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Christ Church e-news
staying connected to the Christ Church community
February 15, 2013
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Greetings!
One of the refugee families known through First Friends ministry and the Dorcas International Institute had a fire in their home last week. We have been asked for donations of Walmart gift cards only (no clothes, etc., please) to help them with clothes and housewares. If you are willing, please bring a Walmart gift card (of any amount) to church and drop it in the offering plate. Jen Ahearn will be delivering them on Monday.
Also, please remember that expenses at church continue even when services are cancelled. We would greatly appreciate your consideration in this area!
Service times: 8:00am (Church), 9:00am & 10:45am (at Cole).
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FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR
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We've begun the 40 days leading to Easter that we call "Lent"
which means "Spring." Think of it as Spiritual Spring Training in the middle of winter!
This Sunday we complete our series on the Vision for Christ Church. It is a very important look at what the Bible says about "Excellence for the Glory of God."
Read the last book in the Old Testament (Malachi) and the 4th chapter of Philippians in preparation. We celebrate Holy Communion and unveil the details of World Fest coming soon!
For God's Glory,
Lyle
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EXPERIENCE HOLY WEEK
As we begin Lent, in preparation for
Easter, we also begin preparations for our church's "Experience Holy Week" event. Many volunteers are needed to pull that off. If you would like to be a part of this special event, please add your name to the schedule, or contact Jeff Olson.
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. Nominations close March 10.
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NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
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VISION DISCUSSIONS:
The last Vision Discussions will take place Feb. 17 in the church sanctuary at both 9am and 10:45am.
 SEWING GROUP:
The date for their next work session is March 16. The focus will be updating and sizing costumes from our collection for Experience Holy Week. They will also be creating a
costume catalog and labeling each costume piece (property of Christ Church, size and care instructions). They will be meeting in the Ministry Condo, 11:00am - 4:00pm. If interested in learning more, contact Helenanne Judisch (judisch_ri@verizon.net).
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
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.
OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY: Our online directory is up and running. If you have not logged in yet, please do so!
MyChristChurch is designed to allow you to both access and share information about the things you're involved in here at Christ Church: ministry activities, special events, service opportunities, small groups, and programs. We want to help you get connected! 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.
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION
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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 17 in the Office Condo at 10:45am. The class will be taught by Cheryl Lavornia and Nathan Albert.
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THE UPPER ROOM EXPERIENCE:
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. Come and discuss and be transformed!
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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.
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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 17. It runs for only 6 weeks so it is important to attend each class. Led by Rick and Mary Ann Bonin.
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World Missions
 WORLD FEST
This year George McBride will be sharing stories and challenges from his many years of life and ministry in Thailand. The teens will be challenged to "Live a Life That Matters" on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Set aside time on March 2 for a breakfast at 8:00am, when George will talk about how our culture affects the way we think of the gospel and will give us ways to share the gospel in a culturally relevant way. Saturday evening will be a family event "Thai'd With Love," 5:00 - 8:00pm. Learn about Thailand, have Thai food for dinner plus we will skype live with Dave & Elizabeth Wohlers in Thailand! On Sunday, George will be giving 3 separate messages, so you may want to come to more than one service! At 8:00am he'll be speaking on "The Human Touch" (2 Kings 4:17-37); at 9:00am, "The Way, The Truth... " (John 14:1-9), and at 10:45am, "The Nature of Missions, Incarnation" (Hebs 1:1-3, 11:39,40, 12:1-2, and 1 John 2:6). Go to our website for more information. If you would like to have some one-on-one time with George while he is here, please contact Priscilla ( priscilla.liebenthal@gmail.com). SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS 2013:
Deadline for signing up for Haiti, Honduras & Thailand is FEBRUARY 24! Deadline for Moldova is MARCH 31. There will be another informational meeting on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 9am in the former office space at church. Dates may vary slightly.
HAITI: A week of work/ministry in Port-au-Prince. Rob Allyn is planning to lead a trip in April.
Cost will be ~$1100.
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. 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/MYANMAR: A 2-week visit to the Wohlers and McBrides for prayer walks and relationship building. July 13 -27. Leader: Pat Ritacco. Cost ~ $2500.
If interested in any of these trips, contact trip leader or Pat at 884-8632x119.
