John 1:14 says:
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

We give thanks to God for the teaching of John 1:1-18, from Stephen Rockwell, New Testament Lecturer from George Whitefield College, during our church retreat last month.  How beautiful it was to be reminded of the wonderful truth found in the gospel of Jesus Christ – “to all who received him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”  Praise God for the gift of His amazing grace!  As Stephen Rockwell rightly put it, “we are great sinners, but He is our great Saviour.”

Below are some personal words of encouragement from people who have attended the church retreat.

Angela Xu
Started attending Christ Church in 2017

1. When was the first time you attended our retreat, Renovaré?  Why have you returned the following year(s)?
   My first retreat was in 2017 and this was my third retreat. Church retreats have been wonderful times of soaking in God’s Word, enjoying nature, and having fun with God’s family.
2. During the Retreat, we studied John 1:1-18, what was the main lesson that you have learned?
   Jesus! Hearing from John 1 impressed upon me how wonderful He really is. I was struck by the fact that Jesus created the universe and is upholding it even now. It’s amazing to think that the Jesus, “Author of Life” has come to dwell with us. We can know Him, and if we trust Jesus, we receive “blessing upon blessing” in Him.
3. What was your most memorable part of the retreat?
   The “mandatory fun” is always memorable. Aussie bites from Costco are an annual treat. This year, I think I’ll remember coming back after the weekend and feeling refreshed mentally and spiritually.

Victor Luu
Started attending Christ Church 2018

I enjoyed the retreat on several dimensions. First, it was great to have dedicated time to study a famous passage of the Bible. Stephen Rockwell’s explanations and illustrations helped me to see how the prologue of John is both important theologically as well as comforting personally. On the latter, Rev. Rockwell encouraged me with his point that “we’re too much like pirates”: we’ve grown accustomed to darkness even though our God is a god of light, light that overcomes darkness. This message brings hope amidst temptations and challenges in our lives, churches, and society. 

Beyond the teaching, retreat also provided valuable un-rushed time to fellowship with other members of the Christ Church congregation. I got plenty of opportunities to connect with old and new friends alike over meals, small group discussions, and bonfires. After building up community there, we tore it all down during free time with competitive rounds of soccer and board games based on bluffing and deception. Overall, retreat blended together many key parts of the Christian life – Bible teaching, prayer, fellowship, and rest – into one weekend and for that I’m thankful.

Sermon Series: The Beatitudes – The Good Life

Sermon Title: The Merciful

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-16

Prayer for Today: O God, without you we are not able to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662 – Adapted)

Songs for Sunday:

• Come, Christians, Join to Sing
• Sing Praise to the Lord!
• Depth of Mercy
• His Mercy Is More
• Behold the Lamb
• And Can It Be

Sermon Title: How the Ten Commandments Are Like a Teabag

Guest Speaker: Mr. Jim Tyne

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5:1-29

Prayer for Today: Lord, we beseech you, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662)

Songs for Sunday:

• Holy, Holy, Holy
• All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
• Jesus Paid It All
• Speak, O Lord
• Come, Thou Fount
• All People That on Earth Do Dwell

Sermon Series: The Beatitudes – The Good Life

Sermon Title: The Hungry

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-16

Prayer for Today: Lord, we pray to you that your grace may always be with us, that we may be continually disposed to do all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662 – Adapted)

Songs for Sunday:

• Holy, Holy, Holy
• Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
• Come to the Waters
• Lord, I Need You
• A Debtor to Mercy Alone
• Lift High the Name of Jesus

Sermon Series: The Beatitudes – The Good Life

Sermon Title: The Meek

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-16

Prayer for Today: O Lord, we beseech you, let your continual pity cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your support, preserve it evermore by your help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662)

Songs for Sunday:

• Doxology
• Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
• Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder
• His Mercy is More
• We Will Feast in the House of Zion
• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
• For All the Saints

Sermon Series: The Beatitudes – The Good Life

Sermon Title: Those Who Mourn

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-16

Prayer for Today: Keep your Church, we beseech you, O Lord, through your perpetual mercy; and, because in our frailty we would fall without you, keep us by your help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662 – Adapted)

Songs for Sunday:

• I Sing the Mighty Power of God
• Across the Lands
• By Thy Mercy
• Jesus, I am Resting, Resting
• Depth of Mercy
• Living Waters

Sermon Title: Blessed Are Those Who Groan

Guest Preacher: Rev. Paul Wolfe (click here for an introduction)

Bible Reading: Romans 8:18-25

Prayer for Today: Almighty and everlasting God, give us the increase of faith, hope, and love; and, so that we may obtain those things which you promise, help us to love all that you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662 – Adapted)

Songs for Sunday:

• Creation Sings the Father’s Song
• Jesus Paid it All
• Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
• Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor
• Oh How Good It Is

Paul serves as Senior Pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia, where he lives with his wife Christy and their three children. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Westminster Theological Seminary. Paul is also an author of two books, My God is True: Lessons Learned Along Cancer’s Dark Road and Setting our Sights on Heaven: Why It’s Hard and Why It’s Worth It.

You can learn more about Paul Wolfe from his website.

Sermon Series: The Beatitudes – The Good Life

Sermon Title: Poor in Spirit

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-16

Prayer for Today: Almighty and merciful God, through your grace your faithful people do unto you true and laudable service: Grant, we beseech you, that we may so faithfully serve you in this life, that we fail not finally to attain your heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662 – Adapted)

Songs for Sunday:

• Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
• Creation Sings the Father’s Song
• Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed
• Rock of Ages
• Depth of Mercy
• Jesus Shall Reign

As you think and pray about how you can best serve in the life of the church for the good of the church, here’s an article by Jonathan Leeman you might find interesting and helpful.