* Childcare now available from 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. ers ...€¦ · Presbytery on November 18th at 10:00 am. There will be two special speakers. Benedictine sister, Sister Anne

Sundays

November 5th ~ 8:30 & 11:00 am

~ Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost ~

~ Communion Sunday ~

~ Daylight Savings Time Ends ~

Exodus 17:1-7; Philippians 2:1-24

“Radical Faith” Britney Knight

November 12th ~ 8:30 & 11:00 am

~ Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost ~

Mark 14:3-9

“Extravagant Gifts” Rev. Chris Weichman

November 19th ~ 8:30 & 11:00 am

~ Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost ~

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

“Pledge Sunday” Rev. Chris Weichman

November 26th ~ 8:30 & 11:00 am

~ Christ the King / Reign of Christ ~

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Matthew 25:31-46

“What Kind of King Do We Serve?” Britney Knight

The Caring Church in the Heart of the City!

November 1, 2017 / Volume 34, No. 11

* Childcare now available from

9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Our Neighbor’s Place returns to FPCC on Nov. 22nd ~ Dec. 5th for the 6th winter season of this mission outreach. We are blessed to have a wonderful facility to house this im-portant effort and plenty of willing

volunteers to help make it a success.

We will be partnering with six other congregations and the Community Shelter Service agency throughout the win-ter, ending March 27th when hopefully spring arrives.

Volunteers are needed for all 3 shifts (7:00-11:00 p.m., 11p.m.-3:00 a.m. & 3 a.m.-7:00 a.m.) during the two week stay at our church, please contact Dale Sweet (898-3417) if you would like to sign up. Pat Tracy (864-6118) will or-ganize the food needs of the shelter, so contact her if you would like to help.

We have placed two trees throughout the church with several cards asking for items we will need during the stay at our church. Please help yourself to as many as you like and return the items before Nov 22nd. The fresh food items should be returned on the date specified on each card.

Thank you in advance for all of your support. We have all been truly blessed, “The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these broth-ers of mine, you did for me.”

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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5

~ Stewardship Dedication ~

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-19) These words of the apostle Paul show that for the Christian, thanksgiving is not relegated to a specific circumstance or season but

is rather an outlook on life. We do have many things to be thankful for no matter our circumstance.

The month of November we will be concen-trating on stewardship. To be a steward simply means to be a caretaker. As individuals you are called to be stewards of what God has blessed you with: time, our talents, and treasure. As a church we are to be stewards of our ministries, our building, and the gifts we receive.

We have many things to celebrate: growing worship attendance and a vibrant ministry in and with the community. Your generosity is vital to the great things happening in the church and neighbor-hood. This month in our worship we will look at the extravagant generosity of God and asking how should we respond with the thing which we have been blessed. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you will support the ministry and mission First Pres-byterian Church of the Covenant in 2018.

This month you will be receiving a letter with a pledge card. On Sunday November 19th we are asking that you bring your pledge card, to be dedicated in worship. We ask that you prayerfully examine your heart and consider your response to God’s work in your own life and at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

Everyone’s gift and participation is important, regardless of the amount.

VOLUME 34, NO. 11 THE COVENANT CHIMES

PAGE 2

Our mission at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant

is:

“To awaken all people to our need for a life-changing encounter

with the living Lord Jesus Christ, and to encourage and equip each one to become His fully-devoted follower.”

From t he De sk of Pas tor Chr is

As always, I am excited to be teaching a class during Faith Formation in the Fidelis Room. We will be covering a variety of interesting topics.

Our Fall calendar looks like this:

November 5th to 19th ~ “The Stewardship of Life”

November 26th – guest teacher (I will be on vacation)

December classes will include: The Genealogy of Jesus, Jesus in the Manger, and The Wise Men.

This class is not about how much or how little you know, but about asking questions and growing in faith.

All are welcome!

Pastor’s Class

First Covenant is hosting Presbytery on November 18th

at 10:00 am.

There will be two special speakers. Benedictine sister, Sister Anne McCarthy will speak on mindfulness at 11:30 a.m. & James Draned from Edinboro University will be leading a reflection on the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation.

We are also looking for hosts to help guide Presbytery visitors through the building. If you would like to volunteer contact Anne at the church office, 814-456-4243.

P res byter y Me et i ng

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VOLUME 32 NO. 5

*Please pray regularly for our ministry.

We have listed below some of our

congregational joys & concerns as

The Covenant Chimes goes to press on

October 26, 2017:

Prayer Concerns…

for God’s healing presence for those

discharged from hospitals since

the last edition of The Covenant Chimes:

Debra Dauer & Kenneth Anderson

* If you know that you are going to be

hospitalized & would like to be visited

please contact the church office.

