PASTOR’S CORNERLast year, as a church, we did a study on spiritual gifts. We learned that there are many different gifts mentioned in the Bible and that everyone has a gift to share. Gifts are given by God to build up the church and to further the kingdom of God. What a blessing it is to be used by God for the purpose you were created for! As it says in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

On Saturday, February 27th from 3 to 6 p.m., we will be having an opportunity to learn more about spiritual gifts and to grow in our usage of them. We will also learn how to better, listen to God. We are calling this one-day seminar a spiritual gift activation workshop. We are welcoming Rev. Troy Jensen of Exodus Recovery Mission in Somerset, WI. will be our guest teacher/facilitator for that day. Troy has been used of God to bring healing and deliverance to many. I know that this will be a blessed and encouraging event for all who can come.

Another announcement is that we will be showing the movie War Room, on Saturday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m. This will be a free event for the whole community so please invite your friends and neighbors. War Room, is about the power of prayer and it has been a great encouragement to many. Beginning on Wednesday, February 17th, we will be doing a five-week study on prayer using the War Room Bible study material. This study will be held on Wednesday’s during the season of Lent.

The last announcement I am making is that there is a couple’s retreat at Lake Beauty, Feb. 19th -21st. Leah and I have been to this a few times and it is always a blessing. If you are married, please consider going. No matter how long or short you have been married, it’s always good to invest in your marriage. Find out more on the Lake Beauty website and stay tuned for more details on rides, etc.

May the Lord richly bless you during this month when there are many great opportunities for growth.

Pastor Dan

Covenant Highlights Volume 36, Issue 2 February 2016

UCC YOUTH-FEBRUARY 2016

3rd: Wednesday – Help Serve & Clean-up Dinner5:00 p.m. Jr. High set-up & serve dinner5:30 p.m. Eat dinner6:00 p.m. Sr. High cleanup (Take empty plates off tables, wipe down tables, wash dishes, etc.) 6:15 p.m. Game7:00 p.m. Split for Study-“God’s Promises & Guidance”7th & 8th go with Casey and Joy, 9th – 12th go with Jim and Cindy

10th: Wednesday5:30 p.m. Meet at church / go to Jim & Cindy’s Dress for outdoor fun, Dinner @ the bonfire / Outdoor fun/Devotional7:30 p.m. Return to Church

13th: Saturday7:00 p.m. Youth & Youth families meet at church and watch “War Room”

17th: Wednesday5:30 p.m. Supper at church6:15 p.m. Movie Clip/Break into studies

21st: Sunday – CLAY Gathering at Lucky’sNoon – 3:00 p.m., $10 entrance fee / pizza buffet with one complimentary Sundae. Open mic sign-up / bring instrument solo or ensemble, voice solo or ensemble, skit, stand-up comic routine, mime, lip sync etc.

24th: Wednesday5:30 p.m. Supper at Church6:15 p.m. Movie Clip/Break into studies

26th: Friday – Youth Girls with Cindy

Desirable Beauty Event in Chippewa FallsThe cost is $20.  Bring your money for McDonalds.Parents drop you off at my house.  We will leave my house at 5 p.m., eat at McDonalds in Bloomer, travel on to Chippewa Valley Bible Church, take in the event and head back to my house for an overnight.  Parents can pick their girls up by 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27th.

LITTLE LAMBSSomething new!!! Starting in March each Little Lambs teacher will take turns submitting articles for the newsletter. They will share what they are learning for the month and if there will be any field trips.

For His Children!

Gina and the Little Lambs Staff

PRAYERSweet Hour of Prayer

Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. in the UCC Library Anyone is welcome to come. Please write your prayers, with or without your name, on the prayer cards provided in the pews. Place them in the golden bowl located in the foyer. They will be kept confidential asking the Lord to give you encouragement, growth in your faith and abound in thanksgiving with praise. Colossians 1:3 “We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you”.

WOMEN MINISTRIES Women’s Bible Study’s

Women’s Bible study meets on Tuesday mornings 8:45 a.m., at UCC and Tuesday evenings 6:45 p.m., at Lynn Pickard’s on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. The study is called Anything by Jennie Allen. Anything is a prayer of surrender that will spark something. A prayer that will move you to stop chasing things that just make you feel happy and start living a surrendered life that matters.

Set Apart ConferenceMarch 4th & 5th

Built on the foundation of God’s Word, Set Apart offers a time for women to listen, learn, connect and be encouraged in their faith. You'll be refreshed in your spirit and your heart as you hear from keynote speakers. Experience meaningful worship, learn from dynamic workshops and enjoy fellowship with sisters in Christ. Set Apart will be held Friday, March 4th and Saturday, March 5th at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul MN. Check out the website for a list of workshops to sign up for setapartconference.com. If you are interested in going please contact Gerianne Christensen at 715-491-0152.

Women Ministries Renewal Conference 2016March 11th – 12th

Join women from across the Northwest Conference to be refreshed, to be renewed, and to be transformed at the 2016 Renewal Conference. Our conference features dynamic worship that will revive your spirit, powerful and engaging teaching, and varied breakout sessions.Our featured speaker, Nicole Bullock, is a church planter and lead pastor at Blue Oaks Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park. Come and experience this transformative and renewing conference for yourself. The Women Ministries Renewal Conference will be held March 11th -12th, 2016 at Redeemer Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park, MN. If you are interested please call the church office 715-263-2665.

