Dear Covenant Family:
Today was a great day at Covenant, with 23 folks in attendance for today’s service. Note that the Covenant Church Helping Hands Benevolence Fund currently has $25,000 either received or promised, this has increased by $10,000 from what was reported last week. We thank all who have contributed to this fund to allow Covenant Church to support Covenant members, their families, and church friends in need. Any member wishing to contribute to this fund can either mail a check to Covenant or place it in the offering with a note to apply it to the “Joe Morgan Fund”.
Also note that on Sunday, August 10, in addition to our morning church service, Pastor Don is also planning a baptism service at his home at 4 PM for at least 2 people and possibly more. Following the baptism service, Pastor Don will lead a peanut boil which he has done the last few years at Covenant Church. Hopefully, many members can attend this important baptism service and following fellowship. Note that more information will follow as it becomes available.
We had a number of Praise Reports given today. Carol Parker said that her 99-year-old sister who fell entering her church a few weeks ago and broke her hip is progressing nicely and has begun therapy. Diane Mauldin had a Praise Report for Missy’s just completed mission trip to Cuba. They taught over 100 children in a Bible study setting, and the church has stated they plan to continue the ministry going forward. Ron Marks reported that Harriet Wise from First United Methodist Church told him the Christian family from Iran trying to stay in the US had a successful immigration hearing just this past Friday, and will be allowed to remain in the US; there are still a few more steps to take before they can return to Gainesville, but it now looks like they can stay in the US. Larry Noegel reported he had spoken with Mack Vlacos this week, and he seemed upbeat. Carolyn Vlacos also sent a card to Covenant this week and the outside said The greatest thing about a hug is you can’t get one without giving one. The inside said Sending you a great, big hug. Thanks to Carolyn for a great message!
We also had a few Prayer Requests made. Francis Bush asked for prayers for Paul McArthur, who is facing serious health issues. Rose asked for continued prayers for Joe’s niece Sheri Hall, who had a stroke a few weeks ago, and her recovery is going slowly. Carol Parker asked for continued prayers for her son Rick who needs additional eye surgery and it keeps getting postponed, please keep their family in your prayers.
Pastor Don’s sermon title was Why Should We Give? The short answer to his question was to meet the needs of others in need! He based his sermon on a single sentence in scripture:
Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you.
Don provided a number of examples of people who gave to those in need and to whom God repaid many times over. If you would like to listen to this sermon, all recorded sermons can be accessed at https://gainesvillecovenantchurch.org/ and then choose Sermons on the home page, and then choose today’s message.
I wish each of you a most blessed week! Also note that Cindy and I will be out of town the next two weeks on our annual family vacation, so I will not be able to send any messages during that time.
Ron