The Covenant Center

Hello TCC Family,

For many, this past year has been rife with challenges. Some have faced physical illness, loss of loved ones, or depletion of finances, while others have faced relational discord with family or friends. We are no exception.

Upon reflecting and and trying to posture ourselves in a position of thankfulness as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," I began to hear and old Santa song. "He's makin' a list, checkin' it twice, going to find out who's naughty or nice..." I began to laugh and think of the expectation of Christmas as a little girl and how I did hope that Santa would find me worthy. As an adult, after experiencing performance burnout, I began to realize how I brought many of the world's beliefs into my relationship with God. Striving and false responsibilities were weights I chose to carry, thinking God would love me more. If only I could be better, or more faithful, or more learned, or more righteous, then I would finally get the ultimate Christmas gift - God's love.

So how wonderful to be reminded in this Christmas season of God's love that is never earned. He sent a love that was given freely at the Cross of Calvary, for all who believe to partake, without conditions or performance. God sent His son, Jesus.

God could have chosen to respond to humanity's sin with a more violent action, but He chose to love. He chose redemption and reconciliation over retaliation. He chose forgiveness instead of vindication.

The enemy of our soul desires to steal our ability to love. If he can get us to respond to our challenges in anger or rage, hate or fear, lust or pride, murmuring or gossip, then he has accomplished his task and we have opened the door to his torment.

Challenges will continue to come our way, but as we experience God's nature of love in this season, may we as His body also learn to choose Love.

Merry Christmas and God Bless You,

Becky and Richard Maisenbacher

Calendar of Events

Glenn Miller : December 11 at TCC

Glenn Miller will minister at TCC on Friday, December 11 at 7pm. There is no childcare available for this meeting. Please call 863-802-5171 for more information.

To learn more about Glenn Miller, visit his ministry web site at http://www.lionsshareministries.com.

School of Ministry: Purpose and Destiny Class Continues

The Fall semester of courses are centered around relationships. November/December's class is "Purpose and Destiny". We will be utilizing teaching materials by Doug Addison's program "Accelerating Into Your Life's Destiny". You can pick up a workbook in our bookstore or visit www.dougaddison.com for downloads. In this class, we will learn how to develop new habits, facilitate the transformation process, produce radical change and activate Biblical principles of purpose.

Due to holidays and guests, the schedule for this class is: December 4 & 11. The class is held in conjunction with the School of the Spirit on Friday nights at 7pm at TCC and is open to all. However, if you would like to register for Covenant School of Ministry to receive credit toward a degree, please call Lidy at 863-802-5171. Classes for youth are available on Friday evenings, however, there will not be infant or toddler care. For more information, download the Covenant School of Ministry brochure.

Amber's Christmas Party: December 12

Saturday, December 12 from 7pm to 11pm at Amber Jarrett's home. Feel free to bring your favorite Christmas treat or dish. Location: 1028 Forest Park Street (off Harden Blvd). For more information, contact Amber at 863-680-3137.

News Year's Eve Celebration at the Silva's: December 31

Thursday, December 31 beginning at 8pm at Ryan and January Silva's home. Please bring a dish to share, meat will be provided by TCC. Location: 2923 Cleveland Heights Blvd. For more information, please call Ryan at 813-545-7787 or Jan at 813-545-9118.

Christmas and New Years Break

There will be no Friday night meetings at TCC on December 25 or January 1. We hope you enjoy your holidays!

News

New Book by Barbie Breathitt

Dream Encounters: Seeing Your Destiny from God's Perspective is the 288 page paperback "Rosetta Stone" to interpreting the illusive vapors of dreams and delving into the untapped mysteries of your sleeping road map. Uniquely inspired, and written to convince the greatest skeptics, and educate the most ardent believer, "Dream Encounters" will bring God’s perspective, and understanding to the symbolic, visual, love letters, in the mysterious world of dreams. To purchase online, visit Barbie's site at www.barbiebreathitt.com or visit The Covenant Center bookstore.

Writings