PASTORS CORNER“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth”. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)

In the above passage, Paul is instructing Timothy to study God’s word and handle it correctly. This of course is a word for us as well. It is good to have the discipline of reading the Bible and listening to what God says to us through it. We must also rightly define it or correctly explain it.

Over the years there have been many who have misinterpreted passages or taken them out of context. This is not good.

Revelation 22:18-19 (NLT) says: “And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book”.

The above passage is talking specifically about adding or subtracting from the book of Revelation but the same true of any book in the bible. If you have a question about a passage, ask God for wisdom. He will help you. You are also free to ask me or other people in the church what they think. I certainly don’t know everything but I often know where to look. There are also some wonderful commentaries and other resources that can be helpful. The main thing is to dive in and read the bible. Don’t be afraid that you will get something wrong. We are all in this walk together. And remember this promise:

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely”. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)

God bless you as you read God’s wordPastor Dan

CREW (Christians Ready Equipped & Willing) is a weekly youth ministry at

United Covenant Church, which starts at 6pm and ends at 8pm and

meets in the youth room. At CREW we strive to create 

space to connect with one another and with God

through fun games, helpful biblical teaching,

meaningful conversation, and prayer. 

*CREW Pool Party! Sunday, March 10th, 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00. If you need a ride, please meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. The pool party is being held in New Richmond.

*World Vision 30 Hour Famine: March 29th -30th. Watch for more information!

*MOVE April 5th -6th, Hope Covenant Church, St. Cloud, MN. Registration is due March 31st. MOVE stands for Mission Outreach Venture and Experience. It’s a two-day urban retreat that focuses on God’s call to compassion, mercy and justice. 

CREW Meets every Wednesday6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.7th grade – 12th grade

Contact Zach Klein 763-242-7237 for more information

LAKE BEAUTY BIBLE CAMP-CAMP SUNDAY!Sunday, March 17th is “LBBC Camp Sunday” at United Covenant Church. We will be having our annual Lasagna meal. There will be sign-up sheets in the foyer to bring items for the meal. All

Covenant Highlights Volume 40, Issue 1 March 2019

monies will go towards our LBBC Scholarship fund.

2019 LBBC Camps:*Junior High Camp (campers who completed 6th, 7th or 8th grade) June 9th-14th

*Trailblazer (campers who completed 3rd, 4th, or 5th

grade) June 23rd – 27th *Frontier Kids (campers who have completed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade) July 1st – 3rd *Senior High Camp (campers who completed 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade)

For more information or to register online go to lbbc.com. Early bird discount if registered online by April 8th, 2019.

Youth scholarship information: This is a reposting of the scholarship policy, which was passed in 2012. “According to our policy, each student is eligible to receive a church sponsored scholarship for one (1) Camp sponsored event and one (1) Conference sponsored event each year. For each event that the scholarship is used for, guardians are responsible to pay a $75 non-refundable deposit.”

Meet the staff at Little Lambs!Little Lambs Director: My name is Heather Graski and I am very excited to be your director at Little Lambs. I grew up in New Richmond, graduated in 2001 from Clear Lake and now live on Moon Lake in Clayton with my husband Drew, and our kids Blake, Madi, Gabe, and Katelin. We have a German shepherd named Rico. I love watching our kids play sports and kayaking, I go whenever and wherever I can! This is my first experience as a director but have learned the ins and outs throughout my career as a teacher. I have taught and led in many classrooms with many different ages ranging from infants to School Agers. My goal is to help your child learn and grow while having lots of fun, too! In this center, we are a small community of teammates that help and accept one another. I believe that valuable learning occurs when children feel comfortable and happy in their classroom. I look forward to getting to know the congregation and the support system that surrounds them. Everyone has individual needs and goals and I am dedicated to every child’s individual success!Teachers:

