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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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Campus Outreach
New Year's Eve Conference
Eight hundred college students from all over the east coast will attend the annual Campus Outreach New Year's Conference in Raleigh from December 28-January 1. Over the course of the conference, students will hear messages from the Bible and build relationships all for the sake of their growth in Christ. Some of these students are Christians who want to grow in their faith, while others are non-Christians who have limited knowledge of the gospel.
Would you join us in prayer as our students spend five days hearing the Word preached to them through various speakers.
- Pray for the students attending who are believers in Christ would grow in their faith.
- Pray for many students to put their faith in Christ for the first time.
- Pray for our speakers to proclaim the gospel clearly. Pastors Kevin DeYoung and Zach Fulgniti are two of the speakers. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they prepare to preach the good news to these college students.
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What is Community Connect?
Community Connect is for members and visitors to Christ Covenant! Community Connect is a time to gather together with a pastoral community to connect with elders and others in a fellowship setting. It's a great time for coffee, fellowship and connecting with one another. Here are a few important highlights about Community Connect:
- Community Connect is not life stage communities and will not be run like our previous life stage communities.
- You are welcome to meet with whichever pastoral community you'd like! The gathering time is just one option to get to know your elder shepherd and community pastor.
- All visitors and non-members are welcome and encouraged to join us!
- If you don't know which community to go to, visit ChristCovenant.org or on Sunday, January 5, stop by the information table in the foyer of the CLC to see where to go.
See you at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January
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Items for Prayer this Week: |
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Strategic Initiative |
Connection Project Group
This 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 the church body to be making some good, new connections on January 5th;
* For one additional team member, for the the Lord's provision.
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Supported Workers of the Week|
Michael & Lindie Wadhams
They are planting a church and have a ministry to the Lummi Indians in Lynden, Washington.
- Pray for the time between now and March, which are the dark days of Native Spirituality.
- Pray that the Lord uses them to connect with others through their ministry programs regardless of all the traditional events.
- Pray for them as they finalize their partnership with the Andersen Creek Community.
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Persecuted Church | Egypt
Pray for Christians in Egypt where persecution is ingrained in the national culture and impacts believers' lives from job discrimination to kidnappings and forced marriages. Deadly attacks on groups of believers and destruction of their places of worship are common but rarely make news. Pray believers will grow in faith as they depend on God's love for them. Pray for God to show His power to save.
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Unreached People Group |
Sudanese Arabs in Egypt
There are 1.40% known Christians among 4,682,000 Sudanese living primarily in northern and central Sudan and Egypt. They have some Christian resources available to them, but churches are often closed, destroyed, or not allowed to be built. Ask God to strengthen, encourage, protect church planters, and raise up strong local churches among Sudanese Arabs for the glory of His name.
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Presbytery Church of the Week |
Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church
Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church, Ellerbe, NC
Pastor James Watson
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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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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 29
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Morning Worship - 10:45 AM
"The Benefits of a
Good Conscience
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1 Timothy 1:1-5, 18-20
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Evening Worship - 6:00 PM
"Living Faithfully in Difficult Times"
Ecclesiastes 10
Mike Miller
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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 29 -
January 4
9 AM |
No Sunday school
10:45 AM
| Morning worship
4:45 PM
| Women's weekly prayer gathering
6 PM | Evening worship
Wednesday, January 1
Church office closed
Happy New Year!
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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 13 | Women's open seminar
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 27 | Women's open seminar
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 - 12/22/19
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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 |
$5,294,130
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$5,549,500
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$-255,370
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-4.6%
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| Faith Promise Budget - Inflow |
$344,133
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$310,000
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$34,133
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11.0% |
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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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