Good News!
Yesterday’s services were a blessed time of fellowship and worship. There simply is no measure of the wonder when the Holy Spirit binds us together and draws us into the very presence of God.
There was an intervention in the second service. Pastor Simon shared with me that the Hindi congregation had experienced breakthrough. The baptismal would be needed for the Hindi evening service. A time of testimony allowed for servant hands to move the baptistery out of the sanctuary area. Last evening the Hindi’s held a women’s conference with guest speakers, including Laila, Nidia (from Richmond), and a missionary from India. A pastor from Richmond and area coordinator for Hindi churches (he came from New York) shared in the combined worship service before the baptism.
Saturday, ladies took a trip to Lynchburg to experience the Living Christmas Tree, a musical presentation.
Saturday, men gathered in Pastor and Laila’s home for fellowship and planning for a men’s mentoring and fellowship in 2011. Martin Li was the chef! Wow, the meal was incredible!
Burmese and African Fellowships experienced excellent attendance. Leadership of Burmese, African and Hindi fellow ships is excellent and in wonderful unity with the heart of Covenant Church.
Bible seminars on Sunday AM are experiencing Word-centered, Spirit-filled leadership with prayer, sharing and testimony that is impacting lives. We cannot, we must not, ever treat Bible study as a luxury or miscellaneous item! Time together in the Word is foundational to a mature spiritual life. And, Bible studies are small group gatherings that develop friendships and accountability.
This Wednesday at 6:30 PM we launch a Bible study of Romans. We will endeavor to cover one chapter each week. Join with us in this study led by Pastor Bare. We will look at historical background to help us understand why Romans as a book is so important to Christians. Classes are provided for all ages on Wednesdays.
Sunday, December 12 our sanctuary choir will present a Christmas Cantata. We will follow a regular order of service with Bible study.
Starting Wednesday, December 15 we will have our Live Nativity.
Sunday, December 19 children will present a drama during morning worship. Again, we will follow a regular order of service with Bible study.
December 18, St. Anne’s Belfield School will host a food, clothes, and toy give-away at HOPE Community Center. Covenant Church will support this venture which last year served over 1200 people. Please call 825-1404 to arrange a time to drop-off donated items.
We will also bring a special offering for the pastoral staff on Sunday, December 19th.
We will not have Wednesday service on December 22, because of our Christmas Eve service at 6 PM. The Christmas Eve service has come to be a highlight, well-attended by congregants and visitors from the community.
Pastor Bare and Laila are hosting a number of open invitation events to their home during the holiday season. Sign-up sheets are in the lobby of the church. Up to 40 persons are welcome for each event.
Sundays, Pastor Bare will be sharing a sermon series about Jesus based on Who, What, When, Where and Why?
Thank you for joining with us in celebration of Christ (Matthew 1:21, John 3:16). Our goal is to share encouragement to the faithful and witness to those who do not know Christ.
Much love,
Pastor Bare
Matthew 1:21