News From Christ Church

9:30am - Mom's Play Group
6:30pm - Mission Perspectives
7:00pm - Tuesday Evening Service
Wednesday, Feb. 9
5:45 - Men's Fraternity
9:30am - Threads
6:15pm - Deeper (home groups)
6:30pm - Passages
Thursday, Feb. 10
7:00pm - Praise Team Rehearsal
6-9pm "Man Talk"
Friday, Feb. 11
5:45am - Men's Bible Study
9:00am - Needs Ministry

Greetings!

I write this from the Chicago blizzard! The pastoral staff are all here and enjoying the Covenant Midwinter Pastors Conference. We're thankful for the privilege of serving with so many wonderful and diverse servants from across the country!

This Sunday, we return to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount for the challenging conclusion. The Lord calls us to RESPOND to what we have heard from his authoritative teaching.

Let's read Matthew 7:13-27 and come prepared to be moved from our comfortable places on the fence.

Serving with you!

Lyle and your pastoral staff

February 6, 2011

Sunday, February 6

This Sunday, Pastor Lyle Mook will be teaching at EG and Pastor Cheryl Lavornia will be at NKHS. They will be getting back to our discussion of Matthew, speaking on "True or False."

CCEG

Nursery and Preschool are available for each service.
K - 6th grade will meet at 10:00am. Please register your child on the lower level first, then bring them upstairs to enjoy worship with the family. The children will be dismissed to go downstairs prior to the sermon.

Jr. & Sr. High Students

meet at 11:30am on the lower level.

Adults can learn about Spiritual Gifts. The class will be at the condo at 10:00am. The Sermon Discussion Group will be taking a hiatus for a few weeks.

CCNK

Nursery will be available for the entire service.

Preschool - 6th grade will be dismissed following the Children's Moment.

Adults - there will be a Community Group that meets at 9:00am in the cafeteria every Sunday: "Old Testament Character Studies and the Journey to Transformation."

Sunday Evening (Sanctuary)
banner bird

6:30pm - The Sanctuary Community will be following a similar teaching series to the morning.

As always, the service will be followed by a coffeehouse.

Ministry News

Parking During Snowy Weather: With all this snow, our normal overflow parking
on the grass is unavailable (and our lot is shrinking!); However, there is extra parking available at Cole Middle School. We would greatly appreciate it if some of you able-bodied regular attenders would serve others by choosing to park there. Thank you.

Elder Blog! Please click here to read it.

First Friends:
Would you consider opening your heart and life to a refugee family from Burma? A First Friends Volunteer Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 13 from 2-5pm at Renaissance Church in South Providence. This meeting will provide an overview of the First Friends ministry, background on why and how people from Burma come to Rhode Island as refugees, and time of fellowship for volunteers. All are welcome to attend the volunteer meeting, whether you are a long-time volunteer or someone simply interested in learning more. For more information, please contact Elizabeth and David Wohlers at first.friends.ri@gmail.com or 401-738-1106.

Blood Drive: The RI Blood Center's Mobile Unit will be in our parking lot from 11-2pm on Sunday, February 13. To make an appointment, click here. Every day patients in Rhode Island and Southern New England need blood transfusions to recover from illness and injury. Our goal is to collect about 240 pints daily to meet these patient needs. We hope you will join us by giving the "Gift of Life" - a blood donation.

The Homework Club is calling all new tutors who would like to serve students in the inner city. The Homework Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15-5pm at the Reservoir Ave. School... our adopted school in Providence. Tutors serve on either day. There is a particular need at this time for Thursday tutors. If God is nudging you to tutor our students in Grades 1-5 and form a one-on-one relationship with them, call or email Meg Ford at 295-5703 or mford21@verizon.net. You will be blessed.

Divorce Care:

is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. Don't go through separation or divorce alone. You'll gain access to valuable Divorce Care resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Divorce Care will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:00pm at the office condo (61 Cedar Ave., EG). For more information, or to sign up, contact Gloria Marsella (336-3759 or gloriamars@cox.net)

Nominations have begun for Elders & Deacons! Every year we go through the process of re-nominating or nominating new Elders and Deacons to serve in the church. This year our Deacon Board has been reduced as Elsbeth and Carl Helgerson have resigned, as well as Sue DeLisi. Hope Aswell and Gloria Marsella are both up for re-nomination. None of our Elders are up for re-nomination this year, though they have been reduced by one as Herb Frost resigned. Both boards could use more qualified individuals, so please check out the qualifications (click here) and then pray about who you might nominate for these very important leadership positions. The person must be a member of the church to be nominated. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this matter! Nomination forms and a hard copy of the qualifications will be available at the Welcome Center. Please mail nominations (Attn: NTF) to the church or drop off at the office.

World Missions

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement:

Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:15pm in the large classroom at church.
You can come to any class whose topic sounds interesting - first night is free; after that, each class will cost $15. Come and learn from some of the top Mission Leaders in the country!
Go to our website for a full list of topics.

