“Holding forth the Word of Life" - Philippians 2: 16" September 2010 By His Grace Rev. Daren L. Russell Fret Not someone asking you, “How are you doing?” and you answer, “I am F.I.N.E. means Frustrated, Insecure, Narcissistic, and Exhausted! In a world with so much turmoil and uncertainties it’s hard not to be frustrated and fretful. David, in Psalm 37, reminds us to “Fret not.” In fact he reminds us three times in this psalm to not be fretful. What does it mean to ‘fret?’ Albert Barnes in his commentary gives us some insight: The Hebrew word here means properly to burn, to be kindled, to be inflamed, and is often applied to anger, as if under its influence we become “heated:” Gen. 31:36; Gen. 34:7; 1 Sam. 15:11; 2 Sam. 19:43. Hence, it means to fret oneself, to be angry, or indignant. Compare Prov. 24:19. We should perhaps express the same idea by the word “worrying” or “chafing.” The state of mind is that where we are worried, or envious, because others are prosperous and successful, and we are not. The idea is, therefore, closely allied with that in the other part of the verse, “neither be thou “envious.”” In this psalm David is addressing the problem of the prosperity of the wicked. Why do they seem to prosper and act as if nothing is wrong? Why do the wicked seem to ‘get ahead?’ David reminds us to “fret not and do not be envious.” Fretting is tied to both anger and worry. When we see what is taking place in our country and the world it is enough to make us angry and worrisome. I know that I get frustrated - angered and worried - when I see the decisions that our government makes, e.g., bankrupting the coming generations and making us slaves to the countries which we borrow from. I am deeply concerned with the rise of Islam and its militant pursuit of Shari’a law around the world. The interest in gospel truth seems to be waning in our culture as the postmodern mindset of ‘anything goes’ continues to gain ground. There are threats to our national security from those who would love nothing more than to see us destroyed. The nations of the world are in turmoil as they fight against one another. Our nation is seemingly divided even more by political and ideological differences widening the gap for some type of unity in our nation. The homosexual agenda of marriage and silencing pastors from speaking against it in the pulpit continues to gain ground inch by inch. These and many other issues are enough to make one fret! And David reminds us, “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. David reminds us to keep a heavenly perspective - a Kingdom Focus - on what we see. Do not become angry or anxious about what you see or even what you are experiencing but rather trust in the LORD. David continues to remind us to trust in the LORD because He will not forsake the righteous. The wicked will be destroyed and they will vanish. David wrote this psalm in his old age (see vs. 25). He has been through a great deal of difficulty in his life. He has seen the wicked in control; he had been pursued by the enemy; he had threats on his life; he had grave personal issues ; he had experienced much in his life which would cause anyone to be fretful. Yet, he had come to exercise faith in his life because he had seen the faithfulness of God in all of his circumstances and he could say, “Trust in the LORD.” The truth is, here in 2010 is not the first Time that the government has made stupid decisions; it’s not the first time that special interest groups have risen their ugly heads; it’s not the first time that nations have risen against each other; it is not the first time that we have been under economic hardships; it is not the first time that there have been political and ideological differences and it is not the first time that some sort of philosophical “ism” has run rampant through the hearts and minds of our citizens. Just look back on our history - from the political differences at the founding of our nation, a Civil War, two World Wars and some ’conflicts’ thrown in for good measure, the Stock Market crash, the Great Depression, and on and on we can go. Each generation has its own ’stuff’ to fret about, and yet, we are instructed and encouraged to “Fret not”. The answer, as David gives it, is to “Trust in the LORD and to take refuge in Him.” God will take of the wicked and evil doers in due time. The truth is, God is in control of all that take place in the world today. There is nothing that takes Him by surprise. If God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, surely He knows when Iran is building a nuclear facility and what they are going to do with it. Do not fret but trust in the LORD. Know this, that By His Grace, you will be delivered for “the righteous are never forsaken . . . He will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Ps. 37:25, 28). The best way to ’fret not’ is stay in the Word and to stay on your knees. Trust in the Living God, for He alone gives a peace that passes all understanding. † “The answer, as David gives it, is to ‘Trust in the LORD and to take refuge in Him.’ God will take of the wicked and evil doers in due time.” |
