Contact Information Church Staff Staff members may be reached by calling the church office: 256-739-0505. Andrew Siegenthaler, Pastor Jonathan Knappenberger, Youth Director Judy Taylor, Church Secretary jonathan@christcovenantcullman.org 256-339-7406 Tracie Rakestraw, Children s Director tracie@christcovenantcullman.org 205-527-4238 Session The elders are elected by the congregation to be servant leaders and shepherds of God s people. They guide the direction and outreach of the church, oversee its teaching and worship, and care for the spiritual needs of the members. Please contact them if you need counsel or prayer. Billy Atchison 205-919-0011 Mike Burton 256-709-4642 batchison@sunbeltfire.com meburton@computerservicesnet.com Jonathan Haynes 256-339-2856 Linton Newlin 256-531-6008 jonathan.a.haynes@gmail.com lnewlin@magellanhealth.com Steve Nyquist 205-907-2326 Wes Rakestraw 256-636-0929 steve@salienthealthventures.com wes.rakestraw@wallacestate.edu Shane Sheffield 256-531-7087 Andrew Siegenthaler 256-531-5504 ssheff3@gmail.com andrew@christcovenantcullman.org Jay Weatherly 256-338-0157 jay@salienthospitalist.com Diaconate The deacons are elected by the congregation to assist the elders, primarily by caring for the physical and material needs of church members. They also extend the love and generosity of Christ to those outside the church. Please contact them if you or someone you are concerned about has a physical or material need. Johnny Cook 256-338-8085 Mike Durhan 205-647-3703 jcook@premierbankofthesouth.com mdurhan@hughes.net Woody Jacobs 256-709-0601 Roger Kornegay 256-339-7987 woody@eidsoninc.com rk@glasforms.com James Laminack 256-339-0254 Scott Lewis 256-339-7238 j.laminack5955@gmail.com slewisjr@mindspringcom Wyatt Pettus 256-426-9290 Daren Rakestraw 256-497-5342 wyattpettus@gmail.com daren.rakestraw@pilgrimspride.com Derek Rakestraw 205-919-3062 Bo Shirey 256-347-6136 dtrakes@hotmail.com boshirey@bellsouth.net CHRIST COVENANT Presbyterian Church March 22, 2015 Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold; but the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13 A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)
Order of Worship *CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 55 Minister: People: *SONGS OF PRAISE Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. Thanks be to God! Come And Welcome WORDS: Thomas Haweis, 1792 MUSIC: Matthew Perryman Jones, 2004 From the cross uplifted high, Where the Savior deigns to die, What melodious sounds I hear, Bursting on my ravished ear! Love s redeeming work is done Come and welcome! sinner, come! Sprinkled now with blood the throne; Why beneath thy burdens groan? On My piercèd body laid, Justice owns the ransom paid; Bow the knee, and kiss the Son, Come and welcome! sinner, come! Spread for thee, the festal board, See with richest dainties stored; To thy Father s bosom pressed, Yet again a child confessed, Never from His house to roam; Come and welcome! sinner, come! Soon the days of life shall end. Lo, I come your Savior, Friend! Safe your spirit to convey To the realms of endless day, Up to My eternal home Come and welcome! sinner, come! Come and welcome! sinner, come! Satisfied TEXT: Clara T. Williams, 1875 MUSIC: Karl Digerness, 1997 All my life long I had panted for a drink from some cool spring That I hoped would quench the burning of the thirst I felt within. Hallelujah! He has found me, the One my soul so long has craved! Jesus satisfies all my longings, through his blood I now am saved Adult Bible Fellowship The purpose of Adult Bible Fellowship is to teach consistently the whole counsel of God through the study of the Bible and biblical topics; to encourage the fellowship of believers; and to build disciples by equipping Christians to make an impact for Jesus Christ beginning in the home and church, and moving to Cullman and beyond. Coordinator Randy Hays. Family Life Room 3 For young couples and parents with children at home. Family Life is for married couples of all ages with children still at home, although there have been some single adult sightings! Our ultimate goal is healthier, spirit-filled homes. Our immediate objective is to equip and encourage participants in their marriages and parental responsibilities. We typically adopt relevant books by Christian experts as study and discussion guides. However, this is a dynamic group. Our times together are characterized by honest interaction, healthy dialogue, and occasional off-the-wall comments! Please come and partake of the Family Life experience! Led by Jay Weatherly and Steve Turner Deeper Life Room 8 A study of Essential Truths of the Christian Faith. Deeper Life is for parents with older children who will be leaving home soon, are already away at college or just entering their careers. This life stage can be difficult and stressful for parents. Our goal is to apply how the Lord has prepared us and our children for this through the study of His Word, open discussions and the fellowship of other believers. Come join us each and every Sunday as we grow together in the knowledge of God s promises. Led by Randy Hays. Sojourners Room 4 For Empty nesters and grandparents. The primary goal of Sojourners Adult Bible Fellowship is not presenting information about the Bible. The primary goal is encouraging ABF members to follow hard after Christ according to the plain meaning of the biblical text. Join with