Weekend News

First Sunday in our new multi-purpose facility for worship at long last. We are able to move our 11am Contemporary Praise Service into our new space. You might want to come to both services to be a part of the First Worship Service as we Praise God and offer thanks to our generous congregation. Come help us  pack it out. Our praise band, Redeemed, and Keith Hargrave can't wait to break in our new sound system. I doubt it will make the preacher sound any better or smarter but it can't work miracles.

But it is also the first Sunday of the month, which means both our services will  have Holy Communion. And when we gather for Holy Communion, we also bring our ICAN food offering to go to UCO Food Pantry.

Did I mention that we will have our 11am worship in our new building? See you tomorrow, as we use the freedom to Worship won by our men and women who have protected our nation.

Sincerely,

Mid Week News - Trash into Treasures, and ICAN Food Offering

Wednesday Already! That means Crafters Need Your help. Your hidden treasures, your baked goods, and your help. Set up today and tomorrow, and then helping people find their treasures on the Sale Days of Friday and Saturday. Remember - no clothing, no computers.

Sunday morning
First Sunday in June means, we are able to gather at the Lord's Table and find the treasure amidst the Bread and the Cup. Don't forget, we also have the  opportunity to help others find a treasure in our ICAN food offering for UCO Food Pantry. Peanut Butter, can meats, mac & cheese, spaghetti and sauce, rice and beans, toilet paper, and any other staple item needed. Thanks for being so generous!

See you in your place of worship, as we commit to grow in our service to the world, in our study of God's Word, and to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ.

Sunday evening
The End of the Year Children's Ministry Pool Party. Contact Lindsay Perry at children@covenantum.org.

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Don't forget to be praying for the Tornado Victims, who are probably now just beginning to sense their loss. Extra donations will be sent directly to the local United Methodist Church to handle.

Family News - April 5, 2013

Last evening about 9:00pm Mrs. Helma Constantine, Mother of Joyce Henson and Ambrose Constantine, passed to her Heavenly Reward. She was an extraordinary lady who pioneered during the Civil Rights Era of our community. We all are very proud of her courage and endurance in this effort. She held the course that she knew was the Godly one, and faced many obstacles over the years. Because she lived and fought this battle, we are all better for it.

This afternoon on Channel KATC-TV, a short taped interview with Ms. Helma will be shown at 5 PM and perhaps also at 10. Please try to watch and see what a courageous lady we had in our midst.

Ms. Helma leaves a community wide circle of family and friends, and we shall all miss her greatly.

Please join me in praying in THANKSGIVING for her wonderful life and for the legacy that she leaves to us all.

We will let the church know when the service of the Celebration of her life will be held.

Also passing on the information that Liz Knepper's Dad Paul passed away and the service will be held in Crowley on Sunday.

Join our church family as we pray for the familys

Just a reminder, this is the First Sunday, bring your ICAN food offering for UCO.

First Steel

First of all, we give thanks to the Lord for our great blessings for it seems as if we were spared from the storm. Unfortunately, there will be the opportunity to help others recover from the damage Isaac caused. I will certainly keep us posted when the need is determined.

But look...

Yes, that is the metal building portion going up today. Finally! Again, thanks to all of you who are as excited about this project as your pastor and could not wait for you to see it too. By Sunday no telling how great it will look.

Speaking of Sunday, don't forget, we will have worship this Labor Day weekend. And since it is the first Sunday of the month, we will have Holy Communion. Also, remember to bring your ICAN food offering.

Don't Forget...

This is our Fifth Sunday of the Month, which means several things:

Worship - O For a Thousand Tongues, we will have lots of singing for this Fifth Sunday and my message is on the power of praise.

Service -  why not bring a few extra items for the UCO Food Pantry? I know this is not the First Sunday of the Month but since we are gathering to eat, why not remember others?

Food - Don't forget, Fifth Sunday Potluck. The church is providing meat - brisket, sausage, ribs, slaw and some baked beans; and you bring all the rest. Please make plans to stay and eat with your church family. Serving will begin after Sunday School, and will continue after our 11:00am service.

Weather permitting, a softball game following.

