Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID 220 ROCK PRAIRIE RD. COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 PHONE: 979-694-7700 FAX: 979-696-4334 E-MAIL: OFFICE@COVENANTPRESBYTERIAN.ORG WWW.COVENANTPRESBYTERIAN .ORG OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:15 am 10:10 am 10:30 am 2:00 pm 4:00 pm - Sunday School Choir Worship Service Hansarang PC Youth Group We have an adult-staffed nursery every Sunday morning during Sunday School. Extended Child Care (for 2 yrs. Pre-K), is also adult -staffed during church. Our presumption is that children Kindergarten and up can learn to be part of the worshipping congregation. There are worship bags for younger ones to help them be quietly entertained and feel a part of the service. COURIER SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, Mar. 20, 2015 to Gwendolyn Tennell at office@covenantpresbyterian.org Please remember to update the church office with any changes that may have been made to your contact information within the last year. (i.e., Emails, cell numbers, mailing address, work numbers, etc…) POSITIONS for 2015 COMMITTEES Budget & Stewardship Christian Education Church Life & Fellowship Congregational Care IT Committee Mission Nominating Outreach Membership Personnel Policy & Procedure Property Shepherds’ Care Worship LIAISONS Boy Scouts Cub Scouts Girl Scouts Day School Children’s Center Phil Rochelli Melanie Shuttlesworth Steven Steele and Desmond Ng Shirley Wallace Paul Wright Dorothy Shippen, Wyoma Ng and Sherry Talbert Dorothy Shippen Lou Ellen Ruesink and Lane Mason Mary Walker and Brett Charles Tim Hardy Julian Kang and Mary Walker Lane Mason Nina Wright and Constance Brown Jeff Kapler Tami Fink Jane Miller Ernie Davis Tim Hardy Covenant Presbyterian Church MARCH 2015 A group of scientists placed 5 monkeys in a 20 foot high cage with a climbing rope tied to the top. Bananas were hung by strings from the top of the cage. The monkeys got hungry and each took turns climbing the rope to get to the bananas, but every time the monkeys climbed the rope and were about to grab the bananas the entire cage would be blasted with icy cold water. Eventually, the monkeys stopped attempting to climb the rope, and if one did try, the other monkeys would deter and pull down the one to prevent getting sprayed with cold water. College Station, TX Covenant Courier Sunday Schedule Volume 15 No 3 One of the monkeys was removed and a new monkey was added (one who had not experienced any of the cold water treatment). As soon as the new monkey attempted to climb the rope, the others would pull down and prevent the one from climbing. Eventually, one by one, all of the original 5 monkeys were replaced with new ones, who learned the ‘rules’ of the cage, until none of the monkeys in the cage had actually experienced the blast of cold water. But each would enforce the ‘rules’ of the cage, and would prevent any monkey who attempted to climb the rope. They had learned the ‘rules’ even if they did not know why the rules were in place. We too operate within the rules we have learned. We see the world as we have been taught. We are impacted by the people with whom we are surrounded, both voluntarily (friends as well as the authors of books we read) and those we did not choose (the assigned lab partner as well as family). All of whom mold us, and we create our own perspective to see the world. We grow in knowledge, we learn from our mistakes, but we continue to view the world from our perspective… that is, unless (or until), something causes us to change and see the world differently. I suspect that is part of Lent’s purpose – to unlearn what the world has taught us or what we have convinced ourselves to be true. When we encounter God, something within us must shift. God will move us, formatively, to see the world in new life-giving ways. To learn anew is not simply a change of thought or belief, but is something that is put into practice… it is something lived. Lent reminds us that we were created from dust