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Sunday, May 7th ~ 8:30 & 11:00 am
~ Fourth Sunday of Easter ~
John 10:1-10
“The Mission of the Shepherd"
Rev. Chris Weichman
Sunday, May 14th ~ 11:00 am
~ Fifth Sunday of Easter ~
~ Children & Youth Sunday ~
Psalm 27
“A Service of Light”
Youth of FPCC
Sunday, May 21st ~ 8:30 & 11:00 am
~ Sixth Sunday of Easter ~
~ Officer Ordination& Installation ~
~ Communion ~
John 14:15-21
“Obedience”
Rev. Chris Weichman
Sunday, May 28th ~ 8:30 & 11:00 am
~ Seventh Sunday of Easter ~
~ Carlson Baptism ~
Acts 1:1-11
“Waiting”
Rev. Chris Weichman
May 1, 2017 Volume 34, No. 5
The Caring Church in the Heart of the City!
* Childcare available at both services
* Faith Formation for all ages at 9:30 am
We welcome Pastor Chris Weichman & his family, wife Karen & daughters Emma & Noelle to First Covenant.
Chris is coming to us from Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church in New Castle, PA
where he has served since January 1, 2008.
Chris characterizes his ministry there as one with a congregation that recognized the need to reach out
to the community.
Chris believes that it is our mutual commitment to faith & ministry in community that gives us the sense
that God has brought us together.
Much can be learned about Chris from his Statement of Faith (copies available in the office) .
Chris concluded his Statement of Faith with:
"By the gift of faith we are called to serve in the world. We are to proclaim the gospel boldly in the struggle
against injustice, poverty and evil. God has given the church a special calling to speak about the hope of the
good news in Jesus Christ."
Chris's first Sunday to preach is May 7, 2017.
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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5
VOLUME 34, NO. 5 THE COVENANT CHIMES
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One of my heroes of the faith is Leslie Newbigin. Newbigin spent much of his career serving as a mis-sionary in India and became affiliated with the Church of South India and the United Reformed Church, becoming one of the Church of South India's first bishops. He is most known for laying the foundations of today’s missional church movement.
After forty years as a missionary in India, Newbigin returned to England only to find that the church had shrunk in numbers, and influence in the culture. The idea of England and Europe being Christian was quickly fading. His writings helped to direct the churches attention to mission to the post-Christian west.
The fading influence of the church or what some would say, Christian morals, in western culture, has caused a great deal of anxiety in our own churches. Our anxiety causes us to long for the way things were or live in fear of the future. Leslie Newbigin was well known for saying, “Nostalgia for the past and fear for the future are equally out of place for the Christian.”
The past cannot be replicated and the future is in God’s hands. The question for Newbigin, and for us, is how will the church respond to a culture that has in many ways left the church behind? Following Jesus in his mission to the world requires an imitation, even if in small ways, of his “enfleshment.” And that means more than inviting people to church events.
In The Message, Eugene Peterson translates John 1:14 this way: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” In other words Jesus dwelt with people. He lived with them, listen to them. He knew their joys and their fears. Jesus taught his disciples to live the same way. One of the things that excites me most about coming to First Covenant is that I see the church starting to do ministry not “to” the community or “for” the community, but “with” the community. This takes a willingness to listen, share, to realize we don’t have all the answers, and the realization we have much to learn.
As I begin my time with you on May 1st, I look forward to the ministry we will do with one another and the community. Who knows how God will use us?
From the Desk of Pastor Chr is
Dates for Summer Ministry opportunities are starting to fill the church calendar. More details about each will appear in future editions of the Covenant Chimes & Sunday worship bulletins.
Your participation is invited. More dates & ministry opportunities to be announced.
