April Newsletter

Welcome to April at Covenant Church A Month of Hope, New Life, and Fresh Purpose

As we step into April together, there’s a fresh energy in the air—a sense that something new is blooming, not just in the world around us, but also within us. The trees are greening, flowers are stretching toward the sun, and it feels like creation itself is echoing the good news we proclaim this season: Christ is risen!

At Covenant Church, April invites us to slow down and reflect on the heart of our faith. As Holy Week approaches, we welcome you to walk with us through these sacred days. The journey begins on Palm Sunday evening with a special performance of an Easter cantata by our choir, a powerful musical retelling of Christ’s passion. We’ll gather again on Thursday at 6:30 PM for a Maundy Thursday service with Holy Communion, a time to remember the Last Supper and Christ’s command to love one another. Then on Good Friday at 6:30 PM, we will hold a quiet, reverent service to reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus. Through scripture, music, and prayer, we will walk the path to the cross and allow ourselves to truly grasp the depth of Christ’s sacrifice—for us.

Then, on Sunday, April 20 at 10:00 AM, we’ll come together for a joyful Easter celebration! We’ll fill the sanctuary with songs of resurrection, proclaim the victory of life over death, and share the hope that continues to shape us day by day. If ever there was a Sunday to invite someone new—this is it. The message of Easter is for everyone.

And as the Easter lilies begin to fade, the new life of resurrection continues. The week after Easter, we’ll launch a new sermon series titled “A Pleasing Life”, drawn from the book of 1 Thessalonians. In it, we’ll explore what it means to live in a way that pleases God—not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done. It’s a great series to ground us in the everyday rhythms of discipleship as we continue growing together.

As we move through this month, I invite you to reflect on this: What does the resurrection mean for your daily life? Not just for eternity, but for this ordinary Tuesday, or next Friday afternoon when things feel a bit off-kilter?

Here’s what I believe: the resurrection means hope is never out of reach. It means that no matter what we’ve been through, new life is possible. The stone has been rolled away—not just from the tomb, but from every place we thought was stuck, finished, or beyond healing.

So wherever you find yourself this April—whether in a season of celebration or one of waiting—know this: the risen Christ meets you there. And as a church family, we’re walking this path of faith together, side by side, with hope alive in our hearts.

Blessings to you this Easter season. I can’t wait to see what God will do in and through us in the weeks to come.

Grace and peace,

Pastor William

Easter Choir Cantata – Calvary’s Lamb: A Song, A Sacrifice, A Savior

Sunday, April 13 • 5:00 PM • Sanctuary

You are warmly invited to a special evening of music and reflection as the Covenant Church Choir presents the Easter cantata, Calvary’s Lamb: A Song, A Sacrifice, A Savior, on Sunday, April 13 at 5:00 PM in the sanctuary.

With powerful music and narration, this moving 30-minute cantata by acclaimed composer Mary McDonald walks us through the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry—from the streets of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, and to the hill of Golgotha. Each song and spoken word paints a vivid picture of Christ’s journey to the cross, culminating in a soaring closing anthem that offers the hope of the resurrection.

Whether you’ve heard many Easter cantatas or this will be your first, Calvary’s Lamb is an enduring and memorable presentation of the passion of Christ—told with rich harmonies, heartfelt narration, and deep spiritual meaning.

This will be a powerful way to begin Holy Week as a church family. Come early, bring a friend, and prepare to be moved as we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and the hope that awaits us because of His love.

Maundy Thursday Service – A Night of Questions, Meaning, and Communion

Thursday, April 17 • 6:30 PM • Sanctuary

Maundy Thursday holds deep significance in the Christian calendar as the night we remember the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples. It is a night of humility, reflection, and sacred remembrance—a time when Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved us.

This year at Covenant Church, our Maundy Thursday service will take place on Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. We invite you to join us for an evening of meaningful music, learning together, and Holy Communion as we remember the events that led to the cross.

