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News and Updates | Life at Christ Covenant Church
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NEW and UPDATED ITEMS are highlighted in blue.
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| December 15 - December 21 |
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HisAbilities Ministry
The apostle Paul wrote, "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Cor. 12:21-22). Unfortunately, according to Engaging Disability, a ministry of the PCA, it is estimated that just one out of ten families impacted by disability continue to be actively involved in church. Social, physical, emotional, and intellectual barriers to participation can be very high. This is true not only for those who have been involved with the church, but also for those without past association.
Christ Covenant Church, however, desires to be a church where all individuals and families have the opportunity to learn about and grow in a relationship with Christ, experience Christian community, bless others in friendship, and put their God-given gifts to use serving Christ and others. As a ministry, HisAbilities is committed to supporting that vision by encouraging and equipping our congregation to be that kind of church - assessing barriers and encouraging greater accessibility for those impacted by disabilities to learn, worship, serve and belong.
Last year, HisAbilities began a speaker series focused on providing resources to help equip our members and friends navigating life with disabilities. This has become a valuable ministry not only for supporting those impacted by disability within our church, but also serving as a resource for those at other churches and those not connected to a church at all. As we seek to better engage and enfold those impacted by disability, we hope this ministry will continue to provide opportunities to share with those outside the church not only helpful resources, but the hope and love of Christ as well.
To learn more about this year's speaker series with the theme "For the Long Haul," pick up a flyer available this week in the lobbies and take one to share with a friend. To learn more about HisAbilities, contact Pastor Dave Baxter at 704-814-1023 or dbaxter@christcovenant.org.
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Items for Prayer this Week: |
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Strategic Initiative |
General Leadership Project Group
This group will seek to put God's will for Christ Covenant into practice by leading the congregation to carry out the vision of disciples making disciples.
Please join us in praying for the General Leadership Project Group:
* For wisdom for the group as they seek to discern God's will through the various projects;
* For joyful hearts for the group in their work;
* For the outcome to glorify God.
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Supported Workers of the Week|
Neal & Leandra Quinn
They are planting a PCA church in Kalamazoo, MI and working to begin campus ministries at Western Michigan University and other small area colleges.
- Pray for their Bible studies and leadership training.
- Pray for numerical and spiritual growth for their church.
- Pray for Leandra as she leads a woman's Bible study and homeschools their children.
- Pray Neil's faith would not fail and that he would press on with joyful hope.
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Persecuted Church | Nazareth
Pray for Christians living in Nazareth, the capitol of Israel's northernmost region, closest to the Lebanon mountains. The Christian population has declined sharply while the Muslim population has increased. Tensions have increased along with violence, leaving Christians in a difficult position. Pray for a spiritual awakening in this historic city and a hunger among believers to know and follow Jesus of Nazareth as He gives them power to share the Gospel with both their Muslim and Jewish neighbors.
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Unreached People Group |
Jat Chhaddar in Pakistan
Jat Chhaddar in Pakistan | There are no known Christians in the Jat Chhaddar. Pray for many to come to know the the Lord.
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Presbytery Church of the Week |
Church of the Redeemer, Indian Trail, NC - Pastor Adam Mumpower
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Women's Weekly Prayer Gathering
Sunday, December 15 | 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.
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Christmas at Christ Covenant
Various Dates in December
We hope you, your family, and your friends will be able to join us as we celebration Christmas throughout the month of December. Below are various events throughout the month. To learn more, click here.
Andrew Peterson in Concert: Behold the Lamb of God
Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00pm
No childcare provided
SOLD OUT | Tickets required
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 24 at 6:00pm
Childcare for ages 4 months to 2 years available.
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Save the Dates: No Sunday School
There will be no Sunday school or childcare for December 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 Sunday school as scheduled.
* Young Families and the Young Seniors communities will have fellowship breakfasts December 15.
