Welcome to Today’s Worship The Lord's Day Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 9, 2018 Pastor’s Heart JOY AND EVANGELISM (Part 2) Acts 8.1-8 “To be a soul winner is the happiest thing in this world. And with every soul you bring to Jesus Christ, you seem to get a new heaven here upon earth.”—C.H. Spurgeon (Sermons, 11.431)
What I remember from my own conversion, and the witness to persecution in other parts of the world is this: God is building His Church and calling me to be a part of it. I learned this, also, from my Anglican friend from the Sudan. We were together ministering in South Africa. Pastor “K” told me of his experiences of suffering and how Christ used his beatings at the hand of radical Islamic terrorists to build up Christ’s Church. He told of how he was able to share the Gospel only because of the trauma that human beings were experiencing. The Church is ignited, as it were, through attack upon it. This is not something we pray for. This is something we pray in. Thus, I should look at tragedy and remember God’s involvement in humanity. He is not absent. He is there. I cannot fathom the depth of understanding of human suffering and divine sovereignty and intentions for good. Such things are too high for me. I see the doctrine. I do not look through it. Yet I see and I know that God is involved. This causes me to recognize that the Gospel of Jesus may be preached in the midst of tragedy and indeed the trajectory towards joy involves a necessary first step of speaking Christ into the midst of the trauma. Oh God let us preach Christ as we are dispersed through this generation, and as we speed headlong through the Twenty First Century. Let us speak the Good News of Jesus Christ. Oh that I may have the passion for evangelism in the midst of trials that my Sudanese friend has. Oh that the passionate prayer of David Brainerd might become the commitment of my life as a minister of Christ:
“I care not where I go, or how I live, or what I endure so that I may save souls. When I sleep I dream of them; when I awake they are first in my thoughts…no amount of scholastic attainment, of able and profound exposition of brilliant and stirring eloquence can atone for the absence of a deep impassioned sympathetic love for human souls.”1 Then there will be joy in my heart and “joy in the city.” Invitation to Worship We welcome you in the love of Jesus Christ to His worship at Trinity Chapel Charlotte (Presbyterian Church, ARPC) in Weddington, North Carolina. Let us worship God. Enter into the reverence of worship by a quiet spirit and by prayer. Pray for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your own life and in the lives of your fellow worshipers and those who come to inquire.
We ask that you switch your electronic devices to off position. Healing of heart and mind lies in the unfettered giving of ourselves to God in divine service of worship. We, thus, seek to come before the Lord in simple, reverent worship that is at once connected to the Church Triumphant—those believers gone before us, who worship, now, in heaven—as well as the church on earth—those believers from all branches of Christ's true Church scattered throughout the world on this Lord's Day. As the Call to Worship comes, this is a divine call for "sacred assembly." We have left the common. We have entered the sanctuary. We will never be the same again. Some directions: Hymns and congregational choral responses are printed in the bulletin. At certain points in the service the Minister will invite you to kneel to pray. If you are unable to do so, or prefer not to do so, please join us in prayer seated. If you need pastoral ministry, please let us know. We will be available to pray for any who desire special prayer. Finally, we welcome you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that you will say, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1). Michael A. Milton, PhD Senior Minister-Developer
1
David Brainerd, from Grace Christian Quotes, (http://thegracetabernacle.org/quotes/EvangelismPassion.htm), accessed January 9, 2011.
The Order for Worship The Ministry of the Word Prelude
“O Worship the King” Joshua Thompson, Piano
Welcome and Announcements
Haydn Dr. Michael Milton
Voluntary for Silent Prayer “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Lemmel Bobbie Fourman, Keyboard Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer Striking of the Hour + The Call to Worship
Dr. Milton
Minister:
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
People:
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Adapted from Psalm 96: 1-3
+ Processional Hymn of Adoration
Bourgeois
“All People That on Earth Do Dwell” Page 1 + Invocation and Lord’s Prayer
Dr. Milton
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
+ Affirmation of Faith
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell;* the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church**; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen * “Hell,” here means the place of the dead. The Spirit of Jesus entered Sheol, not Gehenna (the place of eternal punishment); but, rather “the invisible spirit world” (A.A. Hodge). ** The one universal Church of all believers who hold to the Faith according to the Scriptures.
+ Congregational Response
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. Confession of Sin
General Confession of 1928, Book of Common Prayer
Almighty and most merciful Father; We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done, And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen. Silent Confession Assurance of Pardon
Adapted from Psalm 32: 3-5
Minister: When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
+ Greeting and Passing the Peace Reader: The peace of the Lord be with you. People: And also with you. We greet each other with "Peace be with you," as well as a warm welcome to all. Reading of Scripture The Old Testament Reading
Proverbs 22: 1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Mrs. Deborah Barton The Epistle Reading James 2: 1-10, 14-17 Mr. Wayne Rogers Reader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. + Gospel Reading Mark 7: 24-37 Dr. Milton Reader: This is the Gospel of our Lord. People: Praise to You, Lord Christ Ushers come forward. The minister will ask God’s blessings on our gifts to Him and for the advancement of His Kingdom purposes in the world.
