Exploring & Applying God’s Word Each Day (week of 8/11/24)
In Morning Worship on Sunday, we explored Daniel 2:31-49. In this passage, we were reminded that Daniel reveals what is hidden, and he can only do this because God knows what is hidden and reveals it to Daniel.
Through recounting and interpreting the vision, Daniel makes known to King Nebuchadnezzar two clear realities:
God can reveal what is hidden
God’s Kingdom is greater than all the worldly kingdoms
This is what God had shown to Nebuchadnezzar. What does Daniel’s revelation reveal to us?
We serve in the courts of human kings all the while knowing that God’s Kingdom is advancing.
We saw that the vision of Nebuchadnezzar is the hope of all believers:
Jesus will destroy all worldly kingdoms and replace them with His eternal reign over us.
We heard the following main proposition reflected in the text:
By His Son, God destroys all worldly kingdoms and replaces them with His own, so that He will be our King.
This week, you could pray this prayer:
“God, destroy my efforts to build power, strength, and splendor... instead, replace my attempts to rule with Your eternal rule by my Rock, Jesus Christ.”
I pray that God will grant you opportunities to apply and share these truths this week -- Like Daniel, to make known the hidden to those around you. It is for this purpose that God reveals the hidden to you.
Hebrews 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (8/10/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together! - Psalm 34:3
Frank and Janet Covington are in town this weekend for JJ’s memorial service. You can look forward to seeing them in worship tomorrow morning! Please continue to pray for the family.
We also got to see Rebecca Lessmann at the service. Jesus brings His people together.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
Be sure to join us for Family Fun Night this Wednesday at 5:45pm. Let us exalt His name together!
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (8/3/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. - Psalm 121:8
Debbie and I are in South Carolina, visiting kids and grandkids (and my father, who turns 93 this week). We plan to drive back on Tuesday. In the meantime, Carl Brannan will be bringing you God's Word and administering the Lord's Supper tomorrow.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (7/27/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
The past week has been a difficult time in the life of Indianola. The gunfight on Church Street last Sunday left three dead and at least 16 wounded. The burglaries at Young Ideas and elsewhere during the week reflect a world broken by sin -- a brokenness that affects us all.
Still, God’s people need not fear evil. Instead, when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we can rejoice that He prepares a table before us -- in the presence of our enemies (verse 5). God comforts us with His everlasting protection -- goodness and mercy shall follow us, all the days of our life (verse 6). The redeemed shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever! (verse 6)
Let us join in worship in the house of our Redeemer! Join with His Bride tomorrow in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian. Attached is the weekly Prayer List, the Church Calendar for August, and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Exploring & Applying God’s Word Each Day (week of 7/22/24)
In Morning Worship on Sunday, we explored Daniel 2:1-16.
The Bible teaches about Daniel because, like him, we have been placed by God in the midst of a community with rampant unbelief. There are lost people all around us. There are plenty of people seeking to rely upon themselves or upon false idols to save themselves.
As we noted yesterday:
Paganism (manufactured religion) is horribly flawed. Idols cannot DO anything, much less KNOW anything. Idols cannot reveal knowledge because they don't have any.
We heard the following main proposition reflected in the text:
The lost of the earth need ambassadors of heaven.
They need Jesus, and therefore, they need you. God reveals to His people what the future holds so that:
We can see that God is real
We will know His will for us
We will share God's will with others
Jesus gives His Holy Spirit so you can share God's Word with those seeking knowledge.
This week, even as others mock and clamor to squelch the invisible -- to revel only in the visible things of earth -- see what Daniel did as he lived in the midst of lost people:
He offered to make known what can only be discerned spiritually
He offered truth to those who trusted in earthly knowledge
We answered the question of Why is this passage in Aramaic?
Because God's Word is for ALL, not just those who already have it from their own, cloistered, cultural community.
God took Daniel out of Jerusalem to bring His truth to the kingdoms of the earth.
Daniel offers to make known the hidden.
