From: National Evangelism Conference

Hey Folks,

We are arrived last night to Opryland and have enjoyed some down time before the conference begins tonight. We are thoroughly looking forward to our time here. Blessings to you all.

Chris

Dan Gillen on Living and Dying Well

We were finally able to sit down with Dan Gillen and have him re-record his thoughtful witness that he shared for us during our worship service on "Living and Dying Well." I am very thankful for he and Aubin's messages. They are well worth hearing again, or if you missed that worship service, hearing for the first time.

Blessings,
Chris

National Evangelism Conference

Hey folks,

As many of you know, we (my family and I and several elders) are headed to the National Evangelism Conference this week. We are excited. I have added the latest edition to our "Work and Faith" worship series: "Finding a job you can enjoy." Also, we have added my children's messages to the website! Enjoy.

Sunday, August 19th, 2007

"Designed for Work," my sermon from last week is now on the blog. Enjoy.

Aubin's Message

Two weeks ago, our worship service focused on: "Living and Dying Well," and we asked two older members of the congregation to share about their life and particularly about "living well." Aubin was one of the persons asked to share. It is a delight to hear her share, in her own words, about life and living. Enjoy...

Blessings,
Chris

The Pope and Us

Pastor’s Corner

So the Pope doesn’t think we are true Christians.

Apparently this is news and bad news to some folks. Me, I’m less concerned about the Pope than I am about whether Christ recognizes us as part of the true Church. That, I believe, is the only question on the table, and one that we should always be skeptical about because of the seriousness of human sin and its ability to lead the church away from its one and only true calling, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The Pope spoke about apostolic succession, noting that we Protestants are not true Christians, because we do not follow the chain of custody of the Gospel from Cardinal to bishop to priest, all the way back to Peter: A laying on of hands from one priest to the other without interruption. Protestants have never believed that this laying on of hands was necessary for the church to be the church.

What is more alarming than apostolic succession is whether a church, any church, is the bride of Christ: Whether we are so wed to Christ as to be eternally focused upon him in love and adoration, sharing his love with glee and wonder.

Many have criticized the Pope for excluding members of the Christian union (Protestants) by his statement.

What we should be more critical of is whether we are personally excluding people from union with Christ because of our lukewarm sharing of His good news.
Just some musings from your protestant (not priest) pastor,

Chris

Sunday, August 12th, 2007

We had a wonderful service today. Our worship focused on the Living Waters of the World, which is a mission initiative of our Synod. Bubba Martin who works with the project gave a moment for mission during worship and a presentation in the Fellowship Hall after worship. My sermon is online for you.

In addition, please note that the Newsletter for August and September is now online.

Montreat Wee Kirk

Would you like to attend the fabulous Montreat Wee Kirk Conference? It is October 22-24th in Montreat. It is amazingly affordable as well, costing you just $75, all inclusive, not including travel to and from Montreat. If you'd like to go, please call Jan in the office as soon as possible!

Peace,

Chris

Work as an ADVENTURE! August 5th

If you missed worship Sunday, or just wish to listen to my sermon , it is now online. The Scripture for the sermon was Ecclesiastes 5:18-25:

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

We will Host a Missionary in October

I was excited to learn this morning that we will be hosting a missionary from Lebanon here at Gautier Presbyterian Church in late October. His name is Nuhad Tomeh. Please keep him in your prayers as we prepare to welcome him.

Chris