1. education
2. school

Covenant
United Methodist Church
300 East Martial Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70508
Church 981-2088, , Preschool 988-3962
C
N
OVENANT EWSLETTER
Sunday Worship Services
9:00am - Traditional Worship
NOVEMBER 2014
10:10am - Sunday School
11:10am - Contemporary Worship
Rev. Chris Blanchard, Pastor
Church Office: 981-2088
Preschool Office: 988-3962
Richard Avery and Donald Marsh wrote a hymn: “We Are the Church.” I love the hymn and its message.
I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the
world! Yes, we’re the church together!
The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a
people.
We’re many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces, all colors and all ages, from all times and places.
Sometimes the church is marching, sometimes it’s bravely burning, sometimes it’s riding, sometimes
hiding, always learning.
And when the people gather, there’s singing and praying, there’s laughing and there’s crying sometimes,
all of it saying: I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all
around the world! Yes, we’re the church together!
So my question is, do you feel like you are a part of the church? Have you slipped away, because
maybe you had differences with someone or just didn’t feel like you “fit in”? This is your church, and my
church, and our church, when we make it the church of Jesus Christ. Hope to see you marching, riding,
sometimes hiding, always learning……. And of course, pumpkining……we have had another banner year,
and can’t wait for the mission group to be able to share our blessings on with others this year. Thank you
for your part in making it another successful year.
See you in your place each and every Sunday.
Chris Blanchard
What a FANTASTIC October and
Pumpkin Patch God has blessed us with! This
has been the best year ever for the youth
concessions. We couldn’t have done it
without all the help, love, and support of the
youth, their parents, and our church family.
THANK YOU! It is always such a blessing to
get to serve our community during this time.
In the upcoming month, we will have the opportunity to
serve others in the community again as we participate in the
Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless downtown on Sunday,
November 16th. This is a humbling, rewarding and enjoyable
experience for the youth and their families. On Saturday,
November 15th, 5:00pm, the youth will have a formal
Thanksgiving dinner to celebrate the holiday. This dinner will
be the wrap up of our Godly Character series. There will be a
lesson on dining etiquette, along with parents serving youth
their dinner. Please sign your youth up (6th-12th grade) for
this experience.
When planning your busy schedules, don’t forget to
include youth activities: Sunday school 10:10, Hwy 4:12 Youth
3:30-5:30, and Wednesday night dinner & study at 5:30-7:15.
And as always, BRING A FRIEND! For questions, please see
Craig or Melissa Hartwell. (youth@covenantum.org)
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Mission Kids will be meeting Sunday, November 9th
from 3:30-5:00 pm in the Children’s Room. We will
be working on a Christmas project. All children in
1st-5th grade are welcomed to join in on the fun.
Bring a friend and help make Christmas a little
brighter for a child in need! For more info, contact Leigh Nugent
at vlbraswell@yahoo.com.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all
of the people who came out to help make Family
Fun Day such a wonderful day for our church and
community. Thanks to every smile, every helping
hand, and every willing body, it was by far the best yet!
Serving together as a family is one of the best ways to
teach your child about the importance of the act of
service. Join other United Methodist families as they
serve Thanksgiving Dinner to those less fortunate.
Meet at First UMC on Sunday, November 16 from 3-5
pm and you will be amazed at what a blessing it is to
serve others.
Well-Versed Kids—we are already on month four
of our Well-Versed Kids Program. We have
several kids who have learned ALL of their
verses! It is important for our children to learn
scripture so they can always have God’s Word
available to them. Please help them learn their verses!
As Thanksgiving draws nearer, we will be asking
the kids to think of things they are thankful for
each week. We encourage you to do the same in
your own home. You can have your own “Thankful
Tree” that can serve as a daily reminder of all of
the blessings that God has given your family.
GREAT PUMPKIN RIDE Saturday,
November 1
All proceeds benefits St. Jude’s Hospital. Early Registration
Forms available in Narthex and CCC Foyer . Contact Carlena
Clause and Lesley Nutter for Registration Sponsorship & Margo Harkreader for
Food Donations.
FALL IS IN THE AIR as another exciting Covenant
Pumpkin Patch comes to a close. The P/P raises funds for
many worthy missions - but did you know the Fellowship Class
Pecan sale also reaches many small missions that may have
been overlooked, including unbudgeted Covenant needs. Just
get a whiff of those Thanksgiving PECAN pies, cookies and
cakes baking, as you snack on candied pecans! Check out
the list below of mission gifts your pecan purchases gave a helping hand to in
2012 and 2013! Christmas shop early with the gift everyone likes to receive:
PECANS – halves, pieces, beautiful foil-wrapped candied pecans – the perfect
gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, employers, stocking stuffers and
guaranteed fresh from this year’s crop. Still just $10/bag, so place your order
today and be a part of many missions - sign-up notebooks are available in both
the Narthex and CCC.
