Thursday, July 23
 
This Sunday, July 26
Children sing VBS songs!
Sundaes in the Courtyard at 12:00!
 
This Sunday, July 26

Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11am, Sanctuary 
When the Will of God 
Seems Terribly Wrong
Tracy Keenan preaching
 
Discussion in the Lounge
9:45am, Lounge
New Vocation
Hear Elder and Officer Ed Chung's journey of becoming a Columbus City police officer.

Gathering Service
10am, Fellowship Hall
Not That Kind of Church
Katie Kinnison preaching


 

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Pastors on call for 
week of July 27
for pastoral care needs:
Sun., Mon., Tues., Fri. 
        Katie, 625-1335

Wed., Thur., Sat.
        Jim, 886-3681
 
God is omniscient. We are not.  
Please call the church office and let us know when you or a loved one is in the hospital. The pastoral staff want to be able to visit you, and we all want to be able to pray for you.

In The Hospital 
Richard Hill is at Ross Heart.

Prayer Request
Christy Charlton
Dee Dee Wilson
Donna Runyan
Bob Davidson
Dave Ulry
Richard Hill
Lora Eckard
Orlene Shimberg
Karen Chakoian
Quinn
Keith Moser
Janna Erbaugh
Donna Simpson
Alma Grace
John Bock
Elizabeth Remnant
Michael
Reid Huntley
Jenny Limes
Nettie Cominos
Sherry Flyr
Lori
Dan Morton
Andrew Kuyvenhoven
Evie Smith Keiser
Don Rouch
Ellen Greegor
Charlie Friske
Manette Friske
Dori Odenath
Carl Herfel
Doris Evans
Claudine Williams
Rachel
Lois Becker 
Carrie
Amy
Shelly Wyllie
Judy Gray
Kay Hantak
Lara Nowak
Bonnie Roussey
Kelly McDonald
Anthony
Robert Spencer
Joan Spencer 
Amy Albert
Jerome Dillon
Natalie
Don Rorapaugh
Greer Rouda
Ethel Thomas
Alexa Hobbs
Jenny Ryan
Janet Bartels
Bill Mitchell
Madison Hanosek
Larry Limes
Rev. Curtis Miller
Whitney Von Voigt
Judi Gallagher

Homebound/Limited Mobility 
Beverly Gease
Suzie Shoemaker
Stan Eriksen
Bob Bartels    
Peggy Dinger
Margaret Robertson
Leona Rapp
Judy Sechler    
Marvin White
Harrison Gardner
Dan Dupler
Yvonne Nowels

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 
Participate in 
occasional and one-time services to our members. Contact Donna Harder, 847-6039, [email protected] or Carol Petro, 485-0994, [email protected] 
or Bob  Lowery, 326-2019, 
lowery��[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, [email protected]. 

Deacons serve breakfast at Ronald McDonald House first Sat. of each month.  

Moderator, Bob Lowery 
2015 
Charlie Bergmann
Katy Nowels Fair
Gail Griffin
Donna Harder
Bonnie James
Carol Petro
Tom Ulry
Youth: Charlotte Gross, Jack Herd
2016 
Milissa Campbell
Bobbie Gier
Heidi Hallas
Bob Lowery
Rusty Miller
Tim Scott
Sharon Steingass 
2017
Mona Connolly
Terry Kennedy-Mancini
Pete LuPiba
Bonnie Mitchell
Scott Mizer
Andrew Patterson
Steve Zilles
 
2015 Elders
Clerk of Session: Tom Billman

Commissions:

Children's Ministries Treasure Finders, preschool, VBS, &  more - Lisa Coakley, Cathy Koeneman, Cary Hanosek CHAIR

 

Mission & Social Concerns Interprets global, international & national missions, & coordinates local missions of Covenant  -   John Griffin CHAIR, Jeff DuBois

 

Nurture & Outreach Caring for Covenant members: new members, block party, small groups, fellowship activities, outreach, discipleship -  Jim Buchanan CHAIR, Terry Hayes             

Personnel - Louise Davidson CHAIR, Mike Davis, Dave Timmons  

 

Properties Oversees the safety, maintenance & appropriate use of building & facilities - Nancy Cowman  CHAIR, Leroy Bundy

 

Spiritual Development & Adult Learning Special event ministry team, Sunday Forum, Sunday evening bible studies & more  - Tori Vazquez CHAIR, Todd Cameron, Ed Chung 

 

Stewardship & Budget Raising, administering & conserving financial resources  - Carol Lowery CHAIR, Jeff  Smith

 

Worship & Arts Oversees music & arts programs including worship experiences, special services, chancel choir, bell choir, art displays, lay readers, ushers - Nan Davidson, CHAIR, Jeanie Auseon, Martin Spencer

 

Youth & Young Adults Guides students grades 6-12 in their faith: Sunday evening - Betsy Hayes Patterson CHAIR, Meghan Rodenfels, Margaret Molli-Clark 

 

Nominating Committee -   Elder Nancy Davidson, CHAIR; Elder Jim Buchanan; Martin Spencer.  Deacon Andrew Patterson
 
For information about the latest news pertaining to the Presbyterian USA denomination,click:
Presbytery of Scioto Valley  
 
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. 
 
