Today Thursday, Dec. 22
 
Sat., Dec. 24: 5pm Children's Service.  8pm Candlelight Service.
 
This Sunday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day - One Service

10am, Sanctuary
Christmas Stories & Songs 


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Pastors on call for pastoral care week of Dec. 19:
Sat., Sun., Mon., Wed.   - 
                             Tracy 614-946-2982 
Tues., Fri., - Katie 614-625-1335
Thurs. - Jim 614-886-3681
 
Pastoral Leadership & Program Staff
Tracy Keenan, Pastor/Head-of-Staff 
  tracykeenan@covenantpcusa.org
Katie Kinnison, Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation 
Jim Mehler, Parish Associate
Cherie Brooks, Director of Music 
Katie Wynkoop, Organist/Pianist
Caroline McGeoch, Director of Covenant Children's Center
Erin Wise, Director of Children's Ministry
Cathy Koeneman - Interim Director for  
    Older Youth, kdmegali@yahoo.com
Tom Billman - Interim Director for
   Younger Youth, tomabillman1953@gmail.com
Shane Spicer, Asst. for Children's Ministry    jagsniche@gmail.com
 
God is omniscient. We are not.  Please call the church office and let us know when you or a loved one is in the hospital. The pastoral staff want to be able to visit you, and we all want to be able to pray for you.

PRAYER REQUEST
Jess
Linda Patterson
DeRoberts family
Jerry Annis
Kay Moore
Mary Jane Bogart
Steve & Melinda
Karen Gagel
Youth Director Search Committee
Sharon
Ken & Sally
Jane Morton
Shaw Family
Doug & Nancy
Sandy Schupp
Megan Noble
Caden Stanley
Dan Rasche
Sam McCamy
Manette Friske
Mike Van Aman
Rick Cosgray
Betty Raup  
Charlie Friske's sister
Bekkah Friske   
Marianne Dodson
Alexa Hobbs Gregory
Rachel Timmons
Mary Doersam 
John Lott
Orlene Shimberg
Ellen Greegor
Kay Hantak
Don Rorapaugh
Madison Hanosek
Larry Limes
Carol 
Heather
Jenny
Maureen 
Jared
Homebound/Limited Mobility 
Stan Eriksen
Bob Bartels    
Peggy Dinger
Margaret Robertson
Leona Rapp
Judy Sechler    
Harrison Gardner
Maggie Broekema
 
Keep us updated on those who wish be on the prayer list. Call the office (451-6677) or email JP when you want a name added or removed; New names will appear near the top of the list for one month. If you'd like the name to remain on the list after that, call the office.   
 
YOUR 2016 DEACONS 
If you know a member with a need, or for more information contact Terry Kennedy Mancini, 614-530-1732 tmancini@columbus.rr.com

Participate in occasional and one-time services to our members:
1. Pray for someone for a short time.
2. Prepare all or a part of meal.
3. Provide a ride to church or an appt.
4. Help serve breakfast at Ronald Mc Donald House
5. Participate in the Mid-Ohio Food Bank 

All Deacons are "contact points" for any member of the congregation in addition to their team assignments listed below. Members requiring any type of support should contact any Deacon. Check your Covenant Directory or call the office, 451-6677, for contact information.

Moderator: Sharon Steingass
Vice-Moderator: Jill Cameron
Treasurer:  Rusty Miller
Recording Secretary: Bob Lowery
Communion Coordinator: Tim Scott
Communications Lead: Terry Kennedy-Mancini, Co-Lead Connie Kennedy
Staff Liaison: Rev. Jim Mehler

1. Communication
Lead/Coordinator: Terry Kennedy-Mancini; Co-Lead: Connie Kennedy
Milissa Campbell, Bobbie Gier, Sharon Steingass, Scott Mizer, Steve Zilles, Chris Primm, Barry Fonarow, Jan Fonarow
-Congregation Contact (visits/calls) -homebound, limited mobility,
-Special needs
-Cards (birthday, get well, etc.) & church info -- Heidi Hallas, Terry Kennedy-Mancini
-Meals to members in need - Jill Cameron
-Prayer Chain - Chris Primm
-C.A.R.E.S. rides -- Bonnie Beth Mitchell
-Flowers - Heidi Hallas
-Care Notes - Rusty Miller
-Bereavement service -- Terry Kennedy-Mancini

2. Outreach
-Ronald McDonald House: 
Milissa Campbell
-Mid-Ohio Food Bank: Milissa Campbell
-Adopt-a-Family: Bobbie Geir, Rusty Miller
-Compass: Rusty Miller
-Crop Walk: Rusty Miller
-Bloodmobile: Mona Connolly