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Last Call to Order your Christmas Poinsettias
Help beautify our worship center for Christmas by ordering a poinsettia either "In Memory of" or "In Honor of" a loved one. To order, enclose $10 per plant (payable to Christ Covenant Church) along with your designation by using the form below, in an envelope marked "Poinsettias." You may put your order in the offering, bring it to the church office, or mail it to the Operations Department to the attention of Jill Joyner. Have questions? Email Jill at jjoyner@christcovenant.org. Deadline to order is Sunday, December 15.
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Year End Giving
Year-End Giving - Gifts to the church in December help support more than 50 ministries and are a significant part of our annual income. Generally, gifts to the church in the form of checks or cash that are mailed (and postmarked) by December 31 or delivered in person to the church office by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, should be deductible for tax purposes. You may also take advantage of our secure online giving (under the Members tab on our website). God blesses Christ Covenant through your gifts, and they are greatly appreciated. Call Sandy Spitz at 704-814-1010 with any questions or for more information, including details on handling stock/fund transfers.
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A Tax Benefit for Seniors
If you are 70 ½ or older, you may be eligible for a significant tax savings when making gifts to the church. Here's how that works. Required Minimum Distributions (RMD's) from an IRA account are typically subject to income taxes; however, payments made directly from an IRA to the church (trustee to trustee transfer) will not be subject to income taxes for many qualifying Seniors. So if you are interested in making a financial gift to the church, this may be an opportunity for you to give and save taxes at the same time. This is a great idea for 2019 December giving as well as good planning for next year. Be sure to check with your tax advisor to see if this is right for you. For church-related questions, contact the Church Finance Office at 704-847-3505 or Elders Chris Williams or Larry Kirkman.
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Elder & Deacon Nominations
Beginning January 5, 2020 and for the entire month of January, the Session of our church will receive and consider nominations for the offices of elder and deacon. To be considered, the nominee must be male, a member of our church for at least two years by his election (June 2020), and nominated by two congregation members who are from different families. Nomination forms are available at our Information Desk in the main lobby. Completed forms may be given to a current officer or sent to Pastor Bernie Lawrence at Christ Covenant by January 31. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Bernie Lawrence at blawrence@christcovenant.org or at 704-708-6110.
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Discovery Class in Winter/Spring 2020
The Discovery Class is the membership class for adults and students 9th grade and above who wish to join Christ Covenant Church. Our Pastors teach this class, which reviews Christ Covenant's philosophy of ministry, the reformed faith, the Presbyterian form of government, the vows of church membership, and other topics pertinent to church membership. This class is required for those seeking to join Christ Covenant Church and will begin January 5. For questions or to register, contact Mary Jo Culver at mculver@christcovenant.org or 704-814-1039.
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Lumberjack Games
Middle & high school students - don't miss "The Lumberjack Games" at CLC Youth Center & outside the CLC the evening of January 8. This will take the place of the regular Epic and Link. Wear flannel and dress warmly. Cost is $8 per person, $15 per family. Come join the fun for a night of music, hot dogs, s'mores, hang-out time, all kinds of lumberjack games, contests, etc. Invite your friends!
For questions, contact Jan at jadams@christcovenant.org.
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Join a women's small group Bible study or short study/class
Didn't register for a women's Bible study in the fall? No problem! January is a great time to jump in! There are weekly options meeting at various days, times, and durations (several with childcare)! Please visit our Women's Ministry Bible Study page for weekly study and short study details and registration.
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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.
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I Still Do Marriage Conference
Christ Covenant is hosting the marriage conference "I Still Do" on March 27-28, 2020 with Dave Harvey. Whether you find yourself pleased or displeased with the state of your marriage, this conference will offer you encouragement, hope, and practical tools for weathering life's storms together. The early bird pricing is $65 per individual or $120 per couple. Early bird registration goes through January 18. Please visit https://ibcd.org/i-still-do/ to learn more or to register!
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Help Needed for the Andrew Peterson Concert
We are seeking labor to load in and load out equipment for the Andrew Peterson concert on Wednesday, December 18. There are two shifts where we need 12 persons to work:
- MORNING - 9:00am - 1:00pmA
- AFTER CONCERT - 9:30pm - 11:59pm
If you are able to work both shifts, we can offer as incentive to you:
- Lunch after load in,
- One reserved seat for the concert in the volunteer section in the balcony.
