January 2025
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The Transforming Power of Daily Scripture Reading
At Covenant Church, we believe in the transformative power of God’s Word. The Bible is not just a book; it is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It’s a source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance that helps us navigate life’s complexities. In 2024, we’re witnessing an exciting trend: Bible sales are surging, and young people are showing a renewed interest in exploring the Scriptures. This hunger for God’s Word is a testament to its timeless relevance and its ability to speak to every generation.
Daily scripture reading is a cornerstone of spiritual growth. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, the discipline of daily Bible reading provides a steady source of light and truth. It anchors us in God’s promises and equips us to face life with hope and purpose.
Starting or Deepening Your Routine
If you’ve never established a routine of reading Scripture daily, now is the perfect time to begin. Start small—even just five minutes a day—and let God’s Word draw you in. You might begin with the Psalms, Proverbs, or one of the Gospels. Each passage offers something unique, from heartfelt prayers to timeless wisdom and the life-changing story of Jesus.
For those already immersed in the discipline of daily Bible reading, consider going deeper. Could you extend your reading time or add a journaling component to reflect on what God is saying to you? Perhaps you could explore a new book of the Bible or use a study guide to delve into the cultural and historical context of a passage. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” A deeper dive into Scripture will further equip you for the work God has prepared for you.
Encouragement for the Journey
If you’re looking for practical ways to make Bible reading a daily habit, here are a few ideas:
Set a Consistent Time: Find a time that works best for you, whether it’s early morning, during your lunch break, or before bed.
Use a Bible App: There are numerous Bible apps that offer reading plans and reminders.
Join a Group: Sharing your journey with others can provide encouragement and accountability.
Start with Prayer: Before you read, ask God to open your heart and mind to His Word.
At Covenant Church, we highly value the reading and teaching of the Bible, and we want to encourage everyone to take that next step in their faith journey. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your study, know that God’s Word will never return void (Isaiah 55:11). It will shape your heart, guide your steps, and draw you closer to Jesus.
Let’s make 2025 a year where we not only embrace God’s Word individually but also as a community. Imagine the transformation in our lives and our church as we immerse ourselves in the truths of Scripture daily. Let’s shine brightly together as we walk in His Word!
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Discover the Depths of Your Faith: A New Sermon Series
As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our walk with Christ and ask, “What’s next in my faith journey?” At Covenant Church, we believe faith is not just a one-time decision but a lifelong adventure of growing deeper in our relationship with Jesus. That’s why we’re excited to announce our upcoming sermon series, Deep Faith: Growing Strong in Christ—a journey designed to encourage and motivate you to take the next steps in your faith.
This six-week series will focus on what it means to truly grow in Christ. Each message will explore how to establish firm spiritual roots, embrace trust and obedience, deepen your relationship with Jesus, and thrive in community with fellow believers. Here are some highlights:
Roots and Fruits: Growing Deeper in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23) – Discover how being rooted in Christ leads to a fruitful and vibrant faith.
Deep Waters: Faith Beyond the Shoreline (Luke 5:1-11) – Explore how trust in Jesus can take you to new depths in your faith.
Faith in Community: Growing Together in Christ (Acts 2:42-47) – Experience the power of fellowship as we grow stronger together.
Abiding in the Vine: A Life of Deeper Faith (John 15:1-11) – Find strength and endurance through remaining in Christ.
Faith That Moves Mountains: Bold Prayers and Big Steps (Matthew 17:14-21) – Be inspired to pray boldly and step out in faith.
Steps of Faith: Walking with Jesus Daily (Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 3:12-14) – Learn how spiritual disciplines can help you stay on course in your journey.
Why Should You Attend? This series is for everyone. Whether you’re new to faith or have been following Jesus for years, this journey will help you:
Gain a Deeper Relationship with Jesus – Learn what it means to stay connected to the true source of life and growth.
Find Strength and Encouragement – Discover how to overcome challenges and live boldly in your faith.
Connect with Others – Experience the joy and support of walking alongside fellow believers in a thriving community.
This series is not just about listening to sermons. It’s an opportunity to reflect, apply God’s Word, and see real transformation in your life. Each week, you’ll be challenged and encouraged to grow stronger in your faith, step by step.
Mark Your Calendar! Join us each Sunday as we take this exciting journey together. Whether you attend in person or online, we can’t wait to see how God moves in your life through this series.
Let’s make this the year of deeper faith. Together, we’ll build a foundation that’s unshakable, no matter what storms life may bring. See you there!
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Worship Service
We are thrilled to invite you to a very special Martin Luther King Jr. Day Worship Service on Sunday, January 19th, at 10:00 AM. This service will be an inspiring time of worship, reflection, and fellowship as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate the unity we share in Christ.
We are excited to welcome LaGrange Christian Church and Centennial Missionary Baptist Church as our guests for this meaningful occasion. Pastors George Trinn and Norris Beckley will join Pastor William Moore in bringing a shared message of hope and unity. Together, they will reflect on the life and vision of Dr. King and the powerful call to justice, love, and unity found in the Gospel.
The morning’s music will be particularly special, drawing from the rich musical heritage of the African American church. Through stirring Gospel hymns and civil rights songs, we will lift our voices in praise and gratitude for the ways God continues to work in and through His people.
Following the service, we will gather for a potluck meal. This will be a wonderful opportunity to share in fellowship and deepen our relationships with one another. We encourage everyone to bring a dish or dessert to share.
