-35
center
448x336
c3517/13_september_2020.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/09212020172002_a44a03131c90fda.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Pastor Steve and Kathy are on vacation this week. For Sunday, Sept. 6th, we encourage you to attend Fallston's Outdoor Worship at 9:00 a.m. or the Worship at the National Cathedral at 11:15 a.m., Live on-line Click Here for Worship at National Cathedral
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
Sermon: August 30. "Two Wisdoms". James 3:13-18
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
Sermon: August 23. "Setting Things Right", Galations 2:15-21. Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
center
448x336
c3517/23_august__setting_things_right.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/08272020141227_cf5cb4adc058ca2.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - Ordinary Days
Sermon: August 16. "Thou shalt not covet", Exodus 20:17. Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
center
448x336
c3517/16_august__thou_shalt_not_covet.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/08272020135311_042f3a3718012ab.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
center
448x336
c3517/memorial_day_2020.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/05252020131131_987b560c54344eb.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
My father served in Navy during WWII. He entered right after graduating high school. The war in Europe had ended. Hostilities with Japan were far from over, in fact, the worse battle in the Pacific theatre took place between April and June of 1945. Okinawa was an island just south of the Japanese mainland. The U.S. forces considered it preparation for the invasion of Japan itself.
The closer the Allies got to Japanese homeland, the bloodier the battles became. In those three months in Okinawa, Japan had 100,000 casualties and the Americans had 50,000 – more lost than in any other WWII engagement.
My father was on the aircraft carrier, the Essex. They were retrieving the dead, evacuating the injured and bringing soldiers back home. My father said there were thousands on board. The deck of the carrier was littered with casualties.
The only people who truly understand warfare are those who experience it. The rest of us may get a vague sense from movies and books, but unless we have been there ourselves, we really don’t know what it’s like. Seeing bodies torn apart. Watching your friends die. The sounds of bullets whistling past your ears. The thunder of bombs which envelope you. The one thing my father said he remembers most distinctly was the smell. The main reason so many of the soldiers were on deck was to keep the smell of burnt flesh from permeating the inside of the ship.
On Memorial Day, we remember those who lost their lives protecting our nation. In hindsight, we realize not every conflict our nation participated in was just. But, on Memorial Day we are not measuring the motives, we are honoring the sacrifice. The men and women who serve our country put devotion to the country first and protecting the person right next to them as their motive.
In John 15:13, Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.” This is what these women and men did. They gave their last measure of love to defend their brothers and sisters in arms. We have freedoms to live where we want to live, to love who we want to love and to worship God in a manner of our choosing.
We stop this Memorial Day for just a moment to honor their memory. It is right and good that we should do so.
Let us pray:
“All Powerful God,
we honor those men and women -
Our sons and daughters, Husbands and wives,
Fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers—
Who have laid down their life for their country.
Whether weary or emboldened, quiet or defiant,
Vulnerable or ready when You called them home,
Their sacrifice is too humbling for words
except these uttered in prayer.
Loving Lord, bless them forever in Your eternal peace…
Cherish their spirit, honor their commitment,
send them our love,
and will never forget the service that they gave.”
Let us never grow weary of working for that day when “…we shall beat our swords into ploughshares and our spears into pruning hooks. And, nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more…”
In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
"Give it the green light!"
"See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland." Is. 43:19
The prophet Isaiah tells us to keep our eyes open for the new thing God is about to do. During this pandemic, we are preparing for a vaccine to be found. Our church is doing it's part to prepare the way.
Bells - Each morning at 11:00 a.m. we will ring the church bell eleven times. The number eleven is an incomplete number, just one short of the twelve we learned about in the Bible. We ring the bell to announce our solidarity with all those laboring on the front lines, but also to express our desire for the complete resolution to this pandemic.
Green Light - We ask that all of you turn on a GREEN light at your house every evening. Place the light somewhere it can be seen at night – ideally outside.
Why?
Green is the color of renewal and promise. When things start to turn green in the spring, we know new life is on its way. We believe a new vaccine is on its way.
Let us join together in hope.
Turn on your green lights at night.
Imagine the lights as prayers reaching to the heavens.
Share the idea!
Together in Christ,
Pastor Steve
Watch our Virtual Easter Parade!
Featuring Flowers and Families.
center
448x336
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/04112020195308_7a50237e6176d04_5000x100.jpg!_!76149
When you view the live version of this page, you will see a slide show in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the slide show's properties. To remove this slide show from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
76149!_!448!_!336!_!c
A Pastoral Message from Pastor Steve
"This Time Is Hard On People"
center
448x336
c3517/20200408_210100.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/04062020134616_708d499ccce4caa.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
Click Link Below to Hear
Autumn, Clementine, Finnegan and Kalliope Ferguson
Sing "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" for Palm Sunday:
Welcome Jesus On Palm Sunday:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1moyenJfLRnDQMTr8
Welcome to Our Virtual Palm Sunday Parade:
center
448x336
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/04042020233219_4e0e4f5c7ac1d1a_5000x100.jpg!_!76134
When you view the live version of this page, you will see a slide show in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the slide show's properties. To remove this slide show from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
76134!_!448!_!336!_!c
Elder Darlene Seippel Shares a Minute for Mission
for The Presbyterian One Great Hour of Sharing Offering:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0Vlf6Ns9U0z9ERan8yrhSRwTA
You may give to the OGHS by choosing the "Give On-line" Tab
(Icon of Hand Offering $) in the Top Right Above.
Preventive Medicine - Get Outdoors!
There are many benefits to being outside during the pandemic, not the least of which is our mental health. Sunny skies, and a little exercise makes us feel better, mentally and physically. Fresh air is also good for our lungs and allows us to expel recycled air and any germs that might be in it. Some research suggests UV light helps kill the virus. Hospital grade sterilization is dangerous, but we know it works. No definitive data has been collected on UV, but the thought is - yes, sunlight will help. We don't know how much time is needed, but any sunlight is a good thing. So enjoy the fresh air, get some Vitamin D and boost your mental health.
Enjoy the spring!
- Dana Cross
We share a reflection on a creation psalm: Psalm 104.
center
448x336
c3517/20200327_172633.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/03262020182301_767c7bc2e055ac8.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
*************************
Almighty God, today we celebrate Your magnificent splendor. For by Your hand You placed time in motion. From the first day of creation until this very day, Your creative wonders have filled the universe. On this Sabbath day, we celebrate how by Your mighty power You raised Christ from the grave. From that first resurrection Sunday until this day, Your love has given life to all mankind. Now, O God, as we enter this sacred time of worship, we call upon You to bathe us in Your presence and bless us by Your Spirit. To Your Name be glory and honor, now and forever. Amen.
We open with a discusson of the Old Testament book of Habakkuk:
center
448x336
c3517/20200321_230043.mp4
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/images/c3517/03212020222306_7a445e6f60056d6.jpg
When you view the live version of this page, you will see an audio or video player in place of this box. Double-click on this placeholder box to edit the media's properties. To remove this media from the page, select this box and hit the delete key.
COVID-19 Communications
Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Building Closed
In response to the coronavirus, our Session voted to suspend all group activities on church grounds. There is a compelling reason for this action. While most of us are not at serious risk, we have many in our community – namely the elderly and those with medical conditions – who are at risk. We want to protect them. By all reports, social distancing and careful attention to hand cleanliness, are two of the best ways to discourage the spread of the virus. Thus, because we love you and we love our neighbors, we are initiating these decisions.
On-Line Services
We are offering an on-line service of worship on Sunday using the Zoom platform. Worship will be at 11:00 a.m. Visit this site and the manner of the broadcast will be explained on the right side under announcements.
Child Care Center
The CPC Preschool and Child Care Center has cancelled Preschool and Child Care. However, You may contact our director, Libby Turney, for answers to your questions: 410-836-2148.
Office Hours
The office is without an Administrative Assistant at this time, Kathy Melton is volunteering her help, but there may be periods when no one will be there to answer phones. If you want to ask questions, please contact the pastor, Dr. Stephen Melton, by cell: 717-571-6787.
