THIS WEEK: August 18, 2012 by Park Cities Presbyterian Church

Vol. XXII, No. 17 | august 18, 2012

hat is the purpose of professing our faith in the context of corporate worship? Why can some churches say “we have no creed but Christ,” yet PCPC regularly recites long paragraphs from the Westminster Confession of Faith and the catechisms? Is this more a matter of Presbyterian pride than it is actual worship? Is this simply a nod to traditionalism rather than having ongoing significance?

which continues to unfold throughout the whole of life. The sign of baptism claims for us the washing away of sins and calls us to newness of life. The sign of baptism calls us to repentance this principle out of thin air, but He is summarizing and to the profession of Christian faith. Whenever we what the Hebrew Scriptures teach: “Hear, O Israel: confess our sins in prayers of confession or profess The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the our faith by saying the Apostles’ Creed, we are living LORD your God with all your heart and with all your out our baptism. Baptism is not something that is soul and with all your might. And these words that I done once and then is finished and over…Baptism command you today shall be on your heart. You shall is a means of grace. It is the work of the Holy Spirit teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk in our lives that brings about and fulfills what the of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk sign of baptism had promised. That inward working by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. of the Holy Spirit takes place through the whole of You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they life until at last we die in Christ and are raised in shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write Christ.” (Worship Reformed according to Scripture. them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” Westminster: John Knox Press, 2002, 20.) (Deut 6:4–9). This quotation from the lips of Moses is actually part of a series of sermons that he gives This leads us to speak of some of the benefits of to the people of Israel explaining, summarizing, and professing our faith. The Worship Sourcebook suggests applying the principles of the law to them. professing our faith in corporate worship is:

Creed comes from the Latin word Credo which means, “I believe.” Creeds are tools we use to make public profession of faith, not the faith itself. Faith produces creeds, not the other way around. That is because Christianity is not belief in a philosophical system, but living in covenant bond with the God of the universe. To be a Christian is to be known and loved by God, and thereby come to know and love Him in return. Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). A Christian’s knowledge of God is born of relationship, not scientific pursuit. A Our creeds reflect this Biblical pattern of summarizing newborn baby “knows and is known” by her mother the teaching of scripture and outlining for us because of the unique bond that exists between them. the fundamentals of living out the Christian life. The Bible teaches the Holy Spirit convinces us of our Baptism is the sacrament by which individuals are relationship with God: outwardly brought into Our creeds reflect “But when the fullness of the community of faith, signifying the inward time had come, God sent this Biblical pattern of work the Spirit does forth His Son…to redeem summarizing the teaching in making a Christian. those who were under of scripture and outlining The Apostles’ Creed the law, so that we might came into being as a receive adoption as sons. for us the fundamentals of And because you are sons, profession of faith made living out the Christian life. God has sent the Spirit of by the individual at the His Son into our hearts, time of baptism. Our crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ ” (Gal 4:4–6). We profess God Lord Himself connected baptism with teaching and as Father, because He has loved us as Father. profession of faith: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father It should not surprise us then that the greatest and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them commandment according to Jesus is to “love the to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt Lord your God with all your heart and with all your 28:19–20). The connection between baptism and soul and with all your mind. This is the great and the profession of faith is even true of those baptized first commandment. And a second is like it: You as infants. Hughes Oliphant Old explains: shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” “In the Reformed understanding of baptism, baptism is (Matt 22:37–40). Note that Jesus is not simply pulling a prophetic sign at the beginning of the Christian life,

1. A fitting response to the Word of God as proclaimed 2. A witness to our individual participation in something greater than ourselves 3. A summary of the whole Gospel to amplify the portion of the Gospel preached in a particular service 4. A recollection of our baptism and of the faith into which we have been baptized 5. An expression of the common faith of the church, whose unity we affirm at the Lord’s Supper (CRC Publications, 2004, 151.) In closing, perhaps the Psalmist gives the best direction as to why professing our faith is worship. Psalm 116 begins, “I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.” If we love God at all, we love Him for a reason. Perhaps rather than asking “Christian, what do you believe?” before we confess our faith we might better ask, “Christian, why do you love God?” We might answer then, “I love God because He is God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth…” —Colin Howland

Park Cities Presbyterian Church exists to extend the transforming presence of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ in Dallas and to the world.

our family

events & announcements

births

everyone

• William Finney Dowell son of Allison and Will Dowell, on July 28, 2012 sympathy

• Dawn and Hollis Jones (CC#11) on the loss of his mother; Travis Jones (CC#11) on the loss of his grandmother, Elsie Sharp Jones, on June 30, 2012 • Pam and Mark Jaudes (CC#01/Covenant) on the loss of her brother; David Jaudes on the loss of his uncle; Allyson and Stuart Greenfield (CC#10/Sojourners) on the loss of her uncle; Cole, Heather, and Laird Greenfield (CC#10) on the loss of their great-uncle, John N. Gridley III, on July 25, 2012 • Beth and Tom Brink (CC#10/Vineyard) on the loss of her brother; Coleman and Anna Brink (CC#10) on the loss of their uncle, Harold Walz Secker, Jr., on July 31, 2012 • Marie Dean (CC#22) on the loss of her father, Paul Trumbull DeCamp, on August 5, 2012

divorcecare

helping hands event Are you looking for an opportunity to serve? The deacons are looking for a few good men and women with a heart to serve, Saturday, August 25, 8:00 am–1:00 pm, Room 263. RSVP by Friday, August 24 to wilma.morgan@pcpc.org or 214-224-2742.

If you or someone you know is hurting, come find help and healing for those affected by separation or divorce, Wednesdays, September 5–December 12, 7:00–8:30 pm, Room 263. Materials are $15 per semester (scholarships available). Contact divorcecare@pcpc. org or 214-224-2683.

pcpc employment opportunities

midweek

PCPC is seeking qualified individuals for the following Join us for an evening of worship, dinner, fellowship, and positions: 1. Full-time Coordinator of Family Ministry. teaching on Wednesdays, September 19–December 5, 2. Full-time Coordinator of Youth Ministry. 5:30–8:30 pm, PCPC. There is Vespers at 5:30 pm, 3. Part-time Administrative Assistant to Counseling. Chapel; dinner at 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall; and adult classes following dinner. Don’t forget to RSVP for For more information and full job descriptions, visit dinner at 214-224-2826 by 4:00 pm on Mondays and www.jobsatpcpc.org. Contact john.primrose@pcpc.org for childcare for birth to five-year-olds at 214-706-2797. or 214-224-2714. Contact debbie.blanton@pcpc.org or 214-224-2744.

paid positions available

michael lindsay workplace lunch

The PCPC Nursery and Childcare Ministry have several paid positions available for the fall: Tuesday morning childcare workers and some Thursday morning preschool teachers. Contact gale.emerson@pcpc.org or 214-224-2566.

Michael Lindsay is one of the country’s foremost experts on what it takes to turn individuals into effective leaders. He is committed to helping organizations improve the ways they identify, develop, and place people in the ranks of future generations of leaders. The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch, if registered by September 20 ($25 after deadline). Don’t world missions miss this event on Tuesday, September 25, 12:00–1:30 pm, PCPC Fellowship Hall. Contact lawan.glasscock@ missionary reception pcpc.org or 214-224-2739. Join the Sojourners Sunday Morning Community for a lunch reception in honor of PCPC missionaries, Michelle and Lee Bridgeman, Sunday, August 26, 12:00 pm, new members class Come to our welcoming classes and learn about PCPC’s Fellowship Hall. Contact anna.graber@pcpc.org or vision, purpose, ministries, service opportunities, 214-224-2551. fellowship opportunities, membership, and more, Sundays, October 7–November 18, 9:30–10:40 am, Room 302–304. Contact debbie.blanton@pcpc.org or 214-224-2744.

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biblical imagination conference

“The goal or purpose of the Christian is precisely the pursuit of happiness—in God. The reason for this is that there is no greater way to glorify God than to find in Him the happiness that my soul so desperately craves.” —Sam Storms

This Week august 18, 2012

Imagination is the bridge between the heart and mind. It is the means by which the Spirit begins to undo what was disintegrated by the Fall. When we allow our imaginations to be recaptured by the Holy Spirit, the facts we know in our heads come to life in our hearts. Join Michael Card at the Biblical Imagination Conference, October 19–21, PCPC, as we seek to reacquaint, inspire, and shape the church with the life of Jesus imaginatively seen through the scriptures. Contact amy.tassos@pcpc.org or 214-224-2740.

need counseling help?

are you salty?

perspectives begins august 30, 6:30 pm.

Oak Lawn West Contact marzena.dunham@pcpc.org or 214-224-2523

Then please contact the PCPC Counseling Ministry. Our urban ministries counseling services are fee-based. We continue to offer a complementary consultation for those interested in billy graham call center external counseling referrals or for those who need Join in the joy of sharing your faith at the Billy Graham to discuss a reduced fee. Visit counseling.pcpc.org Call Center. PCPC is one of forty centers across the for more information. If you would like to set up an nation that takes calls for televised Billy Graham appointment with one of our counselors, please contact crusades. Contact Myrna Dunn at drdmtd@sbcglobal. Jeff White, counseling@pcpc.org or 214-224-2693. net or 214-826-4539.

august 25

Helping Hands Event, 8:00 am–1:00 pm, Room 263, 224-2742

17–12/5 Women’s fall Bible studies, 9:30 am, 224-2722

ESL teacher training, 224-2528

19–12/5 Midweek, Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 pm, PCPC, 224-2744