In Loving Memory...

of those who have joined the church

triumphant:

~ Judy Anderson ~ September 26, 2017

(Member)

VOLUME 34, NO. 11

Congregational

Joys & Concerns

PAGE 3

Church

Calendar

To all Elders, Heads of Committees & Groups: please keep Anne informed when planning or changing a meeting date, time or location. It is helpful for scheduling other church functions, out-side meetings & a night host. ~ Thank you!

Volunteers Needed!

Interested in helping others? If so, please con-tact Vic Glembocki at 864-9096 to volunteer your time to prepare & serve the many guests they see daily at the City Mission Kitchen, 1023 French St. the first Thursday of every month between 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

November date is the 2nd!

If you notice an incorrect or missing birthday,

please help us by calling the church office at

814-456-4243 so that we can

update our records.

Thank you!

Nov. 15 Barrett Walker Carlee Wood

Nov. 17 Robert Mohr Mark Tattersall

Nov. 18 Lena Carlson Eleanor Wells Clive Tattersall

Nov. 20 Gail Bodner Georgia Mohr Jason Fisher

Nov. 21 Stella Seifert Ruth Schauer

Nov. 22 Jesse Geiger Susan McCann

Nov. 24 Cindy Kerchoff Valerie Anderson Kelsey Fair

Nov. 25 Margaret Matthews

Nov. 27 David Shapter

Nov. 28 Megan Loney

Nov. 30 Patricia Tracy

Nov. 1 Carol Amann Jeffrey Beach Shannon Patton Janet Wilson Anne Wyneken Jean Tauber Noah Estrich

Nov. 2 Beverly Wells Nathaniel Stumpf

Nov. 4 Elizabeth Best Andrew Bajorek

Nov. 5 Kirstan Powers Makayla Savko

Nov. 6 John Mohr Haley Fabich

Nov. 7 Nancy Andrews Liam Ferrick Connor Ferrick

Nov. 8 Dorothy Langdon Cecily Sesler

Nov. 9 Cody Bernardini Daniel Verno

Nov. 10 Chris Herendeen

Nov. 11 Nancy Fair

Nov. 14 Radu Bogdan Judy Gaither

Looking for a Few Good Drivers!!

The Deacons are looking for church members to volunteer to give members a ride to church to experi-ence FPCC worship & fellowship.

If you are willing to help with this outreach please call Debbie or Rick Bernardini at 825-5937 for more details.

The church office will be closed for Thanksgiving

November 23rd & 24th

Church Office

Closed

Articles Due by: Wednesday,

November 15th

Mailed on: Wednesday,

November 22nd

December Issue…

November 5th

The Communion

Table will be set by

God for you on... Sunday, November 5th

Communion

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THE COVENANT CHIMES

Cl erk ’s Cor ner

~ September Meeting ~

At the stated meeting on October 16th Session:

Received the following people into membership: Joanna Ream, Angela Mendez, Becky Veith, Daniel Veith, Karen Weichman, Emma Weichman, and Noelle Weichman.

Was informed that Emma Shimek has applied to be a YAD (Youth Advisory Delegate) to the June 2018 meeting of General Assembly in St. Louis.

Tabled action regarding the issuing of parking stickers to all members.

Continued discussion on the need for nursery attendants at various times on Sunday mornings.

Expressed continued commitment of support to Britney Knight in her efforts towards ordination. Britney has several ordination exams scheduled for late October.

Reconsidered previous action regarding the starting time of the Christmas eve worship service and act-ed to change the time of that service to 6:30 p.m. on December 24th.

Voted to accept the resignation of John Gregory from the Board of Deacons with regrets and thanksgiv-ing for his many years of service.

Voted to amend the wedding policy such that hence forth only approved ordained clergy may officiate weddings in First Covenant.

~ W.D. Holmes Clerk of Session

Advent Devotional 2017

Songs of Advent by Members & Friends of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant

This year we are asking individuals, families & friends of First Covenant to write re-flections for our Advent Devotional. During Advent, Reverend Chris Weichman will be teaching on the Songs of Mary, Zechariah & Simeon in the Gospel of Luke. These songs

are included in the birth narrative of Jesus Christ. They also have music that has been created around them. In fact, there are so many hymns in our hymnal that were inspired by the coming of Jesus Christ!

