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News and Updates | Life at Christ Covenant Church
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October 27 - November 2


 Joint Sunday Schools

October 13 & 20

Did you miss one of the joint Sunday schools?

Both joint Sunday schools were recorded! If you missed one or would like to go back to review the information given, please see the links below:

Shepherding Sunday School | October 13

New Sunday School Model | October 20

  Ministry Highlight

A Mighty Fortress

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

The great theologian and scholar Martin Luther was also a pastor with a heart for his people. He wanted them to know what God Himself had to say about His care for them. He believed that music was a gift from God that could be used to share the gospel.

Luther's biographer, Eric Metaxas, tells us Luther's conviction that "the best way to inculcate the truths of Scripture into the minds of every man, woman and child was to put good doctrine into musical forms." Luther urged his friends and fellow reformers, including George Spalatin and Johann Walter, to begin setting Scripture to music.

Luther took up his own challenge, crafting more than forty hymns, which were primarily based on the Psalms. Among these is "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott," ("A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"), which is considered one of the most powerful hymns ever written. Hundreds of years after Luther wrote both the words and the music, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" remains a much loved and memorable anthem of praise to God.

Based on Psalm 46, this hymn teaches us about the absolute dependability of our Sovereign God. It was written at a time of great suffering, caused by the lives lost with the spread of the plague, the martyrdom of fellow reformers, and Luther's own struggle with what we would call depression.

Luther's hope for this hymn was that believers would make it their own, know the music and the words so well that they could remember God's power in any circumstance, and share His promises with confidence. Today, we are a part of hope fulfilled, joining generations of believers to boldly sing:

Let goods and kindred go, 
this mortal life also
The body they may kill; 
God's truth abideth still
His kingdom is forever.

Items for Prayer this Week:

Strategic Initiative |  Connection

The Connection Project Group is working to improve the visitor experience and to guide non-members and members through the connection process to the glory of God.
Please join us in praying for the Connection Project Group:

* For endurance as we begin planning initiatives;
* For additional volunteers for the Connection Project Group;
* For productive focus groups with current Connection Project Group members and new members.

Supported Workers of the Week| 
Dot Driver
Dot is a retired widow, who served alongside her husband at JAARS. Dot now lives at Go Ye Village Retirement Center and continues her ministry of praying for missionaries all around the world. 
  • Pray for Dot's eyes which are continuing to get worse and causing her trouble when using the computer as she connects with missionaries and their prayer requests.
Jan King
Jan is retired from JAARS, but still volunteers with their Health Service as a staff nurse to provide healthcare for the JAARS/Wycliffe personnel. 
  • Pray that she would have God's wisdom in her retirement years to balance ministry to her family and the needs at JAARS. 
  • Pray for her continued ministry to global missionaries and those going on short-term, international missions trips as they come for international travel immunizations.

Persecuted Church | Mexico

Pray for believers, pastors and workers in Mexico who are living in towns like Culiacan where the drug cartels maintain control, targeting anyone they consider a challenge to their power. Mexico is one of the 50 most dangerous countries in the world for Christian outreach.

Unreached People Group | 
Tihami in Yemen & Saudi Arabia

The Tihami Arabs live in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Both countries are very hostile to Christian witness. The predominate culture in the Tihama centers around Islam, but sometimes tradition or cultural customs supersede Islamic law. There may be a few followers of Jesus today in this large people group, and if so, they are secret believers.

Presbytery Church of the Week |
Lake Tillery Church 

Lake Tillery Church, Mt. Gilead, NC. Pastor Chip McAulay.

THIS WEEK  

Women's Weekly Prayer Gathering
Sunday, October 27| 4:45pm

All ladies are invited to pray with women of Christ Covenant on Sunday afternoons in the Worship Center Prayer Room from 4:45-5:45pm. 

Last Day for Operation Christmas Child
October 27

Today is the last day to bring your filled shoebox back to Christ Covenant!

