Note from PK

Hello, everyone!

It’s a new year! 2011 is almost gone, and 2012 is almost officially underway. Whether you’re rejoicing, grieving, or find yourself feeling a curious mixture of both with the close of the new year, let’s all remember that God is working together all things for the good of those he’s called according to his purpose (Romans 8). We don’t need to dread the passing of an old year or fear the advent of a new one. Our glorious future in Christ is certain, and we’re closer to it now than ever before.

As we start this New Year together, I wanted to pass along several items directly relating to the pastoral ministry. I’ve put the headings in bold so that you don’t need to read all of them, but can instead get a glimpse and then explore more if you’d like. For additional information regarding ongoing ministries, please read our bulletin insert, The Loop, or visit our church website (murrysvillechurch.com).

Galatians: Freedom in Christ

We’ll continue in our Galatians series this month, moving from the nature of the gospel message to its life-changing and liberating implications.

Through the Bible in 2012

On January 1, 2012, we'll start our journey through the Bible. Here are this week’s readings:

Day One – January 1 (Matthew 1:1-17; Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 1; Genesis 1-2)

Day Two – January 2 (Matthew 1:18-25; Acts 1:12-26; Psalm 2; Genesis 3-4)  

Day Three – January 3 (Matthew 2:1-12 Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 3 Genesis 5-6)  

Day Four – January 4 (Matthew 2:13-23 Acts 2:22-47 Psalm 4 Genesis 9-11)  

Day Five – January 5 (Matthew 3:1-12 Acts 3 Psalm 5 Genesis 12-14)  

Day Six – January 6 (Matthew 3:13-17 Acts 4:1-22 Psalm 6 Genesis 15-17)  

Day Seven – January 7 (Matthew 4:1-11 Acts 4:23-37 Psalm 7 Genesis 18-20)

Member and Guest Care

With the birth of his daughter, we’ve given Nate some necessary time to be with his family. For the first week of January, please direct all congregational care needs to the session and/or deacons at session@murrysvillechurch.com or deacons@murrysvillechurch.com. If the need is a confidential one, please contact me directly.

Also, to reiterate a Session communication from quite a while ago, please know that Nate always keeps me up-to-speed regarding care items. His position is an extension of mine. We are in close communication and consistently coordinate efforts with our elders and deacons. He’s been a huge blessing in that regard.

Membership Seminar this Saturday

We want all of our “regulars” to put down roots and become members! Join us this Saturday, January 7th @ 9:00AM in the Gathering Space for our membership seminar. Completing the seminar doesn’t obligate you to become a member, but it is a necessary step. Contact the church office to register!

Two New Sunday School Classes for Adults

On Sunday, January 8th, we’ll launch two new winter Sunday School classes for adults. The first, a discussion overview of Philippians led by Elder Chuck Churchill and Deacon Rob Agate in the Gathering Space, will acquaint you with what many consider the most encouraging of New Testament pastoral letters. The second, a brisk overview of the Bible led by me (Pastor Kevin) in the Fellowship Hall, will make you a Bible scholar in seven easy sessions. It’s called “The Bible and the Basics” and should be a fun time together.

Gospel Transformation Midweek Bible Study

Our Gospel Transformation midweek Bible study will start its second session on Wednesday evening, January 18th, at 6:30PM. Please note the new start time. If you can’t arrive right at 6:30PM, no worries! Arrive when you can!

2012 Officer Training

The nomination period for new officers is drawing to a close. Be sure to return your nomination forms by January 8th to me (Pastor Kevin). NOTE: If you’ve been nominated, make sure to attend “The Bible and the Basics” Sunday School class. It also serves as the first module of officer training.

Jeannette Community Church

As you know, we’re moving forward with our plan to start a new congregation in nearby Jeannette. The elders approved the preliminary plan in November, with the Mission to North America Committee of our Presbytery approving it in December. We’ll be sharing the plan with our deacons and Presbytery this month, and then the congregation as a whole. I am scheduled to attend church planter training through our denomination later this month.

In closing…

First, there is always more to share, and so I will pass along important items from time to time. These are just some important highlights as we start 2012 together.

Finally, I want to thank you for your commitment to staying a vital member of a church striving to be Christ-centered, gospel-driven, and Spirit-led. You’ve remained steadfast in the face of the highs and lows of ministry, and – in my opinion – shown your love of Christ and his beloved church in that perseverance. Thank you.

With much love and much optimism for our future together,

PK