OLD INDEX First Epistle Main Page

There is something aleatoric about the content of these columns. Frankly, it depends on what has been buzzing around my head in the last seven days. And what is it this week? Well, a conversation with a Jewish lady who sat next to me on a flight from Toronto to Cincinnati! Truth is, she wasn’t supposed to sit next to me – I don’t mean in the overall decree of God or anything like that; in that sense, it was God’s divine overruling—no doubt about it! But Delta Airlines had placed her in another seat, but….
    Never mind! It’s not important why everyone played musical chairs, but I was much happier with the one who was “supposed” to be sitting next to me. That lady was quiet!
    “And who are you?” she said! “Well, excuse me,” I thought, “you must be from New York!” [Sorry, but I’ve had it in for New York ever since having my laptop stolen in Newark airport!] And before you say anything, she was! Within five minutes I knew more about her than I cared to, including that she was Jewish and married to a Catholic husband. And they had a little girl—a ‘jewlick’ she added. I looked puzzled. “Half Jewish, half catholic” she explained. “Yuk,” I thought to myself.
    And I knew what was coming. Two hours of “dialogue” when what I wanted to do was listen to Wagner on my ipod! Wagner! And she’s Jewish! I switched the ipod off and quietly put it in my pocket without explanation.
    “So what do you do?” she said (after about 20 minutes of wholly uninterrupted monologue). I was tempted to give my usual William Perkins response: “I teach the science of living blessedly forever” line—Perkins taught theology at Cambridge in the early part of the seventeenth century. But we were way past needing some user-friendly introduction to the fact that I was a seminary professor and a minister. So I went for it. “I teach Systematic Theology” I said with an air of confidence.
For a moment, there was silence. And then came the expected reply, “And what exactly is Systematic Theology?” she said. So I began to explain, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to explain what Systematic Theology is to the average person in the street (or, in this case, in the air!)? But my passenger friend was no “average person” and whilst the subtleties of what I do passed her by, she got the point: I was religious! “Well, that’s lucky,” she said….”—not a Calvinist I noted—“I have been dying to ask what someone like you thinks of Islam.”
    At 35,000 feet on board an aircraft I wasn’t sure I wanted to have a conversation as to my views about Islam to a Jewess, all within earshot of several other passengers. But fools rush in….
    “It is always going to be difficult generalizing the entirety of Islam, but I take it you mean radical Islam,” I said, “and separating religion from the state is going to be impossible because for them it is essentially one and the same. That’s why dealing with it as one would another religion is going to be difficult. After all, they are holding a gun in one hand and a copy of the Qu’ran in the other.” She positively warmed to my negative opinion. And so the conversation ensued toward the ever-emerging horizon.
    I saw it coming and did my best to avoid it. “Why can’t we all get along with each other,” she said. “After all, we all believe the same God in the end.” And thus she explained how they raised their daughter to find the truth out there for herself and to encourage whatever it was she embraced so long as it didn’t harm anyone else (which ruled out Islam). “Don’t you agree?” she asked.
    What is a guy to say? As a Christian I believe in revealed ethical standards: some things are right and some things are wrong. These are so because God has revealed them to be so. And off I went, trying desperately to explain that there really is only one standard of what is true and what right. And only one way to fellowship with God. I cited John 14:6 and Jesus’ words about being the way, the truth and the life!
    And as I spoke, it became clear to her that my view of God was narrow and confined and unaccommodating. And the shutters came down. In her mind, I began to think, I was little different from radical Islam—fundamentally intolerant of the views of others.
    And that was my problem: how to make Jesus attractive whilst at the same time refusing to yield to the postmodern view that truth is something personal and essentially nice. I wish I could tell you I succeeded, but I didn’t. And the conversation dwindled…until we were both silent and the flight attendant was giving us instructions about tray tables and electronic gadgets in the “off” position. And all I could do was pray. Silently. Forgiveness for stumbling words and mercy that God would overrule.

Previous articles by Ligon and Derek may be found in the archives links at the top of this page.

Preaching Schedule

Sunday, October 15
8:30 & 11:00 a.m. - Dr. Ligon Duncan -
What it means to be a member of First Presbyterian Church
“The Five Questions of Membership (5)”

6:00 p.m.
Dr. Ligon Duncan - Spiritually Armed” - Ephesians 6:13-17

Wednesday, October 18
6:30 p.m. - Dr. Derek Thomas - “Saul of Tarsus” - Acts 9:1-19a

Praying:
Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight
by J. I. Packer & Carolyn Nystrom, (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006), 319pp.
Reviewed by: Derek Thomas

Another, much anticipated book by J. I. Packer (and a second co-authored by Carolyn Nystrom). This one, as the title makes abundantly clear, on prayer—or, as the action-word suggests, praying. A century and a half ago the Scottish professor “Rabbi” Duncan sent his students off to read John Owen, the Puritan, on indwelling sin with the admonition, “But gentlemen, prepare for the knife.” The same could be said of this book.
    It was another Scottish preacher, Robert Murray McCheyne, who once said that if you want to humble a Christian, ask about their prayer-lives. It remains painfully true. Many of us play at prayer without engaging God in any meaningful way. More promises are made to reform our practice and discipline our prayer-lives than any other aspect of Christian behavior. Nor will readers find this book a quick-fix for undisciplined habits or skewed ambitions. Indeed, the scalpel comes in the prefatory remarks: “And if you get joyfully musty in a library researching prayer, yet end up with no time, or energy or motivation to do more than mumble a few goodnight words to God at the end of the day before sleep sets in, you are not a praying person” (p. 9). Ouch!
    Packer is a theologian, all too conscious that prayer, like any other aspect of Christian living, is to be done with theological precision and insight. Thus, the opening chapter explores eight truths “that the church’s teachers have recognized over a period of nearly two thousand years that the Bible presents to us regarding the nature and action of God” (p. 20-21). Debunking all ideas prefaced by “I like to think of God in such-and-such a way…” as symptomatic of “the anti-God syndrome on our mental and spiritual system,” Packer insists we turn from fantasy and dreams to what the Bible teaches. Thus begins “Packerian” rhapsodic prose, by turning deep and surprisingly candid.
    Praying is a major Christian classic destined to become one of the all time great books on prayer. One could quibble here and there (a few will find the occasional allusions to Catholic mystics puzzling), but what emerges is a candor and freshness which the joint-authorship actually encourages. Dealing expansively with the heart, surprisingly so given the depth of theological precision in some chapters, the book explains that he (Packer) has had a longstanding failure to appreciate the whole-heart praying of the psalmists “because, as he now sees, his personal piety, such as it was and marked as it was by a good deal of the surface-level passion, was too cerebral, and his heart, deep down, was still too much in a “frozen-chosen” mold, needing to be loosened up and indeed warmed up.” He is not, as the book itself suggest, the only one who has had a problem here.
Highly recommended.



	Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mt. 6:19-21

The following is a stewardship testimony written in 1999 by Dr. Dennis Roberts,
beloved deacon of First Presbyterian Church
who faithfully served on the Stewardship Committee for several years.
Dennis went home to be with the Lord on February 8, 2005.
May this testimony inspire all of us to give in a biblical manner.

