February at Providence: Fellowship, Faith & the Love of the Lord

February has been a full and beautiful month in the life of Providence — filled with laughter, prayer, worship, and tangible reminders of the Lord’s love among us. As we look back, we are grateful for the many ways God has drawn our church family closer to Him and to one another.

🌶️ 2026 Providence Chili Cook-Off

What an incredible day at our 2026 Providence Chili Cook-Off! The fellowship hall was absolutely buzzing with excitement. Tables were full, the competition was fierce (in the friendliest way!), and the atmosphere was joyful from start to finish.

From rich, hearty chilis to sweet and savory cornbreads, the talent in this church family is serious. Everyone came ready to taste, vote, laugh, and cheer one another on. Kids eagerly cast their votes, and adults kept going back for “just one more taste.” It was more than a competition — it was fellowship at its best.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who cooked, served, organized, decorated, cleaned up, and showed up hungry. Events like this remind us just how special our covenant church family truly is.

🏆 Congratulations to Our Winners!

• 🥇 1st Place Chili: The Fox Family

• 🥈 2nd Place Chili: The Kittleson Family

• 🥉 3rd Place Chili: The Walters Family

• 👑 Cornbread Champion: Andrea Kidder

• 🧒 Kid’s Choice – Chili: The Walters Family

• 🧒 Kid’s Choice – Cornbread: Peyton Kittleson

We’re already counting down to next year!

🙏 A Day of Fasting & Prayer

This month, our church family also set aside a special Day of Fasting & Prayer. It was a powerful time of intentionally slowing down, seeking the Lord, and lifting up the needs of our congregation together.

We are especially grateful to Joe Porrazzo for sharing his testimony. Joe spoke with genuine humility and honesty, offering not only his story but a deep awareness of who he is in the love of the Lord. His willingness to be open about his journey and growth encouraged us all and pointed our hearts back to God’s grace, faithfulness, and transforming work.

What a gift it is to be part of a praying church. May we continue to seek Him together with expectant hearts.

🎶 Children of the Living God

Our Children’s Choir blessed us in the sweetest way with their performance of “Children of the Living God.” Their joyful singing, big smiles, clapping hands, and even the high-fives along the way were a beautiful reminder of what wholehearted praise looks like.

It truly was a joyful noise that lifted the entire congregation’s hearts.

A special thank you to Diane Vlcek for the love, time, and care she pours into leading and directing our children. We are so grateful for the way she helps them grow in confidence and in worship. Thank you as well to our musicians — Ron Henzel, Robert Morris, and Bill Vlcek — for supporting this special performance.

What a gift these children are to our church family.

🎁 Operation Christmas Child – Sharing Love All Year Long

Love doesn’t wait for December — and neither do we!

Once again, we are collecting items for Operation Christmas Child all year long. Each month, our congregation is invited to donate specific items, and everything will come together at our Packing Party in November.

📦 February Collection Items:

• Washcloths

• Cups

• Water bottles
  (Please donate new items only.)

Thank you for helping us share love and joy with children around the world. If you have questions, please see Jacqueline Ehlers.

🌸 Ladies Bible Study Begins February 17th

We are excited to begin a new women’s study this spring:

Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This
by Kelly Minter
📍 Tuesdays | 6:00–7:30 PM
📚 Church Library
🗓 February 17 – April 7

Esther’s story reminds us that God’s faithfulness and courage work through ordinary people in extraordinary times — and that we are placed exactly where we are for such a time as this. If you have questions or need help getting a book, please see Dea Boozer. We would love to have you join us.

❤️ February: The Month of Love ❤️

February is often known as the month of love — and while hearts and cards fill the stores, we are reminded of a far greater love.

Throughout this month, we have seen glimpses of the Lord’s love in so many ways:
In shared meals and laughter.
In humble testimonies.
In children’s joyful praise.
In prayers lifted together.
In generosity for children across the globe.

Above all, February points us to the steadfast, unfailing love of the Lord— a love that gathers us, grows us, forgives us, and sends us out to love and serve others.

“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

As we step into March, may we continue to live rooted in that love — loving the Lord wholeheartedly and loving one another faithfully.

What a joy it is to walk this journey together. ❤️