I pray that God will grant you opportunities to apply and share these truths this week -- to make known the hidden to those around you.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (7/20/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6
The Fellowship Hall has rolling hills, a stately wooden bridge over a babbling brook, treacherous sand traps, and a finely trimmed putting green. It’s looking like St. Andrew’s golf course!
Tomorrow, join us for Sunday School (9:30am), Morning Worship (10:45am), and the Opening Night of Vacation Bible School (5:30pm)!
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
May God bless you in your worship and fellowship!
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Exploring & Applying God’s Word Each Day (week of 7/15/24)
In Morning Worship on Sunday, we explored Daniel 1:8-21. We saw how Daniel responded to the effort to assimilate him and his companions into the pagan king's court.
The Bible shows that we are, like Daniel, to have a concern for holiness -- to be set apart. When we are concerned, like Daniel, we ought to wonder, evaluate, and ask. As we noted yesterday:
"Christians in exile aren't simply meant to survive or retreat, but to proclaim the Gospel." - Claude Atcho
Even in exile, your holiness and faithfulness can be seen.
In exile, God gives His people opportunities:
God gives His people the opportunity to be holy -- wholly different, for His glory to be seen.
God gives His people the opportunity to be faithful -- to make His promises known.
God gives His people the opportunity to be witnesses -- so that those who have only known oppression and abuse can know humble reliance upon the Lord, which is what faithfulness and holiness are.
We heard the following main proposition reflected in the text:
God sets His people in a land of exile, where our faithfulness is our witness.
We are a witness to: Who God is, Who we are, and What God does do through us.
In a land of exile, our faithfulness is our witness to the faithfulness of Christ.
I pray that God will grant you opportunities to apply and share these truths this week.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (7/13/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2
As I write this to send out a weekly update, news reports indicate that Donald Trump was perhaps injured at a rally in Pennsylvania. The footage implies that he was shot and had blood on his ear. He is reportedly doing well. We can expect to hear more about the incident and the condition of this presidential candidate.
I can recall as a child of 10 watching news coverage of George Wallace being shot while campaigning for president in Maryland in 1972. Bobby Kennedy had been killed while campaigning four years earlier. I was on campus in college when President Reagan was shot about 10 miles away.
These incidents remind us of what Paul had reminded the young pastor Timothy two thousand years ago: that we should pray for all people, including those in high positions. This election season reminds us of the brokenness of this world and the importance of prayer -- for all people. We can be grateful and prayerful because God is in control.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship. Join us for Sunday School and worship tomorrow and be praying and inviting people to VBS, July 21st through 24th.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Exploring & Applying God’s Word Each Day (week of 7/8/24)
And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. - Daniel 1:2
In Morning Worship on Sunday, we explored Daniel 1:1-7. We saw how Daniel was taken to the King’s Court in Babylon / Shinar to live in exile.
The Bible shows that we are not of the world, yet we are sent into it (John 17:15-18). Therefore, like Daniel, until Jesus returns we live in exile. As we noted yesterday:
“To live faithfully in exile, we first need to know God's faithfulness.” - Iain Duguid
To faithfully live in exile, we need to also recognize the wicked for who they are -- those who foolishly think that they are in control.
We heard the following main proposition reflected in the text:
No matter where you are or who appears to be in control, God is the faithful ruler over all.
Who is in control? As you look around, it can be tempting to forget that God is in control. It can be tempting to go with the flow of the world, as if God is not in control. It can be just as tempting for you to imagine that you are in control -- or to feel that you ought to be. As such, it can be tempting to be disappointed that you hadn’t done enough to control and correct things. This mindset is often the source of guilt and shame. As in the case of Daniel, those around us actively seek to brainwash us into this worldly mindset -- piling on the guilt and shame and sorrow.
Daniel reminds us that even in exile in a very dark place, we can trust and reflect God’s faithfulness. God sent His Son to resource us from dark places -- to rescue us from worldly mindsets. God’s faithfulness gives Daniel and his companions a vision of true, enduring covenant faithfulness. Because Jesus was given authority over all (Matthew 28:18), you can rest assured that God is the faithful ruler over all -- no matter where you are, and no matter who else might appear to be in control. And right where you are, He shows you His faithfulness in Jesus Christ.