We have chosen 21 Advent Hymns with coordinating Scriptures to reflect on this December. Some hymns are familiar, some are historically significant & some will be new to you. There are 21 days to cover! If you or your family are interested in writing or drawing a reflection for our advent devotional, contact Britney Knight at 814.456.4243 x112. Devotionals are due no later than November 12th to be included in the booklet.

You are invited to join our church family in the Third Floor Lounge for an Advent Luncheon on Decem-ber 3rd after the 11:00 AM worship service to kick off the Season of Advent! Come & enjoy one of Chef Jackie Jones’ delicious soups plus salad, bread & dessert!

At this luncheon, families, couples & individuals will make their very own advent wreath to take home. We will learn about the meaning behind advent wreaths & how to make use of them in preparation for Christmas, sing Christmas songs & enjoy one another!

If you are interested in joining us, RSVP to Anne in the church office (814-456-4243 x100). The cost is $5 per person & $2 for Children 5 yrs. old & younger. The last day to RSVP is Sunday, November 26th.

Advent Luncheon

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THE COVENANT CHIMES

It’s never too late to come & find out how!!

Interested in singing during the Advent and Christmas season? Please come join the Covenant Choir on Thursday nights at 7:15 for the Advent / Christmas Choir! We would love to have additional singers go-ing us for this beautiful time in the life of the church. Rehearsals for the Advent/Christmas choir will be Thursday November 16, 30, December 7, 14, and 21. Hope you can join us!

Spiritual Formation/Music hour for ages 4 through 5th grade is from 9:30-10:30 on the third floor on Sundays. All are welcome!! The music will both reinforce the lessons taught and we have begun pageant rehearsals during this time each week. Join us for “Christmas in the Country” to be presented in a special 10 am worship service on December 17th! Contact Monty if you would like to help or have any ques-tions.

Greater than the Sum, for grades 6-12, meets directly after the conclusion of the 11 am service until 1 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome regardless of previous experience! Please feel free to come with sug-gestions for music that helps you to feel and explore your faith. This group will continue to sing, ring bells and explore a wide variety of genres and instrumentation as we together explore the music that the Spirit uses to speak to us. Join us for a music-filled winter!

Want to Be a Part of the Music at FPCC!

Save the Dates in December

Sunday Suppers

There is no denying that food is important at Sunday Supper, but fellowship is also of great importance. You are always welcome to come & volunteer on a Sunday, as there is no such thing as too many volunteers. If you are comfortable having conversation with someone you don’t know, please come & spend a few hours chatting with our guests as many of them are lonely & in need of companionship. If you are a prayer warrior, come, chat & offer to pray with those who are struggling. You are always welcome.

Thank you to all who volunteered on Sunday, October 15th. It was a great day in spite of the downpour outside. We served over 900 guests in the five Sunday month of October & the number would have been close to 1,000 had the rain held off on the 15th. We are truly blessed to be able to continue this ministry with so much congregational & community support. The Women’s Auxiliary of the Elks Club donated $1,000 this past month. The surprises just keep coming. God is good!

In November, meals will be served by Immanuel Baptist Church, Lakewood United Methodist Church & Lamb of God Lutheran Church. We will not serve Sunday Supper on November 19th as that is the date of the Thanksgiving meal at the MLK Center & we try hard not to serve when another meal is offered on a Sunday.

Friday, December 1st ~ Sanctuary Open House: Downtown D’lights & Gallery Night - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 3rd ~ First Sunday in Advent Luncheon - 12:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 9th ~ Erie Chamber Orchestra - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 12th ~ Erie Philharmonic Chorus - Handel’s Messiah - 7:30 p.m. (Tickets Required)

Sunday, December 17th ~ Children’s Christmas Musical – 10:00 a.m. (Only one service) Sunday, December 24th ~ Morning Worship Service—10:00 a.m. (Only one service)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 6:30 p.m.

** You are invited to attend the Thanksgiving Day worship service with communion at St Paul’s Cathedral 10:00AM all are welcome.

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PAGE 6

www.

FirstCovenantErie.org

Covenant Preschool

Hopefully, you were able to see us walking the halls and in the church office in our cos-tumes on Halloween. During our annual parade, the children enjoyed entertaining their friends & families with their Halloween songs and costumes.

During the month of November, the preschool children and staff will be selling Romolo Christmas Candy until Friday November 17th. All orders will be in on Tuesday, December 5th for pick up in the preschool. We will have a order form in the church office if anyone is interested.

The preschool still has a few openings in our two year old classes. It is never too late to join preschool! If you have any questions, need an application, or would like a tour of the preschool, you can call the Direc-tor, Lisa Hiegel at 456-4243 x102.

