Thursday, August 28, 2014

This Sunday, August 31, 2014
 
This Sunday, August 31:   
Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary
Our 'To Do' List 
Jim Mehler preaching
 
Forum  in the Lounge, 9:45am
 
Catching Fire: A Guide for Spiritual Transformation 4

Alternative Gathering Service
10:00am, Fellowship Hall  

Our "To Do" List

Matthew 16:21-28; Romans 12:9-21, Jim preaching

 

Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter 
 
In the Hospital
Select Specialty Hosp.,
     3rd & Dennison.
Dee Adair is at Riverside.

Prayer Request
Roberta Adams
Anthony
Terry Scott
Ralph Elliott
Jan & Dave Strunk
Judy Gray
Bonnie Mitchell
Robert Spencer
Joan Spencer 
Dianne Annis
Claire Hamilton
Dan Dupler
Juliana Graves
Amy Albert
Jerome Dillon
Natalie
Don Rorapaugh
Greer Rouda
Ethel Thomas
Alexa Hobbs
Jenny Ryan
Janet Bartels
Bill Mitchell
Polly Morrison
Rikki Graves
Madison Hanosek
Larry Limes
Rev. Curtis Miller
Whitney Von Voigt
Steve White 
Yvonne Nowels
Judy Gallagher
Jacob Patterson

Homebound / Limited Mobility 
Trudy & Harrison Gardner
Myrna Dupler
Bill Miller
Bob Bartels   
Peggy Dinger
Stan Erikson
Phyllis Flaig
Manette Friske
Jack Lyons
Alice Patton
Leona Rapp
Judy Sechler    
Marvin White
Keep us updated on those who wish be on the prayer list. Call the office (451-6677) or email JP when you want a name added or removed; New names will appear near the top of the list for one month. If you'd like the name to remain on the list after that, call the office.  
 
YOUR DEACONS 
Deacons invite the congregation to participate in 
occasional and one-time services to our members. Contact Donna Harder, 847-6039, [email protected] or Carol Petro, 485-0994, [email protected].
 
- Be a part of communion service support to the congregation the first Sunday of every month. Contact Deacon Tim Scott, [email protected]
- Pray for someone. 
- Prepare all or a part of meal.  
- Provide a ride to church or an appt. 
- Help serve breakfast at Ronald McDonald House 
- Participate in the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
 
Also, If you know a member with a need, or for more information contact Carol Petro, 485-0994, jpetroball@ao,com. 

Deacons serve breakfast at Ronald McDonald House the first Sat. of each month. Contact a deacon below. 
Moderator, Pete LuPiba 
2014 
Christy Charlton, Peggy Hicks,  
Pete LuPiba, Andrew Patterson, Janice Schaefer, Gina Spicer, Lisa Swartz 
2015 
Charlie Bergmann, Gail Griffin, Donna Harder, Katy Nowels Fair, Bonnie James, Carol Petro, Tom Ulry 
2016 
Milissa Campbell, Bobbie Gier, Bob Lowery, Cathleen McComas, Rusty Miller, Tim Scott, Sharon Steingass 
Youth Deacons 2014 
Charlotte Gross, Charlie Vazquez
 
OPPORTUNITIES:
SOS Food Pantry Sundays
Every 1st Sunday of the month bring non-perishable foods to be distributed to families in need. 
     Anytime: Bring in your favorite brands of mac and cheese, baked beans, tuna, and peanut butter and jelly. Donations can be placed in the SOS bin at the North entrance of the church. The SOS Food Pantry, which delivers to homebound households in need, is funded solely by your contributions.  It is not a part of the church budget. Thank you for your continued donations of food and money to purchase perishables. Checks can be made out to the church and mailed in or dropped in the offering plate. Note SOS in the memo line.  For info about SOS Sundays, the pantry or to volunteer to make deliveries when you can, contact Lou Ann Doub 488-3919 or Gerlinde Lott 486-8607. 
 

Seeds of Hope Community Garden

The garden is flourishing! The apple trees and berries are fruitful! This mission activity of Covenant continues to provide nutritious, organic food to local food pantries and those in need. If you have questions, suggestions, or wish to help, contact Bob Tannehill, 488-7587, [email protected].


Calling all knitters and those who crochet - The Creative Hearts and Hands and Prayer Shawl circles ask your help in knitting pocket prayer shawls for those working on rescue and those who have suffered loss in the mudslide in Washington. These small squares take under an hour to make. Check the church office for directions or call Gail Griffin, 457-2346.