Short Term Mission Trips:
Mission Discovery Trip to Guatemala: We are planning to take a team to Antigua, Guatemala from June 26 - July 2. The team will serve the needs of families living in poverty in and around Antigua. Work will include a school construction project and children's Bible school at Escuela Intregada in Antigua, as well as other interactions within the community. Cost will be ~$1200 per person. Lois Chavez will be the trip leader. If interested, contact Pat (884-8632x119).

Teach Beyond Trip to Moldova:

We are planning to send a team to MOLDOVA to run an Moldova

English camp there with Teach Beyond Language Learning, through the host organization in Moldova called Communitas (http://www.communitas.md/). This trip will be led by Mike Galdonik, and will take place at the end of July. We would really like to have more young adults to act as counselors! Cost will be ~2500 per person. If you feel called to minister to the people of Moldova next summer or would just like more information, please contact Mike (536-3679) or Pat at 884-8632 x119 or patr@christchurchec.org.

World Fest 2011 is Coming! March 3-6...

Our main speaker this year will be Pastor Xante from Haiti (hence the Creole title). Our focus this year is on using your spiritual gifts to share the gift of Jesus with those of every people group throughout the world. "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." Luke 12:48b

Learn how YOU can be part of God's mission to the world!

Women's Ministry

Women's Wednesday Studies
Threads: Wed. Morning 9:30 - 11:30am in the church sanctuary. They are studying Beth Moore's "Esther." Child care is provided. Contact Kelly Kraft (kellykraft@cox.net) if you have any questions.

Passages: Wed. Evening 6:30 - 8:30pm (same time as Deeper). This session they will be studying "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. For more information, contact Cheryl at cheryll@christchurchec.org.

Men's Ministry

Men's Fraternity

The Quest

What a powerful session last Wednesday when Robert Lewis began showing us how the Bible reveals Manhood as it should be in Genesis 1 and 2. We examined our value as male and female (equally endowed / equally valuable), our calling (Be fruitful / multiply), subdue the earth and rule over it (good stewards) and began looking at our God given responsibility. A lot of material to ponder. Again, the invitation for ANY man to join us at 5:45AM - 7:15AM any Wednesday is extended to whomever the Lord is tapping.

If you want to see what you're missing, take a look at this ONE MINUTE VIDEO:

click here. Contact Chris Neale (christchurchmensministry@gmail.com) for more information.

Next Men's Ministry breakfast

Reminder: We have Brian Martin, Northeast Director for Iron Sharpens Iron, presenting to our Men's Ministry Breakfast Saturday, February 12 (8:00am).

Info on Brian:

Brian Martin graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a Bachelors Degree in Communications. Brian has been serving as a leader in men's ministry since 2005. In 2008, Brian was hired by Iron Sharpens Iron as the Director of Ministry Advancement. In September of 2010, Brian became the Northeast Regional Director. Brian authored the 7-week online men's study called 'Renewed Man of God' and speaks at various men's events throughout the northeast, encouraging men to sharpen each other as they honor God in the home, at work, and in the community. Brian will be talking about the importance of men seeking significant relationships with one another and what does that really mean.

MEN, PLEASE NOTE, signups for Iron Sharpens Iron Conference will be held EARLIER this year. The one-day conference is held Saturday, MAY 14, 2011 in Worcester. Although we submitted our 37 men's names three weeks prior to the conference, we ended up attending the conference at a satellite church due to the original conference being oversold. To avoid this, we will be having signups at both the EG and NK campuses on 3 consecutive Sundays in March. (March 13, 20 and 27). Please plan accordingly.

Small Groups

Singles Bible Study: They will be continuing their study of Matthew, but taking a break in February to use the book, The Red Sea Rules by Robert Morgan. The book is based on "10 God-Given Strategies For Difficult Times." This group meets at the condo on Mondays at 7:00pm. Led by Ken Bell (kbell@abc6.com).

Groups for All:

* Tuesday 7:00 - 9:00pm, at the home of Karl Sauerbrey (West Greenwich). This group is studying Matthew (Sermon on the Mountain topics). Contact Karl at 392-0596.

* Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30pm, at the home of Paul & Marcelle Schauer (Kingston). They are beginning a new study starting January 20: Blackaby's Your Church - Experiencing God Together. Contact Paul at 789-4098.

* Thursdays 7:00pm led by Jonathan Neuner (Coventry). They will be studying Acts, "Conversations on becoming more Christ-like." Contact Jonathan at 508-336-5489 or fath999@hotmail.com.

* Saturdays 7:00am at church, a study led by Mike DeFrancesco, studying Mark followed by Luke. Contact Mike at 295-5013.

Men's Group:

On Friday mornings, 5:45 - 7:00am at church, Scott Thurber is leading a group studying II Peter. They will be starting a new book in February. Contact Scott at 885-8528.