Hello, my name is Kim Pederson! I am the Infant room teacher at Little Lambs. I graduated high school from Turtle Lake in 2006 then went onto college at WITC for Early Childhood education. I worked at Specialty coating systems in Clear Lake from 2007 until 2015. I have been married to my husband Jesse for 5 years. We have a handsome little boy named Vernon. I started working here the middle of January 2019 and am very happy here and love everything we get to do for the children.Hello, my name is Emily Kohler-Sarafin (Kuhn).  I have been a teacher/cook at Little Lambs since September 2018.  I graduated from Amery high school in 2016 and went to further my schooling at the Art Institute of Minneapolis for Culinary Arts, shortly after the college closing I moved to Turtle Lake where I met my husband Michael.  Michael and I recently got married at the end of November and I have a wonderful 9-year-old step daughter Aaliyah.  We now live in our very first family home in Poskin WI, with our three very large dogs a 6-year-old Siberian Husky Kai, a 4-year-old Husky/Pitbull mix Kashie and a 6-month-old Rottweiler Queen.  In my free time I love to cook, bake and be outdoors.  Every Sunday morning after church Michael, Aaliyah and I like to take the 3 dogs for a long walk, I love spending quality time with my family.Hi! My name is Heather Stream. I live in Clear Lake with my husband Howard and our daughter Annika. I have been a teacher at Little Lambs since May of 2017 and have been in the childcare field for over 14 years. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, acting in the CL community theater and singing with the worship team here at United Covenant Church.

Hi! My name is Beth Belisle, I have been a teacher in the Toddler room since January 2019! I was born in New Mexico, but graduated from Balsam Lake in 2017. I currently live in Balsam Lake. I have a 1 year old son Oakley and I am engaged. I love to draw and spend my free time hanging out with my family, having game nights and going camping. I love all the kiddos at Little Lambs and enjoy watching them learn and grow.

Hi, my name is Candace Kuhl and I have been a Preschool teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays since September 2018. I am currently in pursuit of my Bachelor's Degree in Human resources and teach dance at St. Croix Valley Dance Academy in Baldwin, WI. I

grew up in Hudson and have been dancing since I was 4. I love to teach dance and have been hired by various schools for choreography and judging needs. I have been married to my husband Bryan for almost 5 years and we have 2 terrier’s named Ward and Woodley. I love all of my jobs especially being a part of helping kids grow, reach goals and succeed!My name is Cindy Mohrland and I am the Preschool teacher on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s. I’m married to Jim Mohrland and we have four daughters.  We moved from Woodbury, MN to Clayton, WI in 2003.  I retired from Ecolab Inc. St. Paul, MN in 2005 and became a Certified Pre-school teacher. I also volunteer as a youth leader at United Covenant Church, serve on the CLAY (Christ Led Area Youth) board and enjoy living on a lake. Hello! My name is Elizabeth Grahovac (Lizzy). I have been the School-age teacher at Little Lambs since June 2018. I am currently a senior at Clear Lake High School and engaged to be married in September 2019 to Hunter Brenne. Little Lambs has been a part of my life since I was 4 months old. You could say I grew up at Little Lambs! I love working with the children and hope to pursue a career working with elementary age children. Office Administrator: Hi, my name is Gina Arntz and I am the Office Administrator at Little Lambs. I have been married for 28 years to John Grahovac and have two daughters; Lizzy and Grace. I started working at Little Lambs in 2001. Both my girls were “Little Lambs Kids”. I have a great love for the ministry of Little Lambs and have seen God’s work in these children in so many ways throughout the years. On August 22nd,1994 Little Lambs was opened with the purpose to meet the need in our community for Christian child care by making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve, by reflecting God’s love. This August Little Lambs will be 25 years old! We are so happy to be part of the Clear Lake community and ever thankful and blessed by our church family! God is good!

For His Children!Little Lambs Staff

PRAYERSweet Hour of Prayer

Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. in the UCC LibraryAnyone 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.

HEARTS Support GroupHealing, Emotions, And, RelationshipsThrough, Scripture and Sharing

HEARTS is a support group designed to provide a time and place for those that believe Jesus Christ is their 'Higher Power' may gather together to study, share and pray. This is a 12-step based support group program. It will be held this month on Tuesday nights, March 12th and March 26th at 7:00 pm, downstairs at United Covenant Church. Questions? Contact Karen Schnell.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING United Covenant Church Leadership Team Meeting

February 19th, 2019Present: Pastor Dan Pearson, Burt Beebe, Heidi Clausen, Scott Carnine, Casey Keller, Mike Pickard, Gretchen Wallberg, Zach Klein and Matt Thayer. Absent: Tim Jurisch.

