Today Thursday, Jan. 5
 

Sun., Jan. 8, 2017
 
This Sunday, Jan. 8
Worship Services
8:30am & 11am 
God's Main Intention
Jim Mehler preaching

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Pastors on call for pastoral:
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
 
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 if you like, and we all want to be able to pray for you.

PRAYER REQUEST
Eric Schaefer
Leroy Bundy
Jess
Linda Patterson
DeRoberts family
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:  
-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.
__________________________

Dear Covenant friends and family,
      If you give it some thought, what would you say is God's main intention? Not the only thing, but the main thing. We might identify the thing through our history and experience. Or perhaps from our personal need. What might be this main intention?  How can we figure this out? We could begin with a reading of the entirety of scripture, noting recurring themes. That might take a while but I suspect it would be profitable and revealing. So, if I stick to the script for this Sunday (which happens on occasion), there may be an answer. In the meantime, think about it. What is God's main intention?
      Church events will be returning to their regular schedules following Christmas. And because this is an important time of the year, the Bloodmobile will be back at Covenant on  Monday, Jan. 9. As you are able, donate the gift of life.  
Jim
 
This Sun., Jan. 8
Baptism of the Lord

* 12pm - Special Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary
. Called by the board of session for the purpose of electing Milissa Campbell to the office of elder for the class of 2019.

* 3-5pm, Verge/Youth Bowling. Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard. Pizza & soda. Meet at Ten Pin Alley (3pm) or at Covenant (2:30) if transportation needed.
Everyone welcome, but please let Jenny Speas know,   speasjg@gmail.com,  if you're coming and how we can help with transportation.
 ALSO, Jan. 8 is the registration deadline for winter retreat at Camp Akita, Jan. 20-22. Grades 6-12 can attend. Cathy Koeneman and Shane Spicer will lead. Contact Cathy, kdmegali@yahoo.com, 614-403-1751.

8:30a   - Worship in the Sanctuary
            - Children: Joyful Noise/Wiggle Worship
9:30a   - Men's Spirituality, Rm. 120
9:45a   - Confirmation Class, Grades 8-10 Tracy Keenan, Ed Chung
10:00a  -Gathering, Katie Kinnison preaching
             - Children (age 3-5th grade): Joyful Noise then Treasure Finders
             - Spiritual Verge (grades 6-8)
11:00a  - Worship in the Sanctuary
             - Children: Joyful Noise/Wiggle Worship
12:00p  - Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary
3-5pm   - Youth/Verge Bowling, Ten Pin Alley
6:30p     - Bible Study, Rm. 120.
 
Variety Show Acts Wanted!

Sat., Feb. 11
10am-12pm Mandatory Rehearsal
5:30-7pm Spaghetti Dinner
7-8:30pm Variety Show
Tickets $8 (10 & under only $4)

Starring Jim Mehler as Dr. Emmett Brown. Choose songs that have to do with time, make reference to time, or are from another time. 
Send your acts ASAP to Cherie Brooks, cheriebrooks@covenantpcusa.org
 
WEEK AT A GLANCE 
 
­Thurs., Jan. 5
9:30am    Children's Day Out
9:30am    Miriam Circle, Lounge
11:15am  CATCH Court lunch, meet at the church
6:00pm    Worship & Arts, Lounge
7:00pm    Elizabeth Circle, 120
7:00pm    Choir Rehearsal, Music Room
Fri., Jan. 6
8:15am   CATCH Court breakfast, contact Katie Kinnison
9:30am    Women's Theology, 120
Sat., Jan. 7
9:30am   PIE Elder Training, Hilliard Presby. Church
6:30pm   CPC Parents' Party, Columbus Italian Club
Mon., Jan. 9
9:30a   Children's Day Out
1-6p     Bloodmobile, Fellow. Hall
Tues., Jan. 10
8:15a   Centering Prayer, Lounge
9:30a   Children's Day Out
1:00p   Mission Sewing, 121
1:30p   Staff Meeting, Tracy's office
6:15p   Bell Choir Rehearsal
6:30p   Deacons, Lounge
­Wed., Jan. 11
9:30a   Children's Day Out
1:00p   Bible Study, 120
4:00p   Tutoring, Lounge
7:00p   Bible Study, Lounge
­Thurs., Jan. 12
9:30a   Children's Day Out
7:00p   Choir Rehearsal, Music Rm.
Fri., Jan. 13
9:30a   Prayer Shawl Circle, Lounge
11:00a Primetimers, Lounge
6:00p   Parents' Night Out
Sat., Jan. 14
8:00a   Men's Breakfast, First Watch, Kingsdale
_____________________________________________________ __
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 a member of the PC USA. It's part of our responsibility to support these administrative bodies by making a per capita payment each Jan. Per capita for 2017 is $33/member, for a total of $20,526. Your contribution frees funds for other vital church programs of our congregation. Per Capita envelopes are on the Welcome Table.
Blessing Your Home or Office Stephen Ministers are available to come bless your living or work space.  For more information, please contact Katie Kinnison.

