Weekly Update for April 13, 2017 Our next e-mail blast will be on Thursday, April 20. All information is due by the Tuesday prior, at noon (in print-ready form) for the weekly e-mail update, Web site updates, Sunday announcements, and the Pray Now. Send information to
[email protected].
Upcoming Sermons:
April 14 (Good Friday) Rev. Lisa Nelson April 16: Easter Sunday – Rev. Cathy Eskew April 23 – Rev. Ruth McIntyre April 30 – Rev. Lisa Nelson
Web Site Links
On-line Covenant Family Directory Last Week’s Sermon Women’s Ministries Spring Brochure
Early Bird Discount - VBS Registration
One day only — Vacation Bible School registration will be $15 instead of $20 on April 15! Come to our Easter egg hunt to sign up.
Easter Monday
The Covenant Presbyterian Church Office will be closed on Easter Monday – April 17.
Easter Lilies
Remember to pick up your Easter lilies after the service on Sunday. All lilies not taken will be delivered to a local retirement home on Wednesday, April 19 by our youth.
Women’s Ministry Team Meeting
Saturday, April 22 at La Tartine at 10:00 a.m. All women who are interested are welcome.
Covenant Work Day
Please join us on Saturday, May 6 to help clean up the church and grounds. 9:00 a.m.: Learning Communities (all ages) 10:15 a.m.: Worship Service
Good Friday
Join us for our Good Friday service this Friday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Lisa Nelson will be leading our service.
Easter Decorating
We are seeking volunteers to help us decorate the Worship Room. This will take place after our Good Friday Worship Service. See Brooke Kerstetter or Lisa Craig with questions.
Nuts & Bolts
Our monthly men’s breakfast fellowship meets this Saturday, April 15, from 7:00–8:30 a.m. We meet the third Saturday of each month. Plan on having breakfast, great fellowship, and an all-around quality experience together in our quest to be better men and disciples of Christ. All men 18 and older are welcome. Jack Roberts will be leading this month’s lesson and Richard Hedlind will prepare the breakfast vittles.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Join us on Saturday, April 15 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. for our annual Easter egg hunt. This time will include face painting, crafts, STIX, and of course, the egg hunt itself. If you can help, please arrive by 1:00 p.m. Contact Sarah Boatright for more details.
LuLu’s Fundraiser
Join us Sunday, May 7 for our Children’s Ministries frozen yogurt fundraiser. Visit LuLu’s in Briargate after our Youth Sunday Service and enjoy dessert with your Covenant family. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward our awesome Children’s Ministries.
Clerk’s Interesting News
He is risen! He is risen indeed! On behalf of Session, please join us for services on Good Friday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. and Easter Sunday morning, April 16 at 10:15 a.m. Session meets the following Monday, April 17 to select one Interim Pastor candidate for a follow-up interview. Faithfully follow CIN in the Covenant Weekly Update e-mail and online.
School of Healing Prayer
Covenant Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce that we will be offering Level 2 of the School of Healing Prayer video series. Christian Healing Ministries (CHM) was founded by Francis and Judith MacNutt and is dedicated to praying with those in need of healing in the physical, emotional, and spiritual areas of their lives, and to teaching others about this often overlooked aspect of Christ's ministry. For more information about CHM or the training, you can visit their web Site at www.christianhealingmin.org. Level 2 builds upon the training received in Level 1 and goes more in depth with very specific subjects. Some topics include: Abortion, Miscarriage, Divorce, Depression, Generational Healing, Marriages, Spiritual Abuse, Sexual
Abuse, and Deliverance. Prior instruction from Level 1 or experience with Listening/Healing Prayer is beneficial before attending Level 2. Cost is $40 for the manual, but scholarships are available. Snacks and drinks will be provided. The entire series will cover two weekends: *Fridays, April 21 and May 5: 6:00-9:00 p.m. *Saturdays, April 22 and May 6: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Lunch is from noon -1:00 p.m. and is not provided.) If you cannot attend an entire day or a Friday night session, that's okay. Come as often as you are able. Those of you who are familiar with Listening/Healing Prayer or who have been trained by The Navigators will find some of this information overlaps with other training materials.
Blessing Bags
Together with our Awana Club, we are again gathering supplies to put together Blessing Bags for those who are less fortunate. We are collecting non-perishable snack foods as well as hygiene supplies. Bring your donations to the “Blessing Bags” box in the Atrium. IN ADDITION – please join us on Wednesday, April 26 at 5:45 p.m. to help pack the bags.
