WELCOME TO SUMMERLIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

THE PASTOR'S PEN

John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship (Greek - proskuneo bow down and kiss God’s feet) the Father in spirit (Greek - pneuma genuine; the seat of the inner spiritual life of humanity) and truth (Greek - alatheia: that which is certain and valid, authentic), for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

Summerlin Presbyterian Church is a one and only worshipping community, and our time together on Sunday morning is reflective of what John reveals in this story between Jesus and the woman at the well. Many of us at SPC come from different worshipping traditions, and our backgrounds and experiences vary from a classic style to a casual style (much like Jesus and the woman at the well came from different traditions). In essence, we all have different languages, or voice offerings, for worshipping God. Much like each and every one of us has a different voice for prayer, all of us have unique ears for music in worship speaking deeply to our hearts and inimitable languages that we feel to speak directly to God. What makes our time together at SPC unique, and what makes many Presbyterian new church developments unique, is that people from all traditions are coming to many reformed churches looking for what the woman at the well was looking for; a worshipping experience rooted in sprit and in truth, or what is translated as genuine and authentic … not bound by some geographical place, contemporary flair, or tradition. In other words, many people who are seeking a church home or faith family with SPC discover that there are many different languages of worship as they visit with each other on Sunday. What our worship captures is different from what they may have known in the past, because we are doing our best with God’s welcoming grace, to offer something to God for everyone. In other words it is our togetherness amidst our diversity where we place the highest emphasis on loving God and loving each other, and the praise music or the choir’s music or the children’s choir become vessels of the Spirit gathering us into God’s community of faith in love, liberating us to be just as we are before God, celebrating genuine and authentic (in spirit and in truth) worship.

What makes SPC even more unique is that we have decided to blend our styles, our different languages of worship, and put the worship experience of God, in the presence and power of God’s welcoming Spirit, first in our life. We then allow our style to continue to develop and redevelop around God’s gifts and for the glory of God. Our languages speak to many hearts at SPC and it is something to be celebrated in this time of our development. Our languages together create our gifted uniqueness, and the best way we can bow down to God is in the way we express our love for God on any Sunday with each other; in spirit and in truth. I so enjoy worshipping with you, and please tell your friends and any one else, just how wonderful this church family is. For I am sure that when guests visit, they will be touched by God through you.

Pastor Tom

>>Pastor's Blog

EDUCATION NEWS

Confirmation Classes are beginning this February for teen’s grades 8^th to 12^th. You will learn about church history, bible basics, Creeds, Presbyterian policy and what it means to be a member of the Presbyterian Church. Whether you feel ready to join the church or wish to take the classes for more information in your faith journey come join us. Sign-ups will begin in January. If you have any questions direct them to Elder Càrrie Ismail, carrie@n3n.com or 243-2435.

Word Alive is back from the holiday break. Word Alive starts at 9:30 every Sunday. We have classes for Adults, Teens and Children. Come join us as the Spirit moves us in discussion and fun. Questions may be directed to Elder Bob Lockhart, rlock1517@hotmail.com for the Adult classes or Càrrie Ismail, carrie@n3n.com for the Teens and Children.

Petra-5 and HSP send our love and hugs to Kailina and Soren and the rest of the Smith family. We will miss you but wish you well and many blessings in your new home. We pray for safety, new friends and that you will find a great church.

>>Carrie Ismail

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sunday Refreshments: Cayce Newton and Jo Haas want to give a BIG thank you to all of the wonderful families who have provided refreshments throughout the past year. As your refreshment hostesses with the mostesses (I really said that) we have 2 important requests that will enable us to continue providing our congregation and guests with juice, coffee and treats each week.

If you are able to provide refreshments, please sign up on the volunteer sheet provided on the refreshment table.

We need help. We need 1 or 2 more people to help with set up and clean up. (or couples, or families - our husbands Rick and Bob are a big help each week!)

You would only be responsible for this task once or twice per month. Please call Cayce Newton at 363-5172 or e-mail Mooncreek9@aol.com if you can help with this small but important job.

Rodent Sightings: A few members have reporting seeing a mouse in the library at Faith Lutheran High School.

SPC MISSION NEWS:

Gulf Coast Mission: Plans are underway to return to Pearlington, MS with a mission team in June to help the families affected by hurricane Katrina. If you are interested in joining the team or helping in preparations please contact. Kathy Lobaugh or Scott Thrasher.

Amazing Grace Ministry: The deacons, members & friends of Summerlin Presbyterian Church are on a mission! Every third Wednesday of the month, we serve Christ by preparing and serving a meal to those in need. If you are mission-minded and want to help, please see a deacon or contact Steve or Cheri Clark at 453-3336 to offer your time or talents.