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The Messenger
Newsletter o f The Church o f the Covenant
December 2015
The Church
of the Covenant
267 East Beau St.
Washington, PA 15301
724.222.0190
www.churchofthecov.org
Worship Services
Sundays: 8:30, 9:43 & 11:00
Sunday School will resume on
Rally Day
September 13, 2015
Church Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 9:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
STAFF
Dr. Stuart D. Broberg
Pastor
724-222-0190 x 117
Stacy Phillips
Director of Christian Ed.
724-222-0190 x 115
Don Nixon
Director of Spiritual Development
724-222-0190 x111
Debi Nicolella
Church Administrator
724-222-0190 x 112
Anthony J. Nicolella, CPA
Financial Administrator
Darla Pepper-Miller
Director of Music Ministry
724-222-0190 x 118
Ralph Farabee
Maintenance Supervisor
724-222-0190 x 119
Cyndi Barney
Church Sexton
724-222-0190 x 119
Camille Braun
Pre-School Director
724-222-0190 x 121
Debbie Miles
9:43 Music Coordinator
Dona C. Hamilton
Administrative Assistant
724-222-0190 x 112 Rev. Randall V. Boyer Associate Pastor Emeritus
December 2015
BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE; AND THEN RECEIVE
Dearly beloved:
This Christmas it is better to GIVE then to RECEIVE. But then it is also good to
RECEIVE as well. As a Christian we want to give of the first fruit of our lives. Christmas
is not a selfish holiday for us; we are not wanting to receive over the top and extravagant
gifts. We enjoy giving gifts and giving of ourselves. In the same way that God gave us the
most special gift of all that first Christmas, His only begotten Son, the baby Jesus, it is also
for us a time of giving and giving from our heart.
In Advent, there is an entire sermon series on the GIFTS
of the MAGI, the gifts the three wisemen gave to the in-
fant Christ. We will explore the whole issue of giving of
ourselves and of our heart at Christmas throughout
December.
But then there is also our RECEIVING at Christmas also.
The greatest gift ever given, the birth of Jesus Christ into
our world, is coming for us this Christmas. HE will be
born again into our world, and into our church and into our families. As the scripture from
the Gospel of John notes: “The true light that enlightens every man was entering into the
world...to all who RECEIVE Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become
children of God...” (John 1: 9, 12)
While it is better to give than to receive...at Christmas it is BEST to receive the gift that
God is offering us – the birth of the Son of God, into our hearts and into the life of our
church, and into our world.
God bless you at Christmas and always! See you in church.
Your friend and pastor,
Dr. Stu Broberg
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICESCHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES
6:00 p.m Children’s Family Service in Covenant Center ~ The Covenant Kids choir will
present a play, “The Christmas Store Window.” Pastor Stu will do the Bible readings, and we
will close with a candle lit “Silent Night”. The play will take the place of the sermon.
8:00 p.m. Choral Christmas Celebration in Sanctuary ~ Congregational Christmas Carol
sing-a-long at 7:45, the service will begin with the Covenant Choir processional, and will in-
clude several choir anthems and conclude with the traditional “Silent Night”, and “Joy to the
World”
11:00 p.m Traditional Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary ~ Special music will include
Bill Van Patten and his harp, “Honey”, beginning at 10:40 P.M., from the Chancel. The service
will include congregational singing of Christmas carols; guest soloist Carolyn Smith singing
"O Holy Night" and conclude with the traditional “Silent Night”, and “Joy to the World”
Please join us as we celebrate His birth!
The Messenger 2 December 2015
NEWS FROM THE FAMILY OF FAITH
DEADLINE FOR THE January MESSENGER is December 15th.
USHER TEAM 5 IS ON FOR DECEMBER
Jack Keisling
Richard Crompton
Donald Grimm
Robert Johnson
Steve Johnson
Jean Sprowls Stout
D. Gary Stout Memorial Fund
Rev. & Mrs. Allie A. Clayton
Robert & Mary Wichterman AC Sanctuary Fund
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN For prayer support or to join this ministry, call the church
office. Please contact the Fellowship of Concern to give
the names of those who are in need of prayer for health or
other reasons. The names will then be called or emailed
to the church members who pray daily for others. Prayer
request forms are available in each pew. Completed
forms may be placed in the offering basket on Sunday.