Our service will draw inspiration from a tradition found in the Jewish Seder meal, where the youngest person asks questions about the meaning of the Passover, and an elder responds with the story of God's deliverance. In that same spirit, we will explore the powerful meaning behind the Last Supper—what Jesus was doing, what He was showing His disciples, and what it means for us today.

Whether you’ve attended a Maundy Thursday service many times before or this would be your first, we encourage you to come and be part of this sacred moment in Holy Week. Let this time of worship and reflection prepare your heart for the joy and wonder of Easter morning.

All are welcome—come with a heart ready to listen, learn, and receive the grace given to us through Christ.

Good Friday Service – Remembering the Cross

Friday, April 18 • 6:30 PM • Sanctuary

On Good Friday, we come together to remember the suffering, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most solemn and sacred days in the Christian calendar—an invitation to pause, reflect, and enter into the deep mystery of Christ’s sacrificial love.

Join us on Friday, April 18 at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary for a Good Friday service of scripture, song, prayer, and reflection. Through the reading of scripture and the singing of meaningful hymns and songs, we will walk the path of sorrow that led Jesus to the cross.

Though it is difficult to dwell on the suffering and pain that Jesus endured, it is important for us as followers of Christ. It strengthens our faith, deepens our gratitude, and reminds us of the immeasurable love that held Him to the cross for our sake.

Through music, prayer, the reading of God’s Word, and a Good Friday message, we will remember again the power and significance of the cross—and prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter morning.

This will be a quiet and reverent service. We invite you, your family, and friends to join us as we remember the cost of our salvation and the love that made it possible.

You’re Invited – Easter Sunday Worship at Covenant Church

Sunday, April 20 • 10:00 AM • Sanctuary

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Easter Sunday is the most joyful day of the Christian year—a celebration of God’s victory over sin and death, and the beginning of new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the day that changed everything. Because Jesus lives, we are never without hope. Because He rose from the grave, we can rise too—from fear, from failure, from sorrow, and even from death itself.

We invite you to join us this Easter Sunday at 10:00 AM at Covenant Church for a powerful and joy-filled worship service. Through uplifting music, heartfelt prayers, and a message centered on the transforming hope of the resurrection, we will proclaim the good news that Christ is alive—and His life brings light to the world.

Whether you’re full of faith, searching for meaning, or just curious about what Easter is all about, there’s a place for you here. Bring your family, invite your neighbors and friends, and come be part of this celebration of hope, redemption, and new beginnings.

Easter is more than a tradition—it is the foundation of our faith. It is a reminder that no matter how dark the world may seem, light has come, and the tomb is empty. Come celebrate the risen Christ with us. You are warmly invited, and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Exciting Things Are Happening in Children’s Ministry!

Spring has sprung, and so has the fun in Covenant Church’s Children’s Ministry! There are so many great things coming up in April and beyond—we’d love for your family to be a part of it. Check out all that’s happening:

🌟Fantastic Friday – Board Game Night!Friday, April 25 • 6:00–8:00 PM

Bring your favorite board game and your best game face for an evening of friendly fun with friends! From Candyland to Connect 4, it’s going to be a night full of laughter and a little bit of (friendly!) competition.

This event is for kids ages 3 through 5th grade (all children must be potty trained).

🎲 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Pz1pAAf8cNqpWvnx9

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 PMGrab your basket and hop on over for an afternoon of crafts, games, and a giant Easter Egg Hunt! This is one of our favorite events of the year, and we can’t wait to see all the kids in action. Invite a friend or neighbor to come join in the fun!

Candy Donations Needed – We’re accepting individually wrapped candy in the church lobby now through April 7.

Help Us Stuff Eggs – Come join the egg-stuffing fun on Tuesday, April 8 at 10:00 AM. It’s a great way to help and meet others!

🧡 Volunteers Needed – Just One Sunday a Month!Do you have a heart for kids and a love for Jesus? We’re looking for a few more Children’s Church teachers to serve just one Sunday a month. The prep work and supplies are all provided—you just bring your energy and a smile!

