We are better together

So, I’ve been at the ECO National Gathering this week with eight others from our congregation (including Pastor Scott and Karen!) and around 1,300 others from our denomination. It has been wonderful to catch up with friends, network, learn and worship. Naturally there has been tons to think about, but I was particularly struck by a talk on “covenant.”

We are a “Covenant” Order of Presbyterians and our members are called covenant partners. This means we have committed to be God’s people together both as a denomination and within each of our congregations. We belong to God, and we belong to each other.  

Covenant thus informs the way we do church together. We are there for each other and our discipleship, or growth in Christ, depends on being there for each other because discipleship depends on accountability. And accountability comes with Covenant. Covenant also informs how we do mission— together in order to invite people into the covenant community.  

Covenant is a desperately needed counter to the rampant individualism of our culture. Individualism can lead to depression and burnout, but people living in covenant relationship with one another have a support system for each other, both their discipleship and mission. So friends, let’s live into and embrace our identity as God’s Covenant people.

- Pastor Jon

THIS SUNDAY

WORSHIP IS AN ACT OF WITNESS

Why do we worship? One reason is to tell each other who God is and what He has done. Luke Parker made a compelling case that witness is an act of worship. And to witness to each other, we need to be together. Take a listen, and then join us Sunday and let’s tell of all the Lord is doing!

BE CLOSE TO JESUS

“I want to be as close to Jesus as I can.” That was what Rob Dowdy, the area representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, told our youth during this week’s Sunday night youth large group. Rob shared his story of trusting Jesus and how God called Rob to work with college-student athletes. It’s that aim — to be as close to Jesus as we can — that stuck out, and it’s a question worth answering each day: How can I be close to Jesus today?

GROW IN FAITH

The best news is that “while we like sheep have gone astray,” we have a shepherd who values and cares for us.

Join us for three weeks as we look at what some have called the “Shepherd Psalms” (Psalms 22, 23, 24). This all-Zoom study will meet on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. on February 9, 16 and 23 as we take a closer look at the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd.

For more information or to be added to the list to receive the Zoom link, contact Mary Duryea at aspenspring2@msn.com.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

IN BRIEF…

Annual meeting & celebration of 2022 coming up

We all have lots to celebrate as we thank God for his faithfulness in 2022. Join us for our Annual Meeting on Feb. 12 at 10:15 a.m. in Showker Hall. You will hear highlights of 2022 and plans for 2023. You also will receive the 2023 budget and annual report, as well as approve members for the 2023 Nominating Committee. The pastors’ terms of call also will be presented and approved. No Sunday school will be held on that day so we can all celebrate together. There will be no nursery or children’s Sunday School between the services. Children are welcome at the Annual Meeting, as we come together as an entire church family.

Thank you for your generosity

Thanks to your generosity we were able to send both funds (and a team) toour partners with World Renew and Samaritan’s Purse to aid in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian last fall. Both the funds and the team were gratefully received and made a difference! Recovery is a long process so please continue to pray for both World Renew and Samaritan’s Purse and the work they do.