Pamela Kushner
Gary Recktenwald
James Simonini
Bob Weber
Gary Hamilton
CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES Boxes of weekly envelopes for the full year
of 2016 are available in the Commons for you to pick up
unless you have already told us you prefer not to receive
envelopes. Many people offered to forgo their printed
envelopes last year to save the church money. If you
have any questions please call the office-724-222-0190 x
112.
Thank You for Giving to
the Lord The Stewardship Committee is
wrapping up the fall campaign and we
want to thank the congregation for
again being a generous and giving group of people. We
have heard the difference that your giving has made
through our Children’s Ministry through what Elder
Jessica Hickman has shared with us. We have heard the
difference your giving has made through what a youth of
our church, Dominic Clutter, has shared with us. We
have heard the difference your giving has made through
the Pastoral Care of the church through what Charlie
Bowers has shared with us. We have heard the difference
your giving has made in our community and world
through mission and through what George Jones has
shared with us. And we have heard what your giving has
done through the maintenance of the church through what
Ralph Farabee has shared with us.
So “Thank you for Giving to the Lord”. Your generous
spirit is most appreciated! May indeed you “Overflow
with thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12)
Your Stewardship Committee: Terri Grantz, Chair,
Gordon Core, Second Elder, Joel Braun, Susan Kepler,
Barry Blose, Emily Blose, Stu Broberg, Staff. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
NEWEST MEMBERS
On Sunday, November 15, 2015 at the 11:00 a.m.
worship service in the sanctuary, the congregation of The
Church of the Covenant received our New Members!
Those new blessings to our church family include:
Mr. Kyle Avery, Mrs. Shannon Buri, and John AND
Maureen Breitigan.
We are pleased to welcome you to our church family and
look forward to sharing God’s blessings with you!
BAPTISMS
Sunday, November 22, 2015 was a special day at The
Church of the Covenant. All of these sweet little ones
were baptized at the 11:00am service with The Rev. Dr.
Stuart D. Broberg officiating:
Giovanni Ethan Capo, born April 27, 2015, infant son
of John and Cortney DiGiovanni Capo,
Gabriella Jean DiGiovanni, born September 6, 2015,
infant daughterof Doug and Courtney DiGiovanni,
Caroline Charlotte Kearns, born November 1, 2013,
daughter of Adam and Chelsea Carnahan Kearns,
Cole Alexander Saffell, born August 19, infant son
of Eric and Bonnie Simpson Saffell.
Stewardship Update 2016 Total number of pledges received: 129
Total amount pledged: 292,019
New pledges 3
DECEMBER/ADVENT PREACHING AND WORSHIP
November 29, 2015 GIFTS OF GOLD Sermon Series in Advent on the
1st
Sunday Advent Series: “The Gifts of the Magi” gifts we give the Christ Child at
Pastor Stu preaches Matthew 2: 1-12 Christmas. We give Him the
“opening their treasures, they offered him royal gift of Gold to a King.
gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” v. 11
December 6, 2015 GIFTS OF FRANKINCENSE Our prayers rising to heaven are
2nd
Sunday Advent Series: “The Gifts of the Magi” gifts we give to the Christ Child
Communion Matthew 2: 1-12 at Christmas. Our prayers
Pastor Stu preaches “they offered him gifts...frankincense...” v. 11 ascend before the throne of
Grace.
December 13, 2015 GIFTS OF MYRRH The death of our own ego and
3rd
Sunday Advent Series: “The Gifts of the Magi” the rising to new life in the
Pastor Stu preaches Matthew 2: 1-12 Christ Child at Christmas.
“they offered him gifts...myrrh” v.11
December 20, 2015 GIFTS OF SELF The best Christmas gift is the
4th
Sunday Advent Series: “The Gifts of the Magi” gift of our heart to the Savior.
Festival Sunday John 1: 1-14
10:00 a.m. Only “But to all who received Him, He gave power
Pastor Stu preaches to become children of God.” v. 12
Festival Sunday we all gather together in the sanctuary for a single service; invite the Christ Child to enter in;
experience the LIVE NATIVITY scene; and prepare our hearts for Christmas.
