en Sharing the transforming grace of Jesus. http://www.wellspringpres.org © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=30 Wellspring Church ministry teams exist to do the work of the church. We desire for everyone in our church - young and old - to get involved in a way that uses their God-given gifts to exalt Christ! To assist in this process we help each person understand their spiritual gifts and place them into an environment where they can be practiced. Look at the list below. Is there a ministry area that sounds interesting? Take a moment to speak with the ministry leader and ask about opportunities to get involved! Our ministry team leaders: Children's Church - Jessica Lawson Children's Education Superintendent - Jennifer Blugerman Church Administration - Betty Akers Congregation Chairman - Pete Pearl Deacons - Joe Hickok, Steve Knox, Paul McKenzie, and Walt Rosenberger Elders - Pastor David (Moderator), Chris Griffith, Ray Hopkins, Randy Long (Clerk), Mac McFarland (emeritus), Pete Pearl, and Doug Wilhelm Finance - Terri Gillian High School Ministries - Andrew Groth Meals Coordinator - Rebekah Wolfe Men's Ministries - Paul McKenzie Middle School Ministries - Freddy Chakhachiro Missions - Jenice Pearl Music Director - Zach Wilhelm Nursery Schedule Coordinator - Jessica Lankford Property Maintenance - Mac McFarland Property Planning Committee - Doug Wilhelm Retreat Organizer - John Lawson Small Groups Coordinator - Chris Griffith Sound/Tape Ministry - Ray Hopkins SPLASH newsletter - Colleen Knox and Aaron Rosenberger Sunday Morning "Linger Longer" - Colleen Knox Trustees - Oscar Bryant and Doug Wilhelm WellKids - Zach Wilhelm and Jessica Lawson Women's Ministries - Trish Wilhelm WOW (Women Of Wellspring) - Emily Babish and Colleen Knox Youth Ministries - Zach Wilhelm Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:34:40 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=48 The street address of our property is 4084 Roanoke Road. You'll notice the "Future Home of Wellspring Presbyterian Church" sign on the property. Our property is between the southern and northern entrances to Ashley Plantation. In the meantime, we will continue to meet on Sunday morning at 10 AM at Attic Productions, 7490 Roanoke Road in Fincastle. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:18:11 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=79 This property adjoins our existing property. We purchased this home and land in June 2007 to be used for missionary housing. We believe that Wellspring Church can bless the ARPC community of overseas missionaries by providing a place for rest and relaxation during furlough periods. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:13:43 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=55 The view of our property from Roanoke Road (220N). Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:13:43 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=7 We renovated and are using a 2600 sq foot home on the property for office space and mid-week ministries. "And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail" - Isaiah 58:11 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:13:43 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29&article_id=25 Our Pastor is Rev. David Blugerman. David graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina in May 2000 with a Master's Degree in Divinity and was ordained to the ministry in July 2000. Previous to studying for the ministry, David earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and worked in the accounting field for 7 years at KPMG Peat Marwick and as the controller of a software development company. The president of this company eventually led David to a relationship with Jesus Christ in 1994. David explains: "Greg really took a risk to speak about Jesus with me. I was a pretty resolute unbeliever. It was a wonderfully bold thing to do. He put his love of the Lord and his Word out there and made it real and personal and very intriguing. He discipled me and we became close friends. Greg's a unique person in that he's as comfortable running a company as he is doing prison ministry. The Lord blessed me when He provided such a great example to follow as I seek to share Jesus with people. Today Greg is among my closest friends." Pastor David and Jennifer met in Washington, DC in 1992 and have been married for 15 wonderful years! They have two children, Emma and Matthew. When he is not spending time with his family, David enjoys cycling, guitar, hunting, reading, and any sport where he gets to hit something with a stick. Jennifer enjoys art, gardening, and fishing (especially watching David struggle to sit still for a couple of hours!). Jennifer has a large heart for children's ministry. "He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water" - Psalm 107:35 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:28:28 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=45 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=45&article_id=63 Hi!  My name is Zach Wilhelm.  I'm the Youth and Music Director here at Wellspring Church.  Pictured with me is my wife, Sophie, and our sons Corban and Calvin.  It is my privilege to lead Wellspring Church's efforts in reaching out to our youth and discipling them in the name of Jesus Christ.  Additionally, I head-up the Music Dept. here at the church.  I'm passionate about worshiping our great King, and seeing others do the same! My heart's desire is see people come to know and commit themselves to Jesus at a young age.   Just as I was led to the Savior by a friend, so I want to lead others to the only One who can save and satisfy. I went to Capernwray Bible College in England after high school, then to the University of Hawaii, where I received a Bachelors degree in History and Education.  Prior to Wellspring Church, I was a teacher in the public schools. Teaching in school was a rewarding experience for me, but nothing compares to seeing folks grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ!  God in His great providence has drawn me to these unique ministries here at Wellspring, and I sincerely hope to be able to see and speak with you in person!  My office is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9-5. I also enjoy playing and creating music of all kinds in my spare time, and have recently taken up the very humbling sport of golf! Please feel free to give me a call at 540.992.3400 or email me at WellspringYouth@gmail.com Wed, 27 May 2009 15:15:29 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=72 We are working with our webmaster to get Pastor David's sermons online! Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:18:10 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=12 Welcome to Wellspring Church in Botetourt County, Virginia! I am delighted to have you visit with us via the web! Wellspring Church is part of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) denomination. The ARP is quite old and well-established; in fact, our first churches in America were planted several decades before the Revolutionary War! The ARP is also a vibrant denomination, with a focused and fast-growing church planting ministry in the US and oversees.What will you find at Wellspring Church? An ancient faith, an old and well-established denomination, and a new congregation brimming with excitement and energy. We desire for you to be astounded and motivated by God's grace in Jesus Christ! Along with other congregations in the ARPC, Wellspring Church is committed to extending the Kingdom of God by planting and supporting churches that are continuing to grow in vital, dynamic worship, depth of knowledge, loving relationships, evangelism, and works of mercy. At Wellspring Church, we're ordinary folks who have an uncommon desire to spread the transforming grace of Jesus Christ into Botetourt County, VA and the world.I invite you to visit with us for worship at 10 AM on Sunday morning at Attic Productions ! With God's blessings, Pastor David 540.992.3400 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:50:08 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39&article_id=50 David and Jennifer Blugerman, with daughter Emma and son Matthew on the way, moved to Botetourt County in June 2001. Our home missions office in Greenville, SC sent them to develop a church from scratch.The next 18 months were spent developing a core group of folks who would help launch Wellspring Church. The core group was gathered through neighborhood Bible studies, special events, and personal contacts. (The picture above was taken during a Bible study in early 2002 when we were using rented space above a doctor's office.)Wellspring Church launched Sunday morning worship on January 19, 2003 with a core group of about 50 people. Since then, God has blessed us in tremendous ways! We have grown both spiritually and numerically. Some of the highlights of our history are below:In May 2004 we purchased 12 acreas of land on Roanoke Road in the fastest growing part of Botetourt County. In May 2006 we became an organized church. This means that we have our own elders and deacons (see the We Are Presbyterians distinctive). In July 2006 we hired our second full time pastoral staff member: Zach Wilhelm. Born in Virgina, Zach moved with his family to Hawaii in the 1980's. Zach, with his wife Sophie and their two sons, Calvin and Corban, has returned to take on the responsibilities of Children and Youth Director at Wellspring Church. In May 2007 we purchased 2.5 more acreas of land and a beautiful brick colonial home that will be used as a "missions house" for our missionary families. In May 2008 we completed a turn lane off the highway that fronts our property. We are fundraising for our first building and plan, Lord willing, to break ground soon.The journey has been a great adventure with many wonderful surprises! But isn't that the way God works in our lives? Wellspring Church has a vision and purpose that communicates excitement, anticipation, and challenge. There is a climate and atmosphere that God is at work in the lives of people. At Wellspring Church you have the opportunity to be involved in something significant and meaningful - something that is larger than yourself. Come and be a part of the story that God is writing at Wellspring Church!Call our church office at 540.992.3400 for more information about Wellspring Church or the ARPC! Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:16:50 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Come, Let Us Worship! JOIN US AT TEN O'CLOCK THIS SUNDAY MORNING AT ATTIC PRODUCTIONS [ 7490 ROANOKE ROAD - FINCASTLE, VA ] Whether you are beginning to explore the Christian faith or have been walking with God for many years, we open wide our doors and offer welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! -- Rev. David Blugerman, Pastor "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" -- Isaiah 12:3 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:55:34 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=77 We meet for worship at 10 AM on Sunday mornings at the Attic Productions building. It is located at 7490 Roanoke Road (220 North) in Fincastle. We are just past Fincastle Baptist Church on the north bound lane. Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:00:22 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=78 Mon, 9 Jul 2007 08:19:37 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46&article_id=68 Wellspring Is Initiating a New Ministry: As many of you know from our worship service on Sunday, June 24, 2007, our leadership is being led by God to initiate an "Adoption Fund." What's an adoption fund? It's a unique way for you to support the adoption of children. Why are we doing this? Because we believe that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Let me explain... Adoption of children is a powerful picture of the gospel in operation. When you became a Christian, you were immediately ADOPTED into the family of God. You were given a new family name, a new permanent home address, and a new relationship with Almighty God. Galatians 4:4-7 says, "When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons [and daughters]. And because you are sons [and daughters] God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." Isn't that good?! We started out as slaves but God has adopted us into His family and now we are His children! Praise Him! Ephesians 1:5 says that the motivation for our adoption was love! And so adoption becomes a living model of the power of the gospel. As we bring fatherless and motherless children into our homes, we give them a new name, a new home address, and a new relationship. Adoption is nothing less than a deliverance from the past. Adoption means hope for the future (Romans 8:16-17). This is the primary reason why we're initiating the adoption fund. But there's another reason, as well. Many families have children by natural generation and other families have children by adoption. It just so happens that adopting children (whether US-born or foreign-born) is very expensive. Our adoption as the children of God was expensive to God (the price was the blood of His Son) and adopting children is expensive. The expense is not just financial, but emotional. We are motivated by love to help our brothers and sisters as we can - financially, but also in prayer and other forms of support. For instance, you can make a contribution to the Adoption Fund by offering to babysit, preparing meals, contributing clothes that your kids have grown out of, or by writing notes of encouragement and support to families going through the process. Wellspring has received a financial gift to initiate this ministry. And for this we are thankful! As we prepare to go into a building fundraising project, it is important to hear what one person said: "Our building is a platform from which to do ministry. The goal is ministry, not a building." I couldn't agree more. And I couldn't agree more with our leadership that a ministry of helping to support families who are seeking to adopt will please our heavenly Father. Our Communicants Class will be studying the doctrine of Adoption in a number of weeks. Here is what the Westminster Shorter Catechism says about adoption: "Adoption is the act of God's free grace by which we become His sons with all the rights and privileges of being His." I believe that adopting children is a powerful witness to our children (and the watching community around us) that the gospel is true! Our vision at Wellspring is to share the transforming grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in Botetourt County and beyond. We believe that covenant family adoption is a beautiful way to participate in the transforming grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ! I would love to see a culture of adoption flourish at Wellspring Church. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please simply make a check payable to Wellspring and write in the memo line "Adoption Fund." You can be sure that it will be set apart for this great purpose. - Pastor David Thu, 5 Jul 2007 12:58:25 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47&article_id=73 Our News page keeps you informed of the latest announcements in our church. Using your mouse, scroll along the vertical menu bar to your left. Each "news" event has a seperate tap you can click and access. Thu, 5 Jul 2007 12:44:56 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=33 In 2004, we purchased 12 acres of beautiful land in Botetourt County! In May 2007 we purchased an additional 2 acre tract of land directly behind the church. This land includes a beautiful brick colonial home that will be used as a "missions house" for our missionary families as they prepare to go on the field and when they come home for well needed R & R.We are preparing to start Phase 1 of our building program, which includes a turn lane off of Roanoke Road.  We plan to break ground on a meeting facility which will provide the platform to share the Gospel of Jesus in Botetourt County. Wed, 13 Jun 2007 03:39:58 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40&article_id=51 We hope you and your family are considering visiting Wellspring Church at 10 AM this Sunday!  If you do, we sincerely believe that God will bless your presence with us.  You might be thinking:  "Hmmm... I wonder what it will be like...?"Well, here's what you can expect... Expect to be warmly greeted at the main entrance of Attic Productions.  Our greeters will welcome you and give you and each member of your family a worship folder.  Our greeters are ready to assist you with a baby stroller or with any other help that is needed.Expect to see most folks dressed casually, although some will be wearing traditional church attire.  You should feel totally comfortable in either.Expect a variety of ages, singles, young married, families with young of various ages, and more mature families.Expect a flurry of friendly mingling activity in the foyer of the auditorium when you come in.  We are glad to see one another and will be glad to see you!Expect a clean, well-stocked and inviting Nursery (birth - 3 years).Expect an engaging Children's Church for two seperate age groups: 4-6 and 7-9.Expect a combination of classic hymns, psalms, new music, and praise songs.  Expect to hear a variety of instruments including guitar, piano, flute, viola, cello, and percussion.  Expect that the worship music will be printed in your bulletin and also projected on a screen.Expect the worship to conclude around 11:15 (it begins at 10 AM).Expect a time of "lingering longer" after the service.  This is routinely one of the things that is highlighted as a strength of our church.  We have a chance to visit with one another and drink great coffee & hot chocolate from Mill Mountain Coffee and enjoy freshly-baked breads and fresh fruit.Expect to be invited to attend one of our Sunday evening small groups.  We also have small groups that meet on other days of the week in Botetourt and Roanoke counties.Expect the Lord to give you a profound sense of His presence! Wed, 13 Jun 2007 03:25:35 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=2 Our Vision is to see the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread from person-to-person throughout Botetourt County and then into all the earth! How are we making this vision real? Using the acronym "WELLS" we are a: WORSHIPPING community focused on both the transcendence and immanence of God with a blend of traditional and contemporary music, liturgy, and order of worship. This means that God's holiness is very important and significant in our worship. It also means that we have a great sense of anticipation and celebration of God's presence when we gather for worship.EVANGELIZING community that brings the Gospel of Jesus into our network of family, friends, acquaintences and the larger community. In terms of style, we think that the Gospel is most likely to make a personal, deep and lasting impact on a person when it is communicated in the context of a caring relationship. We deeply value our relationships.LOVING community that seeks to build one another up in our walk as followers of Jesus through one-on-one interaction, small groups, and church-wide events and retreats. LEARNING community where there is an emphasis of life application of truth and doctrine and where we seek to understand our culture and how to live in it, maintaining a Christian world view while interacting with the non-Christian mindset. We encourage learning in a variety of contexts, including individual, family, and group study. To facilitate study we have an expanding library of books, CDs, videos and DVDs appropriate for all ages that are available to check out. SERVING community that shows the love of Christ in thoughtful, sacrificial and practical ways to our friends and neighbors. "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." - Mark 5:19 Thu, 16 Nov 2006 04:51:35 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=6 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=6&article_id=18 The Wellspring Church Youth Ministry is deliberate and focused. Our Children and Youth Director, Zach Wilhelm brings a mind for truth, a heart for God, and a purposefulness to his leadership of our youth ministries. Our Youth Ministry Values and Distinctives are: 1. We are covenantal in that we primarily seek to disciple the families of Wellspring. Our deep desire and goal is to see our children embrace Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And we want to see them truly growing in grace. 2. This ministry is relational in that cultivation of friendships is key to effective discipleship. 3. This ministry is parental in that our goal is not to replace or usurp parental discipleship, but to assist, encourage, support, supplement and complement healthy family Christian nurture. The best "youth minister" in the world is two godly parents fostering faith of their children in the home, church and school. We aim to help that, not replace it. We know, of course, that there are many parents longing for aid with their children and we want to be a real, substantive, responsive support for them. 4. This ministry is discipleship-oriented in that our goal is to see our young people become mature Christians rooted and grounded in grace, not merely to facilitate large numbers of participants at youth activities, or to sponsor events. Our approach is people-based, rather than program-based, and our desire is not just to see a student pray a prayer, or experience a "spiritual high" at a camp but rather to cultivate a faith and a life that will last. 5. This ministry is ordinary means of grace-based in that we want to cultivate in our students an appreciation for the ministry of the Word, the right participation in the sacraments, and the life of prayer as the normal way God brings about growth in the Christian life. We want to encourage students to see the priority of worship, and indeed corporate worship, for Christian living. Our youth are an integral part of our church family and we want them to participate fully in the worship, service, fellowship and witness of the church. Please call Zach Wilhelm, Children and Youth Director, at 540.992.3400 with any questions. Thu, 16 Nov 2006 04:49:34 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40&article_id=65 Thu, 3 Aug 2006 09:30:57 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=64 Thu, 3 Aug 2006 09:12:58 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=26 At Wellspring Church, we believe our children are a heritage from the Lord. The vision of Children's Ministry is to compliment the overall vision of Wellspring Church. That vision can be summarized as cultivating a passionate love for God, a genuine love for others, and the equipping of the body for His service. How are we doing this? By partnering with parents to nurture the hearts and minds of our children. Specifically we emphasize the following in all aspects of our Children's Ministry: 1) Demonstrate a sincere love and commitment to each child. 