SHORELINES FEBRUARY 2015 FIRST COVENANT CHURCH NEWSLETTER In This Issue: Pastor’s Corner February Calendar February Sunday Schedule Wednesday Night Schedule Church Events Other Events Area News & Our Views News from Sunny Days Sunday Schedule 9:00 A.M. Sunday School (for all ages) Pastor’s Corner The beginning of February reminds me of one of my favorite movies, “Groundhog Day”, starring Bill Murray and Andie McDowell. “Groundhog Day” is about an obnoxious, selfcentered TV weatherman Phil Connors sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover their Groundhog Day festivities. All Phil is interested in is having a fling with his female partner, Rita, and getting back to Pittsburgh. A blizzard strands the news crew in small town Punxsutawney and then every morning after that Phil wakes up to the same day (February 2nd) everyday and has to live it over and over again. The movie is all about how Phil changes as he is doomed to live each day over repeatedly. (SPOILER ALERT) Phil is finally released from this seemingly never ending cycle when he finally lives for others out of genuine love for them rather than living for himself. In Genesis Chapter 29, Leah, the unloved wife of Jacob, gives birth to one son after another but Jacob still loves Rachel more. What’s interesting is how she sees each one of her children. Son number one is Rueben (See. A Son!) and Leah believed now Jacob will love her. Son number two is named Simeon (God has heard me) because she is frustrated. Son number three is named Levi (Attached) because after three sons surely Jacob will be attached to me more than Rachel. Finally, Leah gives birth to Judah (Praise). As she selects his name she declares, “This time I will praise the Lord.” 10:00 A.M. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 A.M. Worship Wednesday Schedule 6:45 P.M. Youth Groups (see schedule) 6:45 P.M. Adult Bible Study Like Phil in “Groundhog Day” Leah learns that life is not about what God can do for me, instead when we live praising God everything else falls into place. As Psalm 50:23b proclaims, “To the one who orders their way rightly I will show the salvation of God.” How many days; new beginnings; fresh chances do we need to remember to, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all you need will be added to you.”? 1 Sunday Monday 1 9:00 Sunday School 10 :00 Coffee Fellowship 10:30 Worship with Communion 2 Groundhog’s Day 9 5 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 6:45 Youth Groups 6:45 Adult Bible Study 10 11 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 16 President’s Day No SDP President’s Day 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 18 Ash Wednesday 9:00 Sunday School 10 :00 Coffee Fellowship 10:30 Worship 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP Tom Martin 24 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 6:00 Lenten Supper 6:30 Devotions 6:45 Adult Bible Study 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 19 8:15 Prayer Time 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 7 Memorial Service for June Larson 10:00 A.M. Greg Clark Tucker Brandner 13 20 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP Kamaria Bos Jude Gravenhof 25 6 Saturday 8:15 Prayer Time 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 14 Valentine’s Day Margaret Vyskocil 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 7:00 Ash Wednesday Worship Lucy O’Donnell 22 1st Sunday of Lent 23 12 Keith Maxwell 17 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 5:00 Lead Team Friday Emmanual Morales Kim Maxwell Tammy Roos 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 6:45 Adult Bible Study Mak Lia Katie O’Donnell 9:00 Sunday School 10:00 Coffee Fellowship 10:30 Worship Thursday Doug Anton 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP Leroy Eggink Pauline Nickel Wednesday 4 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP Charles Middagh 9:00 Sunday School 10 :00 Coffee Fellowship 10:30 Worship 15 3 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP Nyachoat Lia 8 Tuesday 8:45 SDP 12:15 SDP 21 SDP Parenting Event 7:00-8:30 P.M. Todd Carlson 26 8:15 Prayer Time 8:45 Sunny Days 12:15 Prayer Time 27 FEBRUARY 2015 8:15 Prayer Time No SDP Parent/Teacher Conferences Bud & Pauline Nickel Elna Sexe 28 Richard Fellows Caleb Fellows SERVING YOU IN