Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/30/15)

• Russel Fleming's funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church on Saturday morning at 10 AM, with Rev. Lloyd Lowe officiating.  Burial will follow at Junction City Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Kimble Funeral Home.
• Kids for Christ, our after-school program for children in K-5 will resume Tuesday, September 8. The church van picks the children up from school at 3:30 and we are done at 5:00.
• Our Wednesday evening Presbyterian Youth Fellowship will resume September 9th, we will meet from 6-7:30 dinner will be provided.
• The Presbyterian Women's study guides are now available in the church narthex. Please pick up the one with your name on it.
• Presbyterian Women's Hill Country Fall Gathering will be held at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Fredericksburg, Saturday September 12, from 9:00 to to 2:00. RSVP to Kathy McNeil 830-997-2376. 

Scripture 

Philip. 3:1-11 (ESV)  

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. [2] Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. [3] For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— [4] though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless. [7] But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— [10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Questions for Reflection
1. What do you feel are your most valuable skills and gifts?
2. What did Paul call on believers to do? (3:1)
3. Why did Paul repeat essential truths to the Philippians? (3:1)
4. What did Paul say about certain false teachers? (3:2)
5. Whom did Paul identify as “true”? (3:3)
6. Why did Paul view his former accomplishments as “rubbish”? (3:8)
7. What was Paul’s status in Christ? (3:9)
8. What sorts of things tend to draw you away from Christ?
9. What do you usually boast about?
10. Why do we tend to base our worth as Christians on our performance?
11. Why should our identity and confidence be in the Lord?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/23/15)

• Sunday August 30th the children will be presenting a puppet show and singing during the Sunday School hour a continental breakfast will be provided.
• The Presbyterian Women's study guides are now available in the church narthex. Please pick up the one with your name on it.
• Presbyterian Women's Hill Country Fall Gathering will be held at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Fredericksburg, Saturday September 12, from 9:00 to to 2:00. RSVP to Kathy McNeil 830-997-2376

Scripture
Luke 15:1-10  

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.  2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."  3 So he told them this parable:  4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?  5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'  7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.  8 "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?  9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.'  10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Questions for Reflection
1. As a child, when was a time you got lost from your family or a group?
2. What does a conscientious shepherd do when one of the flock is lost? (15:4)
3. How does a shepherd bring a lost sheep home? (15:5)
4. What happens when a shepherd returns to his home and flock after finding a lost sheep? (15:6)
5. How does heaven react when a sinner repents? (15:7)
6. Why did Jesus choose a parable about sheep to make His point?
7. How might the one sheep have gotten lost?
8. In what ways do we go astray?
9. How does the picture of “rejoicing in heaven” over repentance make you feel?

August 2015 Newsletter

To view this month's newsletter, click on the link.

August 2015 Newsletter

Have a great day!!
Carmen

Announcements, Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/16/15)

The Payne Family and Troop 420 invites you to attend the Court of Honor 

Presenting Lee Payne with the Eagle Scout Award.  

Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the 

First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall (201 S 11th St)

 Cake reception and tour of ‘Grace Place’ immediately following.

• Dr. Franklin House has started rehab and hopes to be transferred to Sid Peterson in Kerrville in the near future.
• Pat Duwe remains in the hospital in San Angelo I will be going to see her today.
• On Sunday August 23rd at 10:00am we will be hosting a pancake breakfast for everyone to kick off the new school year and our Sunday School program for the fall.
• Sunday August 30th the children will be presenting a puppet show and singing during the Sunday School hour a continental breakfast will be provided.
• The Presbyterian Women's study guides are now available in the church narthex. Please pick up the one with your name on it.

Scripture

Acts 28:1-31 (ESV) 

After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. [2] The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. [3] When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. [4] When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." [5] He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. [6] They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

[7] Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. [8] It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. [9] And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. [10] They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

[11] After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. [12] Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. [13] And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.  [14] There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. [15] And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. [16] And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.

[17] After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. [18] When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. [19] But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. [20] For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain." [21] And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. [22] But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against."

