A Cohesive Men's Ministry at New Covenant

An invitation has been extended to several men at New Covenant to form an informal task force. The purpose is to kick around ideas concerning the development of an organized men's ministry here at this church. Although there are various groups and activities centered on men's discipleship and fellowship, we still don't have a strategy in place nor do we have recognized leadership. If you would like to participate in this discussion and contribute ideas, please contact me before I start planning the first get-together.

Personally, I find it hard to believe that for a church this size, we still do not have a strong program for men. Let's change this situation.

blessings,
Mark Welch
405-473-9354
mwelch@ncovenant.org

Ersatz Dads Needed

We just celebrated Fathers Day. If you were in worship here At New Covenant, you undoubtedly heard pastor AC's admonishment to minister and mentor to youngsters who are without fathers. Duh! Kind of a no brainer, eh? There are several fatherless children in our church family yet we haven't done much to really help stand in the gap.

It's almost embarrassing to have the pastor remind us of what we should have been doing all along. Thanks AC, a little rear-end kicking is good for us men who claim to be Christ followers but yet ignore those in need right under our noses. I'm a little ticked off at myself - kind of.

So I ran into a single mom with a young fatherless child and felt as guilty as a guy could for ignoring her situation. It was shortly after I heard the sermon and I decided to let the Holy Spirit take control of my mouth (I love danger). I made an offer to take her young son sailing. I probably could use some help from other guys with this. Maybe if this fatherless boy could see the church men paying attention to him, he might get a head start on life and grow up a little differently.

There just might be other ways to help kids like this depending on your interests and passions. Just a thought. Want to help? Call me at 473-9354,

Your bro in Christ,
Mark

Men's Weekend is Good To Go

We're cleared for takeoff on Friday, May 1. Guys will meet at the church parking lot and depart at various times throughout the afternoon. I'll be calling everyone this week to nail down a transportation schedule.

Here is the list of paid-up, confirmed attendees:

Marty Mears
Darrell Dunlap
Sam Bass
Mark Welch
George Wyrick
Michael Doyle
Richard Gilbert
Mark Bruno
Don Reeves
Joe Bruns
Aaron Bruns
Cory Autrey
Adrian Cole (Sat)
Duane Simpson
Phillip Newton
Patrick Fouts
Joe Baumgardner
John Blackwell
Billy Martin
Jeff Cowan

Last minute sign-ups are still possible - just go here!

your bro in Christ,
Mark Welch
473-9354

Come to the Cross and Men's Weekend

On Saturday, April 11th, the day before Resurrection Sunday, our Children's Ministries are hosting Come to the Cross Easter Egg Hunt in Anderson Park just next to the church.

Guys are needed to help set up tables, Easy-Ups and other stuff the ladies may struggle with. I'm confident there are some men in our church that could lend a hand that Saturday sometime after noon. That's the least we can do for our children and the children in our community.

Never let it be said we didn't do the least we could do! Contact Linda Birsner at 562-3242 and leave a message. If you have a pick-up truck, all the better - they have to haul over tables and stuff from the NC campus.

Aslo - we are far short of the minimum number of guys needed for the Men's Adventure Weekend. Only one paid registrant has made a commitment. If this gets scrubbed, chances are it will not be resurrected next year. Sign up - it's going to be a great weekend!

If anyone's bothering to read this or has any interest in Men's Ministry at New Covenant, leave a message! Besides the Men's Breakfast, is there any interest in Men's Ministry?

- Mark
562-3201

Men's Breakfast 3-27-09

The next NC Men's Breakfast is coming up fast. Former NFL Raven's linebacker, Dan Cody will be our guest speaker.

This young guy has suffered injuries which has put his football career in question. Yet despite the challenges of trying to stay in the game, his faith is central to his life. Dan knows football. Speaking to large groups of men isn't a part of his normal routine but his desire to put God first is important enough for him to step out of his comfort zone and share his faith. Hear his story - eat some great breakfast and sign up for the Men's Adventure Weekend.

Register for the breakfast - Friday the 27th, 6:45 am.

Confirmed Men's Weekend Sign-Ups

We're about to order a supply of Kyle Petty's Books, Life at Full Speed, so signups and $100. registration fees are due now. We still need some guys to coordinate and honcho the Saturday night campfire meat roast so if you know anyone with a modicum of ability, let me know.

Here is the list of confirmed sign-ups: We need at least 7 more to make this happen! Register here or call Mark at 562-3201.

Marty Mears - fishing
Darrell Dunlap - ropes
Sam Bass - fishing
Kory Autrey - ropes
Michael Doyle - assisting ropes
George Wyrick - ropes, golf
Joe Baumgardner - ropes
Mark Bruno - (heading up golf reservations) - fishing
Joe Bruns - fishing, ropes
Aaron Bruns - fishing
Don Reeves - shoreline fishing
Richard Gilbert - golf
Mark Welch - ropes

Your bro in Christ,
Mark

Men's Adventure Weekend at Risk

Okay, I'm not going to pull any punches here - we need sign ups pretty desperately to make the Men's Adventure Weekend happen. Lots of details to clear out of the way and that means commitments need to pour in mighty soon.

I've gone over the Kyle Petty Bible study material for our Friday night session and it looks pretty good. We may have a boat or two going down to take care of the fishing contingent but a hired guide is still being planned for those who want to spend some extra on that.

March 23rd needs to be our deadline for registration. The decision to cancel or not will be made on that date. If you have signed up already, we need your $100. so that a deposit can be sent to Crosspoint Camp on Texoma.

Also.... if you have any special needs that would make your camp experience more do-able, please let me know. Sign-ups are all taken online here...

Please help us out and let us know you are going!! Thanks.

Mark
562-3201
mwelch(at)ncovenant.org