We made some progress on the building: plumbing and electrical completed for in the slab work but them boy did it rain yesterday afternoon.

It is in God's Timing but I continue to be amazed at your faithfulness in providing funding. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Friday Update

Since we have the freedom to worship in this Nation, due to the sacrifice of so many of our forefathers, I do hope you will use that freedom and come to worship the Lord this Sunday. We will begin our services with the Presentation of Our Colors and Pledge of Allegiance and then worship our Lord who gives us freedom from Sin and Death.

It will be a first Sunday of the Month, so we will celebrate Holy communion and then let us not forget our ICAN food offering to go to the UCO Food Pantry. Lets load up our foyer, so we can load up their shelves at UCO, and they can help load up empty stomachs.

In view of the day, you may want to wear Red, White, and Blue, not a requirement, but your preacher doesn't want to look like the only Flag in the crowd.

I will be preaching on the song: "Battle Hymn of the Republic"-  Come hear the story behind the song, the story in the song, and the message I feel lead to share.

Work is moving slowly on our building. Monday, they will be drilling our pillar holes and filling them with concrete to help make the foundation strong and secure. But it is moving. We are told they will finish on time and on budget - Yeeeaaaa! 

We will also be praying for our Nation and Our Leaders, and I will have prayer guides to send home with you.

Crafters Rummage & Bake Sale

Starting Early this morning until 3:00pm on Friday .and then again Saturday until noon. Come out and support this group of dedicated women turning trash into treasure. A steeple, a piano, carpet, have all come from their love and efforts. and great plans for the remodeled sanctuary. If you don't need stuff or need to get rid of stuff, at least come buy a few cookies or other delicious items.

Don't forget this Sunday Services. Our Kairos Team will be leading the service  along with Holy Communion and the Opportunity to Give. I CAN food offering for UCO Food Pantry.

I CAN, Holy Communion, and What is a Methodist?

First Sunday in May means Holy Communion during Worship and don't Forget,  we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ as we provide food for the UCO Food Pantry. Yes I Can make a difference! 

Plus, I will be doing a three week study during Sunday school of Who we are as Methodist. Where and How we were birthed, What we believe and How we Practice our Faith, and finally, a Look at the history of Covenant United Methodist Church and where we are going! We will examine our Mission Statement of which many do not know. A great three week study for all. Those who have come into the Methodist Church, those who are thinking about coming into the Methodist Church, and those who would just like to study about God's call to us be a Holy People in this world. Beginning Sunday during Sunday School in a class in the preschool building. Look for the notices on the door. RSVP if you would like to attend.

Sincerely,

Celia Sirman Whitler - UCO Benefit Concert

Celia Sirman Whitler, a former Asbury United Methodist Church member is coming to present a benefit concert for United Christian Outreach on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 6:00pm  in the Spiritwind Worship Center.

The concert is free and open to everyone. A love offering will be taken with all money going directly to United Christian Outreach. You can also bring non-perishable food items for the UCO pantry.

For more information, you may call 984.4211.

ICan Reminder

Time to Remember - First Sunday in 2012 means ICAN Food Offering. Bring them in this Sunday. We heard they especially could use bars of soaps, peanut butter, jelly, toilet paper, paper towels, etc., but whatever you can bring, it will be used.

Friday Reminders

Dear Covenant Family - I missed you, even if you didn't miss me. Susie and I thoroughly enjoyed our days apart and our trip to Branson, Missouri. Felt so young being there with all those other older adults who frequent the place. We shopped enough to count as a stimulus program, and we saw great entertainment, and we sat in the back of worship at Branson United Methodist Church, thinking all along I wish I was back at Covenant.

We are now home and can't wait to see you this Sunday at worship, yes, even if it is raining, our roof doesn't leak and we need to be here.

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Weekend reminders
We are sad to announce one of our newer members, Mr. Travis Shipp died, and we will have a funeral service at Delhommes Funeral home on Bertrand Drive. Saturday, visitation from 10:00am - 1:00pm, and the service at 1:00pm. If at all possible, come pay your last respects to this kind humble man who was only with us for a couple of years.

