TheHIGH �e Five Solas

of the Reformation

TheHIGH �e Five Solas

of the Reformation

TheHIGH �e Five Solas

of the Reformation

TheHIGH �e Five Solas

of the Reformation Scripture Alone2 Timothy 3:14-17

Alf Halvorson preaching

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Please silence all devices, and refrain from consuming food or beverages during worship.

Elementary school students: Come eat pizza and play games at a Pizza Party

in The Galaxy, MDPC’s super stellar space for kids!

Kindergarten and first graders party to-day; Pizza Parties for second through fifth graders are in October and November.

K & 1st Grade’s Party is today!12:30-2:30 PM | The Galaxy

Today

!

For any adults currently in the parenting trenches! These stand-alone discussions on select Sundays throughout the year are opportunities to the exchange of new ideas and proven strategies. Open to all!

Sunday, October 4 | 11:15 AM, Summit Room:

Don't Take it Personal with Sara Kuhn

� pip.mdpc.org

� health.mdpc.org

� parenting.mdpc.org� children.mdpc.org

� women.mdpc.org

� study.mdpc.org

� food.mdpc.org� register.mdpc.org

SKILLS LABHow to Study Your Bible

Refresh your skills and learn something new in these drop-in sessions taught

by some of MDPC’s best Bible teachers. Bring your Bible!

First* Session Is Today!MC 122 | 11:15 AM

Part of the MDPC Bible Essentials Series

Taught by Jim Armstrong

Next Sunday, October 4 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Entrée Selections ($10)

Roasted Chicken or Grilled CatfishServed with Sweet Potato Mash, Roasted Squash, Broccoli

Entrée Salad ($8.50): Tuna-stuffed Avocado

Children’s Menu ($4): Pizza

Join us! Everyone is welcome.

All-Church Lunch

*The second of two is on December 13. These are stand-alone, drop-in classes.

The Well:What do we fear?

Wednesday, October 28 • 6:30-8:00 PM • ChapelLight snacks @ 6:15 PM • Childcare by reservation: childcare@mdpc.org

Women in all life stages are coming together to hear a panel of real, honest women talk about the things they fear, and how Christ has brought peace in the midst of dark places.

Meet us at The Well, a gathering place for women of all ages to commune and connect.

Partner In Prayer 2016Through PIP, thousands of people are prayed for every day. God uses the power of this quiet min-istry to bring health, life, and peace to our church family. To be a 2016 Partner In Prayer:

Sign-up Sundays are on October 11 and 18!

Can’t wait? Register now at pip.mdpc.org.

Coordinating Team Mauricio Chacón | Associate Pastor for FuenteBrandon Gaide | Associate Pastor for Next GenGinny Glass | Communications & Media Dir.Meliza Gómez | Contemporary Music Dir.Luke Gordon | Youth Ministries Dir.Alf Halvorson | Senior Pastor Charles Hausmann | Traditional Music Dir.Kristin Huffman | Associate Pastor for OutreachBrett Hurst | Relationships MinisterGena Kooken | Sr. Leadership Ministry Coor.Rick Myers | Associate Pastor for CaringRachel Poysky | Children’s Ministries Dir.Becky Riggs | Business AdministratorDave Steane | Executive Pastor & Head of StaffKathryn White | Coordinating Music Dir.Karen Winship | Human Resources Dir.

Dave Peterson | Pastor Emeritus Gary Bowker | Pastor Emeritus

MDPC FoundationFor information, contact Business Administrator Becky Riggs at briggs@mdpc.org or 713-953-2570.

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

MDPC Worship MDPC infoMDPC highlights

Ministry PartnersPray for these MDPC partners working to make a difference in the lives of others:

Scripture Awakening provides resources to encour-age people to read, study, and live the Bible and awaken the world to the power of God’s Word .scriptureawakening.com

SEARCH Homeless Services helps thousands of men, women, and children each year. Its ultimate goal is for clients to achieve some stability so they can move into permanent housing and increase their incomes. A primary resource at SEARCH is in-depth case management tailored to individual needs. searchhomeless.org

The Antioch Partners (TAP) equips and sends cross-cultural servants into the world who demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ in tangible ways. TAP’s goals are to see people become followers of Jesus and to foster the formation of worshipping communities among the unreached. theantiochpartners.org

It’s Mission Extreme: Family Edition!We’ll serve Houston at various mission organizations, eat ethnic food at family-owned restaurants, and take a prayer tour of the city. You’ll see a side of Houston you’ve never seen before! Create a great family memory while learning the importance of serving together. For kids second grade and up; each child must have at least one parent attend.Saturday-Sunday, November 7-8 | $50/person (includes meals, transportation, lodging)Please only sign up if you can commit to the ENTIRE weekend: registration.mdpc.org Contact Mallory (mmoore@mdpc.org) or Rachel (rpoysky@mdpc.org) with questions.