- 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.
- ALSO, we make toiletry kits for women released from jail with nothing. 5-8 bags are needed each month. The cost is $15 each. Our middle school youth will assemble the bags and write notes of encouragement for these womend. Checks should be made out to Covenant, with HT BAGS on the memo line.
- 8th Annual Ohio Human Trafficking Awareness Day 
 &  1st Annual Ohio Youth Trafficking Prevention Summit
Thur., Feb. 2, 8:30am-4:30pm, Fri., Feb. 3, 9am-2:30pm, Ohio Statehouse 
Hosted by State Representative Teresa Fedor, this event will focus on prevention and protection strategies. Participation is free but tickets required. Contact Katie Kinnison. Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-ohio-human-trafficking-awareness-day-youth-summit-tickets-28770533440 .

CPC Post-Holiday Parents' Party - No kids allowed!
Sat., Jan. 7, 6:30pm, Columbus Italian Club, 1739 W. 3rd Ave.
This party is just for the grownups. The craziness of the holidays has passed so come celebrate with other parents. The Hanosek's will provide salad and entrees. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share as well as your favorite beverages. We'll have a gift exchange so bring the ugliest gift you received this year. RSVP to Erin Wise.

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Mon., Jan., 9, 1-6pm, Fellowship Hall
Give the gift of life. Sign up in the hall between services or call Mona Connolly, 614-886-4413. Volunteers are needed to staff the drive.

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

Open Shelter Lunch Prep
Fri., Jan., 13, 8:30am, Kitchen (2nd Fri/Month)
Contact Mona Connolly, mrc2208@sbcglobal.net

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.

Men's Breakfast
Sat., Jan. 14 (2nd Sat./month), 8am, First Watch, Kingsdale
For info, call Alan Kennedy 614-451-9318.

_____________________________________________________________
Sun., Jan. 15

- Ordination & Installation of Officers
- Agora: Book Discussion, DREAMLAND,  9:45am, Lounge
Susan Imel leads. This book by Sam Quinones, National Book Critics Circle Award Winner, is recommended by experts in addiction for those who want to better understand America's opiate epidemic. Copies available on the Welcome Table for $11 and on online as an audiobook.
- 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: The Poems of Hafiz
Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 7pm, Lounge
Discover more mystical poetry with this Interfaith gathering. Poems for Week One are on the Welcome Table and on the website.

Men Connecting With God Men's Breakfast
Sat., Jan. 21 (4th Sat./month), 8am, Lounge
We provide pancakes, gruel, coffee. You may bring something to share. Join in a video series by Marcus Borg, "Embracing An Adult Faith -- What It Means To Be A Christian" focusing on understanding issues in contemporary Christian practice and theology. Contact Jim Mehler.

Chili & Chocolate
Sat., Jan 28, 6pm, Fellowship Hall
It's gray outside but the church is full of fun and friends. Bring chili, cornbread, chocolate or anything (pizza?) to share. Children play, grown-ups talk and we all enjoy life.

Recommended Organizations Assisting in Syria
* Presbyterian Disaster Assistance:   pda.pcusa.org/situation/syria
* Global Ministries of the Christian Church & United Church of Christ: 
    globalministries.org/syria_crisis
* Mennonite Central Committee:  mcc.org/syria-iraq
* Nonviolent Peace Forec:  nonviolentpeaceforce.org/
* United Methodist Committee on Relief:  umcor.org/
* Download a PDF of "Holy Discontentment: Advocaty & Action for Syria":
www. presbyterianmission.org/resource/holy-discontentment-advocacy-action-syria/* Presbyterian Foundation: presbyterianfoundation.org/jinishian
 
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, 
Your prayers for this important work are appreciated.

________________________________________________________

ONGOING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

SOS Food Pantry Team: We filled every request for food delivery in 2016 and doubled the number of people served vs. 2015. We could not do this without you. If you'd like to be a volunteer driver for this mission, please let one of us know. Betsy & Mark Owen, Connie Bohn, Carol & Bob Lowery.

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.

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

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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