The Church of the Covenant   


'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; 
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.'
Matthew 19:14 
 
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
10 AM
June 23, 2013
 
The Rev. Dr. Catherine G. Borchert's sermon is Turmoil, Tension, Transition: the Bible in our Time. The scripture lessons are Galatians 3:23-29 and I Kings 19:1-15a.

The Lay Worship Leader this Sunday is Alan Jefferis who joined the Covenant in 2005. Alan is the son of Bob Jefferis and Diane Mogren, and grandson of Bernice Jefferis. He is currently working as an analyst at KeyBank after studying economics at Ohio Wesleyan University. Alan recently moved to the Ohio City neighborhood and is excited by the development and revitalization of Downtown Cleveland and its surrounding neighborhoods. He recently joined the Western Reserve Rowing Association and is rowing in this summer's rowing league on the Cuyahoga River.  
 
Each Sunday one of our Stephen Ministers remains in Christ Chapel following worship to speak with anyone who needs a listening ear or a prayer. 
 
Covenant Welcomes the Reverend Dr. Catherine (Kitty) Borchert  
 
 

We are pleased to welcome our Parish Associate, the Reverend Catherine (Kitty) Glennan Borchert, to Covenant's pulpit this Sunday. As a Parish Associate. Kitty is a retired minister, with her membership in the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. Retired ministers, having left their previous call, are often without a particular congregational relationship. The parish associate status allows a minister to be connected to a single congregation for a period in retirement, not as a member, nor as an installed part of the staff. The relationship formed by the pastor and Session, is for a "term not to exceed twelve months, with the approval of Presbytery through the Committee on Ministry (COM).In late 2012 Session invited Kitty and in January, COM approved her appointment.

 

Kitty brings a wealth of experience in the church and the community. A widow with three children and nine grandchildren, she is a professional librarian and is currently tutoring 3rd graders at Miles Park School in Cleveland. She has degrees from Swarthmore College (BA), Western Reserve University (MSLS), McCormick Seminary (MDiv), Case Western Reserve University (PhD in Social Policy History; dissertation topic - The Old School-New School split of 1837 in the Presbyterian Church).

 

Reverend Borchert has served at all levels within the Presbyterian Church, both as a volunteer and in staff positions. She was a member of Fairmount Presbyterian Church for 40 years, serving as an elder, and clerk of Session. After ordination as a minister, she was the Stated Clerk for 14+ years of the Presbytery of the Western  Reserve. As a volunteer she served as Moderator of the Presbytery, Chair of Mission Council, and currently is on the Committee on Ministry and the Administration Ministry. She has served on numerous commissions and committees with both the Synod and General Assembly, including nine years on the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission. She also served as a General Assembly staff member as Coordinator of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy.  At McCormick Theological Seminary, she was Interim Dean for Doctoral Programs and Continuing Education and adjunct faculty in Church History and Polity.

 

Kitty is a participant in the EfM Grads book discussion group at Covenant for a  couple years.  

 
In the  Covenant Family

This week we keep in our prayers Linda Cochran, Erik Kratky, Michelle Milano, Christian Steppes, and other Covenant members and friends who are struggling with illness, convalescing, or are homebound.

Prayer for Transition:
As we face this time of church transition, we seek your guidance.May our thoughts and words mirror the love you have so freely given us.  

 

 

Bear one another's burdens, 
and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 
Galatians 6:2
We Need Your Changes!

Address, echange of address-mail, cell or land line phone change in the past year? PLEASE

let the office know.  

 
We are trying to make as many corrections as possible.  

 

Call Mildred Russin at 216.421.0482  or email [email protected]

(or mark on the pew pads).

Thank you!

 

 

 
Thane Jones Graduates at Great Lakes Science Center
Covenant Youth to Sail Lake Michigan!
Thane Jones, a faithful member of Covenant's Senior High Youth Group, graduated from the PROJECT YESS leadership training program at a graduation ceremony at the Great Lakes Science Center on Thursday June 13th. PROJECT YESS (Youth Empowered to Succeed through Sailing) is a six week leadership, seamanship & navigation, safety and career opportunities program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cleveland. Thane was one of 40 youth (ages 14-17) from Cleveland who were selected from 65 applicants for this rigorous program. Family and friends of the 40 graduates attended the Career Relevance and Graduation Ceremony at the Great Lakes Science Center. The graduates will then have the opportunity for a week long voyage of sailing one of four tall ships. Thane and 12 other graduates were selected to sail a tall ship from Milwaukee, on Lake Michigan, departing on June 26th and arriving in the Port of Cleveland on July 3rd. Thane completes the 10th grade at the N.E. Ohio College Preparatory School this week. Our congratulations and best wishes for a week of smooth sailing on the Great lakes go out to Thane Jones!  
 