Pecan Sale Mission Gifts – Jan. 1, 2012 – Dec. 31, 2013
Angel Tree (2012, 2013)
$ 400.00
Building Fund (2013)
415.00
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt (2013)
100.00
Council on Aging – Heaters (2013)
200.00
Families in need (1–2012; 3-2013)
1,030.00
Flood Buckets (2013)
200.00
Homeless Thanksgiving (2012, 2013)
419.15
Kairos – delegates & cookie dough (2012)
550.00
MP Kids (2012)
50.00
Maison de’Espri (challenged adults – 2012)
60.00
Memorials – Bldg. Fund, Children’s Ministry, UCO, Music Ministry,
Mallalieu Scholarship (2012, 2013)
600.00
Methodist Summer Camp (2013)
200.00
Missionaries Wycliffe Bible Translators (2012, 2013)
500.00
Nursing Home Yarn (2012)
130.00
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund (2013)
100.00
Salvation Army School Supplies/Uniforms (2012,2013)
300.00
Stained Glass Windows (2013)
200.00
St. Joseph Diner (2012)
200.00
St. Jude’s Bike-A-Thon (2012, 2013)
175.00
Tools for Schools (2012, 2013)
203.97
UCO Extra Canned Meats (2012)
87.94
UMCOR (2012)
200.00
Vacation Bible School (2012)
100.00
Young Life Camp (2012, 2013)
200.00
Missions from Pecan Sales
$6,621.06
The Pumpkin Patch has passed and we have a little time to
take a deep breath before the holiday season kicks in. And
then, before we know it, the new year is here. In as much as I
love the holidays, this year I find myself wishing time would
slow down.
So, this November is going to be an entire month of Thanksgiving. One
easy way to do that is through music. Whether your worship style is traditional
or contemporary, there are plenty of songs and hymns to focus on. And do
more than just sing them. Use their lyrics as part of your prayer time. Join me in
striving to see all of His blessings no matter how small.
And then, join us Sunday morning, December 7th, for our annual Chancel
Choir Christmas Cantata, Images of Adoration. I'll see you in worship,
Ken
Haiti Mission Team
On Friday, November 7th, our Haiti Mission
Team takes off to serve for ten days in
Gressier, Haiti at Respire Haiti. Please keep
those team members covered in prayer while
they work to spread the love and the knowledge of
Jesus Christ to God’s people in Haiti.
Thank you for your support!
Haiti Mission Team,—November 2014
Melissa Brockmann
Wally Manuel
Stephanie Brockmann
Lindsay Perry
Greg Fox
Nathan Perry
Sherrie Goudeau
Ali Roberts
Kent Roberts
Melissa Hardin
SUNDAY SCHOOL
F.U.E.L.- Jennifer Blanchard, Preschool, #9
Serendipity–Les Stratton, Holley, #7
Daily Living–John Hines, Holley, #4
Fellowship– Marie Smith, Holley, #5
Searchers Women – Women of all ages, Kay Chadick, Holley, #2
Seekers– Annette & Strand Martin, Preschool #3
Wesleyan– Gene Blevins, Holley, #9
GIFT—Jennifer Manuel, Sanctuary
SMALL GROUP
Men’s Bull Session– 1st Thursday of month, 8:30am, Holley #5
United Methodist Men–3rd Saturday of month, 8am breakfast/work
Sudie Lewis Women’s Circle –2nd Tuesday of month, 6:30pm
Doris Branton Women’s Circle–3rd Tuesday of month, 1:30pm
F.U.E.L.—Faith Used in Everyday Life, Young Adults –Every Monday,
7pm, Holley
Women’s Bible Study–(Fall-Spring) Thursday, 10am, Holley
Men’s Bible Study–Every Monday, 5:30pm, Library
Explorer’s Bible Study for Women – (Fall-Spring) Wednesday,
9:30am, Fellowship Hall
Your Church Cares For YOU
Being an engaged member of a church family can bring a
lot of light and support into your life on a daily basis.
Sometimes, we will go through times where we have
more need, and here is how Covenant can continue to be
a support to you, and bring God’s love to you in tangible
ways.
