Showers of Blessing

In an old gospel hymn, Daniel Whittle shared these words:

“There shall be showers of blessing: this is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing, sent from the Savior above.

There shall be showers of blessing, if we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing, if we let God have His way.”

I want us to focus on those showers of blessing, that the Lord continues to send our way. Our worship service continues to grow as we gather to celebrate the Goodness of God and lifting our hearts and hands in praise. Our music teams; the choir, Redeemed, and soon our Handbell choir will bless us. Just this past week, a group of women, knocked our socks off by offering their gift to the Lord and to our congregation. Our music team of Ken, Pat, Jennifer, Lisa and all the many volunteers—thank you for showering us with blessings, sent from the Savior above.

By the time you receive this note, our front yard will have been converted into our annual Pumpkin Patch. A place where thousands of children can gather to hear and see and experience in fun and creative ways, a great field trip. A place where families can gather for a free hayride, pumpkin looking, photo opportunities, fun jumps, and great hospitality offered by our Covenant folks. This outreach would not take place without the leadership of the Mason Family, and the great number of volunteers who offer their time to be a blessing to others, sent from the Savior above.

Our Christian Education program continues to grow, whether it is our children, our youth, or our adults. Each week we have opportunities for Bible Study, great fellowship, educational programs on marriage, Get Fit, or a variety of topics. Jump into one of these small groups and be blessed as we are committed to not only Hear the Message of Jesus, but to do the mission of Jesus. Some of the missions we have been able to help because of your generosity, has been additional gifts to UCO Food Pantry feeding people in our city; extra special gifts to the Louisiana Children's Home to help provide care for the foster children in their care. Thank you for being a blessing to them, a blessing sent from the Savior above.

Finally, I want to mention our Building Program. It has taken much longer then anyone expected to design and plan for all the details of the building we need. It is very apparent that our committee cares about what we do, and we want to make certain that we don't miss the opportunity to offer the best building we can to our congregation. As we write this, we have already received over $400,000 in pledges and in cash. Because we are wanting to minimize any interest expense to our budget, we will need others to help fund this dream. Should you wish to discuss with me the possibility of giving a gift even before we ask the congregation, I will be happy to be showered by your blessing.

Why not just stop, bow your head, and praise God for His showers of blessing upon us all.

Covenant News

The Patch is alive and well. We have already hosted over 1,100 children for field trips and are looking forward to another 6,000.

This is the first weekend I and wanted you to know what is going on:

Saturday: The Methodist Men are cooking hot dogs and hamburgers. Come out and eat and help us raise the flag. Flagpole that is. They are committed to put up a great focal point celebrating our beloved nation and honoring all those of our Covenant Famiily that served our nation.

Sunday: Butch Lewis will be cooking to help raise funds for the Angel Tree program. Food will be available right after Sunday School to take home or stay and eat outside and enjoy the sights.

Remember each weekend day, we have fun jumps and hay rides and the Youth Hwy 412 group is doing the concession stands, roasted peanuts, popcorn, and lots of fun. I need as many of you as possible to come out on the weekends, wearing your Covenant shirts etc. to help us greet all the people who come to visit with us.

We still need volunteers. Especially in the afternoons in our sales trailers. Please sign up in the foyer or just come out and be put to work.

Sunday is also World Communion Sunday. We will join millions of Christians around His Table celebrating what He has done for us. Bring your family and invite friends to join us for this sacred moment.

Our next Pumpkin Truck is coming October 6th at Noon. Pass the word and help us pass the Pumpkins. It may look like we have lots but we hope this weekend our guest will be bringing them home.

Sincerely,

The Lord (Patch) Has Need of You

First - a GREAT BIG THANKS to all our Pumpkin Truck Unloaders. Done in record time and our front yard looks great. Again, thanks to all who helped us out. If you missed, don't pout, there will be other trucks to unload.

But, what we need now is a few folks who can help us out during the Field Trips by reading a book to the kids. We have one a day, but most days we need two people who can read a story to the kids on the trips. If you can, call the office or Joyce Henson at 984-6440.

Don't forget, our normal schedule also continues.

Tonight
6:30pm - Zumba

Tuesday
5:30pm - Weight Wise

Wednesday
No pilates this week
9:30am - Explorer's Bible Study
5:00pm - Handbells
5:30pm - Wednesday Night Supper
6:30pm - Marriage Enrichment, Intro to Revelations, and Cooking with the Hesters, come hear and taste how healthy cooking has changed their lives.

September 25, 2011 Sermon Download Available

This morning's sermon, Is There Joy in This Place?, is now available for free download from our website. http://tinyurl.com/5j6nl3. This is part of Brother Chris' sermon series on the Parables of Jesus.

Opportunities

Don't Miss...

Thursday Evening - our very first Zumba Class
Come dance yourself to fitness. Jenny Best, a certified Zumba instructor is giving her time to help us explore a new way of getting fit. Class time - 6:30pm - children as young as 7 can also come and participate.

Pumpkin Patch
If you haven't seen our front yard, it has been almost prepared to receive our first truck of Pumpkins on Sunday. If you are looking for something to do on Friday morning, come on down, and help finish our preparations. But don't forget, wear your pumpkin unloading clothes to church on Sunday in this case it is not having to wear our best, it is doing our best for the Lord. We will begin unloading after the last service. We need your help!
                              

Speaking of help, we do need your help throughout the week and on the weekend. Come sign up on the sign in the foyer, or talk to one of the Masons or me. Or just show up during the patch or field trips and we will use your willingness.

Last but not least on Sunday, after two "heavy" and "difficult" messages about 9/11 and our foundations and our need to Love our Enemy, I will be covering the Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and lost Sons, from the vantage of there will be a party in Heaven. It's Party Time. See you there.  

Don't forget the friendly competition that helps feed the downcast, bring your food offering to ICAN.

Sincerely,

 

September 18, 2011 Sermon Download Available

This morning's sermon, The Power of Forgiveness, is now available for free download from our website. http://tinyurl.com/5j6nl3. This is part of Brother Chris' sermon series of on the Parables of Jesus.

There's Revival in the Air

Come join our fellow Methodists in Kaplan for a 3 night revival lead by Chris Blanchard

September 18 - 20, 2011: Sunday - Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm

Special music Sunday evening by Psalm 150, a musical group from Henning Methodist in Sulphur.

The church located at corner of 5th st and Lejeune Ave. in Kaplan