September 24, 2014

Reminder: Fall Festival this SATURDAY; 5 pm

 

Dear Covenant family,

 

“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now. “John 2:10

 

Always thought Christians should be nice, well behaved, proper and….. outright boring? Think again! Jesus’ first appearance is not at the local Christian book store, bible college or bible study class, but at a week long wedding feast. And there he not only enjoyed himself, but helped the bride and groom’s families have a bigger party by turning water into wine. His next appearance may have been even more disturbing. He turns into somewhat of a lunatic as he clears the temple, yelling and throwing tables around. Why did Jesus party one day and get so mad the next? Come and find out this Sunday how Jesus love is both an invitation to the best thing ever and results in anger at anyone who wants to ruin His party. And we’ll end our time by asking ourselves this question: Does your life look like a wedding party, or did you let someone or something ruin the joy of it? Sermon Title: It’s time to put on your dancing shoes!

 

Fall Festival

This Saturday at 5 pm we’ll kick off our Fall Festival. Food, games, fellowship will start us off, followed by a special performance by a Christian Magician, D.J. Edwards. We’ll top it off with a bonfire and your own marshmallows and smoores. Remember to invite your friends! We are casting our nets this Saturday – reaching out to our community.

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Naomi Smith – healing leg

Norm Smith, Mildred Stringer, Mary Janzou, Dick Slater and son.

‘Cast Our Nets’ – May He continue to lead and direct us.

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, September 24

1.30 p.m. Prayer at the home of Norm & Naomi Smith, 20450 State Rte EE, Farmington

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by Nazarene Church

 

Thursday, September 25

3.30 p.m. Shared Blessings Bible Study

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by New Heights Church

 

Friday, September 26

1.30 p.m. St. Francois Manor Bible Study

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by First Church of God

 

Saturday, September 27

5.00 pm - Fall Festival at CBC

 

Sunday, September 28

9.30 – Sunday School – Al & Jan Gainer – Gospel of Luke

10.45 – Service – ‘Put on your dancing shoes’ – Series: Gospel of John

 

Tasks

• Coffee/Clean Up – Gainer
• Children’s Church – John Pierce and Mike Berg
• Nursery: Kari

 

Growth Groups:

• North: 6 pm; Contact Bud & Donna Masson (631-3930) or Al & Jan Gainer (636-543-1387)
• Central: 5.30 pm Contact Bill & Ann Bratberg (631-0555) or Howard & Linda Davis (756-4154)
• South: Contact Steve Caldwell or John Pierce (meets bi-weekly)

 

Family Camp October 3-5

Family Camp at Pinecrest Camp, Cherokee Pass

No services at CBC.

 

September 17, 2014

Reminder:. We are joining the area wide camp revival at the Methodist Church in Farmington at 6.30 p.m. No service at CBC tonight. Nazarene Church will lead Camp meeting this evening

 

Dear Covenant family,

 

 “Come”, he replied, “and you will see”. – John 1:39

 

Thank you to all of you for casting your nets!

I am so thankful to see what God is doing: watching the children casting their nets this past Sunday Morning, the acts of kindness that have spontaneously sprung up in our midst, the upcoming harvest festival designed to reach out to our neighbors, five (!) teams to lead children’s church thanks to new volunteers, the churches partnering this week in a tent revival that is off to a great start, a TV screen in the lobby for visitors, etc…. and did I mention that God did some amazing things this past Sunday during our community survey in the neighborhood? Six teams of two or three went out in the community and many meaningful conversations and acts of love were given. Do you want to know what happened? Expect to hear a testimony this Sunday

Another testimony you can expect this Sunday is from Mike Gluntz from Christ Community Church. During Sunday School he will share his personal story of Jesus as well as give you a preview of Family Camp, scheduled for the first weekend in October.

Sunday’s Message will look at ‘What does it mean to be a disciple?’ Jesus’ stunning calling of the first 5 disciples reveals a lot about what our calling as his disciples means. As he told John and Andrew: “Come & See!” May we experience the same and see Him in a new way this Sunday!

 

Sign Up: Meals for Family Camp and food items for Fall Festival

This Sunday we will continue the sign up for meals & housing for church camp, and food items that you can bring for the Fall Festival. Lists are available for each in the lobby.

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Naomi Smith – healing leg

Norm Smith, Mildred Stringer, Mary Janzou

‘Cast Our Nets’ – May He continue to lead and direct us. For God to continue working in the hearts of those that were visited this past Sunday.