For now, be sure to “save the date” for each of the following:
May 21 Last day for 2016-17 Faith Formation (Sunday School) classes 30 “Iftar” dinner 8:30 p.m., Knox Hall June 4 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. Summer Worship Service times begin (TBA) Habitat for Humanity Work Weekends 11 Rev. Chris Weichman Installation, 6:00 p.m. 23 Erie City Mission’s Bonkers 4 Jesus Middle School family pasta dinner (Knox Hall) July 14 Erie City Mission’s Bonkers 4 Jesus Elementary School family pasta dinner (Knox Hall) 20-23 ServErie Central High School renovation August 1 National Night Out at Gridley Park 30 Block Party in church parking lot
“Save the Date” for Summer Ministries
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VOLUME 32 NO. 5
*Please pray regularly for our ministry.
We have listed below some of our
congregational joys & concerns as
The Covenant Chimes goes to press on April 24, 2017:
Prayer Concerns…
for God’s healing presence for those
discharged from hospitals since
the last edition of The Covenant Chimes:
John Gregory, Catherine Amond
& John Magee.
In Loving Memory...
of those who have joined the church
triumphant:
~ Dr. Alfred T. Roos ~ March 28, 2017
~ Howard D. Lefever ~ March 30, 2017
~ Ralph M. Suscheck ~ April 8, 2017
VOLUME 34, NO. 5
Congregational Joys & Concerns
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Volunteers Needed!
Interested in helping others? If so, please contact Vic Glembocki at 864-9096 to volun-teer your time to pre-pare & serve the many guests they see daily at the City Mission Kitch-en, 1023 French St. the first Thursday of every month between 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
May date is the 4th!
Articles Due by: Friday,
May 14th
Mailed on: Friday, May 22nd
June Issue…
The Church office will be closed on
Monday, May 29, 2017 for
Memorial Day.
Office Closed
If you notice an incorrect or missing birthday or one that is listed that should be removed,
please help us by calling the church office at 456-4243 so that we can update our records.
May 1 Heather McBrier
Sarah Reichert
Anna Koebe
May 2 Aida Fritts
May 5 Elizabeth Sesler
Karalyn Headley
May 6 Daniel Jaworski
May 7 Dennis Carlson
Philip
Messenkopf
Benjamin Thomas
Amy Fetzner
May 9 Lindsay
Bernardini
Rose Mead
Sharron
Harrington
Shawn Phelps
May 10 John Majewski
Donald Wright
Katie Eggleston
Aaron Filbeck
May 11 Atchley Holmes
Jeanie Long
Diane Sutton
Laura Cooper
May 12 Joseph Wright
May 14 Charles
Ackerman
Julia Campbell
Susan Mitchell
May 15 John Betcher
May 16 Stacie Burket
John Shimek
May 17 Carol Brueckman
May 18 William
Humphrey
Brandon
Toothman
May 19 Brooke Powers
Gertrude
Reichert
John Firman
May 20 John Wilkins
Diana Rhodes
Neal Stoczynski
Muriel
Veenschoten
May 21 Judith Gaadt
May 23 Gary Carpenter
Stephen Osborn
Mitchell
Reichert
May 24 Sondra
Blackman
Geoffrey Ginader
May 25 Bruce Raimy
May 27 James Amann
Gwendolyn
Schroeder
Gene Wilkins
May 28 Scott Ackerman
May 29 Robert Schweiger
-van Deventer
May 31 Wallace Knox
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THE COVENANT CHIMES
Last Day for Fa ith Format ion i s June 4th! Things to know ~
The Faith Formation hour is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for Children, Youth & Adults. Grab a coffee or juice in the Parlor on your way to study classes!
Middle & Senior High School Faith Formation with Nancy Irwin & Lauren Fabich, Third Floor Sr. High Lounge
Grade 2- Grade 5 Faith Formation with Judy & Brian Stollatis, Third Floor Jr. High Lounge
Age 4-Grade 1 Music with Monty Service, Third Floor Reed Chapel
Adult Faith Formation ~ Bill Holmes leads a Bible Study on the Philippians, 3rd floor room #313. ~ Rob Baker leads a video & book discussion on recent work of theologian Shelby Spong, 1st floor #116 ~ Britney Knight leads a book discussion on “Small Great Things” by Jodie Picoult, 1st floor Library JoAllie Paluchak has childcare in the nursery for infants & toddlers during both services & Faith Formation hour.
