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TheHIGH �e Five Solas
of the Reformation
TheHIGH �e Five Solas
of the Reformation
TheHIGH �e Five Solas
of the Reformation
TheHIGH �e Five Solas
of the Reformation Christ Alone
John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-10Alf Halvorson preaching
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Please silence all devices, and refrain from consuming food or beverages during worship.
The Well:What do we fear?
Wednesday, October 28 • 6:30-8:00 PM • ChapelLight snacks @ 6:15 PM • Childcare by reservation: [email protected]
Women in all life stages are coming together to hear a panel of real, honest women talk about the things they fear, and how Christ has brought peace in the midst of dark places.
Meet us at The Well, a gathering place for women of all ages to commune and connect.
Kids’ MealsMonthly Service OpportunityHelp us feed the nearly 2,200 preschool children Kids’ Meals delivers to daily. MDPC volunteers are instrumental in providing one day’s delivery per month! Please bring two loaves of white or wheat sandwich bread to the project.
Wednesday, October 14 5:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
For any adults currently in the parenting trenches! These stand-alone discussions on select Sundays throughout the year are opportunities to the exchange of new ideas and proven strategies. Open to all!
Today at 11:15 AM, Summit Room:
Don't Take it Personal with Sara Kuhn
� women.mdpc.org
� seniors.mdpc.org
� local.mdpc.org� pip.mdpc.org
� health.mdpc.org
� study.mdpc.org
� parenting.mdpc.org� food.mdpc.org
Today! 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Entrée Selections ($10)
Roasted Chicken or Grilled CatfishServed with Sweet Potato Mash, Roasted Squash, Broccoli
Entrée Salad ($8.50): Tuna-stuffed Avocado
Children’s Menu ($4): Pizza
Join us! Everyone is welcome.
All-Church Lunch Partner In Prayer 2016Through PIP, thousands of people are prayed for every day. God uses the power of this quiet min-istry to bring health, life, and peace to our church family. To be a 2016 Partner In Prayer:
Sign-up Sundays are on October 11 and 18!
Can’t wait? Register now at pip.mdpc.org.
Senior adults who’d like to better understand the technol-ogy and social media their children and grandchildren are using will learn more about texting, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Vine, and Snapchat.
Tuesday, October 20 | 10:30 AM | Fellowship HallFree program,10:30-Noon, followed by Lunch ($9.50)
Pick up a flyer for details.
Prime Timers Presents: Tech Tips II for SeniorsPresented by Dan Aikins, Middle School Discipleship Director
Coordinating Team Mauricio Chacón | Associate Pastor for FuenteBrandon Gaide | Associate Pastor for Next GenGinny Glass | Communications & Media Dir.Meliza Gómez | Contemporary Music Dir.Luke Gordon | Youth Ministries Dir.Alf Halvorson | Senior Pastor Charles Hausmann | Traditional Music Dir.Kristin Huffman | Associate Pastor for OutreachBrett Hurst | Relationships MinisterGena Kooken | Sr. Leadership Ministry Coor.Rick Myers | Associate Pastor for CaringRachel Poysky | Children’s Ministries Dir.Becky Riggs | Business AdministratorDave Steane | Executive Pastor & Head of StaffKathryn White | Coordinating Music Dir.Karen Winship | Human Resources Dir.
Dave Peterson | Pastor Emeritus Gary Bowker | Pastor Emeritus
MDPC FoundationFor information, contact Business Administrator Becky Riggs at [email protected] or 713-953-2570.
11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.
MDPC Worship MDPC infoMDPC highlights
Ministry PartnersPray for these MDPC partners working to make a difference in the lives of others:
Sewing for Missions is a group of special MDPC ladies who work on sewing projects such as preemie blankets and walker caddies for the Medical Center, clothes for Lulwanda Children’s Home in Uganda, and sets and costumes for Summer Celebration.Contact Pat Ikard: 713-461-3654
SIRE Therapeutic Equestrian Centers serves disabled individuals through therapeutic horseback riding. Students experience improved muscle tone and cogni-tive skills, and benefit emotionally from meaningful relationships with volunteers and with their horse.sire-htec.org
Berea Bible Institute is a small Bible college in Monterrey, Mexico, that began as one family’s dream to educate young leaders in Scripture. Graduates go to remote parts of Mexico to lead churches and teach the sacrificial love of Christ through the way they live.institutoberea.org
It’s Mission Extreme: Family Edition!We’ll serve Houston at various mission organizations, eat ethnic food at family-owned restaurants, and take a prayer tour of the city. You’ll see a side of Houston you’ve never seen before! Create a great family memory while learning the importance of serving together. For kids second grade and up; each child must have at least one parent attend.Saturday-Sunday, November 7-8 | $50/person (includes meals, transportation, lodging)Please only sign up if you can commit to the ENTIRE weekend: registration.mdpc.org Contact Mallory ([email protected]) or Rachel ([email protected]) with questions.
