Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 30, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 26: Growing Through Temptation

Midweek Reminders from Covenant - September 29, 2010

Don't forget that on Wednesday we have a full day at the church:

8:00am - Pilates exercise group
9:00am - First pumpkin patch field trip of the day, come see all the fun and see where you might help out over the next month
9:30am - Explorers Bible Study
10:30am - Second field trip of the day
Noon-2:00pm - Visitation at the Church with Lyle Mellington family
2:00pm - The worship service celebrating Mr. Lyle's Life.
5:00pm - Handbell Choir Practice
5:30pm - Family Time around the Table. Come eat with your church family a good home cooked meal put out by the Timms and Ms. Verna
6:15pm - Children's Music program
6:15pm - Third Discussion time on Our Purpose Driven Life

Shame we don't have anything going on in our church and don't forget we will have Pumpkin Patch going on this weekend; fun jump, hayrides, animals, great weather, come out and hang out with your church family. I will be cooking concessions this Saturday to help raise funds for the Pastor's Discretionary fund.

And then Sunday Morning we begin the week with a great day of worship and Holy communion. Our church family needs you and you need our church family. This coming Sunday morning I will be focusing on our need to GROW UP!

Great Big Thank You! This past Sunday, we had 100 plus people come out to unload the Pumpkin Truck. Many hands make a light load, unbelievable!

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. - Matthew 5:3-9

- Chris

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 29, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 25: Transformed by Trouble

Pastor's Letter for October, 2010

Belonging or Believing

For years there seems to have been tension in our understanding of what a Christian might be. For many, it became a matter of believing. Believing Jesus was who He said He was, believing what He did for us, and believing that Jesus did come out of the grave on Easter. There was also the tension that said, our belief system is our own. I can believe what I want, when I want, and that certainly resonated with our sense of “it’s strictly between God and me.” Belonging on the other hand, became something that was associated with institutional and organization life. We became members of the Rotary, the Kiwanis, the Library club, etc., which sometimes meant we could participate when we wanted to or when it was convenient. Is our faith a matter of believing or belonging?

Yes. Yes to both. It is our belief that should influence our belonging. Rick Warren says: “you are called to belong, not just believe.” Our relationship with the Lord is personal, it is never private. We are called to be a part of the Body of Christ. We need the church, as much as the church needs us. The body can exist without some of the parts, but a part of the body can not exist without the body.

So what am I saying? Covenant is a great Body of Christ to belong to. We have small groups for you to join. Rev. Byron has listed the various adult Sunday morning classes in his article on page 2. We will also have Pastor lead classes occasionally throughout the year, such as we are doing now for the Purpose Driven Life discussion. We have ministry opportunities throughout the year such as music, ushering, greeting, teaching, working with children’s ministry, etc. But we also have temporary but very important ministry opportunities such as helping with the Pumpkin patch, St. Jude’s Bike-a-Thon, our Area wide Thanksgiving feast for the Homeless. Right now the immediate and most pressing place to serve- is in the Patch. Unloading trucks, but helping with field trips, sales booths, meeting and greeting folks on the weekend. Belonging means finding a place to serve.

To quote a saying one of my former District Superintendent shared: “don’t GOT to do this, We GET to do this for God.” Belonging and serving and giving adds more to our life then it ever takes from our life. Thank you for choosing to believe and belong.

See you at your place of worship each and every Sunday.
Rev. Chris Blanchard

Mellington Service Details

Many of you have heard already about the passing of our friend and Brother in Christ, Lyle Mellington.

Visitation is schedule for tonight, Tuesday, from 5:00pm until 9:00pm at Delhomme Funeral Home.

Tomorrow, visitation will be from noon until 2:00pm here at Covenant. Then at 2:00pm we will have the funeral service.

I am told that the obituary will not appear in the newspaper until tomorrow morning, so some people may not find out in time these arrangements. Please, if you know anyone who knows Lyle and Daisy, please pass this information on.

As we celebrate the life of Lyle, let us continue to lift up Daisy and the family during this time.

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 28, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 24: Transformed by Truth

In Loving Memory - Lyle Mellington

Beloved member Lyle Mellington passed away this morning. Brother Chris will be meeting with Daisy this afternoon to discuss arrangements.

