November 2024
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The Importance of Worship: A Pastoral Reflection
Dear Covenant Church Family,
As we come together in worship each week, we’re not simply engaging in tradition; we’re embracing the very heart of what we were created for. Worship is a central part of our journey as believers, and it is through worship that we can truly live out our purpose, be spiritually nourished, and proclaim Christ to the world. I’d like to share three reasons why worship is vital for us individually and as a community.
1. Worship Fulfills Our Purpose The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us that "the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Worship allows us to live out this beautiful purpose, putting God first and honoring Him above all else. When we come together in praise and adoration, we fulfill the purpose for which we were created. As Psalm 29:2 says, "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." Our worship is a response to God’s greatness, and it’s our joy to glorify Him.
2. Worship Feeds Our Souls When we worship, we are refreshed and renewed. Just as we need food to sustain our bodies, our souls are sustained through worship. In His presence, we find rest, peace, and encouragement for the week ahead. Psalm 63:1-5 captures this well: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you... as in a dry and weary land where there is no water… my soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food." Worship invites us into a space where we can lay our burdens down and be filled with God’s love and strength.
3. Worship is Our Witness to the World When we worship, we are proclaiming to the world that Jesus is our Lord and that He is worthy of all honor. Our gathering as a church family sends a powerful message that Christ is alive and active among us. Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). When we worship in unity, we demonstrate the transforming love of Christ to those around us, offering a witness to His glory and goodness.
I encourage each of you to come to worship with hearts open to the Spirit and ready to glorify God. Let us seek to live out our purpose, nourish our souls, and bear witness to the world through the joy of worship.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor William
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Join Us for the Annual Membership Meeting!
Covenant Church’s Annual Membership Meeting is right around the corner, and we’d love for you to be there! This year, we’ll gather right after the morning worship service on Sunday, November 17, at approximately 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary.
The Annual Membership Meeting is a special time for our church family. It’s a chance to reflect on all God has done in the past year and look forward to our exciting plans for the future. Members will have the opportunity to hear updates and participate in key decisions. We’ll also review our annual budget, vote on new board members, have a first reading of recommended bylaw changes, and discuss plans for the upcoming year.
Special Informational Session To help you prepare, we’re holding a budget informational session on Thursday, November 14, at 6:00 p.m. This session will take a detailed look at the church budget and give you an opportunity to ask any questions or express any concerns before the membership meeting.
Stay Tuned for Important Emails In the coming days, watch for a series of emails that will include an advance copy of the proposed budget, nominations, and bylaw updates. Reviewing these materials beforehand will allow us to make the most of our time together at the meeting.
Mark your calendar and prepare for a time of insight and unity as we work together to carry out God’s vision for our church. We’re excited to see you there!
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Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner
Join us for Covenant Church’s Annual Thanksgiving Potluck on Sunday, November 10, at 11:30! Each year, we gather to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast together, celebrating the blessings God has given us with good food, warm fellowship, and great company.
This event is a perfect time to catch up with friends, share stories, and reflect on the past year’s blessings. It’s always a fun time for the kids to play together, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and perhaps make a new friend.
As always, the meal is a true feast! The church will provide the turkey, ham, and drinks, and we invite you to bring a side dish and/or dessert to share. Whether it’s your favorite holiday dish or a delicious dessert, it’s a treat for everyone. Don’t worry if cooking isn’t your thing; there is always plenty to enjoy!
We can’t wait to see you on Sunday, November 10, at 11:30 for this year’s Thanksgiving Potluck. Let’s celebrate God’s goodness together!
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Joy Center Drive
The Covenant Mission Team is excited to announce our upcoming mission outreach to The Joy Center in Big Creek, Kentucky. This is a wonderful opportunity for our church family to reach out and provide much-needed resources to a community in eastern Kentucky where the needs are great, especially as winter approaches.
How You Can Help We are collecting gently used winter items to help families stay warm through the colder months. If you have any of the following items, please consider donating them:
Winter Coats (gently used)
Scarves, Gloves, Winter Clothes, Shoes, and Boots
Toys (new or used in good condition)
Housewares (gently used)
Collection Details
Dates: Collection begins Sunday, November 17, and ends Sunday, December 8.
Location: Bring items to the church foyer. For larger donations, please call Mel to arrange to load items directly into the church trailer.
About The Joy Center The Joy Center serves as a community hub in Big Creek, offering essential resources through its Food Security Program, Clothing Bank, and programs for youth and children. This outreach is a part of the Central Appalachian Missionary Conference and has become a lifeline for many in the area.
Let’s work together to bring warmth and joy to those in need this winter. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to serve others!
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Children’s Christmas Program: A Celebration of Joy!
We’re excited to invite all our Covenant kids to be part of this year’s Children’s Christmas Program! On Sunday, December 15, during our 10:00 AM worship service, the children will share the story of Jesus’ birth through a delightful drama titled 'Twas the Night and beloved Christmas carols.
Rehearsals for the play will be every Sunday at 9:00 AM beginning November 3. We’ll meet in the basement, and all children through elementary school are welcome to join! We have both speaking and non-speaking roles, so every child can find a special way to participate, whether they love acting, singing, or just being part of the story.
Parents, this is a wonderful chance for your kids to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with the congregation! As they sing traditional tunes and bring the nativity story to life, they’ll share the joy of Christ’s birth in a way only children can—full of wonder and joy.
Let’s make this year’s Christmas season unforgettable as our children lead us in worship and remind us of the beauty of the Christmas story. Don’t miss this heartwarming tradition!
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Save the Dates: Celebrating the Season at Covenant Church
The holiday season is upon us, and we’re excited to celebrate together as a church family! With a variety of gatherings, worship services, and outreach opportunities, there’s so much happening at Covenant in the coming months. From special musical performances to our Thanksgiving meal and the Christmas Eve services, each event is a chance to come together, give thanks, and rejoice in the true meaning of the season. Take note of these upcoming dates and make plans to join us!
November Events
Sunday, Nov. 1 – All Saints Sunday (Don’t forget: Daylight Savings Time ends)
Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Trustees Meeting at 6:00 PM; Board Meeting at 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 10 – Covenant Thanksgiving Meal following worship; Shoe Boxes due back today
Thursday, Nov. 14 – Fun, Food & Fellowship Lunch at 12:30 PM; Budget Informational Meeting at 6:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 17 – Annual Congregational Meeting at 11:30 AM following worship; Green Beans and Potatoes for holiday baskets due today
December Events
Sunday, Dec. 1 – Bands, Bells, Cookies, and Cocoa Concert at 5:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 8 – Covenant Choir Cantata “A Thrill of Hope” at 5:00 PM
Thursday, Dec. 12 – Covenant Bells Concert at Forest Springs at 2:00 PM
Saturday, Dec. 14 – Prayer Vigil in our Sanctuary from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 15 – Covenant Children’s Christmas Program during worship at 10:30 AM
Thursday, Dec. 19 – Covenant Preschool Christmas Program at 10:00 AM
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM