January 30, 2013

Dear Covenant family,

 

Have you ever felt like there’s a wall or a challenge in front of you, blocking you from the very best that God has for you? A wall that seems to high to overcome?

 

The Israelites knew all about this wall. Behind them was a life of back-breaking work and slavery.  Ahead of them was a life in the land of Promise.  Behind them was the fierce army of a fanatical Pharaoh coming towards them.  Their wall was made of water.

 

Your “wall” may be a fear of failure, or a lack of confidence, or simply a collection of life’s problems that has got you down. Or it maybe a habit or a situation that you can’t seem to overcome. The wall may have stopped you in your ‘spiritual tracks’ – you are discouraged – you’re not seeing any way out.

 

This is exactly the situation that God used for the nation Israel to reveal himself as their deliverer. As they faced their red sea, anxiety may have flowed through the body, paralyzing the movement muscles. Eyes which once had clear focus now only focus on the wall just inches away. But Moses opted to look elsewhere. He looked to God.  And God opened an unlikely route through the wall of water.  

 

The very name of the book where we find this story serves as a reminder when we face our “walls.”  “Exodus” is a compound Greek word meaning “the way out.”  And in case you might have missed it, the way out was not a better job, a different spouse, or a victim mentality. God loves for you to get to know him as your deliverer. In every situation. Come and find out this Sunday how you can get to know Him more as your ‘I AM’!

 

In preparation for Sunday, please read Chapter 4 of ‘the Story’.

 

CBC Women's Winter Tea

This ladies outreach is scheduled for this Sunday, Feb 2nd from 1-3pm at CBC.  Theme is "WHITE as SNOW". If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still room. We are expecting guests from the Parkland Pregnanancy Resource Center also. Rsvp by phone to either Linda Davis 631-5808 or Darlene Berg 701-4956 – leave a message. We look forward to a great time!

 

Men’s Breakfast

Calling All Men: This Saturday there will be a men’s breakfast. It begins at 8 with a hot breakfast and testimony from Larry Hedrick.  We will end it with a time to brainstorm and plan for the future.

 

Membership Class

This Sunday we will start a 3-week membership class. If you are considering CBC as a potential church home for you, this class is for you, and we’d encourage you to attend. This class can serve as an orientation for anyone who is considering membership and/or provide more insights into what CBC is all about for those who want to become a member. Attending the class does not obligate you to become a member, but the class does provide you the opportunity to discuss history, mission, vision, statement of faith and other related items in a relaxed small group setting. Class will be taught by Marco.

 

Annual Meeting

Sunday, February 10^th we will have our annual meeting – immediately following our service. All are invited.

 

Prayer & Praise Requests Individuals:

Norm Smith - health.

Mildred Stringer – health

Ike – friend of Jackie Nesser – she is in her final days

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, January 30

9:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting at Snipits Salon; 915-9388

 

6. 30 p.m. Prayer

7.00 p.m. Bible Study

 

Thursday, January 31

6:45 a.m. – Prayer with Allyson – Farmington Middle School

 

Friday, February 1

1.30 Bible Study St. Francois Manor

 

Saturday, February 2

8.00 – 9.30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study;

1.00 -3.00 p.m. Women’s Tea

 

Sunday, February 3

9.30 a.m. CBC Membership Class

9.30 a.m.  Sunday School with Al & Jan Gainer - Galatians

10:45 a.m. Service – The Story, Chapter 3

Growth Groups meet:

South – potluck lunch after service at  John & Rebekah Pierce’s in Fredericktown

North – Sundays at 6 pm; call Bud & Donna at 631-3930 or 358-7994 for location

Central – Sundays at 6 pm, call Bill & Ann Bratberg at 631-0555 for location

 

Nursery: Britany/Misty

Snacks/clean up: Randy & Etta Bose

Children’s Church – Crystal

Call to Worship/Missions Moment: Mark Carr

 

Wednesday, February 6

9:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting

 

6.30 Prayer Meeting

7.00 Bible Study

 

Saturday, February 9 "Single Focus" Conference; 8-4 Solid Rock Family Church, Farmington.  http://www.singlefocusconference.com/.