~ Lisa Hiegel, Preschool Director

Sundays at 4:30-6:30 PM

Dates

~ November 5th ~ November 12th ~ November 19th

~ November 26th-NO YOUTH GROUP

~ December 3rd- NO YOUTH GROUP (Advent Luncheon) ~ December 10th- Arrive between 4:00-4:15 PM to Church ~ December 17th- Arrive @ 4:00 PM to Church ~ December 24th & December 31st- NO YOUTH GROUP

Youth Group in November & December

Thank you so much for all the cards, visits & keep-ing me on the pray-er chain.

Also, the rides too ~ I am very grateful for it all. It

has been such a blessing during this illness. God Bless You!

Thanks again ~ Cathy Amond

* Parents & Students, please mark these dates on your calendars! On December 10th, the Youth Group will be traveling to Elmwood Gar-den Presbyterian Senior Care to deliver Christ-mas gifts then carol in the hallways & dining rooms. Please arrive no later than 4:15 PM to the church. The kids will have a quick sandwich dinner before we head over. We will need some parent drivers, so if interested please contact Britney Knight. On December 17th, the Youth Group will participate in the Covenant Christ-mas Store as Shelpers (Shopping Helpers) & Wrapping Elves. Please arrive by 4:00 PM. Din-ner will still be provided. If you have any ques-tions, contact Britney 814.456.4243 x112.

Welcome New Members!

Reception of Members by

Reaffirmation of Faith

& Letter of Transfer on October 22, 2017

were: Susan Evans, Joanna Ream, Becky Veith, Dan Veith, Karen Weichman, Emma

Weichman & Noelle Weichman (not

pictured).

T hank You!

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THE COVENANT CHIMES

Christmas Toy Drive

It is already that time of the year! Last year, we collected toys, books, and stuffed animals during the Children’s Christmas Pageant. Your donations provided over 100 children in our community with gifts on Christmas morning!

This year, we are doing it again! During the month of December, Britney’s office will become Santa’s Storehouse once more! We are collecting NEW UNWRAPPED toys, books, and stuffed animals for families at Sunday Suppers. You can either drop them off at the church office during December or bring them up during the Christmas Pageant Worship Service on December 17th; which is also the last day for collection.

We are also in need of people who are willing to wrap gifts or be “Shelpers” (Shopping Help-ers) for customers at the Covenant Christmas Store during Sunday Suppers on December 17th. For more information, contact Britney Knight at 814.456.4243 x112.

The church office will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd & Friday, November 24th to enjoy Thanksgiving.

Reminder … Office Closed

Deacon’s Christmas Food Baskets

During November, the Deacons will begin collecting nonperishable canned goods and boxed items to supplement the Christmas Food Baskets. The baskets will be provided for our church members and regular attendees who might need some assistance as we ap-proach the Christmas season.

Donations will be collected at the 7th Street entrance from November 1 — December 5th. The baskets will be gifted on Saturday, December 9th.

Please see the list below for needed items. We would like to thank you in advance for your kindness in mak-ing someone’s holiday a blessed and joyful one.

If you know someone who could benefit from receiving a basket, help assemble baskets or minister in any capacity, please call Mary Ann Sesler at 814-490-9629 or Anne in the church office at 814-456-4243.

The Deacons also plan to add homemade cookies to the baskets this year. We are asking anyone who would like to donate a dozen cookies to include in the baskets to please drop them off in the church office on or before Friday, December 8th. Thank you!

Families with children:

*Macaroni & cheese *Drink mixes

*Microwave popcorn *Jam & Jelly

*Peanut butter *Kid-friendly cereals

*Raisins & dried fruits *Gummi bears *Cocoa mixes *Tang, Kool-Aid

Adults & Seniors:

*Adult cereals & oatmeal *Muffin mixes

*Single serving items like … Soup *Hard candies

Items for any baskets:

* Canned fruit *Canned vegetables

*Bottled juice/juice boxes *Canned beans/chili

*Baking supplies/spices/nuts *Bisquick

*Tomato sauce *Dried rice/beans

*Hamburger helper *Dry soup mixes

*Crackers *Instant potatoes

*Cake mixes *Sprinkles for cookies

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Connections Youth Event: Success!