and to dust we shall return. Lent is a time to reflect penitently, humbly, and introspectively into our lives with God’s eyes. It is opportunity to remove the normal habits and routines so we may focus on God. Most of all, Lent is a period of 40 days when we focus on the cross of Christ… the death that should have been ours, and yet because of God’s grace we are saved from enduring. When we realize God is the one we need, everything else we have put in place of God falls away. There is a reason this time of year is called “spring cleaning” and it has more to do with cleaning our lives than it does our houses. The ways we are living are not working, and we see it with the troubles and problems prevalent in this world and even in our community. God’s ways are life-giving, freeing… it’s time to live in such a way that reflects how God lived in Jesus. It’s time to break through the ways of doing things that either result in blasts of icy cold water or being pulled down. I wonder how your life will look different. May the presence of Christ continue to transform us all. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Session News 2 Habitat 2 UCM Bluebonnet Banquet 3 March Lectionary 4 March Liturgists 4 Church Pantry 5 Women of 5 Covenant Bible Study Men’s 5 Breakfast Youth 6 Fundraiser March 7 Mission Focus Youth Pages Lenten Schedule CPC Photos 10 10 Welcome 11 New Members B.D. & Ann. 12 CPC Book Club 12 ONEderful 13 Wednesday Frozen Chosen 13 Prayers for 14 Covenant Searching f/ 14 Cooking Talent Calendar Rev. Jonathan Murray, Pastor to Covenant Presbyterian Church 8-9 15 2015 MARCH Page 2 "The session of Covenant Presbyterian Church wants to thank Phil Rochelli and Brian Bochner for completing the review of financial records for 2011. An added expression of deep gratitude for the hours of work put in to complete a review of the records for 2012 and 2013. 2013 was the beginning of recent financial turmoil, and therefore required extra hours of investigation and review. Phil and Brian have offered good recommendations which will be able to be addressed expressly through the Budget & Stewardship committee now under the guidance of Phil Rochelli. We are very grateful for your good and challenging work." Habitat Wall Raising Support during Christian Unity Week Covenant Presbyterian Church 220 Rock Prairie Rd. Sunday 1 2nd Sunday in Lent 9:15 am Sunday School 10:10 am Choir 10:30 am Worship 8 3rd Sunday in Lent 9:15 am Sunday School 10:10 am Choir 10:30 am Worship 2:00 pm HPC S.S. & Worship 4:00-6:00 pm Youth Group 15 9:15 am Sunday School 10:10 am Choir 10:30 am Worship 2:00 pm HPC S.S. & Worship No Youth Group Thank you to everyone for coming out to a cold and muddy sight to join with our friends from St Francis Episcopal Church to raise the walls and complete the installation of the roof trusses. A special thank you to our lunch providers Shirley Wallace, Mary Walker, Claudia Holloway, Glenda Joseph and Sue Brown as all 27 volunteers and staff folks were well fed. If you would like to see photos of the event taken throughout the work day, visit the BCS Habitat Facebook page. 8:00 am Youth Leave for Spring Rally 9:15 am Sunday School 10:10 am Choir 10:30 am Worship 2:00 pm HPC S.S. & Worship 4:00 pm Youth Return 29 Palm Sunday 9:15 am Sunday School 10:10 am Choir 10:30 am Worship 2:00 pm HPC S.S. & Worship 4:00-6:00 pm Youth Group Thursday 3 4 5 5:45 pm Church Life & Fellowship Mtg. 6:00 pm Dynacisers 7:00 pm Troop 1222 7:15 pm Comm. Band 10:00 am Serendipity Bible Study Group 7:00 pm Troop 102 5:15 pm OW Dinner 6:00 pm Handbells 6:00-7:30 pm Youth Bible Study 6:00-7:30 pm Girl Scouts Jr .Troop 9029 6:15 pm OW Program 7:00 pm Choir 9:00 am 5:30 pm 9 10 11 12 10:00 am Serendipity Bible Study Group 5:30 pm CPCC Board Mtg. 7:00 pm Troop 102 5:15 pm OW Dinner 6:00 pm Handbells 6:00-7:30 pm Youth Bible Study 6:00-7:30 pm Girl Scouts Jr .Troop 9029 6:15 pm OW Program 6:30 pm Budget & Stewardship 7:00 pm Choir 9:00 am 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 17 18 19 