Children's worship begins after Storytelling in 11am worship when they are dismissed to Reed Chapel on the 3rd floor. (age appropriate worship & learn-ing for children age 4—grade 5.)
Our mission at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
is: “To awaken all people to our need
for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord Jesus Christ,
and to encourage and equip each one to become His fully-devoted follower.”
Worship in May Worship in May finds us worshiping God in the
name of Jesus through the pow-er of the Holy Spirit on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. with an hour of spiritual formation opportunities at 9:30 a.m. On the morning of May
21st there will be ONLY ONE service at 11:00 a.m.
The Sacrament of Communion will be celebrated in worship on May 21st.
The Membership Committee encourages members to wear their name tags on Sundays.
This will be especially helpful to Rev. Weichman
in the weeks ahead.
A group of art enthusiasts is forming to organize exhibits for the church’s new “Community Gallery” area near the church office. The group will invite participation from local artists, plan exhibits and develop a site plan for lighting, art hanging, and security. If you have suggestions for this gallery and/or would like to join Beverly Anne Doupe, Jan Lovercheck, Lo-rie Fritts and Ellie Zimmer for this pur-pose, contact Seph Kumer in the church office at 814-456-4243 x105.
Join the “Community Gallery” Team
Summer Worship Schedule Beginning June 4th
On Sunday, June 4th, the worship schedule on Sunday morn-
ings will change from 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
The Spiritual Formation hour returns in September after Labor Day Weekend.
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Clerk ’s Corner April 2017
At the stated meeting on March 20th Session:
Had an opportunity to introduce themselves to and become better acquainted with pastor-elect Rev. Chris Weichman who was a guest at the meeting.
Had a discussion, prompted by a staff email, considering how to expand our idea of what it truly means to welcome the stranger, what the primary purpose of fellowship might be, and how we are doing, both individually and as a community, regarding these concerns. First Covenant will continue to attract more strangers so long as we continue to stress genuine hospitality.
Voted to approve letters of transfer for John Lindner, Lindsey Steiner and Kathy Steiner to Elmwood Presbyterian Church.
Voted to have the installation worship service for Rev. Chris Weichman the afternoon of Sunday, June 11, 2017, if the way be clear. A service of installation is an act of the presbytery, not the individual con-gregation, and as such needs the approval of presbytery.
Heard that the Mission Committee has changed the date of the annual block party to Wednesday, Au-gust 30, 2017.
Heard that the Mission Committee has contributed $2,000.00 from local mission funds to Lamb of God Lutheran Church to help repair their roof. This small Lutheran congregation has been very supportive of Our Neighbors Place and Sunday Suppers.
Heard that the Mission Committee has committed $6,000.00 from global mission funds to assist with the expenses of Seph Kumer and Bill Tauber for their mission trip to Ghana in September. This trip is in conjunction with the presbytery’s sister relationship with the Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangel-ical Presbyterian Church, Ghana.
Voted to establish a single uniform fee for the use of any First Covenant venue for weddings of non-members.
Voted that there would be only one worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 14th (Mother’s Day) and that the day would be designated “Children and Youth Sunday: A Service of Light”. Children and youth will be leading worship.
Voted that the summer worship schedule would begin on Sunday, June 4, 2017. The first service time will remain at 8:30 a.m. and the second service time will move to 10:00 a.m.
Voted to approve the baptism of Lena Elizabeth Carlson, daughter of Eric and Leanne Carlson, on Sun-day, May 28, 2017.
Voted to accept the resignation of Robert Chambers from the Board of Trustees effective May 1, 2017 with the thanks of the congregation for his faithful service. ~ W.D. Holmes Clerk of Session
Have you liked “First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant” or friended “First Covenant Church” on Facebook? This is one way to share good news about God’s work with FPCC. Also, if you take photos you think help tell our ministry story, be sure to share them to the church pages and/or tag the church!
Like Us on Facebook!
