en Lost people found, hurting people helped... http://www.columbiagrove.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=144 Beginning September 1st, office hours will be: Monday: By AppointmentWednesday: 9-4Thursday: 9-3 Friday: By Appointment For Administrative Assistance contact 860-4001 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:45:05 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=50&article_id=141 Change happens. People need to make changes to their automatic giving for a variety of reasons. Perhaps God has blessed you with more income and you want to pass that blessing on to your church family? Perhaps you're changing banks and need to update giving information. Perhaps you need to reduce your giving for a period of time. Whatever the reason, it's relatively easy to make changes. Here's how: 1.Download and print off this form. (The reason we ask for a paper copy is so that we have your dated signature on file) 2. Fill out and deposit this form in the offering plate Sunday or mail it to our church office: (200 Palouse Street, Suite 102,Wenatchee WA 98801 ) 3. Pat yourself on the back for being a responsible giver. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:14:31 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46&article_id=129 Now it's possible to give online using a simple, secure process. Click here to give. You will be directed to a secure sister site hosted by Vanco Services. May God bless you for your generosity. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:13:16 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=99 Soles from Heaven is a Columbia Grove ministry that provides new shoes for needy children of the Wenatchee Valley. This is done in partnership with Serve Wenatchee Valley and its annual "Back to School Clothing Giveaway" event which provides clothing and other school supplies for underprivileged children returning to school. Columbia Grove feels that kids can "run faster, jump higher and learn better with new shoes". Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:59:45 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=143 Here is the report from Serve Wenatchee Valley:Dear Partner in ministry, Balloons, stacks of shoe boxes, tables and racks filled with pieces of clothing, haircuts, music, popcorn, cookies and punch, boxes of new socks, face-painting, story –telling and much more brought excited looks to the faces of children and appreciative expressions on the faces of their parents. Hundreds of volunteers and numerous contributors demonstrated what God can do when churches and a community work together. Our seventh annual Back-To-School Clothing Giveaway was an incredible blessing for all who participated. Despite the 100+ degree heat and fears that we might run out (especially when families started lining up at 3:45 am) every one of the children was served. The numbers speak volumes about how lives were touched through the event...... - 1058 children received a new pair of school shoes - 986 bags of clothing were given away - 350 free haircuts were provided by the staff/students of the Academy for Hair Design - Over 2500 pairs of new socks were given away - Over $22,000 donated towards the purchase of new clothing and shoes But the numbers do not tell the whole story. The excitement of seeing children get new/used clothing for the new school year and the appreciation of the parents seeing the needs of their children met tell the story which words and numbers are inadequate to express. We would like to express a special word of thanks for your support in helping us make this event possible. Events like this make me appreciate even more the valley in which we live. A spirit of generosity is continually demonstrated by businesses and individuals within our valley to help the less fortunate. Thank you from Bob Shepard, Director of Serve Wenatchee Valley. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:58:29 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=104 On August 18, 2007 Columbia Grove was a significant part of Serve Wenatchee Valley's Back to School Giveaway. Over $24,000 was raised for the children of our valley (not counting donated clothing) which provided:1,003 pairs of new shoes876 bags of clothing 2,000 pairs of socks 325+ Haircuts 550 Stocking caps 400 Children's books250 faces painted 150 prayer times 1100 balloons 2500 cookies Worship Bands from Valley Praise Center and Columbia Grove kept everyone tapping their feet. Thank you to all who helped on this project and thank you for demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ to over 1,000 families. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:58:29 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=46 Covenant World Relief is the international humanitarian aid arm of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Its mission is to offer relief, rehabilitation, and development in Christ's name to the "poorest of the poor" in our world community. How do you give to Covenant World Relief? Checks can simply be sent to The Evangelical Covenant Church 5101 N Francisco Ave Chicago, IL 60625 and memo marked CWR or Covenant World Relief. Write in a particular designation if so desired. Or click here to give online to Hurricane Relief Fund. Funding. Covenant World Relief (CWR) depends upon the greater Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) constituency for its annual donations. Annual funds are raised through a fall CWR campaign in local Covenant churches, monthly donors, bequests, and special disaster response projects. Annual distributions have ranged from 1 to 1.5 million dollars in these past years. Distribution. In general, donations made to CWR projects are distributed through the CWR Grant process in the first six months of the following year. Special provisions are made for emergency natural and man-made disasters. (CWR does respond to North American disasters, but in a limited capacity.) Stewardship. In the past ten years, overhead has varied between 3 and 12% of annual collected receipts, depending upon income and staff composition. In 2002, approximately 96 cents of every dollar donated to CWR went directly to helping people in need. Staffing. CWR employs a single half-time staff person, the director. The director of CWR reports to the president of the ECC and works closely with the CWR Commission. The CWR Commission is appointed by the Covenant Executive Board. Offices. In an effort to manage overhead costs, CWR does not maintain permanent office space. All correspondence should be directed to the offices of the ECC. Partners. CWR works largely in partnership with other relief agencies. We work closely with Community Development groups that have the guidance of staff persons/missionaries from the Department of World Mission of the ECC. Some of our other long-term partners are World Relief (to which CWR is the largest denominational donor), Church World Service, Bread for the World, Mercy Ships, Project Mercy (Ethiopia), and Foods Resource Bank. These partnerships enhance CWR's ability to maintain a very low overhead cost. News. Watch the home page of ECC website at www.covchurch.org, for articles about CWR projects and partnerships, or use the button at left to search the news archive for CWR-related articles. Resources. The most recent issue of the Covenant World Relief Reporter is available for download. Additional resources for churches and individuals interested in supporting CWR projects are available from Covenant Resource Center at 1-800-338-4332 (IDEA). Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:48:26 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=22 Pastor Andrew Thompson comes to us from Chicago IL, where he served as Worship Leader at Redeemer Church in Park Ridge, IL while completing his Master of Divinity degree through North Park Theological Seminary. Prior to that, he served as Minister of Music and Youth at Wiley Heights Covenant Church in Yakima WA for seven years. He is a published songwriter whose songs are being used by churches across the US and Canada and he has recorded a number of CDs. He and his wife Anita, both grew up in Nelson B.C. They married in 1995. They have two daughters, Lauren and Elizabeth. Their house also includes two rabbits: "Joseph" and "Flowercup," a cat named "Snowflake" and a Beta fish, whose name they keep changing. In their spare time, the Thompsons like biking, cross-country skiing and trying to figure out how to keep the plants in their yard alive. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:24:42 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=136 We'd love to have you stop by our office mid week. We're at 200 Palouse, Suite 102 in Wenatchee. (Across from the Bruce Hotel, near the Liberty movie theater.) Office hours are Tuesday - Thursday. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:19:32 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29&article_id=103 Our church is involved in a variety of camping programs: Teen Camp with Kootenay Covenant Bible Camp. Children, Teen and Family Camps through Cascades Camp and Conference Center. Informal multi-family camping trips at various times. Contact the church office for information on upcoming events. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:14:56 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29&article_id=43 Youth Group meets on Thursday night from 6:30- 8:00 at Pastor Andrew's house. Each evening includes music, games and a Bible discussion.The youth group is open for all student in grades 7-12. During the school year, roughly once a month, we have a "Rally Night" where we crank things up a bit, meeting instead at a nearby gym (location varies) with larger scale games, music with a full band, and an evangelistic message. In addition, every fall we offer a "Youth Leadership Training" class that offers an overview of Bible basics, along with basic character, leadership and ministry skill development. More than anything teens are regularly involved in a variety of ministries in our church: playing in the worship band, delivering Children's sermons, teaching younger students, serving on short term mission teams, leading in prayer and worship and leadership. We believe in the gifts and talents that God is placing in the next generation and are doing all we can to create a healthy space for these young lives to grow and thrive. Please contact Kari DeMarco, our Youth Ministry Coordinator with questions. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:14:32 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=77 Here's the latest news from Columbia Grove Covenant Church. Please read along and respond as God leads you. Galatians 3:1-14 Faith or Observance of the Law 1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? 4 Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by your observing the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because "the righteous will live by faith." 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, "Whoever does these things will live by them." 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole." 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Check the online calendar for details) THIS WEEK IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON HELPING AT THE BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY EVENT ON AUGUST 16TH In an effort this year to get better organized, there will be a sign up sheet the next two Sundays for anyone planning on helping at the giveaway. We will then attempt to assign particular jobs to make the day go smoother. Also, when signing up, take a card with you letting you know times and places for everyone involved. There will be a short gathering at the First Presbyterian Church at 7pm, Friday, August 15th for instructions, unloading the cases of shoes and final preparations. Serve Wenatchee Valley is gearing up for over 1000 kids this year and Columbia Grove is an important part of that event. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask at the Connection Station or call the church office at 860-4001. WE NEED BOOKS FOR THE BOOK DRIVE BENEFITING THE "BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING GIVEAWAY" ON AUGUST 16 Chrisy Clay is looking for gently used children's books to be given away at the "Back To School Clothing Giveaway" on August 16th. Last year, Chrisy gave away over 400 books to children that wanted to read. This year, the demand is up and she needs books to make this happen. Whatever you can donate would be most appreciated. There will be a designated table to deposit your donations for the next two weeks. Thank you for supporting this great ministry. LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP FOR COMMITTEES FORMING ON NEXT STEPS The Facility Search Committee will be meeting in the next week. If you are interested in joining this team, there is a sign up sheet at the Connection Station for this last week. This group will search for possible locations for Columbia Grove's next steps in a possible Community Center/Worship Center. Lois Davies chairs this committee and can be reached with any questions at 784-1084. LOOKING FOR A WAY TO SERVE OTHERS? How about looking into the new Service Ministry formed. Christmas in November is the current focus. Welcome to anyone interested. For more info call Renee Monson at 662-0333. MISSIONS TEAM FUND RAISER The missions team and their volunteers will be manning the Quincy/George I90 Rest Area August 22 and can use volunteers and cookies. For more information, call Jennifer Neff at 886-3891 or Sean Hudgins at 881-1293. NOTE: You do not have to plan to go on the trip to volunteer to help. If you plan to go on the mission, here is your chance to have some help toward funding your trip. POSSIBLE ALL CHURCH BBQ SATURDAY OR SUNDAY? Columbia Grove really likes to hang out together. Any volunteers to host a BBQ before summer ends? If you are interested in hosting, call the church office at 860-4001. UPDATES SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITY Columbia Grove is very much about serving others, and as a part of that missions trips are very important. In the summer of 2009, Columbia Grove will embark on it's very first missions trip to Costa Rica for one week. A small village North of San Jose is in need of a work team to help build a community center as an outreach to the locals there. We are also planning to host a Vacation Bible School at the same time. Other opportunities are also available. This is a multi-generational trip. If this interests you, please contact Jennifer Neff at 886-3891 or Sean Hudgins at 881-1293 COMING UP THE ANNUAL "BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING GIVEAWAY" ON AUGUST 16TH You are welcome to volunteer for this year's Back To School Clothing Giveaway on August 16th from 9-noon. This is the 5th year, Columbia Grove has partnered with Serve Wenatchee Valley for this event. The children of the Wenatchee Valley receive gently used clothing, haircuts, new tennis shoes and socks to head back to school this next fall. COLUMBIA GROVE'S OFFICE INFORMATION: Located at: 200 Palouse Street, Suite 102, Wenatchee. Office Phone:509-860-4001 Office hours are: Tuesday 9-12 Wednesday 9-4 Thursday 9-12 Friday - All-Staff prayer meeting every other week 3-5 PM Please check the full online calendar for other details and planning. "In the New Testament it is the work and not the workers that is glorified." - Alfred Plummer WAYS TO GET CONNECTED If you would like to volunteer or are interested in knowing more about how you can make a difference, please contact the following people and they can answer any questions, or sign you up.The volunteer calendar is made quarterly, and there are always openings for new volunteers. Feel free to contact anyone below if you feel that you need to be a part of these ministries. HELP WANTED Children's Church is looking for teachers for the fall. Woman's Ministry is looking for one or two or several Women to coordinate events. If you have skills in planning,hosting,or throwing a fabulous get together contact Meghan Rush. If you have a gift with children, then nursery may be for you! For Nursery volunteer opportunities contact Shari Snodgrass. To help with Refreshments,whether you choose to bring healthy snacks or baked goodies, please contact Meghan Rush. If you are bringing snacks, it is requested that you help serve the snacks and pour the juice. For Children's Ministry contact Meghan Rush. (Basic background check required) For Chair Warriors contact Tom Leonard. For Music Ministry and Audio/Video, contact Dave Belton. Please remember to thank these individuals for their continued service throughout the year. We could not do what we do without them. Hospitality - Gene and Kathy Fairchildk Communion Setup - Lisa Nelson Communion Servers -Angie Arnold/Faith Cowgill and Tom and Jill Leonard Children's Church - Aundrya Fuog, Sue Floyd and Jennifer Neff Children's Message - Kate Norland Chair Warriors - Tom Leonard Nursery - Mackenzie Mahon and Gayle Miller NURSERY NOTE: Please don't forget to pack up the nursery area and roll everything into the auditorium to be locked up for the week. Thanks a million. Refreshments -Becky Long and Linda Magnuson NOTE: One volunteer is requested for refreshments on 9/14, 11/9, 11/23. If you could help out, call Meghan at 679-7898. Click here to help find your CGCC ministry team fit. All students in 7th through 12th grade are welcome to attend. We will continue to meet at various locations on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8PM. Watch your email for locations. UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS: For more information on all Youth Group activities contact Kari DeMarco or at 662-1374. LIFE GROUP UPDATE K2 KINGDOM KIDS - WEEKLY K2 SEASON ENDED K2 will resume in the fall. For more info on K2 click here. If you would be interested in hosting or co-hosting a Life Group, please call Pastor Andrew at 670-3265. For more information on Life Groups click here. Click here for all Life Group options and schedules. SERVE WENATCHEE VALLEY NIGHT AT THE APPLE SOX GAME Tuesday, August 5th is the night to bring your family to the baseball game. Tickets are $5 each and 1/2 of the proceeds go to support our ministry partners at Serve Wenatchee Valley. Game Time 7pm. ARTIST AT OHME GARDENS You are invited to join Susan Floyd (our resident artist) at Ohme Gardens on August 11 and 12th from 10:30-2pm. "Critters and Bugs" is the title. Learn to paint in watercolors. Bring a sack lunch. Cost: $30 includes both sessions and supplies. Proceeds go to support Ohme Gardens. For more information, contact Susan at 665-9366. If you have any items or services you would like to provide church members, please e-mail Linda Belton and we will do our best to post it by the following week. PRAY BIG, PRAY BOLD, PRAY BETTER Lord, I lift up the prayer focus in our church. Make us into a house of prayer. We desire to be clear-minded and self controlled so that we can pray first, always, continually and thankfully. May everyone recognize that this is Your desire for all and not just a few. Use us to stand in the gap for others. Let there be prayer ministry among us that is powerful and effective. Amen ~Don Miller Chuck and Betty Mosher would appreciate your continued prayers for their nephew, Brian, who has been diagnosed with liver cancer. He is currently undergoing intensive chemo. Click here to submit a prayer or praise request online. Groups pray for submitted requests throughout the week. If you would like to submit a private prayer request for Pastor Andrew, please click here. Subscribe to our Podcast! THIS SUNDAY: Galatians: Galatians 3:1-14, "New Faith, New Family" This Sunday continues a preaching series through the book of Galatians. We'll start our study of Paul's struggle to define the gospel amidst a culture that didn't understand it, and many outside forces seeking to distort it. UPCOMING SERMONS: Andrew Thompson - Pastor 670-3265 Kim Hudgins - Kingdom Kids Director 670-3116 Linda Belton - Administrative Assistant 860-4001 Dave Belton - Music Team Coordinator 670-8076 Click Here for a full directory of ministry team leaders. IS YOUR BUSINESS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN EVENT OR UNDERWRITING A MINISTRY? There has been some interest in this idea and we have provided a form online for you. Thank you in advance for your support. If you are interested in sponsoring an event or ministry, Click Here ONLINE GIVING IS HERE!! You asked for it - we got it - online giving!! Fast, secure and easy. For the website link, click here or to go directly to online giving form click here. As Always, Linda Belton, Administrative Assistant Columbia Grove Covenant Church Wed, 6 Aug 2008 14:57:31 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=76 Here's the latest news from Columbia Grove Covenant Church. Please read along and respond as God leads you. Galatians 2:11-21 Paul Opposes Cephas 11 When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. 14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? 15 "We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. 17 "But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn't that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. 19 "For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Check the online calendar for details) THIS WEEK MEN OF COLUMBIA GROVE This Saturday, July 26th, you are invited to breakfast at the Country Inn at 8am. After breakfast, the group will travel to the field of dreams on 9th Street and disassemble the tent. The process goes much faster with lots of help. For more information, contact Dave Belton at 670-8076. Thank you in advance for donating your time and talents. CHANGES TO NOTE The Columbia Grove Internet OR the "log in" portion of the website has been updated. It is intended to be more user friendly. If you get stuck, don't hesitate to call the church office at 860-4001 or my cell at 679-5497 for help. IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON HELPING AT THE BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY EVENT ON AUGUST 16TH In an effort this year to get better organized, there will be a sign up sheet the next two Sundays for anyone planning on helping at the giveaway. We will then attempt to assign particular jobs to make the day go smoother. Also, when signing up, take a card with you letting you know times and places for everyone involved. There will be a short gathering at the First Presbyterian Church at 7pm, Friday, August 15th for instructions, unloading the cases of shoes and final preparations. Serve Wenatchee Valley is gearing up for over 1000 kids this year and Columbia Grove is an important part of that event. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask at the Connection Station or call the church office at 860-4001. BAPTISMS THIS PAST SUNDAY Congratulations to Becci Piepel, Samantha Sinko, Mackenzie Mahon, Jarred Mahon and Travis Mahon. Thank you for the warm outpouring and support Columbia Grove showed to each of these wonderful people. WE NEED BOOKS FOR THE BOOK DRIVE BENFITING THE "BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING GIVEAWAY" ON AUGUST 16 Chrisy Clay is looking for gently used children's books to be given away at the "Back To School Clothing Giveaway" on August 16th. Last year, Chrisy gave away over 400 books to children that wanted to read. This year, the demand is up and she needs books to make this happen. Whatever you can donate would be most appreciated. There will be a designated table to deposit your donations for the next two weeks. Thank you for supporting this great ministry. LOOKING FOR A WAY TO SERVE OTHERS? How about looking into the new Service Ministry formed. Christmas in November is the current focus. Welcome to anyone interested. For more info call Renee Monson at 662-0333. MISSIONS TEAM FUND RAISER The missions team and their volunteers will be manning the Quincy/George I90 Rest Area August 22 and can use volunteers and cookies. For more information, call Jennifer Neff at 886-3891 or Sean Hudgins at 881-1293. NOTE: You do not have to plan to go on the trip to volunteer to help. If you plan to go on the mission, here is your chance to have some help toward funding your trip. ALL CHURCH BBQ THIS PAST SUNDAY WOW!! What a great turnout for the BBQ and Wii evening this past Sunday. This is proof that Columbia Grove really likes to hang out together. Any volunteers for another BBQ before summer ends? If you are interested in hosting, call the church office at 860-4001. Thanks to Meghan Rush and family for being such gracious hosts. UPDATES SPORTS AND MUSIC OUTREACH ON THE FIELD After three Wednesday evening of Music and Sports on the "Field of Dreams", we were very pleased to have had 36 kids total for the program. Thank you to all the volunteers not only for the evenings themselves but for the preparation volunteers so the field was ready and the tent was up. You time and talents are so appreciated. HERE'S AN UPDATE ON OUR "9TH STREET FAMILY ADOPTION." Our adopted family is Roberto and Maria Morales. There are four members of the family. They have a 24 year old daughter named Maribel and another member of their family living with them. The family has been given a reprieve and can stay until August 1st. The community is working hard to place the remaining families as quickly as possible. Columbia Grove was able to get a bed that the family desperately needed. Praise for provision for the family in this way. SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITY Columbia Grove is very much about serving others, and as a part of that missions trips are very important. In the summer of 2009, Columbia Grove will embark on it's very first missions trip to Costa Rica for one week. A small village North of San Jose is in need of a work team to help build a community center as an outreach to the locals there. We are also planning to host a Vacation Bible School at the same time. Other opportunities are also available. This is a multi-generational trip. If this interests you, please contact Jennifer Neff at 886-3891 or Sean Hudgins at 881-1293 COMING UP THE ANNUAL "BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING GIVEAWAY" ON AUGUST 16TH You are welcome to volunteer for this year's Back To School Clothing Giveaway on August 16th from 9-noon. This is the 5th year, Columbia Grove has partnered with Serve Wenatchee Valley for this event. The children of the Wenatchee Valley receive gently used clothing, haircuts, new tennis shoes and socks to head back to school this next fall. COLUMBIA GROVE'S OFFICE INFORMATION: Located at: 200 Palouse Street, Suite 102, Wenatchee. Office Phone:509-860-4001 Office hours are: Tuesday 9-12 Wednesday 9-4 Thursday 9-12 Friday - All-Staff prayer meeting every other week 3-5 PM Please check the full online calendar for other details and planning. "In the New Testament it is the work and not the workers that is glorified." - Alfred Plummer WAYS TO GET CONNECTED If you would like to volunteer or are interested in knowing more about how you can make a difference, please contact the following people and they can answer any questions, or sign you up.The volunteer calendar is made quarterly, and there are always openings for new volunteers. Feel free to contact anyone below if you feel that you need to be a part of these ministries. HELP WANTED Children's Church is looking for a few good teachers for the summer. Woman's Ministry is looking for one or two or several Women to coordinate events. If you have skills in planning,hosting,or throwing a fabulous get together contact Meghan Rush. If you have a gift with children, then nursery may be for you! For Nursery volunteer opportunities contact Shari Snodgrass. To help with Refreshments,whether you choose to bring healthy snacks or baked goodies, please contact Meghan Rush. If you are bringing snacks, it is requested that you help serve the snacks and pour the juice. For Children's Ministry contact Meghan Rush. (Basic background check required) For Chair Warriors contact Tom Leonard. For Music Ministry and Audio/Video, contact Dave Belton. Please remember to thank these individuals for their continued service throughout the year. We could not do what we do without them. Hospitality - Karl and Bonnie Schwarck Communion Setup - Michelle Jobe Communion Servers - Bob and Susan Floyd, Gene and Kathy Fairchild Children's Church - Anita Thompson and Becky Long Children's Message - Kay Molenaar Chair Warriors - Tom Leonard Nursery - Lydia Rumley-Wells and Kim Rumley-Wells Refreshments - Birthday Cake NOTE: One volunteer is requested for refreshments on 8/24, 9/14, 11/9, 11/23. If you could help out, call Meghan at 679-7898. Click here to help find your CGCC ministry team fit. All students in 7th through 12th grade are welcome to attend. We will continue to meet at various locations on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8PM. Watch your email for locations. UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS: For more information on all Youth Group activities contact Kari DeMarco or at 662-1374. LIFE GROUP UPDATE K2 KINGDOM KIDS - WEEKLY K2 SEASON ENDED K2 will resume in the fall. For more info on K2 click here. If you would be interested in hosting or co-hosting a Life Group, please call Pastor Andrew at 670-3265. For more information on Life Groups click here. Click here for all Life Group options and schedules. SERVE WENATCHEE VALLEY NIGHT AT THE APPLE SOX GAME Tuesday, August 5th is the night to bring your family to the baseball game. Tickets are $5 each and 1/2 of the proceeds go to support our ministry partners at Serve Wenatchee Valley. Game Time 7pm. ARTIST AT OHME GARDENS You are invited to join Susan Floyd (our resident artist) at Ohme Gardens on August 11 and 12th from 10:30-2pm. "Critters and Bugs" is the title. Learn to paint in watercolors. Bring a sack lunch. Cost: $30 includes both sessions and supplies. Proceeds go to support Ohme Gardens. For more information, contact Susan at 665-9366. If you have any items or services you would like to provide church members, please e-mail Linda Belton and we will do our best to post it by the following week. PRAY BIG, PRAY BOLD, PRAY BETTER Lord, I lift up the prayer focus in our church. Make us into a house of prayer. We desire to be clear-minded and self controlled so that we can pray first, always, continually and thankfully. May everyone recognize that this is Your desire for all and not just a few. Use us to stand in the gap for others. Let there be prayer ministry among us that is powerful and effective. Amen ~Don Miller Chuck and Betty Mosher would appreciate your continued prayers for their nephew, Brian, who has been diagnosed with liver cancer. He is currently undergoing intensive chemo. Click here to submit a prayer or praise request online. Groups pray for submitted requests throughout the week. If you would like to submit a private prayer request for Pastor Andrew, please click here. Subscribe to our Podcast! THIS SUNDAY: Galatians: Galatians 2:11-21, "Conflict in the (Early) Church" This Sunday continues a preaching series through the book of Galatians. We'll start our study of Paul's struggle to define the gospel amidst a culture that didn't understand it, and many outside forces seeking to distort it. UPCOMING SERMONS: Sunday, Aug 3 - "New Faith, New Family" - Galatians 3:1-14 Andrew Thompson - Pastor 670-3265 Kim Hudgins - Kingdom Kids Director 670-3116 Linda Belton - Administrative Assistant 860-4001 Dave Belton - Music Team Coordinator 670-8076 Click Here for a full directory of ministry team leaders. IS YOUR BUSINESS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN EVENT OR UNDERWRITING A MINISTRY? There has been some interest in this idea and we have provided a form online for you. Thank you in advance for your support. If you are interested in sponsoring an event or ministry, Click Here ONLINE GIVING IS HERE!! You asked for it - we got it - online giving!! Fast, secure and easy. For the website link, click here or to go directly to online giving form click here. As Always, Linda Belton, Administrative Assistant Columbia Grove Covenant Church Wed, 6 Aug 2008 14:57:31 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=74 Here's the latest news from Columbia Grove Covenant Church. Please read along and respond as God leads you. Galatians 1:1-10 Paul, an apostle sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. No Other Gospel I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Check the online calendar for details) This Week SPORTS AND MUSIC OUTREACH ON THE FIELD We are excited for the first of three Wednesday night sports and music outreach on the "Field of Dreams." this evening from 6 to 8PM. The next two are Wednesday July 9 and 16 at the same time. Those wishing to volunteer to help with event promotion, games leadership, music or general care of church neighborhood children are asked to contact Pastor Andrew at 670-3265. LOOKING FOR A WAY TO SERVE OTHERS? How about looking into the new Service Ministry forming. An informational meeting will be held Thursday, July 3rd, 6-8PM at the home of Renee Monson located at 1894 Broadview Way in Wenatchee. For more info call Renee at 662-0333. KID'S BIKE FOR SHOES SATURDAY, JUNE 21ST, 10AM Thank you to all the volunteers and helpers that made this event a huge success. UPDATES HERE'S AN UPDATE ON OUR "9TH STREET FAMILY ADOPTION." Our adopted family is Roberto and Maria Morales. There are four members of the family. They have a 24 year old daughter named Maribel and another member of their family living with them. The family has been given a reprieve and can stay until August 1st. The community is working hard to place the remaining families as quickly as possible. Columbia Grove was able to get a bed that the family desperately needed. Praise for provision for the family in this way. SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITY Columbia Grove is very much about serving others, and as a part of that missions trips are very important. In the summer of 2009, Columbia Grove will embark on it's very first missions trip to Costa Rica for one week. A small village North of San Jose is in need of a work team to help build a community center as an outreach to the locals there. We are also planning to host a Vacation Bible School at the same time. Other opportunities are also available. This is a multi-generational trip. If this interests you, please contact Jennifer Neff at 886-3891 or Sean Hudgins at 881-1293 VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT THE MISSIONS TEAM Two more Rest Area weekends are planned for fund raising. The first one is the weekend of July 11th at the Quincy/George I90 rest area. The second is the weekend of August 22nd at the same location. NOTE: You do not have to plan to go on the trip to volunteer to help. If you plan to go on the mission, here is your chance to have some help toward funding your trip. Once again, the team can use volunteers to man the rest area and to bake cookies for the travelers that stop in. If you are interested in helping, contact Jennifer Neff at 886-3891 or Sean Hudgins at 881-1293. COMING UP THE ANNUAL "BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING GIVEAWAY" ON AUGUST 16TH You are welcome to volunteer for this year's Back To School Clothing Giveaway on August 16th from 9-noon. This is the 5th year, Columbia Grove has partnered with Serve Wenatchee Valley for this event. The children of the Wenatchee Valley receive gently used clothing, haircuts, new tennis shoes and socks to head back to school this next fall. A GIVING OPPORTUNITY Foundations Ministries is going to have a silent auction in August to help complete the funding for a new kitchen that is being built this summer. Please think of anything that you would like to offer to this silent auction, baked goods, crafts, paintings, themed baskets, anything that you can create we will auction it off. Please let Connie Toth 667-0946 know of any ideas you have or items that you want to donate. Thank you. COLUMBIA GROVE'S OFFICE INFORMATION: Located at: 200 Palouse Street, Suite 102, Wenatchee. Office Phone:509-860-4001 Office hours are: Tuesday 9-12 Wednesday 9-4 Thursday 9-12 Friday - All-Staff prayer meeting every other week 3-5 PM Please check the full online calendar for other details and planning. "In the New Testament it is the work and not the workers that is glorified." - Alfred Plummer WAYS TO GET CONNECTED If you would like to volunteer or are interested in knowing more about how you can make a difference, please contact the following people and they can answer any questions, or sign you up.The volunteer calendar is made quarterly, and there are always openings for new