Community Garden
Calling all gardeners! Spring is here and it’s time to think about our gardens. We are looking forward to a new season of the Community Garden. Contracts are available in the Community Garden mail slot in the church workroom. Plots are $15.00 each this year. If you have questions, please send an e-mail to Lisa Barnes.
Greeters Wanted
Anyone who is interested in assisting the deacons in being a greeter at the main doors before the 10:15am service, either temporarily or on an ongoing basis, contact Cathy Gurganus at 684.6478 to check available dates. We are currently scheduling for the end of May and into the summer. Thanks in advance for being a welcoming voice to newcomers and familiar faces at Covenant.
Coffee Ministry
As a part of our Hospitality Ministry, we provide coffee and snacks for the fellowship time between our Learning Communities and our Worship Service. We are looking for a few people who will be on a rotating team to serve once every month or two to help prepare the java and interact with both members and guests on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in being a part of this team, please contact Mark Rothe.
Mercy’s Gate Food Pantry
As service needs throughout the community continue to increase, Mercy’s Gate’s supplies of non-perishable food and hygiene items are running low. May you find joy in providing for this critical need. Here’s a current list of supplies Mercy’s Gate is looking for: canned meat, canned fruit, canned vegetables, spaghetti sauce, Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper,
cereal, flour, sugar, jelly, ramen, rice, crackers, dry beans, macaroni and cheese, Jell-O, boxed desserts, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo. Place your donations in the Mercy’s Gate bin in the entryway to the Family Room.
Women’s Ministries at Covenant
Are you looking for ways to get to know other women here at Covenant? We have multiple Bible studies and groups available and would love your participation. *Beth Moore Bible Study: Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in Room 208/209. Contact Sue Lien to learn more. *The Well: Meets Thursday evenings from 6:30–8:00 p.m. in Room 208/209. Contact Cathy Eskew for more information. *Book Club: Our Book Club meets the last Sunday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Sue Lien’s home. We read fiction and non-fiction books that challenge our thinking. Contact Sue for specifics and directions for the April gathering. Spring 2017 Book Club Titles: April—Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (299 pages), Non-fiction May—A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron (332 pages), Fiction Contact Sue Lien for more information or to be added to our e-mail list. *Graceful Quilters: Meets the first Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in Room 208/209. Bring your sack lunch or go out and get something to eat. We will even teach you to sew and quilt. Contacts are Kathy McCoy 598.5069; 650.5968 (cell) or Anne Madsen 272.0160. For more information about any of our Women’s Ministries opportunities you may also contact Anna Fish.
Birthday Bags
The women of Covenant packed 10 birthday bags at their luncheon last Saturday. The bags held birthday plate, cups, napkins, banners, balloons, candles, cake mix, icing, a stuffed animal, and a birthday card. They will be distributed by Life Support Services through Catholic Charities.
Giving Update Weekly need: Last Sunday:
$ 10,242 $ 6,109
Your consistent, generous contributions help us build bridges of God’s hope and healing in our community and across the world.
Outreach Opportunity Fund
On the third Sunday of each month (this Sunday) we collect a special offering designated for the purpose of mission/outreach work. These funds may support an individual, a mission trip, a local organization, or another entity approved by our mission board. To give toward this fund, simply enclose your gift in a yellow envelope and drop it in the offering basket on the third week of the month. You may also donate to the Outreach Opportunity Fund online. *MISSIONS: In addition to the Outreach Opportunity Fund,
Covenant designates a portion of its budget to supporting missionaries in the field and at home.
Roundtables
Roundtables meets in the Family Room. This is an interactive class where we look at the relationship between faith and contemporary culture. Join us in the Family Room at 9:00 a.m. April 16: No class for EASTER SUNDAY April 23: Gabriel and Kristy Jaramillo will be leading a class titled “Response to Gender Identity Issues of Today.” This class will run three Sundays and our youth will participate.
Mosaic
Mosaic is an adult learning community, open to anyone seeking to dig deeper into the Word, hear stories of God’s leading, and learn how to offer your whole life to God. Currently we are working through a study on the Habits of a Missional Life. We invite you to join us as we “Love Life Together.” Mosaic meets at 9:00 a.m. in Room 204 (the Library).