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THE COVENANT CHIMES
Gannon English Graduation
May 11th
Several students who have attended events at the church in recent months will graduate from their English as a Second Language preparations. Gannon’s ESL Department has invited us to join the fun which always includes food, entertainment, recognitions and certificate presentations. Mary Concoby will receive a special recogni-tion for her tutoring work at the church on Wednesday’s.
It all begins at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 11th, on the 4th floor of Beyer Hall (classrooms above the cafeteria). Enter from the Waldron Campus Center, immedi-ately north of the “GANNON” arch.
This is a great way to celebrate and encourage students on their turf. If you have questions or for more information contact Seph Kumer at 814.456.4243 x105 or [email protected]
“Iftar” is the meal at sunset, shared by friends and family, to break the daily Ramadan fast.
Our friends at the Turkish Cultural Center, 3024 State Street, requested to
have an “iftar” shared with the church family on Tuesday, May 30th at 8:30 p.m. in Knox Hall.
Turkish Cultural Center families will cook in the church kitchen and dinner (“iftar”) will be served at 8:45 p.m. YOU are invited to attend, enjoy delicious Mediterranean and Middle East food, meet communi-ty members, and learn about Islam’s Ramadan. This is appropriate for all ages.
RSVP to the church office at 814.456.4243 by Sunday, May 28th.
What i s IFTAR? And am I invited?
2016 Ada ir Award Winner The Adair family, with a clear understanding of how essential the work of staff is to advancing the mis-sion of the church, established and funded an award giving voice to that belief. This award honors a staff member whose work over the past year exemplifies deep commitment and dedication to giving life to our mission.
This year, the Personnel Committee, chaired by David Doupe with members Betty McLauren, Diane Sut-ton, David Herman and Marlene Spires unanimously and enthusiastically identified this year's recipient, Joseph “Seph” Kumer.
Several years ago, the Session following a discernment process invited Seph to become the Director of Community Engagement. This invitation came with a general idea of building relationships with students, neighbors, neighborhood associations and schools. We anticipated a focus on Gannon International stu-dents and with new Americans and the refugee and International communities. None of us expected how much Seph would live into this ministry!
This past year alone, under Seph's leadership, over 1000 students studied for finals in our church; over 500 students, neighbors and residents enjoyed warm beverages and sticky buns on their way to work or school; over 100 Syrians enjoyed fellowship and a meal in Knox Hall; students and families from 6 na-tions prepared food in our kitchen for Gannon's International Dinner. Working with 2 Gannon students, Covenant became a warm welcoming spot for newly arriving Syrian families. Neighborhood groups routinely use our building to plan for the future and welfare of our community. And the list goes on!
A gifted wordsmith described Seph as restored to being a vessel of the Holy Spirit. Seph is so deserving of this award.
You are Inv ited !
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The Communion
Table will be set by God for
you on...
Music
Appreciation Sunday
May 21st
Saturdays @ 3:30-5:00 PM
May 6th May 13th May 20th
NO Youth Group on May 27th
Youth Group in May
Don’t forget to sign up to give blood for when the next blood drive is in our church parking lot on Sat-urday, May 20th from 8:00 a.m. until Noon. Invite a friend, co-worker, neighbor or family mem-ber to donate with you! Then please mark your cal-endar for July 15, Sept. 16 & Nov. 18 to finish out the year. Call Tim Campbell at 814.397.8570 or vis-
it him in the Welcome Center after worship. You are always welcome to go into the Community Blood Bank located at 2646 Peach Street & donate blood on behalf of Church of the Covenant.
Give Life!
On Saturday, March 25th, 17 church members & friends turned out to paint the Third Floor Lounge. 9 Teenagers & 8 Adults finished painting the entire space, including five rooms & entryway, in three hours.
A special “thank you” to Tim Cross & Tim Campbell
who lent their drop cloths, paint roll-ers, paintbrushes, ladders & teaching skills to the teenag-ers & adults. Also, thank you John Scepura, our Building & Maintenance Manager, who made all of this possible! This new space will be
used by the FPCC Youth, Gannon Students, Chil-dren’s Bell Choir, NA & AA
groups & college groups just passing through.
