Invite a friend from any faith or non-faith to try Alpha together. It’s a no-pressure way to explore Jesus, with no question, belief,

or idea off -limits. It’s a place to talk about diffi cult seasons like having doubts or fears or being dissatisfi ed with life (feels we all sometimes feel). Or it’s a place to simply meet new people or share what you believe. Alpha is for Christians, too, and can help rekindle faith that has cooled.

Tuesdays, Jan. 21 to Mar. 10 | 6:30-8:15 PM at MDPCFree dinner, free childcareLearn more: alpha.mdpc.org

11:15 AM TRADITIONAL MUSIC

Praise & Worship • Confession • Message • Offering

Musicians in these Services: Meliza Gómez and Michael Middleton, worship leaders Asher Pudlo, drums • Daniel Martinez, keys • Daniel Amaya, bass • George Heathco, guitar

8:30 AM BLENDED & 9:45 AM CONTEMPORARY

Prelude Choral in E Major César Franck (1822-1890)

Choral Introit All Creatures of Our God and King arr. Mark Hayes (b. 1953)

*Hymn of Praise #155 Rejoice, the Lord Is King (Vs. 1-3) DARWALL’S 148TH

Anthem We Walk by Faith Jan Sanborn (b. 1958)

Offertory Credo (from Gospel Mass) Robert Ray (b. 1946)

*Hymn of Response #276 Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Vs. 1) FAITHFULNESS

Postlude Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise arr. Don Wyrtzen (b. 1942)

Musicians in this Service: Sanctuary Choir • Jason Amos, soloist • Julio Sanchez, percussion Kathryn White, piano/organ • Dr. Charles Hausmann, conductor

* Please stand if able. CCLI # 18237411612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Hebrews 11:1-7Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God Himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

I BelieveDeuteronomy 6:4-9; Hebrews 11:1-7 Alf Halvorson preaching

Pastoral TeamDan AikinsAssistant Pastor, Alpha Hub Director Clay Brown Equipping PastorBeth Case Caring Ministries PastorMauricio Chacón Spanish Language PastorAlmir DiasPortuguese Language PastorAlf Halvorson Senior PastorBrett Hurst Relationships PastorRachel PoyskyChildren’s PastorDave Steane Executive Pastor

Connect with UsContact Us Website: mdpc.org Front Office: 713-782-1710Prayer Chain: 713-953-2558

Follow UsFacebook: facebook.mdpc.orgInstagram: instagram.mdpc.orgVimeo: vimeo.mdpc.org

MDPC AppFor a quick download link for Apple and Android, text “APP” to 832-742-1832.

Congregational Updates Fred Kolflat passed away January 1, 2020; Francis Snell passed away January 5, 2020

MDPC Worship8:30 AM • 9:45 AM • 11:15 AM (English & Spanish) • 6:00 PM (Portuguese Language)

CONTACTS & CONNECTIONS AT MDPC

AIDS Foundation Houston leads the innovative efforts in prevention of new HIV infections. It empowers individuals, families, and communities affected by HIV/AIDS to create and sustain healthy lives. Each client meets with a case manager to develop an individualized plan that includes referrals to health, housing, and em-ployment resources. aidshelp.org

Aldine Family Hope Center is for residents of all ages in Aldine, a low-income, unincorporated, often-overlooked area of Harris County. Its educational, vocational, social, recreational, and spiritual programs empower positive change in the lives of youth and families. buckner.org

MDPC Field Partner Urgessa works and serves in Ethiopia as the founder of Light of Hope Ministry (LOH). The vision of LOH is to bring the Good News of God’s love, expressed in the life and death of Jesus, to the Muslim people groups of Ethiopia, beginning with the Arssi Oromo people both in Ethiopia and in North America. LOH carries out their mission through building village schools and litera-cy programs, Bible translation into local dialects, and the vision of establishing a Christian college to train teachers and nurses. MDPC partners with Urgessa through Frontier Fellowship. frontierfellowship.com

Giving: The weekly financial updates will not be printed in the bulletin until the 2020 annual budget is approved by Session in late January. Online giving is available at give.mdpc.org.

