Today Thursday, Jan. 26
 
This Jesus:

Sun., Jan. 22, 2017
 
This Sunday, Jan. 29
Worship Services
8:30am & 11am 
This Jesus: The Fine Print
Tracy Keenan preaching

Gathering Worship Service
10am
The Heart of the Matter
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, Dir. of Music 
Katie Wynkoop, Organist/Pianist
Caroline McGeoch, Dir. of Covenant Children's Center
Erin Wise, Dir. of Children's Ministry
Cathy Koeneman - Interim Dir. for      
Older Youth, kdmegali@yahoo.com
Tom Billman - Interim Dir. for  Younger
Shane Spicer, Asst. for Children's
 Ministry    jagsniche@gmail.com
 
Please call the church office, 614-451-6677, and let us know when you or a loved one is in the hospital. The pastoral staff wants to visit you if you like, and we all want to be able to pray for you. Call the office when you want a name added or removed; New names will appear for one month. If you'd like the name to remain on the list after that, please call the office. 
PRAYER REQUEST
Riley
Neva
Mimi Billman
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
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 
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
 
YOUR 2017 DEACONS 
All Deacons are "contact points" in addition to their team assignments listed below. Members requiring any type of support should contact any Deacon. 
Moderator: 
Vice-Moderator: 
Jill Cameron
Secretary:  
Treasurer:
Communion Coordinator: 
Staff Liaison: 

Deacon Ministry
Holiday Giving
Amy Kendall
Jill Cameron
Bloodmobile
Mona Connolly
Tiffany Epling
COMPASS
Jill Cameron
CROP Walk
Michael Pierce
Amy Kendall
Ronald McDonald
Alan Yarletts
Communion
Sharon Steingass
Older Adults
Connie Kennedy
Jill Cameron
Youth
Ali Koeneman
 
Your 2017 Elders
Clerk of Session: Jim Hamilton
Commissions:
Children's Ministries  Treasure Finders, preschool, VBS, more - Lisa Coakley, CHAIR, Margaret Molli-Clark, Meghan Rodenfels '17
Mission & Social Concerns  Interprets global, international & national missions, & coordinates local missions of Covenant  -  John Griffin CHAIR,  Martin Spencer, Milissa Campbell
Nurture & Outreach  Caring for Covenant members: new members, block party, small groups, fellowship activities, outreach, discipleship -  
Jim Buchanan CHAIR, Terri Hayes, Jenny Watson             
Personnel - Louise Davidson, CHAIR, Mike Davis  
Properties  Oversees the safety, maintenance, appropriate use of facilities -  Bob Tullett  CHAIR, Charlie Bergmann
Spiritual Development & Adult Learning  Special event ministry team, Sunday Forum, Sunday evening bible studies & more  - Todd Cameron, 
Mary Hemmer
Stewardship & Budget  Raising, administering & conserving financial resources  - Ken Hickey CHAIR, 
Jeff Smith, Linda Billman
Worship & Arts  Oversees music & arts programs including worship experiences, special services, chancel choir, bell choir, art displays, lay readers, ushers - Linda Gabel CHAIR, 
Kim Halsey
Youth & Young Adults  Guides students grades 6-12 in their faith: Cathy Koeneman CHAIR, 
Carol Craven, Tim Augsback
Nominating Committee -   
Linda Billman CHAIR, Linda Gabel, Terri Hayes
 
For information about the latest news pertaining to the Presbyterian USA denomination,click:
Presbytery of Scioto Valley  
 
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 play cards, you probably know how the game is played "according to Hoyle." Rules come in handy. It's how you know how to play.
     Rules have a place and a purpose: to serve the game. Ignoring them takes all the fun out of it. But, being a stickler does, too.
     When Jesus seems to be playing fast and loose with the Sabbath, the sticklers take umbrage. It's easy to make the nay-sayers out to be tightly-wound little stinker-sticklers, but truth be told, there are times when we suddenly find ourselves pointing to Hoyle and claiming foul, or pointing to the law and claiming transgression. Other times, we shrug and claim personal preference.
     For example, we tend to be pretty relaxed about what it means to honor the Sabbath, but pretty firm against the adultery thing. How do we find a way to enjoy structure of the rules without getting petty or overly subjective about it? As usual, Jesus seems to have a pretty good idea...

