Covenant events and activities

Weekly Update

Covenant Lutheran Church

October 5, 2022

Message from J.T.

Alright, Team Covenant - it's time to get your game face on! October is a big month for us! The Fall Fest on October 22nd is our chance to really make our presence felt in the neighborhood and let our community know we are open for business. If you haven't yet signed up to run or supply one of the attractions at the Fest, please go ahead and do so. This event is people-powered, so it won't happen unless we make it happen. This thing has the potential to be just as much fun for the congregation as it is for the community! Don't forget about our set-up day on Sunday, October 16th right after church where you can decorate, prepare and test-run your booth.

Speaking of our neighbors, Schmalz Elementary would still love to have you as a mentor on-campus for any time commitment you can give! Simply fill out the Katy ISD volunteer application to be contacted. Details are available below.

The Call Committee is full speed ahead with the hardest part of their work complete - the paperwork! Interviews *may* begin by the end of the month. Please continue in prayer for these leaders- that they will stay connected to the Holy Spirit for guidance and make the best decision for the future of Covenant and for God's kingdom!

Speaking of the end of the month, Sunday October 30th is our celebration of the 505th anniversary of the Reformation. Warm up the ol' pipes to sing "A Mighty Fortress", and prepare to ponder what it means to start a revolution in our own time.

Sundays have been an absolute BLAST lately, and we may or may not have added new chairs for this Sunday. There's definitely one for you and your family! See you Sunday! Grace + Peace, J.T.

Contact Marian Shelton or Sue Tabbert if you want to know more about how you can help with the festival!

Fall Family Festival - Saturday, October 22

Covenant is hosting a Fall Family Festival on Saturday, October 22 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. This event will have several family-friendly activities, including a bounce house/slide, games, food and treat booths to be sponsored by individuals and families. This event is for Covenant families as well as our community. There are sign-up sheets available at the Welcome Desk so you can volunteer to help as little or as much as you are able!

There are publicity cards available at the Welcome Desk, too, for you to share to help get the word out about our event!

Seafarer Christmas Boxes

Do you know who a seafarer is? Seafarers are mostly men who work on large ships that stop at the Port of Houston. Usually they are unable to leave their ship for months at a time. One way to brighten their Christmas season is to provide a box filled with items they could use while on the ship. Covenant has provided many Christmas boxes over the years. We are ready to do it again this year! We would like to collect items and empty shoe boxes (with lids) and then have an "assembly and wrapping party" on Sunday, December 4 (new date!!).

Please check out THIS LINK to learn more about the Ministry to the Port of Houston and suggested items. We can accept gently used magazines and books, the 2023 calendars and note pads you may be receiving in the mail, etc. Plastic shoe boxes even become another gift for the seafarer.

We will collect items beginning November 6. On Sunday, December 4 after worship, we will place items in the shoe boxes and wrap the boxes with Christmas paper. All ages are invited to help with this important project! If you would like more information, please contact Carolyn Green or Debbie Winkelmann.

Schmalz Elementary Volunteering - BE A MENTOR!

Schmalz is getting ready to launch the mentor program for this school year, so now is the time to sign up! There is a great need for mentors! If you can give a half hour of your time per week to a student you needs a little extra attention, you can be a mentor and make a huge difference in the life of that student! Some of our current mentors would be happy to tell you more about it. All volunteers need to apply via Katy ISD. The link to the application is HERE.

Council Reminders

MESA-Outreach Board Member Requested

Covenant is looking for one of our members to represent us on the Board of MESA. Please read the job description HERE. Contact John Frey-Lloyd if you are interested or would like more information.

Some New Council Members to be Elected in November

In November we will be electing some new members to the Church Council, and the council will elect new officers at that time. If you are interested in more information or if the Spirit moves you to serve, please reach out to Council Vice President Lisa Donahue.

Call Committee Update

As Sean Frey-Lloyd announced on Sunday, the MSP (Ministry Site Profile) has been completed and submitted to the Synod. There are some other steps to complete, but the interview process should begin very soon!

2901 Barker Cypress Rd

Houston TX 77084

281-578-8799

Visit our website

Photos from Last Sunday

Sunday, October 9

Pentecost 18

Worship at 10:00 am

Scripture Readings

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c

Psalm 111

2 Timothy 2:8-15

Luke 17:11-19

11:15 am : Christian Ed classes

Ages 3 - Adult

If you cannot attend in person, you may watch online via streaming on Covenant's Facebook Page.

General & Community News

Covenant Calendar for OCTOBER - View HERE

Covenant Lay Pastoral Ministry Team

If you have a pastoral care concern this week, please contact Marian Shelton or Janett Broddle . For emergency pastoral concerns, contact the church office at 281-578-8799.

MESA Golf Tournament

Another way to help MESA is by participating in their Golf Tournament Fundraiser. For more information, see the attached flyer.

MESA Updates

Soup Donations

The food pantry is in great need of food donations - MESA has been serving an even greater number of families recently. Drop your canned soup donations into the box located in the Fellowship Room.

MESA Casino Fundraiser

MESA Outreach is holding a fundraiser on October 20 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm at the Sterling Country Club. For more information or to buy tickets, see the attached flyer.

If you are able to donate a gift card, please drop it by the church office (Office Manager Sue Tabbert). If you are in need or know someone in need, please contact Sue Tabbert.

Grocery Givers

Gift Card Program

Covenant has a program in which we request donated gift cards from the congregation (usually $30) from various grocery stores (or Walmart/Target) that we keep on hand for those in the community who need help, as well as for those in our congregation who may be going through hard times.

Hurricane Ian Response

Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic flooding, damage and loss of lives to so many people in Florida, and that is just one of many disasters that Lutheran Disaster Response is helping with, (Hurricane Fiona, the drought in the Horn of Africa, the severe storm in Alaska and the war in Ukraine, for example). To give to LDR, the link is HERE. Your help is needed to aid those who are suffering.

LWR Update on Ukraine

It has been more than six months since Russia invaded Ukraine. The love of Lutheran congregations is making a powerful difference in the lives of our Ukrainian neighbors. Lutheran World Relief has provided a number of resources that can be found and downloaded for more information, and so you can see all the ways generosity is making a difference. Visit the ONLINE RESOURCE ALBUM.

Thank You for your Offerings!

We want to express our gratitude to all those who are sending their offerings, either by mail to 2901 Barker Cypress Rd, Houston, TX 77084) or by electronic means. Your gifts are helping keep our ministry going! For easy access, the QR Code on the left will take you to the donation page of Covenant's website.

2022 Covenant Congregation Council

Jason (J.T.) Thomas - Interim Minister

Lisa Donahue - Vice President

Tom Donahue - Treasurer

John Frey-Lloyd - President

Carolyn Green

Rosemarie Martin - Secretary

Mary Pleasant - Financial Sec'y