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 a ride to church, doctor appointment, etc., call Carol Petro, Howard Pritz,  or Donna Harder.
__________________________

 
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Out of Chaos, HOPE
The PDA partnering with ACT Alliance is providing emergency relief and short-term recovery after the 7.8 earthquake disaster in Nepal left nearly 8,000 dead and 19,000+ injured.
GIVE online www.pcusa.org/pda, phone, or mail PCUSA.
ACT Stay informed, like PCUSA on Facebook, download resources.
PRAY for those who suffered loss, are working there, support efforts.
 
REMEMBER: VBS Family Picnic, Today Thurs., July 23, 6pm
Join us for hot dogs and lemonade at church. Bring a side dish or 
dessert to share. We'll eat before the kids sing some VBS favorites. 
Meet friends, teachers and join the joy of VBS!

AND children will sing some of their favorite VBS songs at the 11:00am worship service on Sunday...followed by ice cream sundaes in the courtyard as a great finale to the VBS week!

Click here to see photos of all the children 
and fun things they've done this week:
 
new tracy
Tracy Keenan

Dear Covenant friends and family,
    Someone who desperately wants to have children is suffering from infertility.

A teenager gets cancer.
A heartless murderer escapes capture.
Thy will be done. Unless we don't like it.
That's what our unspoken prayers tend to be.
    On the other hand, blind submission to whatever happens sounds like a ridiculous alternative. How do we reconcile our understanding of God's will in a world where there is so much suffering, cruelty, greed, and oppression?
    This is the perennial question for people of faith.
    This Sunday at 8:30am and 11:00am we will be looking at the problem of "When the Will of God Seems Terribly Wrong."
     The 9:45 Discussion in the Lounge features Elder and Officer Ed Chung who will talk about becoming a member of the Columbus Police Department.
Gathering has Katie Kinnison preaching on Not That Kind of Church.
     VBS children will be sharing their music at  the 11:00am worship service and, afterwards, everyone is invited to enjoy ice cream sundaes in the courtyard as a great finale to VBS!

 

Grace & Peace,
 

Tracy

 
This Sunday, July 26

Discussion in the Lounge: New Vocation. Hear Elder and Officer Ed Chung's journey of becoming a Columbus City police officer.

Musicians: VBS children 

Hymns:  #386  "Come, Worship God"
                 #268 "Crown Him with Many Crowns"

* Flowers by the pulpit are from Dick & Betsy Campbell,
Linda, Lisa & Mark in loving memory of Alice Campbell.
* Flowers by the lectern are from the Park-Koeneman family
in celebration of Cathy Koeneman's birthday on July 31. 

SUNDAY MORNING
Adults
8:30am -Worship in the Courtyard
              -Children dismissed to  Wiggle Worship
9:45am  -Discussion In the Lounge (Adult Education)
                -Children & Youth gather in Fellowship Hall
10:00am -Gathering, Fellowship Hall
 
          - Treasure Finders for children (Sunday School)
11:00am -Worship in the Sanctuary - Children sing VBS favorites
                  -Children dismissed to  Wiggle Worship
12:00pm -Ice Cream finale to VBS week!
Youth
10:00am  -Youth @ Gathering

Stephen Ministers -�After worship services Stephen Ministers are in the Narthex, at the back of the sanctuary to pray with anyone who desires it. 
 
SUNDAY AFTERNOON & EVENING

No Youth Fellowship until Fall

Sunday Night Bible Study, 6:30pm, rm. 120 Study the minor prophets. Contact Lisa Wallace or Colleen Davis, 766-4871.  

_______________________________________________________________
Do you tweet? Don't miss the fun @CovenantGather. We live tweet some of our services. Search for us at #covenantcbus.

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!

 
Pastoral Leadership & Program Staff
Tracy Keenan, Pastor/Head-of-Staff 
     [email protected]
Katie Kinnison, Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation 
Cherie Brooks, Director of Music 
Katie Wynkoop, Organist/Pianist
Jim Mehler, Parish Associate
Caroline McGeoch, Director of Covenant Children's Center
Shane Spicer, Asst. for Children's Ministry 
Erin Wise, Director of Children's Ministry
 
Covenant Children's Center 
Now Enrolling!

NEW! Afternoon Program:
* After-School Care: grades K-5, 2:50-6pm
See Covenant's web site or contact Children's Center Director Caroline, 451-6677.

