November 9
Sunday, November 12
Worship 10:00 am
The earliest known copy of Martin Luther's Hymn, A Mighty Fortress (Ein feste Burg), dating 1531.

Join us as we continue to learn from the history and theology of the Protestant Reformation. Our worship will be a festival of music and readings tracing the unfolding of the Reformation over 500 years. The sermon will consider the idea of "faith alone," Martin Luther's foundational belief that it is not our good works but our faith in Jesus that calls forth God's mercy and love. But what is faith? Is it intellectual consent to a list of beliefs? Is it loyalty to and trust in God? Or is it an orientation by which we navigate our lives? What is the relationship between faith and doubt or faith and anxiety? Join us as we explore the relevance of these historic ideas. This Sunday's scriptures are  Jeremiah 31:31, 33-34 and  Matthew 9:27-31.

Ever wondered if you could serve as an usher or greeter? Grab a treat from the reception and join Martha Goble and Amy Starr Redwine in the library after worship from 11:15 to 11:30 for a quick information session and the opportunity to sign up -- no experience required!

Bulletins are posted at CovenantWeb.org/read/listen, where you can also read or listen to sermons. Printed  sermons now include the pastoral prayer.  Can you usher, greet, serve communion, provide flowers?  Click here.   
Our music this weekend reflects multiple traditions in the long history of the Reformation, including the hymns of Martin Luther, Psalms from the Genevan Psalter, hymns from 19th century Britain, as well as a hymn from the newest Presbyterian Hymnal,  Glory to God . We will enjoy the majesty of trumpets and timpani that will enliven our singing.
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Commemorating  500 Years of the Reformation

Sunday, November 12
Reformation Hymn Festival -  10:00 am, Worship in Sanctuary
The morning service will feature readings and hymns  that trace 
the unfolding of the Protestant Reformation over 500 years.
 Marked by Martin (Luther) - 11:30 am, Beckwith Hall
Pastor and Covenant participant Susanne Carter  will share a highly subjective 
recollection of life  in the family of a Lutheran pastor in post WWII Bavaria.

Sunday, November 19
Music of the Reformation,  11:30 am, Beckwith Hall
Music Director and Organist Jonathan Moyer  will speak about the music of the Reformation.
Reformation Concert, 4:00 pm, Sanctuary
Members of the CWRU Early Music program  present a concert 
of Reformation-themed compositions.
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Keys to Our Journey through the Bible - November 12  Memory Verses

As we journey through the Bible, each week the children and youth will be sent home from Sunday school with a memory verse to learn which is related to the upcoming week's lesson. 

God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face;  God looks into the heart." - I Samuel 16:7

Indeed, you are my lamp, O Lord, the Lord lightens my darkness. 
- 2 Samuel 22:29

Then Elijah was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before GOD. GOD will pass by." A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before GOD, but GOD wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but GOD wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but GOD wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.  - I Kings 19:11

The Lord says, I have heard your prayers and seen your tears. I will heal you. - 2 Kings 20:5
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Stewardship and Session Updates

The Stewardship Team thanks everyone who has committed  to supporting the church in 2018.  We are 3/4 of the way to our goal!

Haven't yet made your financial commitment?  There are blank cards in the narthex and the office. You can also make your commitment online here   or mail in your card. Help us meet or exceed our budgeted pledge goal before session approves the 2018 budget in November, and join us in proclaiming the joy of life beyond scarcity!

At the October 24 stated meeting, your session:
  • heard a report from those who attended the Self Study Review Task Force/Session Retreat
  • received a draft 2018 budget from the Ministry of Finance
  • approved a request from the Ministry of Faith Formation to hold Wednesday evening fellowship and devotional events during Advent
  • continued to discuss how the church can address issues of gun violence
  • requested that the Ministry of Service study and recommend how we can support Forest Hill Church in its current role as a Sanctuary church
At the November 29 stated meeting, items on the session's agenda include:
  • discussing and approving the 2018 budget
  • a discussion of Greater Cleveland Congregations
Meetings of all boards and committees except the Personnel Committee are open to those who wish to attend and observe.

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In the Covenant Family
We pray for  Judy Bourne, Andrew Bullen (Melanie Marsh Baum's cousin), Akeya Clark (Marie Jones' niece), Rich Day (friend of Bill Braun & Cathy Luck), Thelma Everhart, Gabe (son of Liz Roccoforte, CWRU), Eliseo Hairston (Shirley Thompson's grandson deployed to the Pacific), Anne Marie Haiss (mother of Fritz Haiss), Greg Madison, Elizabeth Mierke, Pa trick Monaghan (relative of Tom Keys), Ron Neill, Don Norris (friend of Tom and Cheri Keys), Olitana Rika (physician at our mission partner health clinic in Albania), Robert Schneider (First Baptist Church), Aidan Scott, Tom Skrout (Stephanie Pennza's father), Rory Smith, Liam Stewart (Mindy Stewart's nephew), Doug Weiss (Ann Williams' friend), and for those who are struggling with illness, convalescing, or are homebound; the patients, family, and staff in our surrounding hospitals; and those who placed prayer requests in our Carpenter's Box.
 
Lyn Tomaszewski is on vacation through November 17.
Please send prayer requests to Melanie Marsh Baum. Names are generally moved from the bulletin after four weeks unless there is a continuing need. Please let the church know if you or a loved one are in the hospital; HIPAA privacy regulations prevent hospitals from sharing this information.

Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2   
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Pray for those impacted by gun violence
Since a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, killing 26 people, 20 of them children,  853 people in Cuyahoga County have been killed by guns. Since last month, 19 more individuals have died by gun violence in Cuyahoga County. Seven of those who died were by suicide. 
 
Believing God calls us to be peacemakers, by Session action, each  month we pray for people affected by gun violence and to reduce the evil of gun violence in our nation, marked by the tolling of the tower bell. Join us in this time of increased concern over deadly gun violence in our county, country, and world, in remembering and praying that God will show us the way to a new commitment to Peace on Earth. 

The Church of the Covenant partners with God Before Guns, a multi-faith coalition of individuals and faith communities created in the wake of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, to reduce gun violence. Go to GodBeforeGuns.org to learn more.  
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Opportunities
Friday Lunchtime Carillon Concerts Through November 17
Friday Lunchtime Carillon Concerts  are performed by Covenant and University Circle Carillonneur George Leggiero and guests on the 15,000 lb McGaffin Carillon of 47 bronze bells. Tours of the tower during the concerts. For more details go to  ucbells.org/events .  George Leggiero will play Friday, November 3.
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Next Week!
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Sunday, November 19, 11:30 am

The Ministry of Service is calling for volunteers, financial donations, and food.

Please sign up in the church office or 

Here's how you can help!
Bring food:  Bring a side dish, salad, or dessert.
Financial Donations for Turkeys:  Donate to buy turkeys by November 12.  Mark your check  "dinner" or go online at  CovenantWeb.org/donate .
Volunteer:  Help the Covenant Chefs with set-up, serve, or clean-up.
Come!  Be a part of this annual Thanksgiving tradition!
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Giving Tree Tag Selection
November 19 & 26 and December 3
Reception Room
This year you may select gift tags for Cleveland School of the Arts students, participants in the Ernest J. Bohn Senior Center, and for Daniel E. Morgan 23 second graders. Then Sunday, December 10, we will have our Giving Tree Celebration. Please bring your gifts to the Dining Room before our service. 
11205 Euclid Avenue  |  Cleveland, OH 44106
Wheelchair accessible

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