Tithing is one subject I wish I had known more about when I was much younger. I did not know the true meaning of tithing and contributions then even though much is written about it in the Bible. Giving up our money runs so contrary to what we hear from the world’s point of view. The world says, “Get out of my pocketbook.” Therefore, the subject of tithes and contributions is usually neglected in our conversations. But Jesus Christ said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s” (Matthew 22:17). After spending a great deal of my life working and wasting the resources that God gave me, I finally took the time to search the Scriptures asking God to teach me what He wanted me to know about tithing and contributions.
    Imagine my shock and surprise as I read Malachi 3:8-12 realizing that those are under a curse, not a blessing, who are not obedient to God’s command to tithe. “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed Thee?’ In tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the window of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it may not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the Lord of hosts. “And all the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the Lord of hosts.
    Proverbs 3:5-10 is a practical passage instructing us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Verses 7 through 10 continue, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty.”
    I Corinthians 3:1-3 shows us that the motivation for our giving is love. “And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor...but do not have love, it profits me nothing.”
    In summary, we should not give because we have to, but because we want to—out of love as a result of what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has done for us. Allowing us to be sons and daughters in His family, to enjoy Him forever throughout eternity as well as while we are here on earth.

THE PEACEMAKER
by Ken Sande

Reviewed by
Donna Dobbs

“And they’ll know we are Christians by our love for one another.” Did Jesus really mean that? Couldn’t He have found a more sure-proof way to demonstrate His saving power to the world than our weak, failing efforts at loving one another? He could have performed any number of miracles that would witness to His power to save, but instead He decreed that Christians’ love for one another would be the empirical sign of His saving power. How strange. Or is it?
Loving is not as easy as it sounds. Anyone with any experience knows that where there are two people, there is conflict: husband/wife; mother/daughter; brother/sister; employer/employee. The list of relationships where conflict occurs is unending. As a matter of fact, there’s no relationship that doesn’t experience conflict from time to time. It is the stuff life is made of. It is also Satan’s most powerful weapon in destroying the witness that Christians and the church have to the world.
Ken Sande addresses this whole issue in his book, “The Peacemaker.” Ken reminds us of what God has done through Jesus to reconcile us to Himself, and then applies those gospel principles to our lives as we struggle with conflict and alienation with others. It makes sense, doesn’t it? If Jesus has reconciled a sinful, unfaithful world to Himself, then He alone can provide what it takes to forgive and be reconciled to one another. That’s why love for one another is the primary mark of a Christian community. It’s the mark of Christ’s work for us.

1. Peace Fakers. If you find yourself pretending that conflict doesn’t exist or running away from it, then you’re a Peace Faker. That never resolves conflict, and usually makes it worse. Typically the response is simply to run away from the problem—leave the house, end the friendship, quit the job, file for divorce, or change churches. This only postpones the changes that need to happen in others or yourself.
2. Peace Breakers. If you tend toward attack responses when in conflict, then you are a Peace Breaker. Typically this response is used by people who are more interested in asserting their rights than in preserving a relationship, and tactics may include—verbal attacks, gossip, physical violence, or other forms of intimidation.
3. Peace Makers. These are the responses that are commanded by God, empowered by the gospel, and directed toward finding just and mutually agreeable solutions to conflict. Peace Making responses include—overlooking an insignificant offense (which is a form of forgiveness), confession, and loving correction.
“Conflict always provides an opportunity to glorify God, that is, to bring him praise and honor by showing who he is, what he is like, and what he is doing. The best way to glorify God in the midst of conflict is to depend on and draw attention to his grace, that is the undeserved love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom he gives to us through Jesus Christ.” p. 31.
When we seriously take into account the saving work Jesus Christ accomplished on our behalf, we can be enabled to trust, obey, and acknowledge God in our most difficult situations—like conflict. The Peacemaker is a very real life guide for helping us apply the truths of the gospel in the hardest parts of life where it counts the most. If you’ve ever complained that the Bible is not applicable to life today, you won’t after you read this book. You will see yourself and those you love on every page.

Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scout Troop 18 invites boys and their parents to an informational meeting scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., in Patterson Hall. The adult leadership of the Troop will be available at the meeting to answer questions you may have about the Troop, our activities planned for the year, as well as Scouting in general.
Boys who are in the sixth grade or who are eleven years old are eligible to join Boy Scouts. We encourage you to attend this meeting even if you or your son may not currently be eligible to join Boy Scouts. Please call Jimmy Moore (362-9724) or Ron Taylor (362-4827) if you have any questions

Cub Scout Pack 7 invites boys and their parents to an organizational meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 29, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. in Miller Hall. The adult leadership of the Pack will be available at the meeting to answer questions you may have about the Pack, our activities planned for the year, as well as Scouting in general.
Boys in the first through fourth grades are eligible to join Cub Scouts. We encourage you to attend this meeting and get your son involved in Scouting. Please call Jeff Skelton at 601-856-7200 (wk) or 601-665-4381 (hm) if you have any questions.

For the past two years, First Presbyterian Church has invested in the lives of its members by offering and encouraging participation in discipleship groups. These small groups meet on Wednesday evenings following the fellowship dinner (6:30-7:30 p.m.) and emphasize personal growth, relationship building, and accountability. If you are not involved in our Wednesday evening discipleship groups, we would like to encourage you to consider joining for the fall. A number of book study options will be available and childcare is provided.

The small groups will begin on Wednesday, August 30, and will meet weekly through the fall. If you would like to sign up, please call Ashley Hall in the Discipleship Office at 601-973-9118 or e-mail ashleyh@fpcjackson.org soon and we will add you to a group.

It’s “back-to-school time” and everybody’s beginning to get into gear. But you’re not the only ones making preparations. Here at the church Weezie Polk has been busily dialing your phones to see who will be able to help teach our children in Sunday School this year. It takes nearly 100 volunteers to staff our children’s Sunday School classes, and we are so grateful to witness the huge dedication and devotion of our folks who commit to teach our children to love and serve God. Your service to Him and to this church is such an encouragement to us all. It has eternal consequences. Many, many thanks.

    Also, our adult classes are busily finalizing their slates of officers who will serve as ministry teams to their class this year. Most of us simply enjoy the fruits of the labors of these folks without realizing the time and sacrifices they make so that we can be faithfully taught the Word of God and so that we can enjoy and benefit from the “fellowship of the saints” each week. It doesn’t just happen.

    If I were to ask you what the purpose of adult Sunday School is, would you be able to tell me? Normally, you may not think beyond the excellent Bible teaching that we receive, but take just a minute and look beyond the surface. Sunday School is the first place that people experience becoming part of the FPC family in a practical way. Part of my anticipation on Sunday mornings is that I get to see all these folks that I love so much—people who have shared my life (the good, the bad, and the ugly), people who have encouraged me when I was discouraged, people who have helped me when I was in need, people whose fellowship I need and enjoy.... Indeed, we are family. And everybody needs a family.

    Sunday School classes help train us about how to function in this family. Just like in any household, we have opportunities to serve, both within and outside our congregation, and we are called on to help as occasions arise—comfort for the bereaved, encouragement for the sick, and physical help for those in some specific transition. What a blessing it is to be on the receiving end of such help; but also, what a blessing it is to give that help.