3. Service
-Communion Prep (Coordinator): 
Tim Scott
-Sunday A.M. Events (e.g. Deacon Ministry - Promotion: Danny Franz
-Older Adults: Connie Kennedy
-Youth: Ali Koeneman

4. Liaisons
Church Officer Nominating Committee: Pete LuPiba
Nurture & Outreach: Andrew Patterson
 
2016 Elders
Clerk of Session: Jim Hamilton
Commissions:
Children's Ministries  Treasure Finders, preschool, VBS, &  more - Lisa Coakley, Margaret Molli-Clark
Mission & Social Concerns  Interprets global, international & national missions, & coordinates local missions of Covenant  -  John Griffin CHAIR,
Martin Spencer, Cathy Koeneman
Nurture & Outreach  Caring for Covenant members: new members, block party, small groups, fellowship activities, outreach, discipleship -  Jim Buchanan CHAIR, Terri Hayes             
Personnel - Louise Davidson, CHAIR, Mike Davis, Dave Timmons  
Properties  Oversees the safety, maintenance & appropriate use of building & facilities - Nancy Cowman  CHAIR, Linda Billman
Spiritual Development & Adult Learning  Special event ministry team, Sunday Forum, Sunday evening bible studies & more  - Todd Cameron, 
Ed Chung, Jeff Roedel
Stewardship & Budget  Raising, administering & conserving financial resources  - Carol Lowery CHAIR, 
Jeff Smith, Ken Hickey
Worship & Arts  Oversees music & arts programs including worship experiences, special services, chancel choir, bell choir, art displays, lay readers, ushers - Linda Gabel CHAIR, 
Jeanie Auseon
Youth & Young Adults  Guides students grades 6-12 in their faith: Meghan Rodenfels, Cary Hanosek, Tim Augsback
Nominating Committee -   
Jim Buchanan; Martin Spencer. 
Deacon Pete LuPiba
 
For information about the latest news pertaining to the Presbyterian USA denomination,click:
Presbytery of Scioto Valley  
 
OPPORTUNITIES:
Open Shelter
Help prepare, deliver, serve or contribute cookies/brownies for the homeless. Guaranteed  to be rewarding. Contact Carol Petro 485-0994, jpetroball@aol.com. 
- To help prepare a meal for a member who is in need due to illness or death in the family, contact any Deacon. 
- Salt & Light opportunities . See the hall board.
 
Covenant Collections: 
There are baskets on shelves in the hallway marked for collection of eyeglasses.
They will be taken to LensCrafters to use in their mission to help others. 
Also, shelving in the coat racks has other collection bins. 
 
Need a Ride? CARES Program
For a ride to church, doctor appointment, etc., c all Bonnie Beth Mitchell, 614-205-3733.
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Dear Covenant friends and family,
    If you have heard "Santa Baby" too many times, if your list has things falling off the end of it and every news byte has you grinding your teeth, if even your most beloved relatives are testing your thin reserves of patience, this is what you need: beauty, delight, joy, and meaning. In other words, you need some worship time.
Candle Light Christmas Eve services:
   - 5:00 pmThe Children's Pageant is a led for the most part by the children of the church, and brings the story of Jesus' birth to life with fresh sweetness and a little chaos. It's a delicious way to remember that God came to us as an infant.
   - 8:00 pm  Music and stories, songs and vignettes, anthems shared and carols sung, this is a variation on the old "lessons and carols" tradition with the kind of sounds that can reach your tired soul in places you forgot were thirsty.
     BOTH SERVICES should be live-streamed on YouTube under the name "covenantpresbyterianoh" for friends and family who cannot be there. 
   Christmas morning, after the presents have been opened, and everyone has had seconds on sweet rolls and bacon, come on over to church for our ONE 10:00 AM SERVICE with simple carols and storytelling. Christmas only falls on a Sunday once every six years, and it's a rare and special joy to share it with your church family.

Grace and peace,
tk signature
Tracy
 
Christmas Eve, Sat., Dec. 24
   - 5pm - Children Lead Service
   - 8pm - Candlelight Service

Christmas Day, Sun., Dec. 25, 10am One Service
Christmas Stories & Songs

NOTE: Church Closed Mon., Dec. 26 & Fri., Dec. 30

New Year's Eve, Sat., Dec. 31, 5-7pm 
Meditative reflection and communion. Come and go as you wish.

Sun., Jan. 1 - 10am, One Service
 
The Youth Director Search Committee...
is at work! Using information provided by the Youth Ministry Renovation Team, we created an ambitious but realistic timeline to find and hire a Youth Director (part-time but long-term) for Covenant's kids in grades 5-12. We have some promising condidates! 
   Committee members:  Tracy Keenan ,  Linda Billman ,  Carol Craven ,  Mike Davis ,  Cary Hanosek ,  Rusty Miller ,  Dave Speas , and  Tori Vazquez . 
 