PAGE 8

Something awesome happened on the evening of October 14th, 2017…34 students and 15 adult leaders from 6 different churches in the Presbytery of Lake Erie gathered together for a night of faith and fun at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant! The students and leaders focused on being the body of Christ as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13: “ For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all bap-tized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” Check out the pictures below for highlights of the night:

Students were divided into groups to see which group of strangers could work together as a team to finish a puzzle first:

Led by Deacon Cindy Kerchoff, the students and leaders stuffed 101 stuffed animals for organiza-tions like SafeNet, The Linus Project, and hospitals to give to children who are working through trauma or suffering from illness:

Midnight Prayer Service led by the Youth with a message by Reverend Keith Sundberg:

A BIG THANK YOU to these members and staff of First Covenant: Lorie Fritts, Holly Murphy, Geoff Ginader, Donna Vokish, Cindy Kerchoff, Montgomery Service, and Jackie Jones. This was not possible without the body of Christ at First Covenant working together!

WINNERS

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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5

Thanksgiving Opportunity to Care & Share

VOLUME 34, NO. 11

PAGE 9

Make Connections in November

Connect with God. Connect with each other. Connect with our neighbors. Once again, we will do some of each this month. Delicious meals are served on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. by Jack Jones and Kevin Steven-son and friends. At 6:15 we enjoy a “connecting” activity! Even with today’s electronics and social media, it is easy to live dis-connected. But not if you visit Connections every week, mid-week. Make Connections in November!

November 1 The House that Wisdom Built ~ Members of First Covenant helped connect a family of 6 with a Habitat for Humanity house in September and October. On November 5 at 3 p.m. they will be welcomed into their new at 27th & Pear Streets. Learn about the Habitat process and sign a card to go with a microwave that the church will present to the family on November 5.

November 8 Nepal? Bhutan? What brought you to Erie? ~ Connect with Prakash, our visitor on World Communion Sunday in October. He will share his story (and a song or two) with us after dinner tonight.

November 15 Thanksgiving Dinner & Activity ~ Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving tur-key meal with all the fixings. How do you give thanks to God? We will connect through expressing gratitude following dinner.

November 22 NO CONNECTIONS (Thanksgiving)

November 29 Hanging of the Greens ~ First, a roast beef dinner! Then, connect through decorating the sanctuary, parlor and hallways for Christmas with the sanctuary guild. Britney will have a special activity for kids.

When you live thousands of miles from home, sometimes you feel alone. When you live in a new culture you don’t fully understand, sometimes you feel like a stranger. When you see the community around you gathering with generations of family members for dinner, you feel left out. Gannon’s international stu-dents experience all of these sentiments regularly.

For the third or fourth time in recent years, Gannon’s faculty and employees who work closely with in-ternational students, will host a Thanksgiving dinner at First Covenant on Saturday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m. And your presence can help students from India, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Germany, China, Libya, Serbia, etc. feel like they are experiencing a “real” American Thanksgiv-ing. Older adults, families with children, and everyone in between from the church, are invited to create a “family” atmosphere in Knox Hall for students.

Share your Thanksgiving memories. Share stories about what Thanksgiving means to you. Explain the foods and traditions of Thanksgiving. AND get to learn from stu-dents what family gatherings in their country mean to them. If you would like to bring a pie or other Thanksgiving treats, do it! But it is not required. Exchange phone numbers and emails with a student or two and plan to meet in the future. Or just enjoy this once a year event. After dinner, accompany students who are inter-ested in a sanctuary visit. Invite them to sit with you one Sunday morning and expe-rience an American Christian worship service.

Looking for a way to care and share this Thanksgiving? The Gannon International Student Thanksgiving dinner is a great opportunity!

JOIN US!

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PAGE 10

The Habitat for Humanity home will be dedicated on Sunday Nov. 5th at 3pm. The “House that Wisdom Built” is located at 2717 Pear Street, Erie. We will be welcoming the family of Jose and Katherine, and their four children. Please feel free to join us as we present a microwave oven for their new home.

Thank you to all the volunteers that helped make this a home for them. Jose is so excited to have a new home to share with his family. ~ Tim Tracy, Coordinator for Volunteers

November 5: Habitat Home Dedication

Final Chance for 2017...Sign Up!

November is your final opportunity of the year to support the Deacon sponsored blood drives & save a life when the Commu-nity Blood Bank Blood Mobile returns to our

church parking lot on Saturday, November 18th, from 8:00 a.m. until Noon.

Please sign up with Tim Campbell by calling him at (814) 397-8570.

Help “Hang the Greens” Nov. 29th

“Deck the Halls”, the Parlor, Knox Hall & other parts of the church on Wednesday, November 29th.

First, enjoy a delicious roast beef dinner for $6.00 prepared by Connections Cooks Jackie Jones & Kevin Stevenson.