volunteers. Feel free to contact anyone below if you feel that you need to be a part of these ministries. HELP WANTED Children's Church is looking for a few good teachers for the summer. Woman's Ministry is looking for one or two or several Women to coordinate events. If you have skills in planning,hosting,or throwing a fabulous get together contact Meghan Rush. If you have a gift with children, then nursery may be for you! For Nursery volunteer opportunities contact Shari Snodgrass. To help with Refreshments,whether you choose to bring healthy snacks or baked goodies, please contact Meghan Rush. If you are bringing snacks, it is requested that you help serve the snacks and pour the juice. For Children's Ministry contact Meghan Rush. (Basic background check required) For Chair Warriors contact Tom Leonard. For Music Ministry and Audio/Video, contact Dave Belton. Please remember to thank these individuals for their continued service throughout the year. We could not do what we do without them. Hospitality - Karl and Bonnie Schwarck Communion Setup - Lisa Nelson Communion Servers - Tom and Alicia Sauvageau and Andy and Kari DeMarco Children's Church - Anita Thompson and Becky Long Children's Message - Anita Thompson Chair Warriors - Tom Leonard Nursery - Mackenzie Mahon and ? Refreshments - Jill Leonard and Maureen Phinney Click here to help find your CGCC ministry team fit. All students in 7th through 12th grade are welcome to attend. We will continue to meet at various locations on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8PM. Watch your email for locations. REQUEST: Youth camp is coming up at the end of July. If you, or you know of anyone, who would possibly have a 5 to 7 passenger vehicle that could be used to transport the kids to and from camp, please call the church office at 860-4001. UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS: Meeting tonight Wednesday, July 3rd at the field of dreams. For more information on all Youth Group activities contact Kari DeMarco or at 662-1374. LIFE GROUP UPDATE K2 KINGDOM KIDS - WEEKLY K2 SEASON ENDED K2 will resume in the fall. For more info on K2 click here. If you would be interested in hosting or co-hosting a Life Group, please call Pastor Andrew at 670-3265. For more information on Life Groups click here. Click here for all Life Group options and schedules. JOB OPPORTUNITY The Cancer Care of North Central Washington is looking for a resident Manager for Our House here in Wenatchee. This position can be in conjunction with a full time job during the day. A comfortable one-bedroom apartment and utilities are included. If this interests you, or you would like more information, contact Leona Massengale at 888-2332 or Linda Ramsden at 884-4477. NEED A BABYSITTER? Ciara Johannessen, age 13.5, Certified Babysitter w/First Aid, is looking for a summer job in babysitting. She will be available after June 11. If you need daycare or know of anyone who does, please call 886-5920. If you have any items or services you would like to provide church members, please e-mail Linda Belton and we will do our best to post it by the following week. "Its not what you know, but who you know that counts." Do you have a "Whenever prayer time? Don't gamble with your prayer time. When you take time to put prayer in your schedule, as you do for work, school, going to the gym things get done because they are a set time. Shouldn't our time with God also be set? Keeping in touch with God at a set time each day will make your day so much brighter. Even days that are filled with challenges become a lighter load. God created prayer so that He could get involved in helping us here on earth. SIGN UP FOR SCHOOL OF PRAYER TO BE HELD THIS SUMMER ON SATURDAY JULY 12 from 10-4 in Cashmere. Terry Fike will lead this day of prayer at his home (address to follow). A ONE DAY COURSE TO HELP US COMMUNICATE WITH GOD BETTER or Click Here to Sign Up Online ~Don Miller THANK YOU FROM THE SCHWARCK FAMILY UNEDITED I want to say thank you to all the wonderful people who have prayed for our family the past weeks. Without all the prayers we could not have gotten through the loss of Karl's sister Roberta. Another thank you to those who brought food and helped with making the reception after the funeral so beautiful. We are so blessed to have such caring friends and Church. You have all been a comfort to us in these very hard times. God Bless, Karl and Bonnie Schwarck Bob Floyd requests prayer as he recovers from a painful infection. Chuck and Betty Mosher request prayer for Betty's nephew, Brian as he was just diagnosed with colon and liver cancer at 33 yrs old. Please pray that his health could be restored through treatment. Pray for strength and mercy for Brian and his family during this difficult time. Please pray for Chuck and Betty Mosher as they travel to Oregon to help with harvest and other farm work for their family. May we lift them up for wisdom and strength in their physical activities and that Your hand is on them. Please continue to pray for Alex Stillwaugh. He is at home recovering. Let us lift him up in prayer for healing and restoration of his health. Maureen Phinney asks for prayer for her sister, Janice. She fell off of a ladder and landed flat on her back in her garage. She could sure use prayers for healing. Also, she is also dealing with some personal issues and could use prayer for guidance and strength throughout this very stressful time. Heidi Johannesson asks for prayer as her 31 year old sister, Anne, has been diagnosed with cancer. Please lift up Heidi's other sister, Meegan, who lives in the same town as Anne. Heidi also asks for prayer for her family. May they find strength and courage to face what lies ahead and their faith become stronger. Praise God for Cheryl Keeley in finding a part-time job. Continue to lift her up for provision of work so that she may enjoy easier times. Bob Floyd asks for prayer that his mother-in-law's house in Twisp will sell, and for God's guidance and healing for their granddaughter Julianna. Please continue to lift up Jerry and Bonnie Konishi and a special praise for their family as their childcare for their special needs grandson prayer has been answered for the summer. Click here to submit a prayer or praise request online. Groups pray for submitted requests throughout the week. If you would like to submit a private prayer request for Pastor Andrew, please click here. Subscribe to our Podcast! THIS SUNDAY: Galatians: The Heart of the Message This Sunday begins a new preaching series through the book of Galatians. We'll start our study of Paul's struggle to define the gospel amidst a culture that didn't understand it, and many outside forces seeking to distort it. UPCOMING SERMONS: July 6- Galatians 1:1-10, "Pleasing God, Not People" July 13- Galatians 1:11-24,"Preparation for the Mission" Andrew Thompson - Pastor 670-3265 Kim Hudgins - Kingdom Kids Director 670-3116 Linda Belton - Administrative Assistant 860-4001 Dave Belton - Music Team Coordinator 670-8076 Click Here for a full directory of ministry team leaders. IS YOUR BUSINESS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN EVENT OR UNDERWRITING A MINISTRY? There has been some interest in this idea and we have provided a form online for you. Thank you in advance for your support. If you are interested in sponsoring an event or ministry, Click Here ONLINE GIVING IS HERE!! You asked for it - we got it - online giving!! Fast, secure and easy. For the website link, click here or to go directly to online giving form click here. As Always, Linda Belton, Administrative Assistant Columbia Grove Covenant Church Wed, 6 Aug 2008 14:57:31 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=26 Meghan Rush - vice chair Dave Belton Don Smith Poppy Kelly - secretary Lance JobeKari DeMarco Bob Floyd - CharimanAndrew Toth Wed, 2 Jul 2008 16:49:48 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=140 Is your business interested in helping to sponsor a program or event? We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Here's some ideas:Sponsor a child/teen camp scholarship ($150 pays for one student)Help underwrite a church newsletter (amount varies, $50 suggested donation)Purchase shoes for underprivileged kids ($10/ pair)Help underwrite community field upkeep (amount varies, $50 suggested donation) All sponsoring businesses names and/or logo will be included in associated printed materials. We can provide you with appropriate receipting to confirm your donation as an advertising expense. Ready to do it? Here's how: Step #1 Fill out our online business sponsor form. Step #2 Send your check to: Columbia Grove Covenant Church 200 Palouse, Suite 102 Wenatchee WA 98801 Or pay online. You will be redirected to a secure sister site hosted by Vanco Services. Fri, 30 May 2008 16:09:36 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=27 WORSHIP Welcome - Karl and Bonnie Schwarck, team leaders Helping everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.Communion – Becky Long Setting up weekly communion, so people can connect with God through the Sacrament.Music – Dave Belton, team leader Leading the congregation in worship through music. Chairs – Tom Leonard, team leader Setting up chairs, making room for everyone. FELLOWSHIP Care Meals – Anita Thompson, team leader Providing meals people in the congregation and community in times of special need. Dine-With-Nine – Don Miller, team leader Getting to know each other through sared meals. Card Ministry – Jill Leonard, team leader Making the cards used by Pastor and staff to encourage and thank people. DISCIPLESHIP Membership – Don Miller, team leader Helping people find their full fit in the Columbia Grove family. Women’s Ministry – Meghan Rush, team leader Encouraging and supporting women through a variety of events. Nursery Ministry – Shari Snodgrass, team leader Showing Christ’s love to infants and toddlers during our worship services. K2 Director – Kim Hudgins, team leader Teaching kids about God’s love and helping them grow as Disciples. K2 (Midweek program). Youth Ministry – (Bloop) Kari DeMarco, team leader Helping teens grow and use their talents as followers of Jesus. Various events LIFE GROUPS Life groups are groups of 4 -20 that meet regularly to encourage and help each other grow in their faith. Current Life Groups Include: Mocha Moms - Moms and kids meet once a month for fellowship and play date The Word Project - Literature and how it reflects to scripture. Ragmuffin Gospel - Exploring God's love and grace Beth Moore Bible Study - Living as a Chrostian in today's world. The Life You Always Wanted - Study of the book by John Ortberg. Captain Bob and His Video Voyagers - study of the Holy Land and where Jesus lived. OUTREACH AND SERVICE "Soles From Heaven" Outreach - Linda Belton, Team Leader Christmas Service and Outreach– Crisy Clay Showing God’s love through service, gifts and financial help COMMUNICATION Office Angels – Linda Belton, team leader Develops a variety of weekly communication to keep the congregation and community informed of services, needs and events. ADMINISTRATION Leadership Team Helping the congregation make plans and decisions with wisdom and integrity. Meghan Rush (co-chair), Bob Floyd (financial officer/ treasurer) Dave Belton, Andrew Toth, Lance Jobe(Fellowship), Kari Demarco(Youth), Don Smith, Poppy Kelly (Secretary), Financial Secretary –Bonnie Schwarck Keeping accurate, confidential records of personal giving. Wed, 21 May 2008 12:14:33 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=139 Dave Belton is our Music Director and scrambles like a mad man to have all the pieces together by Sunday morning. He is a valuable leader and has a unique talent that enables him to shuffle people and their needs to make the team solid and every person feel valued for their ministry. Dave leads music most Sundays during worship as well as writing his own music. He is looking forward to recording a CD later this year. He has formed a band called "Seventh Day" and enjoys performing throughout the community. Dave is married to Linda and will celebrate his 25th anniversary this year. He also has three children, Jon, LeAnne and Mark. Also gaining 2 daughter-in-laws and one son-in-law this past year the family is growing. Dave is very excited that he and Linda are expecting their first grandchild this fall - it is a girl!! Dave lends his time to Columbia Grove in whatever capacity he can, whether someone needs a hand, a car repair, or any handyman project, Dave is the first in line to help. We are so thankful for his talents. Thu, 1 May 2008 14:54:30 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=13 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=13&article_id=108 Included below are links to audio files that give an idea of what the weekly messages are like. Not every service is recorded (it's amazing how "tech issues" pop up more frequently in a mobile church) , but most are. Here's some samples. Subscribe to our podcast using Itunes From the "Questions I Was Afraid to Ask" Series:Red or Blue - How Would Jesus Vote?Where Did the Bible Come From, and Why the Big Deal About it?What About People Who Never Hear?Should Christians Care About the Environment?Christians and WarAre We In The End Times? From the "Tale of Grace" Storytelling Series:The Forgotten InheritanceThe Pigsty Princess Fluffy the Rebellious SheepThe Impostor PrinceSHMILYThe Stingy BillionaireFinding Father Videos From the Sermon - "Building Lasting Intimacy"Best Marriage Advice You've Ever HeardDid You Ever Wonder if You Would Make it?How Did Your Relationship Change Over Time?Pastor Andrew shares his long range vision for the church. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:20:20 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47&article_id=134 OUR STORY The Pastor’s Perspective I didn’t plan to be a church planter. I’ve been a youth or music pastor for the past ten years. I’ve served two churches, both of them older, established churches, both of them wonderful experiences. In the spring of 2003 I was preparing to graduate with a Master of Divinity degree from North Park Seminary in Chicago and had every intention of re-entering full time ministry as a pastor of some sort. My family and I were in early conversation with several churches and we were excited about the possibilities. Then came a conversation with a close friend, Fred Nelson. He knew me from the time I served under him and his wife, Pastor Carol Breimeier, at a church in Park Ridge, Illinois. He mentioned that he felt that I should be thinking about church planting because of the gifts he had seen in me through our time together. Just a minor conversation, but the thought stuck with me. I started waking up in the middle of the night thinking about church planting. I couldn’t shake it. Soon after, my wife, Anita, found herself thinking a lot about church planting because of a conversation with a friend who talked about how much a church plant had changed her life. As we compared notes and started praying together, we felt we needed to make some inquiries if we were going to be faithful to what God must be prompting us to do. We started a conversation with denominational leadership. Mark Novak, Superintendent, and Don Robinson, Associate Superintendent of the North Pacific Conference, asked about the vision that God had put on my heart for a church plant and were excited to hear that we had an openness and desire to live in Central Washington. They recommended that we attend a Church Planter’s Assessment Center. We attended the center (jokingly referred to in Covenant Church Plant circles as “A-stressment” center) in February of 2003. After several days of church leaders, consultants, church planters and psychologists observing us in a variety of situations, hearing our sense of call, listening to me preach, evaluating our marriage, etc., this group spent an extended time in prayer and conversation asking God for guidance on whether I and we were gifted and equipped in such a way that church planting might be a fruitful ministry path. The Covenant Church doesn’t take church planting lightly. The Center recommended us to the church planting ministry and we knew that we needed to take the next step. Conversations with worship ministry options ended. Now we were entering into a new phase of seeking God on where and when He might call us to plant a church. Wenatchee had been on my mind since my time in youth and music ministry in Yakima. It was the first choice. But was this the right place and the right time? A trip was made to Wenatchee in March of 2003 where Don Robinson and I met with several local families and got a better feel for the area. Things seemed to open up and we both felt very positive about this as a possibility. As people prayed about it, several important “doors” opened, almost at once. Contact was made in that month with three local families, none of whom knew each other. All of whom said basically the same thing: “We’re new to Wenatchee and we’re wondering if the Covenant denomination is going to start a church here and if so, can we be a part of it?” One family moved here from Twisp, another from the Seattle area, and another from Oklahoma got our attention. Another family called from Yakima to say that they had a house in Wenatchee and they would be willing to let us use it to help us get the church started. Contact was made with a local school administrator who happened to know one of my church plant colleagues. Suddenly we had the possibility of a place in the beautiful new Eastmont Junior High building! The three providential “coincidences” (yeah, right...) convinced us that for whatever reason God was and is calling us to start a new church here in Wenatchee. ~Pastor Andrew Thompson What Is A Miracle? By Don Miller What is a miracle? Does God still make miracles happen? Six years ago I retired and my wife and I looked all over the west for a place to spend our retirement years. Wenatchee wasn’t on the top of the list. It wasn’t even on the list. But God had a different idea. We found a number of spots we could have moved to, but it all came down to three problems. I was taking care of my aging parents and every place we picked was too far from our grandchildren. The third reason was also very important to us and that was our church home, Newport Covenant Church in Bellevue, where we had spent the past 25 years. It was family and a place of refuge. In 2002 I lost both of my parents. And during that time I had the urge to look at housing in Wenatchee but my wife wasn’t so sure that was the place for her, and grandkids and the church were still on her mind. In my thoughts, God had placed the idea to start a Covenant church in Wenatchee. To make a long story short, my wife found the perfect home in East Wenatchee and we were only three hours from our grandkids in Seattle and in Spokane. Smack dab in the middle. On November 9, 2002, I called our pastor in Bellevue to inform him that we were moving to Wenatchee and needed his input on starting a church over here. As God would have it, the person I needed to talk to about church expansion, Don Robinson, was sitting across the desk from the pastor. Don informed me that Wenatchee was definitely on their list for church expansion but didn’t meet all the current criteria to make it happen right away. Was God playing around with me, or had I conjured up the thought on my own in order to sell my wife of 46 years on the move? You probably want to know where God’s miracle is in this story. There were so many but the big one came on November 9, 2003—our first church service for Columbia Grove Covenant Church. One year to the day that I was told Wenatchee didn’t meet the criteria. Guess whose criteria mattered most? The Miracle of Columbia Grove Until the phone rang at about 10:00 a.m., Bob Floyd was having a normal day at the office in March of 2003. Bob and Sue were in the middle of the moving process, relocating to Wenatchee from Twisp and experiencing the anxieties associated with a new home. The “yard” was nothing but dirt, the garage was packed to the max with boxes, and nothing had yet been done about finding a new church home. The caller was Don Robinson, Associate Superintendent of the North Pacific Conference of the Covenant Church. Don had heard from the pastor of the Covenant church of Twisp that Bob and Sue were moving to Wenatchee and wanted to drop by and chat. With him was a recent seminary graduate, Andrew Thompson, who felt he and his family were called to start a church in Wenatchee. As it turned out, Andrew was from nearby Nelson, BC, and had worked in youth music ministries at a Covenant church near Yakima. He had also served as a guest speaker and worship leader for two winter retreats held at the Twisp church, and spent time in the Floyds' home on those occasions. Along with two other families, Don and Gayle Miller and Chad and Denise McCurdy, a meeting was held at Bob and Sue’s house to discuss the possibility of planting a new church in the Wenatchee area. While there was a unanimous agreement to pursue the challenge God was offering, a fundamental question was voiced: “Is there a need for a new ministry in this community that can reach out in a unique way and touch people’s lives for Jesus?” A commitment was made to test the water (Columbia water for sure) and find out if the idea would float. Don Robinson arranged for the core families to attend a conference in Denver that specifically addressed the church planting process and offered a suggested timeline for church development, along with offering the wise counsel of many others involved in various stages of the start-up process. The shared experiences, combined with a thorough presentation of the lessons learned by the denomination over the years, proved invaluable, establishing a road map that set directions and goals for the potential Columbia Grove fellowship. The core group returned to Wenatchee with a clearer understanding of the process God was calling them to and a deeper appreciation for the resources available from the denomination. We had a plan and we had work to do. Early in this process, Pastor Andrew explored the potential locations we might use to meet for worship. It was suggested that he contact the administration of a new junior high school just being completed in East Wenatchee regarding the use of the school facilities for services. Andrew’s first contact at the school turned out to be a Christian with Covenant church background! Arrangements were made for the use of the new assembly room for worship meetings, even though no specific schedule was established. The school has been a marvelous provision, serving the Columbia Grove fellowship very well during this early period. Plans were made to hold “practice” worship services from time to time but not weekly until the group grew larger. In the meantime, Pastor Andrew busied himself meeting as many folks in as many venues as possible...coffee shops, parks, music stores, community functions, whatever arose. Don and Gayle Miller invited friends and neighbors to their home on several occasions for potlucks and fabulous deep-fried turkey. Bob and Sue held a neighborhood open house, and Chad and Denise held a backyard barbecue, giving people an opportunity to meet Pastor Andrew as well as learn of the new church “in process” in Wenatchee. As the circle of interested people grew, a first Sunday service was held on November 9, 2003, followed by a few more “practices” over the next few months. There was a sense that we needed to meet regularly in order to give newcomers more opportunities to check us out and respond to God’s leading. Finally, on February 15, 2004, regular weekly services commenced. The miracle of Columbia Grove continues. God continues to draw people to His Kingdom as Columbia Grove tries to be faithful to its mission of creative, Bible-centered ministry to every generation. EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH OF AMERICA WHO WE ARE . . . Background Swedish Lutheran immigrants founded the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant of America (now Evangelical Covenant Church) on February 20, 1885 in Chicago, Illinois. A pietistic religious awakening swept through Sweden and seventeenth-century Europe that emphasized the need for a personal relationship with Christ and sanctification through the Holy Spirit. A leader in this movement was Philip Jacob Spener, who through his widely influential writings challenged the Church to deeper spirituality. Particularly