Newsletter December 3, 2008
From the Senior Pastor. . .
In this week’s newsletter Jeremy will tell you about our special Christmas celebrations in December.
But before he begins, I want to remind you that this coming Lord’s Day, following morning worship, we’ll hold our annual congregational meeting to elect men to serve on our Session, Diaconate and Board. You’ll find a list of names inside this week’s newsletter.
I also want you to know that with four Sundays left in 2008, we are approximately $190,000 short of making budget. Please pray and then give joyfully as God prospers you.
Now . . . here’s Jeremy.
As we continue to celebrate the advent, or coming of our Savior, there are several services here at the church that you will not want to miss. These programs will help us reflect on the coming of Emmanuel over 2,000 years ago as well as anticipate His certain return.
The first of these programs will be our annual children’s Christmas musical. This year, all of your children will be angels — at least for the performance of Angels We Have Heard! In this musical, the angels are given the special task of announcing that the King is coming. This performance will take place Sunday evening, December 14, at 6 PM. Come support our children as they sing to and for the King of kings.
The following Sunday evening, the Covenant Christmas Choir will present And His Name Shall Be Called, a compilation of songs which deal with the names of Christ. Through the music, focus is given to Christ’s many names — names which show fulfillment of prophecy as well as hope for the present and the future. The choir will be joined by almost 20 instrumentalists as well as our own handbell ensemble. Make sure you reserve Sunday evening, December 21, at 6 PMfor this Christmas tradition.
As your family gathers on Christmas Eve, plan to join us as a family for our Lessons and Carols service Christmas Eve at 5:30 PM.Through music and scripture, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ is brought to life. This service helps all of us focus upon Christ instead of ourselves as we head into the coming days of celebration.
Those involved in music here at Covenant prepare for this season like none other. I thank all of the choir members, handbell ringers, and children’s choir helpers for sharing their time, talents, and efforts to make our music program glorifying to the Lord. Thanks especially to Alayne Griffin and Melissa Ferrel who help us each and every week approach the Throne of grace through the playing of instruments. I am proud to be ministering with each and every one of you.
May I, on behalf of all involved in the Music Ministry, wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Pastor Caines & Jeremy Gaines