I pray that God will grant you opportunities to apply and share these truths this week.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Friday Update (7/5/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1
I hope that you had a delightful and meaningful Independence Day, celebrating the freedom that God has granted to our nation!
Here are reminders of some exciting upcoming church events:
This Evening at 7pm - Our free First Friday Film Fellowship is featuring Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School. This movie has deep roots in The Wizard of Oz and explores grief, pursuit, forgiveness, and restoration. Join us for popcorn, soda, raisinets, and lively discussion of this film in light of Scripture.
Sunday Morning - We plan to begin a new sermon series on The Book of Daniel: God is Sovereign, Even over Evil. We also plan to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Join us in worship, devotion, and communion.
Wednesday Evening - It’s summer, so join us for our July edition of Family Fun Night, featuring a cool Hot Dog Bar. Bring some friends to join our church family for fun.
July 21st thru 24th - This year’s Vacation Bible School features The Scottish Sleuths and the Case of the Baffling Beginnings. Invite family and neighbors to join us in this exciting opportunity for worship, outreach, relationships, and discipleship.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Friday Update (6/28/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. - Hebrews 13:15-16
Since this Sunday is a 5th Sunday, after morning worship, we plan to have a Fellowship Meal. Please bring a covered dish or dessert to share!
Attached is the weekly Prayer List, the Church Calendar for July, and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
Don’t forget that next Friday, July 5th, is a 1st Friday, so we plan to gather at 7pm for our free First Friday Film Fellowship.
This week, may you be encouraged to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Exploring & Applying God’s Word Each Day (week of 6/24/24)
We tend to see things from our own perspective. Meanwhile, God graciously explains His perspective and directs us. Even knowing God’s perspective, we are still at risk of maintaining our own. Why? Because we tend to see things from our own perspective:
We expect tragedy. But God shows us provision. And, He directs us: Go, Tell!
When you are afraid, and thinking of your own perspective, remember this, the theme verse of the entire book of Mark:
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
Nearly two years ago, when we began our exploration of Mark’s Gospel, we encountered this proposition from the first few verses:
God grants His people direction, holiness, and power to escape their wanderings. (cf. 1:1-8)
Now, having studied the book, we have seen how God directs us: to share the Good News of His provision of life.
I pray that God will grant you opportunities to apply and share these truths this week. We plan to wrap-up our study of Mark this Sunday. We also plan to have a Fifth Sunday Fellowship Meal after Morning Worship. I look forward to worshiping and fellowshiping with you as we share the Good News of His provision of life.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Sunday Update (6/23/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb... And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” - Mark 16:2,6
Welcome to the first day of the week! The tomb is empty! Come, let us worship the risen Savior!
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
After worship, I plan to update you briefly on last week’s General Assembly and we intend to have an impromptu Soup Fellowship. Join us if you are able.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (6/15/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. - Acts 2:42
We had a great week at General Assembly in Richmond. Approximately 2,000 commissioners collaborated on a number of interesting issues. We received exciting updates on PCA ministries. We attended seminars on evangelism. And we worshiped together each evening, culminating in a lively bi-lingual Korean American service on Thursday night. I’ll update you on the particulars of General Assembly when we get back next week.
In the meantime, as we are still out of town, Carl Brannan will be filling the pulpit tomorrow.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (6/8/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. - Romans 15:24
Debbie and I are headed to General Assembly in Richmond. Along the way, we have stopped in South Carolina to see some of children and to help our son Luke as he moves houses. Carl Brannan is scheduled to preach for you tomorrow and next week.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (6/1/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Thessalonians 5:23
After dinner on Wednesday, we had a lot of fun with Bible-centered games on our Family Fun Night. Now that the school year is over and summer has practically begun (though it is only a relatively chilly 78 degrees outside as I type this), we will not be having our regular Wednesday Night Live meals and fellowship for a while. Instead, we plan to have a monthly get-together during the summer. Still, be sure to join us THIS Friday at 7pm for June’s First Friday Film Fellowship. You can be certain that the popcorn and discussion will be warm and comforting to your body and soul.