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INTERNATIONAL SEAMAN’S HOUSE |
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Outdoor Chalk Drawing Sunday, September 12th, Rev. Russell will present an outdoor chalk drawing during the evening service. This will be a great opportunity for you to invite your friends and family. |
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WIC NEWS Circle Meetings» The Dickson/Monk Circle will meet at the church - Tuesday, September 14th, at 10:00 a.m. - hosted by Lee Harris. » The Bea LaRoche Circle will meet at the home of Billie Jo Wilson - Tuesday, September 14th, at 6:30 p.m. - hosted by Reba Jones. » The Ellen Wing Circle will meet at the Manse with Tinnie Russell - Monday, September 20th, at 6:30 p.m. Embrace Grace Conference The Women in the Church have been invited to participate in a Conference at Savannah Christian Church Saturday, October 16th, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Liz Curtis Higgs is the speaker. The program, “Embrace Grace,” offers hope for all of us who want to let go of guilt and embrace the boundless freedom God’s grace offers. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $16/person for groups of 10 or more. Price includes lunch. Let Daisy Davis know if you’re interested in attending. |
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MEN’S FELLOWSHIP NEWS The Charlie Ormston Men’s Supper The Men’s Supper meeting will start back on Monday, September 13th, at 6:30 p.m. The Women in the Church will honor the Men by preparing and serving the meal. The menu will be country fried steak and gravy. The Men in the Church won’t want to miss this special meal. R.O.M.E.O. Club The ROMEO Club will be meeting Thursday, September 16th, at Carey Hilliards on Hwy. 21 at 12:45 p.m.
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Office News The church office will be closed Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day. |
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CHURCH OFFICER NOMINATIONS (1) You must be a member of the church in order to nominate a man for office. (2) The man must be a member in good standing for at least one year. (3) You must secure permission from the man you are nominating. (4) This form must be signed in order to be considered. I. Officer Qualifications - Described by these categories: 1 Tim. 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 A. Character D. Usefulness B. Behavior E. Experience C. Family Life F. Reputation A. Elder - Spiritual Overseers: To give oversight of the flock of God. Book of Church Order 8-3: It belongs to those in the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to his charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein. They must exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto. They should visit the people at their homes, especially the sick. They should instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the church. They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by their zeal to evangelize the unconverted and make disciples by the law of love are especially incumbent upon them by divine vocation, and are to be discharged as official duties. They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock. B. Deacon - Servants: To render humble service for the benefit of others. Book of Church Order 9-2; 9-3 It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. They shall have the care of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in proper repair the church edifice and other buildings belonging to the congregation. In matters of special importance affecting the property of the church, they cannot take final action without the approval of the Session and consent of the congregation. To the office of deacon, which is spiritual in nature, shall be chosen men of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly spirit, warm sympathies and sound.
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News Letter Deadline The deadline for announcements for the October issue of The Chapel Chimes is Monday, September 13th, at 12:00 noon.