Small Groups: Study “The High Five” this Fall!Pastor Alf begins a new sermon series today on the five solas of the Reformation: Scrip-ture alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and To the Glory of God alone. Friends, families, small groups, and classes are encouraged to pick up Sermon Notes and discuss. These important topics will bring background information and added focus as we listen to Dr. Halvorson’s sermons. Additional content (excerpts from Scripture, our Confessions, pastoral reflections) will be available throughout the series at the Connection Center and at highfive.mdpc.org.Five Weeks: September 27-October 16, and November 15-27

Pathways Class for WomenPathways is starting a study of Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ on October 4. This is a great way for women to follow up the recent lecture series on the book. We are always excited to have new members and promise to make you feel welcome!Sundays, 9:45 AM | MC 218Contact Mary Jo Holloman: mjhollo@sbcglobal.net, 713-882-8905

A Call to Engagement: Faithful Responses to Climate ChangeThis conference is designed to educate PC(USA) members about faithful alternatives to divestment of companies producing fossil fuels, while still engaging the veracity of cli-mate change. The symposium includes keynote speakers Dr. Katherine Hayhoe and Mar-shall Saunders, two breakout sessions, Friday dinner, and Saturday breakfast and lunch. Friday, October 2 (2:15-8:15 PM) & Saturday, October 3 (8:00 AM-3:00 PM) | MDPC | $45Register at eventbrite.com (search “Faithful Alternatives to Divestment from Fossil Fuel”).

Calling All Knitters!Have you ever wanted to express your concern beyond using comforting words? Your knitting can reach out locally and globally through these quiet yet powerful ministries: Knitting for Missions: Every Monday | 9:30 AM | MC Room 126Prayer Shawl Ministry: October 5 (normally second Monday monthly; moved due to Columbus Day) | 6:30 PM | The Nook at MDPCContact Maritza Pujols with questions: mpujols@mdpc.org or 713-490-9556

Let’s Talk About PornOur kids- boys and girls alike- are facing an unprecedented tidal wave of pornography, often with devastating effects. The average age of exposure to porn is 11 years old. 12-17 year olds are the largest porn consumers, averaging about 50 clips per week. A host of area churches are sponsoring a forum for parents, grandparents, educators, mentors, and other caring adults who want a plan on how to proactively address this issue. One of the presenters is MDPC member, Tim Mavergeorge. Come and learn strategies to inspire your kids to avoid pornography and equip them with the tools to resist looking. Whether your child is in the cradle or in college, you’ll benefit from this.Sunday, October 18 | 6:00-8:00 PM | Chapelwood United MethodistRegister: letstalkaboutporn.com

The Venturers at MDPC presentHarris County: Who We Are, Where We Are, & Where We’re GoingThe Venturers senior adult fellowship group welcomes Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. Monday, October 5 | Social Hour 6:00 PM, Dinner/Program 7:00 PMWestchase Hilton (9999 Westheimer Road)RSVP by Wednesday, September 30 to Chuck & Linnie Edwards: 9350 Shady Lane Circle, 77063 (713-785-7115)

MDPC Turns 60...In 2015, we celebrate 60 years of faith

and ministry!Our pastoral staff has always had fun together! Above are MDPC pastors in 2000, clockwise from top left: Dave Peterson, Brett Hurst, Kristin Huffman, Gary Ferbet, Dave Carpenter, and Gary Bowker.

Do you have classic MDPC photos? Email scans to Eva Kaminski (ekaminski@mdpc.org) or drop prints at the Front Office. Originals will be returned.

W EEK LY FI NA NCIA L U PDATEOperating Income 2015 Budget $ 10,500,000Expected Income to date $ 5,719,295Actual Income to date $ 5,487,814Current Income Deficit $ 231,481Pictured: Ralph Wheeler giving his time and talent at SEARCH Home-less Services. We're grateful for our members' generosity in all its forms!

Please Pray...Today's chancel flowers are given• byLeeandLarryMueller,inmemoryof

Ann Shidell Mueller and in celebration of her life.

The White Rose is in memory of• Byron W. Applegate, who passed away

September 13, 2015.• Hax Haxby, who passed away September

15, 2015. • Alice Horn, who passed away September

15, 2015.

