CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

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1 The Celtic Cross is an ancient Christian symbol. The cross proper recalls the death of Christ for the sins of his people, while the circle is a historic symbol of God s eternality. Jesus name is at the center, depicted by the Greek letters Ιης and is surrounded by the vine and branches, representing our relationship to Him. At the bottom, CHRISTUS VICTOR, Christ is Victorious, testifies to his triumph over sin and death on the cross. This Celtic cross is used by permission of Saint Paul s Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. Each of the five panels represents a significant event in Christ s life. Exalting Christ through Worship, Learning, Community, and Outreach HIS REIGN The wounded lamb as Christ reclining on the book of seven seals is a historic symbol of the reigning Christ. The threerayed nimbus is an ancient symbol of deity. (Revelation 5:9-12) HIS RESURRECTION Lilies traditionally represent the resurrection; the trumpet heralds Christ s certain and triumphal return. (1 Corinthians 15:54; Matthew 24:31; Luke 12:27) HIS ATONEMENT The crown of thorns and nails testify to Christ s sacrificial death on the cross. (Hebrews 2:17: John 19:2; 20:27) HIS BAPTISM The dove and tongues of fire symbolically portray the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:10; Acts 2:3) HIS INCARNATION The open Bible is the Word of God. The double lighted candlesticks represent the dual nature of Christ his deity and his humanity. (John 1:1-14) CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire hope; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and yearn for home; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whoever will come; this church offers a genuine welcome in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

2 WHAT IS OUR MESSAGE? The great good news is that God has taken it upon Himself to do something for us that we are powerless to do for ourselves. The Gospel is simply this: sinners are forgiven and accepted by God because of the work of Jesus Christ. Trust in Christ s finished work is not just the beginning of the Christian life, but the means and end as well. The Gospel is what must be applied more and more deeply in order to live as a Christian. The power of the Gospel is not merely about forgiveness and improvement, but renewal and wholeness. A GOSPEL-SHAPED MINISTRY WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? We embrace the historic Christian faith believing the timeless truths held in common by the church in all ages and places. We wholeheartedly affirm the classic doctrines defined by the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. The Trinity There is only one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Incarnation The person Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who is both fully God and fully human. The Gospel changes people Through the continual application of the Gospel we become more like Christ. The Atonement Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead in order to redeem us from our sins. The Gospel produces joy Grace frees us from both condemnation and self-righteousness to enjoy God fully. The Gospel defines community In union with Christ, we become God s sons and daughters His new people. The Gospel points outward The Gospel informs attitudes The Gospel removes barriers Grace disengages approval seeking, engenders authenticity, and curbs pride. As Christians, we desire the peace and well-being of our communities and cities. Reconciliation humbles us so that we may become agents to reconcile others. The Gospel renews culture All of life matters to God and we are to pursue all vocations with excellence. WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? The Gospel builds momentum Church planting is both the result of and means to fulfilling the great commission. We also embrace the Reformed Christian faith believing the biblical teachings that were restated during the Protestant Reformation. This great renewal of the church in the 16 th century has given us a common heritage in the classic solas. Scripture Alone The Bible is the one source of divine revelation and the only completely reliable guide for faith and life. Christ Alone Salvation is accomplished by the substitutionary atonement of the historical and sinless Christ alone. Grace Alone We are rescued from God s anger, freed from sin s bondage and lifted to new life by His grace alone. Faith Alone God Alone Christ s righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God s justice by faith alone. The sole purpose of our creation and redemption is to enjoy God s presence and live for His glory.

3 THE BLESSING OF INFANT BAPTISM For God's sign, communicated to a child as by an impressed seal, confirms the promise given to the pious parent, and declares it to be ratified that the Lord will be God not only to him but to his seed; and that he wills to manifest his goodness and grace not only to him but to his descendants even to the thousandth generation [Ex. 20:6]. God's boundless generosity, in showing itself there, first gives men ample occasion to proclaim his glory, then floods godly hearts with uncommon happiness, which quickens men to a deeper love of their kind Father, as they see his concern on their behalf for their posterity. Order for the Celebration & Worship of God 6 th Sunday after Epiphany: February 14, 2010, 4:00 P.M. PRELUDE Pianist Tilford Jackson WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SILENT PREPARATION CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 40:10-11 GLORIA PATRI Accordingly, let those who embrace the promise that God's mercy is to be extended to their children deem it their duty to offer them to the church to be sealed by the symbol of mercy, and thereby to arouse themselves to a surer confidence, because they see with their very eyes the covenant of the Lord engraved upon the bodies of their children. John Calvin Institutes of the Christian Religion

4 * HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 3) This is My Father s World * PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Heidelberg Catechism #69 & 74 How does baptism remind you and assure you that Christ s one sacrifice on the cross is for you personally? In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly his blood and his Spirit wash away my soul s impurity, in other words, all my sins. Should infants, too, be baptized? Yes. Infants as well as adults are in God s covenant and are his people. They, no less than adults, are promised the forgiveness of sin through Christ s blood and the Holy Spirit who produces faith. Therefore, by baptism, the mark of the covenant, infants should be received into the Christian church and should be distinguished from the children of unbelievers. This was done in the Old Testament by circumcision, which was replaced in the New Testament by baptism. HOW IS OUR BAPTISM TO BE IMPROVED BY US? The needful but much neglected duty of improving our baptism, is to be performed by us all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and when we are present at the administration of it to others; by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn vow made therein; by being humbled for our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the grace of baptism, and our engagements; by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacrament; by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of sin, and quickening of grace; and by endeavoring to live by faith, to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness, as those that have therein given up their names to Christ; and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body. Westminster Larger Catechism, Question

