October 30,2013

Dear Covenant family,

It’s confession time….I’ve been looking at the Ford F-150 Series Pick Up truck and recently the Silverado Pick Up truck. With a projected highway mileage of around 25 mpg, both power machines have come within the reach of my ‘gas budget’ as I drive back and forth to the church. More Power for Less Money. Exchanging my vehicle for a truck would mean I could do so much more – driving to my cabin, hauling stuff and feeling like the all American Man – with a Dutch accent. Will I do it? I will take the fifth on answering that question for now, but I do desire to daily exchange my low power machine for His Greater Power. I’d like to enjoy the privilege to see God do so much more in and through my life – more than my own ‘vehicle’ could ever accomplish! That is the promise of Acts 1:8: ‘you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,, and you will be my witnesses’. Apart from the thrill of driving a new vehicle, wouldn’t you agree that this world is in desperate need of a church filled with His Spirit to bring about the much needed change in our hearts and those around us? Join us this Sunday as we discover this awesome promise of being filled with the Spirit. Please read Chapter 29 of ‘the Story’ in preparation.

 

Thank you!

Thank you church family for your many encouraging words on the thank you card and for your gift you gave us this Sunday during the Quarterly Meeting. You all are such a blessing to me and my family. Thank you for allowing us to serve the Lord with you!

 

Congregational Meeting Results

A mission update was given and a sign up sheet passed (which will remain in the lobby for two weeks for sign up) to join the mission committee that plans to meet twice a year.

A budget update was given. Extra copies are available in the library.

A nominating committee has been formed to assist in finding new people for elder and deacon positions.

 

Men’s Breakfast

Calling all men: This Saturday join us at 8 for breakfast and testimony.

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Pat van Hoogstraat made it through surgery successfully. John found her walking the hospital ICU hallway this morning with two aides on her side, and she is scheduled to be moved out of ICU later today. John is thrilled with the progress and thanks you for your prayers.

Mildred Stringer, Mary Janzou, Brad, Jackie & Fred Nasser, Sharon Koenig, Norm Smith

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, October 30

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Friday, November 1

1.30 p.m. Bible Study - St. Francois Manor

 

Saturday, November 2

8.00 - Men’s Breakfast at CBC

 

Sunday, November 3

9.30 – Sunday School – “Romans” with Al & Jan Gainer

10.45 – Service – ‘the Story Ch. 29

 

• Snacks/Clean Up – Davis
• Children’s Church - Larry
• Nursery: Naomi

 

Monday,  November 4

6 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 

 

Tuesday, November 5

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

2.30 p.m.– Alpha Course at ‘Shared Blessings’ in Bonne Terre

 

Wednesday, November 6

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Thursday, November 7

‘Together’ Planning & Vision Meeting; 6-8 p.m. at CBC

October 23, 2013

Dear Covenant family,

I enjoyed giving and receiving big hugs from my daughters this morning after they returned from Florida. Glad they are home safe! I can’t image what it would be like to loose a child like the late William Pilkenton who was one month away from turning eight years old.  His family had traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to Tofino, British Columbia for a vacation.  He and his father were walking up from the beach when his father turned to look for him and realized he was gone.

 

When children go missing, fathers start looking.  And so did this one.  Before long, the entire community was helping him search for this missing child.  Search and rescue crews scoured the area.  Search coordinator Garth Cameron said, “I don’t think there’s a square foot in this town that doesn’t have footprints.”([1])

 

When children go missing, parents go looking.  And that’s what God has done.  There’s not a square foot on earth that doesn’t have his footprints.  He began searching for them the moment Adam and Eve made a choice and lost their way.  He sent the nation of Israel looking.  He sent his Son to “seek and save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). 

 

Today he sends his church.  In Acts 1:8 we find his search and rescue plan: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

 

Jesus sent the disciples into the middle of Jerusalem and told them to wait.  While they were waiting a crowd gathered for Pentecost.  Some estimate Jerusalem swelled to over one million people during this time.  The Holy Spirit came on them, Peter preached, and the church swelled from 120 to over three thousand.