us in the exciting adventure every Sunday morning after our worship service. A study of James. Led by Phil Gatlin & Linton Newlin. Faith Followers Gloria Edwards Room Faith Followers is for women of all ages who, despite our many and varied God-assigned roles, find our identities in Jesus Christ. We study Scripture and pray for one another, empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve with the strength the Lord provides. We are studying The Acts of the Apostles and finding out how through His Spirit and His Word, the Lord turned the world upside down to build His church while the gates of hell raged against it. Led by Allison Siegenthaler, Connie McGriff and Gina Nobinger. Next Step Bell Tower Biblical perspectives for young women and women with infants to college age children who find themselves single again: Led by Diane Burton Iron Sharpens Iron Session Room Biblical applications and topical discussions concerning the Christian life choices facing men of all ages: Led by Steve Nyquist Wisdom Seekers Room 10 For men over 50 who desire a more significant role in the home as mature leaders who acknowledge the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Bible study, open discussion and fellowship each Sunday. Led by Mike Burton
Church Membership Sunday Morning Classes During the Sunday school hour we have a class for those interested in church membership called the Inquirers Class. Taught by Andrew Siegenthaler and Brad Eidson, it covers the basics of what our church believes and the privileges and duties of church membership. We always have interesting and lively discussions and look forward to getting to know you. Please speak to Pastor Andrew after the service if you would like to attend. Nursery & Cry Room A nursery is available for infants through age four. There is also a cry room in the back of the sanctuary for mothers with young children. Children s Sunday School Sunday school classes for all ages are held after the worship service. The children s classes use graded material that covers the big stories and themes of the Bible. Coordinator Steve Turner and Jonathan Haynes 3 & 4 year-olds Kristi Nyquist & Sue Eidson.Room 14 Kindergarten Scott Lewis & Karena Haynes...Room 15 1st Grade Katie Shirey & Neva Cochran Room 13 2nd &3rd Grade Denise Knappenberger & Donnette Rakestraw..Room 12 4th, 5th & 6th Jonathan Haynes & Bo Shirey...Room 8 Grade Boys 4th, 5th & 6th Jennie Reid & Caroline Lunsford Room 6 Grade Girls Youth Sunday School The youth classes cover various biblical and theological topics. Jonathan Knappenberger, Youth Director 7 th & 8 th Grade Jonathan & Amanda Knappenberger Youth House 9 th &10 th Grade Wes Rakestraw & John Knappenberger Youth House 11 th & 12 th Grade Brandon & Laura Reeder Youth House College Shane & Tamara Sheffield and Randy & Tara Quinn Youth House *INVOCATION Feeding on the filth around me till my strength was almost gone, Longed my soul for something better only still to hunger on. Hallelujah! He has found me, the One my soul so long has craved! Jesus satisfies all my longings, through his blood I now am saved Poor I was and sought for riches, something that would satisfy, But the dust I gathered round me only mocked my soul s sad cry. Well of water ever springing, Bread of Life so rich and free, Untold wealth that never faileth, my Redeemer is to me. CONFESSION OF SIN Psalm 19:12-14 ASSURANCE OF PARDON SONG OF ASSSURANCE Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. The Solid Rock (Cornerstone) TEXT: Edward Mote, 1834, refrain Hillsong Music, 2012 TUNE: Hillsong Music, 2012 My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. Christ alone, Cornerstone. Weak made strong in the Savior s love. Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all! When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In ev ry high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil. His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found, Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
INTERCESSORY PRAYER Sermon Notes OFFERING Please place visitor cards in the offering plate. SCRIPTURE READING John 6:49-71 SERMON *COMMUNION SONG False Disciples Jesus Loves Me TEXT & MUSIC: Chris Tomlin, Reuben Morgan, Ben Glover, 2014 I was lost, I was in chains, The world had a hold of me; My heart was a stone, I was covered in shame when He came for me. I couldn t run, couldn t run from His presence; I couldn t run, couldn t run from His arms. Jesus, He loves me, He loves me, He is for me; Jesus, how can it be, He loves me, He is for me. And it was a fire deep in my soul I ll never be the same. I stepped out of the dark and into the light when He called my name. I couldn t run, couldn t run from His presence; I couldn t run, couldn t run from His arms. He holds the stars and He holds my heart With healing hands that bear the scars; The rugged cross where He died for me, My only hope, my everything. MEMBERSHIP VOWS Matthew Fox Roger & Cathy Tew 1. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure and without hope save in His sovereign mercy? 2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of sinners and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He offered in the Gospel? 3. Do you now resolve and promise in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ? 4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability? 5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?
