Move Delayed

Toddler and Twos Transition Update

The new space for the Two Year Old classes and the new Older Toddler Classroom will not be completed by 4/30 as anticipated. We are now planning for a 5/7 start. Please pray for a timely completion of the construction and smooth transition for staff and families in the coming weeks.

Reinventing Eden

The Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania and InterAct Theatre Company present a dialogue about human gene therapy and genetic engineering, incorporating perspectives from the scientific to the religious, from the ethical to the practical, from the creative to the corporate. "Where Are We?" and "Where Are We Going?" will be held at 2:00-3:30 pm and 4:00-5:30 pm, respectively, on Saturday, April 29, 2006, on the mainstage at The Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street. Panelists will include: Art Caplan, Director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania; Seth Rozin, playwright of REINVENTING EDEN; Lee Silver, Professor of Molecular Biology and Public Affairs at Princeton University; Susan Lindee, Professor of History and Sociology of Science at University of Pennsylvania; and James Wilson, Director of the Gene Therapy Program at University of Pennsylvania. The discussions are free and open to the public. I got this info from InterAct's website: www.interacttheatre.org.

Room Request

I am a student at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee and I will be coming to Philadelphia for the summer to work at the art museum. I am looking for somewhere to live for those nine weeks (6/12-8/11). I would prefer something in center city or university city as I will be commuting every day. A little about me, I'm 21, an art history major and actually grew up outside of Philadelphia. I went to Delaware County Christian School until 11th grade when my family moved to Nashville. I regularly attend City Church, East Nashville when I'm at home.I know this is kind of a long shot, but I thought if there were any family in the church who had a room open and could let me use the kitchen I could pay rent and get to know some good people. I knew a few families at Tenth growing up and thought I would explore my options. Thanks for your time! Emily Baldwin, balea@rhodes.edu

Guest Ministers

The last couple of weeks we have had pastors drop in to visit our staff meetings. A couple of weeks ago, Chuck Paul came by. He is pastor of the Philadelphia Dream Center in the Northern Liberties area. Almost all of his congregation is made up of the poor, many of whom newly led to Christ. Chuck grew up in Philadelphia and was a professional fighter before entering the ministry. He also has embraced Reformed theology which led him to us. He will be bringing his core group leaders to PCRT.

Terry Traylor came this week. He is the new senior pastor of New Life Glenside, having been there eight months now. If I recall correctly, he planted a church in North Carolina and was instrumental in helping the presbytery there multiply into three presbyteries as we have done here. He attended Westminster and went to New Life, so this is like a homecoming for him.

Maranatha Missions

The Maranatha youth group cleared about $800 at the pancake breakfast. Proceeds are going to the summer missions work in Chester. 42 young people are going. If you want to help with funds, make checks out to Tenth and put "Maranatha Missions" on the memo line.

Wedding Day

Congratulations to Kirsten McFarland, getting married tomorrowed to David Peth. Carroll Wynne is officiating. He describes David as a "very, very blessed man" to be marrying Kirsten. They will be living in the Boston area.

Countdown Begins

The countdown begins - 29 days to my daughter Jean's wedding. I'm having second thoughts about this. She's too young, or at least I'm too young to have a daughter old enough for marriage.

Recordings

I hope to finish my recordings today. I have three more to go. Next is the task of getting them posted. Pray that I will have it all done by the end of the month.

PCRT

Phil requests prayer for the upcoming PCRT in Philadelphia. Also, although the conference is sold out, there is still overflow room in the Catacombs and well as room for the pre-conference on Friday. You can register by contacting the Alliance at 215.546.3696.

Voorhis Baby from Voorhees

John Voorhis called in to announce that Micah Walter arrived this morning at 11:55am, weighing 10lb., 2oz. That’s a big boy! Everyone is doing well. They are at Virtua (West Jersey) in Voorhees.

Prayer Request

I have forgotten to solicit prayer partners for my trip to Grand Rapids this week, and also to mention this trip in last week's bulletin. Please let our loyal blog listeners know that I am giving three talks on the biblical pattern for the church tomorrow (Thursday), preaching and giving a lecture on Saturday, and then preaching Sunday morning at the Dutton United Reformed Church. I'm sure Rick Phillips, Derek Thomas, and Eric Alexander also need and would appreciate everyone's prayers as well. And don't forget the Ryken family here in Philadelphia.

Phil

MCO

Check out sometime MCO's website (Medical Campus Outreach), a ministry supported by Tenth that reaches out to medical students in Philadelphia. Note this information: 5 medical schools, 4,400 students, all within 8 miles of Tenth; 1 in 5 physicians does some training in Philadelphia; 6 of 12 of Philadelphia’s largest employers are hospital health systems. By the way, the site is listed as SMI (Summer Medical Institute) the summer mission work carried out by MCO every year. SMI started in Philadelphia. The trips are now to the Mexican border.

P5 Picnic

I see that Parish Five is having a picnic May13 at the Collins house in Chester from 3:00 to 7:00 (eating at 4:00). If you want to go, contact the Collins. Kids are welcome and there is a park nearby as well. This is a great opportunity to fellowship with other members and regular attenders in the parish. Parish 5 covers the south/southwest area beyond Philadelphia and including Delaware.

House for Sale

Scott and Vickylee Moreau are selling their home. Here is their listing.