Tomorrow, we celebrate the incarnate Savior who gave us communion with Him and with each other. May the Lord’s Supper this Lord’s Day bless your body and soul.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. - 3 John 1:2
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (5/18/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
And it was the third hour when they crucified Him. And the inscription of the charge against Him read, “The King of the Jews.” - Mark 15:25-26
Tomorrow will be the 81st sermon in which we have considered the teachings of the Gospel according to Mark. Join us as we worship the innocent one who was crucified willingly for our guilt.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List as well as the bulletin for Morning Worship. I have also included the Church Calendar for June (which will be here before you know it).
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Exploring & Applying God’s Word Each Day (week of 5/13/24)
In Morning Worship yesterday, we explored Mark 15:16-20 and heard the following proposition reflected in it:
In this broken world, faithful service and sacrificial love receive mockery, abuse, and suffering.
A. Expect Mockery
John 15:20 If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.
B. Desire Mockery
Jesus didn’t hide. Jesus didn’t lay down and die. He stood there, He followed their parade.
He wanted / desired them to see their foolishness for what it was: Evil scorn for an innocent man and rebellion against God.
C. Acknowledge Mockery
Mark 15:2 “Are you the King of the Jews?” And Jesus answered Pilate, “You have said so.”
D. Serve Faithfully and Love Sacrificially
They led Jesus off to be crucified. It was God’s will that His elect should not die guilty in their sins.
So, He sent His Son in love to serve faithfully and love sacrificially.
I pray that God will grant you opportunities to apply and share this truth this week.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (5/11/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
“Gather to Me My faithful ones, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice!” - Psalm 50:5
God calls us to gather together. Join us for worship tomorrow in the morning and the evening.
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” - Psalm 50:14-15
In the meantime, at 4:30pm today, a free community Gospel music Mother’s Day event is being held on the lawn at Mt Beulah MB Church. Join us as we worship together. Bring a lawn chair!
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” - Psalm 50:23
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (5/4/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
It’s been an exciting week praying with and for our community! On Monday, Brian Davis was installed as the new president of Indianola Chamber Main Street. I enjoyed giving the opening prayer at the event.
Congratulations to Peter Lessmann, who graduated from MDCC on Friday! We had a wonderful time at MDCC presenting the Invocation and Benediction yesterday afternoon. We also enjoyed the First Friday Film Fellowship last night, which included several visitors from the community. Thursday’s National Day of Prayer event was a great success -- a number of Presbyterians were on hand to lead and join in prayer.
Tomorrow during Morning Worship, we plan to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. After Morning Worship, we plan to enjoy an impromptu Soup Fellowship.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship. Join us tomorrow as we celebrate God’s grace and provision. I’m praying for you.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (4/27/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
It's been an exciting week praying with and for our community! On Monday, Brian Davis was installed as the new president of Indianola Chamber Main Street. I enjoyed giving the opening prayer at the event.
Congratulations to Peter Lessmann, who graduated from MDCC on Friday! We had a wonderful time at MDCC presenting the Invocation and Benediction yesterday afternoon. We also enjoyed the First Friday Film Fellowship last night, which included several visitors from the community. Thursday’s National Day of Prayer event was a great success -- a number of Presbyterians were on hand to lead and join in prayer.
Tomorrow during Morning Worship, we plan to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. After Morning Worship, we plan to enjoy an impromptu Soup Fellowship.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship. Join us tomorrow as we celebrate God’s grace and provision. I’m praying for you.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (4/27/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? - Psalm 24:3
The Bible poses a lot of questions, from Genesis 3, when God asked Adam, “Where are you?”, all the way to Revelation 18, “What city was like the great city [Babylon]?” In the first case, Adam was attempting to hide. In the latter example, the people were astounded at God's rapid and complete destruction of a great worldly capital. In each case, man's weakness was exposed by the King of glory.
In Psalm 24, David asks several questions, including, “Who is this King of glory?”, which he asks twice. His answer won't surprise you, Who is the King of glory?: “The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!”
Given man’s historic and ever-present weakness, who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Who shall stand is His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.
