Finding Peace in a Stressful Time |
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Greetings!
If you are feeling exhausted, weary, or stressed (or all of the above and more!), you are definitely not alone.
In a typical year, some of us get stressed during the holiday season. This year is hardly typical, and many people are struggling.
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A friend shared this "stress continuum" on Facebook and I think it's a helpful tool for self-reflection and for conversation with loved ones. While the info was initially shared for medical workers in Colorado, I think it's relevant for anyone these days. Click on the image to learn more. |
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My sense is that the next few months will be very hard for us with Covid, but as vaccines are developed, there is reason for hope in the future. One day at a time.
Remember the above image is a continuum, and we can move on it. If you are not where you want to be on this chart, here are some options to consider:
- Talk with a friend, a loved one, someone from church. You are not alone.
- Think about one small step you can take today to bring more positivity in your life. Turn off the news. Go for a walk or just open the window. Eat something healthy. Call someone and say "Happy Friday!" Ask google for a funny joke and share it with a friend.
- Listen to uplifting music. See the Carol-a-Day links below.
- Get some crayons or markers or colored pencils and make some art. Use the Advent coloring pages below.
- Reconnect with God. Our worship service this Sunday includes communion and a focus on the PEACE that God offers us in Jesus.
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Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."
--John 14.27
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We will get through this.
May the peace of Christ be with you....
On the journey together,
Charlie
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Reflect on HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE as you color with these awesome coloring sheets from Illustrated Ministry!
Click here for PDF:
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Get in the Christmas spirit by celebrating and singing Christmas hymns with us! Follow our Carol-a-Day series through our YouTube playlist or through Covenant's Facebook page!
A new song is posted every day. Songs posted so far include:
- O Come O Come Emmanuel
- Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Watchmen, Tell Us of the Night
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Soul Sisters Small Group
Soul Sisters, a women's fellowship group that meets once per month, will gather remotely again on Sunday, December 13 at 7:00 pm via Zoom. If you are not currently on the mailing list for Soul Sisters, but would like to join, please contact Nan Schaefer. The Zoom link is sent out on the day of the gathering, so your name and email address is needed for this invitation. This group is open to all members and friends of Covenant.
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You might be interested in something new at Covenant in 2021.
- Do you want to learn more about the Bible and grow as a Christian?
- Do you need some spiritual nourishmet in this challenging time?
- Do you want to connect more deeply with other Covenant people?
Pastor Charlie Berthoud is planning a 12 week Zoom group, starting in early January, to read and reflect on the New Testament. Stay tuned for more info.
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Please try to send in your pledge cards (or simply call the church office with the information) as soon as possible! Session will be meeting soon, and they rely heavily on the information supplied from these pledges for budget planning purposes.
We have received 183 commitment cards totaling $783,213 (combined operating and per capita totals). Thank you, Covenant!
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10:00 Sunday morning Adult Ed
You're also invited to check-in at 1:00 pm M-W-F via Zoom with Jeff Fox-Kline for short, weekly Acts of Advent activities. On Mondays we'll be journaling, on Wednesdays we'll have scripture readings, and on Fridays we'll share a prayer together: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82345355509
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
At Covenant!
Do you know someone with accounting skills who is looking to work at a wonderful church?
Covenant is seeking applicants for Financial Coordinator/Accountant--a 30 hour/week position, which includes benefits. Check out the job posting on Indeed here: Financial Coordinator/Accountant posting.
Contact Pastor Charlie Berthoud, Treasurer Gordon Enderle, Interim Financial Coordinator Laurie Jones, or Personnel Chair Julie Sadowsky if you have questions.
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Worship
Sunday, December 6
- Second Sunday of Advent & Communion Sunday (please have bread & juice ready)
- Lighting the Candle of PEACE (the Vande Sande family)
- Sermon series: "REDISCOVERING CHRISTMAS: Who Is Jesus?"
- Charlie Berthoud preaching on Isaiah 9:6 and John 14:27, "Jesus is Prince of Peace"
We'd love to see you at the Sunday morning
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