10:00 am Serendipity Bible Study Group 7:00 pm Troop 102 6:00 pm Handbells 6:00-7:30 pm Girl Scouts Jr .Troop 9029 7:00 pm Choir 9:00 am 6:00 pm Spring Break Spring Break 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm Dynacisers Property Mtg. Troop 1222 Comm. Band 16 4th Sunday in Lent Wednesday 2 HPC S.S. & Worship No Youth Group 5:00 pm Bible Trivia Covered Dish 5thSunday in Lent To all who participated in the Saturday Wall Raising for future Habitat homeowner Charlotte Manley: Tuesday 2:00 pm 22 In recognition of Christian Unity Week (January 18-25), Covenant Presbyterian participated in a joint mission project with St. Francis Episcopal Church. The two churches worked together on a build for Habitat for Humanity on January 24th . Monday 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm Mission Dynacisers Troop 1222 Comm. Band Spring Break 23 24 25 6:00 pm Dynacisers 7:00 pm Troop 1222 7:15 pm Comm. Band 10:00 am Serendipity Bible Study Group 7:00 pm Session Meeting 7:00 pm Troop 102 30 Monday of Holy Week 31 6:00 pm Dynacisers 6:30 pm Troop 1222 COURT OF HONOR 7:15 pm Comm. Band 10:00 am Serendipity Bible Study Group 2:30 pm CPC Book Club 7:00 pm Troop 102 Tuesday of Holy Week 6 6:00 pm Yoga & Yak Outreach Membership Dynacisers Yoga & Yak Worship Dynacisers 10:30 am Holy Rollers 14 10:30 am Holy Rollers 20 21 Yoga & Yak Dynacisers 10:30 am Holy Rollers Spring Break Spring Break 9:00 am 6:00 pm CPC Men’s Breakfast at 8:30 am 27 Yoga & Yak Dynacisers Saturday 7 13 26 5:15 pm OW Dinner 6:00 pm Handbells 6:00-7:30 pm Youth Bible Study 6:00-7:30 pm Girl Scouts Jr .Troop 9029 6:15 pm OW Program 7:00 pm Choir Friday 28 10:30 am Holy Rollers Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 8th Page 3 Page 14 If you have used eyeglasses that you no longer need, you can bring them to the office to place them in the Lions Club recycling box. The Lions can recycle the eyeglasses to help those who cannot afford corrective lenses to improve their vision. If you have any questions, please contact church members and Lions: Jim Carroll, Jerry Joseph, Dave Ruesink, Richard Talbert and William Talbert. Thanks. Lu Brannon Brett Charles Bob Couch Doll Denison Eleanor Gates Lyn Griffin Wes Harper Bentley Jolly Chuck Magnuson Carl Mason Helen Nicholas Public Schools The Homeless KEEP CONNECTED New Covenant Connections is the newsletter of the Presbytery of New Covenant. You can send a request to receive this newsletter by email by emailing pbrantley@pbyofnewcovenant.org so you can keep up with what is happening in our Presbytery. Do you shop online? If you do there is a way to shop and help support the church. Go to http:www.goodsearch.com and enter Covenant Presbyterian Church of College Station. Add the Good Search engine toolbar to your web browser and start shopping. A percentage of the shopping totals will be sent back to Covenant. Searching for Cooking Talent We need cooking talent to assist with our Congregational Care Committee’s Comfort Ministries. Help is needed to prepare food for those who are ill, have a new child or provide meals for receptions or the bereaved. The forms are located in the “Cooking for Talent” basket on the back table in the Sanctuary. If you have questions, please contact: Eliese Martin at (979) 694-0275, eandjmart66@outlook.com or Jane Miller at jsmiller30@hotmail.com. The Deadline to purchase tickets is April 1, 2015. Page 4 MARCH 2015 Lectionary Liturgists March 1 – 2nd Sunday in Lent John 4: 5-30; Romans 5: 1-11; Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22: 23-31 March 8 – 3rd Sunday in Lent Luke 7: 36-50; Exodus 20: 1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 March 15 – 4th Sunday in Lent John 3: 1-21; Numbers 21: 4-9; Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2: 1-10 March 22 – 5th Sunday in Lent Mark 10: 17-22; Jeremiah 31: 31-34; Psalm 51: 1-12; Hebrews 5: 5-10 March 29 – Passion/Palm Sunday John 18: 12-28; Isaiah 50: 4-9a; Psalm 31: 9-16; Philippians 2: 5-11 April 5 – Easter Sunday John 20: 1-18; Isaiah 