Then, the Sanctuary Guild design team will lead youth & adult volunteers in the decorating of the building. Special Advent activities for the chil-dren! It all begins at 5:15 p.m.; be sure to make your dinner reservation by noon November 27th. Bring a friend!

Ethnic Cooking for a Cause November 4

Our friends at the Turkish Cultural Center (3024 State Street), who shared a delicious Ramadan meal with us in May, are offering a Turkish cooking class in Knox Hall/Kitchen on Saturday, November 4 at 3:00 p.m. It will be followed by a 5:00 p.m. full Turkish dinner offered to the public. Class or dinner or BOTH: $10. All proceeds go to Puerto Rico hurricane relief. Goal: $1,500.

Learn to cook börek (stuffed phyllo), yayla soup (yogurt/vegetable/herb) and şekerpare (walnut cookies). All are part of the dinner, plus a mushroom dish, salad

and döner (gyro)! RSVP to the church office 814.456.4243.

We had very good representation by FPCC walkers this year. A total of 23 walkers who raised $4200. 25% of this amount will be distributed to our local food pantries at a later date.

Thank you to the following walkers: Leslie Weber, Michael Burns, Alice & Rich Holmes, Derek Sweet, Beth & Andrew Spriegel, Karola Ranft, Linda Majew-ski, Pat Bieber, Sheila Sweet, Rev. Chris Weichman & daughter, Emma, Julie Copen, Darcy, Geoff, Jackson & Sophia Ginader, Cindy Kerchoff, Bill, Jean & Bob Tauber and Tim Tracy. Thank you FPCC for your gen-erous support to these walkers & those who receive the benefits of this mission to feed the hungry.

~ Tim Tracy, Coordinator CWS CROP/Hunger Walk

CropWalk Recap Linda Majewski (lower right) and Abdullah Basil Obaid (left) were part of the church team that helped build "Wisdom House" in October.

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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5

More Reflections from Ghana

VOLUME 34, NO. 11

PAGE 11

The Lake Erie Presbytery trip to Ghana in September has helped me re-think hospitality and cultural di-versity. Sometimes God gives us new perspectives when we are in unfamiliar, uncomfortable situations. When we spend time outside of our comfort zone. At least that has been my experience in life. Bill Tauber and I plan to share a video, pictures, stories and lessons learned in Ghana during the Faith Formation Hour (9:30 a.m.) on Sunday, November 19. A Ghana Mission Partnership display will be presented in the Commu-nity Gallery during November. In the meanwhile, here are more reflections from our trip. –Seph Kumer

Rethinking “Hospitality” ~ I am learning that the hospitality we offer might be a reflection of how we experience God’s “hospitality” in our lives. Does God welcome “strangers” lavishly? Does God go out of the way to invite us? Is God’s hospitality about “appearances” or “substance”? Is God’s forgiveness small? Is God’s grace and mercy limited?

Experiencing hospitality outside of my comfort zone helps me better grasp God’s boundless love and welcome. Whether it is a group of Arab men who call me “brother” and invite me to a lamb feast… Or a group of Indian students who gather their limited resources to prepare and share a meal or birthday party with me… Or now new friends in Ghana who offer sacrificial gifts of lovingly-prepared meals, live guinea hens, sacks of garden produce, limitless bottled water, clothing, homebrewed beer, vigilant care… Outward hospitality seems to reflect one’s inner reality. Those who know what it is like to be a stranger

and be truly welcomed are perhaps the most welcoming.

As amazing as these examples are of hospitality, and as much as they even reflect the love and welcome God has for us, I am convinced that God’s hospitality is even greater! Therefore, my welcoming and invitation of strangers must expand! God’s wel-come & love are sacrificial! I cannot out-give or out-welcome God, but it is fun to try!

It is difficult to describe how much the “Lake Erie Presbytery” is loved and appreci-ated by the churches and ministries with whom we partner in northern Ghana! The hospitality we received there included messages of regard and gratitude for everyone in the Presbytery.

Many ways to cook rice ~ My time spent with international students and my recent visit to Ghana have

been challenging me to more fully appreciate all of the imaginatively unique ways our God has created all people and cultures: We’ve been made with many skin colors and hair textures. We prepare rice and bread and meat and vegeta-bles in limitless ways. We eat with our hands or we eat with utensils; on the floor or at a table. We carry our babies in our arms, in wraps on our chest or back. We speak different languages. We make music with different instruments with a plethora of rhythms. We wear different kinds of cloth fashioned into dif-ferent styles of clothing. We dance differently. We build our houses small and simple or larger and more complex.

