Faith Covenant Christian Church

11:00 a.m. Service

CALL TO WORSHIP

*INVOCATION

*CONGREGATIONAL HYMN

*RESPONSIVE READING

*PRAYER

SONG OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP

WELCOME / ANNOUNCEMENTS / FELLOWSHIP

OFFERTORY PRAYER AND OFFERING

*INTERCESSORY PRAYER

*PRAYER OF FAITH AND COMMITMENT

SPECIAL MUSIC

WORD OF GOD – Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

*INVITATION TO SALVATION AND DISCIPLESHIP

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

[You may join Faith Covenant Christian Church by: Baptism, Christian Experience,

Re-Dedication, Transfer Letter, or Watch Care]

HOLY COMMUNION (1st Sunday Of Every Month)

BENEDICTION

God Of A Another Chance

One of the most famous plays in football history happened on New Year’s Day in the 1929 Rose Bowl. Georgia Tech was playing the University of California. A player for California by the name Roy Riegals recovered a fumble but somehow got turned around and ran over 60 yards the wrong way. A teammate by the name of Benny Lom caught Riegals and tackled him just before he crossed the goal line. A few plays later California would attempt a punt deep in their end zone as a result of “wrong way Riegals” run, only to have the kick blocked with Georgia Tech scoring a safety. Those two points would eventually be the margin of a Georgia Tech victory.

Riegals’ mishap occurred in the first half. During halftime, Roy settled into a corner draping a blanket around his shoulders. He cried like a baby. The locker room was uncharacteristically quiet. As halftime was coming to an end, California coach Nibbs Price looked at his team and simply said, “Men, the same team that played the first half will start the Second.” Everyone started out of the locker room except for Roy Riegals. The coach approached his broken player and said, “'Roy, didn't you hear me? The same team that played the first half will start the second.” Roy Riegals looked up at his coach and with tears still streaming down his face said, “Coach, I can’t do it to save my life. I've ruined you. I've ruined the University of California. I've ruined myself. I couldn’t face the crowd in the stadium to save my life.” Coach Price reached out and put his hand on the shoulder of Roy Riegals and simply said, “Roy get up and go on back. The game is only half over.” Roy 3 Riegals did get up and go back onto the field to play an outstanding second half of football against the yellow jackets of Georgia Tech.

A story like this might make one think, “What a great coach!” However, when we come to the third chapter of Jonah, we should be inspired to think, “What a great God!” How often is it that we run in the wrong direction just like Roy Riegals, just like Jonah ? We blow it big time. We drop the ball for God. We conclude that God can no longer use us. We feel ashamed and think about giving up, never trying again ! However, there is great news ~ God does not give up on us ! He comes to us again and again with both challenge and encouragement. He reminds us that it is not our ability He desires as much as it is our availability. He is not looking for talent. He is looking for faithfulness. He is looking for obedience. God works in surprising and marvelous ways through the lives of very ordinary people who are simply obedient to His call. The life of Jonah is a wonderful reminder of the awesome truth: Our God is the God of the another chance !

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT WEEK

SUNDAY SCHOOL – May 10, 2026

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Work as Christian Duty

Genesis 2:15, Exodus 20:9, John 9:4 4, Acts 20:33-35,

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Lesson Aims After participating in this lesson,

each learner will be able to:

1. Summarize the main points of each text.

2. Explain the purpose of work from these texts.

3. Write a personal resolution regarding work in service to God.

Genesis 2:15

15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the

Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Exodus 20:9

9 "Six days you shall labor and do all your work,"

John 5:17

17 In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is

always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."

John 9:4 4

"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.

Night is coming, when no one can work.

