April Newsletter
Covenant Lutheran Church
April 1, 2020
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Message from Pastor Ele
Hello Neighbors!
April 1, 2020 begins a 30-day fast. By entering into voluntary compliance with the Stay Home! Stay Safe! mandate, we are giving our world a chance to breathe and refresh. I choose to think of it in the same way I do the basic and ordinary cure for most technical difficulties— close the app, turn off the device, wait 60 seconds, then restart. “It is the worst of times.” Whoever thought that the world could be brought to a near halt by a microscopic, elusive being? “It is the best of times.” For the most part, the world is choosing to operate in an uncomfortable “unison.” The deepest irony so far, is that the COVID-19 prefers to hang out with human hosts, which is nothing short of melodramatic. It’s the kind of storyline that belongs to the horror movie genre, separated from us by an cold uncaring screen, and the distant whirr of a projector, the crunch and slurp of popcorn and soda; with an occasional muffled gasp of shocked surprise.
But this is our now; and my Essential List of Small Things is growing. I hope yours is too. At the top of the list is my strong appreciation for the story in the docu-movie, The Biggest Little Farm. If you are unfamiliar with it, here are a few revealing quotes from the principals, still co-owners of Apricot Lane Farms:
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Alternate Worship Status
Due to the continuing COVID-19 health crisis,
we will NOT have worship in Covenant's building at least through March 29.
We will continue to send updates via email as we have them. We will be sending out another
Digital Worship Kit
to use on Sunday for worship (or at your convenience). As the one we sent last week, t
his kit will include an outline of worship with links to songs, sermon, prayers, etc. to employ in a time of worship either on your own or in company with family or safe gathering of others.
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Easter Flower News - Sponsors Still Needed!
Even though we won't be able to worship in our building on Easter,
we decided to continue to support Brookwood Community by keeping our orders.
(This valuable ministry is going to lose a lot of income due to many cancellations and order changes over the past couple of weeks, and we didn't want to add to their burden.) We have almost half of our plants sponsored, so
WE NEED YOUR HELP to sponsor the remaining plants.
If we are not able to use them for Easter worship in some way, we will still figure out a way for those who sponsored plants to pick them up. If you choose not to take your plant, we will deliver the plants to nursing homes or assisted living residences that would love to receive them!
To order plants,
contact Sue Tabbert!
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Pick up Palms for Palm Sunday!
Palm Sunday is THIS Sunday! Since we are unable to worship face to face and will miss our usual procession, we have left the container with palm fronds in the garden area under the covered driveway by the main church doors. We encourage you to drive by any time before Palm Sunday to pick some up to use for your home worship!
We ask that you
take a selfie when you come to pick them up
and
send to Sue Tabbert
so we can share with others!
Keep checking your emails for Digital Worship Kits for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Sunday!
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Update on Church Move
Your Input Needed!
Please read this request from Julie Bohland from the Executive Committee:
As we investigate the Bear Creek Islamic Center (BCIC) and Memorial Drive Lutheran Church (MDLC) as possible worship locations, it is anticipated some level of sanctuary set up and take down will be needed. Currently this is handled by our property manager. However with the change in location,
worship
set up and take down will likely fall to us as a congregation.
It is necessary to gauge how may people would be willing to help.
If you would be willing to volunteer, please let us know by contacting
Sue Tabbert.
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"Courage to Follow" Discussion Concludes THIS Sunday
An email will be sent to participate in the Lenten series, “Courage to Follow” this Sunday.
This study mirrors sermon themes drawn from texts in the Gospel of Mark. Group discussion highlights the same themes, but uses popular movies as the springboard for conversation.
This week's movie (watch before Sunday!) is
"FINDING NEMO"!
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3785 Barker Cypress Rd,
Houston TX 77084
281-578-8799
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Sunday, April 1, 2020
Palm Sunday
Watch for an email with a Digital Worship Kit to participate in worship at your convenience!
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Here is an idea you might want to include in your Palm Sunday this weekend. It has been suggested that people
put a palm or other greenery on their front door
as a way to stay connected with others, even while being physically separated. Read the article
HERE.
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Children, Youth & Family Ministries
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All classes canceled until further notice.
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Other Events & Activities
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There will be no Tuesday Morning Ladies Bible Study or Men's Sunday Night Bible Study until further notice.
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LWR Personal Care Kits for Lent
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We are collecting personal care items during Lent again this year,
to assemble into care kits for refugees around the world who are experiencing war, poverty or disaster.
Each kit will contain soap, a
bath towel, a toothbrush, a
sturdy comb, and metal nail
clippers.
The toothbrushes and
combs must be packaged individually. Bars of soap must be full size in original wrapping (no mini sizes). Towels should be lightweight, dark colors (20" x 40" to 52" x 27"). The items will be collected inside the sanctuary in special containers.
Read more about this program and the items needed HERE.
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Due to the current health crisis and no on-site worship at least through March 29, please keep your donations until we are able to meet again.
We have been informed that the date to send the kits has been delayed until November, so we have plenty of time to work on this project!
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Easter Sunday Combined Worship with Emmanuel Episcopal -
ON HOLD
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We are still hopeful that we will be able to have a belated, combined Easter worship celebration with Emmanuel Episcopal once the "Stay at Home" order is lifted. Be watching your emails for updated information.
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We will update you if we are able to have a belated Easter worship with egg hunt.
If you have collected candy to donate, please keep it until we determine if this will happen or not.
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Covenant Lay Pastoral Ministry Team
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If you have a pastoral care concern this week, please contact
Sara Wood.
For emergency pastoral concerns, contact Pastor Ele at 281-698-0681.
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Katy Christian Ministries Needs Volunteers
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Katy Christian Ministries needs volunteers to help in their ministries under a COVID-19 Response Plan.
Please read more about the needs and how to respond
HERE!
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Covenant Leadership
during Redevelopment
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