It is truly a welcoming & hospitable space for all in our community & beyond!
Stop in & take a peek!
Mission Accomplished: Third Floor Lounge
Children & Youth in Worship Sunday, May 14th ~ Chil-dren & Youth Sunday, One Ser-vice at 11:00 A.M. The FPCC Children & Youth will lead us in A Service of Light through litur-gy, music, reflections & prayer.
For more information, please contact Montgom-ery Service or Britney Knight.
Sunday, May 21st ~ Music Appreciation Sunday
The FPCC Children & Youth will help lead worship through song & bells, plus they will join the Choir in an intergenerational anthem. For more information, please contact Montgomery Service.
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This is the seventh year the Erie City Mission, has sponsored their Bonkers 4 Jesus summer program. This is ECM’s outreach with children in the inner city via Arts, Athletics and Academics.
Dates ~ First Session ~ June 19th through June 23rd Second Session ~ July 10th through the 14th
There are many opportunities for volunteers which include: Prayer...thank you first and foremost for this.
Teaching cooking, marital arts, chess playing, gardening, music, creative writing, dance and more.
Supporting the supply list: breakfast snack bars, 100% juice boxes and fresh fruits for the daily break-fasts, chef hats aprons and food supplies for the cooking course, brand new tennis shoes.
Volunteer camp staff that can make a complete commitment to one or both of the summer camp weeks to build meaningful relationships, support hands-on, career minded activities and share your Christian faith.
Ancillary staff for breakfast lunch and snack teams, drivers, set-up and tear down teams, registration, audio-visual tech and photographers.
Assist with Family Pasta Dinner celebration on Friday, June 23 or Friday, July 14. Contact Seph Kumer at 814.456.4243 x105 to volunteer
For more information contact: RoseMarie Lackey, Director of Women’s & Children’s Ministries 1017 French Street Erie, PA 16501 814–879-0880 Ext. 402 [email protected]
In partnership with Erie City Mission, First Presbyterian Church of the Cove-nant will be collecting brand new tennis shoes sizes 3-10 for ECM’s Bonkers4Jesus elementary/middle school program.
We will be collecting sneakers through May until June 10th. Please leave your donation in the box inside the 7th Street entrance or make a financial donation indicated for “Sole Love”.
“Sole Love” Shoe Drive
Bonkers 4 Jesus - You can Help!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
Along West 7th Street tree debris & seed pods have been a maintenance issue for decades
Past remedies have failed (paying for injections to suppress the seed pods)
Last month a 7th-Street walker claims to have slipped and fallen on the seed pods
"Enough" - says the committee - the trees can be removed as long as new trees are re-planted
To me, as Trustee chair of this committee & the insurance committee, this is a distraction and ultimately when someone "says slip & fall" red flags go off for me.
Removal of the trees along W. 7th Street was funded by the Mueller Fund (which is used for landscaping expenses). The Properties Committee has no other money to expend for re-planting trees so amongst ourselves we secured donors who felt excited to plant new flower-ing trees as a memorial:
~ From Marylou Neithamer: In loving memory of Calvin D. Neithamer ~ From Larry Briggs, Stephanie Rose Briggs, Judy Anderson and Dave Briggs: In loving memory of Karen H. Briggs and Robert M. Briggs, Jr. ~ From Susanne Lefever: In loving memory of Howard D. Lefever
Respectfully ~ Deb Loney
New Trees
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Sisters in Spirit Reveal
A night of Beethoven and Haydn will fill the sanctuary with beautiful sounds on Saturday, May 13. The concert will feature Michael Ludwig on violin. ECO Music Direc-tor Matthew Kraemer will give a pre-concert presentation at 6:30 p.m. The music will start at 7:30.
Verdi’s La Traviata is slated for June 3. Again, the evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with ECO Music Director Matthew Kraemer providing a pre-concert presentation. La Traviata will begin at 7:30. ECO con-certs are FREE!