See you  Sunday!
Grace and peace,
tk signature 
Tracy
PS  Jason Keefer, guest organist, is with us this Sunday.
 
This Sun., Jan. 29
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
8:30a   - Worship in the Sanctuary
            - Children: Joyful Noise/Wiggle Worship
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
4:00p   -  Verge - Paint sets for Variety Show
5:30p   -  Youth Group
6:30p    - Bible Study, Rm. 120

Church Directories for 2017 are available now on the Welcome Table.

11am Worship Services Streamed Live at YOUTUBE.COM.  Search and bookmark covenantpresbyterianoh. Previous worship services, music and special events are also avavailable on the Youtube site. 

Greeters needed for both services. Greet once a month. Contact Charlotte Sharpe, 614-486-1619,rcsharpe2@icloud.com .

Flower Dedications. Commemorate a special day or honor a special loved one by dedicating Sunday flowers for the chancel. Only $36. Sign up on the sheet on the hall bulletin board or see Anna Jo Beeson.
 
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

HELP!  we need a videographer  to video the Show and make copies to sell, and  also a child care provider to offer children a safe and fun alternative to the Show. Call Jude McLean, 614-457-9177 or 614-209-7010.
HELP!  Sat., Jan. 28, 1:30-5:50pm and Feb. 4, 12-6pm. Come help us create fantastic sets for the Show!
 
WEEKS AT A GLANCE 
 
­
Thurs., Jan. 26
9:30a   Children's Day Out
6:00p   Worship Planning
7:00p   Choir Rehearsal, Music Rm.
7:00p   Steward. & Budget, Tracy's office
Fri., Jan. 27
9:30a   Prayer Shawl Circle, Lounge
Sat., Jan. 28
9:00a           Leadership Retreat, Fellow. Hall
1:30-5:30p   Variety Show Set Design
 6:00p            Chili & Chocolate, Fellow. Hall
Mon., Jan. 30
9:30a   Children's Day Out
1:00p   SOH Garden Meet., Tannehill's
Tues., Jan. 31
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
7:00p   Spiritual Formation, Lounge
­
Wed., Feb. 1
9:15a   Eunice-Lydia, Lounge
9:30a   Children's Day Out
1:00p   Bible Study, 120
4:00p   Tutoring, Lounge
7:00p   Bible Study, Lounge
7:30p   Naomi Circle, Fellowship Hall
­
Thurs., Feb. 2
9:30a   Children's Day Out
9:30a   Miriam Circle, Lounge
6:00p   Worship & Arts, Lounge
6:00p   Worship Planning
7:00p   Elizabeth Circle, 120
7:00p   Choir Rehearsal, Music Rm.
Fri., Feb. 3
9:30a   Women's Theology, 120
Sat., Feb. 4
12-6p  Variety Show Set Design
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UPCOMING Events, Opportunities & Programs
Click on an underlined event for more info 
or visit our web site www.covenantpcusa.org

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, all enjoy life.

Wedding Coordinator needed: Someone who loves weddings, is organized and kind, and who can help couples make their way through the planning, rehearsal, and the big day itself. Paid position. Times vary, but we average about four a year on-site. Please talk to Tracy Keenan if you are interested.

Year End Statement of Giving: Many thanks go to all of you for your financial contributions to Covenant! Contribution statements for 2016 were mailed earlier this month. If you haven't received yours, contact Ingrid, Finance Office, 614-451-6677.

Thank you to all who brought in styrofoam for recycling, and to Susan Fromkes who made several trips to the recycling center! We're planning to keep the box marked "Styrofoam Recycling" in the coat rack area. Don't add to landfill.