December 24, 2015 THE OTHER WISE MAN Our search for love and
Christmas Eve John 1: 1-14 meaning discovers Christ, born
6:00pm/8:00pm/11pm “who were born...of God...” v. 13 in Bethlehem, is born for us
Three Services tonight.
Pastor Stu preaches
Based upon Henry Van Dyke’s short story of the same name. There are three
services on Christmas Eve. A Children’s Family Service at 6:00 p.m. and two
traditional candlelight services at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m.; our adult chancel choir
sings at 8:00 pm and there is special instrumental music at 11:00pm
December 27, 2015
At the 8:30 and 11:00 services there will be the singing of Christmas carols and
scripture readings. Also in these services will be special music, including piano
and organ solos, vocal solos, and music from Trinity High School Brass Ensemble.
943 order of service TBD.
The Messenger 3 December 2015
The Messenger 4 December 2015
CommuniTea! A nondenominational women's bible study held the
2nd Wednesday of each month at 9:15 am in the
dining room. In December it is on Wednesday,
December 16 and it will be a Christmas Celebration!
There is a different speaker each month. Please con-
tact Kathy Nassar at 724-350-5000 with questions.
FESTIVAL SUNDAY, is
DECEMBER 20th ONE SERVICE @ 10:00 in the
Sanctuary! There is one service on this Sunday at 10 am.
There is no Sunday school on Festival Sun-
day, so families may attend this special ser-
vice together. There will be some wonderful
children's music during worship, followed by
a live nativity! Cocoa, Chrismons (special
oraments) and Cookies in The Commons
complete the festivities.
COVENANT CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATION Wednesday, December 16th
You are cordially invited to an evening of
fellowship and celebration!
The church staff and the Covenant Choir will be
hosting an evening of elegant heavy hors d’oeuvres
and a delightful concert of Christmas music - includ-
ing a “carol sing along!” The hors d’oeuvres will be
served by the church staff in the Commons from
6:00-6:45. Harp music will be filling the air, thanks
to our favorite harpist Bill Van Patten, as we
celebrate the season with our church family!
At. 7:00, "Sing We Now of Christmas", A Service
of Lessons and Carols, arranged by Howard Helvey,
will be presented by The Covenant Choir. The con-
cert will include many familiar Christmas and Ad-
vent carols, including "People, Look East", "In the
Bleak Mid Winter", a rousing rendition of "Go, Tell
It On the Mountain", sung by an octet, and closing
with "Sing We Now of Christmas". Camille and
Joel Braun will serve as narrators. The concert will
include Congregational singing. Please plan to
attend this very festive evening of food and music!
‘TIS THE SEASON! The church is looking festive as we prepare for the
holiday season. One of our special ministries will be-
gin as the Dove Tree and the Hat and Mitten Tree are
placed in The Commons.
The Dove Tree will be placed in the Commons
at the beginning of December this year
and will be decorated with doves
which will contain the name of a
woman (and possibly her children) in
recovery through Turning Point. This
is an organization we have supported
for many years.
Turning Point is a halfway house for women in
recovery right here in Washington. Just take a
dove and return the gift to the tree by
Sunday December 20th with the dove as a
name tag. They will be delivered on December
22, 2015.
The Hat and Mitten tree will be empty at first, but by
Sunday December 20th it will be adorned beautifully
with new hats, mittens and gloves which will be deliv-
ered to the Avis Arbor women’s shelter.
P.W. CANDLELIGHT BUFFET On Wednesday, December 9, 2015, the
Presbyterian Women (combined After-
noon and Evening Circles) will hold their
annual Christmas Candlelight Buf-
fet. The evening begins at 5:00 PM and
we welcome the delightful Camerata
Singers from Washington and Jefferson
College as our holiday entertainment! Please mark
your calendars to note the time. We will provide
the main dish so members and guests are asked to
bring salad, vegetables or dessert. All women are
welcome.
CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS
JOY in JESUS Advent Devotional This daily devotional book for Advent celebrates the joy
we have in Jesus every day of our lives because of his
birth at Christmas. Through Scripture readings, reflec-
tions, prayers and daily activity we will see that Jesus is
something to re-received and embraced by each one of us
this season, and then expressed and experienced in our
love of God and neighbor in Advent and always.
