March 18,2015

Dear Covenant family,

 

‘I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ – John 15:5

 

Do you ‘get’ His Power? It is often found as an exchange to our ‘own’ power. Martha Snell Nicholson (1898-1953) discovered this truth. She looked powerless as a bedridden invalid who suffered from four incurable diseases, who struggled with pain for over 35 years.  After being an invalid for many years, her loving husband, who she depended on, died suddenly.  Yet throughout her life she ‘got’ the key to share in His Power. Through all her pain and suffering came some of the finest Christian poetry ever written. Listen to ‘a Mendicant (beggar) of God’

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, “But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me.”
He said, “My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee.”
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

May this and other illustrations from John 15, lead us to ‘get’ His Power this Sunday!

 

Prayer and Praise Reports:

Rebekah Pierce’s sister baby still in critical condition. Pierce family left yesterday to be with them in Michigan for next few days

Clarissa Praise Report – doctors stated it’s ‘extremely rare for someone to be doing this good this early’ – thanking God!

Melissa Mason – new job,

Mike – Randy’s friend

St. Francois Manor residents – various needs

Erin – van Hoogstraat family member – divine intervention

Byron’s sister Kim

Bill & Ann Bratberg: cancer with daughter Kim and Ann’s sister Patty

Norm Smith, Carley Huff (13 yr old girl diagnosed with cancer)

Casting our Nets – for God to lead and send us in: bible studies in st.francois manor, ste. Genevieve and shared blessings, youth nights, pastors networking, mission trips to Africa and possibly closer by, Youth Camp for young teenagers this Summer, Easter Services and other ways as we reach out to the world around us

 

Church Calendar:

 

Wednesday, March 18

1.30 p.m. Prayer at the home of Dick & Gwen Slater, 1156 Adams Road, Desloge

 

Friday, March 20

1.30 p.m. St. Francois Manor Bible Study

 

Saturday, March 21

8 a.m. 5k Fundraiser Shared Blessings – in conjunction with Youth Event @ premises

1.00 p.m. Bridal Shower Andrea (Vogel)

4.30 p.m. Elder & Deacon Get Together – Masson Residence 4.30 pm

 

LENT - Sunday, March 22

9.30 – Sunday School – Al & Jan Gainer – 1 John

10.45 – Service – ‘Do you get His Power?’ – Ch. 15 Gospel of John

Children Worker Meeting immediately following service.

 

• Worship: Kari/Pat/Michael/Rebekah
• PowerPoint: Nate
• Coffee/Clean Up – Mason
• Children’s Church – Donna Masson
• Nursery –

 

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)
• (Young) Families: None this week

 

Wednesday, March 25

4.00 p.m. Prayer at the home of Dick & Gwen Slater, 1156 Adams Road, Desloge

 

Thursday, March 26

6.30 –Bible Study at Viox house in Ste. Genevieve

 

LENT – Palm Sunday, March 29

9.30 – Sunday School – Al & Jan Gainer – 1 John

10.45 – Service ;’Lent Series’ Gospel John, Ch. 17 – and 12

 

• Worship: Steve/Evie/Michael
• PowerPoint: Nate
• Coffee/Clean Up – Masson
• Children’s Church – Kari van Raalten
• Nursery –

 

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)
• (Young) Families: ‘Parenting with Purpose’ – meet during Sunday School at CBC

 

Saturday, April 4

8.00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast

 

Friday & Saturday, April 24,25

4/24 @ 6pm  & 4/25 dismiss @ noon. Men’s Retreat – 3 Hills Motel

 

Sunday, July 19 – Thursday July 23

Youth Camp – 4^th through 8^th grade, Illinois