Seeds of Hope Garden Planning Meeting
Mon., Jan. 30, 1pm
It's time to choose the crops for this year and figure what we may want to change/do differently. Contact Bob Tannehill, robert_tannehill@hotmail.com.

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 reading group. Poems for Week 2 are on the Welcome Table, and poems and intro info are on the  website .

Children's Center early enrollment for church members and current Children's Center families begins Feb. 1 for the 2017-18 school year. Enrollment for the general public begins Feb. 15. Applications and info about Preschool, Kindergarten Enrichment, and the After School Care program are on the church website. Contact Caroline McGeoch, 614-451-6677 x23, or childcenter@covenantpcusa.org.

Support Survivors of Human Trafficking
-- 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.Free, but tickets required. For info, contact Katie Kinnison. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/ha4fqye
-- 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. 
-- ALSO, we make toiletry kits for women released from jail with nothing. 5-8 bags/month. $15 each. Our middle school youth assemble the bags and write notes of encouragement. Make checks out to  Covenant,   HT BAGS on the memo line.

Chopped: Round 2! for Verge & Youth Group
Sun., Feb. 5, 2-4:15pm
For those who were there last year, this was an amazing afternoon.  I f you're planning to attend, let us know by signing up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b44ada928aaff2-chopped1
And if you're able to help, sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a44aea923a1fc1-chopped1

Men's Breakfast (2nd Sat. each month)
Sat., Feb. 11, 8am, First Watch, Kingsdale Contact Alan Kennedy 614-451-9318.

Parenting and Growing Together
Tues., Feb. 14, 21, 28, 6pm, Lounge or Rm. 105
Dinner and Childcare Provided
Kids go to the nursery and have dinner. You eat and hang out with people who know what it's like to do their best to parent young children amidst a busy life. Explore how to nurture children's innate spirituality, manage everything, keep loving when you're utterly exhausted, and how Covenant can best support children and families. Katie Kinnison and Erin Wise lead. RSVP Katie Kinnison.
Session 1: Teaching Healthy Sexuality. Parents of older children can come too.

Presby. Women PSV Winter Gathering
Sat., Feb. 25, 10am, Covenant
Working for Justice I Peace in our Communities. Learn about the challenges related to the re-entry of incarcerated people into our communities and how our congregation can be involved in this ministry. Learn more: http://psvonline.org/psv-presbyterian-women-winter-newsletter/

The Youth Director Search Committee. We have some promising condidates! 
Committee members:  Tracy Keenan,  Linda Billman,  Carol Craven, 
Your prayers for this important work are appreciated.
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ONGOING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Blessing Your Home or Office Stephen Ministers are available to come bless your living or work space.  For more information, please contact   Katie Kinnison.

Men's Spirituality - every other Sun., 9:30am, rm. 120

Men Connecting With God Men's Breakfast
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.

SOS Food Pantry Team: If you'd like volunteer for this mission, let one of us know: Betsy & Mark Owen, Connie Bohn, Carol & Bob Lowery.

Young Adults
Wed., Feb. 8 (2nd Wed. each month), 7pm, El Vaquero, Riverside Dr. 
Join Young Adults events and outings, contact 
Tim Augsback, 859-322-2398, augsbacktj@gmail.com

Wednesday Bible Studies 
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

Open Shelter Lunch Prep
Fri., Feb. 10 (2nd Fri./month), 8:30, kitchen
Help assemble lunches for 175 people. Takes an hour. Lunches are delivered to the Open Shelter for distribution. Come when you can. Mona Connolly or   Carrie Mellen.

1st & 3rd Fridays, 9:30am, room 120
Started reading Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most by Marcus Borg available from Amazon for $10. 


Tuesdays, 8:15am, Lounge
Move away from anxiety and business. Move into peace and abundant love. 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.

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 in the Lounge.

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.

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. 

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)
-Automatic Debit From Your Bank Account is Now Available
We offer automatic debit as a means of paying your contribution to Covenant. This involves automatic transfers from your checking account to the church. You have the option to have your contribution debited from your account weekly or monthly. To sign up, 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.
- 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.
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