    I was at a weekend gathering recently, and Dean and Beth Fulghom were there. Many of you will remember Dean and Beth as long-time members who moved to Atlanta some years ago, but who have stayed in touch because of the close friendships formed in their Sunday School class. Dean was telling me his story of the 1979 flood in Jackson. They were a young married couple and out of town when it happened. He said he kept calling various friends to see if he needed to be worrying or whether he should come home and evacuate. Each time he was assured that everything was all right. When he did arrive back in Jackson, he arrived at his home from which furnishings had been moved, put in safe keeping (on high ground), and at which friends were waiting with power tools and other implements necessary to begin the rebuilding process. That was nearly 30 years ago, and the friendships forged through that kind of faithfulness are still precious and sustaining.
You all probably have stories like that. But wouldn’t it be terrible if there were those among us who didn’t? Let’s make sure we’re there for others in their times of need—we all have them. As we begin a new Sunday School year, take time to look beyond the surface and appreciate how God uses each of us as His hands and feet to support and care for His people. Think of Sunday School as your family.

    In our official Sunday School Manual, we’ve outlined the purposes of Sunday School classes, and actually these purposes are what helps us function as family. Take a look at them and begin asking, “How can we make this happen in our class?”

1) Education—Bible-centered adult education is expressed in a core curriculum of four components: Old Testament, New Testament, Doctrine, and Christian Living.

2) Fellowship—Sunday School classes should provide environments for sharing of lives, concerns, and resources. Classes are the primary context in the church in which a deeper level of caring, intimacy and commit- ment develop. This is done through intentional individual and group fellowship and programs for help and caring of class members and visitors.

3) Use of Spiritual Gifts—“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (I Peter 4:10) Members can begin to apply their gifts by serving the class through leading singing, teaching, bringing refreshments, greeting, visiting those who are ill, organizing class projects, socials, etc.

4) Assimilation—Sunday School pro- vides a place where visitors can easily get to know others in the church and feel included. Be friendly to strangers.

5) Helps and Needs Ministry—Class members should be aware of the needs in their class and provide help with moving, visits during hospitalization, or meals for sick or housebound people.

6) Evangelism and World Missions—Classes offer workable sized groups for developing personal involvement of members and families in the praying, giving, sending, or going functions of missions. Please encourage your class to be involved in missions as a group and individually.

MOMS Bible Study sign-up begins August 1. This semester the MOMS (for mothers of young children) will study the book of Job, using Nancy Guthrie’s Holding on to Hope. This study will take us on a journey through not only the difficulty of dark days, but through Job’s conversations with his friends and God during those times. These lessons will help us find answers to questions concerning submission to God, gratitude during trial, finding comfort, and the object of our hope.

MOMS meets on Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. in Patterson Hall, and includes small group discussion and lecture. To register for the study, please call Libby Crawford at 601-981-6016 beginning August 1. Nursery space is limited

Many people in our church body have lost a loved one at some season of life, and understand the difficulty of this event. Our WIC Bereavement Ministry serves to share the "heart" of the women of the church with those who have experienced such a loss. Our bereavement teams step up for bereavement calls when a family does not have a Sunday School, Circle, or Bible Study friends who can love them through this difficult experience. Our teams usually serve 2-3 times within a WIC year (which runs the school calendar).

Volunteers are needed now in order to have teams ready for the beginning of September. Ladies are needed to prepare food already cooked and ready in the Cooks Who Care freezer, to serve the meal in the home of the bereaved following the funeral, or even to provide a cake or ham at a moment’s notice (that you can have ready in your freezer!). Please consider how the Lord may use you in this ministry. The call is never convenient, but is always a blessing. If you would like to help with this ministry of mercy, please call the church office at 973-9115 to be added to our list of volunteers.

A few months back I sat with Julia Yandell, a dear mentor in our Sew and Sow ministry (which sews items for Baptist Hospital), as I watched her work on a sewing project. She began to relate to me a story that beautifully illustrated a life of service, and how God graciously blessed the one who faithfully served. I asked her to write it down and she sent me the following, “I promised to write for you the story about my mother’s friend, Miss Laney Holland, who taught school, 1st grade, in Pontotoc County Mississippi schools during the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Northeast MS was a very poor area of the state during these years. At Christmas, the gifts to the teacher were meager, at best. Many children gave handkerchiefs to their teachers. Over the years, Miss Laney as she was called, collected many, many handkerchiefs. I expect that the most expensive cost no more than a $1.00, perhaps.
After her retirement, Miss Laney made a coverlet by appliquéing these handkerchiefs from her beloved students to a white spread. I never saw this work of art, but my mother said it was beautiful. She used a variety of embroidery stitches on it. Miss Laney never married and had few relatives. She often told my mother that she prayed often that the Lord w ould take her in her sleep. One night, He answered her prayer. She was found the next day asleep with Jesus under the beautiful coverlet she had made, reflecting a life well-lived.” As I sat and listened to Mrs. Yandell’s story, I thought of how lonely it must be to pass away without family or children nearby. But then the reality of the gift God had given back to this dear servant began to sink in. She was comforted in death by the reminder of the many lives God had brought in her path, and their gifts to her of little handkerchiefs kept her warm in her last moments. It was a bit of sweet fruit of earthly service, and God’s grace to her.
Our WIC theme verse the past two years has been Galatians 6:9-10 “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” I pray that each woman in the church would be considering how God would have you serve the household of faith and beyond in the next year. In the coming days, you will receive in the mail a card and letter describing the opportunities for service as women in the church. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for one of these opportunities. Often this consideration involves considering priorities and life commitments, which can be a spiritually helpful evaluation. The Lord has gifted each woman, and it is a joy to see Him work through each of us to accomplish His purposes!

Our Children’s Choir program is in need of pianists for fall music rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals will be Wednesday evenings from 7:00 until 7:30 p.m. beginning in mid-August. If interested, please contact Jane Yerger at 601-278-5659.

Shirley Windham has thrice blessed the church with her life and labors. First, she has lived the truths that she helps us to teach in this book, and has taught them to her three godly Christian and now-grown daughters. She is no “dry-land sailor” – suggesting to us something she hasn’t done herself. She’s just the kind of teacher we need – she speaks what she does and does what she speaks. Second, she has herself served as an encourager and teacher of the women in our church. Many of our women have feasted under her faithful teaching of the truth. Her teacher’s eye makes her uniquely qualified to do the editing, updating and improving of this classic resource for parental instruction. Third, she has blessed us in recognizing the value of Christian parents having a definite plan and program for the imparting of biblical truth to their own children, and in providing them a tool for just that purpose. May many join her in the adventure of training up our children in the truth of His Word, learning the songs of the faith, and memorizing the Scriptures and Catechisms.

Our aim in compiling this booklet is to provide you with a concise and up-to-date annotated bibliography of essential commentaries on each book of the Bible. Special attention is given to exegetical and expositional commentaries that may prove particularly helpful for sermon preparation. We hope our recommendations will serve as a reference tool for any individual who is a teacher and/or student of God’s Word, but especially pastors, elders, seminary and college students, Sunday school teachers, and serious Bible students.

This booklet is a revision and expansion of The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher’s Library by Derek Thomas which was published in 1996. Since its original publication a host of new commentaries have emerged and are emerging—seemingly daily! So, like the first edition, this update is by no means an exhaustive list but an ‘essential’ list. Though the basic format has remained, several additions have been included.

We hope this reference aid will assist you in your study as you prepare to teach and preach God’s Word. Ultimately, we want not just your love for commentaries to grow, but your love for the Scriptures.

The Reformers understood that in worship we express our emotion through music. Therefore, the words and melodies were both important. The words should be

simple, and the melodies reverent. Music at First Pres follows this principle.

For many years our Wednesday evening prayer meeting has been preceded with a selection of traditional worship and praise hymns to assist in preparing us for the right worship of a sovereign, righteous, holy, and forgiving God.