Tomorrow, join us in His Sanctuary to celebrate the King of glory and His redeeming the lost, giving us clean hands and a pure heart so that we may stand in His presence.
This week, in addition to Lord’s Day worship, we have many opportunities to lift up the name of the King of glory. I have been asked to offer a public prayer a number of places throughout the week. Join me:
Monday at 5:30pm - Indianola Chamber Main Street Mixer at the BB King Museum (Brian Davis will be installed as the new president)
Thursday at Noon - National Day of Prayer on the Courthouse steps
Friday at 1:00pm - MDCC's afternoon graduation ceremony (Peter Lessmann will be receiving his diploma during the morning ceremony)
And don’t forget Friday at 7pm, join us for the free First Friday Film Fellowship. Attached are the weekly Prayer List, the bulletin for Morning Worship, and the Church Calendar for May.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Friday Update (4/5/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. – Genesis 37:5
I pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the courage to speak with candor about who Jesus is and what He has done in your life. Let’s keep telling our brothers and sisters about the resurrection of our Savior.
This evening, at 7pm, join us for April’s free First Friday Film Fellowship. We plan to watch and discuss the Academy Award winning movie Gravity (2013). Join us as we practice speaking with candor to the community about new life in Christ.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (3/30/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” - Luke 24:5-7
We had a wonderful Resurrection Egg Hunt this morning, with more than 17 children gathering up eggs! We then talked about the resurrection and followed it all up with delicious grilled hot dogs! Thank you to all who helped stuff and hide the eggs!
Join us tomorrow as we worship our risen Lord! He is risen, indeed!
Please also be aware that next Sunday, April 7th at 6pm, there will be a Spring Community Prayer Service at the BB King Museum. I hope that you can join with us in worship then as well.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List, the bulletin for Morning Worship, and Church Calendar for April.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Thursday Update (3/21/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” - Mark 11:8-10
Join Us: Fellowship Meal this Lord’s Day after Morning Worship!
The Easter season is upon us! Scripture instructs us to regard every Sunday as holy and therefore to regard every Lord’s Day as devoted to worship and rest in Him. The Westminster Confession of Faith summarizes:
This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations, but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. (WCF 21-8)
Every Sunday is holy -- and as a congregation we observe certain monthly, quarterly, and annual patterns. As is our habit, First Presbyterian typically has a Fellowship Meal when there is a fifth Sunday in a month. Since the fifth Sunday in March is Easter this year, rather than compete with other gatherings of family and friends, we decided to move the Fellowship Meal a week earlier, to Palm Sunday.
This Lord’s Day, March 24th, the WIC plans to host a Fellowship Meal after Morning Worship. The church will provide the main course, each family is asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Invite a friend!
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (3/16/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead - 1 Peter 1:3
It is Easter season, which means that next Sunday (3/24) is Palm Sunday and the following (3/31) is Easter Sunday. We plan to host a Resurrection Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30th at 10am. Be sure to invite your neighbors. In the meantime...
Tomorrow after Morning Worship, we plan to have another impromptu Soup Fellowship. Stay and join us, if you are able.
Tomorrow after Evening Worship -- since it will be St. Patrick’s Day and Debbie’s maiden name is the classically Irish “Ragan” -- we plan to have corned beef and cabbage. Stay and join us, if you are able (whether or not you are Irish).
Attached is the weekly Prayer List, the bulletin for Morning Worship, and the Church Calendar for March (please forgive me, I had not emailed it out previously).
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (3/9/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! - 1 Chronicles 16:24
Debbie and I have enjoyed the GPTS Spring Theology Conference this week. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to hear about Modern Missions in the Reformed World. In addition to the excellent presentations, it was great to see old friends from Seminary, as well as to meet new ones. We have also gotten to spend time with my father and our kids and grandkids. We plan to drive back from South Carolina on Monday. In the meantime, Bebo Elkin is scheduled to fill the pulpit for you this Lord’s Day.
Bebo was the professor for the first class that I took at GPTS over a decade ago. I am confident that you will be blessed as he preaches on Matthew 28:1-17. Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship. Please keep in mind that our Family Worship Sunday School will take a hiatus this week and pick up again on the following Sunday.