FEBRUARY GREETERS: 1 Brian & Michelle Ling Greg & Becky Clark 8 Ron Hyvari & Howard Rachuy Tom & Sharon Klucking 15 Ted & Sarah Martin Charles & Phyllis MIddagh 22 Kevin & Nancy Flynn Colin & Gretchen O’Donnell SCRIPTURE READERS: 1 Lil Foth 8 Brian Ling 15 Carol Christopherson 22 Marc Gustafson WORSHIP NURSERY: 1 Dave & Sheila Bos 8 Bob & Suzy Brandner 15 Greg & Becky Clark 22 Paige Stewart & Sara Eggink COFFEE FELLOWSHIP: 1 Tom & Sharon Klucking 8 Brian & Michelle Ling 15 Leroy & Kolette Eggink 22 DiDi Christopherson SOUND SYSTEM: 1 Howard Rachuy 8 Jerry Luinenburg 15 Tom Ahlberg 22 Jeff Ling COMMUNION SERVERS: (February 1st) Dean Christopherson Brian Ling Gretchen O’Donnell Ted Martin USHERS: Ian & Katie O’Donnell Dale & Shirley Martin *If you cannot serve on your assigned Sunday, please find a replacement or call the church office at 376-5109. MISSIONARY ADDRESSES Bruce Ahlberg Correspondence Address: 6ta Avenida Norte #33 Antigua, Guatemala Contribution Address: 15850 Richardson Springs Road Chico, CA 95973 Francisco & Stephanie Ramos 214½ E. Blue Earth Ave. Fairmont, MN 56031 fsrfrance@aol.com Or 6 bis, rue d’ Arsonval 75015 Paris France 3 AREA NEWS AND OUR VIEWS By Gene Foth MEET OUR NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM! At our January annual meeting the congregation voted with over a 2/3 margin to adopt a new form of government with eight members. ARTICLE VII The officers of the church shall be a chair, a vicechair, a secretary, and a financial officer. All officers shall be members of the Leadership Team. ARTICLE II “The Leadership Team” Section 1. Purpose. The Leadership Team shall be responsible for building, maintaining and overseeing the spiritual welfare of the congregation and for directing and overseeing all ministries and business affairs of the church. Section 11. Responsibilities of the Leadership Team. Be responsible for overseeing the preparation and submission of a proposed budget for each fiscal year to the membership for approval. The Leadership Team shall appoint a member of the church as financial secretary who shall be authorized to receive monies on behalf of the church and shall appoint a treasurer to disburse funds for church purposes in accordance with standard accounting procedures for non-profit organizations. The Leadership Team shall annually appoint an independent review of the financial records of the church and report such findings to the congregation. ARTICLE III MINISTRY TEAMS Section 1. Purpose. Ministry Teams shall be formed as required to implement the varied ministries of the church. Section 2. Ministry Teams shall be established by the Leadership Team to implement specific ministries. The following members were elected to serve as the leadership team. From this group they will elect the officer positions and appoint the ministry teams: (Back Row) Dean Christopherson, Ron Hyvari, Brian Ling (Middle Row) Gretchen O’Donnell, Sarah Martins and Tom Ahlberg. (Front Row) Kevin Miller and Ted Martin __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO: Tom & Bruce Ahlberg in the death of their mother Dewis Ahlberg age 93 Feb 4 IS Thank a Mailman Day. (Google this on your computer) It is your chance to say thanks to the guy, or gal, who delivers your mail. FRANK BREUKER was a postal worker for 25 years until his retirement in 1988 . He started as a substitute carrier for his brother John and then began his full time career in the old post office at 1029 Third Ave. Worthington. Stamps were selling for 25 cents when Frank retired. They had a gum backing so you had to lick them before pasting them on the envelope.! A hobby of Frank’s is driving a John Deere Tractor in area parades, collecting and restoring antique watches. Is owned by Robin Redman Lakefield MN. Robin started doing graphic design 10 years ago and has worked in commercial printing, marketing and advertising. 