Prayer and Offertory
“Worthy of My All” (**The Andrew Brunson prison song) Jeff Shows with Trinity Chapel Choir
Brunson
You are worthy, worthy of my all. My tears and pain I lift up as an offering. Teach me to share in the fellowship of your suffering. Lamb of God You are worthy of my all. You are worthy, worthy of my all. Adopted as a Son a brother to my King. Indeed I will share in your glory if I share your suffering. Jesus, You are worthy of my all. (Chorus) You are worthy, worthy of my all. You are worthy, worthy of my all. What can I give to the Son of God who gave himself for me. Here I am. You are worthy of my all. You are worthy, worthy of my all. But my heart faints, drowned in sorrow, overwhelmed. Make me like you, Cross-bearer persevering faithful to the end To stand the trial and receive the crown of life. (Chorus)
(Instrumental solo) You are worthy, worthy of my all. This is my declaration in the darkest hour. Jesus the Faithful One who loves me always good and true. You made me yours, you are worth of my all. (Chorus) + The Doxology
Lasst Uns Erfreuen Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below O Praise Him Alleluia Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost O Praise Him, O Praise Him Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia
++ Prayers of the People seated or kneeling Scripture and Prayer of Illumination Sermon
Dr. Milton Exodus 31: 1-11, 35: 30-35
“Bezalel & Oholiab: on Being Filled with the Spirit”
Rev. John Jackson
Prayer of Commitment Hymn of Response + Closing Prayer +
Atkinson
“Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” Page 338, vs. 5
Atkinson
The Dismissal "Go in the peace of the Lord!" "Thanks be to God!"
Postlude + ++
“Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” Page 338, vs. 1, 3
“Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart”
Those able will, please, stand. Those able and desiring, may kneel
Atkinson
**The Anthem today was written by Andrew Brunson, the ARPC/EPC missionary who has been held in Turkish prison for two years until his release to house arrest some weeks ago. Andrew's wife was able to get a poor recording of this song out to Mike Jones (ONA). He offered it to us as a possible special music or congregational song to inspire confidence in the Ps. 121 Ever present help our Lord provides, even to those unjustly imprisoned for His name. Update August 15, 2018 Turkish court in Izmir rejects second appeal to release Andrew from house arrest. August 17, 2018 A higher Turkish court upholds lower court ruling to reject second appeal to release Andrew from house arrest.
Leading in Worship Dr. Michael A. Milton, Senior Pastor Rev. John Jackson, Preaching Mr. Donald Jay Piers II, Director of Music & Arts Lay Readers for Today: Mrs. Deborah Barton and Mr. Wayne Rogers
ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday, September 9, 2018 WELCOME Today is the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. The Senior Pastor and Developer of Trinity Chapel Charlotte is the Reverend Dr. Michael A. Milton. Rev. John Jackson is preaching today. Rev. Jackson just celebrated his 23rd anniversary with his wonderful wife Lia. Together they have 5 Sons: 2 oldest in college while serving our country in the Army Reserve; Third son enlisted in the Navy and currently in Bootcamp/Chicago; Last 2 sons in high school and middle school in Concord. John received his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell and is a member of 1st Presbytery- serving as occasional supply while managing a business and running a busy life. John is a Charlotte native.
WELCOME TABLE Want to learn about the Trinity Chapel Charlotte? Stop by the Welcome Table to pick up our brochure and to learn more about Trinity Chapel Charlotte. Questions are encouraged! LISTEN TO SUNDAY WORSHIP AND SERMONS Recordings of Sunday Worship Services and Sunday Sermons are available on our website, trinitychapelclt.org/resources/sermon, during the week following the service. EVENING HOME FELLOWSHIP The Weddington Home Group Meeting is especially convenient to the communities of Weddington, Marvin, Waxhaw, and Wesley Chapel. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm. All are welcome. If you have friends needing Christian fellowship, Bible study, hymn singing, prayer and snacks, bring them along. 8608 Prince Valiant Drive, Marvin NC 28173. RSVP to Hudson Barton (hhbv@glimfeather.com) is appreciated but not required. The Rock Hill group (300 Tradition Way, Rock Hill) will also meet on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. The 4th Wednesday they will join the Weddington Group in Weddington. Women’s Bible Study Please join the ladies on September 29th at 10:30 am at the Milton Residence for brunch to discuss the upcoming Women’s Bible Study. More information to come.
TITHE & OFFERINGS You may bless our ministry today with your tithes and offering by placing your gift in the offering plate as it passes, by mail or online. Mail: Trinity Chapel Charlotte 13663 Providence Road, Box 175 Weddington, NC 28104 Online: www.trinitychapelclt.org/give/ STAY CONNECTED TO TRINITY CHAPEL CHARLOTTE E- newsletter: Join our e-mail list to receive our weekly newsletter called Sunday’s –AComin’ and stay up-to-date with all the happenings at Trinity Chapel Charlotte. To sign up, visit our website at trinitychapelclt.org. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TrinityChapelCharlotte Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/trinitychapelc Instagram: instagram.com/TrinityChapelCharlotte Phone Number: 704-593-6506 Email: info@trinitychapelclt.org
TRINITY CHAPEL CHARLOTTE Presbyterian Church Burden Western culture, for all of its advancements that we enjoy, is, also, spiritually toxic. Often, churches are tempted to reach out by becoming like the culture. We are convicted that spiritual healing is needed by offering families an experience of worship that is wholly other. Our burden is for this place—this parish—and to bring healing to the souls of this growing population through the Biblically ordained means of God's touch: the Word of God, the Sacraments, and Prayer.