In the meantime...let us...
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! - Psalm 96:3
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Friday Update (3/1/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us. - Mark 14:15
Scripture talks a lot about preparing for things:
People being prepared with God’s Word - 2 Timothy 3:17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work
Heaven being prepared by Jesus - John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
Church being prepared to serve - 2 Timothy 2:1 set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work
Followers bring prepared to love - John 14:26 the Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you
Believers being prepared to share - 1 Peter 3:15 always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you
Here are some rooms that have been prepared so that you may glorify God and enjoy Him with others this weekend:
First Friday Film Fellowship - 7pm this evening we plan to watch 12 Angry Men (1957). Join us for popcorn, raisinets, and a lively discussion.
Sunday School - 9:30am on Sunday morning. This week includes the second session of our four-part class on Family Worship.
Morning Worship - 10:45am on Sunday. Join us to worship our Lord and celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.
Evening Worship - 5:00pm on Sunday. We are continuing our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (2/24/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” - Psalm 122:1
I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow! During the Sunday School hour, we plan to kick-off our four-part series on Family Worship. Everyone with young children is encouraged to join us in the Sanctuary at 9:30 am for this fun class for parents and their kids. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (2/17/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15
Next Sunday, February 25th, we plan to begin our four-week Sunday School series for families with young children. Be sure to join us -- parents and kids -- in the Sanctuary at 9:30am as we learn about daily and Lord’s Day family worship.
In the meantime, since Callie and Bryan Davis are on vacation, tomorrow, Dr. Lemondra Hamilton will be serving as our piano accompanist.
Debbie and I will be out of town Tuesday through Friday to celebrate my mother’s 90th birthday. We can still be reached phone. Keep in mind that we will not be having Wednesday Night Live or Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study this week.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (2/10/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:2
God grants us His law to give us delight. Join us for Sunday School to study God’s Word and delight in His beautiful law.
Starting on February 25th, we plan to have a four-week Sunday School series for families with young children. During this class, parents and their children will meet in the Sanctuary where we will discuss the motivation for worship and patterns of family worship. We will explore what it means to worship the Lord as a body -- on the Sabbath and during the week. We look forward to learning together how worship is the holy expression of God's worth by the body.
In the meantime, let’s join together as Christ's body to worship our Savior tomorrow. Let’s delight in His law together.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (2/3/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
The rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs - Proverbs 30:26
Taken alone, out of context, some verses of the Bible are a bit unclear in their meaning. Proverbs 30:26 is one of them. In context, the author lists four things on earth that are small but wise. We hear of ants (who provide their food in summer), locusts, lizards, and rock badgers. Matthew Poole summarizes verses 24-28, “Comparatively to other brute creatures. They act very wisely and providently, not from any reason which they have, but by the direction of Divine Providence, which secretly guides them to do those things for their own preservation which are most agreeable to the rules of wisdom.”
Given this esteem for God-given instinct in these otherwise insignificant creatures, I wonder what the author of Proverbs would say about using Groundhogs to predict the seasons.
According to Punxsutawney Phil, who did not see his shadow yesterday, we can expect an early Spring this year. I wouldn’t want to invest too much based on his prediction; he’s only been correct about a third of the time.
Ants march like soldiers to collect food and rock badgers wisely inhabit rocky cliffs, while we gifted and talented humans predict weather using the shadows of a large rodent. We would be much better off studying the written predictions of the Creator of the universe -- which is precisely what we plan to do tomorrow morning as we look at Mark 13:24-27. Let’s study prophecy given by our Savior and not rely too much on woodchucks. During winter, instead of looking to them for warm Spring days, I wish that they could chuck wood. I wonder how much they would, if they could?
Attached is the weekly Prayer List, the Church Calendar for February, and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Saturday Update (1/27/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. - Acts 1:8
The current issue of Modern Reformation journal focuses on Christianity and the arts. In an article on movies, Mark Bowland suggests, “This wrestling between Christ and culture is in our age best represented in the advent of what is likely the most powerful cultural form in human history: film.”
On the one hand, I agree with Bowland’s argument that movies do in fact powerfully reflect the tension between Christ and culture.