Available at the Welcome Center in The Commons.
The Messenger 5 December 2015
CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY INFORMATION
CLUB 56 SCHEDULE December 6th- 4:30 to 6pm.
Kickball and card making. We will play some kickball and make Christmas Cards,
which we will deliver to folks on December 20th.
December 12th- Pack The Pickup from 10am-1pm. Club 56 will be stationed at Giant
Eagle, passing out flyers to shoppers and collecting food. We need some parents to
supervise. We are also looking for a family to do the food collection at the Henderson
Avenue Foodland. Talk to Don Nixon if you can help.
December 20th- time TBD. Card and Cookie delivery. We will take the van to deliver Christmas cards and
cookies to homebound and others from our church. We’ll finish off with hot chocolate back at church.
HOLIDAY CHEER!!HOLIDAY CHEER!! Stop!!! Take about an hour out of your busy schedule -stop by the church for Preschool Christmas
entertainment!! Joyfully, the 4 and 5 year olds will be performing the play “Let’s Dress up for Christmas”
on Monday, December 21st at 9:30 and 1:00. This is a cute play about baby Jesus.
Tuesday, December 22nd at 10:00, the three year olds will be singing, reciting poems, and playing lummi
sticks and jingle bells to bring in the Christmas cheer. Come and enjoy the children! It will put a smile
upon your face and the excitement of Christmas in your heart.
Besides getting ready for the up and coming holidays, the preschoolers are having a great time making last-
ing friendships, learning letters, pre-reading excitement, learning how much God loves them, and making
tons of arts and crafts to accompany our daily concepts. As always, stop down and visit us to see what our
church preschool is buzzing about.
There are so many activities to choose from around Christmas time. I hope you take time with your family to
pray, do some devotions, and reflect on the true meaning of the miracle of the new born Jesus, our Emmanuel!
God Bless You All this Christmas!
Miss Stacy, Director of Christian Education
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Festival Sunday, December 20th 10 am- Lots of excitement as children participate in the service, followed by
the live Nativity, ornament making (Chrismons) and hot cocoa in the commons. This is a one service Sunday at
10am in the Sanctuary. No Sunday school as families participate together in the morning worship and activities.
Christmas Eve - 6pm- Children’s Family service, in the Covenant Center- The Covenant Kids choir will
present a play, “The Christmas Store Window.” There will be Carols throughout the play that we will all sing
together. Pastor Stu will do the Bible readings, and we will close with a candle lit “Silent Night”. The play will
take the place of the sermon.
December 27th, The Sunday After Christmas-During the 943 service the Children will be dismissed to the
Covenant Kids room to watch a special Christmas movie. Regular Sunday school classes resume January 3rd.
PRESCHOOL UPDATE
YOUTH MINISTRY, etc...
The Messenger 6 December 2015
PACK THE PICKUP
FOOD DRIVE SAT. DECEMBER 12
It's Time to Pack the Pickup!
Once again the Church of the
Covenant will lead the way in this
drive that has generated nearly five tons of food over the
last three years. On Sunday, November 29 you will re-
ceive a bag with a list of items to purchase and bring
back the following week on Sunday, December 6.
The actual event this year will be held on Saturday, Dec
12 instead of on a Sunday as in previous years. We
should have a better response on Saturday since we won't
go up against a Steelers game and people will be out the
day before shopping.
Be sure to catch our campaign at Giant Eagle, Shop and
Save or Foodland on Saturday, Dec 12 between 10:00 am
and 1:00 pm.
Thank you for making it possible for people to have a Merry Christmas!
