December 14
 
Sunday, December 17
3rd Sunday of Advent
Worship 10:00 am

Join us on the third Sunday of Advent as we consider how we are called to  give more  during this season. From Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and Luke 1:39-56, we will hear God's promises of justice.  What does this story of Mary and Elizabeth teach us about how we are called to speak our truth and listen for the truths of others? Who in our world is speaking from the heart and what does it mean for us to listen and respond? 

Our Lay Worship Leader is Dan Carroll . Jill and Omar Siddiq are lighting the Advent candles.
  
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.   
Sunday's music  reflects the jubilant theme of Gaudate (rejoicing) for the third Sunday of Advent. The choir presents Roland Carter's dynamic setting of the Christmas spiritual Go Tell It on the Mountain. Carter is a professor of music at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. The organ prelude features various settings of the 14th century carol Resonet in laudibus (Let the voice of praise resound) from various 16th and 17th century sources of keyboard music. 
Children's memory verse for December 17
The children will have Sunday School this week. The memory verse for December 17 is:  "I know, Lord that you are all-powerful: that you can do everything you want."  Job  42:2
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One World Shop Fair Trade Sale
Sunday, December 17, 11:00 am, Lower Level
Fair Trade items from around the world, as well as ethically sourced coffee and chocolate. Sponsored by the Ministry of Service.
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In the Covenant Family
We pray for Randy Bennett, Patrick Monaghan, and Don Norris (relatives of Tom and Cheri Keys), Judy Bourne, Andrew Bullen (Melanie Marsh Baum's cousin), Akeya Clark (Marie Jones' niece), Norma Cowan (friend of Dan and Karin Garland from Boulevard Presbyterian Church), Rich Day (friend of Bill Braun & Cathy Luck), Anne Wombwell deConingh, Marlene Finkenthal (David Finkenthal's mother), Prince Fountain (Tom Fountain's brother), Eliseo Hairston (Shirley Thompson's grandson deployed to the Pacific), Greg Madison, Elizabeth Mierke, Olitana Rika (physician in Albania), Daniel Straffon (Cary Arden's grandson traveling to Myanmar), Robert Schneider (First Baptist Church), Tom Skrout (Stephanie Pennza's father), Liam Stewart (Mindy Stewart's nephew), Doug Weiss (Ann Williams' friend), and those struggling with illness, convalescing, or are homebound; the patients, family, and staff in our surrounding hospitals; and those who have placed prayer requests in our Carpenter's Box.
 
Prayers for students, faculty and staff as this semester draws to a close. Traveling mercies for those who may be traveling, and Christmas blessings!

On December 14, 2012 a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School, killing 26 people, 20 of them children. Since this date, over 870 people in Cuyahoga County have been killed by guns. Our prayers are with the people of Newtown, Connecticut and all impacted by gun violence. 
 
The Church will be closed on Wednesday, December 20, from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm, for the staff Christmas lunch.
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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Giving Tree Celebration 
Many thanks to the Deacons , everyone who shared gifts and everyone who participated in this annual Giving Tree Celebration! Go to Covenant's Facebook for more pictures.



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Introducing "Dowd Commons"!
Those present  Sunday were very excited to learn that the soon to be renovated lower level will be named the "Dowd Commons." The Lower Level Committee deeply thanks those who have made a financial commitment to this major capital campaign. We need more people to help move the thermometer upward and ask members and friends of Covenant to consider becoming part of this project, creating a fresh and welcoming space and honoring our beloved former pastor and his wife, Jim and Betty Dowd.  Pledge forms are available throughout the church, or go on line at CovenantWeb.org/donate.
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Thank you!

Many thanks to Cathy Miller and John Marsh for our new doors in the Lower Level women's bathroom. With our older building it was a bit of a challenge sizing and hanging them. Thanks you John!
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December McGaffin Carillon Concerts
Monday - Friday through December 29 (except December 25), 12:15 pm
Hear the McGaffin Carillon in thirty minute programs of winter holiday-inspired music.  This is a gift of the Friends of the McGaffin Carillon.  Go to ucbells.org for more information.
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Important Cache Dates
Today is the last day of 2017 to get great bargains!
The Cache will be closed December 15-January 1, with a half-price sale  January 2 & 4  
The Cache will close on January 5 for several weeks during the renovations.
No donations can be accepted until the Cache reopens.
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Weather-Related Church Closing
According to the church's Personnel Manual, church staff will determine on a case by case basis if the church is to be closed due to inclement weather. In the event that the church is closed, an email notification will be sent to those on our mailing list and a notification will appear on the home page of the church website. If you have a church meeting or event that is affected by a closing, the staff member associated with that event will contact you. 
11205 Euclid Avenue  |  Cleveland, OH 44106
Wheelchair accessible

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