News from Christ Church

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staying connected to the Christ Church community

February 1, 2013

Greetings!

Short term mission trip meeting this Sunday at 9:00am in the office condo. Stop by if you are at all interested in going on a trip - it is not a commitment, just information :).

Service times: 8:00am (Church), 9:00am & 10:45am (at Cole).

FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR

I would like to invite the Christ Church family to be praying for your

staff pastors as we will all be at Covenant midwinter conference next week. Pray for refreshment and times to connect and learn. Please call the office and the staff will connect you with Elders or Deacons for pastoral care needs.

This Sunday is Holy Communion and Family Sunday with our elementary children with us in worship and participating in song and Scripture.

Called to serve with all of you!

Lyle

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MEALS:

We are always in need of meals for our church freezer to give to folks in need. If you are able to help, meals can be dropped off at the church building, Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 to 1:00 pm. Other arrangements can be made by calling the office at 884-8632. Please label the meals with ingredients & cooking directions.

NOMINATIONS FOR DEACON AND ELDER:

It is that time of year again when we suggest candidates for the positions of Elders and Deacons of the church. Nomination forms are available at the Welcome Center, as well as position descriptions (also available on our website). Only members can nominate and be nominated for these positions. Please prayerfully consider who might be qualified to fill these important roles in our church.

NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS

VISION DISCUSSIONS:

There will be no discussion this Sunday, Feb. 3. The last Vision Discussions will take place Feb. 10 in the church sanctuary at both 9am and 10:45am.

ALPHA:

The Alpha course, which is great for new believers who are exploring the Christian faith, or just those who want to dig a little deeper, is held on Mondays at 6:00pm in the Office Condo. The evening includes dinner, a video presentation and small group discussion time. If interested, please contact the church office or Don & Judy Zeyl.

TOOL MEN MINISTRY: A new ministry is beginning which will reach out to widows, widowers and single parents who are in need of help around their homes. This is not limited to handyman type jobs, but also includes help with taxes, financial help, etc. Men will go out in teams, once a month following a time of prayer and Bible study together at the church. An informational meeting will begin at 8:00am, Saturday, Feb. 9, at the church. Coordinator is Don Yeoman (jdyeoman48@gmail.com).

WOMEN'S SPRING RETREAT:

This will be taking place on Saturday, April 27, at Christ Church. So mark your calendars now!

Do you have a talent, hobby or ability you'd like to share with others? Paint, do yoga, make jewelry, line dance or any other physical or creative venture? I'd love to hear about it. We are planning our women's retreat and need women to lead small sessions doing whatever it is they love to do...again...like dressing for success, budget planning, and any other crazy pursuit. Drop me an email and I can explain a bit more. Warning: you may make a bunch of women love what you love! Contact Pastor Cheryl at cherylL@christchurchec.org

OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY IS READY!

We are very excited to announce that we have an online Directory through Church Community Builder. We're calling it MyChristChurch. This log-in feature is designed to allow you to both access and share directory information and also interact with small groups, ministry activities, special events, church calendar, and service opportunities that will be further developed in coming weeks.

Here's what you need to know: Click here to log in and set up password access.

Go to your profile to check that the current information is correct. You can change this yourself. You can also go to Settings/Privacy Settings to direct how much information you wish to be visible to other users. Children under twelve are not viewable by others.

You can upload your own profile pictures and begin using many of the features available.
More will be explained in weeks to come.

If you are not currently in the system, you can request login information here or on the website.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION

Please notice that all classes do not start on the same date ....

THEOLOGY CAFE:

A class for those in High School, College, the parent(s) of one of

these students, or Young Adults. The topic: Exploring God, Love, and Everything: Going Deep, Being Honest, Knowing God. They will begin on Sunday, February 10 in the Office Condo at 10:45am. The class will be taught by Cheryl Lavornia and Nathan Albert.

THE UPPER ROOM EXPERIENCE:

Pretend for a moment that you were there...