OTHER Worship opportunities

8:30 Blended service

9:45 contemporary service

11:15 traditional service

*Please stand if able. CCLI # 182374

SPANISH SERVICE 11:15 AM | Chapel fuente.mdpc.org

FIFTH SERVICE 5:00 PM | Chapel fifthservice.mdpc.org

WORSHIP INVITATION Meliza Gómez | Michael Middleton

*WORSHIP MUSIC

*MOMENT OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE Brandon Gaide

WELCOME Dave Steane

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Alf Halvorson

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE

MESSAGE The High Five: Scripture Alone Alf Halvorson 2 Timothy 3:14-17

PRELUDES My God and I arr. Gilbert Martin

Nimrod from Enigma Variations Elgar/arr. White

WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP Dave Steane

CHORAL INTROIT If God Himself Be for Me Michael Costello

*HYMN OF PRAISE O Word of God Incarnate #327; Vs. 1, 2, 3 | Munich

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE Rick Myers

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed

CHORAL ANTHEM Speak to One Another of Psalms Jean Berger (1909-2002)

STEPHEN MINISTRY LEADER COMMISSIONING

OFFERTORY O Light of Life Mack Wilberg (b. 1955)

MESSAGE The High Five: Scripture Alone Alf Halvorson 2 Timothy 3:14-17

*HYMN OF RESPONSE My Faith Looks Up to Thee #383; Vs. 2 | Olivet

POSTLUDE Trumpet Tune in D John Stanley (1712-1786)

WELCOME Dave Steane

*SONGS OF PRAISE Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Hymn to Joy

The Solid Rock arr. Gómez

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE Rick Myers

SONG OF PREPARATION Nothing But the Blood of Jesus arr. Lowry

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE Rising Sun Jordan/Leonard/Lee/Mabury

MESSAGE The High Five: Scripture Alone Alf Halvorson 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Sermon Notes are available from the ushers and at the Connection Center and Front Office.

What Is Stephen Ministry?Stephen Ministry is MDPC’s one-on-one caring ministry. God works through Stephen Ministers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting because of some kind of tragedy-grief and loss, divorce, loss of job, or any major life transition. MDPC’s Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. Their commonality? A passion for

bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. Stephen Ministers listen, explore feelings, pray, and share Christ’s love.Listed here are MDPC’s currently active Stephen Ministers and Leaders:

Stephen MinistersBrian BumpassBeverly FlukePaul HelblingSteve JarvisCharles LangKathy ReddenRosalie SchermerhornLisa ShelferSue WarrenPat Weinberg

Stephen LeadersWarren BrightBitsy ClevelandBetty LangRick MyersMarsha TimbyPat Weinberg

If you are interested in either speaking with a Stephen Minister or becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Reverend Rick Myers at rmyers@mdpc.org or 713-490-9542, or Pat Weinberg at 281-224-5311.

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther stood before the Diet of Worms and declared, “My

conscience is captive to the Word of God. Unless I am convinced by reason and the Word of God that I am in error, here I stand, I can do no other.” He and other Reformers like John Calvin identified five essentials of the faith that they could not compromise: Sola Scriptura–Scripture alone, Solus Christus–Christ Alone, Sola Gratia–Grace Alone, Sola Fide–Faith Alone, and Soli Deo Gloria–To the Glory of God Alone. These have been the hallmarks of Reformation/Presbyterian Faith ever since.

1. How familiar are you with these five Solas? Which one seems most important to you? Which one least important? Why or why not?

2. I talked about Mercedes-Benz; Dickinson College; Jim Collin’s book, How the Mighty Fall; and a letter from my mom—all of which addressed foundational principles. How important in your mind is it for the members of an organization to know their organizing principles? What might happen if they forget them?

3. How do you know if they still apply today?

4. Matt. 5:17-18, Heb. 4:12, and 2 Tim. 3:14-17 describe Scripture as our authority for faith and life, for what we believe and how we behave. For you, how is Scripture inspired? What does that mean based on the texts listed above, and others you might share with your group?

5. From 2 Tim. 3:16, and in your own life, give an example of how God-breathed Scripture has been “useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Which of the four uses is most prominent in your life? Is there an element you ignore or run from?

6. I said in the sermon that “the Bible is not a weapon meant to wound, but a love letter to share the heart of God, to inspire us to life, not death.” Then I told a story from Dave Peter-son’s book, The Bless Challenge, where his dad had written notes in books to Dave, and that his dad was speaking to him through the books. How have you experienced God speaking to you through Scripture?

7. Is there a new way for you to incorporate Scripture more and more into your life? Daily reading? Memorization? Comparing translations? Another way?

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Scripture AloneMatt. 5:17-18, Heb. 4:12, 2 Tim. 3:14-17 (NRSV)

Rev. Dr. Alf Halvorson Preaching

Digging deeper

TheHIGH �e Five Solas

of the Reformation

TheHIGH �e Five Solas

of the Reformation