25: 6-9; Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 Choir Practice: Covenant’s Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in room 101-B. Come lend your voice in praise! ONEderful Wednesday Spring 2015 Date Event Page 13 Presenter Mar. 1 — Steven Steele Mar. 8 — Rich Griffin Mar. 15 — Desmond Ng Mar. 22 — Jane Miller Mar. 29 — Tina Hanna Time with Young Disciples Mar. 1 — Jim Carroll Mar. 8 — Connie Brown Mar. 15 — Melanie Shuttlesworth Mar. 22 — Pastor Jonathan Mar. 29 — Jessica Canterberry Schedule Spring 2015 Wednesday, March 11, immediately following the Experience the fun of being a Ding-a-Ling! The Covenant Ringers are looking for a few good people to join them at rehearsals on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Qualifications include the love of good fun, fellowship and the desire to praise God through music. Being able to read music is a plus, but not necessary. Come give it a try and see if you like it! For any questions, contact Maggi Focke at (979) 571-9163 or maggifocke@aim.com. ONEderful Wednesday program, there will be a brief presentation for the members of Covenant regarding current financial status and protection procedures. The meeting will be facilitated by Budget and Stewardship Chairperson Phil Rochelli. All members of the congregation are invited to attend. Day Feb. 26 March 5 Time Field 8:15 pm 6:15 pm 7:15 pm 9:15 pm 4 4 4 4 March 12 Spring Break March 26 8:15 pm April 2 10:15 pm Bye April 16 6:15 pm 8:15 pm 2 3 3 1 All games are at Veteran’s Park Page 12 Page 5 Brazos Church Pantry: MARCH BIRTHDAYS Tom Woodbury Carrie Howe Stephen Fink Chuck Gates Madelyn Murray Carl Mason Paul Brannon Dr. Julian Kang Wyoma VanDuinkerken Cooper Robbins Gloria Woodbury Joy McKenzie Jordan Candee Wendy Wright Doll Denison Elaine Mason Lu Brannon Nissa Gilmore Fred Medina Jeannette Barnes Ken Schroeder 3/1 3/2 3/5 3/6 3/6 3/10 3/11 3/15 3/15 3/17 3/18 3/19 3/19 3/20 3/22 3/23 3/28 3/28 3/30 3/31 3/31 Join the church book club this month on Tuesday, March 24th at 2:30 pm in 101A. This month the book of review is: “Love Is A Wild Assault” By Elithe Hamilton Kirkland CPC had a total of 246 lbs. of food for the month of February. WOMEN OF COVENANT BIBLE STUDY Lesson 7: Economy of Grace” Wednesday, March 11, 2015 9:30 am ANNIVERSARIES Bill & Marilyn Osterholm Tim & Ann Hardy Grover & Mary Walker Joseph & Mary Nagyvary One of Covenant’s missions is to help support the local church pantry which provides non-perishable food to those in need. Our church receives donations and helps with deliveries once a month. For information about volunteering, call BCP at 822-2660. Please bring your food donations for the 1st Sunday of each month. A list of needed items is on the mission table, and collection baskets are at the back of the Sanctuary to receive any food donations. 3/5 3/8 3/14 3/25 Leader: Joann Sands Yoga & Yack Thursdays from 9-10 am. Dynacisers (Women Only Exercise Class) Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7 pm. Hostess: Carol Witenhafer 2220 Brougham Pl. College Station, TX 77845 All Women Are Welcome! CPC Men’s Breakfast : Saturday, March 21st. The awesome breakfast will be ready at 8:00 am. Please come. To help prepare breakfast, please arrive by 7:00 am. We hope to see you there! Page 6 Page 11 THANK YOU!!! CPC New Members: for your fleece and monetary donations for the Conclaves’ Mission Project Joey Ganem ——————————————————————————————--——— SAVE THE DATE! Jane Rosin SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015 The CPC Youth present… Claudia & John Holloway Youth Dinner Fundraiser Seating times: 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Dinner reservation form and more details coming soon Ken Schroeder Shelly Wilson Page 7 Page 10 Lenten Schedule Mission Focus for MARCH… Holy Week March 29—April 5 Our CPC Youth Ministry!!! Support our youth through… PRAYER Palm Sunday, March 29 9:15 am Sunday School 10:10 am Choir 10:30 am Worship 2:00 pm HPC S.S. & Worship No Youth Group Today Maundy Thursday, April 