LIVE NATIVITY Once again we will present a live nativity scene
to our congregation and to our city. On
Sunday, December 20 we will have one service
at 10:00 am, after which we will recreate the
scenario of the birth of Jesus that we
have celebrated for over 2000 years. We will
need the following roles to be filled
(Jesus is already covered):
• Mary
• Joseph
• Three wise men
• Three shepherds
• Three angels Costumes are provided and you will need to be
in character for
about an hour at
the most, starting
inside at the end of
the service and
until all the people
have seen it
outside. See Don
Nixon if you would like to
FALLOUT AT SALT FORK
Our high school students will be joining over one hun-
dred other teenagers for a great weekend on December
4-6 at Salt Fork State Park near Cambridge, Ohio. This
annual Fallout weekend is filled with tons of fun at an
outstanding facility. There will also be good music and a
very challenging message. Our cabin times (we cook our
own food) are especially valuable as a time to connect
and debrief all that is going on. Please pray for those in
attendance....that God will use this time to speak into
their lives.
CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2016! The next Confirmation Class will be commencing soon after the first of the year. All students in ninth
grade are invited to be involved...as are those that haven't been able to attend in the past.
The main date to place on your calendar right now is Sunday, Jan 10, 2016. That will be our
Orientation session that will take place right after church in the Youth Room. At that time we will go over
all the dates and curriculum for the Confirmation process. We can adjust some dates at that time if we find
there's a conflict. The schedule, in full, will be printed in the January Messenger and is available on our
website, www.churchofthecov.org, under the Youth tab.
There will be several sessions and events that will culminate with the youth joining the church on Sunday,
June 12, 2016. The teachers will be Pastor Stu Broberg, Don Nixon and Stacy Phillips.
Activities will include mission work, discussion, church tour and a bonfire.
THANK YOU TO OUR PEW ANGELS It’s time to thank our wonderful “Pew Angels” Caro-
lyn Holmes and Tammy Faust for their dedicated
effort in keeping our sanctuary neat and tidy! They
are “hanging up their wings” for now so we are look-
ing for some new angels who would come in, once a
week, and straighten us and restock the pews. There
is no set time ~ it can be at your convenience ~ any
time the church is open. If you are interested, please
call Debi in the office, 724-222-0190x112 or email
her at [email protected]
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
This year, there will be three worship
services on Christmas Eve:
6:00 p.m. Children’s Family Service in
Covenant Center - Ben Artuso will play
the Prelude. Stacy Phillips will extend
Words of Welcome. There will be Lighting of the Christ Candle
and a Christ Candle Liturgy. A video of Sunday school children
answering questions about Christmas will be shown. The Cove-
nant Kids Choir will present a play, “Christmas Store Window”
under the direction of Darla Pepper-Miller. The play will be the
“sermon for this service. Pastor Stu Broberg will do a Bible
Reading and Benediction.
8:00 p.m. Choral Christmas Celebration in Sanctuary
The congregation will be invited to join in a Christmas Carol
sing-a-long at 7:45. The service will begin with the Covenant
Choir processional, and will include several choir anthems; The
Service of Light, with the passing of candle lighting, while the
congregation sings "Silent Night"; and, concludes with the
singing of " Joy to the World ".
11:00 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service in Sanctuary
Playing of the harp will begin at 10:40 P.M., from the Chancel.
The service will include congregational singing of Christmas
carols; guest soloist Carolyn Smith singing "O Holy Night"; The
Service of Light, while the congregation sings "Silent Night";
and, concludes with "Joy to the World".
Please join us for the service(s) of your choice!
THE FIRST SUNDAY
AFTER CHRISTMAS
December 27, 2015, the 8:30 and 11:00
services will be the singing of Christmas
carols and scripture readings. Also in these
services will be special music, including
piano and organ solos, vocal solos, and
music from Trinity High School Brass
Ensemble.
DECEMBER AT A GLANCE
Sun. 11/29 First Sunday of Advent
Fri. 12/4 Fall Out ~ High School retreat
Sun. 12/6 Second Sunday of Advent
Wed. 12/9 PW Candlelight Buffet
Sun. 12/13 Third Sunday of Advent
Mon. 12/14 Final Feast for W&J students
Wed. 12/16 CommuniTea
Wed. 12/16 Covenant Christmas Celebration
Sun. 12/20 Festival Sunday ~ one worship
service at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary
Mon. & Tues. 12/21 & 12/22 Preschool
Christmas Programs in Cov. Center
Thurs. 12/24 Christmas Eve 3 Services
6:00 Children’s Family Service
8:00 Choral Christmas Celebration
11:00 Traditional Candlelight Service
Sun. 12/27 See below for information.