This CD contains 46 of the congregation's favorites played in Marian's unique flowing style, recorded from an acoustical grand piano.

	First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi MINISTRY OF MUSIC
	by Dr. Bill Wymond
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things” (from Psalm 98)		“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord... let us extol Him with music and song.” (from Psalm 95)

One of the strengths of our worship through the years has been the faithful leadership of our choir. For many churches this 21st century has seen a dramatic shift in worship away from choirs to various experiments in musical leadership. Some use "praise teams" which are small ensembles of vocalists and instrumentalists. Others use individual musical worship leaders. These approaches are in flux at this time in our PCA, but for many churches the choir is a thing of the past. One cannot say that the Bible requires any one particular form of musical leadership; however, that there should be specially designated musical leaders is clearly established in Old Testament practice. In the time of David and Solomon, literally thousands of people were set aside to train for and lead the sacred worship services. In our heritage various kinds of leadership have been used. Calvin actually taught the children of his congregation new hymns so they could lead their parents. In the Scottish churches the use of a precentor, or music leader, who lined out the hymns for the congregation was common. In the 19th century many Presbyterian churches used mixed quartets to lead the hymns and sing anthems.

The phenomenon of the volunteer choir became common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We know that there was such a choir in our own church as early as the 1880s. Why were choirs so common in the 20th century churches? Having tried the equivalent of the "worship teams," i.e., mixed quartets, or the "worship leader," i.e., the precentor, churches found that choirs seemed to do a better job of leading the hymns and other musical aspects of worship.

But, as we have said, there is a new interest in trying some of the other methods. Who knows where things will be in ten or twenty years, but one thing is sure, if a church abandons its choir, that church would need to spend many years rebuilding the ensemble should they change their mind. In order for our church to continue to have choir leadership, the younger adults, the 20-30 year olds who have been musically gifted, will need to step up to the plate the way others of their age have each era for commitment to an ongoing responsibility. There are many enticements to short-term commitments or no commitment at all. However, Christianity, in defiance of the trend of the age, calls for strong, steady commitment.

God has placed a finite number of musically talented people in this local body of Christ. If you have been given musical gifts and choral experience, you need seriously to ask why you should not be involved in the music of the church, and specifically the choir. God gave you musical gifts to be shared with your brothers and sisters, not to be hoarded for personal pleasure. Please call the Music Office (601-973-9139) if we can be of help to you in sharing that musical gift.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism
In the Authorized King James Version

J. Ligon Duncan

Why should we memorize Scripture and the Catechism? We ought to memorize Scripture, it is the Word of God which he uses to bring our children to faith and by which they grow in that faith and in grace, but our children also need a framework in which to understand the Scripture they are learning. So Scripture and Catechism memorization work together to this end.

Following the pattern of the early Church, catechism of the children of believers and new converts has been the universal practice of the Christian church since the earliest days. That pattern was to learn the Apostles' Creed; the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments, and the Reformation carried on and expanded this practice.

However, and much more importantly, if we begin catechizing our children early enough, by the time they reach adolescence, we can expect them to begin to "discern the body" (1 Corinthians 11.29), to be ready for profession of faith, to take up the covenant for themselves and to be ready to be fed by Christ's body and blood with His visible church. If we begin to catechize our children early, by the grace of the Spirit, they become able to rightly discern His body and discern the truth from the lie.

This CD contains all 107 questions and answers, one question and answer per track, save the last 10 questions which are on one track due to the 99 track limitations of current CD technology.

The Reformers understood that in worship we express our emotion through music. Therefore, the words and melodies were both important. The words should be simple, and the melodies reverent. Music at First Pres follows this principle.

This CD contains 36 of the congregation's favorites in Marian's unique flowing style, played on an acoustical grand piano.

WORSHIPING GOD TOGETHER
Congregational Worship at First Presbyterian Church
J. Ligon Duncan

Why do we worship God in the public services of First Presbyterian Church in the way that we do? People visiting or new to our congregation regularly comment on the form and content of congregational worship of First Presbyterian. There was a time when Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, low-church Episcopal, Methodist and independent Bible church worship services looked very much alike.
Today’s worshipers, however, are likely to experience as many worship styles as there are churches. Even within the same denomination, there may be a wide variety of worship practices. So it is not surprising that folks new to First Presbyterian Church would have differing impressions of and questions about the public

service of worship.
    Some come from churches where the public services are much more informal and contemporary. Very often they express appreciation that the service here is Bible-filled (including a regular Scripture reading distinct from the sermon and faithful expository preaching – that is, preaching that explains and applies the Bible), that the tone is serious but joyful, that there are substantive and scriptural pastoral prayers, as well as rich hymnody and majestic music.
    Indeed, many are attracted to First Church precisely because of their frustration with what they have encountered in many evangelical churches – the hollow excitement, lack of strong Bible preaching and the triviality of the services. They like the God-centered worship of First Presbyterian in contrast to the more entertainment-oriented worship they’ve experienced, but they aren’t sure of our reasons for doing what we do. They want to understand. Fair enough.
    Others who also come from churches with a contemporary “style” occasionally comment that First Church is more “formal” and “traditional” than the churches they’ve been a part of. They like the strong Bible preaching/teaching ministry but will sometimes wonder why First Presbyterian doesn’t use “contemporary music,” sing choruses, and feature a worship team or a praise band. Some of them may secretly wonder if we are a bit stuck in the past, and if we are capable of reaching this generation with this style of worship. Usually they are too polite to ask, but they really do want to know why public worship is like it is at First Presbyterian Church. Fair question.
    Still others come to us from “high church” backgrounds where there is prescribed liturgy strictly adhered to by an officiant. They may be from Lutheran, Anglican (Episcopal), Reformed, Roman Catholic or Greek Orthodox backgrounds, and First Church has a more “informal” feel to them. Some of them may miss the beauty and structure of those liturgical forms, even if they find public worship at First very edifying and understandable, while others may enjoy the greater freedom and simplicity of public worship here.
    Nevertheless, they may not know the reasons behind these differences between our practice and what they’ve previously experienced. They’d like to know. Perfectly legitimate.
    Worshiping God Together by Dr. Ligon Duncan, tries to answer these questions (and more) and explain the basic reasons for why we do what we do in public worship at First Presbyterian Church. It also provides detailed information about all the elements and parts of our public services. This booklet is now available for purchase in The Presbyterian Bookstore.

It has been said that “Worship is our response to what we value most....

How do you know where and what you worship? Simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your allegiance. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne, and whatever, or whoever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship...

The trail never lies. We may say we value this thing or that thing
more than any other, but the volume of our actions speaks louder than our words.”

When we joined First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, we were asked: “Do you
promise to support the church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?” We all replied, “I do.”

This Sunday, November 6, 2005, we will have the opportunity to provide our church with a Stewardship Commitment Card indicating the amount we expect to give towards the 2006 Operating and Benevolent Budget of First Presbyterian Church. You will note that the 2006 tri-fold card that you received in the mail, includes two pledge panels: one for 2006 Stewardship Commitment and a separate one for Debt Retirement. You may indicate your commitment on one or both of these panels. Any funds designated to Debt Retirement will be applied—dollar for dollar—to reduce the outstanding principal on the church debt. (This does not include money pledged through Faith Promise for Missions or Building Enhancements and Sanctuary Expansion.)