Acts 20:33-35

33 "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Created for Service In the beginning, there was work to be done. In the narrative of the world’s creation, even before the introduction of sin, humans are made with a productive capacity and for the purpose of expanding God’s ordered creation—tending the primordial garden. The writer of Genesis 2 even anticipates this and calls out the need for someone to bring order to the earth: before humans, “there was no one to work the ground” (Gen. 2:5). God creates humanity from the ground for the purpose of bringing order to the ground. In one form or another, all work is a continuation of these gardening skills. When Genesis is written, everyone inherits a farming or shepherding lifestyle, growing food and tending the earth directly. But in the modern age, when humans specialize in countless other professions, we still depend on the earth for food. Even though God created humans to tend the ground, God’s favor does not derive from humanity’s productive efforts. In Egypt, Israel experienced what it means to be slaves—people valued only for what they can do. But as soon as God frees the Israelites from Egypt, He grants them the gift of Sabbath rest, a weekly reprieve from all work (Ex. 20:9). God loves us, even when we are unproductive. When the Father sends His Son to show this love, Jesus says that the work of God is not finished (John 5:17). God is carrying out the plan of salvation, bringing order back to creation. God has a plan to deal with sin and death, to ensure that His work is not in vain—that our work can align with what God continues to do. Thus, when Jesus breathes His last and gives His life, He signals the completion with the words, “It is finished” (John 19:30). His work is done. So what are Christ’s followers to do? Are they invited to a life devoid of work, since the great work of redemption is at an end? Far from it! For the kingdom of God is at hand, reversing the fortunes of the weak and powerless. In all things, God’s people are to work for the good of others, ensuring that the message of Jesus goes forth unhindered. Jesus spent His labor and His life to serve others, and His followers will do no less. Paul reminds church leaders of Christ’s words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 6

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

Case Study: The Church of Thessalonica In Acts 20:33–35, we read about Paul’s advice for Christians to continue to work on behalf of the weak, giving generously in the same way that Christ spent His time. Probably early in the apostle Paul’s ministry, he faced a challenge from the church he had founded in the large city of Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1–9). As we read what Paul says to this church, we hear him correct a misunderstanding of work that is repeated, even to this day. For one thing, the Thessalonians were confused about the coming day of the Lord (2 Thess. 2:1–2). Since the earthly work of Christ is complete, and salvation is already at hand, these early Christians were understandably eager to hear news of Christ’s return. Some of them—perhaps certain that Christ’s return would shortly make their work valueless—had given themselves over to idleness or even quitting their jobs. If Jesus is about to appear, they thought, why continue to worry about earthly things like money? Paul’s words against this perspective are sharp and specific. Do not let “idle” and “disruptive” people disrupt the kingdom mission (2 Thess. 3:6). The day of the Lord has not come, nor will Christ’s appearance invalidate the efforts of those who continue their work so that they can eat and to use money to live (vv. 8–10). Paul is perfectly willing to say that working in order to eat is natural: it’s the continuation of the gardening work that God gave humans. But Paul and his companions could probably have argued that they were too important, too busy to be troubled to work with their hands. Instead, Paul and his ministry companions were as active at work as anyone else, providing a model for other leaders (vv. 7, 9). Does this mean that Paul would be against pastors earning a salary? Not at all, for in another context he says that ministry workers are worthy of financial support (see 1 Tim. 5:17–18). But Paul uses his own work as an example for this church: no one should spend their days with nothing to do, simply waiting for Christ’s return. What kind of example would that be? The work of the kingdom is simply too important, and the work continues.

About Us

OUR HISTORY

Faith Covenant Christian Church began on February 27, 2014 following a fellowship dinner for displaced former members of Crossroads Christian Church. Following that first meeting, we formed a Planning Committee and began meeting @ Best Western Hotel at Cedar Bluff.

On May 7, 2014, we adopted the name Faith Covenant Christian Church, with our foundational verse being Jeremiah 50:5. On June 22, 2014 an invitation to membership was given by Rev A. David Baxter and 21 people united with Faith Covenant Christian Church. Women’s and Men’s Ministries began having regular meetings. In September 2014, we began having Sunday School and Wednesday Night Bible Study. In November, Youth Ministry began. By the end of 2014, ten more people joined, three as new converts. We moved to 1027 Summer Wood Drive on April 1, 2015. Following a yearlong pastor search, Violet P. McRoy, was called as pastor on April 18, 2016. In March 2018, Pastor McRoy resigned as pastor, due to poor health and other personal issues. God quickly responded to our prayer-laden search and Nokomis Yeldell, Jr. was elected to the pastoral position on April 16, 2018. On Easter Sunday in 2025, we moved into a new sanctuary at 1021 Summer Wood Drive. On May 03, 2026, we celebrated our 12th church anniversary and are looking onward, upward and forward to serving God faithfully.

OUR PASTOR

Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

Pastor Yeldell was born in Mt Pleasant, Texas, the third of five children of Nokomis and Dollie Pearl Yeldell. His father, also a Pastor for over 60 years, was called to Memphis, TN, where Nokomis Jr. grew up. Following graduation Pastor Yeldell attended Southwestern Christian College. He then served four years in the United States Air Force. He then decided to move to Knoxville, TN to further his education. After serving in leadership capacities in various ministries at Foster Chapel Baptist Church, Pastor Yeldell was called into the ministry in 2010.

Faith Covenant Christian Church represents Pastor Yeldell’s third and prayerfully final pastorate.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

FAITH COVENANT Christian Church accepts the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, and holds to the following foundational truths:

1. The One True God

GOD IS… He is the eternally existent and immutable Father, Creator of the Universe and everything therein. He is the Lord of heaven and earth, and in Him we move and have our being. He is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is One God in three distinct persons: one in essence and purpose and distinct in personality and function. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He is the essence of love, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, mercy, grace, holiness, righteousness, and justice.

2. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the eternally existent Son of the living God, the fullness of the Godhead bodily, the image of the invisible God, and the firstborn of all creation. Through Him was made everything that is made—things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things are held together.

He was born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God through His substitutionary death on the cross. He was resurrected bodily from the dead, and sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

3. The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth, who goes out from the Father and testifies about the Son. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regards to sin and righteousness and judgment. He is given to all who believe, for Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit according to the promise of God the Father, who gives the Spirit without limit. The Holy Spirit lives with us and in us, bringing about the endowment of power for life and service, as well as the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. These gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to His own will (Hebrews 2:4) include: prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, contributing to the needs of others, leadership, mercy (Romans 12:6-8), message of wisdom, message of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing between spirits (discernment), tongues, interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

4. Salvation from the Penalty of Sin

By grace, through faith, we are saved from the penalty of sin. Mankind, though made in the image of God, has inherited through the first man, Adam, a sinful nature. By this nature, all mankind has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and thereby, was alienated from God; dead in transgressions—gratifying the cravings, desires, and thoughts of the sinful nature; following the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air; stirring up wrath against himself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. But God did not appoint mankind to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—and saved us by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

5. Salvation from the Power of Sin

By grace, through faith, we are saved from the power of sin. Having been crucified with Christ, we put to death the deeds of the body so that sin shall have no dominion over our mortal bodies. We have received the Spirit who is from God so that we may live by faith, understanding what God has freely given us to accomplish His purpose:

He has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our personal knowledge of Him as Savior and Lord.
He has given us His precious and magnificent promises by which we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
He has given us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ, His church, may be built up.
He has given to us the manifestation of the Spirit through spiritual gifts for the common good.
He has given us the ministry of reconciliation: that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him.

6. Salvation from the Presence of Sin

By grace, through faith, we are saved from the presence of sin, for the Lord Jesus died and rose again, and will Himself come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first, and we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth will pass away. And we shall dwell with God in the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. We shall be His people, and God Himself will be with us and be our God. He will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away.

7. The Inspiration and Inerrancy of Scripture

God’s Word is TRUTH. The Holy Scriptures (both the Old and New Testament) is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. We are saved from the penalty, power, and presence of sin by grace through faith that comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, which testifies of Jesus Christ. By His Word, God has revealed Himself, His plan, His purpose, and His ways—so that we would come to Him to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

OUR MINISTRIES

Faith Covenant Christian Church operates under a FIVE FOLD Ministry concept

I EXALTATION

Deacons- Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Holy Sacraments And Sacred Days – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Media- Sis. Tiaeshia Kelso, Bro. Anthony Lindsey

Music- Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Program – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Public Relations – Bro. Reggie Lindsey, Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Pulpit – Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

Reconciliation – Ministerial Council

Ushers – Sis. Teresa Farmer

II ENABLING

Benevolence – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Food Pantry – Bro. Karl Townes

Hospitality – Sis. Teresa Farmer

Intercessory Prayer – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

Missions – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

III EDUCATION

Bible Study – Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.

Youth Church –

Sunday School – Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Supplemental Education And Training – Bro. Reggie Lindsey

Vacation Bible School –

IV EDIFICATION

Church-Wide Edification – Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Men’s Ministry – Bro. Karl Towns

Women’s Ministry (WICS) – Sis. Teresa Farmer

Youth – Sis. Earlenia Lindsey

V EQUIPPING

Administration – Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Finance – Sis. Teresa Farmer, Sis. Tiaeshia Kelso, Sis. Sabrina T. Wilson

Transportation – Bro. Karl Towns

Trustees – Bro. Karl Towns

Kitchen Ministry / Special Events – Sis. Teresa Farmer

Comfort And Care Ministry - Pastor Nokomis Yeldell, Jr.