Church Visits

Patuxent Presbyterian Church,
California, Maryland

 Merry Christmas and ‘tis the reason for the season and I’ve been commissioned to highlight some of the churches and houses of worship that are here in “America in Miniature. I’m glad to visit with you, my readers, again. Hope to see you out and around our Delmarvelous Chesapeake Bay region.
On a recent Sunday I was at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California, Md. This church body has had both its sanctuary enlarged and additional education areas were necessitated by a growing membership.
One of the opening hymns, “As the Deer” gave me solace and brought back smiles and fond memories of another time. “As the deer paneth for the water, So my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship thee. You alone are my strength, my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield…”
This praise hymn was one that helped lead into a special baptismal service for Abigail Leigh Marburger, the daughter of Willis and Amy Marburger. Baptism is a sacrament, where the washing with water, in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, signifies and seals our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace and our engagement to be the Lord’s. Kurt and Amy are teachers at Patuxent School in Calvert County.
One of the unique parts of the service at many churches is the “Children’s’ Lesson” or “Time for Young Disciples” Stephanie Hampton gathered with children from kindergarten and under on the dais and discussed with them what purposes they have in life and God’s purpose for all of us.
Assoc. Pastor James D. Gunn shared one of the early scripture readings from Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11.
“At Our Age Serious?” was the theme of the message by Pastor Michael R. Jones. Paraphrasing salient points that I absorbed from his teachings included:
· God is full of purposes about the time that we are giving up. God can come and surprise us. The truth is that we can not count God out of anything and what with God all things are possible.
· God’s timing and the way he carries out His Plan rarely fits into our timeframe. Our impossibilities are the platform that God does his best work.
· Nothing frustrates God. God’s delay is not a denial…don’t let waiting bring doubt. Keep praying!
· When God intervenes, it is surprising how we can receive blessings.
Upcoming events at Patuxent Presbyterian Church at which visitors are cheerfully welcome include:
· Dec. 18th: Christmas Cantata, “The Winter Rose” at both services.
· Dec. 19th: 7:30 PM—St. Maries Musica Christmas Concert.
· Dec. 24th: 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM Christmas Eve candlelight Services
· Dec. 25th: 11:00 Am Christmas Day Worship Service.
Without Christ, there is no reason for the season!
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Patuxent Presbyterian Church is located at 23421 Kingston Creek Rd. (and MD Rte. 4) California, Maryland. Nursery is provided for Sunday school and church. Hearing assisted devices and large print hymnals are available. Phone #: 301 863 2058