August 5, 2022
Earlier this summer, your elders approved a new purpose statement for our church. We have been working on this statement slowly since the fall of 2020, and finally we have the joy of unveiling it and presenting it to you. Here it is:
Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church exists
to pursue TRANSFORMATION
by TRUTH AND GRACE
TOGETHER
for the glory of Christ,
faithfully communicating all of God’s inerrant word, gathering in the lost, and equipping the saints for active participation in ministry.
This Sunday morning, we begin a four part mini-series (each of our four teaching elders preaching one week) to unpack these words more fully and set forth our hope for how they might continue to define our ministry in Ridgeland and in the Jackson metro area.
I write "continue," for though the words may be new, they express what POPC has long been and aimed to be. This purpose statement has two parts: a WHY and a WHAT. Our desire, mission, passion, focus, and goal is to see lives more and more changed by the truth of God's gospel of grace - by both His truth and His grace together He conforms His people into the image of His Son. This transforming work, though accomplished within us as individuals, is never accomplished in isolation; rather, we grow in Christ-likeness together as the church, as each part of the body uses their God-given gifts to build up the body in love. God has situated us on 750 Pear Orchard Road, and wherever we scatter throughout the week, to make committed disciples by means of His truth communicated in reliance upon the grace of God and in a gracious manner, as we dwell together in community with one another. Every aspect of our pursuit is for the glory of Christ Jesus our Savior, the Father who sent Him, and the Spirit whom He sent.
WHAT do we do to accomplish this WHY? We could say many things, but your elders have boiled it down to three actions that, though present in every Christian church, we believe are manifested in particular ways here at POPC. Those last three phrases - set off by the verbs communicating, gathering, and equipping - are the ways that we pursue transformation by truth and grace together for the glory of Christ.
I'm excited that we have the opportunity to present this purpose statement (or "mission statement" if that more naturally rolls off your tongue) to you this month. Pray with us that it will guide and focus our ministries, serve as a filtering mechanism as we are presented with an array of ministry opportunities, and draw in others who share this same desire and passion. If you want a preview of my sermon this Sunday, check out our website!
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This Lord's Day we celebrate the Lord's Supper together. This sign of our communion and fellowship with Jesus Christ and with His body reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus for us, our only hope and the source of our confidence and obedience. Every other religion teaches that if we obey and perform properly, God will accept us and love us; Christianity says that God has loved us and sent His Son to live obediently in our place and to die for our disobedience - and that it is as a result of His work for us and in us that we obey. As one pastor put it, the gospel declares that you're never so bad that you're beyond the reach of God's grace, and you're never so good that you're beyond the need of God's grace. The Lord's Supper reiterates this truth and grace in tangible form, and transforms us together as we spiritually eat and drink the body and blood of our Savior.
The Westminster Larger Catechism is filled with rich material for meditation as we prepare to come to the Lord's table. Question 174 is particularly helpful: What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in the time of the administration of it?
Answer: It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, heedfully discern the Lord’s body, and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings, and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; in judging themselves, and sorrowing for sin; in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, feeding on him by faith, receiving of his fulness, trusting in his merits, rejoicing in his love, giving thanks for his grace; in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints. (Click here for the Scripture references that go with each phrase of the catechism answer).
Come to the table ready to give thanks to God for the forgiveness of sins and the righteousness of Christ imputed to you and to all the saints!
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Congratulations to Mr. Scott Miller and Mr. Dylan Halter!
Scott, a son of Pear Orchard and our former Youth Intern and Interim Youth Director, was approved this past Tuesday by the Presbytery of the Mississippi Valley for ordination as a gospel minister at First Presbyterian Church (he will be the Minister of Young Adults and College).
Dylan Halter, one of our seminary interns, was licensed by Presbytery to preach the gospel within our bounds. He will be serving as Student Supply at Pickens Presbyterian Church while studying at RTS.
Both men went through rigorous writing and oral exams, and did a great job on the floor of Presbytery. Both had to preach before Presbytery - if you think this might be intimidating, you would be correct - and both did a wonderful job. Be praying for their ministries!
2. Here's how you can serve at POPC!
If you've been wondering how you can get involved in ministry at our church, click here and you'll see all the different ministry opportunities at POPC.
Contact the individual(s) listed if you're interested in learning more.
God has given each member of His body gifts to be used for the building up of the body (Ephesians 4:16; Romans 12:3-7; I Corinthians 12:4-7), so pray for wisdom to know how to use your gifts for His glory!