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03-28-13
The story of Easter never grows old! It is one of intrigue, emotions, politics and power... God's will vs. Man's will, light vs. darkness, good vs. evil and the result is always the same. Jesus Rises from the dead, victorious over Death, Hell and the Grave. Hallelujah Christ Arose!
As we gather on Sunday morning to worship, let's do so with Joy and Hope... Joy in His victory and Hope for our future. Join us this Sunday as we shout Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. See You Sunday.
02-28-13
What a Word we received from the Lord at the close of our Missions Weekend... 'unexpected blessings' were promised as we gave to support the various outreaches of our partners in missions. I am convinced that the Lord is going to extend and expand our influence in the kingdom and in turn we will see our prodigals return to faith in Christ! Be not weary in well doing, we shall reap in due season, if we faint not! I choose today to trust God's word... I choose to believe His report and as I wait patiently... strength will be renewed, hope restored and I will finish the course set before me. Blessings. See you Sunday.
02-13-13
It has been a long while since I wrote on the website... too much has happened to include it in one post, so I will address an upcoming event!
We are enthused about the 2013 Missions Conference, Feb 22-24, 2013. We have some wonderful guests who are heroes of the faith... Dr Hong Yang and his wife, Esther, Owen and Kaye Martin who served more than 30 years in Italy ministering to our Armed Forces personnel, Manning Thornton who has preached around the world the gospel of Christ... locally our Community Impact leaders, Faye Hill of the Low Country Pregnancy Center and many more.
I encourage you to join us on Friday night for updates, reports and worship. Saturday a drop in luncheon from noon until 2 pm, finger foods and fellowship for all. Sunday at 10 am Dr John Childers, Assistant director of Church of God World Missions will be our guest speaker... you don't want to miss this great weekend! Bring your children, let them meet some real heroes... We will also receive an update on th
06-26-12
In only a couple of weeks we will kick off our annual Vacation Bible School... kids will fill the halls and classrooms of our building... laughing, learning and leaving with a sense of wonder and joy. They will be appreciated, accepted and loved... they will be impacted for eternity... lessons learned will not be forgotten. Friends for a lifetime will be made. Adults will act like kids... play like kids... remembering the days of long ago... that is what FAITH does!
Register yours today... Sign up to help out... Pray for our leaders... let's impact children this summer. July 9-13, 2012... See you There!
05-09-12
The words never seem to be enough... The gift of art work, the monetary gift and card... the greetings for my birthday are all much more than I/we expect or deserve. You are truly a wonderful people... I pray God blesses you abundantly for your giving.
The worship services seem to have a fresh energy... the music... altar prayer times all have combined to create an atmosphere of praise and worship that allows the Holy Spirit to have liberty among us. He is glorifying Jesus in our midst. Come into His presence with Singing and into His courts with Praise... See you Sunday.
05-04-12
This Sunday, May 6, 2012, immediately following our Morning Worship service we will gather to celebrate, eat, play and fellowship for an afternoon. Just this week I saw some photos from past events... I was reminded of old friends, some gone on to be with the Lord, others aging and new little ones joining our church family. Don't underestimate the need and benefits of fun and fellowship. Relationships are strengthened, friendships forged and a sense of family make us all feel significant and needed. Let's have some fun... eat, relax, play a little... See you Sunday.
04-17-12
The worship service on March 18th made a oowerful impact on New Covenant. Rob Bailey our State Youth and Discipleship Director spoke, let us view a video of an orphanage in India that houses 500 children, none of whom have a bed to sleep in. You responded... that day $13,000 was given... by Wednesday the total had reached $35,000 and the next Sunday service we recieved an additional $6300... I delivered a check for $40,000.00 to purchase all the beds to the orphanage. Even now monies continue to come in... we will reach more than $50,000 in a couple of days... more than enough to meet the need. The spiritual impact here has been nothing short of miraculous... healing, restoration of families, prodigals returning home and financial blessings abound! God is doing 'amazing' things... He alone is worthy of glory, honor and praise! Let Revival Continue is my prayer! See you Sunday.