Prayer Teams. Covenant has two prayers teams, connected via
email, made up of devoted prayer warriors, who are committed to lifting
up our concerns and requests to God. When you fill out a prayer card
located in the attendance pad or near the wooden church prayer boxes, or
even when you simply send an email to anyone on the administration
team, this prayer is sent to the teams and you can be sure that your needs
and praises are being held close and lifted up to God on a regular
basis. Let us know how we can pray for you. And of course, we
appreciate the updates too!
Visitation Team. This team is comprised of approximately 18
compassionate individuals who visit the members of Covenant, when
they are going through trying times outside of church. This includes
those who are in the hospital, home-bound for whatever reason or time,
and those members in nursing homes. We also visit those who are
regular guests Covenant to let them know we welcome them as a part of
the family. Please contact Mary Fontenot if you would like to be a part
of this caring outreach ministry.
Stephen Ministry. Covenant now has trained and commissioned
Care Givers. Our Christ-centered goal is to help someone going through
a crisis (serious illness, job loss, death of a family member or friend,
divorce, difficulty adjusting to a recent moved to our community, etc.)
by matching her/him up with a Stephen Minister (of the same gender)
who will meet with that person one hour a week to listen and encourage
as they work through the crisis to a position of wholeness. Please contact
Shari Mirgon (337-371-1014) if you (or a friend ) is in need of a Stephen
Minister.
Melissa
“NOVEMBER“ ACOLYTE SCHEDULE
2
9
16
23
30
9:00 Service
Destini & Javien Thibodeaux
Celeste & Lillian Blanchard
Ashlyn & Ava LeFevre
Reid Romero & Blake Perry
Presley Nutter & Sophia Barbier
“NOVEMBER” CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
9:00
2
Sherri Ferg
9
Tracy Richardson
16 Ardella Richeson
23 Ken Cheshire
30 Stephanie Brockmann
11:00
Sherri Ferg
Tracy Richardson
Ardella Richeson
Ken Cheshire
Stephanie Brockmann
Covenant Crafters
Disbanded October 1, 2014
The original purpose of the Crafters was to raise money to cover
costs for items not included in the budget. The first 10% of all money is
given to local ministries, both within and around the community:
Conference Center, U.C.O.(x3) Faith House, Naomi House, “Dear to our
Hearts” (x2 for members in need), U.C.O. Building Fund, Salvation Army
(x2), UMCOR, 2 students and 2 families, Pastor’s Discretionary Fund (x4)
Bridge Ministry, Miles Perret Cancer Center and Memorials. Of course we
have had to pay for supplies, advertising and custodian gratuities each
year. Because we believe you are the vital source of our revenue, we are
listing below the ways the money derived has been used. Prior to 1998 we
provided the Sanctuary with roof and carpet which is well worn. Also, an
air conditioner unit was replaced.
1998
Room divider (Youth Room)
$
400.00
Table clothes and sewing supplies
284.00
1999
Parsonage repair
2,000.00
2000
Tables, (Fellowship Room)
1,912.96
Lumber (Storage Room)
38.64
Carpet repair
75.00
Piano mat
52.62
Grace Holley picture restoration
86.00
Piano bench
361.75
Termite damage repair
2,353.64
2001
United Methodist Foundation debt
6,000.00
2003
Bell Choir
1,200.00
Organ repair
1,800.00
Rx aid for family
150.00
Speakers (Sanctuary)
3,192.00
2004
Wheelchair
162.00
Acolyte robes
500.00
Medical help
3,000.00
Acolyte fund
500.00
2005
Roof preparation for steeple
1,500.00
2006
Fiberglass Specialties (steeple)
5,000.00
Balance on Steeple
2,032.00
Steeple lighting
270.00
2007
Grand piano (Sanctuary)
8,350.00
2008
Balance on piano
2,650.00
2009
Barbeque grill
518.00
After this date, C.D.’s were purchased and money invested knowing
that Covenant had plans for another building, and to update the Sanctuary.
With the C.D.’s ($34,059.98) and Bake Sales ($380.38) totaling
$34,440.36, in 2014 the crafters were able to purchase the new pews for
the renovated Sanctuary!
This has all been possible because you have, through the years,
donated your “treasures” and added to our “treasury”. Thanks be to God
for your generosity.
Thankfully and Sincerely,
The Crafters
Happy Fall! It is amazing to us that it is already time to practice
for our Thanksgiving Feast! November is very busy—we have a
train ride for the letter T, an Indian Pow-Wow, and our
Thanksgiving Feast. The Preschool/MDO will have ½ a day
November 21st and will be off the following week. I hope
everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Amy Rizzuto
Join us Sunday, November 16th, 3-5pm, at
First Methodist Church, in the parking lot.