Please give prayerful consideration to God’s leading, bring your 2006 personalized commitment card, and come prepared to turn it in as an act of worship at the close of the morning service. If you did not receive a 2006 commitment card in the mail, they will be available at the entrance tables of the temporary sanctuary, in tract racks throughout the church, or you may ask an usher to provide you with one.

May God through His Holy Spirit grant us the faith and desire to become cheerful givers to His glory!

The Stewardship Committee has chosen II Corinthians 9:6-7 as the theme verses for our stewardship emphasis in 2005. The verse reads as follows:
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

    that our reaping in life is directly connected not only to the amount that we sow but also to the attitude in which we sow. One can sow or give much in human terms begrudgingly or with an attitude of compulsion, but is that person really sowing bountifully in God’s eyes? What distinguishes a person who sows sparingly from one who sows bountifully in God’s eyes? A bountiful sower is one who gives joyfully and cheerfully in gratitude for receiving God’s greatest gift, His Son Jesus Christ. If a person gives out of an overflowing thankfulness to God, then that person will be considered a bountiful sower.

    In II Corinthians 9: 8-11 Paul writes: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, his righteousness abides forever. Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”

    I am praying for myself and my brothers and sisters at First Presbyterian Church, that we would approach this stewardship season with a cheerful heart! God promises us abundance for every good deed and He promises to increase the harvest of our righteousness! What a wonderful life! To give cheerfully to our God and then to reap a life of bounty for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

—by Mark Sorgenfrei, Stewardship Committee Chairman

On September 12, 2005, the Session of First Presbyterian Church met and established a designated “Katrina Relief Fund” to help those affected by the hurricane. The fund will be administered through the Disaster Relief Committee of our Board of Deacons. The following are guidelines for the administration of contributions given.
    The Katrina Relief Committee is hereby charged to take note that there are many agencies working with the victims of Hurricane Katrina which are secular in nature (e.g., Red Cross) and while their efforts may be laudatory, they would not necessarily reflect any Christian motivation; and that the underlying purpose of the Fund will be to assist God’s people in this hour of extreme need. Therefore, all disbursements from the Fund, where at all possible, should be coupled with a Gospel message to the extent that the recipient shall know the gift is made in the name and for the sake of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the aid and comfort of His people.
    In determining whether a request shall be granted, the Katrina Relief Committee shall consider in the following order:
(a) First, requests by or on behalf of PCA Churches (pastoral and critical staff) and/or their members adversely affected by Hurrican Katrina;
(b) Secondly, requests by or on behalf of other institutions or individuals adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina;
(c) Subject, however, to a specific designation made by the giver or donor of a contribution which is in accord with the requirements of Section 501 (c) (3).
    Dr. Ligon Duncan announced on Sunday, September 25, 2005, that so far $65,000 has been given to the relief fund. Please prayerfully consider how you might respond. If you would like to contribute to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, your checks should be made payable to First Presbyterian Church and note that it is for Katrina Relief.

Ladies, as e-mails have been flying over the past several weeks since the hurricane, I thought it might be good to step back and try to paint a bigger picture of what is happening in all the sharing of information, as well as add some personal stories. Some of you were involved in these stories, and others have many MORE of your own stories that you could share from the places where you have stepped up to serve. I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time out at our Brandon PCA Disaster Response office, and it was eye-opening, to say the least.
    As Dr. Duncan mentioned last Wednesday night at prayer meeting, the work of the PCA Disaster Response office is not bureaucratic paper pushing. Instead, it is a managed chaos of phones ringing, some devoted to incoming calls and some for workers to make outgoing calls. As workers take those phone calls, voice mails stack up in numbers waiting for them when they hang up. All seem urgent. Some are the voices of tired and strained relief workers on the coast needing someone to step up to relieve them. Perhaps a man in charge of feeding hundreds or even a 1,000 people in a few hours, yet calling to say he needs a truck pronto because he is out of food and water. Another from a site coordinator wanting to know where the cell phones he asked for were, because his volunteers could not coordinate with one another. Yet another is from a church (one of hundreds?) calling to say they want to mobilize a team and want to know what to do next. Another from a team who is ready to go but needs a location that needs them. Another from a site that has room to house 30 volunteers that they desperately need for clean up. The Disaster Response office takes all these calls and connects needs with help wanting a place to plug in. They direct these ever-changing needs to the local churches who then communicate out through a myriad of ways. It is amazing to watch the Lord direct and connect needs with help on an hourly basis as the phones buzz. In the meantime, they also respond to the Cajun shrimp fisherman who shows up on their doorstep (in his boots, no less!), needing help finding a place to live. The food our Circles are providing to that office is there to be offered to the walk-ins as well as the workers. They also take the call regarding a family with a newborn baby who has lost everything. They call CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Center) and arrange for one of their packages to be sent, and then the Disaster Response volunteers go to Wal-Mart and with their own funds purchase anything else the family needs for the little one. All this is then on its way in record time to the family. From individual requests to large requests, they take them all. They work through several staging sites close to the coast, and then on down a chain to individual churches which are their doorway to move help out into the surrounding community.
    That brings in the bigger picture. As I was being trained for my volunteer time, I was told that the key was “network, network, network. Do NOT reinvent the wheel. We do not have time for that!” What has evolved from the hour-to-hour changing needs in the past few weeks is an amoeba-like network of agencies and churches all over, each working a piece of the puzzle. Our PCA Disaster office could not function without Christ United’s distribution site, whom they call when they need to load a truck for one of our sites on the coast. Christ United couldn’t function without sites like our Disaster Response office that coordinates where the needs are on the coast to send the collected goods. We call CPC for the newborn package. The Red Cross visits our office to check to see if we can help connect someone in their shelter with housing through our housing registrations on the pcarelief.org website. All over our area, people are working together to respond and it is an amazing thing.
    Finally, there are the stories coming back. I met a trucker just returning from running a load to a small town on the coast. There he was met by the mayor of the town and the police. The mayor was so glad to see them, that after they unloaded he provided them with a police escort to the one restaurant open in town (a fish house!) for a meal ON THE TOWN.
    A special thanks to all of you who have stepped up to contribute in some way, and plugged in to help through this working amoeba network that is providing aid to the coast. The Lord is at work, and it is exciting to see His people be His hands and feet to those in need. As we continue to press on in this marathon, our WIC theme verse FOR THIS YEAR provides us much needed encouragement:

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” Galatians 6:9-10.

Help Needed
The Mission to North America Disaster Response Headquarters is coordinating disaster relief for the entire PCA to Mississippi and Louisiana. Churches and PCA members from all over the country are calling or emailing the office wanting to know how they can help and what they can do. This temporary headquarters is at Brandon Presbyterian Church and is manned by only two permanent employees, the rest are all volunteers. If there are not enough volunteers, many work crews, desperately needed supplies, and thousands of dollars will not make it to the areas of need. Clerical help is needed and there are three shifts available:
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., or 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. If you can answer a phone, input data into a computer database, or answer emails, you can help. Call the FPC Disaster Response number 610-973-9124 to volunteer or contact Billy Joseph. You are needed!

PCA Donation Site
The PCA has set up its own donations site at Lakeland Presbyterian Church located at 5212 Lakeland Drive. Rev. John Duke says “thank you” to the FPC members who responded to their plea for help in loading a truck of supplies that was delivered to Gulfport on Sunday evening, September 11.
Donations may be dropped off during regular office hours 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or you may call 601-992-2448 to make after-hour delivery arrangements. (Please direct all large semi-size truckloads of donations to Christ United Methodist Church on Old Canton Road, Jackson. Website: cumcjaxn.org or call Mary John Johnson at 601-956-6974.) The need is primarily for nonperishable items, but they will take other things, too. Please do not send clothes.