                        http://www.covenantpcusa.org/get-involved/youth.
Your prayers for this important work are appreciated.
 
WEEK AT A GLANCE 
 
­Thurs., Dec. 22
  Christmas CATCH Court. Contact Katie Kinnison for details
  7:00pm   Choir Rehearsal, Music Room
Sat., Dec. 24 Christmas Eve
- 5:00pm Children's Service
- 8:00pm Candlelight Servic

Mon., Dec. 26 Church Closed

Tues., Dec. 27
  8:15am   Centering Prayer, Lounge 

Fri., Dec. 30 Church Closed

Sat., Dec. 31 New Year's Eve
  5-7pm   Come and go as you wish. Meditative reflection & communion.
_____________________________________________________ __
EVENTS & NEWS
Click on an underlined event for more info 
or visit our web site www.covenantpcusa.org

UPCOMING Events, Opportunities & Programs

2017 Per Capita is $33.00 Per Member. Each member of Covenant is also a member of the larger church, the Presbyterian Church USA. So it is part of our responsibility to support the work of the administrative bodies of the national church - the General Assembly, the Synod, the Presbytery - by making a per capita payment each January. The per capita for 2017 is $33. per member, for a total payment of $20,526. This figure is based upon our church membership roll as of Dec. 31, 2015. We invite you to pay your share of the per capita so that this money does not need to come from this year's budget. Your contribution will free up funds for other vital church programs that meet the spiritual needs of our congregation. Per Capita envelopes are available at the Welcome Table. Financial Administrator, Ingrid Brooker.

Year End Contributions Reminder. Please make sure your year end contributions are received in the church office no later than Dec. 29, 2016. Contributions received after then will be credited for 2017. Questions? Contact Ingrid Brooker in the finance office 614-451-6677.

PRIMETIMERS Christmas Party & Gift Exchange
Please note day: TUES., DEC. 27, 12pm, Lounge
Bring finger food to share and a wrapped gift for each person making a reservation. Call Dorothy Grossman, 614-488-2820.

New Year's Eve Service
Sat., Dec. 31, 5-7pm
Meditative reflection and communion. Come and go as you wish.

Wednesday Bible Studies Resume Jan. 4
1pm, 120 & 7pm, Lounge. Katie Kinnison leads.
We are reading Genesis and will be discussing Abraham and Sarah.

- Jan., 5 (1st Thur./month), meet at church at 11:15am
Serve lunch to women rebuilding their lives. Sign up on the Mission & Social Concerns board in the hall or contact Katie Kinnison.
- Jan., 6, 8:15am, meet at church
Take breakfast to CATCH Court. Contact Katie Kinnison.

Special Congregational Meeting
Sun., Jan. 8, 12pm, Sanctuary
A special congregational meeting has been called by the board of session for the purpose of electing Milissa Campbell to the office of elder for the class of 2019.

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Mon., Jan., 9, 1-6pm, Fellowship Hall
Donations save lives! In the season of giving, consider giving the gift of life to someone you will likely never meet. Sign up in the hallway between services or call Mona Connolly, 614-886-4413. Volunteers are needed to staff the drive; Sign up in the hall, e-mail or call.

Young Adults
Wed., Jan. 11 (2nd Wed. each month), 7pm, El Vaquero, Riverside Dr.
Join Young Adults events and outings, contact
Tim Augsback, 859-322-2398, augsbacktj@gmail.com

Primetimers' Potluck & Program
Fri., Jan., 13, 12pm, Lounge
Enjoy "Confessions of an OSU Usher" by Trevor Zahara. Contact Eileen Lazear 614-459-2327.

Parents' Night Out
Fri., Jan. 13, 6-8:30pm (2nd Fri. of each month)
Parents go out while their children eat, play, watch movies. Donations accepted. Questions: Erin Wise, erinwise3@yahoo.com. Register by Tues., Jan. 10: http://tinyurl.com/covenantpno.

Styrofoam Recycling. We are soon to start recycling styrofoam (not memory foam, waxy stuff, or containers that have touched foods like meat trays or egg cartons, even if washed) through Phoenix Recycling. Leave in pastors' outer office by Jan. 15.

Peace School - Children 3 years old -5th grade
Mon. Jan 16, 10am-12pm, Fellowship Hall
Martin Luther King Jr. day is a perfect time to dream of peace. Join us for stories, games, crafts that celebrate and seek God's peace for the world. Youth and adults can help.

Tuesday Night Spiritual Formation - The Mystics: Sufi Poets
Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 7pm, Lounge
Discover more mystical poetry with this Interfaith gathering. Contact Katie Kinnison to get the poetry ahead of time -- or just show up and enjoy!