Pray for our Missionaries Gregg and Julie Nicholson live in Bangkok, Thailand where Gregg does church planting and leadership training. Julie teaches special education at a prominent international school. They have four children, Joy, David, Sarah, and Grace. March 2015 Hello from Bangkok, Recently I was downtown at the U.S. Embassy to renew Julie and Joy s passport. As I walked with the thousands of people cramming on the sky train, and going to work in the center of the city, I was hit again with the magnitude of the task before the church here in Thailand. I go downtown once or twice a week for meetings, but that particular day was special day for making merit and taking offerings to the idols in front of businesses and homes. In this mega city of 12 million people, how can we see God s glory made known to the Thai people? I believe it s through seeing one person at a time come to know Christ and their life being transformed by the gospel. COMMUNION *CLOSING SONG All Things New WORDS & MUSIC: Mike Lunsford, 2013 You ve said you know the plans you have for me; You ve said that I am wonderfully made. But I ve forsaken all you have for me, For idols that will all melt away. But you stayed true, My God, I praise you! You came to me in my brokenness, And pulled me out of the mess, And you turned me around. You heard me call out in my distress, In spite of your holiness, You came down. And you re making all things new, You re making all things new. For example, let me tell you about a Thai friend named Angela. I met Angela in 2008 when we were working on the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly that was held here. Angela and her husband, Anusorn, own a small tour company and travel agency, and they had gotten the contract for overseeing the 600 plus delegates from 100 nations. Over the months, the chairman of the WEA shared with Angela about Christ, and I had bought her the Purpose Driven Life. On the last day of the General Assembly meetings Angela told the crowd that she had given her life to Christ. About two years later, her husband, Anusorn, prayed to receive Christ also. And then two years ago, they invited one of my teammates and me to come and teach English for several weeks to their staff and also share the gospel with them. Angela texted me recently and said that her father wanted to become a Christian. Then the next week he was with her in church and also sitting with Angela was her brother, and two other women from her office. Now two these women have come to Christ in the last few weeks. Angela is on fire, and God is using her in an incredible way. Many people have had an influence in Angela and Anusorn s life, but it s encouraging to have a small part in what God is doing through her. Pray for them, as they are transformed by the gospel and pray that Bangkok and all of Thailand will one day be transformed by the grace of God. *BENEDICTION *PLEASE STAND. Men: Men: Men: All: You ve told me I was made in your image, That you ve adopted me as your son. I've walked through life more like I m an orphan And not as one of your chosen ones. CCLI #499311 All songs used with permission. My God, I ve forsaken you, Father, I ve forsaken you, Jesus, I ve forsaken you, Spirit, I ve forsaken you. Thank you again for your prayers for Thailand and for us as we work to see Jesus glorified in this nation. Friend us on Facebook if you haven t already, we post often there. www.facebook.com/ gregg.j.nicholson Gregg & Julie