The Messenger 7 December 2015
MUSIC NOTES AND OTHER INFO
WHITE GIFTS ~ UPDATE FROM THE DEACONS The Deacons of the church are planning to designate the White Gifts,
given to the church this year, to buy gift cards for CASA and DVSSW
(Domestic Violence Service of SW PA). It has been reported to us that
many families have needs at Christmas and birthdays that could be met
by having a gift card. Through no fault of their own, children and
families are victims of abuse and neglect. Families, particularly chil-
dren, who are torn from their homes, may be able to take little to noth-
ing with them. Often, they must leave treasured items and items of
comfort behind. We know that these two particular organizations in
Washington help families in need. We are asking the congregation to
help us make by making financial contributions. White gift envelopes
can be found in your boxed envelope sets, in the pews, or contributions
can also be sent to the church. Checks should be made payable to The
Church of the Covenant with “White Gifts” in the memo line. The
Deacons are hoping to make life a little easier for some special fami-
lies in our community. “Thank you for giving to the Lord.” Your gen-
erosity will help families in need who need our help.
VISIT THE
CARNAHAN LIBRARY
If you’d like to read a book with a
CHRISTMAS THEME, you can do the follow-
ing: Browse the shelves for books with a
Christmas tree on their spines (most are
located on the 813.5 shelves)
OR
Check the card catalog’s SUBJECT FILE.
Look up “Christmas” and you’ll find the titles
and location of the books that contain a
holiday theme.
Also if you’re looking for a gift idea for the
person who has everything, consider donating
a book to the library in honor of that individ-
ual. It’s a lasting gift that will be enjoyed by
many. Forms for such a purpose are located
on the shelf to the right as you enter the li-
brary. You can also contact Barb Knight for
more information.
Kathy Nassar Dec 1
Delmer M. Mounts Dec 2
Glenna C. Smith Dec 2
Ginny J. Casper Dec 3
John O. Stolfer Dec 3
Peg Flynn Dec 3
Thomas J. Day Dec 4
Corey D. DiGiovanni Dec 4
Mark D. Moninger Dec 4
Lynn Sylvis Dec 4
Abbi Jo Nicolella Dec 5
Joyce S. Chambers Dec 6
Mary Ann Johnson Dec 6
Amanda M. Kluczan Dec 6
Martha Jane McNutt Dec 6
Scott Bashioum Dec 7
Callan K. Carnahan Dec 7
T. D. Carnahan Dec 7
Lauren R. Selway Dec 7
Kelly R. Smith Dec 7
Suzanne Taylor Dec 7
Judy Breedlove Dec 8
Ronelle M. Clutter Dec 8
Karen Davison Dec 8
Stephen Marriner, Jr. Dec 9
Amanda Burchett Dec 10
Elizabeth Gandelman Dec 10
Margaret Mooney Dec 10
Lucy K. Salo Dec 11
Lisa Lucas Cole Dec 12
Bill Wilson Dec 12
Holly Ann Coen Dec 15
Lorien Moyer Dec 15
Robert J. Lemons Dec 16
Mark J. O’Donnell Dec 17
Kylie Recktenwald Dec 17
Nat Roe Dec 18
Mitchell McClay Dec 18
Lindsay Burns Dec 18
Shelly Snyder Dec 19
Gary L. Hamilton Dec 24
John E. Frazier, II Dec 25
Emily Ann Blose Dec 26
William Koman Dec 26
Wilma F. Beeghly Dec 27
Chris Nassar Dec 27
Rachel Betzner Dec 28
Tracie Scott Dec 29
Sara Smith Dec 29
Kim Anita Carter Dec 30
Shelly Armstrong Dec 31
Crystal Miles Dec 31
Brian Thompson Dec 31
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
The Messenger 8 December 2015
Tuesday, December 1 Amos 3:1–11
2 Peter 1:12–21
Matt. 21:12–22
Wednesday, December 2 Amos 3:12–4:5
2 Peter 3:1–10
Matt. 21:23–32
Thursday, December 3 Amos 4:6–13
