|
|
|
|
|
Newsletter ~ March 5, 2013
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
| By Sue Kovach
I am always amused and lightly entertained by the dogs at the Westminster Dog Show. They prance around oblivious to the intensity at which they are being judged by very serious human beings. Having been groomed to the "nth degree", they are poked and prodded from head to toe, examined closely as the best of the best in their class, leashed and led across the floor in stops and starts by trainers who don't look like they are having any fun at all! Eventually, the top dog emerges - still oblivious to all the attention. And everyone - the judges, trainers, and audience - are duly impressed.
Paul runs through his pedigree in Philippians 3:4-6. He says, "If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidences in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless."
Impressive! Looks like a top dog to me! Then he goes on to say, "But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him..."
Stunning! This top dog not only gave up his trophy, he threw it in the pile of dog poop in the garbage can!! So much for pedigrees!
So what's the lesson? Follow Paul's example. Gain Christ through grace. Be found in him through humility and obedience as his disciple. Let him transform you into his top dog. Balance the blessings of what he graciously gives with the ever-increasing passion to know him deeply and intimately. Follow his lead toward best in class. Let him mold you, shape you, and ultimately lead you heavenward. Take hold, press on, and strive for the prize (Philippians 3:12-17).
|
by Craig Beeman
Last week was an exciting one for our youth and maybe just as much for our youth leaders. On Wednesday, we took a busload of kids to the Gospel Rescue Mission to help serve food, clean floors, wipe tables, do dishes, and organize a storeroom. Our kids were great workers and nearly all of them did their jobs with a smile on their face.
Then on Saturday, our youth group got a lesson in serving by teaming up with the Hope and Care team for the spaghetti dinner. Randy and I were very proud to see nine of our kids give up their Saturday afternoon and evening to help raise money for those less fortunate. Again, most of our kids did their jobs well and with a smile on their faces!
This is one of the things that we are always most proud of when it happens. If our kids can recite Bible verses they've memorized or echo back lessons we've given them, that's always good, but to see them actually living out the Biblical command of giving towards those in need, and doing it joyfully, is one of my favorite things!
1 John 3:17-18: If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
|
by Judy Kemper
"We still have some prime spots left for you to join us in this time of prayer for our congregation. You can call Judy Kemper at 526-6776, email her, text her at 312-9394
or email judithkemper14@gmail.com.
You may also contact the church office at 526-4907 and we can assist you.
Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." ~ John 12:31-33
Let's lift him up!
|
 |
Seder Dinner tickets are still available for the evening of Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 5:30 pm. The Passover Seder is the celebratory meal that Jesus shared with his disciples on the night of his betrayal.
Reservations will be required for the Seder and child care will be available. To date we have approximately 25 names for the dinner. If you'd like to attend, please contact Connie Hemmer at chemmer@sonomasprings.org, check the Connection Card or call the church office at 575-526-4907. Space is on a first-come basis. Child care will be provided. Do it now before you forget! |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Answers to Prayer Requests |
|
Cindy Smith - Adie's safe travel to Washington State and time of renewal and graduate studies.
Anthony and Janette Garcia - Anthony is tolerating treatment.
Trish Wahe - A great turn out for our Spaghetti Dinner.
Judy Kemper - Teresa's daughter had kidney transplant Monday after a long time on the waiting list. Praise!!
|
|
|
John and Connie Hemmer - Pastor Timothy, his health and his family. Anthony and Jeanette Garcia, Lynda and John Small, health issues. Stresses in our lives, and our church family, that we hear the Spirit in handling difficulties. Jody Kilmer as she seeks resolution to her breathing problems with a hospital in Denver.
Anthony and Janette Garcia - Continued prayer that God will heal Anthony from head to toe.
Kendrah Vallee - Alaina Jades health, Mellissa Marie to have a safe delivery of Chase Alexander and his health.