Jesus and His apostles are alone together. A great Passover feast is about to begin. It is the night of His betrayal. His crucifixion will be the next day. It is Jesus' last chance to share important truths with His closest followers. Soon they'll be dealing with His absence. Soon they will be carrying on His mission without Him. All of a sudden, Jesus stands up, wraps a servant's towel around his waist and approaches them with a basin of water. They don't know it, but the disciples are about to have their feet washed.

What would you have thought? How would you have reacted? Come and discuss and be transformed!

This class will be taking a look at John 13 -17, facilitated by Jonathan Neuner, in the Office Condo at 9:00am beginning Sunday, February 17.

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM:

A look at the history, overview and Christian response to Islam. Taught by Don Zeyl in the sanctuary at 9:00am beginning Sunday, February 24.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS:

God has promised spiritual gifts to all believers. Discover your gifts and learn how you can most effectively serve God and get plugged in. This class will be held in the former office space at church at 10:45am beginning February 10. It runs for only 6 weeks so it is important to attend each class. Led by Rick and Mary Ann Bonin.

MEN'S MINISTRY

TOOL MEN MINISTRY:
A new ministry is beginning which will reach out to widows, widowers and single parents who are in need of help around their homes. Men will go out in teams, once a month following a time of prayer and Bible study together at the church. An informational meeting for men interested in participating will be held at 8:00am, Saturday, Feb. 9, at the church. Coordinator is Don Yeoman (jdyeoman48@gmail.com).

MENS NIGHT OUT: These groups meet on Thursdays at 7:00pm in the Office Condo:

1) Men's Fraternity:
Quest for Authentic Manhood, which begins the 2nd half of its 24 week session in full earnest, is ramping up towards a May graduation.

2) Acts, Too: Join in the Upper Room discussions with Jonathan Neuner (see description under Christian Formation).

This is an open invitation for any man to join us in some poignant, sometimes fierce, Word centered conversations that will sharpen your eternal perspective.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers):

MOPS international reaches out to moms of young children (from infancy through school-aged) to become the best mom, woman and leader possible. MOPS meets from 9:00 - 11:00am at the Ministry Center every other Friday. They meet today...the next meeting will be January 25, 2013. Child care provided. Register with Kristen Wilson at 294-4628 or at kristenw@christchurchec.org.

THREADS: A women's study at the church on Wednesday mornings, 9:30 - 11:30am. If you have any questions, contact Kelly Kraft at kellykraft@cox.net. A new session just began with a Beth Moore study on the Patriarchs.

PASSAGES:

A Wednesday evening women's study at the office condo from 6:30 - 8:30pm, led by Pastor Cheryl Lavornia. A new session has begun with a study of 1 Peter. If you have any questions contact Cheryl.

WOMEN'S SPRING RETREAT:

This will be taking place on Saturday, April 27, at Christ Church. So mark your calendars now!

WORLD MISSIONS

SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS 2013:

There will be an informational meeting about the trips on Sunday, Feb 3 at 9:00am in the office condo.

HAITI: A week of work/ministry in Port-au-Prince. Rob Allyn

is planning to lead a trip in April. Cost will be ~$1000.

HONDURAS: June 24 - July 1. Great for a first time trip! This team will be going with the Covenant to a small town in Honduras. Use your skills and knowledge to help those in less fortunate conditions. Depending on who signs up, activities will include teaching children &/or adults on health related topics (like hygiene), school related topics, art (painting, drama, etc), professional development (welding, carpentry, electrical), and doing evangelism (VBS, etc).Led by Mike Galdonik. Cost ~$1000.

MOLDOVA:

First 2 weeks in August, English Camp for teens (this will be our third year!) Led by veteran teacher/mission trip leader Sherry Neuner. Cost $2500.

THAILAND: A (~2 week) visit to the Wohlers and McBrides and possibly Myanmar for prayer walks and relationship building. July 20 - August 3. Leader: Pat Ritacco. Cost ~ $2500.