Mike shared from Nehemiah about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. If we are united, with “all the parts moving” and with God’s help, we can do incredible things. Pastor Dan led us with prayer. Casey opened the meeting shortly after 6:00 p.m.Youth: Zach said he would like us to form a youth commission (two members of the Leadership Team to serve as his “go-to” people, meeting with him occasionally and providing accountability and support). He would like to get this in place soon. He was contacted by rapper Tru-Serva about performing here while on their tour. He was quoted a cost of $1,250, but they can be flexible. Zach is thinking of having him play on Friday, March 22, to kick off the 30-Hour Famine for high school students. The concert would be open to the community and would be free. He will see if other churches would want to support the event, both through participation and finances. The band brings all their own equipment. We have money in youth account given to us last year to create youth events like this.

Hymn/Testimony ServiceSunday, March 3rd 6:00 p.m.At United Covenant Church(refreshments following)

Ten young people are going to retreat this weekend with the Menomonie and Red Wing Covenant churches at Luther Park, Chetek. If this goes well, we will expand it to other churches in the Lake Pepin district.

Welcome to our new Leadership Team members, Gretchen Wallberg and Burt Beebe. Tim Jurisch was absent.

Financial reports were reviewed. Gretchen will provide a further breakdown of the youth account so we know what’s been designated for Sunday School, older youth, Lake Beauty Bible Camp, etc. A donation of $20,000 was given at the beginning of this year; the donor is willing to give up to $50,000 if the congregation will match it. Funds would go toward needed church renovations/a potential larger building project. We need to get this information out soon so people are aware. People may want to commit to a certain amount per month vs. a lump sum. After a firmer plan is developed, we will make “thermometers” so people can track what’s needed to meet our goal.

A future site committee is being formed and will report back to the Leadership Team with a few options. Art Moore, Cindy Mohrland, Mike Pickard and Joel Markuson have agreed to serve, and we’re considering a few others. This committee will meet within the next two weeks to begin their work. Mike made a motion to approve the financial reports, Casey seconded it. The motion passed.

The last meeting’s minutes and agenda were approved through consent agenda. Mike made a motion to approve, seconded by Gretchen. The motion passed.

Jan Anderson has proposed a web designer to renovate the church website. She would charge $20 an hour and require about seven hours of work. We agreed to give her the go-ahead, up to $180, to work on improving it.

Mike mentioned interest in hosting a hymn sing. A tentative date of 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, was mentioned. Snacks could be available afterward.

Sweden mission trip: Zach and Pastor Dan met with one of the organizers recently. Our group would provide VBS and maybe a family carnival. They have to bring the materials. They also will do community outreach and a service project. Scott Carnine will oversee tracking the funds.Regarding building projects, Mike will check with Joel on what he found out from Nilssen’s as far as placement of a new church sign. Jeff Warren has time available to switch basement to LED light fixtures for $3,000. We agreed not to do this now. Joel is checking into getting a rebate. Little Lambs is talking about doing it. Before we buy anything, it must be approved by Xcel so we can get an energy credit on it. The drain for the dishwasher in the kitchen is a “ticking time bomb” that will eventually require attention.

Preparation for the church directory is complete and we’re waiting for our copies to arrive.

We discussed the Polk County Fair and the need to decide if we will do both parking and admission again, or just admission. The fair board must know soon. The parking component is a lot of work, with not enough volunteers, and the fair board is not

giving us a raise. We would get $3,500 to just do tickets and $7,000 if tickets and parking. This could free us up to maybe do something else at the fair, such as bring the trailer or do a service. Gretchen made a motion that we just do tickets this year, Burt seconded it. The motion passed.

We are planning to host Financial Peace University, based on the Dave Ramsey program. The cost is $150 for the 10-12-week class. We talked about supporting Zach if he’d like to participate. The class will start Sunday, March 3, running from 1-3 p.m. The program covers tithing, getting rid of debt and saving for the future. Dawn Wood will lead it. Mike made a motion that we cover the cost for Zach to attend, if he’d like. Casey seconded the motion, and it was approved.

