Dear Covenant Family:
Today was a great day at Covenant, with 35 folks in attendance including one visitor. Yesterday, we hosted a luncheon for the Vlacos family at Covenant Church following the Memorial Service held for the family at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home. The Memorial Service and luncheon were both well attended, and we thank Pastor Don and the group who organized the luncheon for their efforts to support the Vlacos family in this difficult time.
We only had a few prayer requests and praises raised today. Larry Noegel asked for prayers for a previous and long-term member of Covenant Church, Randy Brown, who this week suffered a stroke and had surgery for it; Larry was not aware of any follow-up yet for the surgery. Missy Mauldin asked for prayers for the Christians in Cuba who they visited on a mission trip a few months ago as the government is now shutting off their electricity numerous times each day; we need to pray for those people who are committed to stand up to the government for this effort. Finally, Helen Ann Noegel had a praise for the family of Mack Vlacos, who felt great love and support from many family and friends who have contacted them since Mack’s passing, as well as attending the Memorial Service and luncheon at Covenant Church.
Pastor Don gave a sermon today based on our celebration of Labor Day this weekend. His scripture was:
Colossians 3:23-24 – Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Don emphasized that we are to do our work heartily, meaning with passion and a commitment to finishing rather than quitting. Don also focused in verse 24 that you will get your reward from God for your efforts. 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.
Cindy and I will be in DC the next two weeks visiting our children and grandchildren. So I will not be sending any updates while we are gone. May you all have a blessed two weeks while we are gone.
Ron