Thursday, July 30 
This Sunday, August 2
Communion
 
This Sunday, August 2

Traditional Worship Services
8:30am & 11am, Sanctuary 
Really? (A Christian Response to Threats & Hatred)
Tracy Keenan preaching
 
Discussion in the Lounge
9:45am, Lounge
Really? (A Christian Response to Threats & Hatred
Conversation about the sermon topic led by Tracy Keenan.

Gathering Service
10am, Fellowship Hall
It's the Economy, Stupid
Jim Mehler preaching

 

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Pastors on call for week of Aug. 3 for pastoral care needs:

Sun., Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. 
    Tracy 946-2982
Tues., Thurs.
    Jim, 886-3681
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
Erin Wise, Director of Children's Ministry
T. Scot Braswell, Transitional Director of Youth & Young Adults,
     [email protected]
Shane Spicer, Asst. for Children's Ministry  [email protected]
 
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.
Bonnie Roussey is at Kobacker.

Prayer Request
Weldon Adams
Megan, Tom, Dennis, Dee Dee
Christy Charlton
Dee Dee Wilson
Donna Runyan
Bob Davidson
Dave Ulry
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
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.
new tracy
Tracy Keenan

Dear Covenant friends and family,
    Love your enemies, said Jesus, and we're pretty much fine with that as long as they are no more dangerous than people we disagree with. But actual "enemy" enemies, the ones who would love to see us dead? Surely Jesus didn't mean it quite like that... Right?  Luke 6:27-38 also describes Jesus advising giving more than is demanded of us and forgiving those who wrong us. Is there a way to be a practicing Christian and not be a doormat? Seriously? This Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00 we'll talk about what this might look like and between services there's a discussion with me in the lounge about the topic. The theme at Gathering is It's the Economy, Stupid, John 6:1-13, Jim Mehler preaching

 

Grace & Peace,
 

Tracy

 
This Sunday, August 2

Welcome T. Scot Braswell as the Transitional Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry! Scot is a Presbyterian pastor and will be with us half time. The search team and session were unanimous in their votes to bring him on board, and our consultation with Ministry Architects to map out a clear and visionary plan with all of us for this ministry will begin in September. 

Musicians: PaSuNaLi Quartet (Paula White, Susan Westberg, Nancy Davidson, Linda Gabel) 

Hymns:  #353  "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less"
                            "Because He Lives"
                 #795 "Healer of Our Every Il"

Flowers by the chancel are from Jay and Jude McLean to their family. 

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 dismissed to  Wiggle Worship
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!

 
Glennon Doyle Melton
Blogger & Bestselling Author
Sat., April 2, 2016
10am - Lecture $30
11:30am - Book ($12) signing & live music
12pm - Box lunch from Freedom a la Cart $15
Glennon Doyle Melton is the author of the popular blog, "Momastery," and the New York Times bestselling author of "Carry On, Warrior." (Check her out on line.) Her presentations sell out fast so it's not too soon to register.
 
Covenant Children's Center
Children's Day Out - Only One Spot Left: Monday, 9:30am - 12:30pm -
We're taking names for our waiting list, but the word has gotten out. Covenant knows how to love and nurture children, so this part of our Covenant �Children's Center is just about full. Sign up today!

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!

DID YOU READ IT? The Covenant Children's Center was featured in the recent issue of ThisWeek Community News, Upper Arlington edition!
 
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 31______________
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 August 3-8____________ 

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.

NOTE: No Wed. Night Bible Study on Aug. 5.
 
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]

NOTE: No Lectio Divina on Fri., Aug. 7.

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

Mike and Terri Hayes invite all to the wedding of their daughter Kristina Hayes and Jordan Miller at 3:30pm on Sat., Aug. 8.

_________________Next Sunday, August 9______________
Sermon, 8:30 & 11:00: Psalm 42:1-2; Romans 12:1-2, The Soul, Katie Kinnison preaching.  

Discussion In the Lounge, 9:45am"Who We Are: Self & Soul."  Katie Kinnison will answer questions and be ready with more ideas about the soul. (Ideas that didn't fit in the sermon!)

Gathering, 10amLuke 14:7-14, The Invitation List, Jim Mehler preaching.

________________NEXT WEEK Aug. 10-15_____________
Deacons Meet Tues., Aug. 11, 6:30pm. All welcome!

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 and 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 violent reactions by some claiming to defend the honor of the Prophet. RSVP by Aug. 8 [email protected], 216-288-0951. More info on the welcome table.

_______________LOOKING AHEAD Aug. 16+_____________

 
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.

Help with the Books on the Bus Effort
Please let Jeff DuBois know if you are able to help on either or both of these two days: Sat. Aug. 15 (distribute bags) & Aug. 22 (pick up books). In May we completed our most recent collection of books from nearby neighborhoods for a total of 1,317 books from 51 bags or about 10% of the bags we distributed. Jeff will be in the hall the next few weeks so you that you can sign up, or email him, [email protected].

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. Contact Tori Vazquez or Katie Kinnison.

Rob Bell & Root Beer Floats
Everything Is Spiritual 
1-hour movie presentation
Thurs., Aug. 19, 7pm, Lounge
With new discoveries, more and more people are asking bigger questions about just what kind of world we're living in and what that means for our hearts, our souls, and our spirits. In "Everything Is Spiritual," Rob Bell does what he does best, making surprising connections between the universe you're living in and the life you're living, showing us how science and spirituality are long lost dance partners. Let "Everything Is Spiritual" inspire, provoke, challenge, and give you hope as we together explore and enjoy this beautiful, mysterious, and endlessly fascinating world we call home. Contact [email protected]

PRIMETIMERS
Fri., Aug. 21, 12pm, Lounge
Come for a potluck (bring a dish & your own service) and hear Christine Leyshondf from the UA Fire Division and "Stay UA" who will be speaking on staying safe, avoiding falls, assistance in the home, and available programs you might not be familiar with. Questions? Call Dorothy Grossman, 488-2820.

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.