Variety Show 2017
Sat., Feb. 11, 7pm
Back to the Future: Covenant Style
Start working on special songs, performances, etc., that make reference to time, or songs from another time. Email Cherie Brooks, cheriebrooks@covenantpcusa.org, with acts you would like to perform.
________________________________________________________

ONGOING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Automatic Debit From Your Bank Account is Now Available
To make it more convenient for you, we are offering automatic debit as a means of paying your contribution to Covenant. This involves automatic transfers from your checking account to the church. All we need is your bank checking account number, routing transit number and the dollar amount to be debited. You will have the option to have your contribution debited from your account weekly or monthly. If you are ready to get started on this option, please complete the Automatic Debit Authorization form  available here , on our website on the  Applications, Registration Forms, Information Sheets page or in the church office. Return your completed form to Ingrid Brooker.

A Ministry in the Human Trafficking Fight. Some of the women arrested in Franklin County for prostitution are not yet ready to become part of CATCH Court. It may be their addiction, their fear of their pimp or some other reason that makes it hard for them to take such a drastic step and break free.
     When these women are released from jail, they have nothing and no real support. We are making toiletry kits for them, complete with notes of encouragement. Five to eight bags are needed each month at about $15 each. You may donate to help the cause or contact Katie Kinnison for more information. Checks should be made out to Covenant with Human Trafficking in the memo line.

Mission Sewing 
1pm, Tuesdays, room 121
Contact: Diana Sanders,  jrssand@aol.com

1st & 3rd Fridays, 9:30am, room 120
We will be reading Spong's  Biblical Literalism a Gentle Heresy. Everyone welcome! Amazon has kindle and hard back versions (about $19), but no paperback yet.

Open Shelter - 2nd Friday of every month volunteers assemble lunches for 175 people. Lunches are delivered to the Open Shelter for distribution. Prep takes about an hour. Come to Covenant's kitchen when you can at 8:30am. Mona Connolly, 614-886-4413; Carrie Mellen, cdmellen@wowway.com, 614-771-1396.


Tuesdays, 8:15am, Lounge
Move away from anxiety and business. Move into peace and abundant love. Come learn a way of praying that can help you stay awake to God's presence in your life. See   Katie Kinnison ,  Sandy Tullett ,  Cora Kuyvenhoven ,  Jeff Roedel  or  Todd Cameron .

Campanile Handbell Choir...rehearses Tuesdays, 6:15-7:30pm. Contact Nancy Davidson, ndavidson7@gmail.com, to ring or learn.

Wednesday Bible Studies Resume Jan. 4
1pm, 120 & 7pm, Lounge. Katie Kinnison leads.
We are reading Genesis and will be discussing Abraham and Sarah.

Spiritual Formation Interviews - Would you be willing to spend about 45 minutes of your time helping us figure out what Spiritual Development and Adult Learning looks like at Covenant? Would you benefit from a one-on-one conversation about your own spiritual growth? Consider signing up to meet with Katie Kinnison for some good conversation. Sign up sheets are in the Lounge, as are lists of possible discussion questions.

Prayer Shawl Circle invites knitters/crocheters to work at your leisure.Yarn and patterns provided. Shawls provide comfort for those with illness and celebrate marriages and births. Louise Davidson, 614-792-1289.

Deacons at Ronald McDonald House
What: Make breakfast for residents. Anyone can help.
When: The 2nd Sat. of each month, 7:15am
Where: Ronald McDonald House, 711 Livingston Ave. 
Contact: Milissa Campbell, milissa5@me.com, call/text 440-610-417

_______________________________________________________
More Financial Opportunities:
(T., W., Th., 8:30am-4pm)

- IRA Distributions. If you are 70-1/2 years or older, have you thought about taking advantage of the IRA Charitable Rollover provision and making a pledge from your IRA? This provision allows you to make an outright gift of up to $100,000 per year directly from your IRA to a qualified charity (Covenant) without paying tax on the distribution. This is an excellent way to use your IRA dollars. One hundred percent of your gift goes to Covenant, and you pay zero percent tax on your distribution from your IRA. This is a permanent provision. Please consider this option as you decide on the source of your gifts to Covenant, should they be for the Capital Campaign, The Permanent Funds Ministry (endowment), or to fulfill your annual pledge to the Operating Fund.
- Estate Planning. Consider naming Covenant as a beneficiary of your IRA and/or life insurance policy. Naming Covenant as a beneficiary provides you tax savings, along with the ability to make a meaningful gift without the outlay of cash. Life insurance policies may be an existing or new policy and be partially or fully paid. For both options, the proposed gift can be accomplished by naming Covenant as a complete (or partial) beneficiary. Contact your plan administrator to obtain the correct forms and your tax advisor for information specific to your individual situation.
 
 
 
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