Save the date……Lake Pepin District Women’s

Spring Gathering

PIZZA BUFFETCLAY, Christ Led Area Youth,

Youth 7th – 12th Grade Gathering

Location: Lucky’s Banquet HallDate: Sunday, February 21st Time: Noon to 3:00 p.m.Cost: $10 allows you to have

all the pizza you can eat 1 complimentary Sundae chat with friends your opportunity to share your talents

That day there will be a sign-up to an open microphone. The CLAY Student Leadership will welcome you and share performance location, times etc. We hope to encourage each other by sharing fun, creative talents and gifts given to each of us by God.

Performances may include solos, ensembles, mimes, instruments, voices, drawing, stand-up comic etc. We just want it to be clean and fun. Those of us who do not wish to participate in the performances will participate in the pizza, sundae and encouragement of the performers

Lucky’s has graciously donated the room to CLAY and closed the bar. There is no alcohol allowed.

Philippians 1:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 2nd

Cederbrook Church, Menominie, WI“Two ways to mend our souls”(Lunch and childcare provided)

Potluck Serving Team 3 February – 14th

Leaders: Pete/Brenda Cogbill, Andy/Jackie Van HeuklomTeam: Bill/Katie Elmer, Chuck/Diane EricksonSheryl Forshier, Peggy Hagstrom, Derrick/Debbie Meyer, Mike/Lynn Pickard, Dave/Lori Reed Greg/Karen Schnell

It's hard to believe, but Easter is less than 2 months away!  If you would like to sing in

the Easter Choir this year (March 27), please sign up in the entryway, or let Leah know so we can get the music ordered.  If you have never sung in the choir before,

this is the time to join--everyone is welcome! For more information, there is a

practice schedule with song links at Sign-up Central.

FELLOWSHIP SUPPERSWhat: Wednesday Night Fellowship Suppers!When: Every Wednesday night-unless there is no regular Wednesday night programingTime: 5:30 p.m. Followed by (6:15 p.m.) programs for children/youth/adults February: 3rd: Soup and Sandwiches10th: Meal 17th: Soup and Salad 24th: Potluck Meal –Please bring a dish

LBBC Summer Camp 2016

All Aboard! The train is pulling into the station and we invite all campers to get on board the train Heaven Bound!

CAMP PROMO SUNDAY AT UCC!!!!Mark your calendars!!!

Sunday, March 13th with a lasagna potluck!!!

Send A Little Love!!!It is that time of year again when we send our local active soldiers cookies for Valentine's Day. Thanks to the churches we have been very successful in getting cookies and money for postage. We are asking for your help again this year.

Send A Little Love!!! Send a little Clear Lake LOVE to our active military soldiers. The 8th Annual Cookie Drive will be on Friday, February 5th at the Clear Lake Library, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We need your help in compiling active soldiers and their current addresses. Please contact Linda White before Feb.1st, 715-263-2288 or e-mail law413@cltcomm.net.

Bake your favorite cookies (PLEASE NO PEANUTBUTTER OR NUT COOKIES TO AVOID ALLERGY PROBLEMS) Bring a Valentine if you'd like or write a letter to show how much we appreciate them. Pleaseput only 1 DOZEN cookies in a zip lock bag. Write on the bag the type of cookie and your name. If you don't have time to bake we could use money for postage. Last year it cost $440.00 to send 26 boxes. You can leave money with Cricket at the Library anytime. The VFW and American LegionAuxiliaries organize this each year, but without help from the community it wouldn't be possible. Thanks to everyone!!! Questions call Linda White 715-263-2288.

LAKE BEAUTY BIBLE CAMPWinter Whiteout for Trailblazers!

February 5th -6th Trailblazer Winter Whiteout is fast approaching! For kiddos in 1st through 6th grade, they won't want to miss out on a weekend full of fun! Rob Rogers from New London Covenant is coming to share about how we can live Live Out Loud: Wild and Wacky for Christ! In addition, we will play some wild and wacky games, enjoy the outdoors, and make some new friends! For more information check out our website. Register Today! by going to our website: www.lbbc.com or calling the office at: (320) 732-3218.

Couples RetreatFebruary 19th – 21st

“Transforming Marriage: Changing the Story or Your Relationship”

Keith and Cheri MeyerKeith is the Senior Pastor at Hope Covenant Church in St Cloud MN. Having served in ministry for over 30 years, Keith and his wife Cheri are passionate about helping couples build healthy marriages on the foundation of Christ. They have led numerous marriage

retreats and are very excited to come grow and learn with those that attend Couples Retreat at Lake Beauty. For more information on the weekend or to register, go to our website at www.lbbc.com or call the office at: (320)732-3218.

Snowmobile RetreatMarch 4th -6th

A NEW retreat designed for those who want to adventure across the winter landscape in their own snow machine!

