 When I was growing up, we had rabbit ear antennas that were further enhanced by a wad of aluminum foil. (and a pair of pliers to change channels) If everything was in the right position, I could watch all five TV stations that were available to me. We eventually got a hand-me-down console television that we hooked up to a roof-top antenna which strengthened the reception. The key to living a life of freedom in Christ is a vital union with him. If I'm going to follow Jesus and act as he directs me, I need to be noticing and following wherever he leads and clearly hear his instructions to me. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible and is now active in the believer's understanding and application of scripture, so I had better be giving him say in my life. When it comes to living a vibrant Christian life, reception is everything! This Sunday, June 24th, we'll be looking at Galatians 5:1-14. I hope you'll be able to join us. Vacation Bible School - June 24-29  This coming Monday over 100 children will be shipwrecked at Community Covenant Church! Each evening from 4-7 pm they will be singing songs, playing games, and learning how Jesus is ready to rescue them. If you have elementary aged kids in your life, be sure to bring them to this Valley-wide VBS program. Please be in prayer for the many adult leaders coming together from different congregations in order to make the week a success. And pray that the children in attendance will clearly hear the gospel message and choose to receive Jesus as their Savior! Agros Fundraiser & Pig Roast BBQ PotluckSave the date for Saturday, July 7th as Bill & Suellen White are hosting their annual Pig Roast to raise money for AGROS. Why not invite some of your "pre-Christian" friends to come up to the White's ranch (about 1/4 mile up Lookout Mountain Rd in Twisp) at 5:00 for live music, plenty of great food, and the chance to contribute to this wonderful ministry.
AGROS is a wonderful organization which is literally changing the lives of people in Central America. Thanks to financial contributions, the poorest of the poor are farming their own land and moving into a hopeful future. Financial gifts will be collected at the event, but come and enjoy the food and fellowship even if you can't contribute.  Father's Day is this weekend and it's a natural time to reflect with gratitude on our dads. While none of our fathers were perfect, most of us are able to recall fond memories and love our dads very much. For those of us who are fathers ourselves, we realize the joys and challenges involved with raising children. I pray that all of us will be able to celebrate our fathers this weekend whether or not we are able to be with them. For those of us who had loving Christian fathers, we can see many examples in which they let Jesus show through their words and actions. The ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to transform us more and more into the image of Jesus. The big theological word for that is sanctification and the process continues for the entirety of our lives. This Sunday, June 17th, we'll continue our series through the book of Galatians as we look at Galatians 4:8-31. I hope you'll be able to join us. Church Campout - June 15-17 Plan on joining us for our annual campout at Bridgeport State Park. We've reserved a group camping area in which you can pitch a tent or bring your trailer. You can even choose to come down for the day if you're not able to camp. For those staying all weekend, you'll get a preview sermon from Pastor Jeff on Saturday evening. For those who will be at church on Sunday the 17th, our Worship Celebration will take place as usual. Vacation Bible School - June 24-29 Now is the time to register your children, grandchildren, and any other children you know for our VBS.
Now is also the time to sign up to volunteer in one of the many ways you can help out to make this wonderful program happen. We're still in need of a few more helpers! Decorating will begin this coming week and you can help! Contact Naomi Murray at 509-668-7517.  My daughter, Ellie, got married a year ago last April. She and Erik live in Gresham, OR, where Erik works at Starbucks while finishing up his business degree and Ellie is a nanny for two families. In addition to her work as a nanny, Ellie decided to become a volunteer at the local animal shelter. When I heard that, I knew it was only a matter of time before they brought home a dog. So, although we don't expect a grandbaby anytime soon, we do have a granddog named Milo. Adopting an animal is a wonderful experience, but adopting a child is even more amazing. The lives of both the child and the parents (and family) are forever altered as a family is formed and someone who was all alone now is in a place of belonging. I've known a number of people who've adopted children and some who have been adopted themselves. While adoption is a wonderful thing, it's not without challenges. There are rough times and plenty of tears and pain as everyone learns to adapt to a new family dynamic. In Galatians 4:5 we're reminded of the wonderful truth that God has adopted us into his family! God sent (Jesus) to buy freedom for us who were slave to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. This Sunday, June 10th, we will look at this wonderful news and consider what it means for us. I hope you'll be able to join us! Congregational Business Meeting & All-Church BBQ Potluck This Sunday, June 10th, we will have a brief congregational meeting immediately following worship. We will be voting to approve Al Bisnett as the church Treasurer to fulfill the remainder of the term as Clint Estes has had to resign due to work demands. We will also be voting on a Nominating Committee who will identify candidates for positions on the 2019 Church Council. After this short meeting we will gather outside for a BBQ Potluck. Meat, fixings and drinks will be provided. Please plan on bringing side dishes and dessert. Church Campout - June 15-17 Plan on joining us for our annual campout at Bridgeport State Park. We've reserved a group camping area in which you can pitch a tent or bring your trailer. You can even choose to come down for the day if you're not able to camp. For those staying all weekend, you'll get a preview sermon from Pastor Jeff on Saturday evening. For those who will be at church on Sunday the 17th, our Worship Celebration will take place as usual. See Scott Larson for more info Vacation Bible School - June 24-29 Now is the time to register your children, grandchildren, and any other children you know for our VBS.
Now is also the time to sign up to volunteer in one of the many ways you can help out to make this wonderful program happen. We're still in need of a few more helpers! Look for the table display at church or contact Naomi Murray at 509-668-7517. |
Pastor JeffThoughts about living as a Jesus follower and life at Community Covenant Church Archives
December 2020
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