 

It didn’t stop there.  The devoted themselves to “the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).  That first church in Jerusalem grounded its people in the Word, in deep community, to sharing meals and sharing Christ, and to prayer.  They had to.  The task at hand was too big for them to accomplish on their own.  They needed each other.  Mostly they needed God.

 

That hasn’t changed, has it?  We still have the same commission to be witnesses for Jesus in our Jerusalems and in our world.  We are still called to the Word, to love each other, to share life, and to prayer.  And we are still searching for those who have lost their way.

 

We are still searching because the Father still has children who are missing.  So go to your Jerusalem and wait.  God will bring you power as you serve him there.  Let’s not leave a square foot without our footprints.

 

 

Congregational Meeting

There will be a congregational meeting this Sunday, October 27 immediately following the service. On the agenda will be among others: a financial report, the establishment of a nomination committee for new positions in the church and a rescheduling of our next planning meeting.

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Kari returned from teaching missionaries in Florida and thanks you for your prayers as it was a fruitful time of ministry.

Richard & Carolyn Edgar thank you for your prayers regarding their move. They have found a home at the shores of Table Rock Lake. We hope to see them – possibly this Sunday – to pray with and for them in their next step.

Mildred Stringer – broken foot, Mary Janzou, Brad, Jackie Nasser, Sharon Koenig, Norm Smith

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, October 23

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Friday, October 25

1.30 p.m. Bible Study - St. Francois Manor

 

Sunday, October 27

9.30 – Sunday School – “Romans” with Al & Jan Gainer

10.45 – Service – ‘the Story Ch. 28

 

• Snacks/Clean Up – Bose
• Children’s Church - Kari
• Nursery: Britney/Misty

 

Monday,  October 28

6 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 

 

Tuesday, October 29

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

2.30 p.m.– Alpha Course at ‘Shared Blessings’ in Bonne Terre

 

Wednesday, October 30

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Saturday, November 2

8.00 - Men’s Breakfast at CBC

 

November ( 7 or 8 - to be confirmed)

‘Together’ Planning & Vision Meeting; 6-8 p.m. at CBC

---

[1] Official search for missing 7-year-old ends in Tofino, B.C. at  http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/02/18/bc-missing-boy-tofino.html

 

October 16,2013

Dear Covenant family,

When you get older, someone else will lead you… John 21:18

 

Preaching on the Resurrection feels strange in the Fall, as the celebration of New Life seems to fit the Easter Season of the Spring so well. But have you looked outside and seen the many leaves that change color? We’ve got quite a spectacle in our backyard, and my guess is you’ve probably enjoyed the same. Each leaf is beautifully changed to reflect bright red, yellow or (yes!) orange. This Sunday we will follow Peter’s ‘color change’  from where we left him last Sunday when he denied Christ and ‘wept bitterly’, to change colors to a man God was about to use in an incredible way. Wouldn’t you want to be used by God like Peter? For this Sunday, please Read Chapter 27 in ‘the Story’ and join us this Sunday to find out that a Resurrection Sermon in the Fall makes sense.  It’s time for your color change!

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Gwen Slater made it through cateract surgery fine this Tuesday, and passed ‘inspection’ at the hospital this morning. She thanks you for your prayers.

Kari van Raalten – teaching 15 missionaries in training in Florida about language learning; plans to return by the middle of next week. Marco will be working more from home this week as he is taking care of the two boys; the  girls being gone with Kari. Please feel free to call Marco on his cell if you need assistance: 366-0787

Health: Kim (Byron’s sister) – chemo; Norm Smith, Dick Slater, Jan Gainer

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, October 16

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Friday, October 18

1.30 p.m. Bible Study - St. Francois Manor

 

Sunday, October 20

9.30 – Sunday School – “Romans” with Al & Jan Gainer

10.45 – Service – ‘the Story Ch. 27

 

• Snacks/Clean Up – van Raalten
• Children’s Church - Larry
• Nursery: Naomi

 

