Center For Pregnancy Choices

Order of Service

• Presentation — Center for Pregnancy Choices Ministry (Sarah Smith, Director)
• Closing Prayer

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Sermon Title: Center for Pregnancy Choices Ministry Presentation

Scripture: Psalm 46:10

I. Sarah Smith's Personal Story and Connection to the Center

A. Became pregnant at 17 as a junior in high school B. Future mother-in-law had heard the center's director speak at her church C. Karen Sims, the center's founding director, served as her pregnancy counselor D. Counseled to keep God at the center of all decisions; foundational verse: Psalm 46:10 — "Be still and know that I am God" E. North Point Presbyterian Church played a founding role in establishing the CPC of Meridian

II. The Gospel and the Ministry's Heart

A. God sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins; he wants all people in his family B. God does not see those who have chosen abortion as useless — he offers hope, healing, and restoration C. The ministry exists to create a safe, soft place for those facing unplanned pregnancy D. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy; Christ came to give abundant life — John 10:10 E. Secrecy prevents healing; openness and community bring restoration

III. Services Offered by the Center

A. Free pregnancy testing and options counseling B. Limited ultrasound services

1. Helps clients understand viability
2. Statistically, 85–90% of undecided clients choose life after seeing or hearing their baby C. Emotional support ("Blue Couch Time") — non-biased listening and problem-solving D. Parenting Academy ("Bright Course")
3. Over 200 lessons including Bible studies, car seat safety, SIDS prevention, postpartum depression, breastfeeding, fatherhood, co-parenting, and single parenting
4. Points-based system allowing clients to earn baby supplies, maternity clothes, and equipment E. Legacy Scholarship — covers daycare costs for parents who would otherwise choose abortion for financial reasons F. Post-abortion healing programs: Surrendering the Secret and Forgiven and Set Free, with a companion men's version G. Doula support and lactation support H. Baby Basics and breastfeeding classes (first Friday of each month) I. Empower Lunch — speech therapist addresses developmental milestones (free and open to the public) J. Future vision: Mobile Medical Unit offering pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and free STD/STI testing

IV. The Current Landscape and Challenges Post-Roe

A. Mississippi has an abortion ban, but abortions continue via out-of-state travel and chemical abortion pills obtained by mail B. ER visits have risen sharply due to complications from unmonitored chemical abortions C. The center educates clients honestly and compassionately about all options and physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental implications D. Clients are never pressured; the center prays for those who decline services E. Since July 2021: 438 clients served, majority high school or college age, majority single, majority female, approximately two-thirds African-American

V. How the Church Can Respond

A. Create a genuinely welcoming environment for those who feel shame or do not "fit in" B. Carry and share CPC information cards; one in four women will have had an abortion by age 45 C. The Great Commission (Matthew 28) calls believers to go out — not just wait for people to come to church D. Practical ways to engage:

1. Mentor parents and fathers seeking employment or life skills
2. Invite single mothers to existing groups such as MOPS
3. Host events: movie nights, mom's nights out, babysitting, barbecues, ministry fairs
4. Bring groceries, meals, or practical help without waiting to be asked
5. Collaborate across local churches to address gaps in community care E. Business owners who owe Mississippi state tax may donate up to 50% of their liability to the CPC under the Pregnancy Resource Act signed by Governor Tate Reeves F. Needs: larger accessible facility in downtown Meridian, baby items and maternity supplies, ultrasound machine funding (Sea Life / Choose Life program), RDMS ultrasound specialist for training, mentors, and volunteers G. Give and learn more at cpclegacy.com; earmark gifts to the Legacy Scholarship or the Choose Life ultrasound program H. Sanctity of life rooted in Scripture — Psalm 139 — God knits each person together in the womb and knows them from conception to death