After much prayerful consideration, our Children's Pastor, Carey Sumner has accepted a position as Administrative Pastor at River's Crossing Church in Cincinnati, OH. He begins his new position there on March 19. Carey and Kimberly's last Sunday with us will be March 11. While this is sad news for our church and for me personally, I am very excited for them about this opportunity. Matt Jones and I both know Paul Taylor, the pastor of River's Crossing, which is a young, exciting, rapidly growing congregation. Paul is a very gifted leader and communicator. And Carey's gifts and skills are a perfect fit for the needs of that ministry at this juncture.
Since I was not able to talk Carey out of taking Kimberly with him to Cincy (my gifts of persuasion must be slipping), we will soon have two key vacancies on our staff team. Our Staff Parish Relations Team is already at work forming a search team which will get right to work to make sure we don't miss a beat in providing for the needs of our Children's Ministry at Cove.
Carey and Kimberly made a tremendous impact on our ministry here in the short time they were with us. Their passion for Christ and for ministry is contagious. They go with our blessing as they pursue this next step in their journey to fulfill God's call on their life.
Speaking of passion....
Love and War Message Series
We've all heard the saying, "all's fair in love and war.' Whether that's true or not, one thing is certain: our most intimate relationships can be full of both. As it's also been said, "Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em." Have you ever wondered what's underneath all that? Why are intimate relationships so difficult? Why is it that despite all the land mines, something draws us back in the fray again and again? Is it worth it?
If you've ever struggled with those questions, with the push and pull of relational intimacy, you're not alone. And I believe our February series, Love and War, will help provide a biblical perspective on relationships you may have never thought of before. If your relationships are all peace, love and happiness (God bless you!), I still believe this series will help shore up your biblical understanding and foundation. If your relationship is rocky or even if you're on the brink of giving up the fight, this series will provide an infusion of hope from the one who came to redeem and restore all things.
I not only urge you to be here each week, but also to make a point to prayerfully consider who to invite to this series. You never know, it could change the course of someone's life in a profound way! You can invite someone by going to covechurch.com, clicking on the series icon and clicking email in the top right hand corner.
One more thing, we are having a contest each week, with a special prize. This week we are providing dinner for two at Tortoras for the couple who has the most romantic or unique proposal story. To share your story, simply reply to this email or go to the Cove Church Facebook page.
Love and War
February 12 - Rules of Engagement
February 19 - Make Love Not War
February 26 - Calling in Reinforcements
See you Sunday!
John Tanner
~Discover Cove Membership Class
Sunday, February 26
Chase Campus-11:30-2:30 pm
Hampton Cove Campus-4:00—7:00 pm
Meal and childcare (through 2nd grade) provided. Register on your Connection Card.
~Spirit + Truth
Worship Ministry Campaign
If you think Worship Ministry is only for musicians, think again. If you have technical, creative or musical skills, or you are willing to learn something new, you can be a part of Worship Ministry. To find out more, stop anyone in a Spirit + Truth t-shirt or pick up a brochure that details our different volunteer positions at the Worship Ministry Table in the Lobby.
~The Love Boat
Friday, February 24, 6:30 pm
As a part of our Love and War series this month, Cove Cruise Lines will host a special event for married couples. See Sunday's insert for more details on how to register.
~Women's Retreat
Friday-Sunday, March 2-4
Camp Sumatanga, Gallant, AL
Register for this 2 day ($110) or 3 day ($160) event. Register in the Lobby this Sunday or online at covechurch.com.
~Men's Retreat
Friday-Sunday, May 4-6
Save the date! Led by Chris Holden, Darin Miller and Troy Seibel. Watch for details.
KIDS COVE
~Storytelling in Kids Cove
One of the most powerful ways God speaks to us is through stories. Do you have a love for the stories of the faith? Kids Cove has an opportunity for you to prayerfully consider. We are currently in need of storytellers to help kids unpack the stories of our faith. If you would like to learn more about storytelling in Kids Cove, please contact
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.
STUDENT MINISTRY
~Princess for a Day
Esther's Closet
Our Student Ministry is collecting prom dresses, shoes, hand bags and jewelry for high school girls supported by the C.A.R.E. Center. On the day of the prom we hope to provide manicures, pedicures, makeup, hairstyling and more. Pick up a flyer at the Information Desk for information on the different ways you can be a part of this ministry.
~Compassion EXP
Cove Students Service Mission
Huntsville, Alabama
Saturday, February 25, 9 am-2 pm
Now is your chance to be the hands and feet of Christ in your community. Students in Liquid and Cross Roads have the opportunity to spend a day with their friends while serving others in various places throughout our community. Sign up now with your small group leader.
Liquid (High School)
~BigStuf '12
High School Retreat
Panama City, Florida
Monday, July 16-Friday, July 20
Register early for Big Stuf and get a $25 discount! Cost is $500 from February 6-March 18. A $100 deposit will save your spot. Don't miss out on this unforgettable week of worship and community. Registration information available at the Well Kiosk.
Cross Roads (Middle School)
~Student Life Mission Camp
Middle School Retreat
Birmingham, Alabama
Monday, July 23-Friday, July 27
Register today for the first ever "Student Life Mission Camp". Registration cost is $500 February 6—March 18. $100 deposit saves your spot. Students will experience serving throughout the Birmingham communities, listen to memorable speakers and worship with hundreds from across the South. Registration information available at The Well Kiosk.
DEMONSTRATE
~M-Link
Sunday, March 4
Chase Campus-Immediately following Worship Service
Hampton Cove Campus-6:00-7:30 pm, Hampton Cove Worship Center
Save the date for this Missions Link! Find how to get engaged with Local, Regional and International service opportunities.
~Walk to Church
Sunday, March 18
To raise awareness of poverty and the importance of access to transportation, families are encouraged to walk to church on Sunday, March 18.
~One Night Without a Home
Saturday, March 10, 6:00 pm through Sunday Morning (Overnight)
Save the date! Cove families are invited to spend the night on the Hampton Cove Campus front lawn to promote awareness of the homeless in our city. Register online at covechurch.com/Missions/One Night Without a Home. Must be 18 years or older and register by Sunday, February 26. Cost is $10 per person, $8 each/2 family members or $7 each/3 family members. Cost includes t-shirt, soup and continental breakfast. Bring your own box (or tent).
~Appalachia Service Project (Regional)
Thursday, March 15-Sunday, March 18 Jonesville, VA
Visit http://covechurch.com/missions/regional-opportunities for details about this mission project