Hello, Bailey-

Ordination is affirming the call of God in someone’s life. Call is at the core of the Christian life. At the core of our faith is Jesus proclaiming the new reality of the Kingdom of God and inviting people to join with him, in new work, new focus, as we read in Mark 1:14-18. 

The Bible is filled with call stories—ordinary people called by God and empowered by God to do great things.

• Moses resisted God’s call, even saying “send someone else.” But God persisted and Moses did great things.
• Samuel and Eli had a hard time hearing the call of Samuel, but eventually Samuel responded, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
• Isaiah was called to be a prophet in a challenging time. His call is the inspiration for the well-loved song “Here I Am, Lord.”

God continues to call people—but not just as ministers, elders, and deacons. We are all called to live in a new way.

One of my favorite hymns is the simple and profound “Jesus Calls Us” written by an Irish woman, Cecil Frances Alexander.

Ms. Alexander sensed God’s call to serve the people Jesus had special focus on, traveling many miles each day to visit the sick and the poor, providing food, warm clothes, and medical supplies. She and her sister also founded a school for the deaf. She also had a gift for poetry, inspiring countless people to listen and respond to God’s call to live with new purpose. 

Calling isn’t just about careers and changes of plans. It’s also about how we live each day, each hour.

So why not take one minute right now and be still, simply asking God: “What do you want me to do today?”

Chelsea's ordination gives us the chance to celebrate God's call to her. And to you, to me, and to us. Thanks be to God for the call of God in Jesus Christ.

On the journey together,

Charlie

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
• Advent Candle Lighting (LOVE) - Mace family (9:00), Schmidt Family (11:00)
• Covenant Christmas Pageant "The Christmas Lamb"
• Musical Celebration (New Day Ensemble, Covenant Handbell and Chancel Choirs)
• Sunday School Christmas Party: 10:00am-10:50am
• Nursery Care (8:45am-12:15pm)
• Visit our Worship HQ for everything you need to worship with us online!

If you missed a service or would like to watch a service again, all livestreamed services are saved to our YouTube channel. Or you can give the sermons another listen on our sermon podcast!

This Sunday (12/18), we are collecting the Christmas Joy Offering, which supports past, present and future leaders embodying God's perfect gift to us, Jesus Christ. God has blessed the Church with incredible leadership in every time and place, but those leaders often need to be supported by their communities as well. Use the designated envelopes to give cash/check gifts at Sunday services or CLICK HERE.

Join us in gratitude and celebration as Chelsea Cornelius is ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The ordination service will take place in the sanctuary here at Covenant, with reception to follow. All are welcome! RSVP HERE.

The Guatemala Mission Auction was a success! To date, proceeds from the auction are $11,340! And there are still a few more items yet to be picked up and paid for. Winning bidders can pay for and pick up items this Sunday (12/18) from 9:45-11:00am. You can pay for the items via the Guatemala Page, or by sending in a check. Please be sure to denote in the memo line if you are paying for an item or making a donation. Thank you donors, bidders, and auction committee for making this auction a success!

Letting the Words Speak for Themselves

"The words have come out of my mouth and are now off to do their mission."

This week's Midweek Musings is about words. Lots of words. And they are on a mission! Grab a cup of coffee and read some words. Advent blessings y'all! Click on the image above to read.

Bring your donations through December!

Trees are at Covenant by the Columbarium.

You can still fill out a commitment card if you haven’t had a chance. They are available in the office. You can also fill out your commitment card/form as well as serving survey on our Generosity Page. Here is a snapshot of where we currently stand financially:

W encourage you to fill out a serving survey (click). The serving survey indicates your gifts/talents which helps us know how you want to get involved at Covenant.

At our 4:00 Family Service, we continue our long tradition of telling the Christmas Story, and any time time the word “angel” is said, children are invited to ring a bell. New Day Ensemble leads us in music and we light candles, filling the sanctuary with light.

At our 6:00 Traditional Service, the Covenant Handbell Choir leads music, and at the 8:00 service, the Covenant Chancel Choir leads music, including a “Hallelujah” Chorus sing-along at the beginning of the service. And of course, we will light candles in both these services as well.

Join us for a bowl of hot soup on Christmas Eve between services! Soups and crackers will be provided.

Please bring a “Finger Food” to share with others… your favorite Christmas cookies, appetizer, plate of sausage and cheese, mini sandwiches, veggies and dip, or chips and salsa, or whatever finger food you like. Bring your family or come on your own. Invite some neighbors or friends!



Christmas is a time to be together, so join us for some Christmas Eve fellowship as we enjoy a simple supper together! Merry Christmas, one and all!

Coming in January, we will have a new devotional to ring in the New Year called

“Hungry,” a daily devotional on the book of Matthew. SUBSCRIBE NOW and you will receive daily emails beginning January 1st and through the month of January.