 

Sunday, Feb 10th – annual meeting

January 23, 2013

Dear Covenant family,

 

People nearing mid-life can crash into some startling and unexpected observations. We all may have dreamed big dreams when we were younger.  But as we move at a break-neck pace through our years on this earth, we eventually slam head on into the realization that some of our dreams will never be realized. 

 

That observation throws some people into a mid-life crisis.  Some don’t make it that far with their aspirations, having already given them up somewhere along the way.  Some run into conflict that makes them weary and they settle for less.  Still others make bold decisions to trade one dream in for another. 

 

Broken dreams. That’s what Joseph experienced.  At seventeen he dreamed his ten older brothers would bow down to him.  Yet his dreams led him to be sold in slavery, mistreated, falsely accused and thrown into prison. Eventually, they led him to a face to face appointment with the most powerful ruler on earth at that time – Pharaoh. The outcome of that appointment would change the rest of his life.

 

Joseph could have lost his life getting caught up in the details of his life, chasing his dreams and desires.  Instead, he chose a better story.  God’s story. 

 

You can do the same.  If your life’s dream has stalled, look to God. If your dream now realized is not all you thought it would be, look to God. He can give you another dream.  A better one, not according to the world’s standard but God’s criterion.  Just like Joseph’s.  Then you’ll have a story to tell.

 

In preparation for Sunday, please read Chapter 3 of ‘the Story’.

 

Young Faith in Christ Family Fun Night – Bowl with us for a good cause

 

CBC is now recruiting players for the YFC Family Fun Night, scheduled for this Friday, January 25 at the Bonne Terre Family Fun Center.  Bowlers will be charged $10.50/person as part of the fundraiser.  This amount covers the lane cost, the shoes and the bowling ball. Bring your family/grandkids also. Kids can ride the go-carts. The Family Fun Center will only charge an extra $10/child for them to take advantage of the facility. Sign up for bowling by contacting Marco at 366-0787 at 747-0001. We will start at 7:00 p.m. and have the lanes until 9:00 p.m. 

 

Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, February 2 will be our first men’s breakfast for this year. Larry Hedrick will share his testimony. We will also take time to hear your thoughts about what these meetings can look like in the future. We will start it with a breakfast at 8. Come hungry, ready for a good time with your brothers, be encouraged through a testimony and let’s plan for the upcoming year together.

 

Shoe Collection

Donna Masson (631-3930) reminds you that this Sunday is your last chance to drop off shoes for the Shoeman. Proceeds of shoe sales will go towards community betterment.

 

Understanding your emotions

Bridge of Hope (701-9861) offers this class on emotional well being. Classes start this Wednesday, January 30 at noon, or Thursday 31 at 5.30 p.m. in Farmington for 8 consecutive weeks. Cost: $160.00. Contact Raymond Fabing for more information.

 

Prayer & Praise Requests Individuals:

Norm Smith - health.

Pat Mason – continual recovery;

Larry Hedrick - flu

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, January 23

9:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting at Snipits Salon; 915-9388

 

6. 30 p.m. Prayer

7.00 p.m. Bible Study

 

Thursday, January 24

6:45 a.m. – Prayer with Allyson – Farmington Middle School

 

Friday, January 25

1.30 Bible Study St. Francois Manor

7.00 p.m. Family Fun night for Young Faith in Christ, Family Fun Ctr, Bonne Terre

 

Saturday, January 26

10.00 a.m. Women’s Tea & Outreach at Darlene Berg’s residence

 

Sunday, January 27

9.30 - Sunday School with Al & Jan Gainer - Galatians

10:45 a.m. Service – The Story, Chapter 3

Growth Groups meet:

South – potluck lunch after service at  John & Rebekah Pierce’s in Fredericktown

North – Sundays at 6 pm; call Bud & Donna at 631-3930 or 358-7994 for location

Central – Sundays at 6 pm, call Bill & Ann Bratberg at 631-0555 for location

 

Nursery: Gwen

Snacks/clean up: Berg

Children’s Church – Velma/Larry

Call to Worship/Missions Moment: Smith Family: Randy & Etta Bose

 

Wednesday, January 30

8:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sanctuary, for Students' Chapel, then to Farmington Skate park, 9:15 a.m.

