NEW SERMON SERIES ON ROMANS: POWER FOR SALVATION!
This series is a several-week journey through the book of Romans.
Paul’s epistle to the Romans encompasses foundational theological truths for the Christian life. We will look together at the Apostle Paul’s letter as he describes the sinfulness of humanity, the atoning work of Christ, and the transforming power of the Spirit. It is not enough merely to know the gospel; we must let it transform us and let God impact every aspect of our lives!
IMPORTANT DATES
- Sunday, January 16 – In-person Service! Communion Sunday! January Birthdays Celebrated!
- Thursday, January 20 – Midweek Fellowship resumes!
- Saturday, January 22 – Midway Covenant’s Annual Meeting!
- Sunday, January 23 – Sanctity of Human Life Sunday!
NEW ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION STUDY BEGINS JANUARY 16!
Theme: Faith in Action – Hebrews 11
Teacher: Brad Hill
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Faith in Action is the unifying theme for an eight-week series beginning on Sunday, January 16. It will focus on the heroes and heroines of the faith listed in Hebrews 11, who put their faith into action. The structure will be to join each of these persons into a flowing narrative that not only unifies this concept but also illustrates what “faith in action” looks like and gives us power – not just to emulate them, but through the Holy Spirit, to live a life of empowered faith!
MASK-WEARING REMINDER
Don’t forget your masks as you are out and about! The omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus is extremely contagious. For the health and safety of all, particularly those in our church family with fragile or compromised immune systems, we at Midway will continue the mask-wearing protocol when we resume in-person services. Thank you all for your patience and consideration for one another!
MIDWEEK FELLOWSHIP!
Please plan to join us on Thursday, January 20th, for our first midweek fellowship of 2022! Note that it is on Thursdays now! We will share a potluck meal at 6 p.m. and then break out for Bible Study from 7-8 p.m. Hope to see you there!
Potluck Details: If your last name begins with A-K, please bring a main dish; L-R, please bring a side dish; S-Z, please bring a dessert.
Bible Study Details: Come join your Midway Family as Gerald MacDicken resumes this inspirational journey through these beautiful and inspiring songs of praise, thanksgiving, and lament. Participants are invited to rediscover, or see for the first time, why you can put your hope in Jesus, the Shepherd, Savior and King! If you have any questions, you may email Gerald MacDicken @ scotch51g@yahoo.com.
DIGGING DEEPER…
How much do you remember? Fill in the blanks from the box below.
Last Sunday, Pastor Shaun preached from Romans chapter 1. Writing to the church of believers in Rome, Paul is calling this multicultural body of both Jews and Gentiles to respond to the _______ of Jesus Christ, and to walk in ________ to Him. Paul declares that he is he not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Why? Because it alone is the power of God to salvation for both Jews and Gentiles! In the gospel, we see Christ being obedient to God and laying his life down. Why is this important, you ask? So that we can be forgiven! So that we can experience Christ in a real and ________ and relational way! So that we can know firsthand the daily presence and power of the Holy Spirit within—to teach us, guide us, and _________ us! As Pastor Shaun said, “This is good, good news!” He also said, “Not only is it important to know and understand the righteousness of God, but it is also important to know and understand God’s wrath.” The wrath of God is sometimes ignored or glossed over, but it needs to be understood for what it is—the clearly laid-out, devastating consequences of wickedness (i.e. _______, unrepentant rebellion against God the Creator). Paul warned the believers in Rome to be on guard against those living in wickedness, because he didn’t want them to fall into it themselves and experience the consequence of God’s wrath. We, too, need to ______ out for those consumed by wickedness. Their characteristics: full of slander, gossip and hate; despising God and disobedient to parents; consumed with inventing new ways to do ____ to others. Even though they know how wicked they are, and even though they know the consequences of their wickedness (eternal separation from God), they not only continue in their wicked ways, but encourage others to leave the ways of truth and ____ them! As Pastor Shaun explained, “Just because we don’t like talking about the wrath of God doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. It’s in the Bible for a reason.” In fact, knowing how to recognize wickedness equips us to refuse those who entice us to engage in it so that we don’t fall into their _____ and join them in becoming recipients of God’s wrath. Remember, God loves us! He is not willing that any perish, but that all come to repentance!
| join transform evil gospel ongoing tangible watch traps obedience |
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…
A doctor instructed his patient: “Take a pill every day and walk a mile every day. Call me at the end of the month.” At the end of the month, the distraught patient called the doctor. “Doc, what do I do now? I’m thirty miles from home and out of pills!”
| SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 23rd! Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHLS) is a day of observance held on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of Roe v Wade. This is a day on which churches and parachurch organizations across the nation come together to stand and proclaim the Sanctity of Human Life. During our service, a representative from CareNet of Puget Sound will share impactful ways that we as a church can support individuals and families facing unexpected pregnancies. We look forward to observing the value of human life together on January 23rd! |
COVENANT NEWS
From Covenant World Relief and Development (CWRD):
HAITI Disaster Relief – When an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 shook the island of Haiti in August, hundreds of people lost their lives and many thousand more suffered injuries, collapsed homes, and loss of access to needed supplies. Thanks to strong local and international partnerships, CWRD was uniquely positioned to respond. They participated in providing immediate aid, including medical and hygiene supplies, food and drinking water, shelter, and psychosocial support. Additionally, they linked arms with Sustainable Action International to participate in rebuilding communities. CWRD staff and field workers are grateful for those who partner with them in mission and ministry! To learn more about this opportunity, go to: giving.covchurch.org/cwrd.
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NEEDS IN THE CHURCH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Deacon Committee: If you are a behind-the-scenes type person and you would like to serve the Lord and bless your Midway family, let Pastor Shaun or Gerald MacDicken know. (Examples of ways to serve: prepare communion on the first Sunday of the month; set up tables for fellowship gatherings; clear pews of debris after services)
PRAISES/PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Continue to pray for health and safety for teachers and students as they resume on-campus classes, and for school administrators as they make difficult decisions.
2. Continue to pray for healing and renewal of strength for all those in our families and communities who are fighting the Covid-19 virus.
3. Continue to pray for those in our church family who are dealing with losses, physical challenges, and other issues.
4. Pray for the churches in our community, that we represent Christ and his message of redemption to the lost.
5. Pray for wisdom and humility for nations and leaders around the world.
SERMON SCHEDULE
January 16: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Romans 2:1-16
January 23: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Romans 2:17-28
January 30: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Romans 3:1-20
February 6: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Romans 3:21-31
CHURCH & OFFICE INFORMATION
- The Church Office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Office phone number: 206-878-4861 // Office email: office@midwaycovenant.org
- Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary (or online at live.midcov.org)
- Sunday Morning Bible Study: 8:45 a.m. in the Library
- Children’s Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. in upstairs classrooms
- Women’s Discipleship Lunch Group: Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
- Midweek Fellowship: Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
- Men’s Bible Study Breakfast Group: Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. at Tuscany’s in Des Moines