2 7:00 pm Worship Service at Covenant Presbyterian Church Easter Sunday, April 5 7:00 am Sunrise Service 8:00 am Breakfast 9:15 am Sunday School 10:10 am Choir 10:30 am Worship Children’s Easter Egg Hunt – following service 2:00 pm HPC S.S. & Worship No Youth Group Today COVENANT MEMBERS AND FRIENDS PHOTOS: The following email address has been created to share photos of church activities and mission opportunities relating to the life of Covenant members and friends. These photos will be displayed on the screen during the offertory on Sunday mornings. Send your photos to: photos@covenantpresbyterian.org RELATIONSHIPS MONETARY DONATIONS In the month of March, you will have the opportunity to support our church’s youth ministry in a variety of ways. First and foremost, our prayer is that you build relationships with these amazing young people. Beginning Sunday, March 1, pictures and biography sheets will be posted in the sanctuary for you to learn more about our young people. Secondly, we ask that you partner with a young person in prayer. They will pray for you and you will pray for them throughout May, June and July. We ask special prayers during their June summer mission trip and July Presbyterian conference. Look for the Mission Tree to grab a prayer card, and on the back give us your contact information. Thirdly, we ask that you support our youth financially. While the youth budget covers a majority of the expenses, there are significant expenses that remain: van rentals, gas, meals while traveling, etc. You will have an opportunity to give through our March… Wall O’ Money From the 200 envelopes, (1) select a dollar amount that you wish to give, (2) place that amount in cash or check in the envelope, then (3) seal the envelope and place in the container. Before you seal the envelope, remove the index card and read a personal note or scripture from our youth. They are excited to share with you their favorite scripture verses and what these experiences mean to them. You can also “Sponsor A Youth” by financially paying for their portion of the camp or mission trip fees. Take a tag off the Mission Tree and write your name and contact information on the tag. Then place your donation and the tag in the envelope provided and place in the container. These mission trip and church conference experiences are faith-filled, transformative, and powerful! We sincerely thank you for supporting our young people with your love, care, support, monetary donations, and prayers. Youth Pages Page 8 MARCH CALENDAR Page 9 Big Events & Deadlines com 1 – SUN 3:00 p.m. Group returns from Conclaves No evening Youth Group 4 – WED 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. 8 – SUN 4 – 6 p.m. Youth Bible Study (Youth Room) Youth Group (Youth Room) DEADLINE to sign-up for Summer Mission Trip to New Orleans 11 – WED 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. Youth Bible Study (Youth Room) 15 – SUN No evening Youth Group – beginning of Spring Break DEADLINE to sign-up for Spring Youth Rally day trip Summer Youth Mission Trip Youth Rally at to New Orleans Spring Branch PC, Houston for 7 – 12th graders Sunday, March 22 $150 / person for 7 – 12th graders FREE event Deadline to sign up: Sunday, March 8 18 – WED 22 – SUN 25 – WED No Youth Bible Study (Spring Break) $50 deposit and paperwork due Deadline to sign up: Sun, March 15 8:00 a.m. Leave for Spring Youth Rally in Houston 4:00 p.m. Return; Parent pick-up at CPC 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. 29 – SUN YOUTH are GREETERS for morning worship (10:00 – 10:30 a.m.) 4 – 6 p.m. Youth Group (Youth Room) Youth Bible Study (Youth Room) Chris Tomlin concert & Lock-in at Woodlands PC for 7 – 12th graders Parents and friends welcome too! $25 / person Deadline to sign up: Sun, March 22 $25 due Synod Youth Workshop Presbyterian High School Conference in Tulsa, OK 9 – 12th graders $175 / person Deadline to sign up: Wednesday, April 1 $100 deposit and paperwork due
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