Small Groups: Study “The High Five” this Fall!Pastor Alf begins a new sermon series today on the five solas of the Reformation: Scrip-ture alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and To the Glory of God alone. Friends, families, small groups, and classes are encouraged to pick up Sermon Notes and discuss. These important topics will bring background information and added focus as we listen to Dr. Halvorson’s sermons. Additional content (excerpts from Scripture, our Confessions, pastoral reflections) will be available throughout the series at the Connection Center and at highfive.mdpc.org.Five Weeks: September 27-October 16, and November 15-27
Pathways Class for WomenPathways is starting a study of Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ on October 4. This is a great way for women to follow up the recent lecture series on the book. We are always excited to have new members and promise to make you feel welcome!Sundays, 9:45 AM | MC 218Contact Mary Jo Holloman: [email protected], 713-882-8905
Calling All Knitters!Have you ever wanted to express your concern beyond using comforting words? Your knitting can reach out locally and globally through these quiet yet powerful ministries: Knitting for Missions: Every Monday | 9:30 AM | MC Room 126Prayer Shawl Ministry: October 5 (normally second Monday monthly; moved due to Columbus Day) | 6:30 PM | The Nook at MDPCContact Maritza Pujols with questions: [email protected] or 713-490-9556
Let’s Talk About PornOur kids- boys and girls alike- are facing an unprecedented tidal wave of pornography, often with devastating effects. The average age of exposure to porn is 11 years old. 12-17 year olds are the largest porn consumers, averaging about 50 clips per week. A host of area churches are sponsoring a forum for parents, grandparents, educators, mentors, and other caring adults who want a plan on how to proactively address this issue. One of the presenters is MDPC member, Tim Mavergeorge. Come and learn strategies to inspire your kids to avoid pornography and equip them with the tools to resist looking. Whether your child is in the cradle or in college, you’ll benefit from this.Sunday, October 18 | 6:00-8:00 PM | Chapelwood United MethodistRegister: letstalkaboutporn.com
Share Hope: CanCare Volunteer TrainingYou can make a difference in someone else’s life. If you are a cancer survivor or have been a caregiver to a cancer survivor and have a passion for helping others, this may be the mission for you.October 23-25For info or to register: cancare.org/get-involved.asp or 713-461-0028
MDPC Concert Series Welcomes Back MercuryIn the season opener, MDPC's Concert Series welcomes back the Mercury downtown orchestra for Mercury Moments, a showcase of favorite pieces including Vivaldi's “Sum-mer” from The Four Seasons and Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.Saturday, October 24 | 2:30 PM | ChapelTickets can be purchased at mercuryhouston.org or at the door.The season schedule is at concerts.mdpc.org.
MDPC Turns 60...In 2015, we celebrate 60 years of
faith and ministry!Familiar MDPC faces at Rachel Poysky's ordination in 2006 (from left): Kristin Huffman, Cindy Booth, Rachel Poysky, Tera Rush, and Annette Erickson.
Do you have classic MDPC photos? Email scans to Eva Kaminski ([email protected]) or drop prints at the Front Office. Originals will be returned.
W EEK LY FI NA NCIA L U PDATEOperating Income 2015 Budget $ 10,500,000Expected Income to date $ 5,896,211Actual Income to date $ 5,590,645Current Income Deficit $ 305,566Pictured: A student at MDPC's ministry partner, SIRE Therapeutic Equestrian Centers. Your giving helps make his joy possible!
Please Pray...The White Rose is in memory of• Les Thompson, who passed away
September 15, 2015.• Kent Anderson, who passed away
September 24, 2015.• William "Bill" Smith, who passed away
September 27, 2015.
For What Lies AheadAs we reflect on our denominational align-ment, please pray for peace in the hearts of your fellow MDPC family members, and sage discernment for our leadership.Visit denom-issues.mdpc.org for information.