If interested in any of these trips, contact trip leader or

Pat at 884-8632x119.

This year George McBride will be sharing stories and challenges from his many years of life and ministry in Thailand. Set aside time on March 2 for a breakfast at 8:00am and a family event "Thai'd With Love" on Saturday evening. Learn about Thailand, have Thai food for dinner plus we will skype with Dave & Elizabeth Wohlers in Thailand! More information to come.

LOCAL OUTREACH -------------

FURNITURE CONNECTION:
This group provides furniture to people who often have nothing... Right now they are in need of cribs, tables, couches, beds, etc. If you have furniture you no longer need, please call the church and let them know (884-8632x151). MORE HELP IS DESPERATELY NEEDED! If you can help just for a few hours once a month, that would be a tremendous help! Just call that same number and leave your name and contact info.

HOMEWORK CLUB:
If interested in trying it out, but not sure about committing fully - consider volunteering in January when there are often gaps with regular tutors missing. It's just one day, either Tuesday or Thursday at the Reservoir Ave. School in Providence. No experience is necessary. If interested, contact Meg Ford at (295-5703 or mford21@verizon.net).

FIRST FRIENDS

Can you imagine being dumped into a foreign country with a culture totally different than what you are used to, knowing no one, not knowing the language... How frightening that would be! But that happens all the time to refugees coming into RI. You can make a difference, be a friendly face! For more information about the First Friends program, which welcomes Burmese refugees

into our state, check out their website or email first.friends.ri@gmail.com.

YOUTH MINISTRY

ten25: a place where students can belong/believe/become

ten25 is Christ Church's youth ministry program and seeks to be a safe place where students can belong, believe, and become disciples of Jesus. We seek to build relationships with students on their journey of growing into the person God has already created them to be. If you are in grades 6 - 12 (ages 12 to 18) then come and join the momentum on Wednesdays at 6:30pm at Main St.

JR HIGH RETREAT: Feb. 22-24 at Pilgrim Pines in NH. The cost is $110 if you sign up by this Sunday, cost will increase after that. There are scholarships available as well. The retreat is for 6-8 graders and will include sledding, tubing, ice skating, broomball, worship, and teachings. Click here for the registration form. If you have any questions, contact Nathan (nathana@christchurchec.org).

SMALL GROUPS

GRIEF SUPPORT: A new session of grief support, for those suffering over the loss of a loved one, will begin Feb. 10, 2013. The group will meet on Sunday afternoons, 2:00 - 4:00pm in the Office Condo.

TOUCHED BY ADOPTION: A new group has formed for those who have adopted children. There will be a pot luck meeting at the Ministry Center on Saturday, February 23 at 4pm. Parents and Children will meet together during the meal and then there will be a fellowship time for parents as children meet in an adjacent room. For more information, contact Jane Castner (janecastner@yahoo.com). Also email Jane if you wish to be a part of the FaceBook group that has formed from this new group - sharing information, resources and questions.

COUPLES GROUP LEADERS NEEDED: There is a need for more couples groups. Linda is constantly receiving inquiries about couples groups but does not have enough options to offer at this time. We have young couples/singles in Galatians, every other Tuesday, a Prayer and Old Testament study on Mondays and an Old Testament on Thursdays, but no book studies...

If the idea of leading a group has been in your thoughts, now is the time to jump on board. Linda will be happy to help you get started with your group. If you have never led a group before, give Linda a call to explore the idea. It is a blessing to love others in this way. Contact Linda Anderson - Director of Small Groups 884-8632 x 115

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

WELCOMING SARAH!

Christine & Lance Comeau, along with big brother Ryan, dedicated the newest member of their family, Sarah, this past Sunday.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

YOUTHMAX: A Youth event on February 9th from 9 -1:00 pm at New Life Assembly, 251 Post Rd, Wakefield, RI. YouthMAX, a John Maxwell youth leadership program which is geared for 14 - 18 year olds. Wates Corner from West Kingston Baptist Church will be leading us in worship. The registration cost is $10.00 per person. Sponsored by House of Hope Rhode Island.

