Dear Covenant family,
“The angel said to the woman, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you
are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as
He said!” – Matthew 28:5,6
Clarissa, my 4 year old, likes to play a game with me when I
come to tuck her in at night. She pretends to be asleep, ‘non alive’; covered
completely under her blankets. But when given the right ‘poke’, tickle or a
kiss on the cheek, she may decide to suddenly come ‘alive’ – smiles and all. I
am always glad to see her cheerful smile and giggles, knowing I have a daughter
who is alive. It beats the lifeless bundle under her blanket.
It reminds me of Easter. We serve a Savior who is not dead,
but alive! We don’t have to ‘poke’ around a ‘lifeless bundle’, but we meet the
Risen Savior who wants to walk with us every day of our lives. We get to see
his smile, feel his touch and enjoy His Presence.
This Friday, at 6.00 p.m.
we will be having a Communion Service. We will remember the death of Christ on
the cross. Paul wanted to ‘become like him in his death’ in order to experience
the fullness of the resurrection. Christ’s call to us is the same today, and we
will take time to let the Holy Spirit search our hearts to join Christ in his sacrifice.
Our Easter Sunday will begin at 9.30 a .m.
At 10.45 we will have a Family Style Easter Service with
special music, poetry, children participation and Easter Message for young and
old. The children will join us during service. We will celebrate the beautiful
fact that He is Risen!
No growth groups that evening as we encourage you to spend
time with friends and family.
Suggested Scripture Readings
Easter:
Tuesday - Read John 13:21-38
and ask yourself what you can learn from Christ's actions towards Judas.
Wednesday - Read Mark 14:10 -12 and spend time thinking if there has ever been a
time when you've wanted to "betray" Jesus and why.
Thursday - Read John 13:1-17
and ask yourself how you can be a better servant to those around you this year.
Good Friday - Read Luke 22-23
and reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and what it means for humanity.
Saturday - Read Matthew 27:57-66
and reflect on how the disciples must have been feeling.
Easter Sunday - Read John 20
and Thank God for sending His Son and for reconciling you to Himself.
First week of April:
We will continue with ‘the Story’ – chapter 11 – Sunday,
April 7. If you have already read Chapter 11, we encourage you to read portions
of the Psalms – especially those written by David. Most Bibles will tell you at
the top of each Psalm if David was the author. Psalm 27 (for example) will be
discussed in the sermon.
Missions Update this
past week
Thanking God for all who attended the YFC banquet (CBC folks
helped fill 4 tables!), helped with the Fredericktown Food Pantry Fundraiser, assisted
with the start of the Fredericktown Intermediate School Bible Club (25 kids in
attendance – 6-8 raised their hand indicating they wanted Christ in their life),
came out at church to help clean it for Easter (did you notice the changes?)
and who faithfully attend the St. Francois Manor Bible Study each week (great
testimony this past Sunday by Evie about what God is doing there). To God be
the Glory! You are a blessing!
Prayer & Praise
Requests Individuals:
Shelly Bess made it through surgery well yesterday and is in
recovery, but this may take a while. Your prayers and support are appreciated.
James Ware – looking for a job.
Mark Carr, Norm Smith – healing and recovery
Dick & Gwen Slater, Richard Edgar family– flu
Church Calendar:
Wednesday, March 27
6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer
7.00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
7.00 p.m. Scripture
Memorization
Thursday, March 28
Friday, March 22
6.00 p.m. Communion Good Friday Service
Saturday, March 30
Easter, Sunday, March 31
Monday, April 1
Women’s Bible Study with Beth
Moore on ‘Patriarchs’ from 6.00 – 8.15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 2
Women’s Bible Study with Beth
Moore on ‘Patriarchs’ from 9.00 -11.15 a .m.
Nursery: Naomi Smith
Cookies/clean up: All invited to help with coffee
cakes
Children’s Church: Children to join adults in main
service
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
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