Welcome to another wonderful week at Community Covenant Church - and another special Sunday to be together for worship and communion!
We enter into the heart of 2026 by digging into the heart of one of the Apostle Paul's earliest letters, the letter to the Thessalonians. Week-by-week, we'll unpack a rich letter written only a short time after Paul was kicked out of that city after only a brief visit! What had become of these struggling converts to Jesus?
There's so much happening here at Community Covenant - and we're excited to see how God continues to move among us. Check out the updates below to stay connected and see how you can get involved.
LIFE AT COMMUNITY COVENANT
A Special Invitation to Begin the New Year in Prayer
We invite you to join us this upcoming Sunday, January 11, after service around noon, for a 30-minute time of corporate prayer.
This gathering will be a space to seek God together-praying for our church, our community, and our personal spiritual journeys in the year ahead. We'll begin with a guided group prayer, followed by an opportunity for those who wish to share personal prayer requests and pray together as a congregation.
This prayer gathering will also mark the beginning of a new Congregational Prayer Ministry, which we hope to hold quarterly, each time centered around a specific prayer focus.
We believe this is a powerful way to start the year-gathered, dependent, and expectant before God-and we'd love for you to join us this Sunday.
After Church Lunch for College Students!??️
Welcome back, college students! We're excited you're here at Community Covenant. Pastor Eric and Karyn are hosting a casual after-church lunch hangout on January 25 at their place just behind the church. It's a super short walk-set a reminder and come hang out with us! All college students are welcome!
? Life Groups Are Back! | Starting 1.11.26 ?
Ready to take your faith and friendships to the next level? Life Groups are where it happens!
Life Groups are the heartbeat of our church-a place to grow deeper in community, dive into God's Word, and share real life together. Whether you're new or have been here for years, there's a group for you!
? Kickoff Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
? What to Expect:
Meaningful fellowship
Powerful prayer time
Engaging Bible discussions based on the Sunday sermon
Don't miss this chance to connect, grow, and build lasting relationships. To get involved in a Life group fill out a connect card.
We can't wait to see you there! ?
Please save the date for Les Eller's memorial service and reception being held on Saturday, January 24th, here at Community Covenant Church. Start time and more details to follow soon.
Sunday Fellowship!☕️?
Looking for the perfect way to connect after church? Join us on the patio for coffee, tasty treats, and great conversation! It's a wonderful way to unwind and build relationships in a warm, welcoming environment with friends-both old and new. ?
? It's Your Turn to Bring the Goodies! ? If it's your scheduled Sunday to bring food, we are counting on you
Monthly Schedule
First Sunday Last Name A Thru F Group #1
⭐️Second Sunday Last Name G Thru M Group #2
Third Sunday Last Name N Thru S Group #3
Fourth Sunday Last Name T Thru Z Group #4
Fifth Sunday Everyone encouraged to bring a treat! Group #5
If your household is assigned this week, please plan to bring a delicious, plated, ready-to-serve snack and drop it off in the Fireside Room before worship begins. Some options you may consider bringing include cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, and fresh baked goods.?
? Not your turn? No worries-Everyone is encouraged to bring treats!
Your contribution helps create a space of joy, connection, and community.
____________________________ Let's come together, share some good food, and enjoy the gift of fellowship. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table! ???
Election Committee Seeking Candidates
The following Leadership Board terms are expiring on March 31, 2026 and need to be filled at the Annual Meeting to be held in March: Treasurer, Overseer for Facilities, and an Overseer.
If you have any suggestions,please contact EC Chair Diana Sunukjian at d.sunlover@gmail.com no later than Monday, January 14th.
Pickleball 101 - Come Learn & Play!?
You are invited to participate in a fun afternoon of pickleball on our permanently striped, portable courts in the church parking lot-and it's also a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to experience a taste of our fun, welcoming church community.
Saturday, January 17 at 3:30 PM - For those ready to move beyond the basics
Sunday, January 18 at 3:30 PM - For those brand new to the game
Whether you're new to pickleball or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a relaxed, friendly environment to learn, play, and connect together.
New to pickleball? We'll walk you through the basics.
Played before? Indicate this on the sign-up sheet, and we'll have a court focused on strategy and specific shots.
No paddle or balls? No problem! Karyn Sorenson will bring extra equipment to share. ⭐ Space is limited to 16 participants each day, so please sign up soon
Bring a water bottle, wear comfortable shoes, and come ready for fun, fellowship, and connection-we'd love to see you there and welcome your friends and neighbors too!
Explore the Christian Heritage of England and Scotland!
Did you know that much of American Christianity was shaped by historic events in England and Scotland? This fall, Pastor Eric will be hosting a Christian heritage tour of key sites in both countries-and you're invited! With 2026 marking the 500th anniversary of William Tyndale's English translation of the New Testament, this is a meaningful time to go. To learn more, Pastor Eric will briefly introduce the tour right after church on January 18. This is an information-only meeting, with no commitment required. In the meantime, you can find more details here: https://reformationtours.com/package/res26/
Mens Ministry - 100X LIFE - Living the Words of Jesus Experience life to the fullest-just as Jesus promised.
100X Life is coming back this January, and you're invited to be part of it! This is a chance to take Jesus at His word and discover what happens when His teachings shape your everyday life. It's not just a belief-it's a practice that leads to real transformation.
100X Life challenge is not just for men, but for all that are interested and willing to participate. The 100X Life book cost $20 and includes full access to all the 100X Life podcasts and other resources. For more info, please refer here:https://100xlife.com/
Join us this January as we walk together through 100X LIFE: A Daily Practice and learn how to live the abundant life Jesus offers.
Sign-up at the welcome table after church or online by clicking the button below.
Do you like to read books and discuss your ideas with others? Are you interested in what great authors have to say about the Christian walk? If so, please join the Community Covenant Book Club, which meets at 3:00pm the last Wednesday of every month in the Media Room at the Church.
First meeting of the new year will be January 28th at 3pm! We will be reading and discussing Brother Lawrence's Practicing the Presence of God. The Book Club is open to all!
For more information, contact Jean Marie Schultz at email address jean_schultz@ucsb.edu.
? Need Prayer? We've Got You Covered! ?
Feeling overwhelmed? Need a little extra support? We're here for you! Our amazing prayer team is ready and waiting to lift you up. Whether you're going through something big or just need some encouragement, we believe in the power of prayer and we're excited to stand with you in faith.
Whether it's something big or small, just approach one of our friendly team members after the service, and they'll step aside with you for personal and heartfelt prayer.
You may also request prayer through our Prayer Request Tool (see blue button below). Either way, know that your request will be handled with love, care, and a whole lot of compassion.
Let's connect through the power of prayer! You don't have to walk this journey alone. ??