As we celebrate the life of Lyle and God's deliverance of him from illness, let us keep Daisy and the rest of the family in our prayers. We'll post the funeral details as they become available.

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 27, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 23: How We Grow

Thanks to EVERYONE for helping with the "pumpkin truck" yesterday. This may have been to fastest we've ever unloaded one. Remember, there's still time to sign up to help. Keep the volunteers and school kids in your prayers, school tours begin tomorrow.

Bits & Pieces - September 26, 2010

Here we are again with with some Covenant Life opportunities you may not know about:

Sermon Downloads
Did you know you can download Brother Chris' Sunday morning sermons in MP3 form from our website? If you're sick or out of town, you can still keep up with the current and past messages. You can access them directly here. His sermon notes are also available. Pass the word along. This morning's sermon is already uploaded for you.

Blood Drive
Sunday, October 31, 10:30—1:00
All Donors will receive a black New Orleans Saints Football T-Shirt!
Sign up online www.bloodhero.com or Signup sheet in Narthex or call Peggy Spruill in church office, 981-2088.

6th Annual St. Jude Bike-A-Thon - November 6
- All Ages Invited to Participate
- Special Events for Kids
- Food and Drink Provided
- Registration Forms available in the Narthex
- For More Info, call: Donna Fare, 857-3664 or Carlena Clause, 896-8872

Preschool News

We are well into the school year now and things are going great. In October our focus will be on Ephesians 6:1, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right." We have a different Bible verse every month and it is the focus of many activities in the classroom, in chapel and even on the playground. Our teachers are doing a wonderful job sharing the love of Jesus with these children.

We are full to capacity in Mother's Day Out and in our three year old program. There are several slots open for four year olds. It is an awesome responsibility to know that this church is playing an instrumental role in laying the foundation for so many children. Thank you...from the children, the parents, the teachers and the office staff. We love Covenant UMC!!! - Kim Havard

Children's Ministries

The children's programs at Covenant are exciting! Ms. Jennifer has started music on Wednesdays for children in first through sixth grade. We are currently looking at a Christmas program that incorporates music and drama. Watch for the details so that you can see them perform. Also for that age group, on the first Sunday, is a wonderful program lead by Ms. Jennifer Manual. The children learn all about missions and how we can reach out to those outside the walls of the church. On the other Sundays, Leigh and Jerry Nugent lead the 4th, 5th and 6th graders in Club 456 where they learn about God through a variety of activities. These opportunities are wonderful ways for the children to get to know God.

We will be making some changes in our children's Sunday school program by adding another class! We need one teacher and one assistant to lead the 1st and 2nd grade class. We are also looking for substitutes so that we can fill those positions when needed. If you are interested, please call Kim at 278-2340 (cell) or at the church at 988-3962. Volunteers can make a difference in a child's life...don't you want to be one?

Check our weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters for other Covenant Opportunities.  

You can also sign up for Brother Chris' weekly emails from our website - www.CovenantUM.org

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 26, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 22: Created to Become Like Christ

Don't forget, PUMPKINS come today. Come for worship and Brother Chris' message "Formed for God's Family", and stay for pizza, ice cream and lots of pumpkins. The Saints game will be playing so you won't miss a play. See you in worship.

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 25, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 21: Protecting Your Church

And join us in worship tomorrow morning for Chris' message "Formed for God's Family."

Friday Morning Pumpkin Update

The Pumpkins are on the road. The truck is on time and scheduled for unloading THIS SUNDAY at 12 noon.

Here's what's coming:

• 7 Turbin Gourds
• 3 Spookies
• 40 Minis
• 30 WeeBees
• 2557 Regular Pumpkins

We will have pizza, salads, ice cream, beverages...everything. Just come to worship in your best pumpkin unloading attire and we'll kick this thing off the right way.

But before that, we'll share in Brother Chris' sermon, "Formed for God's Family".

See you Sunday.

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 24, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 20: Restoring Broken Fellowship

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 23, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 19: Cultivating Community

2010 Pumpkin Patch - Pumpkins Arrive

2010 Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins Arrive THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

Wear your pumpkin-unloading clothes to worship. We'll begin unloading immediately after worship.

Lunch will be served and THE GAME will be broadcast so you won't miss a minute.

The Patch opens for school tours Tuesday, September 28th.
If you haven't signed up, today's is a great time to do so. See the board in the Narthex or just call the church office (981-2088) to sign-up.