Missionary reception, 12:00 pm, Fellowship Hall, 224-2551

Workplace lunch: Michael Lindsay, 12:00–1:30 pm, Fellowship Hall, 224-2739

Perspectives, Thursdays, 6:30 pm–9:00 pm, Oak Lawn West, 224-2523

ACT volunteer opportunity, 10:00 am–3:00 pm, 951-9151

Women’s Prison Ministry, Fridays, Dawson State Jail, 675-1442

september 8

ACT volunteer opportunity, 10:00 am–3:00 pm, 951-9151

Children’s & Youth Choirs rehearsal, 224-2636

Women’s Ministry Fall Premiere, 6:45–8:30 pm, Angelika Theater, 224-2772

ACT, an inner-city legal justice organization, is looking for volunteers wishing to join them in their efforts in West Dallas by volunteering as either a Community Advocate or a Senior Advocate, Saturdays, September 8–22, 10:00 am–3:00 pm. Contact Maria Pacheco, mpacheco@actdallas.org or 214-951-9151 ext. 204.

esl volunteers needed We need volunteers to build relationships and share the Gospel with English-language learners. Teacher training is Sunday, August 26, 12:15 pm. We also need volunteers to minister the Gospel to the children of our ESL students during both the morning and evening sessions. ESL English Teacher and Childcare volunteers are needed for the 2012-2013 school year. Contact Elizabeth Cunningham with questions or to volunteer, esl@pcpc.org or 214-224-2528.

good samaritan ministry Are you looking for a way to be the hands and feet of Christ reaching out to those in need? Then join the Good Samaritan Ministry. This ministry provides assistance to non-PCPC members who are facing temporary financial difficulties. It is administered by the Good Samaritan Committee consisting of PCPC members. For more information, contact Chris Axley, caxley@lpc.com or 214-263-8174.

worship & arts children’s and youth choirs

North Texas Presbytery Fall Women’s Conference, Denton, 972-381-1124

october

5–12/12 DivorceCare, Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 pm, Room 263, 224-2683

act volunteer opportunities

28–29

5–7 7–11/18 19–21

Middle School fall retreat, 224-2762 New Members’ class, Sundays, 9:30–10:40 am, Room 302–304, 224-2744 Biblical Imagination Conference, PCPC, 224-2740

Women women’s fall bible studies

Interested in joining one or our Bible studies for the fall? There are eight different opportunities to join with other women at PCPC to study God’s Word on a weekly basis, September 17–December 5. Registration is open, and there is a deadline for childcare registration (Tuesday, September 11). Register for a study online or at the Women’s Ministries table. Register for childcare online while registering for a study. Contact rebecca.gurley@ pcpc.org or 214-224-2722.

women’s prison ministry

Looking for a place to be used? The Gospel Bible study with incarcerated women in Dawson State Jail's “God Pod” unit resumes in August 31 and continues on selected Friday mornings this fall. Contact Shelby Harrison, csharrison@sbcglobal.net or 214-675-1442.

Did you miss an issue of This Week? You can download past issues in PDF format at www.pcpc.org. Just click on “resources” on the menu bar at the top of the page.

Park Cities

p r e s b y t e r i a n c h u r c h ( PCA )

4124 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, TX 75219 214-224-2500 www.pcpc.org www.facebook.com/parkcitiespca www.twitter.com/pcpcnews sunday worship

presbytery fall conference What is our role as women in the church? This is the subject Kathy Stair, a national trainer for PCA women’s ministries, will tackle at the The North Texas Presbytery Fall Women’s Conference, September 28–29 in Denton. Contact Margaret Kunkel, mkartedu@yahoo.com or 972-381-1124.

8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 am communion

Sundays, 8:00–9:00 am Wednesdays, 5:30–6:00 pm 24/7 prayer hotline

214-224-2680 or 24/7prayer@pcpc.org

Student Ministries middle school fall retreat

All sixth to eighth graders: Save the date for our fall All students, kindergarten through grade 12, are invited retreat, October 5–7. More information coming soon. to grow in understanding more about music, singing, Contact lily.riemer@pcpc.org or 214-224-2762. and worship by participating in a choir this fall. First rehearsals are Sunday, September 9, and Wednesday, Download the PCPC mobile app! Now September 12. Please pre-register for all choirs. Contact available on Apple and Android platforms lynda.fray@pcpc.org or 214-224-2636.

general fund budget

2012/2013 operating budget

$12,200,000

July 1–August 5, 2012 budget

$978,741

July 1–August 5, 2012 giving

$935,578

Budget variance

($43,163)

august 18, 2012 This Week

Vol. XXII, No. 17 | august 18, 2012 Park Cities Presbyterian Church JD Lemming, editor 4124 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, Texas 75219-3152 214-224-2711 • fax 214-224-2711 www.pcpc.org

Periodical Postage Paid at Dallas, Texas

This Week (007-362) is published biweekly except once in December by Park Cities Presbyterian Church, 4124 Oak Lawn, Dallas, TX 75219. Periodical postage paid at Dallas, Texas 75219. POSTMASTER: send address changes to THIS WEEK, 4124 Oak Lawn, Dallas, TX 75219‑3152.

Questions? Contact rebecca.gurley@pcpc.org or 214-224-2772. We are saving you a seat for this incredible night. Prepare to be revived by the wisdom and life experience that will be shared by women who have truly “been there.” $10 per ticket. Register at register.pcpc.org.