Church Support
For those who wish to provide financial support for the ministry of our church, there is a giving link on the top right-hand corner of this church website. There you will see three icons. The middle one showing a hand giving money, is the one to click. You will be asked to provide a number for a credit card or for a bank account. You can save the information and give again in the future without much trouble.
Open to Christ
The theologian and writer, C.S. Lewis said as people of God we want “the good infection.” We want to get close enough to Christ, so His Spirit infects our spirit. We will become less ourselves and more of Him, and by becoming more of Him, we rediscover our natural state as children of God.
The doors of the church are temporarily closed for now, but we are reminded - the door Christ is knocking on, has been and always will be, the door of our soul – and we can open it anywhere and at any moment.
Dear God, we look to You in this time of trouble. May Your Son, our great physician, be present to us all. Especially be with those who will have a difficult time during this period of isolation. May our concern not only be for ourselves but for them. Help us find ways to reach out in faith. Enter our room. Fill us with grace. Send us back out as agents of hope. In Your name we pray. Amen.
********************************************
We give thanks for the virtual visit from Missionary the Rev. Sarah Henken.
The Rev. Sarah Henken is a Presbyterian missionary serving in Colombia, South America, where our "Well" project is being pursued. If you would like to send her cards, feel free to use this address:
Carrera 37 #54-44
Apartamento 102
Barranquilla, Colombia
08001
You may send her an e-mail:
http://mailto:sarah.henken@pcusa.org
You may also follow her work through the PCUSA website:
Sarah Henken, PCUSA Missionary
In Christ,
Pastor Steve
*****************
Church: A model community of the imperfect
Together in Christ,
Stephen
“A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH”
The Presbyterian Church was an unexpected offspring of a religious movement called “The Reformation.” Two of the leading Reformers of the time, Martin Luther (1483-1546) and John Calvin (1509-1564), had no intention of forming a new church, at least not initially. Their desire was to reform the present day Catholic Church, to purge the Church of corruptions and set it more in line with the traditions and theology of Scripture and of the early church. The Reformers became known as “Protestants” because their requests for change sounded more and more like protests.
The Presbyterian Church is one of several churches that can trace their origins to the Reformation. Presbyterians get their name from the Greek word “presbuteros” which means “elder.” The term refers to the system, in apostolic times, of choosing leaders from among the wisest members of the church. A prominent doctrine of the Reformation was “the priesthood of all believers.” Reformed churches designed themselves in ways that gave more power to the congregation. The Presbyterians established a representative system where elders, presbyters and commissioners were elected.
The French organized the first congregation in 1555 and the French Huguenots were one of the first Presbyterians to reach America, followed closely by the English, Dutch, German, Irish and Scottish. In 1706 the first American presbytery was formed in Philadelphia and soon after the Synod of Philadelphia in 1716. 1789 marked the First General Assembly in Philadelphia.
The Church grew and diversified as it headed westward. By 1800 there were 20,000 members. In another thirty-seven years, there were 220,000. With the growth in numbers came an increase of conflict, separation and sometimes reunion. “Old School” and “New School” divisions plagued Presbyterians for years. The most infamous of issues was slavery. The Civil War severely divided the Church.
The next 120 years saw movements toward reunification. In 1958 the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA) and the United Presbyterian Church of North America merged to form the Presbyterian Church in the United States of American (UPCUSA). In 1983 the two largest Presbyterian Churches united at the Atlanta General Assembly (G.A.): the southern-based Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) and the northern-based (UPCUSA). In 1985 the G.A. approved a seal for the new Church. There are some powerful images in the symbol which reveal what is important to us as Presbyterians. Today there are about 2,000,000 members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), the largest of the mainline Presbyterian denominations.
“Unexpected” may seem like a good way to describe the beginnings of the Presbyterian Church. But for Presbyterians it has always been the “providence of God.”
Together in Christ,
Stephen
We are worshipping Virtually Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The Service will also be broadcast live on Facebook and Zoom in the same room each week:
Click Here for Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 790 818 2538
Password: 503509
For those who can only use a phone: 1-301-715-8592