Erie Chamber Orchestra Concerts at First Covenant May 13 & June 3
A group of 30 women who have been praying & caring for each oth-er with uplifting & thoughtful “secret” encouragement since the Fall of 2016 were able to learn who their “secret sister” was at a recep-tion in the church parlor on Satur-day, April 22nd.
As usually happens, fellowship turned into brainstorming & we have many ideas brewing for ser-vice & fellowship in the coming months. On Saturday, June 10th, Sisters in Spirit will meet at Presque Isle for a family-oriented brunch on the beach, for more brainstorming and fellowship.
Women of any age who are in-terested are invited to attend. This event is very casual – more details will follow!
Hats Off to You! The Deacons would like to thank everyone for mak-ing fellowship so special on April 23, 2017. The theme was Gratitude and Appreciation as we thanked the members of the PNC and our staff for all of their hard work and dedication. Our Lord's blessings shine on our faithful staff as they serve us so joyfully, lovingly and unselfishly.
We also collected towels and potholders for the kitchen. It was our privilege and honor to say to the members of the PNC and staff, HATS OFF TO YOU!
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Covenant Preschool The preschool year is coming to a close...soon the halls on the second floor will be quiet for a few months and the children will be outside enjoying the beautiful weather in Erie.
Once again the preschool participated on April 8th at the Gannon University Day of Car-ing, special "Thanks" to Covenant Preschool Governing Board President, Rick Skrbin, who once again helped to coordinate the college students and preschool volunteers in fixing up the playground by purchasing mulch and wood to fix the broken benches, split railroad ties and an build a convenient step down onto the grass for the preschool and neighborhood children that utilize the play-ground every day.
The preschool is currently enrolling for the 2017-2018 school year. Covenant Preschool is the oldest existing, continuously operating preschool in Erie County. There are two teachers in each class and classes have limited numbers to optimize individual care. All lead teachers are certified. By enrolling at Covenant Preschool, your child would have the opportunity to participate in the many mission projects within FPCC, class field trips, visits from the Erie Zoo and many other fun opportunities. We are proud of our sixty-seven year history, and we know it proves that we are doing something right! We would love for you to be-come a part of our “Covenant Preschool Family". If you are interested in a tour of the preschool please contact the office, visit our website, or follow us on face book.
The 5th Annual Covenant Preschool Kids Duathlon has been rescheduled for this upcoming fall. The Kids Duathlon is the first of its kind in the Erie area. The Duathlon consists of a timed bike and relay course. In September, you can regis-ter on our Facebook page or at www.covenantpreschoolerie.com. The competition is open for children 12 and under. Tricycles and strollers are welcome!
~ Lisa Hiegel, Preschool Director
Still Time to Register FPCC & Covenant Preschool are teaming up to offer 2 days of classes for training & recertification in CPR/First Aid, Saturday, May 6th & again on Saturday May 13th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
The certification costs $75.00, but we are offering it for $20.00. This is open to all—adults & teenagers. To sign up, please call Britney Knight at 456.4243 ex. 112.
Spring “Spruce-UP” for Playground Covenant Preschool and neighborhood kids have a spruced-up playground thanks to United Way of Erie County/Gannon University "Day of Caring" on April 8th. A large load of mulch was spread around the playground elements. And 17 bags of accumulated debris were raked and re-moved from the play area and Kirk House yard.
Thanks to students from Singapore, Saudi Ara-bia and Thailand as well as Taylor Yenko from the church choir. Leaders included Gannon staff Ron Fye and Carol Knoble plus Preschool teacher Deb-bie Steves and son Collin.
The whole morning of work was coordinated by Preschool board presi-dent Rick Skrbin. Thanks to this effort, the play-ground is ready again for summer visitors!
Elmwood Gardens Auxiliary Fund Drive
May is the month the Auxiliary conducts its annual fund drive for the residents of Elmwood Gardens. Our group continues to provide many “EXTRAS” to enhance the lives of the residents.