Morning:
* Covenant Preschool: Ages 3-5, 2-5 days a week, 9-11:30am. Lunch/Play option until pm, Tues. & Fri.   (click here for Preschool info & registration forms) 
* Kindergarten Enrichment: Ages 5-6, Mon.-Fri., 8:15-11:45am



_____________________________________________________________________
Popsicles in the Playground:
OPEN HOUSE for Covenant's Children's Center
Tues., Aug. 11, 6-8pm
A night for our families to come learn more about (and celebrate) our new Children's Center. Invite neighbors!
___________________________________________________
Donations for Covenant Children's Center
The Angel Playground
Help us make our dream of After School Care at Covenant a reality! Grab a
wish from one of the balloons on the display outside the Narthex (follow the instructions on the board), and help provide fun and learning for the children who will be coming to our building for wonderful care every day after school. Questions? Contact Kim Halsey, Caroline McGeoch, Erin Wise, or Katie Kinnison. And thank you for your gifts and for your prayers. Oh, we do love and need your prayers!
 
SUMMER MUSIC! MUSIC! MUSIC!
Summer Hymn Suggestions! Send in your favorite hymn as a suggestion for us to sing this summer! Email [email protected] with your Hymn number and title, and an explanation why you want to sing that hymn or why it's special to you. She'll put all the suggestions in a hat and pull out a hymn each Sunday for us to sing. We'll also print your story/blurb that week in the bulletin. Cherie will email you when your hymn is suggested so you know when it will be sung. 

Summer Special Music - If you would like to present special music some summer Sunday, email Cherie Brooks, [email protected].
 
______________________EVENTS & NEWS_______________________
For more about Covenant events, mission opportunities, and things to know for adults, youth and children, visit www.covenantpcusa.org

_______________ Tomorrow, Fri., July 24______________
Lectio Divina - led by Katie Kinnison
Fridays, 8:15-9am, Lounge
This is an ancient way to meditate upon the scriptures, to teach your heart to chew on the bones of the words until the marrow comes out. We'll teach a technique you can use always. The Word of God found in and through the words of scripture will be like honey in your mouth.

_______________Week of July 27 - August 1____________ 

Centering Prayer 
Mon., Tues., Wed., 8:15-9-am, Lounge
A way to pray without words: Learn to disengage from our squirrel-brains and be quiet with our God, trusting the Holy Spirit to move within us. You cannot fail, for it is simply showing up with an intention to open your heart to God. Questions: Sandy Tullett, Cora Kuyvenhoven, Todd Cameron or Katie Kinnison.

Book Discussion: Gilead by Marilyn Robinson
Tues., July 28, 7pm, Lounge
Three generations from the Civil War to the 20th Century is about the spiritual battles of fathers and sons. Amazon review: "Gilead reveals the human condition and the often unbearable beauty of an ordinary life." Copies available to buy. Kindle version also available. Contact Katie Kinnison.

Wed. Night Bible Study led by Katie Kinnison
Wednesdays, 7pm, Lounge
The Gospel According to John. Read John 11 in a community full of laughter and love. No Bible Study on Aug. 5.

_________________Next Sunday, August 2______________
Sermon, 8:30 & 11:00: Luke 6:27-36, Really? (A Christian Response to Threats & Hatred, Tracy Keenan preaching.  

Discussion In the Lounge, 9:45am - Luke 6:27-36, Really? (A Christian Response to Threats & Hatred, Conversation about the sermon topic led by Tracy Keenan.

Gathering, 10am - John 6:1-13, It's the Economy, Stupid, Jim Mehler preaching.

________________NEXT WEEK Aug. 3-8_____________
Blessing of Pets & Ice Cream Social
Wed., Aug. 5, 7pm
Bring furry and non-furry pets. If your pet is unable to come, bring pix. If your pet is no longer with you, bring pix for the memory wall. Ice cream for humans. Samples of pet food from PetPeople. Ohio SPCA will be there too accepting donations of Scoopable cat litter, Fancy Feast Classic, Friskies Pate, and 9 Lives Pate - for senior cats, gas cards for animal cruelty investigators, HE laundry detergent, fabric softener, towels, dog and cat carrying crates. Any gift cards for Tractor Supply, Walmart, and Petco work too! Cash donations will help buy farm animal feed and hay. Contact Cherie Brooks, [email protected]

Men's Breakfast @ First Watch
Sat., Aug. 8, 8am, Kingsdale Shopping Center
Join Covenant friends for breakfast, conversation and camaraderie. Allen Kennedy, 451-9318

________________LOOKING AHEAD Aug. 9+_____________
Deacons Meet
Tues., Aug. 11, 6:30pm
All are invited!

Parents' Night Out (PNO)
Fri., Aug. 14, 6-8:30pm 
(2nd Fri. of each month) 
Parents go out while we feed their children dinner, play games, watch movies. Donations accepted. Questions? E-mail Erin Wise, [email protected]. Register by Tues., Aug. 11: http://tinyurl.com/mxm9b9d.