613 Fourth Street, Jackson MN Is owned by Robert Redman in partnership with Nate Pigman. Robin started her own business full time, June 1, 2014. The main part of her business is graphic design creating things like menus, brochures, banners, flyers, logos, posters, invitations, business cards and canvas prints. . Robert prefers classics and Nate prefers collision work so they molded the two together. Together they bring more than 25 years experience in auto body work. While in college Robert earned second place in the Minnesota Skills USA/Vica competition. He graduated first in his class from South Central Technical College and was shop manager for Kroubetz Auto Body in Lake Crystal for 9 years before starting Jackson Collision & Classics. Robin was recently featured in the Lakefield Standard newspaper with one of her canvas prints. About the design process Robin says ”I try to come up with two or three design options to start with. That helps to give my client some direction as to what they are looking for. Then we make changes and go from start-to-finish, which can include signs, flyers, posters, business cards, T-shirts….anything . I have passion, vision and knowledge to create a visual that is pleasing to the eye and also conveys the right message for my clients!“ Robin is mother to 9 year old Haylee Untiedt and wife to Robert Redman. They are also expecting another child in May. They are a full service auto body shop that works on all makes and models, and also offers a courtesy vehicle for customers to use while their vehicle is being repaired. Robert says “we take pride in our work and guarantee customer satisfaction along with a lifetime warranty.” Robert is married to Robin Luinenburg Redman and together they live in Lakefield MN. MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JUNE LARSON Saturday, February 7th 10:00 A.M. at the church AREA NEWS AND OUR VIEWS By Gene Foth And now the rest of the story….. Sunday, February 15th An offering will be collected to help support Feed My Starving Children. Pastor John was in touch with our missionaries Francisco & Stephanie Ramos via e-mail during this time. Francisco said “Thankfully last Sunday brought encouragement and a sense of relief for people in France as multitudes came out peacefully to march on the streets united against fear and threats to values important to them. We pray that through these events more will seek the spiritual side of life and find the Truth they are looking for. Please pray that we would have words of grace and peace. Also for the Church in France as it responds to this situation and cares and serves at this time.” FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN The time is quickly approaching to volunteer to help pack meals for children. To help in the process, we are asking each church to have a representative who is willing to assist people to sign up after worship. There will be a meeting on Thursday, February 5th at 7:00 P.M. at Worthington Christian Church to train the representatives on the sign up process. If you have questions, please contact Kristin Walerius at 507-530-3990. Everyday Epiphanies: Finding God in the Everyday Moment of Life If you find yourself at home at 9:30 on a Sunday morning before coming to church, then turn on your radio to AM730 KWOA and listen to Gretchen O’Donnell (“Life in a nutshell”) as she talks about life—its everyday moments past and present-and show how God is never far away in everything we do. See you there! 6 Meeting Date ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Wednesday, February 18th 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 5th The Lead Team will hold their first meeting at 7:30 P.M. at the church. WEDNESDAY EVENING SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY LENTEN SUPPER & DEVOTIONS Beginning on Wednesday, February 25th Supper begins at 6:00 P.M. followed by devo ons at 6:30 P.M.; youth groups and Bible Study will begin at 6:45 P.M. Wednesday, February 4th 6:45 P.M. Youth Groups K-6th grades meet at church 7th-12th grades meet at 6:15 P.M. at church to go to the #507 Youth Rally at American Reformed Church You will return to First Covenant by 8:15 P.M. 6:45 P.M. Adult Bible Study Wednesday, February 11th 6:45 P.M. Adult Bible Study A sign up to host a supper will be in the narthex by February 15th. Wednesday, February 18th No Youth Groups 7:00 P.M. Ash Wednesday Worship SUNNY DAYS PARENTING EVENT Friday, February 20th 7:00-8:30 P.M. Wednesday, February 25th 6:45 P.M. Adult Bible Study Youth groups will not meet on Wednesday, February 18th, instead all youth with their parents are invited to the Ash Wednesday worship at 7:00 P.M. Volunteers will be needed to help with child care. Contact John or Kris if interested. DEVOTIONAL BOOKS Copies of Covenant Home Altar are available which go through March. Pick up a copy on the table in the narthex. 