2) Teach a Christian world view in an age-appropriate manner so as to train our children to look at all of life from a biblical perspective. 3) Teach a body of truth, specifically the doctrines of grace, from preschoool to highschool. 4) Prepare the students for service in the body of Christ by encouraging and helping them to discover life applications of God's Word. 5) Provide opportunities for lifelong friendships to develop and blossom through fun and challenging activities. Wed, 22 Feb 2006 08:58:25 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=47 At Wellspring Church We Are Committed to...Embracing the Truths of Biblical Christianity Exulting in Historic and Passionate God-centered WorshipTeaching that Is Biblical, Personal, and PracticalFervent and Constant Prayer as an Expression of Our Total Dependence upon the Lord for the Gathering and Perfecting of His ChurchBeing a Place Where People Can Come to Know Jesus ChristBeing a Community of Believers Who Support, Encourage and Help One AnotherEncouraging a Climate in Which People Can Ask Honest Questions and Expect Honest Answers Promoting an Authentic and Unpretentious Approach to the Christian Life Placing a Biblically High, but Not Idolatrous, Value on Marriage and Family Active Lay Leadership & Training Missions & Planting Daughter Churches in the Roanoke Valley and Beyond Sat, 5 Nov 2005 05:50:11 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=59 Below are discussed 5 central marks or principles of Presbyterianism:The first feature of Presbyterian government is government by elders. The office of elder was prominent among God's people in both the Old Testament (Exodus 12:21; 18:13-26) and the New Testament (Acts 14: 23; 20:17; I Timothy 3:1-7). We believe that the office of bishop and elder are one and the same in the New Testament (Acts 20:17-38; Titus 1:5, 7). The elders should be selected, not because of their social status, popularity or worldly wisdom, but because of their love for Christ and His Church, their acceptance of the biblical faith, their gifts of spiritual wisdom and leadership, their godly example, their sense of call to serve the people of God, and their willingness to govern the church by the will of Christ as it is revealed in Scripture (I Timothy 3:1-13; I Timothy 4:7, 5:1; II Timothy 2:22-26; Matthew 20:25-28) and interpreted by the Form of Government of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Pastors are sometimes called teaching elders (I Timothy 5:17). In addition to those qualifications expected of all elders the pastors, or teaching elders, ought to have gifts of preaching and teaching and have a sense of God's call to this office. Presbyterian pastors are normally required to fulfill a course of education resulting in degrees from both a college or university (Bachelors degree) and a theological seminary (Masters degree).A second feature of Presbyterian government is that the power is always shared among a number of elders--it is never exercised by one elder alone. This is called "rule by a plurality of elders." It seems to us that the New Testament norm is for each congregation to have several elders working together (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17-38). For this reason our congregations have a plural number of elders who are all of equal rank. One elder may never govern alone, but only in session with the other elders. Thus, the pastors (teaching elders) and the other elders, sometimes called ruling elders, make up the Church Session which is the local church governing body. In this way mutual responsibility and accountability are built into the system. No church officers, including pastors, can be "lone rangers", but all are in subjection to each other in the Lord. Lord Acton's political axiom, "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely," is as apt to be as true, we believe, in the church as it is in the world. Ruling elders do not work full-time for the congregation they serve. They normally make their livings in the same kinds of occupations and professions that the other members of the congregation do. In popular language they are often called laymen, although, since they are ordained elders, these terms are not technically correct. The pastors, on the other hand, are almost always employed by the congregation to work full-time in the Ministry of the Word and Prayer (Acts 6:4).A third feature of presbyterian government is that it is a connectional system. Presbyterian churches are not independent, but are related to each other somewhat as counties are related to states and states to the national government. This allows for congregational individuality while maintaining the unity of the whole denomination. We believe that this connectional system best demonstrates the oneness of the Church of Jesus Christ, often protects congregations from power-plays by pressure groups or individuals, and should help prevent congregations from going off on tangents in matters of both faith and practice. The Council of Jerusalem, recorded in Acts 15, had authority over the churches. Therefore, we believe this arrangement not only sets forth the unity of the whole church of Jesus Christ and provides checks and balances, but that it is biblical. Presbyterian churches in a local area or district are organized into a presbytery made up of the pastors and elders of the member churches. Wellspring Presbyterian Church is part of the Virginia Presbytery. All of the presbyteries (the ARP currently has nine) are organized into a synod made up of pastors and elders. The synod, or general assembly, of our denomination meets once a year, usually in early June, in Hendersonville, NC at Bonclarken, our conference and retreat center.A fourth feature of presbyterian government is that it is constitutional. Because it is connectional there is one written Constitution for the whole denomination rather than separate constitutions for the individual congregations. The Constitution of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church is contained in The Form of Government. You can obtain a copy of our Form of Government by asking Pastor David or by logging onto our denomination's website at www.arpsynod.org/fogcont.html.A fifth feature of presbyterian government is that congregations elect their own officers: pastors, elders and (usually) deacons. This is done in a Congregational Meeting where all active members have voice and vote. Therefore, our government is representative. This is similar to our national government which was