Central Asia Mission Trip with TAPJourney to the ancient Silk Road with The Antioch Partners. Experience the beauty and hospitality of Central Asia as you learn how partners are serving in this region.May 12-21 • Cost: $2,750-$3,000 • Includes airfare, transportation, meals, & lodgingContact Hope Whitney: 713-490-9571 or admin@theantiochpartners.org

Wednesdays, January 15- March 46:30-7:30 PM • Summit RoomNeed a fresh approach to prayer in the New Year? Curious what the Scriptures have to say about prayer? Join Beth Case and Leigh McLeroy as they explore the practice of prayer and share contemporary and ancient resources to deepen your prayer life and bring new intimacy to your relationship with God.

prayerpractice.mdpc.org

MDPC Food Service Ministries Hosts International Chef

Tiffany Derry

Register: derry.mdpc.org

Tiffany Derry is the owner of Roots Chicken Shak, Roots Southern Table, Derrywear, and Tiffany Derry Concepts. She

gained international notoriety on the seventh season of Bravo’s Top Chef and as a fi nalist on Top Chef All-Stars. The evening will include heavy appetizers, Ms. Derry’s tips for nourishing both your stomach and your soul, and a Q&A session.

Thursday, January 23 • 6:30-8:30 PMMDPC Fellowship Hall • $10 per person

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES AT MDPC

The Winsome Witness ChallengeJoin us in this Challenge, where we suggest simple and practical ideas for building deeper relationships and sharing your faith with those in your sphere. Consider joining your neighbor-hood community board or HOA, or serving in a role that will enable you to better know, serve, and pray for your community.

Help Fight Childhood Hunger at Houston Food Bank One in four children in Houston often go without meals, and many more lack the good nutrition needed to thrive developmentally. A very simple way you can help is to prepare meals monthly at Houston Food Bank (HFB). These meals are then distributed by HFB to af-ter-school programs throughout Harris County. Will you please join us?Next date: Monday, January 13 • 8:00 AM-NoonRegistration & details: hfb.mdpc.orgQuestions? Contact Suzanne Fitch: fitchsuzanne@hotmail.com

The Big Ten Bible StudyTaught by pastors Beth Case, Rachel Poysky, and Clay Brown. No homework.Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 AM | MC Room 122

MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers)Are you a mom of young children who could use a little break in the week to drop off the kids, relax, and chat with other moms? Come for connection, solid content, adult conversations, and free child-care. Visit MOPS.mdpc.org for all the deets.Every other Thursday, 9:30-11:15 AM | Parlor OR Monthly on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM

Serve on an Outreach CommitteeOutreach Ministries needs 26 volunteers to fill local and global committees. When you serve on one of these teams, you will see God at work through the ministry of our partners. Local com-mittee members will make site visits, and all will work to get to know their partners, resulting in committee funding recommendations. Contact: Jan Roe, jroe@mdpc.org (local); or Kelsi McCormack, kmccormack@mdpc.org (global)

Pick up your new Partner in Prayer packets at the Connection Center.

Today and Next Sunday (Jan. 12 & 19) Between Servicespip.mdpc.org

Contact Annette Erickson: aerickson@mdpc.org or 713-490-9544

2020 Mission Partner Prayer Bookswill be handed out this morning as you enter worship. Please pray for our faithful partners!

Read the Bible in 90 DaysGain fresh insight into God’s character, His plan of salvation, and His love for each individual person in this 14-week course. You’ll read twelve Bible pages a day, and meet once a week for support and encouragement. Led by Hobert Plunkett.Sundays, January 12-April 19 • 11:15 AM-12:15 PMPastor’s Conference RoomPre-register: B90.mdpc.org

The Enneagram & MarriageThe Enneagram is a body of wisdom that can help foster greater communication, connection, and compassion in our relationships.Sundays, beg. Jan. 12 • 11:00 AM • Ministry Center 217Hosted by the Nearly and Newly Class (20s & 30s engaged or married 5 yrs. or less)YA.mdpc.org

Spring Recreational ClassesMDPC’s REACH classes this season include Abrakadoodle, Art, Ballet, Basketball, Bridge, Coder Kids, Dance, Little Geniuses Chess Class, Mini-Star Sports, Music Together, Piano, Soccer Shots, Tumbling & Gymnastics, Voice, Wood-working, and Yoga.Register: reach.mdpc.org

Walking the Mourner’s PathJoin us for this Christ-centered grief program designed to help those dealing with the loss of a loved one. Trained facilitators guide the group.Thursdays, January 16-March 53:30-5:00 PM • Ministry Center Room 116