2 Peter 3:11–18
Matt. 21:33–46
Friday, December 4 Amos 5:1–17
Jude 1–16
Matt. 22:1–14
Saturday, December 5 Amos 5:18–27
Jude 17–25
Matt. 22:15–22
Sunday, December 6
2nd Sunday of Advent Amos 6:1–14
2 Thess. 1:5–12
Luke 1:57–68
Monday, December 7 Amos 7:1–9
Rev. 1:1–8
Matt. 22:23–33
Tuesday, December 8 Amos 7:10–17
Rev. 1:9–16
Wednesday, December 9 Amos 8:1–14
Rev. 1:17–2:7
Matt. 23:1–12
Thursday, December 10 Amos 9:1–10
Rev. 2:8–17
Matt. 23:13–26
Friday, December 11 Hag. 1:1–15
Rev. 2:18–29
Matt. 23:27–39
Saturday, December 12 Hag. 2:1–9
Rev. 3:1–6
Matt. 24:1–14
Sunday, December 13
3rd Sunday of Advent Amos 9:11–15
2 Thess. 2:1–3, 13–17
John 5:30–47
Monday, December 14 Zech. 1:7–17
Rev. 3:7–13
Matt. 24:15–31
Tuesday, December 15 Zech. 2:1–13
Rev. 3:14–22
Matt. 24:32–44
Wednesday, December 16 Zech. 3:1–10
Rev. 4:1–8
Thursday, December 17 Zech. 4:1–14
Rev. 4:9–5:5
Matt. 25:1–13
Friday, December 18
Gen. 3:8–15
Rev. 12:1–10
John 3:16–21
Saturday, December 19 Zeph. 3:14–20
Titus 1:1–16
Luke 1:1–25
Sunday, December 20
4th Sunday of Advent 1 Sam. 2:1b–10
Titus 2:1–10
Luke 1:26–36
Monday, December 21 2 Sam. 7:1–17
Titus 2:11–3:8a
Luke 1:39–48a (48b–56)
Tuesday, December 22 2 Sam. 7:18–29
Gal. 3:1–14
Luke 1:57–66
Wednesday, December 23 Jer. 31:10–14
Gal. 3:15–22
Luke 1:67–80 or Matt.1:1–17
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve Isa. 60:1–6
Gal. 3:23–4:7
Matt. 1:18–25
Friday, December 25
Nativity of Jesus Christ /
Christmas Day Micah 4:1–5; 5:2–4
1 John 4:7–16
John 3:31–36
Saturday, December 26 2 Chron. 24:17–22
Acts 6:1–7
Acts 7:59–8:8
Sunday, December 27 1 Sam. 1:1–2, 7b–28
Col. 1:9–20
Luke 2:22–40
Monday, December 28 Isa. 49:13–23
Isa. 54:1–13
Matt. 18:1–14
Tuesday, December 29 2 Sam. 23:13–17b
2 John 1–13
John 2:1–11
Wednesday, December 30 1 Kings 17:17–24
3 John 1–15
John 4:46–54
Thursday, December 31 1 Kings 3:5–14
James 4:13–17; 5:7–11
John 5:1–15
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR DECEMBER
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
THE CARNAHAN LIBRARY Dedicated on 11/1/09 to the memory of Thomas Dorrington Carnahan II,
Thomas Dorrington Carnahan III, George Kirk Carnahan and to the glory of God.
The following books were donated to the library. The Li-
brary Committee thanks the donors. All have been cata-
loged and are ready to be checked out. The library is in
Room 308, the first room on the right as you enter the third
floor hallway from the elevator. The card catalog will help
you to locate a book by author, title or subject.
The following gently used books were donated by Linda
Marriner (4 books)
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American
Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson. This true account
is a remarkable story set during Hitler’s rise to power. In
1933, William E. Dodd becomes the first U. S. Ambassador
to Hitler’s Germany. He takes along his wife, son and
daughter. In time, as evidence of Jewish persecution
mounts, Dodd telegraphs his concerns to the State Depart-
ment which seems largely indifferent. The book presents
detailed descriptions about Hitler’s henchmen, Goring and
Goebbels. It allows the reader to learn why the world did
not recognize the grave threat posed by Hitler until it was
too late. (The library also has his best seller, The Devil in
the White City which is a non-fiction account of the Chicago
World’s Fair.)