Touch the lives of children and families around the world, bringing hope through the Good News of Jesus Christ in the form of a simple gift in a shoebox! You can pick up a shoebox to pack from any of the lobbies. After you've filled your shoebox, return it to one of the church lobbies with either $9 cash or receipt for shipping inside your box. The last day to bring your filled shoebox to Christ Covenant is Sunday, October 27.

Please remember to not pack toothpaste or candy of any kind in your shoebox. If you have additional questions, please contact Karen Chambers at  kchambers@christcovenant.org or visit Samaritan's Purse to learn more.

Monthly Day of Prayer
October 29

Let's Pray! The Monthly Day of Prayer is upcoming on Tuesday, October 29th  . The day is divided into 30-minute segments for individuals to sign-up and pray for missionaries and needs of the congregation in WC105. However, please feel free to come anytime during the day. You can  sign up here  to help us cover the day fully in prayer. You may also sign up on the clipboard located at the Information Desk in the Worship Center.
Big What? High School Fall Retreat
November 1-3

Calling all high schoolers! Come join us on the high school fall retreat November 1-3. Cost is $155 per person. You won't know where our destination is until you show up! 

Deadline to register was October 16 at midnight.

Covenant Day Open House
November 1

Covenant Day invites Christ Covenant Church families to join us at our TK-12 Admissions Open House and Information Fair on Friday, November 1, from 9:30-11:30am. You will have the opportunity to meet faculty and staff and learn more about what makes Covenant Day unique as you explore a variety of programs including sustainability initiatives, the arts, athletics, academic offerings, spiritual life, and student clubs.

For more information and to register online, visit www.covenantday.org/openhouse. We look forward to meeting your family!

Men's Service Day & Lunch
November 2

Let's "Give Back" to our church by sprucing up the campus! Please bring a rake & gloves & come work alongside your brothers in Christ by working on our church's campus. All men ages 16 and older are invited to join us on Saturday, November 2, 8am-12pm. Register online at ChristCovenant.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr. Kevin DeYoung at Queens University
November 4

Dr. Kevin DeYoung is giving a lecture at Duke Energy Auditorium, Rogers Hall, at Queens University on Monday, November 4 at 5:45pm. He will be discussing "John Witherspoon and the Enlightenment: How Faith and Reason Came Together in the American Founding." To register to attend the lecture and reception to follow, register at https://connect.queens.edu/tarwaterlecture.

Covenant Day School Holiday Market
November 15

The CDS Parents Association will be hosting its annual Holiday Market on Friday, November 15, from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. Stop by for a time of fellowship, fun, and shopping!
 
If you are interested in being a vendor, click here. Vendor registration is open from September 15 through November 1. The cost is $80 ($45 for CDS students).  
 
Past vendors have sold items including holiday and home decor, jewelry, baked goods, art, CDS apparel, handbags, and more! Email holidaymarketCDS@gmail.com with any questions.


Save the Dates: No Sunday School 
December 8,15, 22, & 29

There will be no Sunday school or childcare for December 8, 15, 22, and 29; however, there are some exceptions.

* Pastor Bruce Creswell's senior community will continue to meet during this time.
* New member interviews will be December 8 during Suday school as scheduled.
* Lastly, the Young Families community will have a fellowship breakfast December 15.

Hinged
January 31 - February 1, 2020

Christ Covenant Church is hosting Hinged, the 2020 PCA Women's Conference - January 31 - February 1st. Spots are filing up fast, so register now!

There are Friday and/or Saturday attendance options and reduced registration for High School and College Students! For details and registration visit https://pcacdm.org/hinged-conferences/
.

If you would be interested in being a table hostess on Friday night, please contact Staci Poston at sposton@christcovenant.org.


Strategy and Vision: We Want Your Feedback! 

The Recommendation Steering Committee would like your feedback about the strategic vision for the future of our church. Many of you have already responded and have provided great insight for the project teams. Please CLICK HERE to submit your feedback/ questions. As always, keep praying for our church and its leadership as we continue on this journey together.

Serving in Children's Ministry

The Children's Ministry is staffing for the new year and would love to have you serving alongside us! Join us as we sow seeds of discipleship in to the youngest members of our church. Contact Lindey Duncklee at lduncklee@christcovenant.org or Mindy Thornton at mthornton@christcovenant.org if interested.