02-28-12
The closing service of our Missions Conference was amazing! The presence of the Holy Spirit... the impact of communion and the commitments to give were wonderful...
I must say thank you to our guests, staff, volunteers and everyone who worked so diligently to make this a great weekend. I truly believe it will inspire us to greater involvement in the kingdom of God.
We are in the midst of our 'Seek God for the City' 40 days of prayer campaign. Join us as we pray for our city, nation and the world. See you Sunday.
02-22-12
Today begins our 40 day journey of prayer for our City and our World! You can join with hundreds in our congregation and thousands in the Church of God as we 'agree together' in prayer to seek the good of the city in which we live. Pick up a guide at our Welcome Center in the foyer, you can even download an app... to remind you to pray daily. Sunday morning at 9:00 am join us in the sanctuary for corporate prayer. When we pray... God hears and responds to the cry of His people.
2012 Missions Conference begins on Friday, Feb. 24 @ 7 pm. Join us for an exciting weekend. See our homepage for more info. See you this weekend.
02-14-12
We enjoyed the experience of 100+ members of the Lee University Campus Choir last Sunday... WOW! This week we will be blessed by Covenant Praise... almost 50 of our congregation who give each Thursday night to rehearsal and Sunday's to lead us in worship. I am so grateful for their dedication, sacrifice and service to New Covenant... we have an exceptional group of musicians, singers and leaders. Thank You... we are blessed to not only worship with you, but to serve together. Let's make this Sunay the best ever... not for us... but for the Glory of God! See you Sunday.
02-09-12
In just 2 short weeks, we will be hosting our first Missions Conference... I am excited! The line up is phenomenal... women and men who have sacrificed, served and shared the gospel all over the world will join us for a weekend of worship, reports and sharing stories of faith and hope. I encourage you to attend... Friday night worship, Saturday Drop In lunch and Commtiment Sunday... you can personally meet and greet these heroes of the faith! See you Sunday. Pastor Marc.
01-26-12
Leap year? Our emphasis in February each year is '28 Days' of Challenge, Commitment and Change. Now the month has been extended... I am sure you can handle 1 more day. I hope you will commit to this period of spiritual discipline. It is a powerful way to prioritize your life. Worship leads to Prayer then to Service... the final weekend is going to focus on the Mission of our church. Feb. 24-26 we will be hosting several ministries to give us an update on what is occuring in their field of labor. I am excited and hope you will be as well. 29 Days can make a difference in your life and in the ministry of New Covenant. See you Sunday.
01-12-12
I was reading in 2 Peter 1 today and came across the phrase 'add to'. I realized that every day I have an opportunity to 'add to' or to 'subtract'. I can build up myself on my faith, by praying in the Spirit or I could also allow fear to diminish my confidence in the promises of God. It is my hope that 2012 will be a 'plus' for you. Progress is often made by small steps, rarely does it come in a giant leap forward. It is the discipline of daily prayer, the word of God and obedience to Christ that will enable us to reach maturity. I encourage you to add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, self control, perserverance and kindness. Then you will become fruitful and abound to every good work. See you Sunday.
12-19-11
Sunday morning, December 25, 2011... 11:00 am please join us at New Covenant for an hour of worship, special music and communion as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.
On January 1, 2012 at 10:00 am we will be joined by the Graham Family. They will minister in song, word, prayer and worship. Invite a friend and start the New Year in the house of the Lord. See you Sunday.
12-17-11
WOW... what a month it has been. Christmas is so close and I am excited about sharing the worship services Sunday with the Covenant Praise Choir! I am looking forward to the worship service... to give thanks for God's amazing grace. Mary is doing so much better since the surgery... thank you for your prayers, cards, visits, calls, flowers, food and concern for our family. We are believing for her to be able to join us for worship on Christmas Sunday! The Lord has protected and provided for her care in the surgery and recovery... blessings to all of You. See you Sunday.