This event promises to be a beautiful expression of the unity we have in Christ and a powerful reminder of the work still to be done in living out Dr. King’s dream of a just and loving world. Let’s come together as one body to celebrate, worship, and build bridges of understanding and friendship.
We look forward to seeing you on January 19th. Let’s make this a day to remember!
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Important Members Meeting: January 26
***Note change of dates due to weather
We invite all members to attend a special Members Meeting on Sunday, January 26, at 11:15 AM, immediately following the morning worship service. The purpose of this meeting is to vote on proposed changes to the church bylaws.
The proposed changes focus on:
Clarifying some of the operational procedures of the Board of Directors
Updating the article regarding the senior pastor's discipline and removal
Changes to an article on arbitration and mediation
Revising the article on amending the bylaws
In addition to these major updates, there are several minor changes being proposed.
To ensure everyone has a clear understanding of these changes, we will hold an Informational Meeting on Sunday, January 12, at 4:00 PM. This will be an opportunity to review the proposed amendments in detail and ask any questions.
Your participation is essential as we move forward together. Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us on both dates.
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Fantastic Fridays: Fun and Faith for Kids!
Exciting news for families with kids ages 3 through 5th grade—our Fantastic Fridays program is launching this January! This special children’s ministry is designed to bring kids together for themed nights of fun, learning, and connection in a safe, loving environment.
Mark your calendars and join us for our very first Fantastic Friday Lego Night on Friday, January 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Kids will enjoy a night filled with creativity, teamwork, and discovery as they build and explore the world of Legos. A light snack will be provided to keep those little builders energized.
Future Fantastic Fridays will include even more exciting themes! Save these dates and invite friends and neighbors to join the fun:
February 28
March 21
April 25
Each Fantastic Friday is designed to provide a mix of engaging activities and opportunities for kids to grow together in friendship and faith. While we love seeing every child thrive, we do ask that all participants be potty trained.
Parents, this is a fantastic opportunity for your kids to be part of a vibrant, Christ-centered community. We encourage you to register your children online to secure their spot and help us plan for a great experience.
Register your child here:
(We ask that all kids attending without a parent be potty trained.)
Let’s make Fantastic Fridays the highlight of your child’s month! We can’t wait to see your kids there!
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Music 101 and Music 102
It is a new year and the music department of the church is growing. Last year, in a humorous vein, I started a music class I called Music 101. It was designed for people who know absolutely nothing about reading music but who are curious about it.
I am happy to say that Danny Rankin, Art Barrett and Judy Withrow have completed the course with honors (I think Judy knew more than she let on 🙂). Now I need to begin a Music 102 that will help them polish new skills, and also be open to people who have some knowledge but also want to polish skills. We will continue to meet on Wednesday at 6:00. Again, this “class” is open to anyone who wants to brush up on their music reading and singing skills.
I am sure, however, that there are more people in the church who need to begin at the beginning, and who would like to learn more about music and how we turn funny looking squiggles on a page into beautiful sound. Therefore, I’m willing to begin a new Music 101. There will be a sign up sheet in the lobby, and if you sign up I will get in touch with you about a day and time to meet.
This is open to children and young people as well as adults, and it certainly is open to anyone who is curious and interested.
I’m aware that this is not a Bible study as such. But it encompasses these things:
1) It follows the Scriptural suggestion to “encourage each other with spiritual hymns and songs”.
2) Music is more “encouraging” when it is well presented and understandable.
3) People are more willing to participate when they know something about what they are doing.
4) Music is one of the great connectors of the church. It can connect people to people, and connect people to God. From children’s teaching songs to the soaring heights of music laid down by the great music masters, music lifts, educates, edifies (old Biblical word rarely used outside the Bible), and unifies. The more we know, the more we appreciate. The more we know, the better we communicate.
From The Sound of Music comes these words: Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. Join us, see you soon.
Yours in Christ,
Janice ( better known as the piano player).
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Take Your Next Step as a Disciple of Jesus
Are you ready to grow deeper in your faith and take your next step as a disciple of Jesus? Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking Bible study series from the Gospel of John, starting Wednesday, January 15th. We will meet at two convenient times each week—10:00 AM or 6:00 PM—so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.
This study is designed to meet you where you are on your spiritual journey. Whether you’re new to the Christian faith or have been studying Scripture for years, you will find this series both accessible and enriching. Each session will explore a single passage from the Gospel of John, focusing on key virtues that Jesus calls us to embody: Love, Faith, and Courage.
Here’s what you can expect:
Deep Scriptural Insights: We’ll study the Bible closely, uncovering rich truths about who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.
Practical Application: Each week, you’ll leave with specific, actionable ways to live out the principles we discuss. These practices are designed to help you apply God’s Word to your unique life circumstances.
Engaging Discussions: Our sessions will include opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and share insights in a welcoming and supportive environment.
This is more than just a Bible study—it’s a chance to grow in community with others and deepen your walk with Christ. As we explore the virtues of Love, Faith, and Courage through the lens of John’s Gospel, you will be encouraged to live out your faith in fresh and transformative ways.
We invite you to embark on this journey with us. Together, let’s discover how the Word of God can shape our lives and equip us to follow Jesus more closely. Mark your calendar for January 15th, and bring a friend! We can’t wait to see you there.
Location: Covenant Church (Room 201)
Dates and Times: Wednesdays at 10:00 AM or 6:00 PM, beginning January 15th
Contact Pastor William at (502) 222-9925 for more information. Let’s take this next step together as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!