Come, bring a side dish and volunteer as
needed.
The Newsletter is now on the Web:
www.covenantum.org
Check it out and check out everything else going
on at Covenant! (limited copies are available in the
Narthex and CCC foyer.)
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1
Thad Montgomery
Terry Blanchard
2
Frank Fasone
Mark McGowan
Hannah Mattke
Christopher Angel
3
Charles Purgahn
Susan LeBlanc
Craig Hartwell
Daniel Ferg
Devin Pelletier
Presley Goudeau
4
Ruth Evans
Julia Rose Barbier
5
Peggy Guilbeau
Caleb Hester
Kyle Bowen
Will Tidwell
6
Eric Pelletier
7
Jeanne Boniol
Cody Carter
8
Pete Juneau
Donn Chadick
Bonnie R. Will
11 Jack Lafaye
12 Mike Garcille
Kate Manuel
Charles Shamp
13 Richard Sudduth
McKenzie Landry
14 Herman Clause
Jacob Hotrton
15 Stephanie Weaver
Keith Hargrave
Josh Vanhaverbeke
Madison Begnaud
Lyndsey Landry
17
Jason Vanhaverbeke
18 Jim Worley
19 Carol Amo
William Perry
20 Jean Hardy
22 Margaret Worley
Cecile Diaz
23 Barbara Brooks
1
2
Dan Desormeaux
Emily Smith
Steven Desormeaux
6
9
11
15
16
18
27
28
28 Rudy Timm
Blaine Lainier
Chris Calvitt
Tyler Redd
29 Vernon Malone
Betsy Corley
Julie Schrader
Alex Carter
30 Jessica McGowan
Naomi Roberts
Covenant Attendance
Destini Thibodeaux
Celeste Blanchard
Lillian Blanchard
24 Kelly Croall
Wyatt Leonards
25 Kyle Wade
Carey Hotard
Kara Leonards
27
September 28
Worship
318
Sunday School 115
October 19
Worship
342
Sunday School
140
October 5
Worship
.353
Sunday School 143
October 26
Worship
373
Sunday School
144
October 12
Worship
359
Sunday School 135
If you were here, thank you!
If you were not here,
we missed you!
Christopher Boudreaux
Covenant Staff
Rev. Chris Blanchard, Pastor; Ken Cheshire, Director of Music & Worship; Melissa Bowen, Pastoral
Assistant; Pat Battaglia, Organist; Jennifer Tassin, Pianist; Lindsay Perry, Director of Children’s Ministries;
Craig and Melissa Hartwell, Youth; Amy Rizzuto, Preschool/MDO Director; Jeanne Boniol, Financial
Secretary; Jean Hunter, Bookkeeper
ACADIANA
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232-5361
ARSEMENT
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701 Robley DrIve
Suite 200
984-7010
www.cpa-arm.com
Flowers By Rodney
4510 Ambassador Caffery
Lafayette, LA 70508
337-406-2610
LAUREN
AUCOIN
337-501-6449
Over 15 years experience.
Specializing in massage
Therapy, Reflexology, Hot
Stone, Pregnancy, Raindrop
Therapy, Reiki, Lymphatic
Drainage, Light Therapy
License # LA1560
St. Jude “Great Pumpkin Ride”
“I Can” Sunday (bring canned
goods)
Charles Nolan “Bull” Session
Mission Kids, 3:30-5:00
Sudie Lewis Circle, 6:30pm
Youth Thanksgiving Dinner, 5pm
Thanksgiving for the Homeless at FUMC
Doris Branton Circle, 1pm in library
Happy Thanksgiving
Office Closed
Advertise Your
Business Here!
Contact Rev. Chris,
chris@covenantum.org
MARTIN &
CASTILLE
FUNERAL HOME
330 St. Landry, Lafayette
802 Alfred, Scott
600 E. Farrel, Lafayette
234-2311
Ross
TIRE & SERVICE,INC.
2214 K. Saloom Road
984-0099
“Good Old
Fashioned Service”
Shari Mirgon—Massage
337-371-1014
322 B Heymann Blvd., Suite 10
Lafayette Oil Center
License # LA2034
lonestar Expediters
Shorebase Dispatchers
Ken Fogle, owner
(Phone/fax) 337-456-4742
(Cell) 504-628-4978
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