We are looking for a commitment to the entire time frame for each shift.
If you come at 9:00am, we need you to stay until 1:00pm. And, if you come after the concert, we need you to stay until the truck is completely loaded.
Please contact Steve VanDusen at
stevievan@gmail.com or 704-953-0246.
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Help Wanted in the King's Community Sunday School Class
The King's Community, a Sunday
School class that serves those affected
by disabilities, is seeking volunteers
and helpers to serve during the
Sunday School hour. No experience
necessary. Expect to receive more then
you give. Contact Tiphany Speck, tiphanyspeck@gmail.com, if interested.
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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 Buiter at
lbuiter@christcovenant.org or Mindy Thornton at
mthornton@christcovenant.org if interested.
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Advent Books are in the Book Nook
Are you looking for a great resource for the upcoming advent season? Stop by the book nook and check out the
following titles:
*Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent by Sinclair Ferguson,
*Come, Let us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional
by Paul Tripp,
*The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent by John
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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
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Shepherding Mailing
If you have not received a letter in the mail with your elder information, please contact Staci Poston at
RSC@christcovenant.org or at 704-814-1016.
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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.
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Covenant Day School
Covenant Day School is now accepting applications for new students in grades TK-12 for the 2020-2021 school year. The deadline for application for new-to-CDS students is January 15, 2020, in order to be considered in the first round of decisions. If you would like additional information, please call the Admissions Office at 704-847-2385 to book a private tour or to chat with someone from the admissions team.
Visit covenantday.org/apply to complete the online application.
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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. |
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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:
- Hospitality & Kitchen Coordinator (PT).
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Worship Notes
Sunday, December 15
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Morning Worship - 10:45 AM
"The Song of Zechariah
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Luke 1:67-80
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Evening Worship - 6:00 PM
"On the Side of the Angels"
Daniel 10:1-11:1
Kevin DeYoung
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Large print worship folders are available at the Information Desk.
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Quick Links to church webpages |
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THIS WEEK
December 15 -
December 21
9 AM |
No Sunday school
9 AM |
Young families fellowship breakfast
9 AM | Young seniors fellowship breakfast
10:45 AM
| Morning worship
4:45 PM
| Women's weekly prayer gathering
5 PM |
Timothy Project
6 PM |
Evening worship
Monday, December 16
6 PM |
Support Groups
7 PM | Men's
open seminar
Wednesday, December 18
6:30 PM | Andrew Peterson concert, sold out ticketed event
Thursday, December 19
6:45 PM | American Heritage Girls & Trail Life
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Dec 22 | No Sunday school
Dec 24 & 25 | Offices closed
Dec 24 | Christmas Eve Service
Dec 25 | Merry Christmas!
Dec 29 | No Sunday school
Jan 1 | Offices closed
Jan 5 | New Discovery class begins
Jan 5 | New Sunday school begins
Jan 8 | CCYM Lumberjack games
Jan 11 | HisAbilities speaker series
Jan 13 | Men's ministry NCAA Football
Jan 19 | New member recognition
Jan 19 | CCYM youth & parents missions meeting
Jan 20 | Offices closed
Jan 21 | Monthly day of prayer
Jan 26 | Tom Groelsema's installation
Jan 31-Feb 1 | PCA Women's conference Hinged
Feb 15 | Women's missions morning
Feb 15-23 | Missions conference
Feb 17-21 | Cooking for a Cause
Mar 27-28 | "I Still Do" Marriage conference
March 27-29 | PCA spring retreat for high school & middle school
Apr 4 | Easter Egg Hunt
Apr 5 | Church wide picnic
Apr 5-12 | Holy Week
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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 - 12/8/19
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Actual
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Budget
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Difference
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%
(-) or +
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| Operating Budget - Inflow |
$4,990,622
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$5,139,500
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$-148,878
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-2.9%
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| Faith Promise Budget - Inflow |
$329,974
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$297,748
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$32,226
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10.8% |
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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.
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