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OUTREACH CORNER Our 2010 Vacation Bible School was held last week (Aug. 16-20). Praise the Lord - we had 106 children and 65 volunteers which made the VBS a blessed success! I have been teaching a married couple in preparation for Baptism this coming Sunday, 29 August. During our Sunday morning worship service, the mother and her 3 children will be baptized in accordance with the instruction of the BCO (Book of Church Order). I will be on TAD (Temporary Additional Duty) to Okinawa, Japan for training very soon. This is my first time going out to sea on Navy ship. Please pray for my safety, my family while I am away from home, and for a blessed and successful training for all participants in Okinawa. Lastly, a little background on my position here at CFAS. Currently, I am the only Protestant Chaplain in the Religious Ministries Department here. Chaplain Kuss is our command chaplain. He is a Catholic priest. Next year, he is planning on retiring from the Navy. We are awaiting another Protestant chaplain (Methodist) checking in to CFAS very soon. It has been really difficult for me since arriving here last November because many times, I have been working by myself for our command. I still haven’t figured out how to manage two big tasks effectively: (1) Doing ministry for the chapel; and (2) Working for our command at the same time. These are very different and difficult tasks for me. I need to come up with some programs for our command, but I haven’t accomplished that yet. Please pray for me to gain wisdom and guidance from our Father to be able to accomplish these tasks effectively, so that I may lead my flock by His grace and design. Please also pray for the new chaplain who will check in soon. He has two children, one in junior high and one in high school. Pray for his family’s relocation to go smoothly, and that we may work well together in providing pastoral care to all of CFAS through our Father’s plan and great design. I thank you and your congregation kindly for praying for me and my family while we serve the Lord in Sasebo. It brings joy to my heart to know that we are tied together through the bountiful blessings of prayer. Please know that my wife and I are also praying for you and the beloved people of Chapel in the Gardens. Thank you, and may God continue to hold you all in the palm of His Mighty Hand. In Christ, Very Respectfully, LTJG Junsub Um CHC USN Protestant Staff Chaplain Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo Email: johnum04@gmail.com
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Clean Up Day |
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75TH HOMECOMING This year, October 10th we will celebrate our 75th Homecoming here at Chapel-in-the-Gardens. Former Pastor, Rev. Tommy Carr will be our guest speaker for this special celebration. Services this year will begin on Wednesday evening, October 6th through Friday, October 8th. On Saturday, October 9th beginning at 6:00 p.m. we will have an Ice Cream Social and an “Evening of Remembrance.” Sunday, October 10th we will have our regular morning service followed by dinner on the grounds. Please make plans to attend this special event in the life of the church. Along with our 75th Homecoming celebration the WIC have put together a Cookbook with recipes from the past and the present. The cookbook includes the history of Chapel in the Gardens and recipes from the previous Cookbook (over 20 yrs. ago) The Cookbook will be available at the church for a suggested donation of $10.00.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP SUPPER On Wednesday September 8, 2010, we will resume our Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners. There will be one dinner per month. Supper will begin to be served at 5:45 p.m. Reservations are required. To make a reservation a golden rod slip will be in the Sunday bulletin each week, please fill out the slip and place in the offering plate. Or you may call the church office on Mondays no later than 1:00 p.m. Ages 1 - 5 $1.00 Ages 6 - 11 $2.00 Ages 12 - Adults $4.00 |
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Thank You !! Dear Church Family, We want to thank you for the out pouring of love, prayers, food, visits, cards and concern for our family during the brief illness and death of our mother, Arline Barner. The meal after her funeral was so lovingly prepared and served for us, we are grateful to each and everyone.
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GROW OUTREACH The Grow Outreach teams will have a joint meeting on Tuesday, October 19th at 6:30 p.m. We will discuss and plan for our next evangelism training and outreach as well as visitation follow-up from Good News Club. Please make plans to attend this important meeting.
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SYMPATHY The Christian Sympathy of the Church Family is extended to Rev. Bob Hoyle, Tina Glover, Margie Peterson and Gary Hoyle and family in the passing of his wife and their mother, Harriet Hoyle on Friday, August 13, 2010. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
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SUNSHINE CHARMERS On Sunday, September 26th the Sunshine Charmers will be attending a show at the Savannah Theater to see “Gospel Jubilee”. We will be leaving after the morning worship service to enjoy a Dutch Treat Lunch and then to see the show. If you plan to attend - sign up by the Pastor’s Study.
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ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL This year we will be participating in the Community Fall Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 23rd at Garden City City Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The City of Garden City will be providing special music for the day. Many of the churches in Garden City will be participating. This is a great opportunity for community outreach! More details will be given in the bulletin and October Chimes. Your prayers and participation for this community event are needed. |
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REFORMATION SUNDAY We will celebrate our Reformed Heritage on Sunday morning, October 31st, Reformation Sunday. It was the providential birth of the Reformation which kept Protestism alive in Europe. It was also through the Reformation that Islam was stopped from invading Europe in the late 1600’s. This is one reason why Muslims call Christianity a “Western Religion.” However, Christianity began in the Middle East! We have much to thank our Spiritual forefathers for as we celebrate this.
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September Meetings CE Committee Meeting --------------------Tuesday, September 7th, at 7:00 p.m. |
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2010 Theme Verse “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” |
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Chapel-in-the-Gardens Presbyterian Church PCA |