Interested? See Sarah Biebighauser to learn more or get plugged in.

📍 VBS – Save the Date!True North VBS is coming this summer, July 14–18 from 6:00–8:30 PM!Get ready for an adventure that points kids to the ultimate guide—Jesus! Registration opens May 1, and volunteers can sign up now.

Want to be part of this amazing week? Talk to Sarah Biebighauser and say YES to an unforgettable week of fun, faith, and friendship.

Preschool Ministry Update

Covenant Preschool has been very busy over the last month! We recently hosted our Muffins with Mom and Doughnuts with Dad events, giving our preschool families a chance to spend some sweet, quality time together. We also had our Spring Pictures taken this past week—lots of smiles and adorable outfits filled the day!

Now, we’re gearing up for all of our exciting End of Year activities, including Field Day and our Annual Trike-a-thon on May 19th to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These events are not only fun but help our children learn the importance of generosity and caring for others.

We currently have 51 students enrolled in our program and are now enrolling for the 2024–2025 school year! Covenant Preschool is known throughout the community for providing a high-quality early childhood education that prepares kids well for kindergarten—academically, socially, and spiritually. We also make sure every child hears the good news of God’s love through engaging Bible stories and solid, age-appropriate spiritual instruction.

We’ve officially opened registration to the public! Please share this link with any family or friends who may be looking for an excellent preschool program with a Christ-centered foundation:

👉 Register Here for Fall 2024

We’d love your help in spreading the word. Word of mouth is one of the best ways new families hear about our program, and your recommendation could make all the difference.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to build strong foundations in faith and learning for our youngest disciples!

Covenant Church Community Yard Sale – Vendors & Shoppers Welcome!

Saturday, May 17 • 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

(Rain Date: Saturday, May 24)

Spring is here—and it’s the perfect time to clean out the garage, tidy up the closets, and find new homes for the treasures you no longer need. Covenant Church is excited to host a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, May 17 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

Here’s how you can join in the fun:

🛒 Be a Vendor!For just a $10 donation, you’ll get one parking space to sell from. Need a little more room? Additional spaces are only $5 each. It’s an easy, affordable way to turn your extra stuff into extra cash—while supporting a great cause!

All proceeds from vendor donations will go to support local charities right here in the LaGrange community.

Come Shop!Not ready to sell but love a good bargain? Come out and browse the wide variety of goods on sale. From household items to toys, books, tools, and handmade treasures—you never know what you’ll find! Invite your neighbors and bring the whole family for a fun morning of treasure hunting.

Want to Reserve a Spot?Spots are limited, so register today to secure yours:https://forms.gle/hRcAGe59FveQWYTo6

Whether you’re selling or shopping, this is a great way to connect with others in the church and bless our community at the same time. So tag a friend, spread the word, and let’s make this yard sale a success!

Questions? Contact the church office for more info.

Calling All Covenant Church Teachers & Leaders Special Gathering – Sunday, May 4 • 4:00 PM • Fellowship Hall

At Covenant Church, the ministry of teaching is central to our mission of making deeply formed disciples of Jesus. Whether it’s in a children’s classroom, a youth Bible study, or an adult small group, our teachers and leaders help guide others toward transformation in Christ.

On Sunday, May 4, at 4:00 PM, we’re hosting a special gathering for all those involved in the teaching ministries of our church. This includes teachers of all ages, Bible study leaders, small group facilitators, and anyone who shares in the responsibility of spiritual formation.

This will be a meaningful time of encouragement, vision, and reflection as we look at the heart of discipleship—not simply teaching information, but helping others live into the life and love of Christ. We’ll also share how our teaching ministries are helping shape the path forward for Covenant Church in this new season of growth.

If you’re a teacher or leader in any area of ministry, your presence matters. Come ready to be encouraged, equipped, and connected with others who share your calling.

We are so grateful for each of you who pour into the lives of others with faithfulness and love. We look forward to seeing you on May 4!