Christians Bear Witness! 
 
On November 18, 2006, a student died by gunshots at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.  On February 27, 2012, three students died by gunshots at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio.  On December 14, 2012, twenty elementary school children and six adults died by gunshots at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. 
 
Since December 14, 2012, 75 persons, including
William J. Sullivan, Darryle L. Burke, and Constance L. Ferraro
most recently have been killed by gun violence
around you in 
Cuyahoga County alone. 
 
Social Justice Committee Task Force on Gun Violence 
 
Music Notes 

 

We welcome guest organist Dr. Peter Bennett and soloist Elena Mullins to our service this weekend. Dr. Bennett is an Associate Professor of Musicology at Case Western Reserve University and teaches harpsichord at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

 

Soprano Elena Mullins has been singing as a section leader in the Church of the Covenant Choir for three years, while pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Early Music Performance Practice at Case Western Reserve University. At Case, she studies voice with Ellen Hargis and regularly performs with the Collegium and Baroque Ensembles. This summer she is featured in the EMA Young Performer's Festival in Boston and at the American Bach Soloists Academy in San Francisco. Her 2013-14 season will include performances with The Newberry Consort, Apollo's Fire, and the Baroque ensemble Three Notch'd Road, based in Charlottesville, VA.

 
Lindy Evangeline Stella

In last Sunday's service Lindy was baptized by Rev. Jonyrma Singleton and received the assurance of the congregation that we would nurture and educate her in the way of the Lord and surround her with Christian Love.   Lindy is the daughter of Susan Keltner and Jonathan Stella and the granddaughter of Pat and David Keltner. Lindy lives in Reston, Virginia. Reverend Singleton also married Lindy's parents and grandparents.
Lindy Discovers Cake

 
Lauren Mailey Becomes Co-Editor 

Lyn Cooper Tomaszewski and David Keltner as co-editor of the weekly email.  Lauren is a life long member of the Covenant and has returned to Cleveland after finishing her education at The Fashion Institute of Technology where she received her BFA in Fine Art. Lauren is currently working as a therapist and tutor in the field of  Autism Intervention. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Special Education at Notre Dame College in South Euclid. Lauren has become actively involved in Covenant's life. She most recently was in charge of our Parade the Circle activities.   Her artistic talent created the highly innovative theme for our parade entry.  Lauren is also a Stephen Minister and newly ordained deacon. Lauren Mailey has agreed to join We welcome Lauren's youthful enthusiasm and her "young eyes" to deliver us email news that is new and  energetic.

We also thank Victoria Gates for her faithful stint as co-editor. We had the opportunity to enjoy her creative and colorful e-news while David and Pat Keltner were on their world-wide travels.  
 
Farewell From Betsy and Rodger

  

 

As we begin our new adventure going to Colorado, we want to thank all of our dear friends at the Covenant for being the wonderful folk  that you all are.

 

Rodger tells the story of his welcome 45 years ago as a new conscientious objector working across the street at UH on his first Sunday in Cleveland.  He was greeted by Clark Livensbarger at the door and after service was invited to have lunch with him at the Aurora Restaurant across the street. Clark linked Rodger to Charley Clark to help with the draft counseling ministry. Thus began getting to know so very many wonderful members and friends who have so enriched our lives - time and time again. You have openSillarsed your hearts to us over and over; shown us the true love of Christ; held us in your care thus leaving us with no possible way to adequately thank you.

 

While we eagerly and joyfully await our new life in Colorado, we take with us innumerable fond memories and treasured experiences of our life at the Covenant. Thank you each and everyone for all that you have given us.  

 

Much Love and Fond Wishes for You All,  

PEACE

Betsy and Rodger  

 
 


 

 

 

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In the Heart of University Circle 
 
11205 Euclid Avenue - Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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This week's e-news compiled by Lauren Mailey