An End of the Year Update
“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1-2
We certainly have much to be thankful for as we reflect on what the Lord has done this past year in the planting of Providence Presbyterian Church!
He brought and gathered people together during the winter, administered the details for beginning worship services in the spring, and sustained us and added to our number in the summer.
Most recently, He formed stronger relationships among us this fall.
Inquirer’s Classes
One of the most exciting updates since our last church planting newsletter has been that we have officially begun the process of receiving our first members!
We hosted two Inquirer’s Classes in November, where I shared the origins of Providence, our theological beliefs and convictions, and our future goals. The class took place on a Friday evening and Saturday morning and we shared dinner and breakfast together.
Both classes were very full (we had close to 50 people between the two!), and we’re excited to be hosting another class in January.
Those who wish to move forward with church membership will be having meetings with our temporary session over the next few weeks, and then they will take public vows before the congregation and officially become members.
Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies
We also hosted our first men’s and women’s Bible studies this fall.
The men studied the book of Judges using Dale Ralph Davis’s commentary in September, and the women studied the book of Ruth using John Currid’s commentary in October. The studies were rich and the fellowship and discussion were very encouraging.
We staggered the studies so we wouldn’t have to separate families multiple times each week, and we plan to continue that this winter when the women study Joshua and the men study Colossians.
Mug Swap, Caroling, Evening Worship, & Potlucks
In addition to the Inquirer’s Classes and Bible studies, we’ve had several great fellowship events over the past few months.
The women had a Mug Swap in the fall and recently gathered together for a Favorite Things Christmas party.
(Don’t feel bad for the guys! We’ll be hanging out to watch the college football national championship game in January and we have a weekend retreat coming up in February.)
We went Christmas caroling through the Cherokee Hills neighborhood and met together afterward for dinner and hot chocolate.
Moms and kids have continued to meet monthly for Mornings with Moms, and we’ve had a couple more evening worship services and potlucks (or “pot-providences,” as some like to call them).
The events are fun in and of themselves, but we truly are enjoying one another’s company!
We’ve also been encouraged by all of the informal gatherings and hospitality that’s been shown among our congregation. We hoped and prayed for this kind of fellowship when we were in the early stages of Providence, and the Lord has answered our prayers.
Sunday Worship
We’ve been meeting for Sunday morning worship for a little over 8 months now, and we’re in a great rhythm.
Preparation for worship goes smoothly and we are grateful to have so many people who come early to joyfully serve in setting up the chairs, preparing the elements for the Lord’s Supper, taking care of children in the nursery, and sweeping the floors.
While I’ve been taking a short break over these past two weeks to preach on advent passages for Christmas, I’m continuing to preach through the book of John. (You can find all of our sermon audio and see an outline of our services in our Worship Guides on our website here.)
Our numbers are steadily increasing and we average around 60 people each Sunday.
Support Update
As I mentioned in our last newsletter, we’ve met and exceeded our support goals for the first 3 years of the church plant. Praise God!
Not only is this a huge answer to prayer, but it is also affirming of the Lord’s hand in providing for Providence.
Thank you to all of you who have supported and have pledged to support Providence. Please pray that the Lord would continue to bless Providence’s finances and that we would be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us.
If you would like to continue to support the work of Providence, you can give online here.
Prayer Requests
We are grateful for your prayers! Here are a few more specific things you can be praying for Providence:
Upcoming member meetings and our next Inquirer’s Class. Please pray that the member meetings would be an encouraging time of hearing what the Lord has done in the lives of those in our congregation. Please also pray for the upcoming Inquirer’s Class, that it will give those who attend a clear overview of our church’s theological convictions and future goals.
Our next Bible studies. We are looking forward to our next men’s and women’s Bible studies this winter! Please pray that these studies would deepen our understanding of God’s Word and increase our love for Him.
Our congregation. Please join us in praying for continued unity, love, and care among the people of Providence as we worship together and serve alongside one another each week.
The men serving on our temporary Session. Please continue to pray for wisdom, strength, and protection as they serve and guide our church.
2022 has been a memorable year for Providence Presbyterian Church; one we will fondly look back on for many years, Lord willing.
Thank you for following along, supporting the work of our church, and praying for us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Until next time,
Jake Hooker
