Covenant Alliance

I'm glad you asked!
First of all, our beloved pastor, Darryl, left us at Christmas time to follow God's calling to minister in Thunder Bay. But, as always, God provides. In January, we welcomed Pastor David Lewis to be our interim pastor while we search for a lead pastor. Pastor David joins us 3 Sundays of the month. On the Sundays when he is not with us, we have been privileged to have a variety of speakers and the occasional guest worship team lead our service. Thank you to all who have agreed to help us through this transition!
With Darryl's absence comes a long list of duties that have been picked up by willing members of our congregation. That includes me, the new webmaster. I'm quickly learning the art of blogging and look forward to keeping you up to date with what is happening with our dynamic church. So, check back often! I've made some changes so, let me take a minute to guide you...
To the right of this post, you will find a link to the Spires' travel blog. It's a way to keep track of where Bill and Sue are as they explore North America in their RV. Kind of like the "Where's Waldo" books of my youth.
On the bottom right of this page, you will find my book reviews. I have joined Thomas Nelson Publishers as a book reviewer. They send me books for free and I give my honest opinion of that book in my blog. Since I love to read, it seemed like a great idea.
And, one last thing to promote...It's official! Youth group is starting again at Covenant Alliance Church. All youth in grades 6 to 12 are welcome to come out to the church next Saturday at 8pm and join us. I can promise you one thing...Steve, the guy that's leading the youth group, is almost as crazy as any teen. Don't believe me? Come out and see for yourself!
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, ideas, thoughts about anything you read here, please leave a comment. I'd love the feedback!

p.s. for the rest of the announcements, click on the "news" tab

By now, we all know that on Tuesday, Jan 12th 2010 a violent earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Aftershocks continue to rock the country and hamper rescue and relief efforts. This country is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The earthquake has killed thousands and left a population of 3 million people without access to potable water, food, medical care and electricity.

Here are some suggestions on how you can help financially:

Samaritan’s Purse: a charity eligible for the 50 million dollar matching program by the Canadian Government
To donate online: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/Haiti_Donation/
By phone: 1-800-663-6500 1-403-250-6565
Mail: Samaritan’s Purse Canada,
20 Hopewell Way NE Calgary, Alberta T3J 5H5
canada@samaritan.org

Our denomination, C&MA Canada, does not currently have a missions post in Haiti. The Global Ministries office of Alliance Compassion participates in relief efforts through Christian Relief and Development agencies, a charity eligible for the 50 million dollar matching program by the Canadian Government.
Cheques payable to: Global Emergency Response Fund on our offering envelopes or
Website: www.camcan.org by clicking on “Donate Now” on this home page

CDIA – Coram Deo International Aid of Canadian Reformed Church has a Christian School and medical missions established there years ago. The school was feeding over 300 students including orphans prior to the quake which has levelled the school altogether. CDIA is a charity that is eligible for the 50 million dollar matching program by the Canadian Government
Donate online: http://www.cdiacanada.com/
Or by mail: 27 Legend Court PO Box 10033 Ancaster, Ontario L9K 1P2

World Vision Canada: a charity eligible for the 50 million dollar matching program by the Canadian Government
Online: www.worldvision.ca
Phone: 1- 866-595-5550

Red Cross of Canada: a charity eligible for the 50 million dollar matching program by the Canadian Government
Online: www.redcross.caa
Phone: 1-800-418-1111
Mail: Canadian Red Cross
5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON L5R 3E9

There are things happening around our hometown of Orangeville that you can support, as well.
The staff at Orangeville Christian School are holding a fundraising pancake breakfast this Saturday, January 23 from 8am to 10am. Admission is by donation and the proceeds will go to the relief effort. O.C.S. is located on Veteran's Way, just south of 5 sideroad on the west side of Orangeville. For more info, they can be reached at (519) 941-3381.
Living Faith Lutheran Church and Professional Cleaning Services have teamed up to collect needed supplies to be shipped out in a container to Haiti on January 27th. For more info about what they need or how to participate, Living Faith Lutheran Church can be reached at (519) 941-8297 or Cliff at Professional Cleaning Services at (519) 942-0387.

And, above all, please pray. Pray for the people of Haiti who have been devastated by this earthquake. Pray for the people who have already arrived in Haiti to help with rescue efforts, medical services, and basic survival. Pray that the much needed supplies will get through. Pray for coordination between relief organizations. Just pray.