10
The Messenger Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington, PA 15301 724.222.0190 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Stacy Phillips Director of Christian Ed. 724-222-0190 x 115 [email protected] Don Nixon Director of Spiritual Development 724-222-0190 x111 [email protected] Debi Nicolella Church Administrator 724-222-0190 x 112 [email protected] Anthony J. Nicolella, CPA Financial Administrator [email protected] Darla Pepper-Miller Director of Music Ministry 724-222-0190 x 118 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Debbie Miles 9:43 Music Coordinator [email protected] 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 SERVICES CHRISTMAS 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!

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Page 1: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

Stacy Phillips

Director of Christian Ed.

724-222-0190 x 115

[email protected]

Don Nixon

Director of Spiritual Development

724-222-0190 x111

[email protected]

Debi Nicolella

Church Administrator

724-222-0190 x 112

[email protected]

Anthony J. Nicolella, CPA

Financial Administrator

[email protected]

Darla Pepper-Miller

Director of Music Ministry

724-222-0190 x 118

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

Debbie Miles

9:43 Music Coordinator

[email protected]

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!

Page 2: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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

Page 3: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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

Page 4: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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.

Page 5: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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

Page 6: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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]

Page 7: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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.

Page 8: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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

Page 9: Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger · 2015-12-31 · Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant December 2015 The Church of the Covenant 267 East Beau St. Washington,

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

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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