greatly influenced in its conception by the presbyterian system. Additionally, the congregation votes on any changes in pastors\' salaries, buying or selling church property, and any major expenditure on existing properties other than routine upkeep. Deacons (Acts 6:1-6; I Timothy 3:8-13) are elected and ordained by most, though not all, Presbyterian congregations to work under the authority of the Church Session in ministries of mercy to those with special needs--both within and beyond the congregation. They also carry out other important tasks assigned to them by the elders. Although pastors are elected by the congregation, they are ordained to the ministry and installed as pastors in the congregation that called them by the presbytery. Thus, three parties must approve the call of a pastor before it can be carried out: the congregation, the pastor himself, and the presbytery. Because there are no time limits written into the calls of pastors and no system for moving them on a regular basis, the length of time Presbyterian pastors serve the same congregation varies greatly. Some serve a lifetime in one place. Others move quite frequently. A pastoral relationship with a church can be changed only with the consent of the presbytery. This acts as a check on actions that might otherwise be capricious and/or precipitous. Fri, 4 Nov 2005 19:12:50 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=57 We take seriously the Great Commission, which is Christ's instruction that the church go and make disciples of all nations. Without compromising the sovereignty of God in salvation, we believe that it is the responsibility of every person to repent and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. We believe individuals and the church have a responsibility to extend a gospel invitation as a call to salvation. We invite all, without distinction, to come and drink freely of the Water of Life and to live eternally. Thu, 3 Nov 2005 16:16:20 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=52 People often ask us what we at Wellspring Presbyterian Church believe. Sometimes the questions are asked these ways: What are our theological distinctives?What does it mean to say that we are Reformed?What does it mean to be a Presbyterian?We think the following terms will be help in defining what we believe and who we are: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 16:14:10 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=58 The word "Reformed" can be defined in two ways: (1) It is a reference to our historical roots in the Reformation of the 16th century. We consider ourselves to be theological heirs of Luther, Calvin, Knox, and other reformers. (2) It is, more specifically, a term of reference to several theological distinctives. For more information, please see the page entitled "More Beliefs." Thu, 3 Nov 2005 16:11:33 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=56 We take our stand with those who believe in what used to be called "the fundamentals": the existence of the triune God, the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, the substitutionary atonement of Christ, the bodily return of Christ, and the infallibility and authority of the Bible. We joyfully affirm our unity with those of every tradition and denomination who hold to these fundamentals of the Christian faith. Thu, 3 Nov 2005 16:10:16 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42&article_id=53 What purposes and principles undergird the music we sing?1. Most basically, we sing out of the joy and gratitude that we have over what God has done for us in giving to us freely eternal life through Jesus Christ.2. We also sing to God because He is good to us in so many ways and we adore everything about Him and are in awe of Him. See Psalms 13:3-6; 28:7; 30:4-5, 11-12; 33:1-4; 57:7-9; 92:1-4; and, 150:1-6 for a few examples.3. We also sing to witness to the world concerning God's great deeds. Our songs proclaim Him to "the nations” and "before the peoples,” and not just to ourselves. See Psalms 57:7-9; 96:1-3; 98:1-2; 105:102. Notice the wonderfully profound call to such singing in Isaiah 12:1-6.How do we do this at Wellspring Presbyterian Church?1. In keeping with the theme of joy for what God has done and does for us, we want the songs we sing to be often (but not exclusively) those with a strong, lively, and joyful sound. We also recognize that the Christian life is not always mirth, but includes seasons of sorrow. Music should minister to us appropriately in all seasons of life.2. In keeping with the theme of proclaiming Christ to the nations, we want the songs we sing to be a vehicle for communicating the good news of Jesus to those who do not yet know Him. Accordingly we are committed to singing new songs with up-to-date arrangements, believing that God is still sanctifying hearts and gifting songwriters and composers for the wonderful work of lauding Him in song. Wellspring Church will, however, be discerning as to what new arrangements it chooses to include in worship, ensuring that, while the tunes may be new, the message will be the same as it has been for 2,000 years. All music at Wellspring Church must be Christ-centered, God-glorifying, and Scripturally-based, and in keeping with the doctrines of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.3. We also recognize that church history is a wonderful gift of God. We do not stand alone in our generation, but with all the generations that have preceded us in the Lord. Accordingly, we are also committed to singing the great hymns of the church, with their profound theology and recognizable tunes. In combining this item with the preceding one, we will also seek to sing the great hymns of the church placed to new arrangements.We hold these commitments for the following reasons:1. Music is knit into the very natures of human beings. Every culture has music. We sing because we are human; we sing songs of praise, because we belong to the Lord. 2. In these efforts, we are joined by our forefathers in the faith. Most notably, the Reformers made a great effort to write music that would speak to the people of their day. One of our fathers in the Scottish Presbyterian Church, Horatius Bonar, wrote "new” hymns in the mid-1800's. He was oft-criticized for doing so, but he persisted in his work. And today, what hymnal of great church music would be complete without his music? And so we are committed to singing God-exalting music from every era of church history, past and present. Sun, 23 Oct 2005 05:38:29 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=54 The Authority and Inerrancy of ScriptureThis is based on the conviction that the Bible is nothing less than God revealing Himself in a way that could be written down and preserved. We believe the Bible is authoritative for faith and practice.The Sovereignty (Supremacy) of GodWe believe that God is sovereign, not only because He created all things, but also because He continues to exercise rule over the creation. One aspect of the sovereignty of God that receives a lot of attention is the teaching that God elects and calls those who will receive salvation. This is perhaps best summed up in Jonah's words from the belly of the great fish: "Salvation comes from the Lord" (Jonah 2:9). If we are to be saved, it is because God has first sought and found us, not because we have sought Him. Jesus said, The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10). The