[23] When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. [24] And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. [25] And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

[26] " 'Go to this people, and say, You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. [27] For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' [28] Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." [29] [30] He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, [31] proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Questions for Reflection
1. What happened to Paul when he was building the fire? (28:3)
2. Seeing that Paul was bitten by the snake, what did the islanders conclude? (28:4)
3. When Paul was unaffected by the snake’s bite, how did the people of Malta show their superstition? (28:5-6)
4. Even in this terrible mishap, how did God provide for Paul and the crew?
5. When you are in a predicament, whom do you trust to get you out of it? How?
6. What was the nature of Paul’s ministry on the island?
7. What effect did Paul’s acts of service have on the islanders?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/9/15)

• Update from Bonnie House:  Franklin had surgery Wednesday (8/5) evening and hopefully will start rehab Sunday or Monday.
• On Sunday August 23rd at 10:00 AM we will be hosting a pancake breakfast for everyone to kick-off the new school year and our Sunday School program for the fall. 
• Sunday August 30th the children will be presenting a puppet show and singing during the Sunday School hour.  A continental breakfast will be provided.
• The Presbyterian Women's study guides are now available in the church narthex. Please pick up the one with your name on it.

Scripture
Acts 27:27-44 (ESV)  

When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. [28] So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. [29] And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. [30] And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, [31] Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." [32] Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. 

[33] As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. [34] Therefore I urge you to take some food. It will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you." [35] And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. [36] Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. [37] (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) [38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. 

[39] Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. [40] So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. [41] But striking a reef,  they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. [42] The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. [43] But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, [44] and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. 

Questions for Reflection
1. How did the group resolve their problems of tension and hunger? (27:33, 36)
2. Why did Paul urge those on board to eat? (27:33-34)
3. What did Paul do to give public testimony to his faith? (27:35)
4. What unexpectedly happened to the ship? (27:41)
5. Why did the centurion save the lives of the prisoners? (27:42-43)
6. Why did the soldiers plan to kill the prisoners?
7. In what ways do you look out for your interests before considering the needs of others?
8. How was God at work in the details of the shipwreck?
9. How can we benefit from frustrations and problems?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/2/15)

Thanks to everyone who helped make VBS so special this year. All the children had a great time. Our Bible School this year is called Weird Animals. God filled the world with a lot of crazy creatures...including you! When kids feel weird, different, or even lost in a crowd, nothing compares to the extraordinary love of Jesus. 

Please take a tour of the education building and see all the decorations and then please stay after church to help us remove them.

On Sunday August 23rd at 10:00 AM we will be hosting a pancake breakfast for everyone to kick off the new school year and our Sunday School program for the fall. 

Sunday August 30th the children will be presenting a puppet show and singing during the Sunday School hour a continental breakfast will be provided.

Scripture

Acts 27:1-24 (ESV)  

And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. [2] And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. [3] The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. [4] And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. [5] And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. [6] There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. [7] We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. [8] Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 

[9] Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, [10] saying, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives." [11] But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. [12] And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 

[13] Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. [14] But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. [15] And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. [16] Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. [17] After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. [18] Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. [19] And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. [20] When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 

[21] Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. [22] Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. [23] For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, [24] and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

Acts 27:27-44 (ESV)  
When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. [28] So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. [29] And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. [30] And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, [31] Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." [32] Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.
[33] As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. [34] Therefore I urge you to take some food. It will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you." [35] And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. [36] Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. [37] (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) [38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
[39] Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. [40] So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. [41] But striking a reef,  they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. [42] The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. [43] But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, [44] and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. 

Questions for Reflection
1. Why did Paul have the opportunity to offer advice? (27:9-10)
2. How were Paul’s warnings ignored? (27:11)
3. Why did the crew decide to sail on? (27:12)
4. Who helped make Paul’s difficult journey easier?
5. Why was Paul’s advice ignored even though he had traveled by sea many times?
6. How would you have liked sharing in Paul’s sea adventures?
7. When do you count on the support of Christian friends?
8. How do you feel when your wise counsel is bypassed?
9. What can a person do to make his or her counsel likely to be heard?