The Pastor’s Perspective
By Brad Mercer

We have much to look forward to in 2009!

New Sunday Morning Sermon Series

Beginning on Sunday, February 1 we will begin a new Sunday morning sermon series: “Truth and Love: The Letters of John.” We will explore the Apostle John’s three letters in our search to understand and apply the interrelationship of sound doctrine with sound living.

Agape and Koinonia Class

Clint Guenther has been leading us through an outstanding study of C.S. Lewis’s, The Screwtape Letters. When Clint finishes this study toward the end of January, Gene Stansel will begin a new series. His title will be “The Church: A Covenant Family.” The class will cover the Bible’s teaching regarding our place with the fellowship of the local church. As such, we will consider both doctrinal and practical issues surrounding our responsibilities as members of a church family.

Veritas Class

Beginning soon, Stephen Pillow and Lee Coleman will lead a study through Tim Keller’s new book, The Prodigal God. Be sure to read Lee Coleman’s class report.

Women’s Ministries

Be looking for more information soon on women’s ministry at Westminster. Cindy’s Discipleship Groups are full and ready go.

Youth Ministries

See Trey O’Brien’s Youth Ministry report included in the newsletter. Please continue to pray for the Session as we continue our search for an Assistant Minister.

Communicant’s Class

Beginning on February 1, 2009, during the Sunday school hour, I will be teaching an optional course on the five questions of church membership. This is an optional class available to sixth graders and older. I am really looking forward to this! More details coming later.

New Pew Bibles

The Session recently approved the purchase of new pew Bibles. The new Bible will be the English Standard Version. This is one the finest translations of Scripture available today. Most PCA churches are moving to this Bible. I have listed several endorsements:

“The translation is outstanding. The ESV achieves a new standard in accurate Bible translations for our day.” Dr. R. C. Sproul

“We are building all our future ministry around the ESV.” Dr. John Piper

“The ESV embodies both word-for-word exactness and easy readability. It has quickly become my primary Bible for both personal use and public teaching.” Dr. Jerry Bridges

“We use the English Standard Version as our church Bible because we are passionate about God’s Word—every last word of it—and because we want our children to have the best available translation for reading, teaching, preaching, memorizing, and serious Bible study.” Dr. Philip Ryken