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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 22 - December 28 |
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Christmas Eve Special Offering:
PCA Ministerial Relief
For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers
for the truth. III John vs. 7&8
The PCA Ministerial Relief Offering helps retired and disabled pastors, their widows, and dependent children in need. Assistance is provided through one-time, periodic, or monthly financial aid. Many of those who will receive support are single females advanced in age and without sufficient resources for their extended care.
Their circumstances are the result of sacrificial lives on mission assignments or in support of their husbands' pastoral ministries, often in small churches where budgets were stretched thin. For some, these financial challenges were compounded by the forfeiture of retirement accounts held by the PCUS when pastors became members of the PCA. Those most affected are among the oldest and most vulnerable widows helped by our Ministerial Relief fund.
Your gifts will help with basic needs for food and shelter plus rising costs for medicines, medical visits, insurance, and personal care. Above all, they will remind these faithful servants that their work over many years was appreciated and used by God to bless His children.
No matter what you may choose to give financially, and even the smallest amount will be welcomed, your best gift will be prayer. Please pray that God will comfort and encourage each of the people touched by our offering and fill them with the joy of trusting Him in every circumstance. Thank you!
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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|
Javier & Gloria Gil
Javier is a church planter is Colombia, South America.
- Pray for the unity and good training of their presbytery in Valle del Cauca.
- Pray for pastors in Colombia to attend well to the growth of their churches and church plants.
- Pray for the salvation of their children, Tomas and Abigail.
- Pray for healing and freedom from pain for Javier's sciatic nerve.
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Persecuted Church | Bethlehem
Pray for believers who live in Bethlehem, now a part of the Palestinian territory created by the United Nations. Located on the central West Bank, Bethlehem is approximately 6 miles from Jerusalem. The population is majority Muslim followed by a large ethnic Christian community. Tourism accounts for most of the city's income and this is the busy season. Pray for both the citizens and the many thousands of visitors to Bethlehem to be seekers of Christ, people who long to know the risen Christ and follow His path for them.
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Unreached People Group |
Bedouin in Jordan
Bedouins traditionally live a nomadic lifestyle, spreading from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the borders of Turkey to Yemen. Estimates say nomadic Bedouins constitute about one-tenth of the population of the Middle East. The Bedouins are almost untouched by the gospel with 0.01% Christians among a population of 1,368,000. Pray for the gospel and gospel workers to come to the Bedouins and that many would proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
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Presbytery Church of the Week |
Providence Presbyterian Church
Pastor Andrew Webb
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Women's Weekly Prayer Gathering
Sunday, December 22 | 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 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
Sunday School will resume on January 5, 2020.
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Year-End Giving
Gifts to the church in December are a significant part of our annual income and help support more than 50 ministries. 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). [Please note that year-end cutoff dates for IRA transfers to the church could be earlier than cutoff dates for "regular" gifts in the form of checks because of the required minimum distribution rules; in such instances it is prudent to give the church time to cash the check by Tuesday, December 31]. God blesses Christ Covenant through your gifts, and they are greatly appreciated. Call the Church Finance Office at 704-847-3505 with any questions or for more information, including details on handling stock/fund or IRA 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, and please be mindful of year-end deadline (see year-end giving). 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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Membership Class in Winter/Spring 2020
The Membership Class is 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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Men's Ministry
Dinner & NCAA Championship Game
Invite a friend and join your brothers in Christ on Monday, January 13, 6:30 p.m. for the NCAA Championship game in the lower CLC!
Dinner will be first, followed by the game. Kick-off is approximately at 8 p.m.
Please sign up to contribute a main dish, side, drink, or dessert for the dinner here.
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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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Thank you to everyone who helped make our sanctuary beautiful this Christmas season with your purchased poinsettia either in honor or in memory of someone. Thank you also to our hard working Operations Department for making our entire worship center beautiful with all of the Christmas decorations!