Fee: $30 for materialsgrief.mdpc.org or contact Beverly Fluke: bfluke@mdpc.org or 713-490-9542

Man vs. Machine at Theology on TapWith the rise of artificial intelligence, let’s exam-ine what it means to be human, whether human nature is fixed or evolving, and where the soul fits in. Come hear Dr. Julie Miller discuss the promises and perils of Transhumanism. Open to young adults in their 20s and 30s.Tuesday, February 11 • 7:00 PM-9:00 PMLocation: Kindred Lutheran Church 2515 Waugh Drive, Houston 77006$5 Suggested Donation (includes Craft Beer & Food)Contact Sarah Stone: sstone@mdpc.org

Church in the CityJoin your MDPC friends and family for this annual service event. We forego the usual Sunday services, and participate in a variety of service projects, both here and with our ministry partners. There are several new and exciting opportunities this year, so please visit the website or the MDPC app for more details. Sunday, February 23Register today at CITC.mdpc.org

Girls’ Getaway: Spring Is Coming!Join us for a time of refreshment, laughter, and fun while enjoying a five-star retreat complete with an outdoor movie, teaching time, and free time to relax. All adult women are welcome, so invite a friend and register today. Friday-Sunday, April 3-5 (Jordan Ranch)Register: getaway.mdpc.org Contact Amanda Grace Caldwell: acaldwell@mdpc.org or 713-490-0931

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES AT MDPC

Sundays, Jan. 12-April 19

11:15 AM

B90 IS AN ENGAGING 90-DAY BIBLE READING

EXPERIENCE

B90.MDPC.ORG

Sunday, January 12, 2020

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

SERMON NOTES

This is the first in a several week series on The Apostles’ Creed, beginning Sunday, Jan. 12, and taking us through Lent and all the way through Easter Sunday. The series will

includee sixteen different messages, including Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

I loved our fall series on the Parables of Jesus from Luke, but I am convinced that this new series at the beginning of 2020, is the exact series needed right now in our church’s life. It will help us think about what we believe, why we believe it, and how to sort through our real questions and doubts. It will give us answers or conversation starters with friends and fam-ily or neighbors who wonder what the Christian faith affirms. And it will give us a chance to strengthen our own faith foundation, in community with others, and with the hoped for result of renewed or new purpose and meaning.

Some of us grew up in Creedal Churches and some did not; some have said the Apostles’ Creed each week with great value, knowing that other Christians around the world and for 1800+ years have recited nearly the same words. Others have recited the Creed mechanically, without much thought to the content and meaning of what they are saying; and there are others who wonder if they can honestly affirm what the Creed says. They either repeat the words with a guilty conscience or simply stay silent as others speak. They have questions and reservations. Why do we need this or any other creed anyway? Aren’t old words like these irrelevant for people in the modern world? Isn’t it just official statements of Christian ortho-doxy like this that divide the church into warring parties certain that their understanding of Christian Faith and life is right and anyone who disagrees with them is wrong? Shouldn’t we just look to the Bible for direction, rather than to human words from long ago? My hope is that we will answer these questions and more over the next several weeks together.

1. What has been your experience with Creeds? Did you recite one in the church you grew up in? What was it? Do you share any of the questions or concerns above? Discuss….

2. Read Deut. 6:4-25 from the Old Testament & these three short passages from the NT: Rom. 10:9, Phil. 2:5-11, and Col 1:15-20---which are all ‘early church creeds’ in Scripture. How do these four Scriptures encourage creedal formulations and recitations? And what is the benefit based on Deuteronomy’s words?

3. Read Heb. 11:1-7. Is there a definition of faith here? What is it in your own words? How does the writer show that faith has past, present, and future dimensions? In my sermon, I talked about faith having to do with knowledge, assent, and trust. Read James 2:19. It suggests that demons have knowledge and assent, but not trust. Why is personal trust so important?

4. I ended my sermon with a story about Sasha Makovkin, a gifted potter originally from Moscow, who I met while in seminary. His reading of the Gospel of John, where eighty times it challenges us to believe, helped him affirm his own faith and become a follower of Jesus. Where is your faith and trust strong and sure right now? And where do you have questions awaiting further clarification? Where is your ‘spiritual sight’ blurry, but might become 2020 in 2020? Pray for each other that this series might move us forward in be-lieving, sharing, and serving.

I Believe Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Hebrews 11:1-7 Alf Halvorson preaching