Preparing for the Lord's Day
Culture shock is a disorienting feeling that comes when you suddenly move to a place with unfamiliar rules and customs. Everything that you assumed was just the normal way of doing things has changed. People speak, eat, play, and think differently than you. It is difficult to give up your old ways. It is hard to adapt to a new cultural environment. This week, we continue our study of Colossians picking up at Colossians 2:20-23. Here the Apostle Paul explains to the Colossian church that they are acting as though they have culture shock. They are failing to adapt to their new life in Christ. Even though they have been freed from the old ways of sin, they continue to submit themselves to man-made regulations. Paul, nevertheless, reminds them that they have died to this old way of life and have been raised to new life in Christ. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Colossians 2:16-23, Isaiah 29:13, Romans 6:5-14 and Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 20.
This week, we will celebrate that sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns for this week include “All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above,” “At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing,” and “Rejoice, the Lord is King”
If you’re going to be out of town this Sunday, let me encourage you to listen to the sermon online (usually posted by Monday afternoon) or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device.
Announcements
OCTOBER 4 – RIVERMONT FELLOWSHIP NIGHT
Rivermont Fellowship Night is our midweek gathering where we enjoy fellowship and experience growth in Christ. Cost for the meal is $5 per person (9 and older); $3 for children (8 and under) with a maximum cost to a family of $22. The menu for October 4th is Baked Ziti Make your reservations online at www.rivermont.org, fill out the reservation card and place it in the offering plate, email donna@rivermont.org, or call the church office: 846-3441. Reservations are mandatory and should be made by noon on Monday, October 2nd.
OCTOBER 5 – MEN’S LOW COUNTRY BOIL
Information
THE MEALS TEAM FOR NEW MOMS
The Meals Team for New Moms is looking for more volunteers to help provide yummy meals for new moms in our congregation. The commitment is minimal, but the impact on these moms and their families is great. Please contact Natasha Yeoman at (860) 377-7721 or tasha.yeoman@gmail.com for further details.
NEED FOR FURNITURE
A family being helped by No Walls Ministry is in need of furniture. Specifically, they need 4 twin beds, 1 queen bed (frame and box), and 2 dressers. If you have any or all of these items, please contact Andy Flowers at 660-1186.
ORGAN CHAMBER WALL REPAIR
A group of dedicated members and specialists have been testing the integrity of the organ chamber wall. The consensus of the team is that repairs on the inner chamber wall will be complete by mid-October. Lord willing, the organ will be ready for service by Reformation Sunday (October 29)! A final phase of repair will include the architectural rebuild of the outer brick wall and Nursery Commons entrance. We're praying that we’ll be done in early January.
FLOWER CALENDAR
For those who wish to donate flowers for the Sanctuary, please sign up on the bulletin board beside the Library. If you have a special date in mind, be sure to place your name by your preferred date while it is available!
YOUTH NEWS
SNL: All 6th-8th grade students are invited to join us in the Youth Center for game night from 6:00-7:30 pm tonight, October 1st. Come out for a time of fun and fellowship!
636: All high school boys are invited for a time of early morning fellowship this Tuesday, October 3rd. The guys will join Shane at Biscuitville on Old Forest Road at 6:36 am.
RFN: Come out and hear how Elijah and Elisha, biblical prophets and men of God, faced the same pressures and weaknesses we do. This Wednesday, October 4th, at 6:30 pm in the Quinlan Room.
FNL: It’s time for Friday Night Lights! All 8th grade girls are invited to the home of Michael and Heather Hall for dinner, games, and fellowship next Friday, October 13th, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Please let Josh know if your daughter would like to attend!
CLUB 56
Why are events that happened 500 years ago so important to me and you today? Come and find out at Club 56 this Wednesday, October 4th, at 6:30 pm in the Club 56 Room as we learn about “The Five Solas of the Reformation” and five courageous men who stood up for the Gospel they believed in!
CIRCLE 1
Circle 1 will meet Tuesday, Oct.10th, in the church library from 10:00 am until noon. Please join us as we look into the life of Mary, using as our text: Luke 1:26-38, 46-56.
COVERED DISH LUNCHEON
Join us Sunday, October 15th after the 11:00 am worship service for a missionary luncheon in Country Gardens featuring Steve & Joan Tinsley and Paul & RG Sydnor. The church will provide fried chicken. Please bring a side dish or dessert that is enough to share with another family.
60 PLUS/MINUS PROGRAM
Our 60+- program, which will be held on October 18th at 12:00 pm, will be on Reformation 500! REPC members and friends commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by traveling this June to sites made famous by Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin. Bruce Bell, who led the Reformation tour, will share some of the highlights of the Reformation, its causes and effects, and what it means to us Reformed believers today. Margaret Smith will share her photos from the trip.
60 plus/minus is a program for all church seniors and visitors! You are invited the third Wednesday of each month for fabulous food, fun and fellowship. The luncheons begin at noon in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a variety of interesting and informative programs by members of the church or community. Program titles include: What's New in Space, Bats-Be Aware, Being a POW in Vietnam, K-9 Dogs (along with a canine), Living on a Submarine. Each luncheon provides opportunity to visit with our pastors and friends as well as meet and make new friends. This is the fun-loving group - guaranteed!
Make sure to call and reserve your spot for the 60+- program and luncheon no later than Monday, October 16th by noon.
PRAISE AND PREPARATION
We praise God that Mike Palombo and Shane Whelan are approaching ordination and Pastor Weber will soon be installed as our Senior Pastor. In preparation for a tremendous celebration for our church, look forward to a full day of worship and fellowship on Reformation Sunday, October 29th. Beyond the blessings of morning worship, we’ll enjoy a reception in the afternoon (4:00-5:45 pm), and three of our ministry partners will be ordained and/or installed during worship at 6:00 pm. Please be in prayer and mark your calendars!
ANNUAL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Mark your calendar now for our annual blood drive which will be held on Tuesday, November 14th from 12:00 - 6:00 pm right here at REPC!
ATTENTION PARENTS OF STRING PLAYERS
We are planning for our Rivermont Youth String Players to participate in a special prelude and postlude at our Hanging of the Greens service that will take place on Sunday evening, December 3rd. Ginger Paris will be leading the group. If you are the parent of a youth who plays the violin, viola, or cello and is interested in participating, please contact Peggy Bettcher at peggy@rivermont.org. All ages and levels are welcome!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Save the date for VBS! June 25th – 29th, 2018! The theme will be "The King Is Coming" with Great Commission Publications. You may go to gcp.org to see the peek preview for our week!