11-16-11
I am grateful for... FAMILY, it reminds me that I belong. SMALL CHILDREN, reminds me that joy and wonder are good qualities. ELDERLY PEOPLE, Testimonies of a life well lived. HOT WATER, cleanses my body and soothes the spirit. DIFFERENT CULTURES, teaches me the diversity of creation. SUNSHINE, it spreads joy. SMILES, even in hardship they ease the strain. NAPS, refresh the body and mind. HARD WORK, as sense of accomplishment. DREAMS, daring me to improve. ALL MY CHILDREN, they fill me with pride. PATRIOTS, who sacrifice for ideals and ideas. I am grateful for people who... serve without recognition and expect none, struggle and survive, give help without an expectation of reward, show up without showing off and help others while needing help themselves. A grateful attitude fills us with joy and hope. Share your blessings with others during this season. See you Sunday.
09-17-11
Earlier in the summer, I was extended an invitation by Project One, a Non Governmental Organization, to speak at a noon time chapel service at the United Nations in New York City. I did fulfill that opportunity this past week. Even though security was on high alert in New York as we remembered the attack of 9-11-2011, we were given a tour, then on Thursday at noon we worshipped with fellow believers in the chapel. It is a multi faith facility... I felt it was imperative to testify to the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [Romans 1.16] Along with Mona Knight who sang, we prayed for the Holy Spirit to leave a residue of spiritual illumination to all who follow us. Thank you for supporting us, encouraging us and allowing us to represent New Covenant Church of God to all the world. See You Sunday.
08-27-11
Having lived in the Charleston area for the past 18 years, I have a sense of anxiety when we hear about 'hurricanes and tropical storms'. I missed Hugo in 1989... thankfully... I have experienced a couple of smaller ones and went to Lake Charles, LA. after Katrina to help some churches there rebuild. I want to give thanks to God for protection and ask Him to keep safe the folks in 'Irene's' path. Join us on Sunday as we worship and celebrate the goodness of God. See you Sunday.
07-28-11
What a response... more people showed up for the sessions than had registered... what a blessing! We have enjoyed the training, the fellowship and making new friends. I am persuaded that we will have a more productive season of ministry and be fulfilled in our area of service because of this week. Thanks to all of our volunteers, department leaders and staff who worked together to make it successful. Thanks to Sheila Black for the refreshments during the break... See You Sunday.
07-16-11
I want to commend Sister Donna Hodges and her TEAM for the excellent VBS we enjoyed this week. I also want to thank everyone who made a commitment to pray for the VBS staff this week... the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, sharing and hope. On Thursday night... 25 children and 2 parents made professions of faith in Christ! Hallelujah! What a finish to a great week... will you continue to pray... The Holy Spirit is creating a people of praise and calling a people of faith. New Covenant is responding to His call. See You Sunday.
07-13-11
On July 25 & 26 and also July 27 & 28 we will be offering opportunities for you to be equipped for ministry here at New Covenant. Our leaders and staff will be presenting sessions that will enable you to serve with more effectiveness and confidence. You can register at the Welcome Center or by placing a registration card in the offering. Children's Ministry, Student Ministry, Juvenile Justice, Community Impact, Altar Workers, Ushers/Greeters, Men's Ministry will all be providing training. This is for those who are already serving and for NEW people who are looking for a place to serve...
I need you to register, attend and follow through on serving in ministry. Your involvement is necessary for New Covenant to fulfill the call of God for our city!
Register this week... get involved. See you Sunday.
06-24-11
Just finished up the concluding service of our annual Camp Meeting. WOW... great music, preaching and teaching... prayer at the altars and in the congregation, even in homes and restaraunt parking lots and hotel rooms... a hunger for the Lord is evident among the people of God. Thank you for allowing myself, Mary and our staff to attend. I pray that the effects will be evident in our renewal and commitment to serve the Lord with fervor and excellence. See you Sunday.
