January 15-22, 2017
  
First, let me say that this is not a political article.  But, as the inauguration of the next President will take place this week, politics will be in our faces.  I do believe that Christ followers should do our part as citizens and vote, after prayerfully considering the candidate who will receive our vote.  But I want to caution all of us to remember that our President, or any president, is not our Lord.  We ought to pray for our President, whether we voted for the one in office or not, and we ought to pray for other elected officials, even on the local level, but none of them are to ones to whom we pray.  

Politics can become very divisive, and we who are Christians are not about division; certainly in the church. Jesus is Lord, whether you are democrat, republican or independent.  It truly saddens me when brothers and sisters in Christ allow politics to be a detriment to their serving Jesus through the local church.  

In the Old Testament, the people wanted a king. God had made it clear that He was their King, but they wanted to be like everybody else.  So He gave them their king, and the majority of Israel's and Judah's kings were not the solution, but the problem.  

So your greatest political responsibility, as a Christ follower, is to pray for whomever is in political office. Whether you voted for him, or her, or not, God loves that person, and Romans 13 is clear, we are to honor and pray for those people.  They do carry a heavy burden.  I have a friend who once worked in the White House.  He happened to be in a meeting, where the President was present, and he called me and said, "Pastor Stan, we must pray for the President (any president).  He carries such an incredible load; I don't know how he does it." 

So please pray.  Whomever the President is at the moment, because as Christians, how can we do less?

I love each of you so very much.  We are on a great adventure with Jesus! 

In Jesus,

Pastor Stan
Men's and Women's Ministry
Saturday, January 21
The Men's Ministry of Church 213 will host a Men's Breakfast and Skeet Shoot on Saturday, January 21 at 8:00 a.m. at the home of Dean Hayes. Contact Randy Miller at 678-485-2852 for more info. 


Friday, January 27 
The GRITS (Gals Rejoicing in the Savior) Ministry of Church 213 invites all women to join them in a "Joy in January" Soup Supper on Friday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. See Pam Kirkland if you'd like to help out by bringing a soup or dessert item or just come join the fun!

January Jaunt
Sunday, January 29
Over the years, Church 213 has hosted an event called the January Jaunt.  All adults are invited to attend as we bring this ever popular event back to our church on Sunday, January 29.  A combination of a scavenger hunt, Amazing Race and Minute to Win It, the activity allows you, in a more-fun-than-anyone-should-have fashion to get to know other adults from our church.  Anyone over the age of 18 can attend.  Child care will be provided upon request.  There will be a sign up sheet at the Information Desk and more information can be obtained from Nancy Patterson on Sundays or by emailing her at patt2308@bellsouth.net.  
Homeless Ministry
Tomorrow, January 16
Wednesday, January 25
Church 213 actively ministers to the local homeless shelter each month by providing cooks to prepare dinner for the residents (the food is already provided). We are in need of more members that are willing to commit to cook once or twice a month.  If you can assist in this ministry, please contact Nancy Patterson at 706-347-4040.

THIS WEEK
Sunday
9:15 a.m.
Bible Study for all ages
10:30 a.m.
Worship
Kidz Town Worship 
(for children through 2nd grade)

Monday
7:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer
4:30 p.m.
Homeless Shelter Cooking Ministry

Thursday
6:00 p.m.
Zumba Class (free to the public)

Sunday
9:15 a.m.
Bible Study for all ages
10:30 a.m.
Kidz Town Worship 
(for children through 2nd grade)

Welcome!
Our Newest Member
April Beasley
3657 Highway 213
Mansfield, Ga.  30055

January Needs
LOT Ministry
Socks
Sock Hats
Rain Smocks
Tuna Packs
Vienna Sausages
Crackers
Small Waters

ICU Care Bag Ministry
Gift Bags/Tissue Paper
Candy
Gum

Youth Fundraiser
Lunch Is Coming
As a way to provide funding for our youth summer program, the Church 213 youth will begin providing Sunday lunch opportunities for you.  The first date for lunch will be Sunday, January 29.  There will be a sign up sheet provided at the Information Counter so that adequate meals can be prepared so please be prepared to help out youth by eating with them in this new program!

Church 213 
1675 Highway 213
Covington, Georgia 30014
 770-385-6304