8:30 Blended service
9:45 contemporary service
11:15 traditional service
*Please stand if able. CCLI # 182374†Communion is shared by intinction. All who confess their faith in Christ are welcome to the table. As directed by the ushers, please come forward to the communion stations at the front of the section where you are seated. Dip the bread in the cup and eat, before returning to your seat. Gluten-free bread is available. If you are celiac or severely gluten-intolerant, please note that it may have come into contact with gluten-containing bread during preparation of the sacrament.
WORSHIP INVITATION Meliza Gómez
*WORSHIP MUSIC
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE Brett Hurst
GIFTS OF GRATITUDE Dave Steane
MESSAGE The High 5: Christ Alone Alf Halvorson John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-10
†CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
FIRST COMMUNION Kate Bassett Megan Candela Haley Devlin Scott Eckert Alden Farrow
Reagan Farrow Natalia Fonseca Valeria Fonseca Brinklee Michels Grayson Mosk
Makenna Mosk Ashley A. Varady Andy Walsh
COMMUNION MEDITATION
PRELUDE All Glory Be to God on High Timothy Albright Emily Borling, Guest Organist
WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP Dave Steane
CHORAL INTROIT Let Us Break Bread Together arr. George Lynn
*HYMN OF PRAISE I Come with Joy #507; Vs. 1, 2, 3, 4 | Dove of Peace
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE Kristin Huffman
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed
OFFERTORY When I Survey the Wondrous Cross arr. Gilbert Martin (b. 1941)
MESSAGE The High 5: Christ Alone Alf Halvorson John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-10
†CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
COMMUNION MEDITATION God So Loved the World Bob Chilcott (b.1955) Lisa Borik, soprano Pastorale for a Sunday Morning Joel Martinson
POSTLUDE Toccata Giocosa Gilbert Martin (b. 1941)
WELCOME Dave Steane
*SONGS OF PRAISE Praise to the Lord, the Almighty arr. Gómez In Christ Alone arr. Getty
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE Kristin Huffman
GIFTS OF GRATITUDE There Is Power Lincoln Brewster
MESSAGE The High 5: Christ Alone Alf Halvorson John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-10
†CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
COMMUNION MEDITATION Come As You Are Crowder/Redman/Glover
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710
The Protestant Reformers had a phrase, which captures all five solas (“alones”) in one sen-
tence: Scripture alone, that declares that salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone, by which God alone is glorified. Today we focus on Solus Christus, or “Christ alone.”
1. How do you know what you know about Jesus? From parents, friends, pastors, a small group, personal encounter by the risen Christ (like Paul on the road to Damascus), or from the Bible itself?
2. I told a story about Karl Barth coming to America in 1962 and speaking at Princeton University Chapel. When asked to summarize the faith in one sentence, Barth said, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Have you ever thought that without the Bible, our knowledge of Jesus would be extremely limited and just based on word of mouth or personal encounter alone, which can be very sketchy?
3. Then I talked about three reasons why the Reformers had to affirm or re-affirm Christ alone: the church of the day taught Jesus plus works (earning salvation by our actions), or Jesus plus indulgences (money paid to the church to get friends and family out of purga-tory), or Jesus plus intermediaries (like saints or the Virgin Mary). What does it mean for you that Jesus is all you/we need?
4. How do John 3:16-17 and 1 John 4:9-10 (and also 1 Tim. 2:5-6) shed light on what Christ accomplished for us? [Christ plus nothing equals everything!]
5. Mohammed, Gandhi, Buddha never claimed to be God like Jesus did. They were not sin-less; not saviors. I finished the sermon by sharing the rest of the story of Karl Barth’s time in Princeton. At the follow-up Q & A at Princeton Seminary, a student asked Barth about Adolf Eichmann. Barth’s response was, “The guilt of Germany, my young friend, has been put on quite another man’s shoulders.” There was silence, and then the crowd erupted into applause. There was a unison cheer for God and God’s son, our Savior. What happened in you when I asked all of us to affirm our faith in Christ alone by standing and applauding? Was it a moment of joy or concern? If concern, what questions do you still have about Jesus that prevent you from believing? How can your small group help?
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Christ AloneJohn 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-10 (NRSV)
Rev. Dr. Alf Halvorson Preaching
Digging deeper
TheHIGH �e Five Solas
of the Reformation
TheHIGH �e Five Solas
of the Reformation