If you are able to help us in our efforts, please return your donation to the church
office via mail or offering plate in an envelope clearly marked
“Elmwood Gardens Auxiliary”. (Envelopes are also available in the Welcome Center,
Art Gallery Hall & the Narthex.)
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~ Garden City by John Mark Comer~
John Mark Comer gives a fresh take on Christian calling and purpose. Through his creative style, Comer takes a good look at Genesis and the story of a man, a woman, and a garden. He unpacks God's creation and his original intent for how we are meant to spend our time. Here, you'll find answers to questions like "Does God care where I work?" "What about what I do with my free time or how much rest do I get?" "Does he have a clear direction for me?" Garden City has been a huge help in guiding discussions about my students vocation and what life looks like after college. I believe Comer's thoughts are questions we should be asking ourselves throughout our lives. Garden City helps us answer why we are here and what should we do about it. This book is faithfully Biblical and explains God's beautiful design for work and the Sabbath rest in a casual, down to earth style. It gives a sense of purpose for the present and hope for the future.
~ Abby Blankenship
~ Unashamed by Lecrae Moore ~
Unashamed is an autobiographical book following the life and ministry of rapper and hip-hop artist Lecrae Moore. It's a beautiful story of God's redemption and reconciliation from a troubled and messy past to Grammy winning rapper. Follow Lecrae as he wrestles with God's call on his life, in college, to serve him through Music. He desires to see the secular world of hip-hop and rap transformed by the gospel, but he is an outsider. Follow his struggle of being shunned by many religious people because of his relationship and work in the secular world. It's incredible picture of how to be Christian in this secular age.
~ Kyle Schumacher
Books of the Month for May
When I tell someone about the Kirk House, I always include the "big church" that offers students study snacks in my description. You see, it is impossible for me to describe First Pres-byterian Church of the Covenant without noting some form of generosity from the congregation. Whether it is the study space snacks, the Jubilee conference, or dinners on Wednesday's we are grateful for your many acts of selflessness. I know the sacrifice that many of you make to ensure that student ministry contin-ues to thrive at Gannon University. Your generosity reaches far beyond our four years in this place. Living at the Kirk House has given me a true sense of what the true picture of Church should be. Know that your generosity has touched our personal lives, but it doesn't stop there. Students, who are being invested in here
at Gannon, will leave this place to impact the world in so many unseen ways. Rest in knowing that we ap-preciate you, and will honor your generosity in the years ahead.
~ Katie Walters Kirk House Resident
Thanks to “The BIG Church”
Church Calendar To all Elders, Heads of Committees & Groups: please keep Anne informed when plan-ning or changing a meeting date, time or location. It is helpful for scheduling other church functions, outside meetings & a night host.
~ Thank you!
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FPCC is blessed to have so many great partners for the Sunday Supper ministry. Meals in May will be provided by New Hope Presbyterian Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, Millcreek Community Church and Lamb of God Lutheran Church. We are grateful for the many diverse congregations that support our Sun-day Supper Ministry.
If you enjoy helping at Sunday Supper or have never volunteered in the past and are looking for a new ministry opportunity, please sign up in the parlor. By knowing who to expect on a Sunday I avoid over-scheduling or under scheduling volunteers for the meal. Why not ask a friend to volunteer with you. Dish-washers are always needed!
Thank you all for your continued support for this ministry, and get ready for some summer opportunities to prepare and serve the meal as July and August have several open Sundays.
Joy and peace, ~ Pat Tracy
Sunday Supper
(As a result of a tip from Rebecca Stoczynski, FPCC learned about "PRI Community")
Founded in 2016, PRI Community is an employment program that hires approxi-mately 40-50 individuals for 40-45 hours a month. These teams provide community services such as landscaping, community cleanup, painting and housekeeping services throughout the City of Erie.
The goal of PRI Community is to partner with non-profits and engage in the public good meeting needs of the underutilized business zones. The company hires and pays refugees in our community to get job experience and training. Teams learn skills, practice skills and prepare for pubic employment.