biblical term for this is election (Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Romans 8:29-30; 11:1-6; Ephesians 1:3-5; 1 Peter 1:1-2; 2:9; among many others). This wonderful truth is expressed in the great theme of the Reformation: salvation through grace alone, through Christ alone.The Covenant of GraceOur view is that the Bible is a cohesive and united whole. The Old and New Testaments describe one way of salvation, commonly called the Covenant of Grace, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The essence of the covenantal view is expressed in the words: "I will be your God and you will be my people." This phrase is found, literally, from Genesis to Revelation (Genesis 17:7-8; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Revelation 21:3).The Law of GodReformed churches have always put an emphasis on the value of the Law of God for believer and unbeliever alike. What is the Law? The Law reveals what God requires of us. The most essential aspect of the Law is summarized in the Ten Commandments, which is usually spoken of as the moral law. It is interesting to note that the Ten Commandments were given after God had redeemed His people from Egypt, and Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount to those who were already His disciples. Ultimately, the law reveals the character and quality of a Christian life that is lived in a proper spirit of obedience.The ChurchWe believe that the Church is found in the Old Testament as well as the New. The day of Pentecost (Acts 2) describes an important new aspect of the church, but the foundation of the Church was built on the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:9-10). The marks of the church are the faithful preaching of the whole counsel of God, the proper administration of the sacraments and the administration of church discipline. At Wellspring Church , we observe two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper.The Kingdom of GodWe believe that the Kingdom of God (peace and righteousness) is not only a future hope, but is also a present reality. We believe that the ascension of Jesus Christ to the right hand of God the Father in Heaven means that He is presently reigning. Accordingly, we are called upon to live under His rule and authority. We are also called to plant the banner of Christ's rule in every area of life. With all of our doctrinal stances, we seek to humbly hold our reformed convictions, and to recognize the sincerity and earnestness of those with differing views. Theology is a conversation. It is, as St. Augustine famously said, "Faith seeking understanding." We believe and therefore we search the scriptures and reason together about the great God who has saved us! "For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary" - Psalm 96:4, 6 Sun, 23 Oct 2005 05:12:33 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=46 The Christian is one who stands in grace. And that grace will at a heart-level change the person. There is no such thing as a Christian who knows Jesus as Savior, but not Lord. If he comes into a person, He will lovingly subdue him for his own purposes and glory. The Christian is expected to walk with the Lord and serve Him gladly all the days of his life as his salvation is worked out, trusting that "He who began a good work in you will carry it out on to completion."Here's the bottom line question: What would you say if you died tonight and stood before God and He said, "Why should I let you into my heaven?" Typically, people answer this way: "Well, I've tried to lead a basically good life," or "I've served God!" The difficulty with these answers is that they focus on the goodness or track record of the individual. And no one will ever get into heaven based on his own righteousness. We are spiritually unable to please God in and of ourselves. The only way God can accept a person into His sight is if they are perfectly righteous. Since no one is perfectly righteous, we are all lost apart from God's graciously accepting us based on the righteousness (moral perfection) of Jesus who died in the place of sinners just like you and me. Thus, the answer would be something like this: "God should not accept me, but my trust is in Christ and his righteousness alone. He died for me. Therefore, I am forgiven of my sin and clothed with His righteousness." The most critical question you will face in life is whether or not you really know Jesus Christ. We urge you to be clear on this. Seek the Lord through prayer and reading his Word, especially the Gospel of John and Romans. Purpose to understand the gospel of grace. Pastor David is available to personally discuss this with you by calling the church office at 540.992.3400. Fri, 21 Oct 2005 11:39:04 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=31 The mission of Small Groups is to connect people in relationships for the purpose of:• Spiritual formation - growing in Christ likeness• Loving and caring for one another• Praying for one another, family, friends, the church,...• Contributing to the work of the churchScriptural Basis:There are 58 commands in the NT around "one another" or "each other". God intends for the saints to do the work of the ministry. God's design is to use human support and exhortation to sustain the faith of his children and to lighten the burdens that they bear in the service of love. That kind of mutually caring ministry does not happen in big groups between casual acquaintances - thus the need for small groups. In the book of Hebrews there are several passages that speak to why we should gather in small groups: Hebrews 3:12 and 13"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."John Piper comments, "This is the stuff of small group life: money, sex, care for the hurting love of strangers. This can be the frontline strategy of spiritual care in our church... When our society sees Christians loving each other like this, it is a very powerful witness to the reality of the gospel."In summary, small groups are primary Christian communities, the first place Christians turn for applying the gospel to their lives. The vision for Wellspring is that they become the heart of our pastoral care network - belonging to a Small Group is the way to truly belong to Wellspring Church.A listing of our small groups is found on the menu bar above titled "Find a Group." Fri, 21 Oct 2005 11:37:31 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=45 Though salvation is totally "of God," we are converted through turning from autonomous trust in self to submissive trust in Christ alone for our acceptance before God. Though it is by grace we are saved, it is by faith that we access that grace. Faith involves the entire person (intellect, emotion, and will). It is not just assent to a body of truth, nor an emotional moment of religious awareness. But, it is the whole person embracing Jesus Christ alone. Thu, 20 Oct 2005 12:31:41 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=44 "How can a God such as this (stated above) commune with a person such as me?" The answer is that God has provided the way, the truth and the life, not because of anything we have done, but because of his mercy and grace. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, perfectly keeping the demands of God's holy law that we are unable to fulfill. Then he died on the cross in the place of sinners just like you and me. When Jesus died, he completed all the work that had to be done and secured the salvation of all his people. Thu, 20 Oct 2005 12:30:59 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=43 "Who am I?" We must see ourselves the way God sees us. His word affirms that human beings are created in the image of God; therefore, they are great, the crown jewel of creation-they are, as C.S. Lewis put it, "God's little kings and queens!" However, that's only part of the story. Due to the fall of Adam, all human beings are dead in sin, falling short of the glory of God, and are unable to do anything of spiritual value or merit. Thus, to understand the gospel, we must affirm our "great wretchedness." Thu, 20 Oct 2005 12:30:25 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=42 "Who is God?" The Bible affirms that God is loving, compassionate, and a friend to sinners. But it also affirms that He, who is one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), is holy, just, immense, eternal, invisible, unable to change, all-powerful, incomprehensible, all-knowing, and perfect in all he is and does. He is the Almighty King of all creation. Thu, 20 Oct 2005 12:29:43 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=41 What does it mean to be a Christian? What does a "Believer" believe? There are many ways to summarize what it means to be a Christian, but a simple tool we use is called "The Five C's." These help us to see and understand the Gospel of Jesus. Thoughtfully consider each of the following: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 08:27:14 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=27 Wellspring Church offers a quality nursery during Sunday School and worship with an age appropriate environment for infants through 3 years of age. The nursery is stocked with many toys, books, and play areas just right for children this age. Our nursery is staffed by members of Wellspring Church - all of whom are dedicated to providing nurturing and loving care to the smallest members of God's family. "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward" - Psalm 127:3 Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:58:28 MST http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.wellspringpres.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=14 A Guide to Our Worship Hebrews 12:1-29 What is worship? In the Bible the word worship is used to describe both an overall way of life and a specific activity. When the prophet Jonah said, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land he was speaking of his whole manner of life. In Romans 12:1 worship is spoken of as a way of life? "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." If you think back to Old Testament Israel and the time in the wilderness: the tent of meeting, the tabernacle of God, where was it in relation to the people? It was in the center of the camp, symbolizing the center of life. And all of the tribes were ordered and organized to face the tabernacle. And later the Temple in Jerusalem replaced the tabernacle, and it too was placed in the center of national religious and personal life. But worship is also a specific activity. Psalm 95:6 says, "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!" The psalmist here is speaking of a specific activity of praising God in terms of kneeling and bowing down. And this is the sense in which I am speaking of worship today. And so worship is both as broad as life and as focused as what we are doing this morning. But what are we doing this morning? What is worship? The puritan Stephen Charnock called worship, "nothing else but a rendering to God the honor that is due Him." John MacArthur has defined it as "honor and adoration directed to God." AW Tozer, the famous devotional writer of the previous century, wrote that in worship God "wants to cultivate within us the adoration and admiration of which He is worthy. He wants us to be astonished at the inconceivable elevation and magnitude and splendor of Almighty God." The essential essence of worship - of worshipping in spirit and in truth - is ascribing to the Lord the glory that is due His name. Attributing to God the glory that is uniquely due Him. I'd like to do something a little bit different this morning. This is the first Lord's Day morning of the year and as we look forward we have, as the Lord provides, a year of worship together. I'd like for us to take the opportunity to work through our order of worship. A topical sermon on worship. But before we begin, I think it is necessary that I set before you the founding principle of worship in broadly speaking the Reformed churches and specifically in Wellspring. And that principle is what we commonly call the "Regulative Principle." Essentially the Regulative principle states that true, biblical worship consists of those things, and those alone, that are commanded in Scripture: Prayer, reading scripture, preaching, singing. Then there are circumstances, those things which we are free to determine. Time, place, order of worship, the particular words we say when we pray, preach, sing. I. The Prelude Let's start before the service actually begins? the prelude sets the mood for worship. The music changes from week to week, but generally it is designed and geared to prepare you for worship. The hour of worship has come. When the prelude begins, this is the signal that you should take your seat and engage in private prayer or quiet meditation. You should have a great sense of anticipation about you. In fact you should come to church with this sense of anticipation, but also of preparation: Charles Spurgeon, a famous preacher of the late 1800s writes: "There should be some preparation of the heart in coming to the worship of God. Consider who he is, in whose name we gather, and surely we cannot rush together without thought. Consider whom we profess to worship, and shall we hurry into his presence as men run to a fire? Moses, the man of God, was warned to put off his shoes from his feet when God only revealed himself in a bush. How should we prepare ourselves when we come to him who reveals himself in Christ Jesus, his dear Son? There should be stumbling into the place of worship half asleep, no roaming here as if it were no more than going to a playhouse. We cannot expect to profit much if we bring with us a swarm of idle thoughts and a heart crammed with vanity. If we are full of folly, we may shut out the truth of God from our minds." I think Spurgeon was quite accurate, not only in describing the manner in which we ought to come to worship, but also the too-often reality of the way we come to worship. Application: Every effort should be made to prepare yourself, your family for worship. This begins prior to Sunday morning. Saturday evening. Get a good nights rest. Jen and I make a point of telling Emma and Matt that tomorrow is the Lord's Day. Plan ahead. II. Announcements Announcements also come before worship. But announcements are important - this is our "family time." We share about upcoming events and other things of importance to our church. III. The Call to Worship Worship actually begins with a "Call to Worship." Biblical worship is always a response to God's gracious revelation of Himself to His people. True worship always begins with God's service to us. God summons us to worship. He takes hold of us, and graciously and effectually calls us together before Him. He