On the other hand, I would want to challenge his suggestion that film is more powerful than any other medium, since quite obviously Scripture remains the most powerful cultural form in human history. Arguably, friendly conversation is then the second most powerful cultural form.
Still, I like how Bowland summarizes his article: “We live in a time when the technology and art of film production and consumption is exponentially more powerful and more available than ever before. Our time offers the possibility of of using this power for untold good or ill.”
If you are 13 or older, come join us on Friday, February 2nd, at 7pm for our free First Friday Film Fellowship to discuss religious and cultural aspects of a particular movie. You have time to invite a neighbor. We'll pop the popcorn and serve up friendly conversation. In the meantime, let’s worship together tomorrow. Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Friday Update (1/19/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down His crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before His cold? - Psalm 147:15-17
It certainly has been quite cold this week! Yesterday and today seemed to give a little relief to hardworking heat-pumps, allowing some homes to actually reach “room temperature” for the first time in many days. I have been praying that you are able to stay warm.
Meteorologists don’t always forecast accurately for the Delta, but they were mostly correct this week as we received wintry mix and sub-freezing temperatures. They are now forecasting a hard freeze tonight through Sunday afternoon. Therefore, please stay warm, do what you can to prevent water pipes from freezing, and let us know if we can do anything or bring you anything.
The ice and snow on Indianola’s streets and sidewalks has mostly disappeared -- the parking lot and entrances at church are all clear. Since no precipitation has been forecast for the coming days, we are planning on meeting for Sunday School and Morning Worship this Lord’s Day. We also plan to have our Congregational Meeting after worship in order to share the 2024 Church Budget. Please join us, if you are able. You will need to bundle up -- the weatherman predicts that it will be in the 20s that morning. We will run the heat at the church in order to greet you with warmth.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Wednesday Update (1/17/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities - No Wednesday Night Live tonight
For to the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, His mighty downpour. By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Whether for correction or for His land or for love, He causes it to happen. - Job 37:6,10,13
This week, God has sent us snow and ice and arctic temperatures. (Well, actually, the North Pole is -26 today, while Indianola is only 7 degrees.) We can’t be certain how to distinguish God’s provision: was the winter storm sent for correction? sent for His land? or sent for His love? The answer is likely a combination. Regardless, we can be certain that it was God who commanded the clouds and winds and ice. So, we can be certain that it was for His own glory.
As we ponder, marvel, and rest in God’s provision, we can recognize that the streets and sidewalks are still icy and dangerous. Even if God brings slightly warmer air this afternoon (perhaps in the 30s), the melting snow can be expected to refreeze this evening. Therefore, the Session of First Presbyterian has decided to cancel our Wednesday Night Live activities for tonight.
Please stay safe and warm. Let us know if you have any trouble (like frozen pipes) and/or if you need anything brought to you. God sends the snow and He also builds His church in love.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes
Friday Update (1/12/24) on First Presbyterian Church activities
By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. - Job 37:10
Our sermon text for Sunday is Mark 13:1-2, which features a dire prediction about the Temple by our Lord Jesus. Therefore, it seems appropriate this weekend to be contemplating ominous predictions.
As you likely already know, the various weather services and meteorologists are all predicting very cold temperatures this coming week. For instance, as of press time (now), the Weather Channel expects a wintry mix of snow and ice on Monday afternoon and temperatures as low as 7 degrees Tuesday night -- with no time in between for the wintry mix to melt. As such, we might still have icy conditions through Wednesday. As we get closer, we will let you know if this will require us to cancel Wednesday Night Live activities.
In the meantime, it looks like even though Sunday might be bitter cold, the prognosticators aren’t expecting precipitation, so we plan to meet for worship this Lord’s Day. After morning worship, we plan to battle the cold temperatures with a hot bowl of chili for our Impromptu Soup Fellowship. Please join us if you are able. I predict that we will have an encouraging meal.
Attached is the weekly Prayer List and the bulletin for Morning Worship. Please stay warm and let a Deacon or Elder know if you need help winterizing your home.
In His name,
Rev. Duncan Hoopes