KidzNewz
*Easter Egg Hunt: April 15 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. *Summer Camp: Summer Camp dates are set. Mark your calendars now. Camp runs from June 12-17 for children finishing third through eighth grade. Camp will be held at Ponderosa Camp in Larkspur (new venue). Registration forms and additional information are now available. *Sunday Help: We need an assistant in our kindergarten – third grade room at the 9:00 a.m. hour, as well as an assistant for Holy Moly on the fourth Sunday of each month. Please email Sarah to help.
Covenant Youth
*Sunday School: Middle and High Schoolers meet together in Room 208/209 at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast and study. We are studying a series called “Collaborate.” *Wednesday night Youth Group: Room 208/209 from 6:00– 8:00 p.m. Dinner is served every week! We are teaching from the book of Romans. *Grilled Cheese: This is our lunch ministry to Rampart High School. Please consider volunteering on Thursdays, working one shift or both as you are able: 10:30–11:30 a.m. and noon–1:00 p.m. *Youth Sunday: We have scheduled Youth Sunday for May 7, 2017. If you have a senior, please speak to Gabriel right away as we have been collecting photos of students and they are now past due. Keep an eye out for senior meeting dates. Contact Gabriel with questions or for more information.
Pray Now
Once a prayer request is submitted for Pray Now, please remember to let us know when to change or remove it.
Karla McKechnie: Niece, Avery, passed away due to a major head injury. She was 6 years old. Please pray for the family members dealing with such a tremendous loss. Jan Scott: Doctors determined that the pain Jan has been experiencing is due to stress. Please pray for her to be able to relax and enjoy their current trip. Paul Blakesley: Grandmother, Fran Blakesley, passed away this last week. The funeral was Monday in Elkhorn, WI. Lori Lamm: recovering from recent foot surgery The Dewey Family: Pray for Grant and family as they grieve the loss of their loving wife and mom, Rachel. Gabriella Barstad: Pray for full healing after thyroid surgery earlier in the week. Don Stump: Praise the Lord for Don’s successful surgery, and keep him in your prayers for continued and complete healing. Lift the whole family up for strength during this time. Lisa Nelson: Pray for continued healing, good rest, and energy as Lisa heals after a broken toe and surgery. Briar Schumacher: Briar is at a significant crossroads in her cancer treatment and is looking at several options for the next steps. Pray for Briar, Kevin, and the doctors to have wisdom as they evaluate the situation and her options. Continue to pray for the entire family.
Online Covenant FamilyDirectory
Our on-line directory is now back on our website. You can find it under “resources”.
Sunday Morning Worship Opportunities
9:00 a.m. Learning Communities for ALL ages: Birth-Grade 5: Classes are located in the Children’s Hallway in Rooms 101-109. Middle & High School: Meets in Room 208/209. Roundtables: Meets in the Family Room. Roundtables is an interactive class where we look at the relationship between faith and contemporary culture. Mosaic: Meets in Room 204 (the Library). Mosaic is an adult learning community, open to anyone seeking to dig deeper into the Word, hear stories of God’s leading, and learn how to offer your whole life to God. 10:15 a.m. Worship Service for all ages: Holy Moly Worship: For children pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Room 107/109 from 11:00–11:30 a.m. Children are dismissed for class from the Worship Service. Childcare available: Room 104 for ages three and younger.