The Child Evangelism Fellowship is one of the many ministries supported by First Presbyterian Church through the Mission To Jackson Ministry. Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is established in over 155 countries and is one of the world’s largest ministries to reach children. The mission of CEF is to evangelize boys and girls with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, disciple them in the Word of God, and establish them in a local church. CEF has over 25 different training ministries to equip people to effectively share the gospel and disciple children.

Some examples of these ministries are: The “Good news Club,” a weekly Bible club held throughout the school year in homes, community centers, the Y’s, and apartment complexes for five through twelve-year-old children. The Christian Youth in Action (CYIA) trains young people to work as summer missionaries to teach children during the “5-Day Clubs” and learn how to share their faith. The “Wordless Book Tent” is an annual event that CEF funs at the Mississippi State Fair in October.

There are many other ministries that are purposed towards evangelism, short and long-term discipleship and equipping. CEF welcomes church members to get involved in this ministry.
For more information, please contact George O’Rear, CEF Jackson area coordinator, or call the CEF office at 601-362-5225 to learn how to be involved in this ministry.

Before I joined this Evangelism Explosion (EE) class, my spiritual life was very passive. I just went to church every week and did nothing else to contribute to the Lord’s work or the church. But since I started taking EE, my spiritual life has taken a turn for the better. My life has been enriched by the teaching of Dr. Jim Stewart and Ed Bowman. I’ve learned so much more about the gospel and prayed often for God’s guidance with my new experience in EE.

One positive result from an OJT (On the Job Training) is with DeAndre. I had an opportunity to present the gospel to him. He understood my presentation and agreed to pray to receive Christ. He contacted Dr. Stewart for a follow-up appointment two weeks later, and he showed lots of interest in applying what he has learned from the gospel into his daily life. He had two friends at the second meeting so that they could ask questions and listen to learn more from Dr. Stewart. I understand that sometimes we only plant the seed; other times we water it, and at times we harvest the fruit. Seeing the genuine faith that DeAndre has for Christ, is such a blessing and encouragement to me to work harder to share His words with others.

As a baby Christian, I never wished to witness to anyone. I feared that people would ask me questions about the Bible, and my limited understanding would prevent me from giving the correct answers, but even worse was the fear of speaking in front of strangers during memorization of the class materials. But after I started taking EE, I realized that I only need to share the gospel with others. If they raise questions that I cannot answer, I can always tell them that I’ll do some research and get back with them. After several weeks of OJT, I feel as if it’s part of the routine, and there is nothing to fear.

Eight years ago a one-on-one mentoring program began between women at First Presbyterian Church and Christian inmates at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Pearl. This program seeks Christian women who wish to participate in a discipling program with prisoners who need encouragement and friendship from outside the prison walls. Today, with 13 women from First Pres as mentors, it is still the only program of its kind in the Mississippi prison system. On the second Saturday of every month we visit with the ladies in their units—to pray with and for them, to laugh and cry with them, and to listen as they share their joys and hurts.
The prisoners in the program are chosen by the Chaplaincy Department at CMCF as women who have become Christians since entering the prison system. They are screened as individuals who take their faith seriously and who are seeking mentors to help them on their walk. But, there are also volunteers from other ministries including Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hindus, Muslims, etc., who are attempting to influence the prisoners, so we feel we must be diligent in our mentoring.

More of the CMCF women are serving prison sentences for drug use and trafficking than for anything else, and the sad realization is that the recidivism rate for this offense is very high—once released many will return to their old haunts and relationships and be back in the prison system within six months. And the ones who suffer the most in this vicious cycle are the children of the offenders. Several of the women we are now mentoring have children, sisters, brothers, and even their mothers serving time at CMCF!

We know the Lord has opened this door, and we consider it a privilege to be allowed to spread His Word to women desperately in need of friendship and the caring hand of a fellow believer in Christ

Folks have asked about plans for an organ for our new sanctuary and, also, for worship in the temporary Worship Center in the gymnasium so we thought we would share those plans. As you know, the organ is very important in leading music for all of our worship, weddings, funerals, and other special services. Since 1903 our church has used pipe organs because of the majesty and beauty of tone they produce. Electronic organs are not to be sniffed at; in fact, we will use an electronic organ for the time we are out of the sanctuary. However, for sheer beauty of tone and longevity of equipment life, the pipe organ wins hands down over any other kind of organ.
    Our present instrument dates from 1952. It has served us well for 53 years, but is in serious need of a total mechanical restoration. Anticipating a possible sanctuary expansion, we have only done temporary maintenance and have conserved funds in anticipation of a new instrument. The reason for this is that every individual space requires a pipe organ of different dimensions and scale. A larger room requires pipes of larger scale for the stops that play hymns, postludes, and processionals. So in other words, we could not just restore our old organ mechanically and put it in the new sanctuary. It would not have adequate tonal resources to fill the new space.
    Nevertheless, being conservative, Scots Presbyterians, we do want to retain from our old organ anything that is useful and adequate for the new instrument. There are a number of large and costly pedal pipes and certain other stops and mechanical parts that can be used in the new instrument that will work well and will result in a significant savings in the overall cost. We will be able to carry over about 35% of our present pipe work and other parts. Fortunately, through contacts in the pipe organ industry, we have acquired several much-admired solo stops of vintage stops of pipes (French Horn, Tuba Mirabilis, Cello Celeste and Flute Celeste) made by the world-famous early twentieth-century organ builder, E. M. Skinner, that we will have in our new organ. They are in excellent condition and will be wonderfully useful for our worship.
    So what exactly will be new about our “new” organ? We will have all new mechanical parts, all new electronic switching systems, a new console (at which the organist sits and plays), many new pipes needed for leading the great congregational singing, and newly restored pipe voices from our present organ that have lead us in song for so many years past. We will also retain our Echo Organ Division, played from the front organ console, that is located just above our present back balcony. It, in fact, has pipes retained from our very first 1903 pipe organ that was in the old sanctuary located across from the present Welty Library. Our Organ Committee has retained the venerable firm of Casavant Freres to construct our organ.
    Pipe organs initially cost more because much of their construction is hand wrought. In the end, they are a wise investment because they outlast imitations by decades. In closing, we would suggest that a gift of this organ to the church family could constitute a very fitting memorial that would demonstrably last for generations.

An excellent article by Dr. John Rosemond entitled “Identifying Frantic Family Syndrome” speaks of parents who “spend a disproportionate amount of time racing children from one activity to another, of weekend activities that are centered primarily around the children, and (of) perpetual exhaustion on the part of parents, along with the general feeling that the children don’t appreciate much of anything done for them.”

I must say, candidly, that I see that with some of our church family. Some of our children are involved in so many activities that they and their parents have little or no free time for themselves. Dr. Rosemond posits that children should be growing up “to be independent, resourceful, self-reliant, and willing to be of service to others.” Being involved in too many things and being entertained all the time does not allow children to develop these important character traits.

We battle peer pressure in our community. Young mothers and fathers feel pressured to see that their children miss nothing that is offered. Children must be involved in every sport. They must take a little of this and a little of that. Heaven forbid, if the content should allow them to become bored, or if children should have to come up with meaningful activity on their own. In addition to growing children who demand to be entertained and who expect to have everything now, we are growing children who are generalists, they are a little good at a lot of things, and not really good at anything.