important was his call for widespread reading and study of the Bible, greater participation by lay people in the work of the church, and simple and clear preaching geared to the needs of the people. Out of this awakening and reformation came the Swedish Mission Covenant Church in 1878. However, the Swedish state church discouraged and often persecuted the gathering of these believers. It was people from this movement that immigrated to America and formed the mission in 1885. These leaders created a volunteer covenant of churches that were committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and to providing a means for ministerial training. The name of our denomination was changed to the Evangelical Covenant Church of America in 1937. The dynamic life-giving and life-shaping power of the Word has been at the heart of the Evangelical Covenant Church since its beginning. Our Denomination The denomination headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois, where they also operate North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary. The highest authority is an annual meeting of delegates sent by local congregations. Covenant Publications is the publishing arm of the denomination. A major denominational ministry includes not-for-profit senior housing at 14 Covenant Retirement Communities throughout the United States. ECC is one of the top ten suppliers of such housing. We also have ongoing missions in 16 countries worldwide with 91 career, 9 project, and 30 short-term missionaries and a worldwide church membership of 325,000. For more information on the Evangelical Covenant Church of America see www.covchurch.org. Significant Emphases Evangelicals have been characterized by a number of significant emphases including: A strong insistence on biblical authority The absolute necessity of new birth Christ’s mandate to evangelize the world The continuing need for education and training in a Christian context The inescapable responsibility for the advancement of social justice At times the emphases have been one-sided or unbalanced. However, the evangelical movement today is the fastest growing element in the Christian church. Always closely allied with the modern missionary movement, Covenanters have enjoyed cooperating at home and abroad with all groups whose spirit is evangelical. In this way we are true to the spirit of the text expounded at the birth of the Covenant in 1885: “I am a companion of all who fear you.” Psalm 119:63 Faith and Practice The Evangelical Covenant Church believes the Bible to be the inspired Word of God and the only rule for , while valuing the historic affirmations of the church as well. The church has six main covenant affirmations: The of the Word of God The necessity of the . A commitment to the of the church. The church as a ________________ of ____________________ A conscious dependence on the . And the reality of in . We have been described as “non-dogmatic” open to differences of opinion while remaining orthodox always asking, “Where is it written?” The church practices both infant baptism and believer’s baptism (by any method), observes Holy Communion, and opposes abortion (with life of the mother as an exception), practices ordination of women, affirms marriage as between man and woman, and opposes assisted suicide. WHAT WE BELIEVE . . . “On one level, the answer is quite simple. When a new member joins a Covenant Church, they are asked two questions about belief: Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and promise to follow him as Lord? Do you accept the Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, as the Word of God and the only perfect rule of faith, doctrine and conduct? You are then asked if you intend to live as a faithful follower of Christ and member of the church and denomination. That’s all. That is enough. But on another level, of course, the answer is a good deal more complex. While the Covenant Church does not require adherence to any written creed, we take our theology and history very seriously. We are a reformation church, a part of the Church universal, and an evangelical church. In that heritage, we share certain central beliefs which draw us together in faith and fellowship and make possible a freedom among us on more widely ranging issues. For more information see: http://www.covchurch.org/cov/resources/Covenant-Affirmations2006.pdf Common Christian Affirmations It is the purpose of this class to provide a context for the affirmation of our living faith in language understandable to people within and outside of our fellowship. Such a statement is neither to be construed as a creed or a formal doctrinal statement. All affirmations are subject to the authority of the Word of God alone. With this as background, we make four basic affirmations concerning our faith in common with the whole Christian Church. We are an apostolic church. We are a catholic (universal) church. We are a reformation church. We are an evangelical church. We are an apostolic church because we confess Christ and the faith of the apostles as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. Covenanters have always affirmed the Bible to be “the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine and conduct.” The Bible itself states in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” The Covenant church has chosen to be more precise than this in stating its views of inspiration. The authority of the Bible is supreme in all matters of faith, doctrine, and conduct and it is trusted. “Where is it written?” was and is the Covenant touchstone of discussion with regard to faith and practice. In this sense we are an apostolic church. We are a catholic church in that we are part of the universal Church that has existed from the days of the apostles until now. In the first several centuries of the Christian era there were a series of affirmations concerning the faith of the Church that have been accepted by the mainstream Christians throughout history. The Covenant Church considers itself a part of the catholic tradition and recognizes its indebtedness to the early creeds and confessions of the Church as the concise statements of biblical faith. We refer specifically to the Apostles and Nicene Creed. We are an evangelical church. Four hundred years have passed since the Reformation. New issues have risen upon which Scriptures have shed light. The Covenant Church, consistent with its background in Pietism, sees in the emergence of evangelicalism a movement that gives expression to several of our basic emphases. Many have defined evangelicalism as Protestantism. It is more accurate, however, to view it as a religious awakening that flowered in Europe and America during the nineteenth century. We are a reformation church in that we see ourselves as standing in the mainstream of the Protestant Reformation, particularly with reference to the doctrine that justification is by faith alone. While affirming with the reformers the sovereignty of the word of God over all creeds, and the priesthood of all believers, the Reformation emphasis on salvation by grace alone through faith alone, apart from the law, has been particularly important. This is well stated in the following excerpt from the Augsburg Confession of 1530, a Lutheran confession with which Reformation churches would generally have agreed. “It is taught among us that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God by our own merits, works, or satisfaction, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith, when we believe that Christ suffered for us and that for his sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us. For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness, as Paul says in Romans 3:21-26 and Romans 4:5.” The Covenant Church also remembers its debt to Pietism, a renewal movement that originated in seventeenth century Europe and emphasized the need for personal life in Christ and sanctification through the Holy Spirit as well as widespread reading and study of the Holy Bible. One Body . . . Many Members The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Class 2 COLUMBIA GROVE COVENANT CHURCH WHY WE ARE HERE . . . We are here to the triune God in spirit and truth. We are here to be in the Word of God so we can mature in our personal walk with Jesus Christ. We are here to enjoy with other people so we can share in their lives and encourage them. We are here to be for ministry so that wherever God places us we can serve the Lord effectively with our whole lives. We are here to trust God __ _ ,to follow the Lord Jesus , and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit WHAT IS OUR CALLING . . . As followers of Christ, we believe that every individual needs to make a conscious and personal commitment of their will and life to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are intent on being a church for all generations and firmly believe that each generation has an important contribution to make to our congregation. We believe our primary calling at Columbia Grove is to recruit and equip people of all ages to become fully devoted followers of Christ, in a Christian community. Growing Together In order to pursue this calling as followers of Christ... We help one another worship God together, not as spectators, but as active participants. We help one another grow spiritually through our understanding of God’s word and practical obedience to it. We help one another pursue our mutual mission of making disciples for Christ through personal and corporate witness, evangelism, missions and service. Through wider denominational and outside ministries we join with other believers to do together what we cannot do alone. We help one another in the practical needs of life, whether through material assistance, emotional and spiritual support, or prayer. Historically, this has been accomplished in our denomination through Life Group support. It is our desire that all members become an active part of a Life Group. How We Worship Worship is central to the life of Columbia Grove Covenant Church. We promote creativity, diversity and authenticity in worship. Expect to hear the message presented in a variety of ways. Expect to see a variety of people in leadership. Come as you are; dress however you dress. Bring all your questions. Bring all your talents. There is a place for you in worship. We are serious about creative, Bible-centered ministry to every generation. We long to see generational and cultural gaps bridged through worship, and together bring the compassion and justice of Jesus to hurting people. We want grandparents, parents and children to enjoy each other’s faith, music and art. We want to be a place where people can ask honest questions and have honest conversations. We want to be a place where people’s talents flourish. We want to be a church that cares more about people than programs or doctrine . . . a place of fun and fellowship as we worship. Life Groups The Word of God is the reason behind the formation of small group Bible studies that are the building blocks of our church. Our forbearers were nicknamed “readers” for their private devotional reading of the scriptures. We continue small group Bible studies in confidence that the Word will shape the life of the believer and the believing community. Why do we have Life Groups? Everything in life revolves around relationships . . . everything. The most important relationship is a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus Christ . . . a vertical relationship. But let us not be so heavenly high that we are of no earthly good. Horizontal relationships bring balance to this life. And the best horizontal relationships are covenant commitments to live with others, to become connected with others in a basic Christian community. A church should be large enough to celebrate while remaining small enough to care. In Acts 20:20, Paul’s vision was to preach the message in public (large group worship) and to teach the message from house to house (small group community)...a “20/20” vision for the church. Our church’s mission: “to lead people into a growing relationship with God, each other and unbelievers, through Jesus Christ, into a basic Christian community,” is gleaned from the great