The True Portrait of Prophet Muhammad
Sat., Aug., 15, 9:45am-2:30pm (includes lunch)
Embassy Suites, 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin
The Lahore Ahmadiyya Islamic Society will host Fazeel Khan, who spoke at a recent church forum, who is a member of a movement which has been creating relationships of peace and tolerance for over 100 years. It will demonstrate Prophet Muhammad's lessons on how to respond to abuse and ridicule in light of the violent reactions by some claiming to defend the honor of the Prophet. RSVP by Aug. 8 [email protected], 216-288-0951. More info is on the welcome table.

 
Blessing of the Backpacks - Sun., Aug. 16
Bring backpacks, briefcases, diaper bags, etc.

Third Fundays Begin Sun., Aug. 16
Why hurry home when you could hang out a while with our church family? Join us after the 11am worship service. We'll meet upstairs in the seating area of the Giant Eagle Market District. Buy lunch or grab a cold cup of water there. The point is to be together. Contat Katie Kinnison.

No Spiritual Cinema in August BUT...
Mon., Aug. 17, 6:30-9pm, Lounge
Spiritual Development and Adult Learning will show and then discuss "For The Bible Tells Me So"  
a documentary about the intersection of scripture and sexual identity in real Christian, American families. See Tori Vazquez or Katie Kinnison if you have questions.

Sowing Sacred Connections,
Sharing Spiritual Practices,
Healing Heart and Earth
Interfaith Assoc. of Central Ohio
23rd Main Event Luncheon
Sun., Aug., 23, opens 12:30pm, program 1-3pm
Noor Islamic Cultural Center, 5001 Wilcox, Dublin
Guest Speaker Jessica Shimberg, rabbi and advocate, has a passion for spiritual growth and social and environmental justice. She leads The Little Minyan Kehilla, a central Ohio congregation rooted in Earth-care. She assists others in discovering the sacred through ritual, prayer, activism, and creative and traditional approaches to religious and spiritual expression. Cost is $30 per person with vegetarian meal included. Register on line by Aug. 16: iaco.org/events/the-main-event/.
If there are enough folks from Covenant, we can reserve a Covenant table. Make your own reservation and advise Sheila Seifert at [email protected] if you wish to be part of a Covenant table.

Mark Your Calendar:
Big Block Party, Sun., Aug. 30

_________________Other Things of Note_____________
The SOS Food Pantry needs volunteers to make weekday daytime deliveries. Call Lou Ann Doub, 488-3919. 

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers
A group of churches, of which Covenant is one, builds one Habitat house each year. Last year's house was a very nice, two-story, three-bedroom unit. Building takes place half-days on Thursdays and full-days on Saturdays. No building experience or tools required, only a willingness to help. No attendance requirements, just come when you are available. Volunteering is also done by helping serve lunches once every ten weeks. For info, contact Dave Fecht or Charlie Bergmann.

Creative Hearts and Hands Needs Supplies
We have knitted and crocheted mittens, hats, scarves, and shawls with all of the yarn. So as you Spring clean, if you discover yarn of any color, buttons, knitting needles, crochet hooks, fabric, seam binding, or thread, drop it off in Room 120 of the church. We need all kinds of craft materials.The Creative Hearts and Hands circle focuses primarily on projects for local and world-wide mission. You are invited to join the group once a month on the first Monday in room 120. If you aren't sure what to send us, call Rayma Ridgway 451-9809.

Help For Caregivers
The Franklin County Office on Aging maintains a "Community Care Registry" which is a registry service of prescreened, self-employed home care workers. The CCR is a great resource for individuals seeking private pay options for their home care service needs regardless of age or income. The home care workers with CCR can assist with tasks such as personal care, housekeeping, shopping, meal prep and caregiver relief. CCR provides access to experienced home care workers whose qualifications, availability, and hourly rates match the personal needs of the individual. Contact 525-4161; or [email protected], or www.officeonaging.org.

Save Pop/Soda Tabs
For several years, Covenant Justice and Peace Ministry has sponsored a collection of pop/soda tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House at Children's Hospital. Please remove can tabs and save them for this worthwhile cause. There is a place for tabs at the end of the coat racks.

Justice & Peace: Orange Days
25th of Each Month
Say No - End Violence Against Women/Girls
Work toward an end to violence against women and children by participating in Orange Days. Violence against women/girls can be domestic/sexual violence, violence of poverty, economic inequality, "honor killings," human trafficking. Wearing orange on the 25th of each month shows that we are against this violence.


Don't Miss Covenant's BLOG!
www.covenantpcusa.org.