See more information HERE

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 22, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 18: Experiencing Life Together

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 21, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 17: A Place to Belong

Church Notice and Plea for Help

Our church is trying to help someone relocate and they need used furniture. If you have access to a full size bed or even mattress; any type of easy chairs, a dresser, or even a small used refrigerator, even if it is a "dorm" size unit, please respond as soon as possible, and if needed, we will pick them up to deliver. Please this should be from your excess furniture only!

We could also use a few towels, sheets, plates, cookware, glasses, forks and knives, not many but a few.

If you can help, call the church office at 981-2088.

In Christ,
Chris

6th Annual St. Jude Bike-A-Thon, November 6, 2010

6th Annual St. Jude Bike-A-Thon
Saturday, November 6, 2010

INFORMATION ON WALK
- 1 Mile
- 5K (3.1 Miles)

Times
65 Mile Ride
Registration 7:00am
Start 8:00am

Short Ride
Registration 7:00am
Start 8:00am (Out and Back 1 mile up to 35 miles)

Children
Registration 8:00am
Bicycle Safety Clinic 8:30am
Start 9:00am
- 1st grade and up - a short neighborhood ride (two-wheel bikes only)
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Younger children - A short ride in the parking lot of the church

Walk
Registration 8:00am
Start 9:00am

Entry Fee / Donations
All proceeds will go to benefit St. Jude's Children Research Hospital

All donations will be appreciated. With a donation of $35.00 or more you will receive a St. Jude's T-Shirt

Special Events for Kids
- Bicycle Safety Clinic by the Cajun Cyclists Bicycle Club
- Obstacle Course
- Bike Ride
- Face Painting

Food and Drinks Will Be Provided

Helmets Are REQUIRED for ALL Riders

REGISTRATION
To Pre-Register, complete the Registration Form and mail to:

St. Jude Bike-A-Thon
c/o Covenant United Methodist Church
300 East Martial Avenue
Lafayette, LA 70508

337.981.2088 phone
337.988.3286 fax

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 20, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is -
Day 16: What Matters Most

September 19, 2010 Sermon Available

Both MP3 and sermon notes are now available for this morning's message: Purpose Driven Life - Week 2: Planned for God's Pleasure - Worship - http://bit.ly/aEaUz2

Be sure to keep up with the reading as best you can this week and if you missed the discussion group this morning, you can catch another one Wednesday night at 6:15pm after Wednesday Night Supper.

And join us next Sunday for Part Three: Formed for God's Family.

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 19, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 15: Formed for God's Family

Bits & Pieces - September 18, 2010

Here are a few things you may not know about:

Children's Music
Children's Music has resumed on Wednesdays, at 6:15pm. Mrs. Jennifer Tassin will be leading the children with singing, drama, bells and boomwhackers. Kids from grades 1—6 are invited to participate. There will be several performances throughout the year, including a Christmas production. Be sure to join us every Wednesday for lots of fun! - Kim Havard

Granny's Country Store
...needs items to sell for the Pumpkin Patch. Please call Shirley Mason at 991-9390.

Handbell Choir
We invite anyone who would like to join the fun in our Handbell Choir. We meet on Wednesdays at 5:00pm. - Ken Cheshire

Explorer’s Bible Study
A 30-week study on “Psalms of Prayer and Praise” Meets Wednesdays, 9:30-11:15am Everyone is invited. For more information, please contact Donna Guidry at 232-7555.

Pumpkin Patch
Volunteers are needed for the “Pumpkin Patch” beginning with the arrival of pumpkins next Sunday at NOON! Pizza and salad will be served—so no need to leave for lunch. We have a “Sign-up” board in the Narthex. Volunteers are needed every day. Field trips are scheduled from September 28th-October 29th. Last year over 6,000 children participated in the field trips and raised over $35,000 for missions!

And make plans NOW to stay next Sunday. PUMPKINS ARE ARRIVING!!!

This Wednesday Night:
5:00 — Handbells
5:30 — Supper (Chicken Breast or Pork Chop)
6:15 — Children’s Music
6:15 — 2nd Session Purpose Driven Life (Youth Room)

That's about it this time around. Please join us tomorrow morning for Part 2 of Brother Chris' Purpose Driven Life series, "Planned for God's Pleasure." And if you have missed a Sunday, don't forget you can hear the sermons online on our website at www.covenantum.org. Just Click to the Pastor's Page.