Leadership of Covenant
Our Board of Elders is called the Session; this group is responsible for life and ministry at Covenant. We have twelve elders who are elected by the congregation for three-year terms. Elders at Covenant serve on one of four commissions, each with a different area of responsibility for Covenant’s ministries. Elders are listed below according to their commissions and responsibilities:
Adult Discipleship: Marlene LeFever, Mark Rothe, Larry Schaad, George Steiner Children & Students: Paul Blakesley, Cody Hanson, Karla McKechnie Operations: Bruce Eskew, Harold Overstreet, Craig Robinson Worship Arts & Prayer: John Bystroff, Sid Hough, Allen Schwab
Covenant’s Board of Deacons is a part of the leadership fabric of church life. Together they are responsible for two primary areas: 1. A Ministry of Caring (e.g. financial support, cards, meals, visitation) and 2. Tasks of Service (e.g. communion, baptism & Worship Room preparation, receptions) Deacons tackle these needs by mobilizing our congregation to enter the caring process. Deacons Donna Arndt, Jeff Barnes, Sheri George, Cathy Gurganus, Deborah Liefer, Kate Gosling, Mark Hoffman, Sue Lien, Debra Magee, Brian Millburn, Colin Paauw, Gayle Sjoerdsma Staff Anna Fish (Director of Community Life)
[email protected] Gabriel Jaramillo (Director of Student Ministries)
[email protected] Sarah Boatright (Director of Children’s Ministries)
[email protected] Rochelle Fralick (Nursery Coordinator)
[email protected] Doug Moore (Counselling)
[email protected] Rebecca Dillon (Business Manager)
[email protected] Colin Paauw (Logistics Assistant) Parish Associates Cathy Eskew Stephen Kolmetz Ruth McIntyre Lisa Nelson Ask an Elder You are invited to engage an elder in conversation about anything at Covenant. Photographs of our elders and their names are in the Atrium next to the Russia bulletin board. The Prayer Corner Elders, deacons, and Shalom ministers are available to pray with and for you at the Prayer Corner (near the ramp entrance to the right of the Worship Room) at the end of every service. Take your prayer concerns to one of them— once or on a regular basis.
Listen to Sermons You may listen to a recording of the sermon or download the podcast, at http://covenantpreschurch.podbean.com. Our Vision: To build bridges of God’s hope and healing in our relationships, our community, and across the world. Our Mission: To invite people into a caring church family, introduce them to life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ, and inspire them to follow him with wholehearted devotion, empowered by his Spirit and guided by his word.
Easter Lily Dedications Anonymous: In honor of Covenant Presbyterian Church Anonymous: In memory of Rachel Dewey Anonymous: In honor of Covenant Presbyterian Deacons & Elders Anonymous: In honor of Bill & Nancy Tibert Melissa Bannerot: In memory of Rachel Dewey Lyssa & Dan Bingman: In memory of our parents Kathie Cool: In memory of Robert Kiehn Virginia Eskew: In memory of William D. Eskew Larry & Libby Fink: In memory of our family Chris & Sidney Hough: In honor of our 2 beautiful children. We love you! Gabriel & Kristy Jaramillo: In memory of Kristy's grandmothers Gabriel & Kristy Jaramillo: In memory of Gabriel’s aunt Jane Wanda Lepillez Krug & Brad Krug: In memory of Jean-Marc Lepillez, Peter & Edith Reimer, Ray Reimer, and Donald Krug Jean Larson: In memory of my son Bobby Jean Larson: In memory of my husband Robert Sarah & Mark Lee: In gratitude for the promise of life and resurrection in Jesus Liberto Family: In honor of Verlyn & Barbara Stum Liberto Family: In memory of Frank & Sally Liberto Sue Lien: In remembrance of Marvin & Dorothy Huster and Arthur Lien Sue Lien: In honor of Alverda Lien Dave Little: In memory of my wife Patricia L. Little
Kathy McCoy: In memory of James L. & Clarice Mccoy and Evelyn Sediway Kyle Michael: In loving memory of Nancy "Nina" Michael Jan & Doug Moore: In honor of Marjorie PageJan & Doug Moore: In memory of Paul Moore Jan & Doug Moore: In memory of Dottie Riemer Jan & Doug Moore: In memory of Art Riemer Jim & Judy Oraker: In memory of Norm Karasa Colin Paauw: In memory of Mary-Ad (Gram) Burger Colin Paauw: In honor of our friendship Dave & Darlene Post: In memory of our parents & grandson Elizabeth Robinove: With immense praise for Bill & Nancy's 24-year journey with us Uli Salas: In memory of my mother Anneli Allen Schwab & Penny Stewart: In memory of our parents, Noel Schwab, Doris & Harold Coonrod, and Francis & Gloria Stewart Peggy Skattebo: In memory of Jim Skattebo, remembering you with great joy Mary Springston: For Sally Barb Stophel: In honor of Covenant Presbyterian Church Staff, Deacons, and Elders Maggie Warren: In memory of my parents Ray & Arbie Etherton Stephanie Wilcox: In memory of Karen Sue Smith Stephanie Wilcox: In memory of Jourdan Michelle Tappeiner Albert & Susan Yeh Family: In memory of Susan's mother, Garnet Johnson
Covenant Presbyterian Church 2845 Parliament Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719.598.0800