 

6.30 Prayer Meeting

7.00 Bible Study

 

Mark Your Calendars:

 

Saturday, February 2

8.00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study

1.00 p.m. Women’s Tea

 

Sunday, February 3

9.30 a.m. CBC Membership Class

 

Saturday, February 9 "Single Focus" Conference; 8-4 Solid Rock Family Church, Farmington.  http://www.singlefocusconference.com/.

 

January 13

Dear Covenant family,

 

Imagine you are the casting agent for a new movie. Your first applicant walks in, but you are in for a shock. Instead of the expected vibrant, young couple with gleaming white teeth and tanned and toned bodies, stand a 75-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman.  Not what you had pictured for this production.

 

And yet, this is what God has chosen.  His screenplay called for a couple to launch a new nation, one that would impact the entire world.  As he would say, a nation through whom “all the nations of the earth would be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).

God picks people you and I wouldn’t necessarily select to take part in his story. In fact sometimes we are shocked who plays the starring roles in his stories.  Unlike the way we do business, he taps people, not merely because of their abilities, but for their availability.  God searches for people who are open to be used by him.  Since he uses only those who are willing to be used for his purposes, there is no doubt that it is he who is doing the wonder- working.  Let there be no doubt, throughout history he is the one making things happen. 

 

That’s good news, isn’t it?  In the business world, you may not have a great pedigree.  In academics, you may not be a Rhodes Scholar.  You may not have a lot of money and you may have average looks.  But you may be sitting in a pretty good position to be a top pick for God’s work.

 

In preparation for Sunday, please read Chapter 2.

Copies of ‘the Story’, and the ‘Participants Guide’ are available in the church lobby.

 

CBC Women Tea

Saturday, February 2, from 1-3 pm the Women of CBC are hosting a tea at CBC. A light lunch, devotion, music with tea and desert will be provided. Nursery will be available for children, and sign up for kids is encouraged. Contact Darlene Moore Berg for more information at 756-9484

 

Prayer & Praise Requests Individuals:

Norm Smith got dismissed from the hospital today. Pray for continual recovery.

Pat Mason – continual recovery; good sleep at night and against any coughing

Larry Hedrick – son Josh is in the hospital, thanking you for prayers as he is recovering well. Larry has the flu.

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, January 16

8:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sanctuary, for Students' Chapel, then to Farmington Skate park, 9:15 a.m.

 

6. 30 p.m. Prayer

7.00 p.m. Bible Study

 

Thursday, January 17

6:45 a.m. – Prayer with Allyson – Farmington Middle School

 

Friday, January 18

1.30 Bible Study St. Francois Manor

 

Saturday, January 19

10.00 a.m. Women’s Tea & Outreach at Darlene Berg’s residence (see information above)

 

Sunday, January 20

9.30 - Sunday School with Al & Jan Gainer - Galatians

10:45 a.m. Service – The Story, Chapter 2

Growth Groups meet:

South – potluck lunch after service at  John & Rebekah Pierce’s in Fredericktown

North – Sundays at 6 pm; call Bud & Donna at 631-3930 or 358-7994 for location

Central – Sundays at 6 pm, call Bill & Ann Bratberg at 631-0555 for location

 

Nursery: Naomi

Snacks/clean up: Smith

Call to Worship/Missions Moment: Randy Stringer

 

Wednesday, January 23

8:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sanctuary, for Students' Chapel, then to Farmington Skate park, 9:15 a.m.

