Covenant Update

Dear Covenant Family:

Today was a great day at Covenant Church, with 29 folks in attendance.  Attached is today’s bulletin, note that our January ministry is local to Gainesville, Family Promise.  Also, please note the message Tina included titled Guidance Through the Year, describing God’s constant presence with us last year and now in the new year as well.

We had a number of prayer requests, as well as multiple praises.  First, Pastor Don provided an update on both Mack and Carolyn Vlacos.  Mack continues his struggles with his breathing, and Carolyn also has an appointment this week with her cardiologist, so please continue your prayers for both of them.  Patsy Sutton, for whom she asked for prayers for her friend a few weeks ago, that friend has since had a stroke and passed away, so she would like to ask for prayers for the family. 

Larry Noegel offered a praise that the Covenant Church scholarship that we have made to honor Rose Morgan and Tina Pinkoson received coverage on local channel 7 (WCJB) this week which can still be accessed at

Education Foundation of Alachua County announces new music scholarship if you would like to see it.  It is the short version, the longer version including pictures of the church does not seem available anymore.  Michelle Miller also raised a praise that her son Luke and his wife Carolyn are expecting their second child (a son) in July.  Becky Alexander raised a praise thanking God for all her safe flights, including all the landings and takeoffs, she has successfully had during her long career as a flight attendant.  Finally, Tina Pinkoson raised a praise for a friend that she and husband Lee, along with Frank and Brenda Dolwick, have befriended for many years who is now a successful husband and father.  She noted that it worth all the time and effort to support young people to better ensure they grow into productive and joyful members of society.

Pastor Don had another excellent sermon today.  It was basically on people asking “Why me?” when something bad happens to us.  He based this on the scripture:

Lamentations 3:3 – Indeed, He has turned His hand against me repeatedly all the day.

Pastor Don went on to explain that this happens when we choose to focus on ourselves rather than on serving others.  Instead, he said we need to focus on the good things that God has done for us and rejoice for all that we have been given.  Don then closed with the following scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Cindy and I will be out of town the next two weeks, so I will not be able to send church updates while we are gone.  I wish all of you a very blessed two weeks, and that you will do your best to stay warm!