You Are Welcome Here for Worship
September 2019
New Faith Formation Year Begins September 15 at 9:30 a.m.: Join us every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Faith Formation classes. There is something for everyone as we begin the new programming year with the theme is “Walk the Walk.” We know all the right words to say and things to do, but sometimes our good intentions fall short. What does it mean to fully live out our faith beyond worship on Sunday mornings? We are all created differently, and bring a diverse group of skills and passions to the body of Christ, so it is no wonder that there are so many different ways to walk the path of faith. This Fall we will be rediscovering the practices of:
generosity, Sabbath-keeping, social justice, and hospitality. These practices will also be explored moreat Wednesday Night Connections Dinners which is fun for the whole family!
Children, Youth & Young Adults:
- Pre-K ~ Grade 5 ……… Jr. High Lounge & Reed Chapel
- Grades 6 ~ 8 ……… Sr. High Lounge
- Grades 9 ~ 12 ……… Campus Ministry Lounge
Adults:
- “Exodus: From Slavery to Covenant Relationship” with Bill Holmes … room 313
- “Book of Revelation” with Rev. Chris Weichman… Fidelis room
- “The Challenge of Paul” with Rob Baker … r00m 116
- “Faith & Finance: Can’t AFFORD to Miss This” with Greg Cooper … room 119
- “Dialogues ON: Refugee Crisis” with Seph Kumer … starting in November
Weekdays for Adults:
- “Texts of Terror” with Women & the Word … parlor, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
- “Book of Revelation” with Britney Knight … room 116, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. On September 18, we will welcome P.C.(USA) Peacemaker Moon-Sook Lee, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). She has been an active ecumenical advocate for gender justice, ecological justice, peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. We will spend our hour together exploring peacemaking. Come with open minds and lots of questions!
Covenant Youth Group: Youth Group begins September 15 at 4:00 p.m. Every Sunday, we will gather around the table to share dinner & our lives together! From 5:40-6:30 p.m. any student who wants to do music (Greater Than The Sum Choir or Bells) is invited by Mr. Service to join him for music in the Sanctuary. Anyone who does not participate in music is welcome to bring homework to work on or just hang out with the awesome youth leaders. Pick-up time is 6:30 p.m. Please bring $1 with you on September 15 for a faith experiment!
Regular Worship Times: Summer is over and our regular worship times have resumed. Regular worship services are at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. now through May 2020.
Covenant Connections: The new programming year for Covenant Connections is underway. Join us for dinner on Wednesdays from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Then join us for a new program each week. There is hand bell class/activity for elementary-aged kids with Monty & Britney from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. For everyone else there’s an activity to draw us in to the life of the church: Guest speakers, road trips, hands-on projects, devotions/Bible study, and service opportunities. Adult choir rehearsals have moved to Wednesday evenings. The Covenant Choir rehearses at 7:15 p.m. The Covenant Bells first rehearsal is September 25. Come for dinner, and then stay for choir! The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children & college students. No charge for children 4 & under! Let us know you are coming by contacting the church office at 814.456.4243 or email Anne at [email protected]
Special Thanks! Thank you for giving time, energy, creativity, strength, finances, and prayer to help make the 2019 Block Party such a success! 750 of us gathered under bright sunshine and a great breeze for a very fun evening. Nearly 100 helpers from the congregation, staff, neighborhood, Gannon University, Barber National Institute, Sarah Reed, Woman’s Club, Master Barber’s, and Our West Bayfront collaborated to make it possible. Thank you. Thank God! And may your efforts have been a blessing to those who attended.
Interested in joining something new at First Covenant? Consider being a part of the Praise Band! Interested in playing an instrument or singing in a band setting? This group is open to all and we would love to have you join in the fun! We are learning new music and working together to add another style of music to what we offer at First Covenant. Weekly gatherings, days and times vary. See Monty Service about this musical opportunity and/or send questions to [email protected]
Now Showing in the Covenant Community Art Gallery: There is a “Back to School” exhibit in the Community Gallery featuring artwork from our neighborhood school partner, Strong Vincent Middle School. Artwork from the students at SV will be on display through the month of September. Stop in and check out these budding artists.