Christ Covenant News 1310 St. Joseph Dr. NW Cullman, Alabama 35055 www.christcovenantcullman.org This Week s Activities Today 4:00 p.m.-session meeting Wednesday 9:15 a.m. Grace Group 6:30 p.m. Youth, Covenant Groups & Covenant Kids Thursday 11:30 a.m.-grace Group 5:30 p.m.-grace Group Friday 7:00 a.m.-john DuBose Men s Prayer Group Sunday 9:00 a.m.-worship Service & Communion 10:30 a.m.-sunday School Covenant Groups Please speak to Andrew or any elder if you are interested in becoming a part of a Covenant Group. Sermon discussion questions are on the table in the narthex. BAKE SALE Today following the service in the Narthex All proceeds go to the students For the Youth Mission Trip. Women s Grace Groups The Lamb of God By Nancy Guthrie Leaders Will Contact You With Start Dates Wednesdays 9:15 a.m. Thursdays 11:30 a.m. (bring your lunch) Thursdays 5:30 p.m. Sundays 5:00 p.m. Gloria Edward s Room Childcare Available Upon Request For further information, contact Gina Nobinger (256) 297-1030 or email rolltimer@gmail.com. Men s Retreat Men, make plans now to attend our retreat on May 1-2 at LeConte Lodge. Cost is $150, which includes meals. Contact Johnny Cook for details: 256-338- 8085. High atop Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, LeConte Lodge is the highest guest lodge in the eastern US. It is situated in an open glade just below the summit at an elevation of 6,400 feet where it commands spectacular views of the Smokies. The Lodge is accessible only by hiking, with five optional trails ranging in length from 5 to 8 miles. Youth Fundraising If you have any work that needs to be done, from babysitting to yard work, please contact Jonathan @ 256-339-7406. All the money raised will go directly to the student s account for the youth mission trip. Youth Fundraising Dinner Friday April 24 th at 7pm the youth will be hosting a dinner in the fellowship hall. This will be a white table cloth event with the youth serving and providing live entertainment. Tickets to this event will be $20.00 per person. Childcare and dinner will be provided for $5.00 per child. Tickets will be on sale starting March 29th Holy Week Service, Wednesday, April 1, 7:00 p.m. Is your heart ready for Easter? Prepare to celebrate Christ s resurrection by remembering his words and actions in the Upper Room on the night he was betrayed. Singing, Gospel readings, and the Lord s Table take us back in time to that most holy night. Please join us, you ll be glad you did. Nursery provided. Covenant School Registration for 2015/2016 School Year starts March 2 nd. We offer classes for children ages 3 1 st grade. Tuition Prices: Preschool Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:00 11:30 -- $145/month 8:00 2:30 -- $165/month Kindergarten: Monday - Friday 8:00 11:30 -- $190/month 8:00-2:30 -- $225/month First Grade: Monday Friday 8:00 2:30 -- $275/month Registration forms can be picked up in the church office or see Jennie Reid. Registration fee is $100 and must be turned in with the registration form. Return forms and money to Judy in the office. Jennie Reid can be reached at 256-338-1114. Prayer Chain Your brothers and sisters in Christ are eager to pray for you. Please call with any requests and know that God s people are praying. Prayer Chain Leader: Terri Johnson 739-5247 Nursery Volunteers Schedule March 22 9-10:15 - Gwen Hays, Dawn Cook 10:30-11:15 - Bo Shirey March 29 9-10:15 Laurie Ewing, Janice Newlin 10:30-11:15 - Steve Nyquist March Birthdays 23 - Wood Nesbitt 26 - Gary Cornelius 26 - Kelley Johnson 27 - Glenda Murcks 28 - Jarett Anders Attention Wallace Students & Career Young Adults Feeling out of place? Do you have a desire for community? As an extension of our College class this summer, we have seen the need for an ongoing fellowship among our local college students and those that go directly into the work force. Please join us during the Sunday school hour in the chandelier room. We will be starting the fall with discussions on singleness, relationships in a social media age, and biblical principles for manhood, womanhood and marriage. Please join us! The Sheffields & the Quinns Shorter Catechism 27. Wherein did Christ s humiliation consist? Christ s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. Men s Conference in Cullman Men and boys ages 10 and up are invited to The Unique Male men s conference, held at The Loft on Saturday, March 21 from 8:30 til noon. Speakers include Chad Williams, retired Navy Seal, John Croyle, founder and director of Big Oak Ranch, and Jerry Lawson, pastor of Daystar Church. Flyers available in the narthex. See Dave Ozment for more details.