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Have you ever seen one of those street preachers calling out to the crowds? Their message is often filled with warnings to change your life or face judgement. While many people either laugh at, get in a shouting match with, or simply ignore them and walk past, there's no doubt about the spectacle they create. Around the year 28 A.D. there was a similar character causing a stir near the Jordan River in Palestine. His name was John and his message was "REPENT!" It was a message for the Jewish people at that particular time, but it still speaks to us today. As we complete our first week of reading through the New Testament, we'll be considering how we can prepare our hearts for our Messiah's reign in our lives. I hope you'll be able to join us this coming Sunday, October 2nd.  Have you started reading along with us? There's still time to join us in this unique journey through the New Testament. A number of small groups have begun this week to share conversations about what we're experiencing. One small group opportunity takes place at the church on Sunday mornings prior to our Worship (8:30-9:30 AM). There are some additional copies of "The Books of the Bible" available at church for purchase for $5. I'd also like to recommend getting the "Community Bible Experience" App for your phone, tablet, or other device. It's a free download and you can use it to watch preview videos about each day's reading, read the passage, and even listen to narration. Just search for it where you go to download apps. Another option is to text "CBE" to 66866. You'll be asked for your email address and then you can sign up to get emailed links each day for the videos and readings. God has amazing things waiting for us in His Word! Don't miss out on this chance to experience it's Truth in a new way.  We're postponing the Membership class until later in October. If you've been wanting to learn more about membership, our church, and the Evangelical Covenant Denomination, you should plan on joining us for this interactive class. There's no requirement to become a member after taking the class, but it is a requirement for membership. Contact Pastor Jeff for more info.
I know that there have been plenty of times when I've misheard what someone said (or sang) or misunderstood what they meant. In most cases, it's not that big of a deal with little lasting consequence. But what about God's Word? What if we don't understand what it's saying and how to apply it to our lives? That could have serious consequences. The good news is that Scripture is very clear in communicating the Gospel and how to live in a right relationship with God and others. If there's a problem, it lies with us. That may sound harsh, but much of our issues have to do with how we approach reading God's Word. If we are careful in how we read, the Holy Spirit will be able to clearly illuminate it's Truth to us. That's what we'll be talking about this coming Sunday, September 25th. I hope you'll be able to join us.  What would happen if we actually read the Bible? Not a verse here or there, but the whole New Testament? What if, instead of going it alone, we could have a real conversation about the Bible—one anyone can join, no matter where they are in their faith journey? Community Bible Experience is about reading the Bible as it was meant to be read—whole books, in community. It will take your church beyond Bible study, beyond reading in fragments, and beyond reading in isolation. Discover the complete story. For eight weeks, starting this Monday, September 26th, let’s read big, read real, and read together. On Sunday there will be information about some "book club-style" small groups that will be meeting as a part of this eight week experience. But there's no reason why you can't simply form your own. No special materials are needed - just a place to meet, a few friends, and your shared thoughts and questions. Physical copies of this unique design of the New Testament are only $5. We've ordered more and they should arrive some time next week, but you can download free digital versions as well as audio versions and much more by going to cbe/covchurch.org Explore Church Membership Have you wondered what the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination is all about? Have you wondered about how Community Covenant came into being? Have you thought about becoming a member of CCC, but weren't sure what that means?
Pastor Jeff and Tami would like to invite you to their home on Sunday afternoon, October 2nd, from 12:00-3:00 PM for lunch and the answers to these questions and maybe a few more. Being a part of this Membership Class does not require you to become a member, but it is a prerequisite. Back in the 1960's, Timothy Leary famously encouraged young people to question authority. It was all a part of the counter culture and protestation against the Vietnam war. Today there are a number of movements emphasizing similar attitudes towards authority whether it's the police, political leaders, or even spiritual leaders. At the heart of this attitude is a desire to be free from the control and potential abuse of others. There have been enough examples of this abuse of authority and power to feed the protesting and distrust of crowds of people. On the other hand, there are many people who voluntarily submit to an "authority" who they believe will help them to a better life. Mentors, life coaches, and personal trainers are highly sought after. Gurus, yogis, shamen, fortune tellers, and mediums are turned to for spiritual wisdom and direction. As followers of Jesus, we are also called to submit to an authority in our lives: the Word of God. Scripture is God's message to us which contains the critical Truth about God, our need for new life in Christ, and how to live in a right relationship with God and others. Through the Bible, we experience God's transforming truth and are invited to enter into a living relationship with Jesus -- what he called "the abundant life". The problem is that, if Scripture is truly the Word of God, then we need to treat it as the ultimate authority in our lives... and we don't always want to do that. This Sunday, September 11th, we'll be continuing our series on what we believe about the Bible. Specifically, we'll be looking at this idea of the authority of the Bible. I hope you'll be able to join us.  As Covenanters, we have historically called ourselves "People of the Book." Our starting point for making and deepening disciples has always been the word of God. But how can we engage in a fresh, powerful way with Scripture? That's what the Covenant Community Bible Experience is all about. Using Biblica's unique and accessible The Books of the Bible New Testament, we will engage God's word with a simple daily reading plan, and book-club-style conversations designed to welcome those new to the Bible as well as people who have read it all their lives. You can pick up a copy of this unique version of the NIV New Testament at church for only $5 or you can download a free digital version as well as an audio version and other resources at http://cbe.covchurch.org/resources/ I'm excited about what God will do in our individual lives and in the lives of our church as a result of this shared experience in reading God's word. I hope you'll participate our reading together. Discipleship/Confirmation Youth Group
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Pastor JeffThoughts about living as a Jesus follower and life at Community Covenant Church Archives
December 2020
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