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We give these poinsettias in honor of:
Vicki Evans
by Plantation Estates Covenant Group
Ruth Hood
by Hoods Crossroads Covenant Group
Marjorie Kempton
by Plantation Estates Covenant Group
The Dabbs Family
by Toni Broome
The Creswell Family
by Toni Broome
David & Lucille Ruths
by Toni Broome
Danny Greene
by LaGena Lookabill Greene
Gene Lookabill, Sr.
by LaGena Lookabill Greene
Rev. & Mrs. Nathan George & family
by Toni Grove
Our Military
by Dale Heins
Ruth Hood
by Scoggin Jones
Peggy Dear
by Scoggin Jones
Christ Covenant Church & Covenant Day School Staff
by Larry Kirkman
Buddy Cole
by Bruce & Mary Ellen McDonald
Laura Silver, my God-fearing, faithful and loving wife
by Bobby Silver
Beth & Dave Glover, our children
by Bob & Jane Stone
The Matt Gidney Family
by Alona Weddine
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We give these poinsettias in
loving memory of:
Dick Evans
by Plantation Estates Covenant Group
Bob Branson
by Dot Branson
Granville Broome, my beloved husband
by Toni Broome
Herman & Gaynell Sherrill, my beloved parents
by Cheri Daly
Magnus & Mildred Andersen, my parents
by Linda Darr
Martha Depp
by Fred & Jean Depp
Thelma West & Veronika Goble
by Barbara Dustin & Family
David Elliott, our father
by Jonathan & Meghan Elliott
Jacqueline Hart Lookabill
by LaGena Lookabill Greene
Evelyn Guinn, my wife
by Robert Guinn
Darrell D. Jones
by Shirley Norwood Jones
Rev. & Mrs. William T. Wing, Jr., my parents
by Debby Kelly
Faith Kirkman
by Larry Kirkman
Martha (Marty) Kirkman
by Larry Kirkman
Robert C. Kirkpatrick
by Norma Kirkpatrick
David Marshall
by Harriet Marshall
Harvey & Eloise Milburn and Bruce & Lorraine Creswell, our parents
by Clayton & Diane Milburn
Clair E. and Mildred Goodsell
by Dan and Nancy O'Neil
Marian & George Neeb and Raul & Pilar Quinteiro,
our parents
by David & Laura Quinteiro
Beth Klein, my mother
by Brecka Rubin
Richard & Patricia Schleicher and Curtis & Josie Sanders, our parents
by Dean & Gatha Schleicher
Bob & Linda Sutton and Bill & Lorene Rhodes, our parents
by Jim & Donna Sutton
Geraldine Higby, my grandmother
by Kevin & Gale Tillett
Fred and Rose Wilson, my parents
by Clive Gordon Wilson
Charles and Estelle Wittholz, my parents
by Lisa Ann Wilson
Florence Josiah, my aunt
by Lisa Ann Wilson
Harold A. and Clair Chun
by Jim & Margaret R. Woods
James R. and Grace Woods Sr.
by Jim R. & Margaret Woods
Beverly VanDusen, beloved mother and
Dr. George Boutieller, beloved father
by VanDusen Family
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Coaches Needed at Covenant Day Athletics
Covenant Day Athletics is seeking additional coaches for the 2020 spring season. CDS Coaches must demonstrate strong leadership in player development, sportsmanship, integrity and Christian character development. Qualified candidates should possess strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, and must also demonstrate exceptional knowledge of the skills and strategies of the specified sport. If you are interested in a coaching position, please contact Athletic Director Sherry Kapelar at
skapelar@covenantday.org.
Openings exist at various levels in the programs listed below:
Softball
Golf
Boys Lacrosse
Track and Field
Baseball
Girls Soccer
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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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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 22
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Morning Worship - 10:45 AM
"The Song of Simeon
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Luke 2:29-32
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Evening Worship - 6:00 PM
"The Wicked and the Wise"
Daniel 11:2-45
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 22 -
December 28
9 AM |
No Sunday school
10:45 AM
| Morning worship
4:45 PM
| Women's weekly prayer gathering
6 PM | Evening worship
Tuesday, December 24
Church office closed
6 PM |
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Wednesday, December 25
Church office closed
Merry Christmas!
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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 - 12/15/19
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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 |
$5,171253
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$5,339,500
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$-168,247
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-3.2%
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| Faith Promise Budget - Inflow |
$341,358
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$303,874
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$37,484
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12.3% |
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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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