This inaugural snowmobile retreat weekend will be filled with good food, spiritual encouragement, good friends, AND a Saturday Day Trip out-and-about on some of Todd County's greatest snowmobile trails.

This retreat is for adults and teens (9th grade & up). Teens under 18 must come with a parent or supervising adult. Weekend Cost/Lodging $65 per person. Bring your own bedding and toiletries. Registration and Deposit $50 non-refundable deposit required to register online or by phone. Registration deadline is Monday, February 29th, 2016.

Summer Brochure CorrectionPlease note that on the inside of the summer brochure the Trailblazer #2 date should read JUNE 28-30, 2016.

Also, for church districts that attend Trailblazer 2, this is a change in date from the past summers--moving it from the month of July to June.

Volunteer Nurses Needed for Summer Camp!We are looking for RN, LPN, EMT or experienced First Aid certified individuals who would be willing to spend a week at camp this summer serving as a camp nurse. Basic tasks for the camp nurse include dispensing camper’s medications and basic first aid when needed. Summer Sessions that we are looking to fill are as follows:Trailblazer 2 -- June 26-30 Frontier Kids 1 -- July 5-7Frontier Kids 2 -- July 7-9 Junior High 2 -- July 10-15Trailblazer 3 -- July 17-21Certified individuals may contact our Program Director, Christa, for more information and details at Christa@lbbc.com. or by calling the office at 320-732-3218.

Coming soon to United Covenant Church……

We will be showing the movie War Room on Saturday, February 13th,

7:00 p.m. Free refreshment!

We will follow the movie up with a Wednesday night

5-week study starting Wednesday, February 17th 6:15 p.m.

(Fellowship Supper is at 5:30 p.m.)

Spiritual Gift Activation WorkshopSaturday, February 27th, 3:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.

Come learn more about spiritual gifts and grow in our usage of them. Rev. Troy Jensen of Exodus Recovery Mission in Somerset, Wisconsin will be our teacher/facilitator for that day.

Happy Birthday3rd: Jenna Beebe6th: Denea Tolzman, Victoria Ferguson, Reed Carlson7th: Brad Paulson12th: Clara Pearson13th: Jan Anderson14th: Erin Carlson19th: Kyle Anderson20th: Irene Little21st: Joe Tanner22nd: Garnett Westerberg

Happy Anniversary

6th: Gerald and IlaMae Newville

February 2016-10:00 a.m. Worship ScheduleMusic Team: Service Leader: 7th: 1 7th: Derrick Meyer14th: 2 14th: Cary Eastvold21st: 3 21st: Keith Anderson28th: 4 28th: Dirk Prindle

Hymn Leader: Piano: 7th: Pam Moriak 7th: Leah Pearson14th: Sue Spurrell 14th: Heidi Clausen21st: Pam Moriak 21st: Sheryl Forshier28th: Sue Spurrell 28th: Karna Markuson

Reader: Nursery: 7th: Mike Pickard 7th: Heidi/Hailey Clausen14th: Cindy Mohrland 14th: Katie Elmer/Ruth Elmer21st: Sue Spurrell 21st: Brenda Cogbill/Mikayla Peterson28th: Pam Van Heuklom 28th: Katie Jurisch/Nichole Keller

Greeter and Usher: 7th: Jim/Cindy Mohrland/Larry Benson/Jack Tanner 14th: Doug/Norma Otto, Larry Benson/Jack Tanner21st: Bonnie/Cary Eastvold, Larry Benson/Jack Tanner28th: Jan/Keith Anderson, Larry Benson/Jack Tanner

Communion: Matt/Susie Thayer, Jeff/Jane Warren

March 2016-10:00 a.m. Worship ScheduleMusic Team: Service Leader: 6th: 1 6th: Casey Keller13th: 2 13th: Jim Mohrland20th: 3 20th: Derrick Meyer27th: 4 27th: Cary Eastvold

Hymn Leader: Piano: 6th: Pam Moriak 6th: Leah Pearson13th: Sue Spurrell 13th: Heidi Clausen20th: Pam Moriak 20th: Sheryl Forshier27th: Sue Spurrell 27th: Karna Markuson

Reader: Nursery: 6th: Lucas Carlson 6th: Phyllis Luhman/Clara Pearson13th: Sue Spurrell 13th: Andrea Moe/Kristen Katz20th: Tami Linden 20th: Katie Elmer/Ruth Elmer27th: Cindy Mohrland 27th: Katie Jurisch/Nichole Keller

Greeter and Usher: 6th: Jan/Keith Anderson/Larry Benson/Jack Tanner 13th: Carl/Ethel Paulson, Larry Benson/Jack Tanner20th: Doug/Norma Otto, Larry Benson/Jack Tanner27th: Bob/Mary Benson, Larry Benson/Jack Tanner(ushers Dave/Dylan Clausenl)

Communion: Casey/Joy Keller, Jim/Cindy Mohrland

CEF is looking for someone to provide snacks at a monthly Good News Club in Clear Lake (February - May).

If you could provide snacks for one month, please contact Jan Anderson for more information or

email Lisa at lisa.inlow@cefwi.org. Thanks!