This Sunday, Dec. 8
2nd Sunday of Advent
8:30 & 11:00am Worship Services
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Waiting for a Welcome Sign
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Romans 15:7
The word translated “welcome” here connotes wholehearted acceptance. Because they have been received by Christ when they were less than worthy, they must extend the same welcoming spirit to one another. Paul claims that the church should reflect this “welcoming” through our unity in Christ. This radical welcoming will then result in the unity of all humankind.
Got it! This isn’t hard to understand. But as human beings, we tend to struggle with wholehearted acceptance. One of the struggles is letting go of our own interests and desires for the good of our unity in Christ. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, the church was finding it difficult to settle the differences between the religious practices of the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians. It is not so different in the church today. Our own particular family of faith is diverse in how it views politics, economics, social issues, and when and how to worship! How do we remain united in Christ when we are such a diverse church family?
Henri Nouwen coined the phrase “voluntary displacement” to capture the idea of creating unity amid a difficult diversity. He writes, “The gospels confront us with this persistent voice inviting us to move from where it is comfortable, from where we want to stay, from where we feel at home.”
During this time of transition, it will be important to recognize that sometimes we must give in, practice “voluntary displacement," in order to do what is best for the health of the whole body of Christ. It will not be a comfortable place for many of us but it will provide the opportunity for us to move forward united in Christ and prepared for our future together as his church.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Jeri-Lynne
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Mission Study Face-to-Face Feedback
50 min. after all services, Sun., Dec. 15 & Jan. 5
We are looking forward to hearing from you in person at the Mission Study Open Forums. Please come to one of these opportunities even if you were one of the 223 Covenant members who responded to the survey. In these surveys, we received positive comments as well as suggestions for growth. With this rich discussion time, we can delve further into aspects of
1) WHERE IS COVENANT NOW, and 2) WHERE IS GOD CALLING US TO GO?
One of the age 19-25 survey respondents said she was looking for a pastor with “Smart and passionate preaching with the desire to do something about the problems in the world.” Her feedback reminds us of a biblical passage about God’s will for us:
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Bring your listening ears, open hearts, and enthusiastic ideas as we strive to reflect and discern in community, which is how the Body of Christ works best.
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Our pastor search process is outlined on a chart,
Presbytery of Scioto Valley Pastor Search Process,
behind the welcome table. We’ll check off each step as we go to give you an idea of our progress. A nominating committee will be formed after the completion of the Mission Study. Want to know more? Contact Pastor Jeri-Lynne.
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Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel’s Messiah
Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 6pm, Chapel
Sundays, Dec. 8, 15, 22, 9:45-10:45am, Pastor’s Office
You may love the music, but do you know the scripture? This is a study for both the music lover and the biblical seeker, it explores the scriptural texts of Handel's Messiah. We’ll listen to clips of this masterpiece and study its biblical lyrics. Pastor Jeri-Lynne facilitating.
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Neighborhood Family Christmas Party
Fri., Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
You’re invited to get in the holiday spirit! We’ll help children with cookie and ornament decorating and everyone can enjoy pizza and Christmas caroling. If you are able, please bring a canned good for our SOS Food Pantry that delivers food to families in need who cannot access a food pantry. Bring your friends and just show up for this wonderful way to start the Christmas season.
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In Search of Belief
(and Sandwiches)
Sundays thru Dec. 15, 12:15 dine; 12:30 learn
Sun., Dec. 8 -
The Meaning & Legacy of the Virgin Birth
Katie
leads. Advent marks the beginning of the Church Year. What is this about? What sort of practices can support and enrich our lives during this season? We will learn about Advent Wreaths and Christmas Trees – more than that we will offer you some simple practices that can center you in the Holy One during a season that too often moves away from the Holy.
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Covenant’s Advent Devotional
Pick up your printed copy of Covenant’s 2019 Advent Devotional in the hall or access it on our
website.
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Order Your Christmas Poinsettias
Only $8 each. Mon., Dec. 16 Deadline
Commemorate a special life event, loved one, or the holiday season by purchasing a poinsettia. Sign up and pay with PayPal on our
website. Or use a signup sheet on the welcome table in the hall, then pay by sending a check made out to
Covenant with
flowers in the memo line to Ingrid Smith in the church office.
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Sunday nursery caregiver needed beginning in January. 8:15am-12:15pm. Paid position. Contact
Erin Wise.
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Covenant's Children’s Center Seeks Teacher...
After-School Teacher (K-5th grade)
For details, contact Caroline McGeoch, Director of the Children’s Center
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Peanut Brittle ($7) & Cashew Brittle ($9) available
Contact Nancy Davidson or Gail Griffin. There are cans for purchase in the office, too. Yummmm! Thanks much!
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Our Mission
Covenant Presbyterian Church is an open, accepting community awakening to God's life-giving love together.
Our Vision
Covenant Presbyterian Church glorifies God and builds relationships with Christ and each other through: worship that inspires, nurture that embraces, education that challenges,
fellowship that energizes, ministry that responds.
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