To Prepare For The Lord’s Day - Sunday, August 3

Sermon: “A Heart Dazzled by God” from I Samuel 16:1-14

Read Psalm 63 to prepare for our Call to Worship

Songs for Worship: Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart – Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – I Love You Lord

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be served during Worship

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Worship Quotable!

“A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.”

C.S. Lewis

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Westminster Larger Catechism

Question 174: What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in the time of the administration of it?

It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, heedfully discern the Lord’s body, and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings, and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; in judging themselves, and sorrowing for sin; in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, feeding on him by faith, receiving of his fulness, trusting in his merits, rejoicing in his love, giving thanks for his grace; in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints.

Question 175: What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper?

The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, is seriously to consider: How they have behaved themselves therein, and with: What success; if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, beg the continuance of it, watch against relapses, fulfil their vows, and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance: but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament; in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time: but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence.

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Food For Thought

“The New Testament is in the Old concealed; The Old Testament is by the New revealed.”

- St. Augustine

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Ministry News

Reflections of a parent sending her child to Camp Bonclarken:

It’s a scary thing to send your child away from you for an entire week. Many of my friends couldn’t believe we’d let her go, but I knew she was ready. And I KNEW that this week at Bonclarken would be pivotal in my daughter’s life. She came back to us more confident, more experienced, and with a love of Christ-centered fellowship that will stay with her for the rest of her life. Returning to “the real world” was quite emotional, as she saw and understood the difference between the friendship of believers and the friendships of the world. At Bonclarken, it was safe. My daughter made a public profession of her faith in Christ. The faith she has grown up with from the beginning made it’s appearance at the surface of her heart that week. Now she knows that what her parents have been teaching her is true. She knows it in her heart, not just because she trusts us, but because she loves Jesus. Ah, the Holy Spirit is at work for certain in her tender little heart. I’m so grateful for the opportunity she had to make that Rite of Passage so many of our ARP children have made. The memories and the feelings are etched forever in her heart. Now more than ever, Christ-centered fellowship is what she will seek for herself. I’m so proud of her. And I’m encouraged as a parent to continue keeping our home insulated and safe and full of Christ with each meal, routine, activity, and relationship. What a blessing Bonclarken has been!

-KY

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Important Church News And Opportunities For Service & Ministry

Urgent Request! The Mooresville Community Pregnancy Center (we support them financially at H.A.R.P.) has a record number of expectant mothers and is out of diapers and wipes! We will collect diapers and wipes for the month of August. Please purchase Mega size or Super size packages of diapers sizes newborn through size 6 and diaper wipes for this great organization. There will be a place to leave your donations in the Fellowship Hall

Interested in heading up part of the Meal Ministry Team? Someone who can help coordinate funeral meals during the day is needed. Please contact your pastor if you have questions or are interested in this portion of the Meal Ministry.

Parenting in the Pew Sunday School Class: The Pastor’s Class will be studying the subject of worship, especially as it relates to teaching our little ones to worship. The Session strongly recommends that those who are parenting or grandparenting in the pew sit in this class. We will discuss why we do what we do in worship and practical ways you can lead your little ones to learn to worship their Creator. This class will meet August 3, 10, 17 and 24 in the Sanctuary from 9:45-10:30. Speak to Pastor Crotts if you are interested.

Music Rehearsals – None for the Month of August

Friendship Circle will meet on Monday, August 4 – 7 PM

Men’s Lunch – “Bible & Bologna” will meet on Wednesday, August 6 at Noon – bring your own lunch

Prayer Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at 7 PM in the Lineberger Room

Joint Officer Meeting will be held on Monday, August 11 at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall

Clash of the Clergy Race featuring defending champion Pastor Winburne will be Saturday, August 23 at 7 PM. See Pastor David or for ticket information. Cost is $10 donation per person.

Promotion Sunday for Sunday School will be Sunday, August 31 in the Sanctuary during the SS hour

A New Members Class will be offered for those who are interested in becoming part of our church body. The class will meet during Sunday School – 9:45-10:30 on Sundays, September 28 and October 5 & 19.

Mark your calendars: ARP Womens’ Ministries will have a First Presbyterial event on August 16 in Gastonia. August Wednesday Family Night and Ministries Night will be held on August 27. The Spiritual Life Conference will be held on September 7 at First ARP Gastonia. Senior High Retreat will be September 26-28. The Mooresville Community Pregnancy Center is having their annual Walk for Life on Saturday, September 27th at 9 AM. Bonsenior will gather October 20-24. First Presbyterial Womens’ Retreat will be October 24-25. Fall Festival with Bluegrass music will be Saturday, October 25. Middle School Retreat will be November 14-16. Information for these events will be forthcoming or are posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.

Annual Camping Trip – Friday, Sept. 19 – Sunday Sept. 21. Camping sites are $21 per night for electric only – sites with no electric are $19. Cost for food will be $30 per adult, $15 per child - children under 4 will be free. Meals are simple but hardy - Friday evening, 3 meals Saturday & breakfast Sunday - any food/drink other than at meals are your responsibility. We will need money to reserve your site by August 24th. Contact: Chris or Connie

Ladies’ Beach Trip will be Thursday, November 6 – Sunday, November 9. In order to reserve your spot, please make a check to Donelle in the amount of $70.

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Thanksgiving & Prayer

• Our homebound members
• that our Christian Life Center pledges and giving would increase so that our dream could be a reality
• Our Sunday School Teachers:
• 10 Things: #7 - that we would continue to be a congregation characterized by harmony and love towards one another
• Personal Missions: that we would remember our own lives before Christ and that we would be merciful to those apart from Christ
• Mission Churches: that our mission developers would trust in Christ for the growth of their churches and that they would remain faithful ministers of the word
• Local Missions: that our church would have a collective witness in the community, bringing great glory to God as we carry the cross of Christ before us
• Foreign Missions: for the work of OPORA, an alcohol rehabilitation ministry in Moscow
• Persecuted Christians: for the American church and the intellectual & spiritual assault to the orthodox faith and practice
• ARP Connect Muslim Prayer List: that Muslims would turn and follow Jesus, never walking in darkness, but having the “light of life” (John 8:12)
• Governing Authorities: that judges would serve justice in our land and for the hearings of those nominated to proceed with up or down votes
• Our friends, relatives, and A.R.P. Chaplains serving around the world in the U.S. Military

“One of the most neglected aspects of corporate worship (and no doubt the spiritual life in general) is prayer. The time spent in prayer in a worship service is minimal, but prayer has always been one of the main reasons believers have assembled, both in the Old Testament and in the early church. Just as private prayer is basic to the spiritual life, so corporate prayer is at the heart of the worship and service of the congregation.”

- Allen Ross