Sunday Morning
First Sunday of the Month. We will gather at the Lord's Table for Holy Communion. Don't forget to bring our UCO ICAN food offering. Our Youth group will be informing us of a month long food drive to help UCO with friendly competition between the Sunday school Classes, but bring what you can this Sunday. Parable of the Week - Matthew 25:1-12 - the Ten Maidens with Lamps

Future Opportunities
Next Wednesday, September 7th - we will begin our regular Wednesday Night Dinner and Academy Classes - covering marriage relationships, Introduction to Revelations, and Get Fit.

Handbells are beginning also on Sepember 7th - Lisa White, the leader has informed me that we need to recruit some ringers. No experience or musical ability needed. Why not come try it out and see if you could offer this gift back to God during worship.

Finally, but not least of all, Wednesday Morning the Explorers Bible Study is beginning. If you are looking for a long term interdenominational Bible study, come join this group of women on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am.

Another Message from Covenant or the Preacher may get it right this time!

First Sunday is this Sunday, so we really will have Holy Communion.

I know most of you got a good chuckle at my mistake last week. It wasn't my first and sure won't be my last. But this coming Sunday, I have been assured is really the first Sunday of the month, which means Holy Communion and I CAN Food offering.

Marie Smith who delivers our offering to UCO, said it was a God Send. More people then ever are needing help, so Praise Be to God that one of our ways our church provides ministry is the offering of a few can goods and staple items to help out others. So come prepared this First Sunday to offer again if all possible with this vital ministry.

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Our Preschool Ministries is currently looking for a 2 year-old teacher. If you love them and have had some experience working with young children, whether volunteer or paid, please prayerfully consider becoming a part of our preschool team. This is a 5-day a week position where you can help children learn and while doing so, play all day long! For additional information or for any questions you may have, please call Kim Havard at 988-3962 or 278-2340.

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My message this week is on another of the Powerful Parables of Jesus, the parable of the Empty House.

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Upcoming events: 
August 14 - Church Council and Trustees Meeting
August 20 - Mandatory Acolyte Training
September 7 - First Wednesday Night Dinner and Covenant Academy - classes on Marriage Relationships, Book of Revelations, and Get Fit.

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Finally - It appears as if the deadline for some type of resolution to the impass at Congress may happen today. I don't really know how I feel about it, doubt if it does anything close to what needed to be done, but it certainly reminded us of how difficult it is to make the tough decisions. Pray for Our Congress, our President and for our Nation.

Sunday, someone asked me to pray because they were to have some medical procedure this week and I know I said, please write it down because I can't remember a thing someone tells me on Sunday, with all the conversations I have. So please if it is you or you know someone having a medical procedure this week, please let me know by emailing me back. Thanks.

Sincerely,

What's Up This Weekend - April 1, 2011

I love my church. I love the Covenant Flock. I love being your pastor, and that is NO APRIL FOOL'S JOKE. I can't wait until this weekend to see all of you at church. This is the time for appointments around the United Methodist Church and there are preachers want for new churches and churches waiting for new pastors. Sorry, but that is not happening here. I am so happy here and I pray you are happy with us too.

Sunday, April 3rd
Holy Communion - we will break bread and share the cup of our Lord. That also means it is I CAN OFFERING DAY.  Please bring staple food items we can share with UCO Food Pantry. It makes a difference in the lives of those who depend on extra help.

Also, parents help remind your children to bring back the Myles Perret Cancer Center Bottle with loose change collected.

I will be continuing the I AM sermon series with "I AM the Living Bread".

Then at the end of the service I will have a special announcement and need all there!

Great Sunday to get into a Sunday School Class.

Sincerely,
Chris Blanchard

Snow Day

After a great time with our men at the Bull Session, who braved the blistery weather, and tying up some loose ends, we are headed home before the freeze.

Should anything come up, you can call me on my cell 337 591-0580.

Don't forget, roads ought to be drivable by Sunday so we will have worship - Holy Communion - Living Positive Means Moving Forward and don't forget our I CAN FOOD OFFERING FOR UCO food pantry.

Chris Blanchard
Covenant United Methodist Church