Sunday Supper needs sneakers: Sunday Supper has put out a call for sneakers that are in good condition. Many of our quests on Sunday are in need of a pair of light weight, summer shoes. Please do not donate shoes that are dirty or are beyond practical use. Sneakers can be left in the office with Pat’s name on the bag.
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) has been meeting, praying, contemplating and discerning God’s will for the Associate Pastor position approved at the Congregational Meeting held on May 19, 2019. Guided by PCUSA and Lake Erie Presbytery materials, the Mission Study and Ministry Information Form (MIF) resulting in the calling of Rev. Weichman, and the Associate Pastor Job Description approved by Session in December, 2018 , the Committee developed a MIF which was approved by Session on July 15. This position and the MIF are currently posted on the websites of both Lake Erie Presbytery and Synod of the Trinity. In the coming weeks, we will begin the interview process, check references and recommend a candidate. The process is lengthy but the APNC is committed to remain steadfast trusting in God’s good providence and guidance.
Volunteers Needed for Erie City Mission Lunch: Interested in helping others? Every month Linda Holmes gathers a group of volunteers to help prepare and serve lunch at the Erie City Mission, which is located at 1023 French St. If you can help out, contact Linda at 814.825.3889 to volunteer your time. This First Covenant group serves the guests at the Erie City Mission the first Thursday of every month between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The next volunteer date is Thursday, October 3, 2019.
Junior Chef Cooking Class: First Covenant is offering a “Junior Chef” after-school program for 6 weeks in October and November at Strong Vincent Middle School. Each week students will prepare a different item for Thanksgiving dinner together. Students and their families will help create the dinner at First Covenant for 500 neighbors at the MLK Center on Sunday, November 23. If you can volunteer your time to help out, contact Seph Kumer at 814.566.0287.
Share Your Musical Talents: We encourage congregation members who would like to share their musical talent with the church on Sunday mornings! All Sundays in August are open and in need of special music for worship. Instrumental, vocal and dance offerings would be fantastic! Can You help?! If so, please contact Leslie Weber at [email protected]
Fellowship & Coffee Hour: Church members are asked to contribute to our Sunday morning fellowship & coffee hour. It’s easy, just sign-up in the parlor to bring treats for Sunday fellowship. No need for a “theme” or to make anything fancy; just contribute two bags of store bought cookies, or two bags of pretzels, or one veggie tray with dip, or a platter of your favorite appetizer. The fellowship committee will set-up the parlor, put out your donations and if you could help us clean-up that would be great too! This new approach is designed to make it easy for all to contribute and participate.
Help Stock the “Little Pantry:” Canned and packaged food items are needed to keep the Little Pantry stocked year-round. The food cupboard is located on the south side of the garage in the First Covenant church parking lot. Here are some items that are most in need: cereals, hot cereals, rice, soups, canned goods, pastas, and packaged side dishes. Neighbors with food needs are often spotted visiting the Little Pantry for items to help them get by.
Connecting with Pastor Chris: When you wish to contact our First Covenant Pastor, Rev. Chris Weichman, he can be reached in the church office Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 814-456-4243 ex.103 or anytime at [email protected]
Wanted: A Few Good Volunteer Drivers! The Deacons are looking for church members to volunteer to give members a ride to church on Sunday for Worship and fellowship. If you are willing to help with this outreach, please call Rick Bernardini at 814-825-5937.
Ushering Ministry: Your family, Sunday School class, Bible study group, church committee or group of friends can sign up to serve as ushers for worship at First Covenant. A “seasoned” usher will assist you. Help welcome worshipers and meet old friends and new. Contact Dale Sweet at 898-3417 to serve.
Hospital Callers: Would you like to demonstrate that Covenant and its members truly represent the Caring Church in the Heart of the City by volunteering to be a hospital visitor? If you are interested in joining a wonderful ministry, contact Sheila Sweet at 814-898-3417.
The First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant Office is closed on all federal holidays and on Saturdays unless there are scheduled events such as Koinonia, weddings, funerals, blood drives and private events. The Covenant Church office will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2019, in observance of the Labor Day.
Update the 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].