06-13-11
All of my children are now adults.. yet even now the cycle of summer affects the way I think and function. It seems that the traffic is lighter, the mornings brighter and the pace is easier than it is during the school year. Students and parents are relaxing on vacations, summer camps are anticipated, road trips, beach trips and sleeping in are in the works. Focus on relationships. Take time to pray. Read a book of the Bible that you haven't gotten into yet... this is a time to explore the word of God when you can focus on it. I hope that you will be refreshed, renewed and inspired to grow strong in faith this summer. Let it grow! See you Sunday.
05-24-11
We will observe Memorial Day this weekend. It is a solemn time as we remember the sacrifices made on behalf of our nation and ourselves. A young man, Cheziray Pressley, will be laid to rest on Memorial Day, he attended the same high school as my daughters and is in fact the same age as one... I am praying for his family. I urge you to remember the men and women who have given their lives so that we might be free. Thank you certainly isn't enough, but it is the expression of our hearts. Thank You. May God give comfort and rest to your souls and to your families.
05-09-11
The wonderful congregation and staff of New Covenant have given Mary and I the honor for the past 17 years of serving as pastor. I have been blessed by the commitment, dedication and service of these wonderful saints of God. They are prayerful, considerate and have a great heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They give weekly to support the ministry and the outreaches of this church. On top of that, they give to us... much more than we deserve. So I say. 'Thank You'. God bless you and reward you for all you have done for us and the kingdom of God. See you Sunday.
04-21-11
He is guilty... by his own admission, he deserved the punishment of crucifixion. Yet, when he asked for mercy, it was freely given. What an amazing act of kindness displayed at the very worst of times... Jesus is dying, yet He takes time to forgive those who assaulted him, to make sure his mother is cared for and that a repentant thief is remembered. These acts offer HOPE to everyone and anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. He is compassionate and able to help us in our worst hour. This is the message of the Cross... there is Hope. See you Sunday. Let's celebrate Easter together.
04-12-11
Spring is a time of HOPE... it reminds us that even though we have endured a season of dormancy, we will break out in new life. Suddenly, shoots of green break through dark earth, then buds appear on trees and one day you wake up and trees are green, flowers are blooming and warmth fills the air. Easter is like that... darkness, cold tomb, death has the Savior in its grip. Suddenly, light breaks out... darkness flees, the grip of death is broken and new life bursts forth... Jesus is alive! Join us for Palm Sunday and Easter week services as we Rejoice and Celebrate the Risen Savior!
03-30-11
The season of Lent, observed by many, provides an opportunity to examine our lifestyles, priorities and desires. Easter season provides us with dramatic swings of events, hoplessness is transformed into exuberation. Pain is eclipsed by victory and sorrow becomes joyful shouts of 'He's Alive'. We know the outcome, yet the story always interests us... because we want Jesus to win... we need Him to overcome... for in Him, we know that we can also overcome our own struggles, battles and in the end be victorious. Remember, because He lives, we shall live also. See you Sunday.
03-14-11
What a beautiful morning in Charleston. Pollen is filling the air, settling on our autos and porches, irritating our noses. It is a great time of year. The season of growth is awakening, new life is stirring beneath the soil. It gives us hope. We need hope now, the turmoil in the Middle East, earthquakes, tsunamis in Japan, crisis situations are erupting. Faith is our anchor of hope. We are not alone. We are not despairing, for Christ is our hope. Pray for the victims and their families... pray for the peace of Jerusalem... believe that Christ is in control. See you Sunday.
03-09-11
This is the beginning of Lent... the period of 40 days before Palm Sunday that the traditional Christian church focuses on repentance and preparation for Holy Week [Palm Sunday through Easter]. Our tradition doesn't ask us to wear a cross of ashes on our foreheads... we should however, be mindful of the times and seasons in which we live. Setting aside a period for reflection on one's life and values is always positive. I believe that this is a year of blessing and restoration. If we will seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything we need will be added to us. Put Christ first. Seek Christ first. Believe Christ first. You can then be assured that the remainder of life will be in its proper place. See you Sunday.