Some things we seem to share across cultural boundaries: We love our chil-dren. We want to love and be loved. We are spiritual; or at least we seem to have a void in our being which only God can fill. Yet no matter where we are from, we try to fill the void with many “things” besides God.

We are created in God’s image in all of our diversity! To think “our way” of living is the only way, or the superior way with which to compare all other ways, is simply limiting God and not appreciating God’s amazing, creative, col-orful, limitLESS nature.

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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5

How Do You Make Peace?

What is God Doing in Ghana?

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Bill Tauber and Seph Kumer traveled with the Lake Erie Presbytery to find out the answer to that ques-tion in September. They were accompanied by a filmmaker from New York and a brief documentary of sorts is set to be completed by mid-November. Because of this, Bill and Seph would like to invite you to at-tend a combined Faith Formation presentation on Sunday morning, November 19.

Come see and hear about the fruit of the Lake Erie Presbytery partnership with the Upper Northern Pres-bytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church-Ghana. Churches in northwest PA are partnered with church-es in Ghana for ministry. And God is blessing the team effort! A medical clinic, a church roof, a youth com-puter center, a new congregation forming in a crowded market district, a pastor’s seminary training… all part of the partnership. And each has a ripple-effect! This is part of a new emerging mission model world-wide. It is exciting to be a part of a denomination with mission/ministry connections all over the world.

Whether the video is completed by November 19 or not, Bill and Seph will have photos and stories to share. Learn about the mission and ministry work you are enabling in Ghana. Watch your worship bulletin for more details!

Our Presbyterian Church USA denomination has invested in one form of peace-making for over 30 years. “International Peacemakers” are brought to hosting churches and presbyteries across the United States by the denomination annually. They come from places affected by war, violence, poverty and injustice. They come to share a first-person account of work being done to address these news making issues.

In 2017, 15 individuals came to America from locations like Palestine, Myanmar, Sudan…and for us in Erie-Mexico. Lydia Cordero Cabrera visited Erie for a week in October from Juarez (near the Texas/Mexico border) with her interpreter Mary Kate Bevel. She spoke at 3 Gannon classes, 1 class at Mercyhurst, 2 bible studies, a Sunday School class, worship services at First Covenant, and many informal meals and “coffees”. She shared her story about the violence in her community, especially against women. And she challenged listeners to consider how interconnected the world’s economies are. America’s heroin demand and hunger for discount electronics are, perhaps, linked to Juarez’s violent drug cartels and $4 a day factory wages.

Lydia and Mary Kate stayed at the Kirk House while Lydia shared her story with over 350 people across Erie. Listeners were able to experience a news-making issue from the perspective of one in the middle of the struggle. Listeners were offered an opportunity to place themselves in Lydia’s shoes. Listeners were asked to consider some complex, muti-faceted ideas. Lydia visited Presbyterians and their communities in Ohio, Alabama and Michigan to share her story as well.

While Lydia traveled she experienced some struggles that American communities and churches are fac-ing. She placed herself in the shoes of her hosts. She returned home with an expanded idea of life in the United States and the challenges faced north of the border.

In recent years First Covenant also helped bring peacemakers to Erie from Syria and South Africa. The congregation is developing a positive reputation for bringing persons engaged in the current events of the world to share their stories with Erie’s students and citizens.

Jesus said in the beatitudes “blessed are the peacemakers” and “love your enemies”. But how do we in-corporate these in our daily routine? It takes intentionality. Perhaps, when people strive to understand complex issues... When citizens reject “sound bite simplici-ty”... When one listens first-hand to the experiences of others… When people ex-plore and learn across “lines” of race, culture, gender, nationality, ethnicity, politi-cal alignment, religion... When one is not afraid to “experience” life in another’s shoes. These are goals of the Presbyterian Church-USA “International Peacemaker” program. How are you making peace?

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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5 VOLUME 34, NO. 11

PAGE 13

2018 Wellness Program on Its’ Way

The Deacons are working with Gannon’s Doctor of Physical Therapy students to initiate a wellness program.

Please take a moment to read & respond to their letter:

We recognize the need for promotion and encouragement of living a healthy lifestyle for the older adult. Our purposes in conducting this program are to provide educational insight and offer safe activities to promote overall health, wellness, and fitness.

We anticipate this program to occur during the spring of 2018 and span across eight weeks. The sessions would occur once per week and would last about an hour. We will likely begin the sessions with 15-20 minutes of an educational topic, and the remainder of the time will be an activity.