Area wide Tent Revival ‘United to Love” this week

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, September 17

1.30 p.m. Prayer at the home of Norm & Naomi Smith, 20450 State Rte EE, Farmington

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by Nazarene Church

 

Thursday, September 18

3.30 p.m. Shared Blessings Bible Study

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by New Heights Church

 

Friday, September 19

1.30 p.m. St. Francois Manor Bible Study

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by First Church of God

 

Sunday, September 21

9.30 – Sunday School – Testimony & Family Camp Update: Mike Gluntz

10.45 – Service – ‘What does it mean to be a disciple?’ – Series: Gospel of John

 

Tasks

• Coffee/Clean Up – Davis
• Children’s Church – Crystal
• Nursery: Britney/Misty

 

Growth Groups:

• North: 6 pm; Contact Bud & Donna Masson (631-3930) or Al & Jan Gainer (636-543-1387)
• Central: 5.30 pm Contact Bill & Ann Bratberg (631-0555) or Howard & Linda Davis (756-4154)
• South: Contact Steve Caldwell or John Pierce (meets bi-weekly)

 

Sunday, September 28

Tasks

• Coffee/Clean Up – Gainer
• Children’s Church – John Pierce and Mike Berg
• Nursery: Kari

 

5.00 pm - Fall Festival

 

Family Camp October 3-5

Family Camp at Pinecrest Camp, Cherokee Pass

 

September 10, 2014

Dear Covenant family,

 

‘For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came though Jesus Christ’ – John 1:17

 

Let’s say you are ‘casting your nets’, and are caught up in a conversation with a colleague at work, a friend at Wal-Mart or a church neighbor during our community survey. Suddenly they ask the question: So what do you actually believe? You know you only have a few minutes. What would you say?

This Sunday we will continue our discovery on how to share the Gospel. Last week we talked about the importance of our personal testimony; our story of ‘chai’ in the context of the culture that we live in. This week we look at His Gospel Story, so clearly expressed in John 1. This Sunday, expect some real helpful practical help to ‘always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have’. (1 Peter 3:15) I hope and pray it will be a real help to you as you cast your nets.

 

This Sunday Evening: Community Survey & Sharing Time

This Sunday we will go out to our neighbors in the immediate church community to introduce ourselves and ask if there is anything we can do for them, or anything we can pray for. This is not an ‘in your face’ evangelism, but an act of love and manifestation of care. Here is our anticipated schedule:

5.00 pm. Meet at the church. After we assemble our gifts to the community (plates of cookies) we will pray, give you some instructions and answer any questions you may have. Those that are going out will be divided in teams of two, and will be given 5 houses to visit.

5.15. While some of us go out in the community, some will stay at the church to pray

6.00 (?) – 7.00 Sharing of our experiences of the evening with one another while we eat together. Please bring some light snacks.

 

I am praying for Sunday evening and our neighbors. I know God responds when we move out in obedience. Thank you for expressing your love for our neighbors and our community!

 

For those who missed Sunday School Video ‘St. John in exile’

This Sunday we will continue part 2 of the video ‘St. John in exile’. For those who missed part I, you can look it up on Youtube. Please watch only the first 51 minutes of the 92 minute video. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Lbx1Hj9CY

 

Sign Up: Meals for Family Camp and food items for Fall Festival

This Sunday we will begin the sign up for meals for church camp, and food items that you can bring for the Fall Festival. A list will be available for each in the lobby.

 

Scheduled Churches Participating in Sept 15 Area Camp Meeting/Revival

Please find the list of participating churches in the week long camp meeting/revival scheduled for next week in your weekly calendar.

‘Cast your Nets’ initiative – looking for pictures for TV video loop in lobby.

The TV has been mounted on the wall. Byron Huebschen is asking for your help to put together the ‘loop’ DVD. He would like to receive any pictures that are usable for the slide presentation.  Parameters for pictures would be to fit 3 themes.  (Know God, Grow Together, Show the World) Especially interactive type pictures would be good. See Byron or email him your pictures at huebschen@att.net

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Naomi Smith – healing leg

Norm Smith, Mildred Stringer, Mary Janzou

‘Cast Our Nets’ – May He continue to lead and direct us.

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, September 10

1.30 p.m. Prayer at the home of Dick & Gwen Slater, 1156 Adams Road, Desloge
7.00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study: ‘The Making of a Godly Man’ - CBC

 

Thursday, September 11

3.30 p.m. NO Shared Blessings Bible Study due to staff meetings

 

Friday, September 12

1.30 p.m. St. Francois Manor Bible Study

 

Sunday, September 14

9.30 – Sunday School – Video ‘St. John in Exile’ – Part 2

10.45 – Service – ‘How would you summarize The Gospel?’ – Series: Gospel of John

 

5.00 pm Community Survey CBC Neighbors; meet at CBC

Tasks

• Coffee/Clean Up – Bratberg
• Children’s Church – Kari
• Nursery: Naomi

 

Monday, September 15

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by Presbyterian Church

Tuesday, September 16

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by Methodist Church

Wednesday, September 17

1.30 p.m. Prayer at the home of Dick & Gwen Slater, 1156 Adams Road, Desloge
6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by Nazarene Church

Thursday, September 18

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by New Heights Church

Friday, September 19

6.30 pm. Tent Meeting Memorial United Methodist Church – Service led by First Church of God

 

Sunday, September 21

9.30 – Sunday School – Guest Speaker Family Camp

10.45 – Service – Gospel of John

Growth Groups:

• North: 6 pm; Contact Bud & Donna Masson (631-3930) or Al & Jan Gainer (636-543-1387)
• Central: 5.30 pm Contact Bill & Ann Bratberg (631-0555) or Howard & Linda Davis (756-4154)
• South: Contact Steve Caldwell (meets bi-weekly)

 

Tasks

• Coffee/Clean Up – Davis
• Children’s Church – Crystal
• Nursery: Britney/Misty

 

Mark Your Calendars:

 

Saturday, September 28

5.00 pm Fall Festival – CBC

 

Family Camp October 3-5

Family Camp at Pinecrest Camp, Cherokee Pass

 

September 3, 2014

Dear Covenant family,

 

‘But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name’ – John 20:31

 

Do you remember the movie; ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ when the father of the bride proposes a toast for the new couple, wishing them the best in life and prosperity? He exclaims loudly in his toast: ‘L’chaim’ – or: to ‘LIFE’. After that the party truly begins with lots of joy and laughter. This is what John must have had in mind when he wrote about Jesus bringing life. And this is what we must have in mind when we look at presenting Christ to our friends, colleagues and our neighborhood. He didn’t come to condemn, place heavy burdens or make life unbearable, but He came to give us full life (John 10:10) As we look at ‘casting our nets’, both in our personal lives and through a community survey Sunday, September 14, expect to receive some real practical help in the next two weeks about how to present the Gospel as the gift of a full life from the Life Giver! ‘L’chaim’!

 

Thank you for hosting internationals and testimony of one of our guests

A big thank you also to everyone for opening up your home. You all were absolutely awesome! One of our guests shared a powerful testimony this past Sunday with me about how your love impacted her and her husband, drawing them closer to Christ. I can’t wait to share it with you this Sunday. It will encourage you. The Gospel is still the greatest news ever!

 

Sunday School Special

In order to help us prepare for the upcoming sermon series on the Gospel of John

we will be watching a video enactment of the character of the apostle John for the next two weeks. It will enlarge your understanding of this Gospel, as it will help you place the book of John in the context of the time and writer, helping you see it’s meaning so you can transfer and apply it to today’s world.

 

Answer to Prayer: Sept 15 Area Camp Meeting/Revival

We have been praying for unity in our community, for revival and mission. God is answering prayers. CBC is invited to join area churches for a week of tent meetings to promote unity and witness to our community. Tent will be at Memorial United Methodist Church on Karsch Boulevard in Farmington, starting Monday, September 15. Various churches will participate, leading in worship and preaching. All are invited! We give Glory to God for what He is doing.

 

Great Opportunity for ladies: Bible Study Fellowship

This Tuesday at 7 pm will be an opening/welcoming night for Bible Study Fellowship. This is a nation wide interdenominational bible study program that is now available in Farmington, hosted by First Baptist Church. Groups meet weekly. For more information contact Naomi Smith or Jan Gainer.

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Dennis, Dick Slater’s son – health concerns

Norm Smith, Mildred Stringer, Mary Janzou

Our internationals friends – that Gods Word would continue to work in their lives

‘Cast Our Nets’ – May He continue to lead and direct us.

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, September 3

1.30 p.m. Prayer at the home of Dick & Gwen Slater, 1156 Adams Road, Desloge
7.00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study: ‘The Making of a Godly Man’ - CBC

 

Thursday, September 4

3.30 p.m. Shared Blessings Bible Study

 

Friday, September 5

1.30 p.m. St. Francois Manor Bible Study

 

Sunday, September 7

9.30 – Sunday School – Introduction Gospel of John -

10.45 – Service – ‘Chai”; New Series: Gospel John

Growth Groups:

• North: 6 pm; Contact Bud & Donna Masson (631-3930) or Al & Jan Gainer (636-543-1387)
• Central: 5.30 pm Contact Bill & Ann Bratberg (631-0555) or Howard & Linda Davis (756-4154)

Tasks

• Coffee/Clean Up – Berg
• Children’s Church – Kari
• Nursery: Britney/Misty

 

Tuesday, September 9

Start Bible Study Fellowship – Opening Night, First Baptist Church, Farmington

 

Wednesday, September 10

1.30 p.m. Prayer at the home of Dick & Gwen Slater, 1156 Adams Road, Desloge
7.00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study: ‘The Making of a Godly Man’ - CBC

 

Sunday, September 14

9.30 – Sunday School – Introduction Gospel of John, part 2

10.45 – Service – ‘Chai”; New Series: Gospel John

Growth Groups:

• North: 6 pm; Contact Bud & Donna Masson (631-3930) or Al & Jan Gainer (636-543-1387)
• Central: 5.30 pm Contact Bill & Ann Bratberg (631-0555) or Howard & Linda Davis (756-4154)

 

5.00 pm Community Survey CBC Neighbors; meet at CBC

 

Tasks

• Coffee/Clean Up – Bratberg
• Children’s Church – see Crystal
• Nursery: Naomi

 

Mark Your Calendars:

 

Saturday, September 28

5.00 pm Fall Festival – CBC

 

Family Camp October 3-5

Family Camp at Pinecrest Camp, Cherokee Pass