South of Broad by Pat Conroy. The main character of this
novel is Leopold King who is the son of a high school prin-
cipal and a science teacher. After a tragedy occurs in the
family, Leo tries to find solace by becoming a part of a
tightly knit group of high school seniors. This group is
made up of kids from different backgrounds. Their friend-
ships continue for 20 years. The book describes what hap-
pens to all of them in that 20 year period.
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. This story is about
a married woman who moves back home to be near her ec-
centric mother. While there, she meets some women and
men that cause her to want to have more freedom while be-
ing pulled by the force of home and marriage. The mermaid
chair is found inside the church of nearby monastery. (The
library has two other best-selling books by the author.)
Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, from White House Prin-
cess to Washington Power Broker by Stacy A. Cordery.
This biography is about Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter,
Alice. She was outspoken, outrageous as well as charming.
She gave advice to her father, husband and lover (a powerful
senator). She was also known as a socialite who entertained
politicians from both parties for many years.
The following gently used books were donated anonymously.
The Library Committee thanks the donors.
The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. The story
begins in 1926 on an island off the coast of Australia. The
main characters are Tom and Isabel Sherbourne. After serv-
ing in World War I, Tom returns to Australia and takes a job
as a lighthouse keeper. One night a boat washes up on
shore. Inside is a dead man with a young baby. The Sher-
bournes had lost 3 babies before they were born so Isabel
wants to keep this baby instead of reporting the incident to
the authorities. They come to learn that their decision has
greatly impacted other people’s lives.
The Psalms of David with illustrations by James S. Free-
mantle. This collection of the Psalms was handwritten and
illustrated over a 30 year period by James Freemantle. It
was dedicated to his wife, Clara. The Foreword was written
by his son and gives interesting information about Freeman-
tle and this very beautiful rendering of the Book of Psalms.
Encounters with Jesus: studies in the Gospel of John by
Frances Taylor Gench. Many people, including Martin Lu-
ther and John Calvin, consider John as their favorite Gospel.
It is felt that John is the most consistently christocentric of
the Gospels which means that the person and promises of
Christ seem more immediate and available. This study was
written with both ordained and lay readers in mind. Some of
the chapter titles are: The Word Became Flesh, Conversa-
tion at the Well, The Gift of Life, Farewell Conversations
and Encounters with the Risen Lord. Each chapter ends with
‘Questions for Discussion or Reflection’. It might be a good
book for Sunday School classes or small groups.
On Prayer: Praying and Living in the Father’s Will by J.
Vernon McGee. The author is well known for his ‘Thru the
Bible’ radio programs. This text contains 11 of his best ser-
mons on prayer and an in-depth study of the Lord’s Prayer.
His sermons provide simple yet profound insights into
prayer. It explores principles of effective prayer in the lives
of Jesus, Abraham, Daniel, Paul and other biblical charac-
ters. Dr. McGee points the way to a deep and vibrant prayer
life for the reader.
The Acts of the Apostles by Ellen G. White. The Book of
Acts was written by Luke, a Gentile covert, for the whole
church including both Jews and Gentiles. It covers a period
of about 30 years but it is filled with important lessons for
the church in every age. In Acts, God indicates that the
Christian even today shall experience the presence of the
same Spirit who came to the disciples at Pentecost. The au-
thor makes the Book of Acts very readable and easy to understand.
The Messenger 9 December 2015
The Messenger c/o The Church of the Covenant
267 East Beau Street
Washington, PA 15301
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Permit No. 29
POINSETTIAS TO ADORN THE SANCTUARY
It’s time to order gorgeous Red Poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for
Christmas! Only $8 each! Orders due to Church Office by December 15th;
make checks payable to “The Church of the Covenant” with “Poinsettia”
in the memo line.
In Memory / Honor of - Last Name: ___________________________________________
First Name: _________________________________________
Number Ordered _______ Amount Enclosed ($8 each)_____________
Ordered by ______________________________________________________________
Phone # _____________________________
���� I will pick mine up after Christmas ���� I would like mine delivered to a shut-in
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