There was a time, not so long ago, when we could count on the local culture to support our families in our Christian life-style. Local schools and recreational organizations used to honor the Lord’s day and Wednesday church activities, but no more. Now they seem to work against these days. All sorts of activities are scheduled on Sundays and Wednesdays: Soccer games, baseball, football, swim competitions, ballet, school practices, all sorts of things are scheduled at times when God’s people have a prior commitment.

How nice it would be if we could count on our community to set our standards. However, the time has come when we must accept this responsibility for ourselves. That’s painful for some. Peer pressure is strong. Christ called us to a life of meaningful commitment, not a commitment of convenience, not a commitment whose standards are determined by the world. No one is suggesting that we should be some strange, legalistic church group. But, we have pledged to Christ and the Church family “to support (attend) the work and worship of the Church to the best of our ability.” Keeping this pledge is not only keeping our word, it is doing what is best for us and our families. It is, as well, doing our duty to God, which is to worship Him in response to his gift of Christ for us, something that is done in the company of our fellow believers, not at a soccer game (or whatever). We have always known that discipleship was supposed to cost. Perhaps, the time has come for us to know a little of that by experience?

We are on the verge of an historic event in the life of this congregation—the expansion of our sanctuary, and the significant enhancement of a number of its surrounding facilities. This is a move for the future, a preparation for ministry to future generations. It is not something we are doing for ourselves, but rather something we are doing for the people who are not sitting in the pew next to us now. It is an investment in future generations of Christians who will live, serve, and witness in and to Jackson and the surrounding community.

The elders of our church have been deliberating on this matter for almost five years. A year ago they voted to move forward. For the last six months they have been providing the congregation with information about the project. But it bears asking and answering again: why do the elders think that we should enlarge the sanctuary of First Presbyterian? Well, there are many answers, but let me give seven.

1. Because of the church health and growth the Lord has granted us since the completion of our present sanctuary in 1952. Sunday morning worship attendance has quadrupled here over the last fifty years, but in all that time there has been no increase of the size of the sanctuary.

2. Because our Sunday morning worship attendance has averaged more than twice the capacity of the sanctuary for more than a decade.

3. Because the sanctuary—as the room in our facility devoted to the public worship of God, and as the hub of the whole church facility—has never been enlarged, even though church membership has tripled, church attendance has quadrupled, and all our other ancillary facilities have been added and expanded over the last half century. Indeed, the sanctuary is disproportionately small in comparison to the rest of our facility.

4. Because of the numbers of regular attendees on any given Sunday morning, our congregation is spread out in three rooms during each service (the Sanctuary, Hutton Chapel, and Lowe Hall). This has the effect of dividing the congregational family unhelpfully, preventing us from holding one another accountable in the matter of regular attendance, or checking on one another when sick and at home (since one doesn’t know whether someone is absent or simply in another of the three rooms).

5. Because visitors are often discouraged from attending, and potential new members are discouraged from joining since they cannot find a place to worship in the sanctuary.

6. Because the elders want to avoid going to three services and two or more Sunday Schools in that this will further undermine a sense of community and family in the congregation. Sunday School is a key place for us in introducing our church family to one another in a smaller groups setting. Multiple Sunday Schools, which would be necessary under a three-service plan, would present significant challenges to cultivating community in the congregation.

7. Because our city center location is strategic both as a base to impact the city for Christ, but also for a multi-county outreach. We are, in fact, more and more a multi-county church (drawing heavily from Rankin and Madison counties, as well as Hinds). People routinely pass 20 churches to get to First. And we don’t want to give that up. We want to minister right here in the city and we don’t want to leave to find adequate space. Let me elaborate, our church facility is strategically located in a major medical-educational triangle. Surrounded by the University of Mississippi Medical Center, St. Dominics Jackson, and the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center (and not far away from a number of other health facilities), as well as by Belhaven College and Millsaps College, the church is poised to make an impact on all these communities as well as to draw membership from them. Situated at a major traffic confluence (the I-55/Woodrow Wilson corridor, the North State Street/Fortification intersection, the Riverside Drive/Lakeland Drive entrance-way), no other church in the state has a better location. Furthermore, we have all this and yet remain a “downtown church.” We have the benefit of being close to the heart of the city and yet anchored in an old, beautiful, and revitalizing neighborhood.

So, our elders believe that expanding the sanctuary and enhancing our current facilities is the most cost effective and congregationally edifying way to provide for the present discipleship of our current congregation and to open the way for future congregational health and growth. We can all join in this grand adventure by making a commitment this coming Sunday. 214 families of our church have already pledged over $4,700,000 towards this important project. If the whole body together commits itself, we can pay for the whole expansion in three years. What a blessing that would be for the future of this church family!
-Ligon Duncan

We’ve all heard the sermons. They penetrate with their truth: it’s all God’s anyway.
He certainly doesn’t need us to do what He has planned. He created it all, therefore all is His.
If this is the case then why so many fund-raising initiatives at our church? There’s the annual pledge to fund the ongoing operations of the church. Then the missions conference rolls around. There are special giving opportunities for important auxiliary works of the church like Twin Lakes. This year, for the first time in over a half century, we have the opportunity to give to expand our sanctuary. God does not need us to give, but He certainly presents us with many opportunities to do just that!
    He wants us to give of our time to transmit the good news. He wants us to give of our talents to transfer glory from us to Him, and He wants us to give of our financial resources to help tranform our hearts. Without a transformed heart, our time and talents are meaningless to Him. Without a heart transformed from self to the Savior, we are worshipping the created instead of the Creator. As we know, only God can change or transform hearts. But, by allowing us to give of our financial resources to what He is doing, we are afforded the opportunity to experience true meaning and transformational power that has eternal significance.
Why does giving of our financial resources go a long way toward transforming our hearts? Maybe it’s because our sinful nature is constantly whispering to us that self must be fed more than it needs; it must be protected at all costs; it must experience pleasure round the clock. We seem to possess an appetite for things of this world that seeks to be satisfied above all else. Our money might go the way of satisfying these demands—now. Or, it might be used to do something else with a different time line—that of eternity. There is a war going on and the battlefield is the heart. One way we show whose side we are on is by how we use the ammunition God has entrusted us, our money.
    Many say they will give when their household income reaches a certain level, when the current job becomes more stable, or when their health becomes a little better. It doesn’t seem to work that way. The faithful givers I know pay little attention to life’s roller coaster ride. Their hearts, transformed by God’s grace, leave little leeway for not giving, thus perpetuating the benefits of the transformed heart given to them by the Lord.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    —by Hu Meena

