Christ Covenant Weekly Update       12.21.14



Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind
- Romans 12:2

Our lives are constantly pressured by the schedules, demands, and values of our heart.  When we love the world and seek it's security and affirmation, that love conforms us to the world.  When we love Jesus, our lives take on a different shape.  This Advent, we will be conspiring together to be shaped by the Gospel as part of the growing Advent Conspiracy.

Advent Week 4 - JOY: The Birth of a King

 

 

A printed booklet of all the Advent Devotionals is available to pick up at the Welcome Table on Sunday to be to be easily used at home.  It is also designed to be shared with friends and neighbors with an invitation to the Christmas Eve Service, so feel free to pick up several!  Click Here for a downloadable copy of the entire devotional booklet.

 

Candle Lighting    

Today we relight the first three candles of the Advent Wreath - the candles of HOPE, PEACE and LOVE. Now we light the fourth candle of Advent.This is the candle of JOY. As the coming of Jesus, our Savior, draws nearer, our joy builds with our anticipation of his birth.

 

Reading: Luke 2:8-20

 

Devotional - The Birth of a King

In pictures and descriptions of Jesus' birth, the angels attending are often portrayed as chubby cherubim, lightly plucking at harp and lyre. They hardly seem scary, or the type of characters that would frighten hardened shepherds. The heavenly band of angels was an angelic 'host' or literally an army of angels. They came to announce peace. The peace they announced would come as God's enemies were destroyed by God's son and king, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.To show how significant the birth of Jesus is, we are given a glimpse of the angelic host only rivaled by the visions of John in the book of Revelation. Jesus' birth is a cataclysmic in-breaking of God's kingdom into the earthly realm. This is a visual picture of the Lord's prayer, "Thy Kingdom come."


 

 Adults' Prayer: Almighty God, when we find our hearts distracted in the busy-ness of this Christmas season, enamor us with the glory and joy of your presence. Let us understand why the birth of Jesus was "good news of great joy." 

 

Children's Prayer: Dear Heavenly God, give us the same joy and excitement as the angels who proclaimed Jesus' birth.   

 

Visit our website for the full version of these Advent devotionals. 

Year End Giving

 

Online giving through PayPal

is now an option at 4cfxbg.org. For your convenience, you can choose one time or recurring gifts to Christ Covenant. 

 

 

2014 Contributions Must Be Received by 12/31

Contributions to Christ Covenant must be received by 12/31 in order to be included on your 2014 IRS giving statement. Contact Beverley Bouchard with any questions.

Check Your Online Statement Before Dec 31
We will be changing church management systems for cost savings with the new year.  Giving reports will be available on line through Dec 31 for checking.  Beginning Jan 1, paper copies will be available for 2014.
Learn the New City Catechism: One Question Per Week

Each week we'll be posting a question and answer from the New City Catechism, along with a brief video explanation. 

Question 51:
Of what advantage to us is Christ's ascension?
Answer:

Christ physically ascended on our behalf, just as he came down to earth physically on our account, and he is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father, preparing a place for us, and also sends us his Spirit.  

 
NCC Q51: Of what advantage to us is Christ's ascension?
NCC Q51: Of what advantage to us is Christ's ascension?

Click here for a tutorial on using the New City Catechism!  
Sunday Sermon
Topic:
Advent Conspiracy:
 Love All
Passage:
Luke 2:8-20  
Thank You For Serving In Children's Ministry This Week!
Jake and Allison Webb
Lisa Boyer
Mark and Elyse Coleman
Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday,  
December 24th, 6pm 
Join us for a come as you are Nativity, candlelight service, and light dinner. If you are able, please bring a side, dessert, or drinks to share. We will provide deli sandwiches.

Planning
for 2015
from Pastor Bill's blog
 

Some of these things are still on the drawing board - being prayed through and planned - but they are clearly emerging with the leading of God.  I want to share my encouragement, help you be aware and praying as well as give the Spirit opportunity to begin leading you into your place with what is emerging.

Visit the blog to get the full version of upcoming plans and events. Here's what to look for:  

--

Reading the Bible More

 

(helpful tips and upcoming Sunday class)

-- Issues in Parenting and Education

- book recommendations and a seminar in the works!

-- Discipling

-- Summer Outreach Opportunties


Family Meeting January 11
Plan to arrange to stay for a short time after worship for information, Question & Answer and your input on life and ministry at Christ Covenant for the New Year.  This will include financial updates, events being planned as well as other needs and opportunities.