5 CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA IS A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA THIS IS MY FATHER S WORLD Empowered by the Gospel, we aim to experience God s pleasure in fostering true knowledge, holy affection, and faithful obedience through historic worship, biblical learning, genuine community, and cultural outreach to the end that God s people are gathered and Christ s Kingdom is extended throughout Ventura County and beyond. OFFICERS Teaching Elder Roy R. Bennett (roy@ojaipca.org) Ruling Elder Robert Glass (rglass@raypak.com) Ruling Elder Eric Halvorson (prof.halvorson@gmail.com) STAFF Chief Musician Tilford Jackson Office Manager Debbie Glass CONTACT INFORMATION PO Box 25 Ojai, CA (805) / WORSHIP LOCATION Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura at 4:00 PM ANNOUNCEMENTS EARLYBIRD BIBLE READING Wed. at 6:30 AM General Letters Coffee Bean and Tea 4360 Main St. in Ventura MISSION SPOTLIGHT January 10 th Dr. Samuel Ling China February 7 th Rev. Seima Aoyagi Japan March 14 th Rev. Joel Pelsue Hollywood April th Rev. Mike Malone Africa May 30 th Rev. Jim Bailey Cloudhaven June 19 th Rev. Tom Patton World Missions 14 3

6 THE PSALTER Psalm 78:1-8 (ESV) GOD THAT MADEST EARTH AND HEAVEN 78 :1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, 3 things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, keep his commandments; 8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God. The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! * HYMN OF TRUST (Music on page 5) Children of the Heavenly Father 4 13

7 * PRAYER OF PROTECTION Saint Augustine, Unison: Blessed are all your saints, O God and King, who have traveled over the tempestuous sea of this mortal life and have entered the harbor of peace and felicity. Watch over us who are still on our dangerous journey and remember that we are exposed to the rough storms of trouble and temptations. Frail is our vessel and the ocean is wide, but as in your mercy you have set our course, so steer the vessel of our life toward the everlasting shore of peace, and bring us at last to the quiet haven of our hearts desire, where you, our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are blessed and live and reign for ever and ever. CHILDREN OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER * BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up the light of his countenance and give you peace. * DISMISSAL HYMN (Music on page 13) God That Madest Earth and Heaven POSTLUDE Go in peace to love and serve the risen Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God! Pianist Tilford Jackson * Congregation Standing All music reproduction is by permission CCLI#

8 THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Unison: Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and death and have brought us to yourself. We thank you that by the sealing of the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection to newness of life and have bound us to yourself and to your service. Renew us, O Lord, by the same Holy Spirit, granting us an inquiring mind, an affectionate and discerning heart, and the courage to will and persevere in all that you would call us to, through Jesus Christ our Lord. THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL What one should seek is an inheritance of immortality, not one of money, and one should never call Jesus to be divider of the latter (Ambrose). Covetousness divides, but charity gathers people together (Augustine). Covetousness is nothing more than a form of idolatry. This general principle leads to a parable that revolves around the concept of gift. Is he going to Dear Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for Todd and Hannah Curtis, who have come to declare publicly their allegiance to your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death. Daily open their hearts to your grace and truth. Fill them with your life-giving Spirit. Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church. Enable them to love others in the power of the Spirit. Send them into the world to be witnesses to your grace and love. And preserve them until they arrive in their heavenly home to enjoy the fullness of your peace and glory. Lord, hear our prayer. Father, we pray for these children, Audrey Willow Joy and Jack Webb Curtis. Deliver them from the way of sin and death; open their hearts to your grace and truth; fill them with your lifegiving Spirit; keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church; prepare them to witness to your love; and bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory. Lord, hear our prayer. And we pray for these parents: Todd and Hannah Curtis. Grant them grace so to live before these children, loving them, teaching them, praying with them and for them, that by their faithful living and through the power of the gospel all of the promises of the covenant may be fulfilled in their lives. Lord, hear our prayer. hoard the gift, as a proud and fearful Pharisee might do and thus be guilty of greed (Cyril of Alexandria) The bellies of the poor are safer storehouses than one s barns (Augustine). He had not seen that the love of God creates a habit of good works that are the only preparation necessary for the life to come. Those who know they are mortal should not come to the end unprepared (Leo the Great). Only virtue and compassion follow us after death (Ambrose). To be rich toward God is to love virtue instead of wealth and to believe that God is the giver of all things, including life and salvation (Cyril of Alexandria). Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture Luke: Edited by Arthur A. Just Jr. 11

9 SERMON NOTES And we pray for ourselves, the congregation of Christ Church Ventura: Grant us grace to welcome Audrey and Jack, to love them and pray for them, to engage their fellowship, encourage their growth and extend them our care as duty done to you, the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer. Amen. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM Renew and strengthen, O Lord, these children of the covenant, Audrey Willow Joy and Jack Webb Curtis, by your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service and sustain them all their days. Defend them, O Lord, by your grace that they may continue in your way forever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more until, at last, they come to your everlasting kingdom; we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. * HYMN OF FAITH (Music on page 8) Fairest Lord Jesus * NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 12:13-21 (ESV) 12 :13 Someone in the crowd said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. 14 But he said to him, Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you? 15 And he said to them, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. 16 And he told them a parable, saying, The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops? 18 And he said, I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry. 20 But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be? 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! 10 7

10 FAIREST LORD JESUS * PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AFTERNOON SERMON PASTORAL PRAYER OFFERTORY * DOXOLOGY The Foolish Builder Reverend Roy R. Bennett * PRAYER OF DEDICATION 8 9