Open Shelter
Help prepare, deliver, serve or contribute cookies/brownies for the homeless. Guaranteed  to be rewarding. Contact Carol Petro 485-0994, [email protected]
- To help prepare a meal for a member who is in need due to illness or death in the family, contact any Deacon. 
- Salt & Light opportunities. See the hall board.
 
Covenant Collections: 

There are baskets on shelves in the hallway marked for collection of eyeglasses.

They will be taken to LensCrafters to use in their mission to help others. 

Also, shelving in the coat racks has other collection bins. 

 
Need a Ride? CARES Program
For transportation to church, doctor appointment, etc., call Jay McLean, 209-7314 

 
For information about the latest news pertaining to the Presbyterian denomination, click here:  Presbytery of Scioto Valley  
 
Join Our Mailing List
jim
Jim Mehler

Dear Covenant friends and family,   

     Remember when Labor Day marked the end of summer?  Ah, I remember it well, at least for the time being. Labor Day has always held a soft spot in my heart. It is the day when I think back over the summer and remember all those items on my "summer to-do list" which are waiting, yet, to be done.  Well, I'll just put them on the list for next summer. Some of those items can wait.  No problem they'll be waiting for me next summer. But, some need to be done, well, now. Not urgent, but I better get to them. That brings to mind both Matthew and Romans.  Paul in Romans gives us a "to-do" list.  Jesus in Matthew reminds us it's not what we say, but what we do which really matters. Got to keep this short, got to get back to my "to-do" list.  

     It's the last 8:30 courtyard service of the summer.  And next Sunday is the Block Party. Yes!

See you Sunday!

Jim

 
This Sunday, August 31

Greet & Meet - See Charlotte Sharpe at church or call her at 486-1619 to hear about opportunities to greet other worshipers on Sunday mornings. It's a great way to meet new people or reconnect with long-time members. New schedule begins in October.

Do you tweet? 
 Don't miss the fun @CovenantGather. We live tweet some of our services and share other interesting and important updates. Search for us at #covenantcbus and follow Tracy - @TR_Keenan

Follow Puppet on Twitter - Puppet, famous for talks with children on Sunday mornings, now has a Twitter account.  You can find and "follow" Puppet @Puppet2070. Stay in touch!

 

- Flowers by the pulpit are donated by the Coakley family in memory of Jim Dusz. 
- Flowers by the lectern are from the daughter of Charles and Emily
Meckstroth in celebration of their 69th wedding anniversary.
 
Hymns
No. 477  "Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim" 
No. 366  "Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me"
 
Musicians: Scott Henning, vocalist; Jill Walters, vocalist

SUNDAY MORNING
Adults 
     8:30am    Worship in the Courtyard
     9:45am    Forum, Lounge, Catching Fire: A Guide for Spiritual
                     Transformation 4
    10:00am   Gathering, Fellowship Hall, Our "To Do" List, Jim preaching
    11:00am    Worship in the Sanctuary
Children - ages 3 years - 6th grade 
      9:45am    Welcome and Gathering in Fellow. Hall
    10:20am    Treasure Finders (Sunday school)             
    10:55am    Dismissal from classrooms
and/or 
    11:00am    Worship in the Sanctuary
    11:20am    Talk with Children and then dismissal
    11:35am    Wiggle Worship
    12:00pm    Dismissal from rm. 112 
Youth
10:00am    Youth @ Gathering, Fellowship Hall - Meet friends and youth leaders. Worship with some rockin' music, interactive messages, prayer stations, and a casual atmosphere. 
 
Stephen Ministers - After each worship service Stephen Ministers go to the front of the sanctuary to pray with anyone who desires it.  If you want to discuss something, you can then go to a more private place, or you can simply stay there and share a prayer. Stephen Ministers are trained listeners who have committed themselves to compassionate caring and praying for others.   
 
SUNDAY AFTERNOON & EVENING
Bible Study, 6:30pm, rm. 120 - Join us as we study Exodus and Israel's move from bondage to Pharaoh to bonding with God. Contact Lisa Wallace or Colleen Davis 766-4871. 
 
Welcome your new staff, all Covenant members, as approved by session:
Shane Spicer, formerly our Assistant for Children's Ministry and Youth, is now Interim Director of Youth Ministry and Assistant for Children's Ministry. Erin Wise is now Director of Children's Ministry. Ed Chung is Interim Director of Young Adult Ministry, in addition to continuing as a youth advisor, and will share in teaching Confirmation Class with Tracy Keenan. Not a new staff person, but someone with a new job title: Katie Kinnison, previously Director of Christian Education, is now Minister of Spiritual Formation, and is emphasizing the pastoral role here as she finishes her last year of seminary. We hope to share ministry with her for a long time to come!
 
EVENTS & NEWS 
For more about Covenant events, mission opportunities, and things to know for adults, youth and children, visit  www.covenantpcusa.org

TONIGHT, Thurs., Aug. 28 Chancel Choir Rehearsals Begin. All are welcome! Thursdays, 7pm, Music Room

Chuck Veverka Memorial Service, Sat., Aug. 30, 2pm, Sanctuary.

Pardon Our Appearance
We painted the walls in the hallway and planed doors in anticipation of new hallway carpeting, which will make coming into church safer (not-slippery), more welcoming and attractive, in the order of our priorities. Carpeting will be installed the week of Sept. 9-11, and is part of our Open Wide the Door campaign now in its fourth year, designed to make our facility safer, more welcoming, and more attractive. Session voted to extend Open Wide the Door for another year, so if you were not able to pledge or if you'd like to continue with your current pledge, please do. Watch for more updates.
NOTE: The church will be CLOSED Tues., Sept. 9, Wed., Sept. 10 and Thur., Sept. 11, 4pm-8am while new carpeting is being installed. Please do not enter the church during those times, unless your scheduled group has clear instructions about which door to use and which rooms you are temporarily meeting in. The church will be open as usual during the day 8am-4pm.


Other Good Things!

2nd Annual All-Church Retreat, Camp Mowana
Nov. 7-9, 2014, Fleming Falls Retreat, Mansfield, OH
 
We had such a wonderful time last year that we decided to make this an annual event. Each family will have a private room with 2 double beds and a bathroom. (Handicap accessible room available). You'll have plenty of free time to spend with your family and friends, but we're also planning some great group activities to help deepen our relationships and our faith. Cost will be $200 per family room. Youth $55 each. If you want to come, but cost is an issue, contact Ed Chung.
 
 

Habitat for Humanity
This year's house is at 1502 Duxberry Ave. It is going to be a three bedroom unit and building takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays. All you need is a hammer and a nail apron. For more info, call Dave Fecht, 451-9770.

PRESCHOOL Registration 
It's not too late! Preschool classes begin Sept. 9 & 10. If you know a child who would like to be part of the fun contact Caroline McGeoch at [email protected]  or visit the Covenant website to find out more about our program. Registration forms are available online. 
  
WEEK OF August 31-September 6
BYOB&�L (Bring Your Own Bible/Lunch),Tues., Sept. 2, 12:00pm, Rm 120. Discuss Sept. 7 scripture: Matthew 19:15-29, Making It Right, Tracy

bible.jpg
No Wed. Night Bible Study This Week


Compassion Warriors - Every Thursday, 12pm, Tracy's office
Meet for one hour to come back to some basic spiritual grounding that helps us bring our faithful best to a sometimes overwhelming world.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals, Thursdays, 7pm, Music Room
All are welcome!

WEEK OF Sept. 7-13
Forum, Sun., Sept. 7, 10am, Catching Fire: A Guide for Spiritual Transformation 5

Gathering, Sun., Sept. 7, 10am, What Kind of Creator God?, Katie preaching

SOS Food Pantry Sunday, Sun., Sept. 7 - Every 1st Sunday of the month bring non-perishable foods to be distributed to families in need. 

Confirmation Class - Sunday Mornings
Begins Sun., Sept. 7, 9:45-10:45am, Tracy's Office
Classes will be co-taught by Rev. Tracy Keenan and Elder Ed Chung. We'll have class about three times a month with special service opportunities and some online components for those who have to miss the occasional class. Confirmands join the church April 12, 2015. Contact Tracy for info.

2014 Covenant Block Party, Sun., Sept. 7, 12-2pm
Food, games, bounce house, music, fellowship! Volunteer sheets are available between services in August. Contact Terri Hayes or Jim Buchanan.

Small Group Opportunities
At our Block Party on Sept. 7, you'll have the opportunity to sign up for a small group experience in the coming year. A group might meet to discuss sermons, study compassion, practice whole hearted living, walk together, do a mission project, practice yoga -- the possibilities are myriad. If you have an idea for a small group or would like to organize one, contact Katie Kinnison.

"No Strings Attached" Concert, Sun., Sept. 7, 4pm, Sanctuary
Rodolfo V�zquez, flute; Sean Ferguson, guitar; and Dennis Hodges, guitar; will perform classical music for flute and guitar. Free admission. Donations accepted.

Children's Day Out - Children 18 months-3 years 
Sept. 8, 2014 - May 14, 2015, 9:30 to 12:30
One day a week: Mon., Tues., Wed., or Thur.
Laugh, play, read, eat. $20/session paid the beginning of each month for the number of sessions in that month with a $25 one-time supply fee. We still have some spaces left but they are going fast. To register, contact Katie.�

CPW Fall Luncheon, Wed., Sept. 10, 11:45am
Focusing on mission, our own Jim Mehler will speak: Urbane Ministry in an Urban Context. Men are welcome. Sign up at circle meetings, call 451-6677, or contact Paula White, 459-1064, or Rayma Ridgway, 451-9809. Cost $8.

 
Young Adult/College Theology Pub
Wed., Sept. 10, 24, Oct. 8, 22, Nov. 5, 9, 7:30pm, Locations TBD
Join us for food, friends, casual discussion about faith. We offer a great time with engaging and enlightening things to ponder and help us grow. Be mentored in life, faith and being happy. Let Ed share his experiences with finding faith and navigating through life. You do not need to be 21 to enjoy time together with an amazing group of young adults because there are plenty of folks not drinking alcohol. Bring your friends and make this a "Can't miss event" on your calendar. Make sure Ed has your phone number to text updates. Ed Chung 205-0842, [email protected].

  

Sept. 14 and beyond

New Member Orientation Luncheon
Sun., Sept. 14, 12:15, Lounge
If you are considering making Covenant your church home, come to this event and learn about what Covenant has to offer and how you might make it your church. Contact Tracy Keenan for more information, [email protected].

First Week of Youth Group!, Sun., Sept. 14, 6-8pm
This will be the Youth kick-off night. Begin the 2014 school year off right by joining. Food will be served. This will be a night you will never forget.

movie-ticket.jpg
Spiritual Cinema, Mon., Sept. 15
3rd Monday each month, 6:30-9 pm, Lounge
Watch a movie and share your reactions and find nourishment for our souls. Each movie is a jumping-off point for discussion about life and faith. We use subtitles.
Mon., Sept. 15 - Quartet (2013) Beecham House is abuzz. Rumor is that the home for retired musicians is soon to get a new resident: A star. Reginald (Tom Courtenay), Wilfred (Billy Connolly) and Cecily (Pauline Collins) are in for a shock when the new arrival turns out to be their former singing partner, Jean Horton (Maggie Smith).
Contact Beth Askue 459-1445 or Susan Imel 262-7444 for information.

Children's Spirituality: A Class for Parents & Caregivers
Fridays 11:30 to 12:30, 6 Weeks, begins Sept.19, Rm. 105
Children are called to bear God into this world just as we grown ups are. Many children have spiritual lives and all are connected to the very heart of God. We can nurture that connection. We can honor it, and we can teach our children ways of developing the connection, ways of honoring and adoring the Holy One.
     Join Caroline McGeoch, Director of Covenant Preschool, and Katie Kinnison, Minister of Spiritual Formation, for six weeks of exploration and conversation about the spirituality of children and how families can help one another wake up to the Holy that is everywhere.

Parents Night Out, 2nd Friday of the month, 6-9pm
Parents need some time away, too. We host children so their parents can be free to play. We feed the children dinner, play games, watch a fun movie, and be good to one another. This is a gift from our Covenant Family, so there is no charge, but we need you to register. Donations accepted to keep this wonderful ministry to our community a safe and nurturing one. Call 451-6677 or e-mail Erin Wise, [email protected].

My Backyard Mission 101: Meals of Hope, Sat., Sept. 27
We are looking for young adults, families, and anyone who wants be a part of small teams of 10 to help with a community food packing extravaganza. The goal is to package 50,000 meals to be distributed to food banks and pantries throughout Columbus. Only 2 hours of your life can make a difference for more than 17.2 million people in need. Contact Ed Chung, 205-0842, [email protected].
 
Open Shelter Dinner Opportunities
The next meals Covenant will prepare for the Open Shelter will be Mon., Sept 29 and Thurs., Oct. 30. If anyone would like to provide cookies, brownies or breads, they would be appreciated. Please bring to the church kitchen by 3pm those days. Questions? Contact Carol Petro - [email protected], 614-485-0994.