PARENTING CLASS: On Tuesday, February 5 from 7:00 - 8:30pm at West Bay Christian Academy on School Street in North Kingstown, we will begin a 9- week parenting class "Dealing With Today's Teens" with Mark Gregston. This is a DVD series and discussion group. The cost is $20.00 which includes the class workbook. Sponsored by House of Hope Rhode Island.

SOULFEST CONCERT: Jesus Culture presents a night of worship and ministry on Saturday, Feb. 2 at the House of Blues in Boston. Click here for more information and/or tickets.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC ROLLERSKATING NIGHT: Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 6:30 - 9:00 pm

at the Narragansett Ocean Club, 360 South Pier Road, Narragansett, RI. Cost is $6.00 per person, $25.00 max per family (does not include skate rental). Sponsored by Quidnessett Baptist Church. All proceeds go to support Providence Rescue Mission.

LINKS 3rd ANNUAL LADIES NIGHT OUT FUNDRAISER: Thursday, March 7, 6:30 - 9:00pm at the Quonset O' Club, North Kingstown. The event is a fun-filled night of shopping and socializing. There will be 25 local shops, artisans and crafters, as well as health and wellness businesses in attendance. Proceeds benefit LINKS (Laymen in NK Schools), a non-profit organization that recruits, trains, places and supports volunteers in the public schools. For more information call 401-268-6594 or visit their website at www.nklinks.net.

JOB OPENINGS

DIRECT SERVICE WORKER: Seeking female Direct Service Worker (Pass Program) for 19 year old girl . This is a part time, year round position, (20 hours per week) after school, providing support in the home and community relating to social, safety and daily living skills as defined in a nontherapeutic service plan. Seeking individual with a fun, flexible personality 19 years or older who enjoys working with young adults with special needs. DCYF clearance, Background Criminal check required, must drive and have own transportation. Hours have some flexiblility.

Please contact Gail 241-2991.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS:

The Evangelical Covenant Church is looking for an Executive Director of Communication to serve as visionary, senior leader in the church's messaging and publishing efforts.

The position oversees 6 areas of the communication department, and the involvement (oversight to direct involvement) varies based on current projects and staff talent:

Editorial Services (book and periodical publishing)
Bookstore/Fulfillment Center
Media Services (including video production)
Interactive Services (website, etc.)
Creative Services (graphic and digital design)
Production Services (including copy services)

The position reports directly to the Denominational President, Gary Walter

Interested candidates should submit cover letter and resume online at http://ag- es.kintera.org/applicant. Questions concerning the position may be submitted by email only to Laura Weinman, Senior Consultant, at lweinman@alford.com. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

Director of CMJ Ministry Initiative: The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC)

is seeking a Director to start as early as April 1, but no later than May 1, 2013 within the Department of Compassion, Mercy, and Justice (CMJ).

The Director of CMJ Ministry Initiatives is a new position within the department, reporting to the executive minister of CMJ.

The center of the position is to be as project manager working to mobilize identifiable, sustainable projects and resources related to the Matthew Micah Initiative. Examples of potential projects include the development of medical clinics and transitional housing projects initiated and supported by local congregations and/or regional conferences. The director will work closely with Covenant Initiatives of Care (CIC) and regional conferences in these endeavors.

Additionally, the director will contribute to the overall mission of the department as the department seeks to equip, empower, network, and mobilize Covenant congregations, ministries, and leaders in strengthening existing love mercy - do justice ministries, identify new opportunities, and advocate on issues of injustice.

Teaching, speaking/preaching (desirable) and writing; developing and maintaining a database of ministries; and serving on committees and commissions is also required.

If interested, contact the church office for more information or contact Marisol Medina (marisol.medina@covchurch.org / 773-907-3374)

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