Commandment and the Great Commission. Both emphasize a balance of vertical and horizontal relationships. It’s hard to form relationships and come into community when people sit in rows looking at the back of each other’s heads on Sunday morning. Fellowship and expression of our faith in Jesus Christ is the focus of Life Group communities. We have Life Groups so the church can once again become an irresistible Christian community where a person can love and be loved, know and be known, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated. STEWARDSHIP BASICS Finances Despite appearances, people do not love money, at least not in and of itself. We do not dream of collecting a mountain of currency because we are particularly fond of the color of green or think those little pictures of George and Abe are irresistibly cute. Money is merely a link or a means of obtaining what we think will make us happy. If you have been around the church, you probably notice it too is interested in finances. There are those who seem to suspect that the church is in the business to make the vow of poverty a universal reality to its membership. It is easy to forget the real reason why stewardship of our financial resources is so important to the church. The mission of Jesus Christ cannot be accomplished without financial support. Besides supporting our own congregation we cannot hope to comfort the afflicted and heal the wounded of spirit without consistent giving by all of us. Stewardship is the use of God-given resources (God gives us all the resources) for the accomplishment of God-given goals. Jesus fed the 5,000, but to accomplish that feat required that He first obtain the loaves and the fishes. A small boy’s gift was the necessary link which enabled our Lord to replace emptiness with plenty. A great task lies before us, and God asks that we give back to Him that which He has provided for us (our monetary involvement) so that His mission might be fulfilled. The principles of stewardship apply to how we use our time as well as the balancing of the checkbook. We can be instruments of God’s will in our world. When we practice responsible stewardship of our time we become, in a sense, His hands and feet, doing what ought to be done, going places that need His presence. If we cannot find the time, there are many who may never discover the Savior. Talents In case you hadn’t noticed, not all human beings are equally gifted. Some people have so much talent they must wear earplugs to keep it from spilling out. Some of us seem to have been custom built, while a large number of us appear to have fallen off the assembly line. However, perhaps the most important consideration is not what talents we possess, but what we are doing with them. A chipped mason jar filled with water becomes more precious to a man dying of thirst than an exquisite Ming vase lying dry in a showcase. Moses considered himself poorly equipped for God’s mission. He knew the aim was freedom for the children of Israel and yet his evaluation of his own abilities led him to assume that he could play no effective role. He said, “I am slow of speech and tongue.” Like this great patriarch, we often see ourselves as weak links in the process of fulfilling God’s purposes. How can we, with powers and abilities far below those of mortal men, be of help to a Deity who rules an entire universe? Yet, if we yield our gifts, great or small, into the Lord’s hands—as Moses did—we can become a link to accomplishing His mission in significant areas of ministry. Stewardship of even the most meager abilities can bring noteworthy results. Spiritual Gifts and Applications We believe that God gives every Christian spiritual gifts which we are to use for His glory in the service of His people. (See Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Ephesians 4:11-13.) As such, we encourage and expect every member to discover and exercise his or her gifts in a way that will build up the body of Christ and spread the Gospel both locally and abroad. See “Spiritual Gifts Assessment” found at the back of this Inquirer's Class packet. Tue, 8 Apr 2008 12:11:00 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48&article_id=133 Part of what we think it means to be a Christian is to love God through taking good care of his creation. Genesis 2:15 tells us that one of the reasons humanity was created by God was so that we could "work the garden and take care of it." In this section of the site we want to share ideas we've come across for better caring for creation. Please send your ideas to creationcare@columbiagrove.org. We'd love to add your ideas! Some Links: http://www.creationcare.org/ http://www.greenlivingtips.com/ http://www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/ http://greenliving.lifetips.com/ Tue, 1 Apr 2008 11:52:05 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=67 Linda Belton is the Ty Pennington of our amazing "Office Angels" team. With her team of volunteers she keeps the office administration and paper production running smoothly and works like a crazy woman to keep our multiple ministry teams coordinated, connected and informed. She comes to us from an extensive background in sales and marketing. Linda works as a substitute at Eastmont School District and works as a Manager for L'Bri Pure and Natural Cosmetics on top of her time to Columbia Grove. You can usually see her somewhere near our "Connection Station" every Sunday, greeting people and making certain that people have the information that they need. Her positive attitude and fun-loving sense of humor is contagious. Linda believes that God too, has a sense of humor. She is married to Dave and they will celebrate their 25th anniversary in August 2008. Linda is the mother of Jon, LeAnne and Mark who are all the light of her life. 2006 ended with her son Jon getting married to Kelly on Dec 28th. 2007 saw her youngest son, Mark marry his love Chelsie on May 12 and her daughter, LeAnne marrying her love Andy on November 3 in Phoenix, AZ. Linda will become a Grandma in September with daughter LeAnne expecting. Her love for children makes her the honorary Grandma to many children. She's totally nuts about all things Christmas. Linda truly believes in the magic and the "holiday spirit" is in her heart and she keeps it there all year. Her favorite vacation destination is (you guessed it) Disneyland and she tries to visit there as often as possible. Linda's favorite movie is: Polar Express. Linda sings in the Worship Band as her "fun" thing to do and enjoys getting out in the community and making others smile. She is the Chairperson of the "Soles From Heaven" ministry that begins it's 5th year partnering with Serve Wenatchee Valley in their Back To School Clothing Giveaway each August. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:04:12 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=45 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=45&article_id=128 Interested in giving in other ways? Here's some things that we're on the lookout for that could help us better serve and reach others: Music Outreach Related: A small covered trailer - for use with mobile music ministry teams12-15 inch PA "mains" speakers - for use in mobile music ministry teams Office Related: LCD computer monitors - for use in the church office Sports & Outdoor Ministry RelatedSports equipment (balls, cones, bats) - for use in sport ministry on the fieldGrass seed (and lots of it) - for use in sports field maintenance/careFertilizer - for use in sports field maintenance/ carePortable folding chairs - for outdoor worship services and outreach programs Community Service RelatedCanned Food - for help restocking area food pantriesNew Shoes & Gently Used Clothing - for giving away to those in need Please contact our church office if you can help out. We'll gladly issue a receipt for tax purposes. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:29:44 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=24 Children in Worship We love kids. Children are highly valued at Columbia Grove and are an essential part of our family. We do all we can to find ways for kids to be fully involved in worship, and to make worship fun and accessible for them. In addition, we have a special Children's Church program during the sermon section of the service where they can interact with the day's message through activities that are geared just for them. Your kids are welcome to sit with you through the entire service if desired. They are always welcome. However, Nursery care for 0-3 year olds is always available if needed. Children who have made a faith commitment to Christ are invited to participate in Communion, with the permission of a parent. Children who come forward who are not yet ready to receive it as a believer will receive a grape as a symbol of their future participation. Tue, 4 Mar 2008 11:54:26 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=39 We value children. For this reason we do everything we can to promote their safety and wellbeing in church. Here are some of the guidelines we follow in order to do this: At least two adult workers with children at all times Background checks of every children’s worker Required nursery sign in Nursery paging system. If your infant requires you for any reason during the service, the pager you received at sign in will vibrate to alert you. Please return to the nursery area to attend to your infant’s needs. For safety reasons we do not change diapers without expressed written permission of the parent. Mon, 3 Mar 2008 21:46:26 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=38 Expect to be welcomed. Expect that the service will have something for the kids. Expect to hear a wide variety of music. Expect to laugh every now and again. Expect to talk about stuff that matters. Expect to hear the Bible read and discussed. Expect the morning service to last about one and a half hours. Mon, 3 Mar 2008 21:43:52 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=21 How We Worship Worship is central to the life of Columbia Grove Covenant Church. It is a place where we gather, where we learn, and where together we respond to the ongoing work of God in our midst. To enable all of us to respond wholeheartedly, we promote creativity, diversity and authenticity in worship. Expect to hear the message presented in a variety of ways. Expect to hear a variety of styles of music. Expect to see a variety of people in leadership. Come as you are; dress however you dress. Come as you are; bring all your questions. Come as you are; bring all your talents. There is a place for you in worship. Our regular worship service time is 10:00 AM at Eastmont Jr. High in East Wenatchee. Mon, 3 Mar 2008 21:42:32 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=65 The Journey from Visitor to Regular Attender to Member Here's the process for those interested in becoming a full participating and voting member of Columbia Grove.We need your help and involvement to be and do all that God is calling us to. You can help make Columbia Grove better. Step 1 Attend a Q & A Cafe. These are presented on a regular basis after worship on Sunday and lasts about 45 minutes. A lite lunch is provided; childcare is also available. You will get an overview of 1) the history and theology of Columbia Grove and the Covenant Church, 2) current ministry activities, and 3) organizational structure, with the bulk of the time devoted to answering your questions and helping you consider your call and fit in Columbia Grove. The Q & A Cafe is hosted by Pastor Andrew, various members of the Leadership Team, and the church staff. Further information about our history and theology can downloaded here. Mon, 3 Mar 2008 21:40:17 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Welcome to Columbia Grove Covenant Church, a thriving multigenerational church in the beautiful Wenatchee Valley of Washington State. We meet at Eastmont Jr. High School in East Wenatchee 10:00 AM every Sunday. Please take a look around and explore what is underway and consider how you might want to get involved. God is doing wonderful things! Mon, 3 Mar 2008 21:36:38 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=127 If after hearing where we come from and what we're about, you want to pursue membership, here's what would happen next: Step 2 Fill out a Membership Application, either on paper or online. We want to hear about how you came to know Jesus, your gifts & talents for ministry, your hopes and dreams for the church, and how we can best support you in your walk with Christ. Step 3 Attend a "Testimony" evening. We want to hear and celebrate your journey to faith. We also want you hear the stories of a few of the others you will be worshiping and serving with. This time of sharing is informal and happens in a small group setting. Step 4 We welcome you into membership at a worship service. At this service you, will be asked to answer "I do" to the follow four questions. At its most basic, these are the things we ask and expect from every member: Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and promise to follow him as Lord?You have made public confession of your faith and have been baptized. Do you accept the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, as the word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine and conduct?Do you intend to live among God's faithful people, to hear God's word and share in the Lord's Supper, to proclaim the good new of Christ through word and deed, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?Do you also promise to support the ministries of this church, including the conference and denomination to which we belong? Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:21:52 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=123 Fun was had by all who attended and volunteered their time. It was held at our Field of Dreams, on 9TH Street N.E. in East Wenatchee. Wed, 6 Feb 2008 22:08:25 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=124 The children were delighted to have their sweet little faces painted by our very own artist, Sue Floyd. She had a lot of patience, and so did the kids. After they saw the first one, no one wanted to get out of the line. Wed, 6 Feb 2008 22:08:06 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=120 “What is Grace? It is what someone gives us out of the goodness of their heart, not out of protection of ours. Grace is a pleasant surprise. Grace is a kind gesture. Grace is something you did not expect. It is something you certainly could not earn. But it is something you’d never turn down. What is the grace of God? The grace of God says you serve God because you’re saved, not in order to be saved. You love people because you’re saved, and not in order to be saved.” ~Max Lucado – Inspirational Bible Wed, 6 Feb 2008 20:36:05 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=121 You’re not keeping track of right and wrongs, but responding to a system of love and peace. Making a difference and changing lives is the best job in the world. God has given us an assignment. It is simple, just like the ones you did in grade school. However this time it is up to you to decide to do it or not; your parents can’t make you do it. All you have to do is pay it forward to three people you don’t know. Why? You ask. Because everything in the world is hard, and why not try to make it a better, easier place to live? And three is my favorite number. It takes an act of faith to believe in people. Random Acts of Kindness is the politically correct way to label this assignment. Remember, it is not about getting the highest grade; it is about finding the person God leads you to. Listen to your heart when it’s calling to you. Even if it’s a person in severe trouble, reach out and extend your hand. It’s not our place to put judgment and your own values on what others sins’ are. Remember and know: Jesus says, “All sins are level at the cross.” So let’s STOP judging people and let our hearts guide us. Everybody makes mistakes. This is going to be a challenging assignment; it is based on the honor system. Everything good in life requires hard work, so do not get discouraged. Paying it forward and Acts of Kindness are things we all can do. Sometimes it’s scary to think outside the box. People are used to things the way they are. New and different is at times overwhelming. Change is inevitable; growth, on the other hand, is optional, and we cannot give up. We need to show Jesus’ love for His people by showing our love for others. We need to keep our eyes out for others, protect them. It’s our big chance to help. Jesus is calling all of his angels, and you my friend are one of them. You know what happens when someone sees the grace of God? When someone (you) really tastes the forgiving and liberating grace of God? Someone who tastes God’s grace is the hardest worker, the most compassionate giver, and the person most willing to forgive. Remember: Jesus says, “My grace is deeper than your sins.” We are all weak, and we need to have forgiving hearts. When you forgive someone, you are as close to God as you will ever be, because in that forgiveness you are demonstrating the very heart of God, the merciful King. If you want to understand God, if you want to draw closer to him, don’t let another day pass you by. Forgive someone today. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7) I find joy and I know you will too. It is by God’s grace why I am writing this to you. I am excited to shout to the world that there is enough grace for us all. Think of an idea to change the world. Take action! – Chrisy Clay Wed, 6 Feb 2008 20:36:05 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=44 Our Women's Ministry exists to reach women inside and outside the church with the love of Christ. Encouraging them to grow in their walk with the Lord and apply God's Word to their lives. We want to encourage, equip and strengthen them in their faith. Our desire is to empower women to be more Godly in their marriages, relationships and friendships through accountability, prayer and fellowship with one and other. We believe that God has gifted each of us in a special way and we strive to create an environment where these gifts can be expressed and used for His glory. We believe that gossip can be a downfall of a group of women and is always discouraged. "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." Proverbs 11:13 "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down." Proverbs 26:20 We look forward to reaching out to the woman and children in our community to help in any possible way giving all glory to God. We enjoy monthly meetings (typically the last Saturday of each month) as well as wonderful luncheons, bake sales and retreats. Regular Events Monthly Meetings (Sept-May)One Summer EventAnnual Christmas LuncheonLocal Retreat WeekendConference Retreat Weekend (Sept)Bake Sale/Auction For Fundraising We are connected to the Women's Ministries of the The North Pacific Conference. Wed, 6 Feb 2008 18:14:53 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=41 We are serious about creative, Bible-centered ministry to every generation. We long to see generation and cultural gaps bridged through worship, and together, bring the compassion and justice of Jesus to hurting people. We want grandparents, parents and grandchildren to enjoy each other's faith, music and art. We want to be a place where people can ask honest questions and have honest conversations. We want to be a place where people's talents are given a chance to flourish and grow. We want to be a church that cares more about people than programs or doctrine. A place that is full of fun and fellowship as we grow in faith together. See a video regard a recent community service project Wed, 6 Feb 2008 18:04:01 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=105 You are invited to join us this Sunday where you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of coffee. Meet new friends. Talk about things that matter. We encourage children's participation in worship and have several programs for ages 4-12. In addition, nursery care is provided by qualified volunteers. Sat, 2 Feb 2008 14:01:21 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=117 MySpace Music, Itunes and Amazon mp3. Check out the music video for "She's Still Beautiful" on YouTube. Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:35:10 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=110 All of the profits from the above albums go towards a developing fund for Wenatchee Area outreach and service. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:06:47 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=116 Listen to short song samples at the links below: QuestionsChrist Our Hope is HereThat's When You Pray ComeMajesty in MountaintopsPlease Don't Send Me To AfricaShe's Still Beautiful To MeFirst LoveSpeak With GraceSacrifice of ThanksClick here to order online for $10.00 (plus S/H). Mon, 3 Dec 2007 17:30:23 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=85 All That's In MeChrist Our Hope is HereAll This LifeJesus My Treasure Is YouTurn Us Back To You What He's Done For UsCome Jesus ComeLord Give Us EyesHelp My UnbeliefI'll Fly Away Click here to order online for $10.00 (plus S/H). Mon, 3 Dec 2007 15:49:36 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=109 I Know EverythingMaterial WorldThere is a Time For EverythingCome To MePlease Don't Send Me To AfricaReal LoveYou Couldn't Be More FaithfulJust One NameYou're the Only OneClick here to order online for $10.00 (plus S/H). Mon, 3 Dec 2007 15:49:13 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=97 ComeI Long For YouIn Your PresenceI Want You, I Need YouWe Lift our EyesLet The Mountains Cry OutMajesty in MountaintopsSacrifice of ThanksOpen My HeartSong of PraiseTake My HeartWe've Come to WorshipSalvation Belongs to the Lord Click here to order online for $10.00 (plus S/H). Mon, 3 Dec 2007 15:49:13 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=86 Talk To JesusNobody's BiggerKid Like MeJesus Is AliveCreation SongWho is My SaviorSing To You LordGod So Loved the WorldEast To The WestMannaClick here to order online for $10.00 (plus S/H). Mon, 3 Dec 2007 15:49:13 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=33 A midweek program meeting 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday Nights during the school season. K2 meets at Cornerstone Christian Church, 12 N. Chelan St. in Wenatchee. Classes for 4-5 year olds and 6-8 year olds. K2 is a partnership between Columbia Grove Covenant Church and Cornerstone Christian Church. For more information on K2, please contact Kim Hudgins, our K2 Director. Mon, 3 Dec 2007 10:57:44 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=102 Whether you're more the quiet backyard BBQ type, or more the outdoor adventure type, you'll probably find someone here who likes some of the same things you do. Mon, 3 Dec 2007 10:46:53 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=62 The men get together to do fun stuff too. Fishing. Golf. Paintball. (pictured here) Work parties. Breakfasts where no one watches what they eat. It's not as regular or as scheduled, but there's lots of ways to get together to enjoy each other's company. Mon, 3 Dec 2007 10:46:53 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=114 Below a links to organizations that help with international development through small development gifts and/or micro loans. Heifer International. Gifts of animals to encourage better farming and independence. http://www.heifer.org/ Opportunity International. Giving the poor a working chance. http://www.opportunity.org/ Accion International. Helping millions help themselves. http://www.accion.org/ Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:21:18 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=89 Each evening features a Bible story that students explore through games, crafts, music, journaling and a "surprise station." We also have special events throughout the year, including A Harvest party in the fall, A year - end party in the spring, family date nights, and our K2 kick-off Train Party in the summer. Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:06:42 MST http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.columbiagrove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=113 You can listen to and download your favorites via Songslide or order CDs below. Songslide Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:18:58 MST