XL Student Ministry

XLSM Deeper

Deeper: Every Wednesday beginning at 6:15 pm with hot dogs and other super nutritious stuff (like chips and pizza!) followed by a time of worship and small groups. The evening ends by 8:30pm. Open to all Jr. & Sr. High students and friends.

Community Events & Needs

FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE: Volunteers trained by both the IRS and the State of RI Tax Division will be available EVERY Tuesday from February 1 - April 12, 2011 in the Community Room at the East Greenwich Police Station, located at 176 First Avenue. Appointments are available at 9:00am, 9:45am, 10:30am, and 11:15am. This is a FREE service to both the elderly and low income individuals. Appointments are required (no walk-ins will be seen). Please bring ALL tax documents, your Social Security Card, and last year's tax return. Please call Erin at 886-8669, ext.1 to make an appointment.

Sacred Parenting in a Not-So-Sacred World

DATE: Saturday, February 5, 2011

TIME: 9:00am to 4:00pm

LOCATION: Lynnfield, MA

DETAILS: http://www.HIMweb.org

Home Improvement Ministries will be hosting what is likely to be the most significant parenting seminar ever held in New England. Gary Thomas will be returning here as the keynote speaker for the "Sacred Parenting in a Not-So-Sacred World" parenting seminar. Last year, Gary spoke to a sold out conference of 500 on the topic of marriage, and this is expected to be a full conference again this year. This is a one-day parenting seminar for couples or singles--don't miss it! Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple and includes lunch and seminars as well.

Love Letters: A play by Academy Players, with a Christian influence. Feb. 11-12, 18-19 at 8:00pm, Feb. 13 & 20 at 2:00pm at the Varnum Armory, 6 Main St., East Greenwich. Tickets are $16 ($14 for Seniors 62+). Tickets may be purchased online at www.academyplayers.org or by calling the Academy Player Box office (885-6910).

The Bravehearted Gospel Set-Apart Life Discipleship Conference: Friday, February 25 (6pm) - Saturday 26 (ends 6pm), at the Johnson & Wales Inn, Seekonk, MA. Speaker: Eric Lundy. This weekend conference is designed to super-charge your spiritual life, invigorate your faith, and cause you to fall in love with God and His World like never before. You will come away with a new sense of purpose and passion for the things of God. And you will gain a clearer vision of God's sacred intent for your life. Sponsored by House of Hope. Cost $75 includes meals on Saturday. To register contact Jane Stach (378-6050 or jstach@houseofhoperi.org).

PLANNING AHEAD FOR SUMMER:

Skiers: Ski at Gunstock three times this season and get a FREE Single Day ticket or 20% off an Adult Multi-day pass to see your favorite band at SoulFest next August! Click here for more information.

The Feast ~ "PLAY...for the kid in all of us!": A Covenant Gathering, June 25 - 28, 2011, taking place in Estes Park, Colorado. It will be a time to focus on your faith journey, experience a spiritual awakening, enjoy times of fun & refreshment, cultivate growth in your spiritual life, encounter God through prayer, and share in the story of God's work through his people! It is a gathering of people from all around the country for a time for families to enjoy activities and learn together. The Feast will be held at the YMCA of the Rockies. For more information, go to their website at www.covchurch.org/feast.

Needs

COMPUTERS NEEDED:

We are looking for Windows based computers (no MAC's please) that you no longer need, to refurbish and donate to the Refugee families from Burma.

Anthony Fusco is willing to load them with Windows XP or newer and add Rosetta Stone Language software to help our friends practice and learn English together in their homes. If you have a computer you could donate, please contact Anthony at anthonyfusco1@gmail.com or 401-413-4577. PLEASE DO NOT DROP THEM OFF AT CHURCH OR AT THE OFFICE unless it is prearranged.

Husband and Wife Caretakers Needed for Naragansett Home: Full time, year round need for a couple to do housekeeping, laundry, cooking, pool maintenance, light gardening, light maintenance, errand running, chauffeuring and vehicle care. Some travel is required. Experience in duties listed preferred but not mandatory. Only non-smokers need apply. Accommodations in a private 2 bed, 2 bath furnished guest house on the premises. A vehicle is available for use in meeting work responsibilities. Owner resides at residence 6-7 months out of the year. This is a W-2 salaried position and health benefits are offered. For more information, contact Suzanne at 732-3700 ext. 165.

Free Upright Piano:

If interested, contact Margie at 732-6307 or amf-fitness@cox.net.

Help Needed:

If you have the know-how to fix a a two-stroke gas powered snow blower, Dwayne Aker could use your help! Please contact him at daker4him@juno.com.

APARTMENT FOR RENT (Efficiency)

Furnished, utilities included. Located near Wickford on bus line. No smoking or pets.

$700/mo. Contact Sandi at 401-374-5159 if interested.

Disclaimer: The items listed here are placed as a service. Every effort is made to be careful with what is listed, but please use your own discernment, wisdom and judgment in using this information.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phil.1:9-11