Christ Covenant Church hosts 
Andrew Peterson in Concert

Christ Covenant is hosting Andrew Peterson in concert on Wednesday, December 18! Tickets are almost sold out. To purchase tickets, go to  ChristCovenant.org.

 Information

Congregational Accommodations

Our slideshow on Sunday mornings displays infographics with details on the amenities we have available for our congregation are as follows:
  • a fragrance-free area (in the balcony, adjacent to the elevator); 
  • nursing mothers room (WC-111); 
  • hands-free outer door (on ground level near handicapped parking); 
  • elevator to ground floor, main floor, and lobby; 
  • hearing loop seating in the sanctuary; 
  • large print worship folders at the information desk.

Please visit the information desk if you have questions about these amenities.


Employment Opportunities

Christ Covenant Church regularly seeks to employ individuals who want to engage their gifts to help make disciples who worship God, grow in community, love others, and serve the world. Check christcovenant.org/aboutus/employment for current positions and to apply. Current opportunities include:
  • Executive Pastor,
  • Assistant Director of Women's Ministry (PT),
  • Hospitality & Kitchen Coordinator (PT).

Worship Notes
Sunday, October 27
Morning Worship - 10:45 AM
"The Centrality of the Word "
Hebrews 4:12-13
Dr. Michael J. Kruger
Evening Worship - 6:00 PM
"Shaped by Grace "
Ephesians 2:1-10
Rev. Dave Baxter
Large print worship folders are available at the Information Desk.
 

Quick Links

to church webpages 

 

 Calendar

THIS WEEK
October 27 -  November 2

Sunday, October 27
9 AM | Sunday school 
10:45 AM | Morning worship
4:45 PM | Women's weekly prayer gathering 
5 PM | Timothy Project 
6 PM | Evening worship 

Monday, October 28
7 AM | High school prayer
6 PM | Support Groups 
7 PM | Women's open seminar

Tuesday, October 29
Monthly Day of Prayer
Seniors Fall Retreat (29- Nov 1)
 
Wednesday, October 30
6:30 PM | Various choirs
7 PM | LINK & EPIC

Friday, November 1
Big What? High school Fall retreat (Nov 1-3)

Saturday, November 2
8 AM | Men's service day & cookout

 


Upcoming Events

Nov 4 | Men's open seminar
Nov 11 | Women's open seminar
Nov 18 | Men's open seminar
Nov 19 | Monthly day of prayer
Nov 24 |
Annual report in evening worship
Nov 28 & 29 | Offices closed
Dec 2 | Men's open seminar
Dec 8 |
No Sunday school
Dec 8 |
Christmas Choral Concert
Dec 9 |
Women's open seminar
Dec 14 |
Birthday Party for Jesus
Dec 15 | No Sunday school
Dec 16 |
Men's open seminar
Dec 18
| Andrew Peterson concert
Dec 22 | No Sunday school
Dec 24 & 25 | Offices closed
Dec 24
| Christmas Eve Service
Dec 25 | Merry Christmas!
Dec 29 | No Sunday school


Pastor's Blogs


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FINANCE 

Our Tithes and Gifts
Thank you for your tithes and gifts to all of the ministries of Christ Covenant. Don't forget to take advantage of our secure online giving.

1/1/19 - 10/20/19 
Actual
Budget
Difference
%
(-) or +
Operating Budget - Inflow  
$4,248,670
 
$4,232,500
$16,170
 
0.4%
Faith Promise Budget - Inflow
$298,985
$254,866
$44,119
17.3%
This email is our E-Courier weekly newsletter, which complements with the printed copy, the Courier, which can be picked up on Sundays at the doors outside the sanctuary.
After it goes out by email, it is made available on the News page of our website.
On that page, you can also read past versions of the newsletter as well as specific news items about our bigger events with more details available.

Christ Covenant Church |  Matthews, NC |  www.christcovenant.org |  704-847-3505