Beautiful East Falls Town Home on highly-desired, historic, picturesque block. Unique architectural features throughout. Spacious 3 bedrooms, 1 bath (fully remodeled December 2005, with plenty of natural light). Sealed/dry basement currently used as den, with separate storage area. Fabulous living room steps up to dining area to form a "Great Room." Sun-drenched, updated kitchen has brand new tile floor and newer appliances. Large master bedroom features dual closets. Garage in excellent condition plus plenty of street parking. New roof in 2003 came with 12-year Warranty. Gorgeous, mature plantings in landscaped front yard with patio. Just 1 block from East Falls Library and Train Station, walking distance to restaurants, shopping and Kelly Drive; 8 minutes to Center City. For Sale By Owner. For Showings by Appointment, call 215.843.8177 or write to craigslist email above.

Baked over or done?

Just read this in a book by Emerson Eggerichs:

I heard a godly man with cerebral palsy speak. he had a delightful wit: "God is preparing me for heaven...I am in His oven, so to speak. I am being baked for an eternal purpose. I am not finished yet. When I die and stand before Him, He is going to say, 'Well done.'"

Chief Sexton

Do you ever wonder who is overseeing all the building work such as the roof, the Alliance renovations, the 315 Building, etc? Bob Sexton is the Tenth member who has volunteered hundreds of hours acting as construction superintendent for the church.

Toddler Move

The 2 year olds should be marching over to the Alliance building in two weeks (35 kids). Renovations are moving ahead on the first floor and furniture and supplies will be moved over this Sunday. We will access the building through the Delancey Street entrance. We are so crowded now that children have to be turned away some Sundays because of reaching maximum capacity.

ESO Report

The Easter Sacrificial Offering is up to $118,000. We anticipate passing the $120,000 goal before the end of the month.

Phil on Art

Did you know Phil has a new book out? It's called Art for God's Sake. Click here for a look.

Phillips Booked

My blog readers are the first to know. Rick and Sharon Phillips have agreed to come sometime in the fall to present a dating seminar based on their new book, Holding Hands, Holding Hearts. Am negotiating dates now and will let you know as soon as I do. Click here to check out the book, which is available in the church bookstore.

mereBreath Performance

mereBreath's performance of Edifice will be given at Tenth this coming Sunday following the evening service in Fellowship Hall. Click here to go to mereBreath's website.

Phil in Flight

Phil flies away once more, this time to Grand Rapids for the PCRT conference out there. Actually the conference is held in Byron Center at First Christian Reformed Church. Click here for the church's website.

Speaking the Truth in Solitude

Sorry I'm late posting this morning. Got here early to record some of the Speaking the Truth in Love messages. Have completed 8 of 12. Do you know how hard it is, by the way, to find a place in the church that is completely quiet?

Free Furniture

Neighbors of the Rykens are moving out of the city and would like to give some of their furniture away to anyone who could use it (especially anyone in need): sofa bed, end tables, lamps, bookcases, chairs, rugs (6x8 and 10x12). Contact Marlin or Nathalie Nelson and say you are calling from Tenth Church: 215-545-6493.

Another Witnessing Stephen

Sent in by Bill Maun:

An Easter week story that had to be shared. A week ago last night Stephen, a member of our Bible class at the prison said he had spoken to his father on the phone because he was concerned with his father's health, both physically and spiritually. Stephen shared with his father his testimony, in what Christ has done for him, the Lord also wants to do for his father, his dad broke down and cried on the phone. Stephen's dad was planning to attend church on Palm Sunday along with his younger brother. Last night, at our Bible study Stephen shared with the class how richly God blessed him at his sentencing. There were a number present, one in particular was a man who testified to the Judge about the potential he saw in Stephen, he would train Stephen personally and employ him. This man came all the way from the state of Virginia. Now, the perfect climax that God had already arranged to this story.Stephen said he had received around twelve months and after that relatively short period of time he plans to come and worship at Tenth Church. He asked me at what time I attended church and where I sat, he was hoping we could worship together. So Stephen and I are praying that God would grant us this opportunity, to worship Him together at Tenth Church. "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him". And "we preach Christ Crucified".

To God Be The Glory! , Bill

Window on the Code

Phil is not letting "The Da Vinci Code" go by without comment. He assures me he will speak on the subject for a Window on the World just before the movie comes out. Stay tuned.

The Place of Healing

Cora has written a thoughtful essay on the healing at the cross. Click her link on the right column.

PCRT Schedule

2006 PCRT Schedule - Philadelphia, PA

Friday
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Pre-Conference Registration

9:00 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Pre-Conference, Philip Ryken
City on a Hill: A Biblical Vision for the 21st Century Church

5:30 p.m.
Conference Registration

7:00 p.m.
Opening of the 2006 PCRT
First Address: What Jonah Learned, Sinclair Ferguson

Saturday
8:00 a.m.
Late Registration

9:00 a.m.
Second Address: Total Depravity, Philip Ryken

10:00 a.m.
Third Address: Unconditional Election, Sinclair Ferguson

11:00 a.m.
Question & Answer Session

12:00 p.m.
Lunch (at local restaurnats)

2:00 p.m.
Fourth Address: Limited Atonement, Richard Phillips

3:15-4:30 p.m.
Seminars
Humble Suggestions for Reforming Worship, Richard Phillips
The Westminster Assembly, Carl Trueman
John Owen: A Reformed Biography, Sinclair Ferguson

4:30 p.m.
Dinner (at local restaurants)

6:30 p.m.
Sacred Concert

7:00 p.m.
Fifth Address: Irresistible Grace, Eric Alexander

Sunday
9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Sixth Address: Perseverance of the Saints, Eric Alexander

(I believe Rev. Alexander is preaching Sunday evening as well.)

Easter Reflections

What a glorious day yesterday! Beginning with the "sunrise" service in Rittenhouse Square singing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," through the morning services, and concluding in the evening singing the "Hallelujah Chorus." Good preaching, warm fellowship, beautiful weather - God certainly was gracious to us.

I am interested in hearing how the day was for you. Send me some comments.