Say What?

There's a funny scene in the very silly movie "Airplane" in which some black men attempt to communicate with the flight attendant, but she is unable to understand what they're saying. Up comes an older woman (played by Barbra Billingsley, the mother from "Leave It to Beaver") who offers to help by saying, "Oh stewardess. I speak Jive".

Have you been in a situation in which you couldn't understand what was being said? Have you ever felt that way about the Bible? While there are portions of scripture in which we may need the help of commentaries and theologians to fully comprehend, the good news of the message of the gospel is very clear. That's why we celebrate that one of the attributes of God's Word is its Clarity - that it is understandable.

This Sunday, September 23rd, we will look at how "God's Word Is... Understandable". This will be an important topic as we prepare for our "Immerse: Beginnings" reading experience through the first 5 books of the Bible - which includes some of the great stories of our faith along with some very difficult passages. I hope you'll be able to join us!

This Sunday, September 23rd, we will be putting our faith into practice as we go out to serve our community. Following our worship celebration, we will enjoy a BBQ lunch (NOT a potluck - just come and enjoy the meal) along with folks from 3 other congregations (Cascade Bible Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Friendship Church). Then we'll divide into work teams and serve others for a couple hours.

Here's a list of the types of projects:
* Yard clean up * painting * cutting and stacking firewood * writing encouraging notes * picking up trash 
You should plan on wearing appropriate work clothes to church (you have my permission) or bring a change of clothing. It might also be good to bring some work gloves or other yard tools in case you need them.

Are you interested in the history of our church? Would you like to understand what makes a Covenant Church different from any other Protestant church? Have you considered becoming a church member?

You're invited to attend the Exploring Church Membership class on Sunday afternoon, September 30th, at the home of Pastor Jeff and Tami. Following our Worship Celebration, we'll have a light lunch and go through a fast-paced and informal time of answering these and other questions as well as sharing our own faith journey. Attending the class does not mean you must become a member, but it is a prerequisite to membership.

Let Pastor Jeff know of your interest (jeff.palmberg@outlook.com)

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Join us this October and November as we read through the first 5 books of the Bible using the volume Immerse: Beginnings. Over the course of 8 weeks we will be reading approximately ten pages each day, five days a week. Each Sunday the message will be taken from a part of the previous week's readings.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of this unique volume of scripture at the church ($10 suggested donation) or purchase a Kindle version for your e-reader. You can also subscribe to the free podcast "Immerse Beginnings" to listen to a daily audio version of the readings. You're also encouraged to join one of the small groups which will be meeting during this 8-week time period. They will function similar to a book club in which participants will share what they discovered from the readings as well as what challenged them.

Learn more by going to the Immerse: Beginnings website at immerse.covchurch.org/beginnings
You can also find resources such as weekly video introductions and a family version you can use with your children.