 

6.30 Prayer Meeting

7.00 Bible Study

 

Mark Your Calendars:

 

Saturday, February 2

8.00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study

1.00 p.m. Women’s Tea

 

Sunday, February 3

9.30 a.m. CBC Membership Class

 

Saturday, February 9 "Single Focus" Conference; 8-4 Solid Rock Family Church, Farmington.  http://www.singlefocusconference.com/.

 

January 9

Dear Covenant family,

 

This Sunday we will start ‘the Story’. The first line of the Story reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). 

 

Right off the bat we find the main character in the story is not you or me.  It’s God.  And the rest of The Story will unfold out of the nature and person of this character. It doesn’t take long to find out what God’s great passion is.  Birds?  Nope.  Animals?  Not quite. Sun, moon or stars? Bright guess.  No, in Genesis 3:8 we find that God is walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve in the “cool of the day.”  God is near.  He is right with Adam and Eve.  And he is right here with us.  His simple vision for his creation was to spend time with them every day, to take a walk with them.  God’s supreme passion is to be with you! 

 

Some people live with the idea that God is some angry cosmic kill-joy who sits in the heavens and watches you, waiting for you to make a mistake so he can zap you.  Or, you feel he is distant and doesn’t care or has simply forgotten you. But from the beginning he has shown us this is not the case.  He wants to be with you.  He has not forgotten you.   In fact, this might be the perfect time for you to go for a walk.

 

Let’s begin our journey this Sunday! Please read Chapter 1 in the hardcover book to prepare for Sunday. If you haven’t had a chance to obtain your copy of ‘the Story’, and the ‘Participants Guide’ for growth group, there still are copies available in the church lobby.

 

Thank you church family

I hope you know that you are a real encouragement to me and to my family. Your kind words, prayers, patience and support mean a lot to us. We were also blessed through the Christmas and pastor appreciation gifts. The cards and comments received mean a lot! Thank you so very much!

 

Growth Groups Started

This past Sunday marked the start of our growth groups, as the following plans were made. Growth Groups meet:

South – potluck lunch after service at  John & Rebekah Pierce’s house (561-3765) in Fredericktown

North – Sundays at 6 pm; rotating homes each month, call Bud & Donna at 631-3930 or 358-7994 for location and information

Central – Sundays at 6 pm, rotating homes each month, call Bill & Ann Bratberg at 631-0555 for location and information

 

"Single Focus" Conference

This is a multi-denominational, area wide conference for adults who are single or single again. Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 from 8:00 am- 4:00 pm at Solid Rock Family Church in Farmington, MO. The conference website is up and ready for registration. http://www.singlefocusconference.com/. More information can be sent to you by contacting the church office.

 

CBC Women Outreach with Pregnancy Resource Center

Darlene Berg writes: we will have first planning meeting this Saturday am the 12th at 10am at the home of Darlene Berg, 1119 Old Logging Rd in the St. Francois subdivision 1mile west of Farmington off Rte 221. Any and all are welcome to come, explore ideas, offer thoughts. The Tea will be themed around Forgiveness and will be for our women and as an outreach. We will open this up to women from Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center. Will need child care and children's activities. Both Crystal and Velma have offered to work with the children's activities. Jan Gainer is working on the devotion. We have changed the date of the tea to Feb 2nd at 1pm to give us more time to plan and to invite others to come. Please feel free to offer ideas and to offer to help. Will need food items which Ann Bratberg is coordinating. Would like those with sewing skills to help make some of the table decorations. I do need someone with computer savvy to make a "playlist" of song videos to help set the tone and as background music. If someone wants to sing one of the songs please feel free to volunteer. I have one poem in mind that would be good for someone to read, preferably someone younger than myself to appeal to younger women who may attend.  I know all those interested cannot make it this Saturday but let me know when you can meet for a second planning time. Darlene Moore Berg  home phone 756-9484.

 

Prayer & Praise Requests Individuals:

 

Prayer:

Velma is back at work – pray for continual recovery of her foot. If you want to help offer her a ride to and from work, please call her at 760-5270

Pat Mason’s surgery went well. Pray for recovery from surgery, and a return of all her ‘bodily functions’. Feel free to call her at 631-2738 or visit her at Barnes, room 4911 at the Center for Advanced Medicine. Earliest release date is Friday at this time.