God Bless

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading, September 18, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 14: When God Seems Distant

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 17, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 13: Worship That Pleases God

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 16, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 12: Developing Your Friendship with God

Daily Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 15, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 11: Becoming Best Friends with God

Midweek Reminders from Covenant - September 14, 2010

Don't forget our weekly activities:

Wednesday
8:00AM - Palates exercise class
9:30AM - New Explorers Bible Study
5:00PM - Hand bell choir rehearsal - Come Join the fun
5:30PM - Meal - spaghetti or baked chicken, serving until 6:00PM
6:15PM - Children's Music Ministry
6:15PM - The Purpose Driven Life Discussion Group in the youth room. Please do me a favor and email me a reply if you are planning on attending so we can have enough chairs and materials.

Thursday
6:30PM - Chancel Choir Rehearsal - It's never too late to join.

This coming Sunday - we will be focusing on Our First Purpose - Our need to worship. Keep up the reading in Purpose Driven Life.

Sincerely,
Chris Blanchard

Daily Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 14, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 10: The Heart of Worship

Daily Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 13, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 9: What Makes God Smile?

September 12, 2010 Sermon Available

Both MP3 and sermon notes are now available for this morning's message: Purpose Driven Life - Week 1: What On Earth Am I Here For?  - http://bit.ly/aEaUz2

Be sure to keep up with the reading as best you can this week and if you missed the discussion group this morning, you can catch another one Wednesday night at 6:15pm after Wednesday Night Supper.

And join us next Sunday for Part Two: You Were Planned for God's Pleasure.

Daily Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 12, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is - Day 8: Planned for God's Pleasure.

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading, September 11, 2010

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - Day 6: The Reason for Everything. Seems a little fitting for today of all days, don't you think?

A Time to Remember

I remember where I was on 9/11 and I bet you do too. I was serving Leesville First Methodist and had many military families in our church. I found out that all had been placed on High Alert - their lives and our lives have not been the same since. I don't care if you think our military response is right or wrong. I am asking you to do what I called our church family to do that day - Pray

Max Lucado shared a beautiful prayer for the nation just days after 9/11, and I would like to share part of that with us: "We're still hoping, we'll wake up. We're still hoping we'll open a sleepy eye and think, "What a horrible dream." But we won't, will we Father? What we saw was not a dream. Planes did gouge towers. Flames did consume our fortress. People did perish. It was no dream and dear Father, We are sad.

We are sad, Father, for as the innocent are buried, our innocence is buried as well. We thought we were safe. Perhaps we should have known better. But we didn't.

And so we come to you. We don't ask for help, we beg you for it. We don't request it; we implore it. We know what you can do.

We thank you dear Father, for these hours of unity. Christians are praying with Jews. Republicans are standing with Democrats. Skin colors have been covered by the ash of burning buildings. We thank you for these hours of unity. (my side note - above all, PRAY FOR THIS SENSE OF UNITY TO RETURN - CHRIS)

We thank you for these hours of prayer. The Enemy sought to bring us to our knees and succeeded. He had no idea, however, that we would kneel before you, O Lord. And he has no idea what You can do.

Let your mercy be upon our President, Vice President, and their families. Grant to those who lead us, wisdom beyond their years and experience. Have mercy on the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. And look kindly upon your church. For two thousand years you have used her to heal a hurting world. DO IT AGAIN, LORD. DO IT AGAIN. AMEN!

Sincerely,
Chris Blanchard

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading, September 10, 2010

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - Day 5: Life Is a Temporary Assignment.

Midweek Reminders from Covenant - September 9, 2010

Dear Covenant Family - I am late getting this midweek update out, taking Labor Day off has thrown me big time, so here goes:

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE: our focus begins on Sunday. Reminding you that you should have started the reading on last Sunday. My message: What on Earth am I Here For? will introduce thie 40 day study. Discussion groups will be available on Sunday mornings for those without a Sunday School class or Wednesday evenings for others. Don't miss the excitement of doing something across the church.

YOUTH NEWS: Gretchen Cheshire, our youth director, says that our youth once finishing the renovation of their youth room, will pick up their Bible Study and may do Purpose Driven Life together. Be watching for their announcement.

