Sunday worship at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook Live
February 2021
COVID-19 pandemic update: Given the Covid-19 environment, The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, has deferred all indoor gathering until further notice. A new date for resuming in-person worship will be established at a later time as evolving circumstances allow.
Sunday worship online: Join us online for Sunday Worship at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook Live. If you miss the livestreamed worship service you can listen to the sermon audio or view the entire worship service again any time on this website. To view the livestreaming, go to www.facebook.com/FirstCovenantErie/
Silent Prayer & Reflection: Sign up in advance to spend 25 minutes quietly praying (masked) or reflecting in the sanctuary. 10, 10:30, 11 or 11:30 a.m. time slots available. Next opportunity: March 2. A copy of the prayer chain and other reflection suggestions provided. Enter from main 6th street doors. RSVP required: [email protected]
Extra Prayer Times & a Labyrinth for Lent: Spend time in silent prayer and reflection in the sanctuary during March. On Tuesdays – March 2 & March 16 the times are 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. On Thursdays – March 11 & March 25, there’s an opportunity to walk prayerfully through our Lenten Labyrinth. Thursdays times are 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30 p.m. You must pre-register by calling the church 456-4243. Enter from the main 6th street door. Masks covering nose and mouth will be required. Seating assigned. Screening will occur before entry. Once you are seated, you are invited to pray or reflect silently. March Silent Prayer Dates : Tuesdays – March 2 & March 16. Labyrinth Thursdays – March 11 & March 25
One Great Hour of Sharing: You may make a contribution to “One Great Hour of Sharing” (OGHS) any time during Lent (February 17-April 4). Mark your check (payable to and mailed to First Covenant) with “OGHS” on the memo line. All funds received are applied to hunger and disaster relief efforts and community development by the Presbyterian Church-USA. When hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes and flooding strike around the globe, these funds are put to work aiding in the name of Jesus in affected communities.
Calling all Bread Makers: For Maundy Thursday, April 1 communion-from-home, the church will offer mini-loaves of bread for pick-up the week before. Are you a bread baker? Would you be willing to make a dozen mini-loaves if the church provides the pans and plastic covers. Contact Pastor Chris at [email protected] if you can offer to assist. We would like to have the loaves baked in March, stored in the church freezer, and ready for pick-up with palms for Palm Sunday during church office hours the week of March 22.
Give the Gift of Life: The need for blood continues. The next opportunity to donate is Saturday, April 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon when the Community Blood Bank Bloodmobile sets up in the parking lot of First Covenant. Donations are by appointment only. Limited bloodmobile occupancy for social distancing and masks required. To set up an appointment, contact Tim Campbell at 814-397-8570. The bloodmobile will also make stops at First Covenant on the following dates in 2021: June 19, August 21, October 23 and December 18.
Discounted parking for students: Know a Gannon or Prep or other student attending classes downtown? The church offers deeply discounted semester rate parking for students. Contact [email protected] to inquire.
In lieu of flowers – Memorial & Honorarium Gifts: Since March of 2020, and for the foreseeable future, until the congregation resumes in-person worship, fresh flowers will not typically be a part of worship services. If you would like to make a gift toward a ministry of the church in memory of, or in honor of, someone or something, there are openings for 2021. Contact Mary Concoby at
814.440.4327. Suggested ministries to support: Vicary Organ, Youth, Sunday Suppers, and Our Neighbors’ Place.
First Covenant Live Church Calendar: The church calendar is LIVE and updated constantly. If you have a smartphone or a computer, you can check it out here: http://tiny.cc/uhf7nz or you can follow the link at the bottom of the home page.
Faith Formation: How do you invite God to form your faith? Questions? Contact Pastor Britney at [email protected]
Children/Families: Please fill out the 2021 music survey sent to you using Mailchimp (check spam).
Youth: Mark your calendars for Souper Bowl of Caring service project January 30 and 31.
Adults-Bible Study (Zoom) Join Pastor Britney at 10:30am. Our new book: “Me and White Supremacy.”
Bible Study (Facebook LIVE) Wednesdays, 12:00 noon. Pastors lead.
Women & the Word: (Zoom) Options were sent to you via email about studies for 2021. Please Reply!
Men’s Bible Study: (Zoom) Gather every other via Zoom with Pastor Chris beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Faith Discussion: (Zoom) Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Join Rob Baker as this group continues to explore Matthew 25 and the confessions
post 1930.
Music Ministry Opportunities: Get creative during COVID. Contact Monty at [email protected]
Virtual Choir – for anyone / all ages. Record your part in advance to create a “choir” together.
Praise Band – smaller configurations of instrumentalists/singers
Kids / Youth – chimes/hand bells on Sundays (see Faith Formation above)
Vocal / Instrumental Solos – have a talent to share in worship? Offer your gifts! Contact Monty.
Connecting with Pastor Chris: When you wish to contact our First Covenant Pastor, Rev. Chris Weichman, he can be reached in the church office on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 814-456-4243 ex.103 or anytime at [email protected]
Prayer Chain: The prayer chain is now accessible on a google drive. If you previously received the prayer chain, or would like to, or if
you are having issues accessing the chain please contact [email protected]
Update the church office with your new contact information: If you have moved, changed your phone number or email address please update your contact information and let the church office know by contacting JoAnn Peters at 456-4243 Ext 110 or at [email protected]. If you have a question, send your email to [email protected]
In-Person Gathering Deferred: Worship, faith formation and neighborhood ministry are continuing online or with social distancing, even though we have not gathered indoors, in-person since March 2020. Based on consultation with local public health and infectious disease officials, and the easy spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Session has deferred gathering indoors until further notice. Concern for the health of neighbors, members and staff has been the prime consideration from the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Livestream worship, online faith formation and occasional outdoor events with masks and social distancing will remain our primary means of “gathering.” .