7 Soles4Souls Village Northwest is collecting new and gently used shoes providing work opportunities for 180 people with a disability. Shoes will be shipped for distribution domestically and internationally to individuals that do not have proper footwear. Bring your shoes and place them in the collection box in the narthex. FAREWAY & HY-VEE GROCERY CARDS AVAILABLE!!! Don’t forget to pick yours up on Sunday mornings, contact Howard Rachuy or Dean Christopherson or stop in the office during the week. CHURCH’S WEBSITE Check out the website at www.firstcovenantworthington.org You will find the bulletin, newsletter, Sunny Days calendars and much more there. CURRENT NEEDS FOR LOVE INC Watch the bulle n boards by the o ce and by the Jerusalem Room for their current needs. FACEBOOK Did you know that First Covenant Church has a Facebook page? “Pray Worthington” Tuesdays at noon at the Love INC office Like us on Facebook and follow all the news! FYI Any money that is still being donated to the Building Fund will go toward building up the Contingency Fund. Check out the bulletin board by the Fellowship Hall for posters with announcements of things that are happening around the area. Have any news items you’d like to share with the congregation? LAKE BEAUTY BIBLE CAMP Information about their winter retreats are available on the table in the narthex. Please contact Gene Foth with your stories and news. 8 VOLUNTEER NURSES NEEDED FOR SUMMER CAMP! Lake Beauty Bible Camp is looking for RN, LPN, EMT or experienced First Aid certified individuals who would be willing to spend a week at camp this summer serving as a camp nurse. Basic tasks for the camp nurse include: dispensing campers medications and basic first aid when needed. If interested or if you would like more information and details you can contact Program Director, Christa at Christa@lbbc.com or by calling the office at 320-732-3218. Friday, February 20th 6:45—9:30 P.M. Saturday, February 21st 8:45 A.M.—4:00 P.M. Location: Grace Community Church Cost: $40/couple $20/Single Registration Deadline: February 15th The Art of Marriage Event is a video led, marriage enriching experience. It combines dramatic stories, real-life testimonies, expert interviews, humorous vignettes and other teaching methods to lay out God’s design for marriage in a fresh, engaging way. Guests are each provided a manual with projects to help them apply the principles taught in each session, and they include dozen of articles and additional content to help them dive deeper. For more information go to http://graceonline.net/ministries-5/art-of-marriage For questions or to register contact Grace Community Church Email: info@graceoneline.net Phone: 507-343-7920 If God is real, then we want more than anything to live like it. Times: Friday, February 6th 4:00-10:00 P.M. Saturday, February 7th 11:00 A.M-5:00 P.M. Location: Worthington Christian Church Register at: ifgathering.com or contact Kristin More information: Kristin Walterius at 507-530-3990 risinghopeministries1@gmail.com www.ifgathering.com/local 9 SUNNY DAYS PRESCHOOL NEWS Hello Everyone! You know how time really goes by quickly? Well, our January study on clocks really flew by!! We worked on counting and number recognition, made watches and played “What time is it?” with a giant floor clock! Our favorite story was, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! We even tried to draw a pigeon. You can check out our drawings in the preschool hallway. Of course, we had to explore what clocks looked like on the inside and watched the hands moving on a clock. We also celebrated “Beach Days”. The highlight was playing a fun shark game and painting a beach ball picture and a sand castle! We plan to learn about shadows during February. Hopefully, we will have some nice weather days so that we can go outside to explore shadows! We will also enjoy a Valentine exchange on February 12th and 13th. Sunny Days will not have school February 16th and parent/teacher conferences will be held on February 27th, March 9th and 10th. Classes will not be held on conference days. Thank you for your prayers for our Sunny Days families. We are grateful that God is with us all the TIME! In His Service, Sandy Wilson 10
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