PUMPKIN PATCH: It won't be long now, September 26th, a Sunday, we will be unloading our first full pumpkin truck right after 11:00AM worship service. But even before that date, I hope you are planning on how you can help us provide the best Pumpkin Patch event yet. We need people during the week to help with our school field trips, we need people on afternoons to work the sales trailer, we need people during the weekends to help meet and greet all the people the LORD sends our way, with concessions, hay rides, etc. There will be a bulletin board out in the foyer this Sunday. Pick up a pen and sign in. You won't regret it.

THANK YOU: If you missed Sunday (a few of you did), we still had 348 on a labor Day weekend. I used the message to thank you for your "work produced by faith, your labor prompted by Love." I mean it, this is a very generous and giving congregation. When so many sister congregations are struggling, we are so BLESSED.

GROWING: We are in middle of trying to figure out how to help our Preschool and Mother's Day Out program GROW. We are looking at temporary housing for our office space, so the school can use our space. WHAT A GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE.

Sincerely,
Chris Blanchard

PS: be on the lookout for the start of the Fellowship Class Pecan Sale. Look for the October newsletter to see all the good things they do with the profits as we do all the good things eating the pecans.

Today's Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 9, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is: Day 5 - Seeing Life From God's View

Wednesday Happenings

Good morning, it's Wednesday and that means a lot going on here at Covenant.

First, today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is Day Four: Made to Last Forever. It only takes a few minutes to read. The rewards are eternal.

Second, our Wednesday Night Supper resumes tonight at 5:30. Entrees are Chris' wonderful smoked brisket and baked chicken.

Third, Children's Music starts at 6:15. Boomwhackers, bells and all sorts of fun abound.

And finally, also at 6:15 is our monthly Solace Service. Good music, a brief devotion, prayer and communion.

Reminder: beginning this Sunday morning and next Wednesday night are the new Purpose Driven Life discussion classes. See the newsletter or Sunday bulletin for more information.

That's it for this post. Have a great day.

Purpose Driven Life Full Reading Guide

You can find the full Purpose Driven Life Reading Guide on our website.

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 7, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is Day Three: What Drives Your Life?

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading - September 6, 2010

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is Day Two: You Are Not An Accident

September 5, 2010 Sermon Available for Download

Brother Chris' sermon from this morning, "We Need a Little Christmas - Love" is available online - http://ht.ly/2zS4q

Purpose Driven Life Daily Reading

Today's Purpose Driven Life daily reading is Chapter One: It All Starts With God.

Children's Music Program Returns

Children's Music will resume Wednesday, September 8th, at 6:15pm. Once again, Mrs. Jennifer Tassin will be leading the children with singing, drama, bells and boomwhackers.

Kids from 1st grade through 6th grade are invited to participate. There will be several performances throughout the year, including a Christmas production. Be sure to join us every Wednesday for lots of fun!

Family Night Supper Resumes

Beginning Wednesday, 

September 8th

Family Night Supper Resumes

5:00 - Handbells (beginning September 15th)

5:30 - Supper

6:15 - Children's Music

6:15 - Wednesday Solace Service

Handbells Return

An invitation is extended to everyone who would like to join the fun in the Handbell Choir. Weekly rehearsals are Wednesdays at 5:00pm beginning September 15th. You'll never experience a more enjoyable and rewarding ministry.

Time to Sign-up: Pumpkins are Coming!!

Volunteers are needed for the "Pumpkin Patch" beginning with the arrival of pumpkins on Sunday, September 26th at noon! Pizza and salad will be served - so no need to leave for lunch. We will have the Sign-up board in the Narthex next Sunday. Volunteers are needed every day. Field trips are scheduled from September 28th through October 29th. Last year over 6000 children participated in field trips and raised over $35,000 for missions.

New Adult Sunday School Class

Join this new Bible-Based adult class - "The Trinity". We will begin September 12th in room 13 of the Preschool building.

In Memory of: Helen Dear

We got word yesterday that the mother of former pastor, Rev. Willis Dear, has passed away. Many of us remember Mrs. Helen Dear very fondly. She donated her body to science and Rev. Dear will hold a memorial service for her in the near future.

We'll post those details when we receive them. Please keep the family in your prayers.