April 18, 2012

Dear covenant family,

Kari and I watched a modern day movie tribute to Robin Hood this weekend. In the movie, the kingdom of England is about to fall apart because of disunity and rivalry. The King of England in a desperate plea to unite his citizens uses the power of his army to push his people into submission. Bloodshed follows.
I am so glad we don’t serve a King that works that way. “God pursues a love relationship with you” is this Sunday’s topic in the series ‘Experiencing God’. We are not driven by fear, but motivated by love when we serve Him. Yet this most powerful, liberating and passionate force can so easily slip away from our hands. So come and discover afresh a loving God and a life driven by love this Sunday.
We will also have a testimony of a visiting missionary during our worship service.

Church Family Updates: new small group and membership class started
A brand new small group started at the home of John and Rebekah Pierce this Sunday. Ten adults and nine children made it a full house. What was the biggest prayer request for those in attendance? Growing closer to God! What a way to start!
The membership class this past Sunday focused on our history and mission statement. We had six in attendance and had an excellent discussion. This Sunday we will continue the 3 week class by looking at our statement of faith and the Evangelical Free Church. If you’ve missed the first session, there is still room for you to join – and catch up.

Van Raalten family vacation to Holland.
Marco & Kari van Raalten will be leaving to visit family in Holland, Europe for three weeks – leaving May 15 and returning June 7th. Church services will continue as normal during their absence. Thanks to all those who are willing to step in and help extra during this time.

Prayer & Praise Requests:
Dawn (daughter of Bill & Ann Bratberg) – health; checkup tomorrow (Thursday). Pray that the meds will take effect and no extensive surgery will be needed.
Manor Bible Study – direction and God’s Presence at work in participants
Brandon Mason – safety in US Military
Dick Slater – health

Calendar

Wednesday, April 18
5.30 Memory Recitation @ CBC
6.30 Prayer @ CBC
7.00 Bible Study @ CBC

Thursday, April 19
6.30-7.00 a.m. Prayer with Allyson at Library Farm. Middle School
8.15 a.m. Moms in Touch prayer, Dawn’s salon

Friday, April 20
Bible Study St. Francois Manor – 1.30 p.m.

Sunday, April 22
9.30 – Sunday School – Sam Mason
9.30 – Introduction to CBC #2 – Library/Pastor’s Office
10.45 – Experiencing God: ‘God pursues a love relationship with you’

6.00 p.m. Small group
North & Central: Home of Dick & Gwen Slater (431-7529)
South: Home of John and Rebekah Pierce, 3230 Hwy 72 E (561-3765).

Upcoming Dates to remember:
Thursday May 3, National Day of Prayer – Ladies 10 am prayer meeting at CBC