We are willing to meet your needs and interests by creating a wellness program based on interesting ac-tivities. Please use the topics on the reverse side as a guideline for what you wish for us to incorporate into the wellness program, however, feel free to offer any additional ideas based upon your interests. We will be more than willing to adapt the program in order to create an enjoyable environment!

Thank you for your consideration and for the support of the students of the Gannon Doctorate of Physi-cal Therapy program. We greatly appreciate it and we look forward to working with you!

Sincerely, Jennifer Gravatt, Victoria Lavery, Kelly Parsons, Brenna Powers, Nicholas Stephenson & David Ways

Please return this form to the church office: Attn: Mary Ann Sesler by November 15th

or email her at [email protected].

Please check a time & day that works best for you:

Monday Afternoon Evening

Tuesday Afternoon Evening

Wednesday Afternoon Evening

Thursday Afternoon Evening

Friday Afternoon

Saturday Morning Afternoon

Sunday Afternoon Evening

Please check this box if you would be interested in participating in this 8-week program.

Please check all that you are interested in:

Dancing

Yoga

Balance

Strength and Endurance

Flexibility

Home Based Exercises

Gym Based Exercises

Walking Programs

Proper Footwear

Nutrition and Healthy Eating

Pain Management

Hydration

Posture

Stress management

Brain Games & Memory Retention

Hand & Finger Strengthening Exercises & Activities

(knitting, writing, sewing, painting)

Other ____________________________________________

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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5

VOLUME 34, NO. 9

PAGE 14

David Bennett, Weekend Host Abby Blankenship, Campus Minister Helen Greider, Sunday Morning Host

Ian Headley, Weeknight Host Lisa Hiegel, Director, Covenant Preschool

Seth Hiegel, Weeknight Host Jackie K. Jones, Covenant Cook

Britney Knight, Director, Youth & Family Ministry Luba Kovalchuk, Custodian

Seph Kumer, Director, Community Engagement JoAnn Peters, Finance/Records Administrator

Anne Sauer, Administrative Assistant John Scepura, Building & Maintenance Mechanic

Kyle Schumacher, Campus Minister Monty Service, Coordinator, Missional Music

Kevin Stevenson, Covenant Cook Leslie Weber, Organist & Choirmaster

Rev. Chris Weichman, Pastor/Head of Staff

Church Staff

AMS

Rev. Chris Weichman, Moderator of Session William D. Holmes, Clerk of Session

Dale Sweet, Associate Clerk of Session

Trustees

Class of 2020 Charlotte Foresther

Charles Kibler

Allen Sheasley

Derek Sweet

Class of 2019 Bill Holter

Jennifer Koebe

John Marsden

Greg Sesler

Class of 2018 Camilla Decker

Ron Fabich

Gloria Knox

Bill Tauber

Deacons

Class of 2020 Linda Altof

Deborah Bernardini

Lorie Fritts

Melany Kramer

Scott Steva

Class of 2019 Julie Copen

Jason Fisher

Empty Seat

Cindy Kerchoff

LuAnn Shidemantle

Class of 2018 Rick Bernardini

Mary Lou Neithamer

Mary Ann Sesler

Sheila Sweet

Ellie Zimmer

Elders

Class of 2020 Gregory Cooper

Nancy Irwin

Linda Majewski

Dale Shidemantle

Diane Sutton

Class of 2019 Patricia Bieber

David Doupe

Paul Diefenbach

Andrew Spriegel

Scott Wright

Class of 2018 Sandra Herman

Scott Sesler

Marlene Spires

Richard Sheasley

Phyllis Tarno

Church Officers

Have you moved? Have a new phone number or email address? If you’ve changed any personal information, please update your church

records by contacting JoAnn Peters at 456-4243 x110 or

[email protected]

Keep Us Up To Date

Have you liked “First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant” or friended “First Covenant Church” on Facebook? This is one way to share good news about God’s work with FPCC. Also, if you take photos you think help tell our ministry story, be sure to share them to the church pages and/or tag the church!

Check Us Out

Totals are both pledge & non-pledge revenue

2017 YTD Budget = $316,415 2017 YTD Actual = $300,361

(as of 10.22.17)

VOLUME 34, NO. 11

BUDGET COACHES STILL NEEDED!

Purpose of ICM’s Financial Literacy Program: To empower families and individuals to gain control of their finances. ICM’s Budget Coaches will help strug-gling families better understand how to balance a checkbook, how to create a monthly written budget, how to develop a relationship with a bank, and how to start saving on a budget. Call Inter-Church Ministries at (814) 454-2411 to volunteer.

“Achieving Your Goals…

Empowerment Through

Financial Literacy”

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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5