New officers were selected for 2019-20: Gretchen will serve as financial officer. Heidi will continue as secretary. Matt will stay on as chairman. Casey will be vice chairman and head the Mutual Ministry Team. Casey also will be communications officer, with Mike or Matt filling in if he’s unavailable. We need to make sure everyone has a copy of the church constitution.

Scott mentioned the idea of inviting Craig Nelson of Miracles in the Marketplace Ministry to provide a prophetic program. Pastor encouraged us to watch “Pure and Holy,” a Todd White documentary in which he prays for people in Europe. Pastor will look into Craig’s available dates and cost/mileage.

We talked about providing a benevolence offering for Elisabeth Ferguson, who recently had a baby. Mike mentioned getting copies of “There is a Redeemer” pamphlets through “Daily Bread” to have available this Easter. He will look into this. Mike also talked about how many of the improvements we’ve made recently with the coffee bar/welcome table are currently being recommended, but we could do even more, such as a “getting to know our church” time/table at the monthly potlucks for newcomers. This would be a good way for people to get their questions answered before taking a membership class.

Those interested in helping with the sound system should talk to Burt or Doug Schone. Pastor Dan led us in prayer, and we adjourned shortly after 8 p.m. Our next meeting will be Monday, March 11th, 6-8 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,Heidi Clausen, Secretary

 

MENS PRAYER BREAKFAST Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 7:00 a.m. downstairs at United Covenant Church! All men welcome! Come for a delicious breakfast and a great time of fellowship!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY…. 1st: Delany Vold 7th: Dave Clausen 9th: Ila Mae Newville10th: Grace Grahovac12th: Leah Pearson13th: Jane Solberg, Joel Markuson, Hendrick Carlson19th: Abigail Markuson, Pete Cogbill, Alicia Peterson21st: Carter Carlson22nd: Peggy Hagstrom 23rd: Michael Elmer25th: Samantha Anderson

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY…12th: Dan & Gretchen Wallberg28th: Bill & Katie Elmer

March 2019-10:00 a.m. Worship ScheduleMusic Team: Service Leader: Readers: 3rd:1 3rd: Derrick Meyer 3rd: Sue Spurrell 10th: 2 10th: Cary Eastvold 10th: Tami Linden17th: 4 17th: Mike Pickard 17th: Lucas Carlson24th: 3 24th: Jim Mohrland 24th: Pam Van Heuklom 31st: 2 31st: Zach Klein 31st: Lynn Schone

Nursery: 3rd: Phyllis Luhman/Olivia Peterson 10th: Heidi/Hailey Clausen17th: Katie Jurisch/Halle Carlson24th: Lynn Pickard/Addison Thayer 31st: Brenda Cogbill/Mikayla Peterson

Greeters/Ushers: Larry Benson 3rd: Doug/Norma Otto10th: Heidi Paulson/Karen Schnell17th: Bonnie/Cary Eastvold24th: Matt/Susie Thayer31st: Keith/Jan Anderson

April 2019-10:00 a.m. Worship ScheduleMusic Team: Service Leader: Readers: 7th:1 7th: Casey Keller 7th: Cindy Mohrland 14th: 2 14th: Keith Anderson 14th: Sue Spurrell21st: 3 21st: Jim Mohrland 21st: Lucas Carlson28th: 4 28th: Zach Klein 28th: Pam Van Heuklom

Nursery: 7th: Phyllis Luhman/Olivia Peterson 14th: Heidi/Hailey Clausen21st: Katie Jurisch/Halle Carlson28th: Lynn Pickard/Addison Thayer

Greeters/Ushers: Larry Benson 7th: Lynn Schone/Amy Pickard14th: Bonnie/Cary Eastvold

21st: Doug/Norma Otto28th: Matt/Susie Thayer

ATTENTION!!!If you would like to be a greeter, reader, or help in the nursery, please contact Gina at the church. Call 715-263-2665, or email unitedcovchurch@cltcomm.net. Thank you!