Charles Town Presbyterian Church

Have you ever wondered why the pulpit at Charles Town Presbyterian Church is so prominent? Do you know the reason why there is a large, fancy Bible on that prominent pulpit? Do you notice the nice Bible that is displayed on the communion table?

These are far more than decorations in a sanctuary. Rather, they are a statement, and that statement is this: The scriptures are central to our faith.

This summer, I decided to engage in a different kind of study. Instead of studying an actual book or section of the scriptures, I am leading a study on how to study each of the different genre we find in the Bible. It has been an interesting, and at times, challenging approach.

The scriptures are important for the simple reason that they teach us about God, outside of our own subjective experience. This is why all persons ordained in the denomination are asked this question, “Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God’s Word to you?” Scripture is our rule of faith and practice.

Most Christians don’t study the scriptures as much as they should. This is for a variety of reasons – we’re busy with other things, we’re intimidated by the Bible, or it may not be important to us. Whatever the reason, we are now two generations into a Church (and this is across denominations), that has very sparse understanding of God’s Word.

What is keeping you from studying? If it is your schedule, I know that can be tough. But even if you can only carve out ten minutes each day, use that time to read God’s Word. Don’t know where to start? I suggest the Psalms or the gospel of John. And if you run into questions or something you don’t understand, jot it down, and call me, email me, or stop by my office and we can talk about it. I’m happy to help!

The worst thing you can do is not study or read the Bible at all. That will do you no good. I am reminded of David’s words:

-Pastor John

This coming Sunday, we are celebrating Compassion Sunday.

The purpose of this mission endeavor is to educate the congregation about the needs of children in the two-thirds world, and how we can help meet those needs and share the gospel with these children.

Compassion International has been changing the lives of children for decades. Over the years, they have used television, print media, Christian concerts, and direct appeals to inform people about the needs these children face. I have fond memories from my youth when I attended Christian concerts. There was often a point where the music stopped and we watched a video about Compassion’s work. If we wanted, we could take a packet home that evening and begin sponsorship right away.

Compassion International is a Christian organization with an impeccable record. Last year, almost 83% of the funds they received went directly to releasing children from poverty. That is a fantastic statistic. You can read more about Compassion by clicking this link.

 

On Sunday, Allen Rogers, elder chair of the Communications and Outreach committee, will have information available. He will be showing videos and have packets with information on children available for sponsorship. If you feel so led, you can begin the process of sponsorship right away!

Over the last year, there has been frequent talk of “privilege.” When you look at the conditions these children live in – the threat of AIDS, human trafficking, civil rights abuses – you’ll realize that indeed we do live in privilege, and we should be sharing that blessing with others.

In the days ahead, please pray about supporting a child, and then join us Sunday as we help spread the word about this ministry that is changing lives all over the world!

Blessings,

Pastor John

“Roots”

This past week, something terribly sad happened. Well, it was sad for me.

That beautiful maple tree in the backyard of the manse had to be taken down. The Sunday before Memorial Day, I discovered a huge two-foot crack along the trunk, where the leads of the tree separated. We consulted with some knowledgeable people in the congregation, and the consensus was that it had to come down. In fact, the arborist who took the tree down commented on the fact that there was no rational explanation for why the tree was still standing. He called it a “miracle” that it had not fallen into the house or the sanctuary.

The day before the work, I spent some time with the tree, and I noticed that the roots of this tree had become large, and were extending from the base of the tree, in some case 8-10 feet away! It was a hardy tree, to be sure.

We have roots, too, as Christians. Our faith is to be rooted in Jesus Christ. And just like growing a tree takes food, pruning, and watering, so we also must be fed, pruned and watered, for our roots in Christ to remain strong. We must feed on God’s Word, reading it, hearing it taught, and taking it every chance we can get. It can only benefit us. We must be watered, through prayer, for it is in the presence of God. And we must be pruned, having the old, decaying parts – our sin – removed from us, and letting God grow in us, that which is good and pleasing in his sight.

Like trees, we need strong roots, only ours are roots of faith. May God continue to feed, water and prune each of us as we seek to live for him.

Peace,

Pastor John

Our long-standing Vacation Bible School is coming and we’re welcoming registrations for ages: Kindergarten through 5th Grade and 2-4 Year olds!

When: Sunday, July 16th– Thursday, July 20th from 6-8 p.m. each evening.
Where: Charles Town Presbyterian Church

How to register:

• First, please fill out the form below, THEN RSVP:
  • Call the church office (304.725.5316) or
  • Email your form to Director of Children’s, Youth and Family Ministries (mrogers@ctpres.org)

 

Dear Church Family,

Rather than dive into some spiritual truth this week, or shed light on an aspect of contemporary culture, I need to acknowledge the work of three people in our congregation.

Thane Van Zomeren, Jason Mullens, and Gary Scott are taking care of the church lawn (the manse lawn is taken care of by my son, Alex). These men stepped up after a budget discussion in the fall and volunteered to take this project on to help the church save money. Prior to this year, lawn maintenance was a $4,000-$5,000 expense annually.

This is no small work, either. One does not realize how large this property is until one begins to take care of it. There is mowable lawn on all four sides of the church. We also own a piece of property on Augustine Avenue, and these men take care of this, as well. In addition, there is a large amount of shrubbery that must be trimmed. Each week (when it doesn’t rain), these men come to the church and give up an evening or part of the weekend to help the church look its best. It is selfless, thankless, hot, hard work.  Sometimes, their spouses even pitch in!

I am extremely grateful for their commitment to Christ and to this church. This is a true act of service. I know these men don’t do this for any applause, but please thank them when you get a chance. And if you are so inclined, consider helping them out. Ask them how you might get involved with this work.

Thane, Jason, and Gary – on behalf of the congregation, thank you. You’re doing a great job and we appreciate all your hard work. May God bless each of you and keep you safe.

Blessings,

Pastor John

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  -Philippians 2:3,4

Dear Friends,

Three things I want to bring to your attention…

1. Summer Study
   As we head into the weekend that unofficially marks the beginning of summer, I want to remind you that something new begins next week. “Summer Study” will meet Wednesday mornings at 11am in the church parlor. Each week, we will consider one of the genre in scripture and learn together how best to study it. Though not required, much of the material will be greatly supplemented by the book, How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth, by Gordon Fee and Doug Stuart. You can get a copy of the book here.
   This coming Wednesday, May 31, we will review how to do meaningful study of the scriptures, and then we will look at the unique issues that arise with the New Testament letters.
2. Sunday Morning
   Several things are happening this Sunday morning at the later service. We will be recognizing the recipient of the Frazier scholarship. The confirmation class will reaffirm their baptismal vows and join the church. Parents of younger children should be aware that my series on 1 Thessalonians will deal with the issue of sexual immorality. This is sure to raise some questions from younger children, and I want to encourage parents to not be caught off guard.
3. Memorial Day
   This important holiday will be celebrated all over our great nation on Monday, and during worship this weekend, we will take a moment in the service and acknowledge the sacrifices for which the holiday was created to remember. Please consider, if your schedule allows, at tending one of the many community events marking the holiday on Monday.

May the Lord bless all of you in the week ahead.

Blessings,

Pastor John