Monday,  October 21

6 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 

 

Tuesday, October 22

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

2.30 p.m.– Alpha Course at ‘Shared Blessings’ in Bonne Terre

 

Wednesday, October 23

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Saturday, November 2

8.00 - Men’s Breakfast at CBC

 

Friday, November 8

‘Together’ Planning & Vision Meeting; 6-8 p.m. at CBC

October 9, 2013

Dear Covenant family,

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Cor 15:55

 

Where is God when life hurts? Why does God allow bad things to happen? In Chapter 26 of ‘the Story’ we will respond to this question through the eyes of Peter who had an amazing encounter with the Savior – right when life hurt and bad things happened. It changed him and his outlook forever. In preparation for Sunday please read Chapter 26.

 

Together – this Friday, October 11; 6-8 p.m.

Coming up this Friday: our next visionary meeting. We will continue the process that we started during our weekend of prayer and fasting – seeking God’s direction and blueprint for our church. He has a unique calling and purpose for this congregation. We want to be in the Center of His Will. I would ask you to remember this important day in PRAYER! We will start at 6 with supper and hope to end at 8 p.m. Open to all church members and those that have been attending CBC for 6 months or more. We will be looking at the harvest field all around us and seeking God on how to respond.  ‘Look, I tell you, open your eyes and observe that the fields are ready for harvesting now. – John 4:35

 

Volleybal League Possibility – Would you be interested in putting a team together?

First Baptist Church in Farmington has opened up their newly constructed Family Life Center Building for the community and are in the beginning stages of starting a co-ed volleyball league on Tuesday and/or Thursday nights.  If you’d be interested in potentially helping to put a church team together for this or participate in this individually, please contact Marco.

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Al & Jan Gainer had a break-in in their home yesterday and lost property. Pray for God’s Grace in this loss. We may give you an opportunity to help them this Sunday.

Kari will be making a trip to Florida to teach language learning to future missionaries - leaving this Sunday for 10 days with Grace and Clarissa. Pray for fruitful ministry and for Marco and the boys to survive.....

Health: Kim (Byron’s sister) – chemo; Norm Smith, Dick Slater, Jan Gainer

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, October 9

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Friday, October 11

1.30 p.m. Bible Study - St. Francois Manor

 

6-8 p.m. ‘Together’ Vision Time – further implementation of Prayer Weekend

 

Sunday, October 13

9.30 – Sunday School – “Romans” with Al & Jan Gainer

10.45 – Service – ‘the Story Ch. 26

 

 

• Snacks/Clean Up - Slater
• Children’s Church - Crystal
• Nursery: Britany/Misty

 

Monday,  October 14

6 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 

 

Tuesday, October 15

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

2.30 p.m.– Alpha Course at ‘Shared Blessings’ in Bonne Terre

 

Wednesday, October 16

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

 

 

Church Calendar:

 

 

Wednesday, October 9

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Friday, October 11

1.30 p.m. Bible Study - St. Francois Manor

 

6-8 p.m. ‘Together’ Vision Time – further implementation of Prayer Weekend

 

Sunday, October 13

9.30 – Sunday School – “Romans” with Al & Jan Gainer

10.45 – Service – ‘the Story Ch. 26

 

 

• Snacks/Clean Up - Slater
• Children’s Church - Crystal
• Nursery: Britany/Misty

 

Monday,  October 14

6 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 

 

Tuesday, October 15

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

2.30 p.m.– Alpha Course at ‘Shared Blessings’ in Bonne Terre

 

Wednesday, October 16

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

October 2, 2013

Dear Covenant family,

 

We are re-locating our services for this Sunday, and will NOT be having church at CBC. Why?

 

How good and pleasant it is

when God’s people live together in unity!

It is like precious oil poured on the head,

running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron’s beard,

down on the collar of his robe.

It is as if the dew of Hermon

were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the Lord bestows his blessing,

even life forevermore.