distinguishes us from the world. He separates us from the world. He calls us out from the world and into His special presence. He always comes toward His people first. He always takes the initiative. With Noah and Abraham and Moses? Our worship is a reflexive and deliberate response to His gracious call. Application: Responsive Reading from God's Word. It is responsive because we are participants. You are not here to observe me worshipping God. You are here to actively participate in the worship of God. Heartfelt, mind-engaged worship is the privilege and responsibility of believers. From His Word because we are relying on Him and His truth. IV. Prayer of Adoration I lead us in a prayer after the call to worship. It's called a prayer of adoration because our heart-felt response to being called to worship God is thanksgiving and adoration. V. Hymns to our Creator and Redeemer. God has now called us into His special presence. So what do we do? We respond by singing. You'll begin to notice a character of our worship. It can be described as a conversation. What I call "a gospel conversation." But why singing? Because the Bible tells us to come singing? Psalm 95:2 - "Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" Psalm 149 begins: "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly." You'll notice that we often begin our worship with songs/hymns of praise and adoration of God as our Creator and Redeemer: songs that remind us of the character and quality (the attributes) of God. For instance this morning we sang? "O Worship the King" - God as a glorious king and creator. All through the week it is actually easy for us to forget about how great and glorious God is, music has such power in that it can remind us of God's greatness. Isn't that awesome? VI. Confession of Sin Why do we confess our sins publicly? If Jesus died for our sins past, present and future, what point is there in confessing them? Because the Bible instructs us to (Psalm 51; 103; Daniel 9; etc.). We come to church with a burden. We come with sins of the week. And we come to where God is, a holy place because of His presence. We cannot truly worship God until we have confessed our sins. When we confess our sins, the burden is lifted and we free to worship. But why do we sing songs of praise and then confess our sins? Good question. We were just in Isaiah 6. Did you notice how the angels, the seraphim sang a praise song exalting God, and then - after this - Isaiah confessed his sins. We are made aware of God's presence and His holiness and then we immediately confess. VII. Assurance of Pardon Many people are inwardly tormented with a feeling of guilt. We need to be reminded again and again and again of the gospel. If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us. He offers a full atonement ??" total foregiveness. If we truly, sincerely confess. We should be assured of a full forgiveness. No if's, and's or but's about it! VIII. Giving of Tithes and Offerings Giving is a response to God. Not paying Him off. Giving of our financial resources is both a solemn duty and a wonderful privilege. It is a duty because we have been commanded to do it. 1 Cor 16:2 says, "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." In fact God warns that those who withhold their gifts will face a chastening. Malachi 3:8-9 says, "Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you." But it is also a wonderful privilege because God's pleasure and blessing rest on those who give generously to Him. In fact, Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." The tithe and the offering is an act of worship. Participating in the offering is a sign of our thankful dedication to the Lord. It is a sign of our trust and of our obedience. We are corporately (collectively) acknowledging our need of God and the capacity of God to meet that need. IX. The Creeds and Catechisms This is a precious opportunity to express our faith - to participate. It's not just "the" faith but it is "my" faith. Remember what Martin Luther said about the gospel being all about the personal pronouns. He is my God. I am His person. We are His people. The confession is a visible witness, a voiced expression of faith. You come away from worship having confessed the faith - a personal profession of faith. Romans 10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." X. Songs. And then we immediately turn to sing; praising God for our faith; exalting His name. Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Similarly Ephesians 5:18-19 says, "be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." 33 times in the Book of Revelation we are told to "sing to the Lord.? We sing a variety of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. A variety. Some have an easy melody, some are more complex. Some songs are very devotional. Some are new some are old. Jesus said in Matthew 13 "every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." XI. Congregational Prayer Corporate prayer was an important element in Old Testament and New Testament worship. Acts 1:14 "All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers." Now, as your pastor, I am praying, and I'm praying for you. But it is not me alone who is praying. It is all of us. You are praying along with me. Not sitting in polite silence, but actively praying. I'm not praying "at" you, but am leading you in prayer. XII. The Reading of God's Word and the Sermon Now we are ready to hear God speak most directly to us as His people. His Word is the very revelation of God. I usually prepare you for this by making some comment along the lines of, "Prepare yourself for the reading of God's Word - give heed and listen closely." Jesus said (as recorded by St. Luke 11:28): "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it." The reading of the Bible is not just a springboard to what I want to say on a particular topic, but it is central to what happens in worship. XIII. Hymn of Response We respond to what God has taught in the Bible and through His preacher. The opportunity for you to sing your response to God. To thank Him for speaking. XIV. Departing with God's Blessing (the "Benediction") Luke 24:50 records for us Jesus' final recorded act was a blessing pronounced on His disciples: "Then He led them out as far as Bethany and lifting up His hands He blessed them." And so also, I look out to the congregation and lift up my hands and communicate the Lord's blessing. Many of you receive the benediction by looking up at my and holding my gaze. This is an appropriate response. You are receiving the blessing from God, as it were face to face, with eyes open. One person has written that the worship service "has been a dress rehearsal for all of life." Now as the service ends it is time to start living differently. And the first thing we do when worship is completed, after God's blessing (the benediction) is given is? we sing the doxology. Why? Because all of life is worship. How profound is biblical worship of God! What a treasure we have! Amen. Let us pray: Our Father, the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. We praise You for the gift of worship. We praise you for renewal and restoration that comes with Your presence. I pray that this year will be a time of growth in worship. May we truly exalt and adore the name of God both in the assembly and in all of life. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:58:28 MST