Values o o o
We trust in the Bible for all of faith and life. We believe that the local church is God's plan for discipleship. People are not enlisted into the local church. Nor are they recruited. We are enfolded by the gracious activity of the Spirit as we, God's people, witness to His life in our lives and in our community, Trinity Chapel.
Mission and Vision Trinity Chapel Charlotte is a parish church in the Presbyterian tradition, gathering, growing, and sending forth strong disciples of Jesus Christ so that there will be a multitude of souls safe in the arms of Jesus when He comes again.
Philosophy of Ministry Trinity Chapel Charlotte is a three-stream parish ministry: Biblical-Missional- Liturgical. As in Acts 2:42, we desire to be about the Apostles' doctrine, the breaking of bread and prayers, and the fellowship of the saints. We believe that through this dynamic, others are nourished in the life of Jesus Christ and enfolded into His Body, the Church.
Strategic Goals o o o
o o
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Become Self Sufficient in Two Years (Fall, 2019) Grow to be a Congregation of 500 (2025) Begin construction on a church campus of beauty and theological integrity to honor Almighty God in worship and discipleship and to service the Weddington community (2020) Serve the community through partnerships in Music and the Arts by providing scholarships to gifted students serving in ministry (2018) Serve the Church by becoming a premier "teaching hospital" parish church, where future pastors are trained (D. James Kennedy Institute "pastors-in- residence" fellowship; C.S. Lewis Institute) (2020) Support the Great Commission of Jesus Christ individually and corporately (DAY ONE and until HE returns) (Train in personal evangelism, support the mission of the Church locally, regionally, nationally, and globally through the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Faith for Living [broadcasting])
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Evening Home Fellowship Groups Weddington Group Meeting at Hudson and Deborah Barton’s home Located at 8608 Prince Valiant Drive, Waxhaw, NC Every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 6:30 pm
Everyone Welcome
Sunday Lunch Fellowship (Taking the Summer off)
Men’s Fellowship and Prayer
(Every Wednesday at 6:30 am at Poppyseeds Bagel in Matthews)
Communion
(First Sunday of the Month)
Women’s Bible Study Brunch
September 29th, 10:30 am, Milton Residence
COMING SOON Children/Student Ministries and Sunday School
PRAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER WORSHIP We offer these prayers for your own silent meditation and time before the Lord. May the composed prayers become your own as you go to God with authentic desire to glorify and praise Him. May you be refreshed in your time of prayer. May you know the presence and power of the risen Christ in your midst. — Your Ministers here at Trinity Chapel Charlotte.
Sunday Morning. O GOD, who makest us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of thy Son our Lord; Vouchsafe us this day such blessing through our worship of thee, that the days to come may be spent in thy service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Quiet Confidence. O GOD of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength; By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Guidance. O GOD, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly; Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer 1928
FAQ What is a Church Planting Apprentice? And why do we need one? A church planting apprentice is a minister of the gospel who has been assessed by a church planting assessment center. In our context, this means that the minister would have gone through either the assessment center at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church or the Presbyterian Church in America. Once assessed positively, that is, that experienced assessors have observed the pastor and his wife in controlled environment designed to reveal primary and secondary pastoral gifts and native inclinations (Ephesians2:10), and the spiritual passion to labor in new church development, then the church planter is placed with a more senior church developer for a period of time. The length of time in mentoring that follows the call of the apprentice is dependent on several variables, including the readiness of the church planting apprentice to assume greater pastoral responsibilities, the approbation of the Presbytery, and the willingness of the mission church to receive his pastoral leadership. Our church is presently seeking a Church Planting Apprentice. This search is being undertaken by the founding pastor in concert with First Presbytery of the ARP, Outreach North America (the “home missions” board of the ARP), and with select representatives (men and women) of our mission church. [This Team has not yet been appointed. If you would like to serve please contact Christine. We will need 5 members of the mission core group.] We anticipate that our candidate will bring a significant amount of funding from home missionary itineration. We require that the church planting apprentice have pledges from churches for three years of financial support (declining incrementally each year as Trinity Chapel grows numerically and in ability to support their own pastor. Our founding pastor and our mission need an associate who is qualified in church planting in order to execute a succession plan. Dr. Milton will become emeritus as a younger, stronger pastor can assume the kind of ambitious work that is essential for equipping the saints for the work of ministry. We believe that the Lord has raised up Trinity Chapel for such a time as this. We pray for God to supply the visionary and hard-working young pastor and family who will be granted both the sense of deep internal and external calling as well as adequate funding to come to us in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul concerning new church development: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building” (1 Corinthians 3:6-9 English Standard Version, ESV)