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January 29, 2003 |
This is Richard Gerber reporting the January 29, 2003 edition of Home Missions Today. God is using your prayers to develop the ministries of Orthodox Presbyterian mission works around the country.
HUDSONVILLE, MICHIGAN—Cedar Presbyterian Church gives thanks to God for exciting growth over the fall and winter. Seventy worshippers gathered weekly for Sunday worship. About 40 visitors came each month. Most every church member is involved in a mid-week small group, and Sunday school participation is excellent. Five families are being interviewed for church membership this month. Pastor Steve Igo sees God's blessing to be more than numbers. The Lord continues to give Cedar Church a deep hunger for the Word, a rich prayer time, and a love for being together. One answer to prayer is that the young people are growing closer together. Becoming a cohesive unit had been a challenge due to the young people's diversity of backgrounds. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his mercy endures forever!
GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND—Pastor Jim Stastny reports that Cornerstone Reformed Church had a very busy season of fellowship in December. The pastor's wife hosted a whole-church gathering. The church prepared a special service of Word and song for an evening where Knox OPC of Silver Spring joined them. Invitations to worship and special events were sent to over 100 new residents and to many neighbors and co-workers. God in his providence brought one visitor for whom Cornerstone Church is most thankful.
BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN—Covenant OPC praises God for his many blessings in 2002, including their organization as a new and separate congregation, the installation of ruling elders, and steady growth throughout the summer and fall. Pastor Brian DeJong is thankful to realize how richly the Lord has blessed this congregation over the last 12 months. One of the highlights of the fall was the Wednesday evening Bible study. From September through November, a group of about 20 studied and discussed the first 11 chapters of Judges. While most did not know what to expect from Judges, those in attendance found it to be a challenging study with much relevance to their own circumstances. Equally enjoyable was the fall theology class for older children. Seventeen covenant children met on Tuesday afternoons to study "Introduction to Calvinism." At the completion of the class, each child was given a copy of Calvin's "Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life."
PRESBYTERY OF MICHIGAN AND ONTARIO—Pray for regional home missionary Jim Bosgraf as he ministers to the mission works of this presbytery. A search is underway for organizing pastors for the mission works in Shedden, Ontario and Manistee, Michigan. A Bible study is ongoing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jim is also in contact with several churches and groups that are exploring joining with the OPC. Ask God to give Jim spiritual wisdom for his labors, good health and stamina, and safety as he travels many miles in connection with his ministry.
ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA—The first of three "Readiness for Ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church" seminars, sponsored by the Committee on Home Missions, will be held on February 14-15 on the campus of Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California. These seminars introduce the OPC to seminary students, and give elders in the OPC an opportunity to evaluate the ministry skills of those in attendance. Pray that many will attend and that they will be encouraged to join in the work of ministry in the OPC.
Look for the next edition of Home Missions Today on Wednesday, February 12. HMT is available at www.opc.org, by e-mail (send your request to Bev Mariani at bev.1@opc.org), or by voice mail at 215/830-9424 ext. 46.
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Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension |