The month of February represents a season of love and Black History.  As we observe Black History Month and Valentine's Day, may we be reminded that the message of Love is an all-inclusive Gospel that continues 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, each year!

The 13^th Annual SAFE House Winter Concert is Sunday, February 28, at 4:00 P.M.  This fund-raising event will be held at First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church Street in Champaign.  Canaan Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Champaign are co-sponsors.

A Substance Abuse Leadership and Recovery Conference will be held February 20 at First Christian Church in Champaign.  Pastor Tatum is one of the presenters.

The "Women's Circle" will meet Saturday, February 27, from 4-6 P.M. This monthly fellowship, under the auspices of Canaan's Women's Ministry, seeks to engage, encourage, and empower women to fulfill God's purpose in their lives and serve Him in excellence and in truth.

SAVE THE DATE! On April 10, Pastor Tatum will host Canaan's Men's Conference 2010 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Urbana. The theme is, "Putting On The New Man." Conference speakers are: Rev. Dr. Walter Malone, Jr., Pastor of Canaan Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky; Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, Pastor of Eastern Star Baptist Church in Indianapolis Indiana; and Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes, III, Pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

Statements of 2009 contributions are available for Income Tax purposes.  They can either be picked up at the Church Office or mailed.  Please let us know your preference (367-2158)

Parents, if you are seeking a Christian-based education for your children, Canaan Academy can help end your search!  Enrollment is open for Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3-4), Kindergarten, and grades 1-5.  In addition to the core subjects and daily Bible instruction, students are taught Logic and Philosophy.

The Health Ministry's First Place 4 Health Christ-centered weight-loss and healthy living program is each Saturday from 9-11 A.M. in the Canaan Academy Gymnasium. Weigh-in begins at 8:45 A.M.

Visit Canaan on Facebook to fellowship and communicate with current and past members at: www.canaanbaptistchurchurbana.org/facebook

Pastor Tatum's enlightening and expository sermons are telecast each Sunday evening at 6 P.M. on UPTV, Channel 6.

Canaan's  all-church "Forty Days of Fasting and Praying will begin Wednesday, February 24, and end Easter Sunday, April 4.  Spiritual Fasting is a mighty force that produces powerfully dynamic results.  These Forty Days are a time to seek Divine guidance and assistance for problems and difficult situations

In preparation for the 40-Day Fast, Pastor Tatum asks all Canaanites to participate in a 7-day Media Fast, beginning  Wednesday, February 17, and ending  Wednesday, February 24.  This is a time when we abstain from exposure to the media, especially television viewing, so we can clear our minds for solitary refinement.  Solitude, quiet, and being set apart from the distractions of this world are vital to hearing God speak.

The Women's Auxiliary Retreat of Baptist General State Convention of Illinois is March 25-27, 2010, in Peoria, Illinois.  Sis. Barbara Tatum is facilitator of the Workshop, "Forgiveness Is For Me."   Other Workshops are: "Dancing With The Devil," and "Order My Steps."  Registration is $135.  The Headquarter Hotel is Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria.  Rate deadline is February 16. Retreat Snapshots: Pampering & Relaxation; Health Seminar; Exercising, Workshops, Fun Night, Banquet,  etc.