Seph Kumer and John Scepura met with Scot Flick from the PRI Community and determined that Cove-nant would be an ideal training site for monthly kitchen cleaning and yardwork enabling continued increas-es in ministry uses of our facilities, for free! At the same time we can offer people we are meeting through the church store and Welcome Dinner and Photo Gallery something they need to thrive in Erie. This must be the Holy Spirit working!
Seph cautions us NOT to look at this purely as what we are getting out of it but to also embrace and en-hance the exchange that is possible. Workers are paid a wage by PRI, but we might offer the workers a small gift card as well. We represent Jesus to the workers. The Mission Committee has offered to supply beverages, fruit and other snacks for their breaks .
The first kitchen/Knox Hall cleaning, i.e.: deep cleaning; pull everything out of the cupboards cleaning is scheduled for April 26. In May the landscaping crews will power edge and complete other outdoor tasks.
A video that summarizes the PRI and its work is : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMg7CMIDJIs
This is an extension of the ministry ties already developing with the refugee community in Erie. This goes beyond charity. Thank you, God! An answer to prayers in MANY ways.
PRI Comes to Covenant
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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5
Picture of the Month ...
VOLUME 34, NO. 5 THE COVENANT CHIMES
PAGE 13
David Bennett, Weekend Host Abby Blankenship, Campus Minister Helen Greider, Sunday Morning Host
Lisa Hiegel, Director, Covenant Preschool Seth Hiegel, Weeknight Host
Jackie K. Jones, Covenant Cook Britney Knight, Director, Youth & Family Ministry
Luba Kovalchuk, Custodian Seph Kumer, Director, Community Engagement
JoAllie Paluchak, Nursery Attendant JoAnn Peters, Finance/Records Administrator
Anne Sauer, Administrative Assistant John Scepura, Building & Maintenance Mechanic
Kyle Schumacher, Campus Minister Montgomery Service, Children & Youth Music
Marlene Spires, Acting Head of Staff Kevin Stevenson, Covenant Cook
Leslie Weber, Organist & Choirmaster Rev. Chris Weichman, Pastor
Church Staff
AMS
Rev. Chris Weichman, Moderator of Session William D. Holmes, Clerk of Session
Dale Sweet, Associate Clerk of Session
Trustees
Class of 2019 Bill Holter
Jennifer Koebe
John Marsden
Empty Seat
Class of 2018 Bill Tauber
Ron Fabich
Bob Chambers
Gloria Knox
Class of 2017 Deborah Loney
Greg Sesler
Mark Wells
M. Buzz Tarno
Deacons
Class of 2019 Julie Copen
Jason Fisher
John Gregory
Cindy Kerchoff
LuAnn Shidemantle
Class of 2018 Rick Bernardini
Mary Lou Neithamer
Mary Ann Sesler
Sheila Sweet
Ellie Zimmer
Class of 2017 Deborah Bernardini
Lorie Fritts
Virginia Hey
Bert Hibbler-Taylor
Phyllis Zdaniewski
Elders
Class of 2019 Patricia Bieber
David Doupe
Paul Diefenbach
Andrew Spriegel
Scott Wright
Class of 2018 Sandra Herman
Scott Sesler
Marlene Spires
Richard Sheasley
Phyllis Tarno
Class of 2017 Nancy Irwin
Rebecca Stoczynski
Linda Majewski
Gregory Cooper
Allen Sheasley
Church Officers
www.
Firstcovenanterie.org
Totals are both pledge & non-pledge revenue
2017 YTD Budget = $125,094 2017 YTD Actual = $122,994
Have you moved? Have a new phone number or email address? If you’ve changed any personal information, please update your church
records by contacting JoAnn Peters at 456-4243 x110 or
Keep Us Up To Date
THANKS, FPCC KIDS! Together, they raised $78.11 for One Great Hour of Sharing on
Easter Sunday. Some of the children filled TWO fish banks with coins
they collected!! Thank you parents,
grandparents & friends who encouraged & supported them!
WAY TO GO!
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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5 VOLUME 34, NO. 5 THE COVENANT CHIMES
