COVENANT  RENEWAL

In 1663 Richard Alliene, a Puritan, published Vindicate Pietatis or, A Vindication of Godliness in the Greater Strictness and Spirituality of It. In 1753, it was again published in John Wesley's A Christian Library. Wesley used the chapter "The Application of the Whole" on Monday August 11, 1755, in what probably was the first real celebration of the Covenant Service in the Methodist movement. My first introduction to the service was in Wilmington NC at Wesley Memorial UMC when the service began at 11 pm December 31, and finished soon after midnight on January 1 of a New Year ! What a great way to welcome in the New Year by renewing my commitment to serving the Lord. It was also followed by a full - course southern breakfast ! January 2020 presents all of us with a tremendous opportunity to serve the Lord ! We will celebrate Holy Communion and pray this Covenant Renewal Service Prayer on Sunday January 5- 2020 at both 8:30 am & 11:00 am Worship services :

I AM NO LONGER MY OWN, BUT THINE

PUT ME TO WHAT THOU WILT, RANK ME WITH WHOM THOU WILT,

PUT ME TO DOING, PUT ME TO SUFFERING

LET ME BE EMPLOYED BY THEE OR LAID ASIDE FOR THEE,

EXALTED FOR THEE OR BROUGHT LOW FOR THEE.

LET ME HAVE ALL THINGS, LET ME HAVE NOTHING.

I FREELY AND HEARTILY YIELD ALL THINGS

TO THY PLEASURE AND DISPOSAL.

AND NOW, O GLORIOUS AND BLESSED GOD,

FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT,

THOU ART MINE, AND I AM THINE. SO BE IT.

AND THE COVENANT WHICH I HAVE MADE ON EARTH,

LET IT BE RATIFIED IN HEAVEN. AMEN

May this be the best year for you, your family, and our Higgins church family for serving the Lord with great joy !

                                                                                                Grace and Peace

                                                                                                Pastor John