You Are Welcome Here for Worship
May 2019
Special Meeting of the Congregation May 19, 2019: The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant calls for a special meeting of the Congregation to be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019. The stated purpose of this meeting is to consider and act upon a recommendation of the session to create a staff position of Associate Pastor and to elect an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, if appropriate. The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
Exploring Membership at First Covenant: Are you interested in learning more about First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant? Are you interested in learning more about what it means to be Presbyterian? A new members class begins on Sunday, May 19 at 9:30 a.m. in room 119. Attending the class is not a commitment to join the church but it is opportunity for you to explore the mission and ministries of First Covenant. If you are interested please contact Sheila Sweet at 814.898.3417 or Pastor Christ Weichman in the church office.
Ice Cream Social at the MLK on May 24: The Martin Luther King Center is inviting it’s neighbors to an ice cream social on Friday, May 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. The MLK Center is located at West 4th and Chestnut and there’s lots of off-street parking! This family-oriented event is an opportunity to help raise funds for neighborhood summer camps. Gather your friends and show our MLK neighbors support.
Summer Worship Times Begin Sunday, May 26: During the regular programming year from September to May, worship services at First Covenant are held Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Starting Memorial Day weekend, worship times change. On Sunday, May 26, 2019 worship services are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Please note the later service moves up by one hour during the summer months. Again, summer worship times go into effect Memorial Day weekend and will continue through Labor Day weekend including Sunday, September 1, 2019.
Elmwood Gardens Auxiliary Annual Fund Drive: Enrich the lives of those who reside at the former “Presbyterian Lodge” during the month of May. Monthly birthday & holiday parties, flowers & cake for Mother’s & Father’s Day, Christmas gifts, a summer picnic & much more are all provided by this fund. The Auxiliary is funded by this drive, gifts from Presbyterian Women’s groups, churches, bake sales and an occasional raffle. If you are able to help in this effort, donations should be made payable to the “Elmwood Gardens Auxiliary,” and dropped office in the church office.
Community Art Gallery: At First Covenant we are blessed with numerous, beautiful stained glass windows. Erie Times-News photographer Pat Bywater has taken many close-up photos of our stained glass windows in the church known as the “Beatitude Windows.” This Lenten Season our theme has been on the Beatitudes and now everyone can enjoy a visual representation of Bible passages on “The Way” in our Covenant Community Art Gallery.
Volunteers Needed for Erie City Mission Lunch: Can you spare some time during the week to help others? Volunteers are encouraged to sign-up to help prepare and serve lunch on the first Thursday of the month at the Erie City Mission kitchen at 1023 French Street. If you can only help out now and again, not a problem, contact Linda Holmes at 814.825.3889. This next date to serve is Thursday, June 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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.
Men’s Morning Group: Are you “stuck” in some way in your life? Career? Relationship? Family situation? Faith? In a life “rut”? The Friday morning men’s small group has just begun studying a new (short!) book titled “Unstuck” by Dan Webster and Randy Gravitt. The book promises to help readers “gain perspective, create traction and pursue your passion”. New participants are invited to join this 6-8 week study. Questions? Contact Seph Kumer 814.566.0287. The group meets in the First Covenant Parlor at 7:00 a.m. on Friday mornings. All men are welcome to join this group.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study: This group gathers to study on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Can we talk about grace?… Do you want to learn the basic story of the Gospel? This group is studying the Book of Romans from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in room 116. Newcomers welcome! Bring yourself and a Bible, no preparation necessary! Questions, see Britney.
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]
Regular Worship Times: Regular worship services are 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings September to May. Faith Formation Classes for all ages are on Sundays at 9:30 am. To assist families with small children, First Covenant offers nursery and childcare on Sunday mornings for children who are infants to those three years of age. This childcare service is only available from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the nursery. Summer worship services are 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. May 26, 2019 through September 1, 2019 – Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. If you have any questions about worship times, contact the office.
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 Church office will be closed on Wednesday, May 15 for Staff Growth Day. In addition, please be advised that the church office will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2019, in observation of Memorial 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].
