March 20, 2013

Dear Covenant family,

 

“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna!’ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” – Mark 11:9,10

 

This Palm Sunday we remember that Hosanna shouts were given to Jesus. He was aligned with the ‘coming Kingdom of our father David’.

 

So what is so unique about David? David’s Story, in Chapter 11 of ‘the Story’ starts out remarkable. Imagine the scene: a scrawny sixteen year old shepherd boy takes out a 9’9” tall giant with one rock and a sling.

 

You may not have a gigantic giant taunting you to come out and fight.  But you are probably facing a few giants of your own.  Financial pressures. Job situation. Family matters. Health. Depression. You have your giants.  And so do I.  What can we learn from David?

 

He could face his “giant” because he had spent time in the quiet with God.  When he arrived at the place of the standoff between the Israelites and the Philistines, he talked about God.  He told Saul that “The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1Sam.17:37). He did not hesitate to confront Goliath, saying he came “in the name of the Lord of host, the God of the armies of Israel.” 

 

David was God-focused instead of giant-focused.  He mentions Goliath two times and God nine times.  He knew the giant was there and recognized his presence.  But his thoughts were twice as much on God. 

 

That focus led him to confront his giant rather than run away. David stepped into the gap and slung one well-aimed stone at him.

 

‘This day the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel’, were the last words David uttered before he struck Goliath down. God says the same to you today in your situation. He wants to be your deliverer, leading you to victory in the battles of your life. David’s secret to success can be yours. How?  Come and find out this Sunday. Join us as we shout ‘Hosanna’ (which means salvation) as we welcome our Savior this Easter Season.

 

In preparation for Sunday, please read Chapter 11 of ‘the Story’.

 

March 23 – 9.00 a.m. Church Clean Up

Saturday, March 23 will be a church clean up time as we get ready for Easter. We will be doing cleaning both the inside and outside. All help welcome. Dress prepared for indoor or outdoor work.

Easter at CBC

Good Friday: Communion Service at 6 p.m. at Covenant Bible Church.

Easter Morning – 9.30 a.m.: After Scripture Reading and a short testimony we will enjoy time together over coffee and cakes. Bring coffee cakes of some sort – a light breakfast

10.45 – Family Style Service with special music, poetry, children participation and Easter Message for young and old – children will join us during service

No growth groups - we encourage you to spend time with friends and family.

Farmington Presbyterian Church has invited all men to join them for their annual Easter breakfast Saturday at 8 a.m. RSVP your spot by contacting Marco.

 

Prayer & Praise Requests Individuals:

Shelly Bess made it through surgery well yesterday and is recovering. Expected to be home later today. Help may be appreciated by providing meals later this week or early next week. Contact Gwen Slater at 431-7529 if interested.

John van Hoogstraat made it through surgery successfully and appreciates your prayers

Finding a Job for James Ware

Mark Carr, Norm Smith – healing and recovery

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, March 20

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

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study

7.00 p.m. Scripture Memorization

 

Thursday, March 21

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

6.30 p.m. - YFC Fundraising Banquet, The Factory, 6.30 p.m.

 

Friday, March 22

1.30 Bible Study St. Francois Manor

3.00 Bible Club Fredericktown Intermediate School

 

Saturday, March 23

9.00 a.m. Church Clean Up

 

Sunday, March 24

9.30 a.m.  Sunday School with Al & Jan Gainer – 2 Corinthians

10:45 a.m. Service – The Story, Chapter 11

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, at Bill & Ann Bratberg, call 631-0555 for location

 

Monday, March 25

Women’s Bible Study with Beth Moore on ‘Patriarchs’ from 6.00 – 8.15 p.m.

 

Tuesday, March 26

Women’s Bible Study with Beth Moore on ‘Patriarchs’ from  9.00 -11.15 a.m.

 

Friday, March 29

Communion Good Friday Service – 6.00 p.m.

 

Saturday, March 30

8.00 a.m. Community Breakfast at Farmington Presbyterian Church

 

Easter, Sunday, March 31

9.30 a.m. Fellowship Time – coffee cake breakfast

10.45 a.m. Easter Service

 

Nursery: Britney & Misty Stringer

Cookies/clean up: Gainer

Children’s Church: Kari

Call to Worship/Missions Moment: Evie/St. Francois Manor

 

Mark Your Calendars:

April 7 – Potluck lunch after church service in which growth groups unite

May 3,4  – Men’s Retreat at 3 Hills Motel, Ozark Mountains