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Local Outreach
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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
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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.
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HOMEWORK CLUB:
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).
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MEN'S MINISTRY
 TOOL MEN MINISTRY:
The new Tool Men Ministry will begin February 23 with an orientation and training session for men held at the church from 8:30-10am. This ministry will be made up of volunteers placed in four-man teams. Each team will "adopt" a widow, widower, or single parent (care receiver) of Christ Church and will help them with home maintenance and yard work, etc. The number of care receivers will be determined by the number of volunteers. We will emphasize God's heart for widows, widowers, and single parents, the role of good works in the Christian life, and the biblical teaching on the love of Christ.
One Saturday every month, all teams will meet at the church at 7:00 a.m. for last minute planning, a brief Bible study, and prayer. At 8:00 a.m. the men will split up into their four-man teams and go out and work in the home of their care receiver until 10:00 a.m. They will do basic tasks around the home that the care receiver cannot do. Many tasks, such as raking leaves, will require no skill. Every month each team will return to the same care receiver.
The team will pray at the end of each work session for their care receiver as well as for the neighbors on the care receiver's street. If there are other widows, widowers, or single parents on the block, the team is encouraged to make its services available to them as well. In this way, teams can begin ministering to others up and down the street and their work becomes an outreach ministry of the church.
Men, if you have a heart for this ministry, come and join us February 23 for the orientation and training session at the church from 8:30-10 am. You won't be disappointed. (If you have questions, contact Don Yeoman at 401-828-5270).
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: PETER CALLED. HE'S NOT SURE HOW TO HANDLE THIS SITUATION. BE A BROTHER. COME TALK ABOUT IT.
Join in the Upper Room discussions with Jonathan Neuner (similar class to Sunday morning).
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.
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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. Today's meeting is cancelled. The next meeting will be February 22, 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. They are doing 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. They are doing 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!
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  BEAUTIFUL FEET:
Run to God, take a stand, walk toward those of a
different cultures, dance in step with the music of Heaven!
The Women's Ministry of the East Coast Conference of the Covenant Church is holding a women's conference on Saturday, March 16, from 9:00am - 3:00pm at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin, CT. Bring your beautiful feet, invite friends, enjoy a time of worship, inspiration and connection. For more information and registration forms, go to their website. Cost is $40 and includes lunch and morning snacks.  COVENANT CHURCH WOMEN'S TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE:
Triennial is the once every three years gathering of women of the Evangelical Covenant Church. It will take place in San Diego, California, on August 15 - 18. It is a time to sharpen your mind and intellect with excellent workshops and learning experiences plus experience community.This is a multi-generational, multi-cultural, multi-vocational, multi-expressional event! Rooted in Jesus Christ! Triennial can be a joyful getaway, a soothing break, and a life-changing encounter. Or maybe all. But you will meet God and be changed by him.
Early bird registration is now extended through March 20! Go to CovChurch.org/triennial for all of the exciting details!
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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 retreat is for 6-8 graders and will include sledding, tubing, ice skating, broomball, worship, and teachings. If you have any questions, contact Nathan (nathana@christchurchec.org). There will be NO JR HIGH Sunday School at church that weekend.
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SMALL GROUPS
GRIEF SUPPORT: A new session of grief support, for those suffering over the loss of a loved one, will begin Feb. 17, 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
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
SOUP & SPIRIT LUNCHEONS: Throughout Lent, there will be interdenominational luncheons and service held on Wednesdays from noon-1pm at various churches in South County.
On Feb. 20 it will be held at First Baptist Church in Wickford, 44 Main St.
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.YOUNGLIFE CAMP HELPERS NEEDED: Each summer YoungLives camp weeks give teen moms and their babies the opportunity to hear about God's hope for their future and have the best week of their lives. In order for these camp weeks to happen, we need hundreds of volunteers to serve as childcare workers. These volunteers will be the hands and feet of Christ at camp and will grow deeper in their faith. They are excited to announce they are now accepting Camp Childcare Applications! It will be held at Lake Champion, Glen Spey NY, Aug. 3-9.
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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:
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Editorial Services (book and periodical publishing)
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Bookstore/Fulfillment Center
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Media Services (including video production)
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Interactive Services (website, etc.)
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Creative Services (graphic and digital design)
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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) |
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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
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