Today Thursday, Dec. 29
 
New Year's Day, Sun., Jan. 1 - One Service at 10am, Communion
 
This Sunday, Jan. 1
New Year's Day - One Service
10am, Sanctuary
Communion
Your Life is at Stake
Katie Kinnison 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
Leroy Bundy
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,
       Culture tells us that this is the season of New Year's resolutions, and I tell you, that has never worked for me. True, spending some time in self-evaluation and considering how my life has been working out has been a worthwhile enterprise. It bears fruit. But when the fruit is actually a list of things I need to do differently, self-awareness is transformed into a burden I can never bear. My list of resolutions is always too long and too fragile. None of them make it through January without being chipped, or maybe even smashed to pieces.
     The Church, on the other hand, tells us that it's still Christmas, that we are still being dazzled by the Light of the World that has burst into the darkness, that we have God with us in a new way because Love has burst upon the scene and changed everything once again.
     So what might self-examination and resolve look like through the lens of Love? This is what we will be considering together this Sunday morning at 10am in the Sanctuary. I hope you will be here with us.

Yours in Christ,
Katie
 
WEEK AT A GLANCE 
 
Fri., Dec. 30 Church Closed
Sat., Dec. 31 New Year's Eve
  5-7pm   Come and go as you wish. Meditative reflection & communion.

Mon., Jan. 2
9:30am   Children's Day Out
9:30am   Hands & Hearts Circle, 120
6:30pm   Stephen Ministry, Lounge
7:00pm   Justice & Peace, 121
Tues., Jan. 3
8:15am   Centering Prayer, Lounge
9:30am   Children's Day Out
1:00pm   Mission Sewing, 121
1:30pm   Staff Meeting, Tracy's office
6:15pm   Campanile Bell Choir Rehearsal
­Wed., Jan. 4
9:15am   Eunice-Lydia Circle, Lounge
9:30am   Children's Day Out
1:00pm   Bible Study, 120
4:00pm   Tutoring, Lounge
7:00pm   Bible Study, Lounge
7:00pm   Naomi Circle, Friendship Village
­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
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EVENTS & NEWS
Click on an underlined event for more info 
or visit our web site www.covenantpcusa.org

UPCOMING Events, Opportunities & Programs

News from the SOS Food Pantry Team: Demand for this mission is great and continues to grow. With the wonderful addition of new volunteers plus the generous support of time, food, and dollars by all, we were able to fulfill every request for a food delivery in 2016 (620 served); We DOUBLED the number of people served vs. 2015 (310 served). We could not do this without you. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to be a volunteer driver for this mission, please let one of us know. Betsy & Mark Owen, Connie Bohn, Carol & Bob Lowery.

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
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.

- 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 a piece, and our middle school youth are assembling the bags and writing notes of encouragement for these women who have been trafficked. Checks should be made out to Covenant, with HT BAGS on the memo line.

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.
___________________________________________________________________
Sun., Jan. 8
- 12pm, Special Congregational Meeting , 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.
- 6:30pm, Sunday Night Bible Study resumes, Rm. 120
- 3-5pm, Verge & Youth Bowling Party, Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard. Pizza & soda. Meet at Ten Pin Alley (3pm) or at Covenant (2:30pm) if transportation needed. RSVP.   ALSO, Jan. 8 is the registration deadline for the 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.
___________________________________________________________________

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.

Agora: Book Discussion, DREAMLAND
Sun., Jan. 15, 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: 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!

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.

- 8th Annual Ohio Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Thur., Feb. 2, 8:30am-4:30pm, at the Capitol
- 1st Annual Ohio Youth Trafficking Prevention Summit
Fri., Feb. 3, 9am-2:30pm, Ohio Statehouse Atrium
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.

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.

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

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

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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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