Ashley Taylor - Ida as she looks for a new job and for her health. For my friend Julieta's sister as she is being evaluated for a heart transplant. Pastor Timothy and his health. For me as I start a new job in a week
Lori and Craig Fort - Students and staff during state testing this week
Anthony Porter - Those seeking work and those struggling financially. Those who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. That the good news of Jesus reach those who have not heard or who do not believe; success and growth of our children's and youth ministries; those suffering from chronic or serious illness
Charles and Judy Glover - prayers for Charlie's sister, Delpha, and for his mother Dorothy.
Roger and Sara Jones - Roberta Hale, Woody Neal, Gebman family, Bertuglia Family. Gerald Kottman for success in new job!
Mel Taylor - Kyle, Harley, Cindy, Rebecca, Eric that they hear the voice of God. Growth of the church. Healing for Timothy, Lynda, and Laura.
Christy Bullard - Continued healing: Beryl, Bill, Rick, Lynda, Timothy, Laura; The growth of our congregation, that the Holy Spirit would fill this place with people who need the word. For those who seek emotional healing. Praise for the blessings in my life.
Dale and Roxann Petzold - Praises for a very successful spaghetti dinner. Relief from pain for our son Anthony. Successful surgery and quick healing for Jared. Laura, Lynda and John Small. Safe travel for all.
Cindy Smith - My safe travel to Florida and her time ministering to her dad and sharing the Good News with him.
Christina Fulton - We need prayer for UNITY in the body of Christ in our church that we love and forgive one another. Let's love one another with the genuine love of CHRIST. Let's see each other through the eyes of JESUS and we will be blessed. John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Psalms 133:1: "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" Matthew 18:15-17: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 5:23: Have an attitude in your mind and soul toward the person who has something against you that makes
reconciliation as natural as breathing. Obedience to the Word of GOD builds a state of mind that places no blame on the one with whom you have been in the wrong. Forgiveness is a big part of our daily walk with JESUS!
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 20
7:15 am - Men's Bible Study, Sunset Grill
5:45 pm - Youth Lounge, Gospel Rescue Mission
6:15 pm - Light Supper
6:45 pm - Childcare Available
7:00 pm - Divorce Care
7:00 pm - Leadership Team Mtg
Thursday, March 21
9:30 am - Staff Meeting
5:30 pm - Thursday Night Live Bible Study
7:00 pm - Growth Group, Kemper's
7:00 pm - Praise Band Practice
Friday, March 22
Saturday, March 23
24 Hours of Prayer begins at 7:00 am
7:00 pm - Night of Worship & Prayer
Sunday, March 24
PALM SUNDAY
8:00 am - Traditional Worship
9:30 am - Contemporary Worship
11:30 am - Sunday Brunch Bunch
Monday, March 25
7:00 am - Prayer Meeting, Church
Tuesday, March 2
11:00 am - Worship Arts Team Mtg
|
Morgan Baylor, Dir., Fellowship Ministries, m.baylor@sonomasprings.org
James Baylor, Dir. Outreach Ministries, j.baylor@sonomasprings.org
Craig Beeman, Dir., Youth Ministries, craigbeeman5@hotmail.com
Erin Kupay Beeman, Barista, garfieldrocks13@msn.com
Christy-Lee Bullard, Pastoral Care Pastor, christy_lee@comcast.net
Connie Hemmer, Dir., Administrative Ministries, chemmer@sonomasprings.org
Judy Kemper, Pastor of Ministry, judithkemper14@gmail.com
Sue Kovach, Dir., Maturity Ministries,suek@sonomasprings.org
Michael Murphy, Dir., Worship Ministries, mpm.mte@gmail.com
Timothy B. Smith, Lead Pastor, timothybsmith@comcast.net |
Sonoma Springs Covenant Church
Office Hours: M-F, 10 am - 2 pm
Timothy B. Smith, Pastor | Sonoma Springs Covenant Church
3940 Sonoma Springs Ave, Las Cruces NM 88011
Web: www.sonomasprings.org
575-526-4907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