Ps 133 (NIV)

 

I am very much looking forward to spending time with you during our church weekend this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Pinecrest Camp in Cherokee Pass. How good is it when we live together! We will do that by sharing meals, worship together, playing games, teaching times and simply just time being together. Don’t miss this opportunity. Please find down below our schedule for the weekend. If you can’t make it for the entire weekend, you are more than welcome to join us for part of it. A big thank you to all those who signed up this past Sunday. If you haven’t, I just got word that Pinecrest has been extra kind to us and reserved a couple of extra seats at the dinner table for us – for any last minute guests at any of the meals. You can sign up to eat once you get there. Once you arrive at the camp site, the services will be at the ‘Motel’ – which is the main sanctuary overlooking the lake. Directions:  once you drive on the main road into the camp, take a left once you enter the main ‘big’ parking lot – you will see the building adjacent to the parking lot, overlooking the lake.

 

SCHEDULE WEEKEND

 

Friday, October 5

            7:00 – 8:30pm –- Worship & Session 1

            8:30 – 9:00pm –- Snack

            9:00 – 12:00am –- Free Time, Gym Open

           

            Saturday, October 6

            5:30 am –- Fellowship with Ashley and Mike - Chapel

            6:30 am Coffee in the Dining Hall

            8:00 am –- Breakfast

            9:00am –- Worship, Sessions 2 and 3, Group Discussion

            Noon –- Lunch

            1:00 – 6:00pm –- Free time

            1:30 - 2:30 – Mini golf tournament

            2:00pm - 3:30 pm - Skeet shooting

3:00pm - 4:00 pm– Ladies Chocolate Talk

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Q&A with Adam

            6:00pm –- Dinner

            7:00pm –- Singing and Trivia Night

            9:00 pm –- Bonfire and praise sharing

            9:45 - midnight - open gym

            12:00am –- In your room

 

            Sunday, October 7

            5:30 am –- Fellowship with Ashley and Mike -

            6:30am –- Coffee in the Dining Hall

            8:00am –- Breakfast

            9:00am –- Clean and Pack

            9:30am –- Worship & Session 4

            11:30am – Offering, Communion and Baptisms

            Noon –- Lunch

           

What is the cost for meals? Meals are $8/adult per meal $4/child (ages 4 - 11).

 

Volleybal League Possibility – Would you be interested in putting a team together?

First Baptist Church in Farmington has opened up their newly constructed Family Life Center Building for the community and are in the beginning stages of starting a co-ed volleyball league on Tuesday and/or Thursday nights. They are currently gauging the interest level for this. If you’d be interested in potentially helping to put a church team together for this or participate in this individually, please contact Marco. A letter with more information is available in the church library.

 

Together – continued Friday, October 11; 6-8 p.m.

Please mark your calendars for our next (and first) visionary meeting on Friday, October 11^th. We will continue the process that we started during our weekend of prayer and fasting – seeking God’s direction and blueprint for our church. He has a unique calling and purpose for this congregation. We want to be in the Center of His Will. I would ask you to remember this important day in PRAYER! We will start at 6 with supper and hope to end at 8 p.m. Open to all church members and those that have been attending CBC for 6 months or more.

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Health: Kim (Byron’s sister) – chemo; Norm Smith, Dick Slater, Jan Gainer

Pray for God to work in the participants’ hearts at St. Francois Manor, Shared Blessings and Women’s Bible Studies.

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, October 2

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Friday, October 4

1.30 p.m. Bible Study - St. Francois Manor

 

Friday, October 4 – 7 p.m.  thru Sunday, October 6^th (p.m.)– Family Camp at Pinecrest Camp, Cherokee Pass.

 

Sunday, October 6

NO Service at CBC

 

Monday,  October 7

6 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 

 

Tuesday, October 8

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

2.30 p.m.– Alpha Course at ‘Shared Blessings’ in Bonne Terre

 

Wednesday, October 9

6. 00 – 6.45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer

7.00 p.m. ‘The making of a Godly Man’ - Men’s Bible Study

 

Friday, October 11; 6-8 p.m. at CBC –

‘Together’ – further implementation of Prayer Weekend