Discipleship/Confirmation classes are at 6:30 on Thursday nights.

Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m. (Fall thru Spring)

A Moment with the Pastor of Evangelism,

Richard Johnson 

He Has Risen!!!!  Now What?

 
ave you ever lived in or even visited another country where you did not know the language or understood the culture?  If so, how did you feel?   

Have you ever been unemployed and did not know how to feed your family?    What measures would you have been willing to take to improve your situation?  

As we approach Easter, we are encouraged to think about how blessed we are to know and follow the risen Son of God.  It seems to me that this should also be a time to show compassion, especially for people who are not blessed as we are both spiritually and materially.  Every year there are more immigrants coming into our country, many of whom are poor, disoriented and scared.  We are reminded that Jesus died and rose again for them just as He did for everyone else.

At the Covenant Annual Meeting in 2006 a “Resolution on Immigration” was adopted. The closing part of this document states:  “As local churches we will extend compassion, mercy, and justice to immigrants in need, as we have throughout our history.  Furthermore, we will seek to find creative ways to work with immigrant worker centers, citizenship training groups, and other church and parachurch organizations in our own communities.”

One way that our church is showing compassion to immigrants is by offering ESL (English as a Second Language) to anyone who is in need of improving their ability to converse in English.  Two sessions are offered each Monday (1:30 pm and 7:00 pm).

At the same time, we are also showing compassion by presenting the gospel and knowledge about the Christian life.   

To reach more people this way we need more volunteer tutors.  Please contact  me if you are willing to help in this ministry.

“… and love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 19:19.

Thank you.

                         Pastor Richard

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 October 16^th – 18^th, 2009

During the weekend of October 16th - 18th, almost everyone of our church was impacted by our Lay Renewal Celebration of Faith (October 16^th – 18^th).  Now, we want to keep the enthusiasm high as we look to the future life and growth of our church. 

A very important part of the weekend was the use of small groups.  Many people have commented that their times in the small groups were very meaningful and inspiring as they were drawn closer to God and to the other people in their groups.  Closer relationships with the others were initiated and developed. 

In Hebrews 10:24-25 we read:  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another . . . .” 

There are basically three options for being in a small group: 

1.         Join an existing group (we now have five).

2.         Get involved in the plans for more groups.

3.         Start your own group. 

Remember – a holistic small group is more than a place to share your concerns and joys.  It is more than a study group.  It is more than a prayer group.  It is more than a fun and fellowship group.  It is all of these so that we can grow in all aspects of our Christian lifestyle and our commitment to God. Please contact me soon at (815) 355-4566 for more information.

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