Sermon at First Presbyterian Church Lockhart

"In Gathering and Sending Out”

Ezera 6:15-16,  Psalm 91, Luke 9:1-2

September 26, 2010   by James Greene      

      

This is our “Rally Day”, our “Home Coming” and rededication of the Presbyterian Life Center that was dedicated “to the Glory of God” by Roland and Margaret Prove.

 

I    Presbyterian -      Elders –

                     

Exodus  Moses – Elders 1,000’s  - 100’s  -  50’s

                                 -  Priests

Early Church – Elders    ( Greek – Presbuteros )

 

II   Reformation  - Calvin  - Knox    Reformed Church

 

Paul – (Luther)  Priesthood of Believers -   we are all    on the same level

                                                     

Communion Table -  Center of Faith    Center of Life of community.

 

           Body of Christ – sitting around the table -   Family of God  -  Human Family

 

III  Presbyterian Church -   Calvin  Polity –

Ruled by assemblies – “Ordained” Officers         Sessions  -   Synods

 

Scottish Presbyterian Church -    General Assembly – Synods-  Presbyteries

 

United States Presbyterian (Colonial) – Churches – Presbyteries - Synods

 

           Ruling Elder -  Elders (once – always)        Teaching Elder – Pastor

                      Ruling Elders – 1st PC – Session     All other Elders     Deacons

 

III   Wrestling with  - understanding the  History of this Particular Church

 

           “Religion In America” – 1856   Robert Baird

     Description moving West  -  Blue Ridge Mountains 

             Public Building – Teaching     &    Worship     (Many faiths)

 

           Lockhart – 1849 -     Masonic Lodge –     Christian Community

 

Key Strengths-   Faithful Members – Stewards of the church

Teaching / Education    -       Food to the Needy   -  Mission  Work          

Ecumenical alliance    -      Christian,    Lutheran,     Methodist                           (1)

IV Focus – Vision of Church              “Rally Day”

                      Past            House Church – Masonic Lodge – 1st Church Building

            “The Session of the First Presbyterian Church at Lockhart recognizes that the primary task of the Church is to lead men and women, young people and children to the commitment of their lives to Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, and to help them grow steadily in Christian character and service.  The most effective work done by the Church toward the accomplishment of this primary task is

done through the church school.                  Sept 25. 1951

 

                      Present  -  “Where are we Going?”

                      Continue to work on and rebuild our Core Strengths –

Teaching / Education      -       Food to the Needy       -  Mission  Work             

 

Ecumenical alliance    -      Christian,    Lutheran,     Methodist

 

                      Visible  in the community     -  Banner    -   Pamphlets

 

                      Website       -          Lyle Looger               ( Directories ) 

Chamber of Commerce                            AT&T  Electronic Yellow Pages

 

PC- USA    &    Mission  Presbytery       Aggie Yellow Pages

 

Texas  Historical  Commission –  Directory

 

                      This Building  - Usage   

       Dedicated to the service of the Church in the Community

 

12 Step Program             Bible Study            Voting Poll           Family Reunions

Funeral/ Wedding           Receptions

          

 

V  Sending Out – Luke 

Storey, - Mebane,  - McCurdy, - Patton,  - Prove, - Cardwell,

            Hebrews 12:1-3  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every thing that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

           Sanctuary -   Benedictions -   Into the Community - Be the People of God!

                      Call to send out ----

In the Name of The Father… The Son…. And the Holy Spirit…..    A-men

 

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