Mildred Stringer is back home; released Monday – pray for Grace.

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, January 9

8:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sanctuary, for Students' Chapel, then to Farmington Skate park, 9:15 a.m.

 

6. 30 p.m. Prayer

7.00 p.m. Bible Study

 

Thursday, January 10

6:45 a.m. – Prayer with Allyson – Farmington Middle School

 

Friday, January 11

1.30 Bible Study St. Francois Manor

 

Saturday, January 12

10.00 a.m. Women’s Tea & Outreach at Darlene Berg’s residence (see information above)

 

Sunday, January 13

9.30 - Sunday School with Al & Jan Gainer - Galatians

10:45 a.m. Service – The Story, Chapter 1

Growth Groups meet:

South – potluck lunch after service at  John & Rebekah Pierce’s in Fredericktown

North – Sundays at 6 pm; call Bud & Donna at 631-3930 or 358-7994 for location

Central – Sundays at 6 pm, call Bill & Ann Bratberg at 631-0555 for location

 

Nursery: Brittany/Misty

Snacks/clean up: Slater

Call to Worship/Missions Moment: Velma - YFC

 

Wednesday, January 16

8:15 a.m. - “Moms In Touch” meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sanctuary, for Students' Chapel, then to Farmington Skate park, 9:15 a.m.

 

6.30 Prayer Meeting

7.00 Bible Study

 

Mark Your Calendars:

 

Saturday, February 2

8.00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study

1.00 p.m. Women’s Tea

 

Sunday, February 3

9.30 a.m. CBC Membership Class

 

 

January 2, 2013

Dear Covenant family,

 

Happy New Year to everyone! I enjoyed the time spent together yesterday at the Berg’s residence, and wish you all a Blessed New Year! Look forward to see you all this Sunday.

 

We hope to do this Sunday what was planned for last week – introducing our new series ‘The Story’. We will end our service with a potluck lunch during which the various growth groups will meet. We will divide in three different groups and will take some time to get to know each other better. If you are new at growth groups at CBC please join us that day and check it out. We will help you find your group. You are encouraged to join the one in your geographical area, but if you have a preference for another group that is fine also. You will end your growth group time by making any plans or announcements about your next growth group meeting, scheduled in the week of January 13^th.

 

Men’s Breakfast

Men’s Breakfast will begin the first Saturday of February (Feb 2) at CBC:

8.00 – 8.30 – Breakfast

8.30 – 9.30 – Teaching/Discussion Time

 

Membership Class

A new membership class will start Sunday, February 3^rd at 9.30 a.m. This will be for three consecutive weeks. This class is open to anyone interested in becoming a member and/or with a desire to get to know our church better.

 

Prayer & Praise Requests Individuals:

 

Prayer:

Velma recovered well from her surgery and is scheduled to return Friday, using a wheelchair for the time being.

Pat Mason is scheduled to have laparoscopic surgery at Barnes, this Monday at 7.30 am. She is expected to be hospitalized 4-6 days. Pray for successful surgery and recovery.

Kimberly – Howard and Linda’s daughter in Illinois (Ethan’s mom) is having surgery tomorrow. Howard and Linda and Sarah will be with the family during this time.

Adrian – for Christ to become more rooted in his heart and life

Manor Residents – grace after the loss of Dana; for God to meet residents during Friday’s Bible Study at 1.30

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, January 2

No church services

 

Friday, January 4

1.30 Bible Study St. Francois Manor

 

Sunday, January 6

9.30 - Sunday School with Al & Jan Gainer

10:45 a.m. Service

Growth Group kick off – potluck lunch after service, during which all groups meet

 

Wednesday, January 9

6.30 Prayer Meeting

7.00 Bible Study

 

February 2 – 8.00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study

February 3 – 9.30 a.m. Start Membership Class