As I think about the opportunity and the challenge facing us, as a congregation, I cannot help but think back almost 60 years ago to the challenge that was facing a comparatively small group of people as we contemplated building an entirely new church structure. The church owned a small lot on the southeast corner of the intersection of Belhaven and North State Street which had been given to the church. The church had no options on any additional land. In fact, there were houses on both sides of the lot so that in order to expand, the houses would have to be purchased. In addition, there was an active public school on the lot on the south side of Pinehurst Place and a thriving apartment complex on the north side of Belhaven Street. There was simply no vacant land anywhere in the area. The church owned this lot and there was no opportunity for growth where we were then located at the corner of Yazoo Street and North State Street; so the congregation decided to proceed with the building of a new structure at the intersection of Belhaven and North State Street. The funds raised in pledges were only enough to partially pay for the anticipated cost. It was with some concern, but with excitement and enthusiasm, that I, as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, signed a construction contract for approximately $1,000,000. Based upon the membership in the church, compared to the present membership, this was many times the estimated cost of the current improvements that are planned at our present location. Nevertheless, the members of the congregation felt that the opportunity was there and they moved ahead.
    What has happened during the last 50–odd years speaks for itself. The adjacent houses and lots became available and were purchased. The public school became available and was purchased. The apartment complex became available and was purchased. The site for Twin Lakes became available and was purchased. In other words, as space to expand was needed, our Lord made it available and our congregation did not shirk from incurring debt for this property and constructing facilities thereon. It was only a couple of years ago that the congregation became debt–free and a debt was promptly incurred so that final improvements to Twin Lakes could be completed.
    Prior to authorizing the signing of the original construction contract, the officers committed themselves to continuing the policy of the church; that is, to always give more to benevolence and missions than is spent on operations — current expenses. This commitment has been kept by the congregation even though the debt, at times, was quite large. This has been true even though members of this congregation, in effect, started and supported the Reformed Theological Seminary, the First Presbyterian Church Day School and played the principle role in starting the new denomination — the Presbyterian Church in America. This congregation has truly realized that if it is to serve the Lord with all its heart, soul and strength, then it must take advantage of every opportunity that is presented while never losing sight of its primary purposes.
    The opportunities now present are absolutely mind boggling. No one can predict where they will lead. The opportunities and challenges in today’s world are even more pressing and more vital than they were 60 years ago. This congregation needs this expanded facility to take advantage of these opportunities and accept these challenges. This will mean that, under the commitments made over fifty years ago, our financial and personal participation in benevolences and missions will continue to increase. Praise the Lord!
These are exciting days, and I join with the other members of the congregation in enjoying and participating in this “excitement.”

On April 24, 1999, at the initial meeting of the Session’s Strategic Planning Committee, one of the major items we discussed was the possible expansion of the sanctuary. The committee recommended “that an ad hoc Committee be appointed by the moderator (of the Session) and that this Committee enter into a feasibility study as to whether FPC should enlarge the present sanctuary or build another one....” This committee went to work and, after much prayer for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance, study, planning, and design, almost six years later we are ready to build that sanctuary as well as a number of related new and remodeled spaces. During the intervening years the church has continued to grow, making the need far greater than it was when the idea was first presented.

I was a teenager when the present sanctuary was built in 1951. We have not added any seats but we have gone to two morning services, added television church in Lowe Hall and recently in Hutton Chapel, successfully planted Pear Orchard, Highlands, and Lakeland churches and the church continues to grow. In January of this year during the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, for the first time ever, several of the elders serving ran out of elements and had to really scramble to be certain that everyone was served. The sanctuary and Lowe Hall were full at both services, and Hutton Chapel was packed for the 11:00 service. We will not run out of elements again, but it shows us just how close we are to having to turn people away. We do not want that to occur. Church growth consultants tell us that when a church is regularly 80% full, growth is slowed. We passed that point several years back and it will take two years to build the new sanctuary.

First Presbyterian Church is committed to Worship, Discipleship, and Missions. The new sanctuary, with the added classroom space, kitchen renovations, toilet room improvements, and general enhanced circulation will enable us to better, more efficiently serve our congregation and those God brings to our doors. We will be able to evangelize, educate, equip, encourage, and enable our members better as they seek to serve God in these three areas. We seek to grow spiritually as well as numerically; the new facilities will help us to do that.

We have an opportunity to step out now and get involved. Other men and women of vision did this about sixty years ago as they planned and built our present sanctuary— and they began the process in the middle of WWII. Most of us will not have another opportunity to have a part in the building of a sanctuary. For us this is a unique chance to do something that will further the work of the church for many decades ahead. Is it not our turn now?

For 168 years the ministers of First Presbyterian Church have faithfully proclaimed the Good News of forgiveness of sins through the shed blood of Christ. Indeed, the strength of the church has been the unchanging message that Christ died for our sins and has been raised alive from the dead, and so shall we, if our trust is in Him alone as our Savior.

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Paul tells us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the guarantee of our resurrection. In Romans 8:11, the apostle emphasizes this glorious truth—“if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, through His Spirit who indwells you.” If the Spirit of Jesus dwells in you, and He is the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, so also He will raise your mortal bodies from the dead. In all these ways Paul points to the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ for us as believers.
                                                                        Easter 2002 Ligon Duncan (Senior Minister 1997 - )

When Jesus Christ came forth from the grave, the Bible says that He had the marks in His hands. It was a bodily resurrection, and it was His body linked to the body that He had before He went into that grave. Not only that, that body ate fish. He was not a phantom. He was not a ghost. He ate fish. And then finally, He said, “This body had no limitations such as the previous body He had.” He could leave. He could come back. There were no limitations of time and space. A real body, it is almost more than the human mind can grasp and Jesus Christ says, “That body that I had, you will have one just like it.”
                                                                        Easter 1985 Jim Baird (Senior Minister, 1984-1996)

Another doctrine that’s taught at the empty tomb is that the believer who trusts in the Lord Jesus is set free. If the Lord Jesus had not paid the debt, He would never have risen from the grave. He would still be right there. And as a justified individual I have not now a sin against me in God’s book. Praise God! Praise God that there’s not a sin against me in the book of God! Every debt has been canceled.
                                                                    Easter 1978 Don Patterson (Senior Minister, 1969-1983)

The Word and Prayer
Classic Devotions from the Minor Prophets
John Calvin

“Having made use of Calvin’s devotions and prayers from the Minor Prophets since I was a high school student, I am delighted to commend them to a new generation. This book will prove a welcome aid to the cultivation of Christian piety, as well as public prayer.”
—J. Ligon Duncan

A Blessed Experience
“So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.” Joel 3:17

The prophet intimates that the favor of God had been so hidden during the afflictions of the people that they could but think that they were forsaken by God. His word ought indeed to be sufficient for us in the greatest evils; for though God may cast us into the deepest gulfs, yet when he shines upon us by his word it ought to be a consolation abundantly availing to sustain our souls.

Prayer
Grant, Almighty God, that as we have, in this world, to fight continually, not only with one kind of enemies, but with innumerable ones, and not only with flesh and blood, but also with the devil, the prince of darkness,—O grant that being armed with thy power we may steadily persevere in this contest; and when thou afflictest us for our sins, may we learn to humble ourselves and so submit to thy authority that we may hope for the redemption promised to us; and though tokens of thy displeasure may often appear to us, may we yet ever raise up our minds by hope to heaven and from thence look for thine only-begotten Son, until, coming as Judge of the world, he assembles us for the enjoyment of that blessed and eternal life which he has obtained for us by his own blood. Amen.

Calvin’s teaching on Job
Proclaiming the incomprehensible God

by Derek Thomas

For many, the book of Job stands directly in the center of one of the most complicated problems of life—the interaction between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
How Job deals with tremendous suffering—losing most of his earthly possessions, family and health—and how God deals with Job’s suffering, does not necessarily make a nicely packaged story.
The issues Job faced are ones that all Christians will struggle with to one degree or another. In this book, available in The Presbyterian Bookstore, Derek Thomas uses Calvin’s sermons on Job as a model for preachers today. This book is available in The Presbyterian Bookstore.