Covenant Chronicle January 2017 - Covenant Presbyteriancovpresatlanta.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/... · Covenant Chronicle January 2017 The World Looks Brand New A Word from Richard

Covenant Chronicle January 2017 The World Looks Brand New

A Word from Richard (p.1) Where we are in the PNC Search Process (p.2) Nominations for Elder (p.2) Annual Meeting ^& Congregational Meeting (p.2) Adult Sunday School; “Science & Faith: Conflict or Complement?” (p.3) Sermons for January (p.3) Spiritual Retreat Day Jan. 21: ”Waking Up to the Fullness of Life” (p.3) Scenes from Covenant’s Christmas (p.4) Thank You Card from International Student Dinner (p.5) Covenant Youth Group: January (p.6) Church’s Financial Health Through December (p.6)

Office Renovation Project (p.7) Stewardship and Pledge Update (p.7) Tai Ji Winter 2017 Session (p.8) Of Note: Privileged, Grateful. Honored. Challenged. (p.9) BCM Food List / Open Door Needs (p.10) Update from the Haiti Committee (p.11) Thank You from Charlotte Cook (p.12) Central Night Shelter: Dates, Needs, & Signups (p.12) Upcoming Events in February & Later (p.12) Scouting and Class Schedules (p.12)

January Calendar (p.13) Choir Practices (p.13) Birthdays (p.14)

A Word from Richard Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? To be honest, I usually don’t. If there is something I need to change, just because it’ s a new year dawning, that is not enough motivation for me. If I need to lose weight, I might diet for a while and then go back to how I was living. If I stopped doing devotions, I start and go through Easter and then get back to “normal.”

And yet, recently I read the mission statement of a nearby church which read, “We seek to grow into the image of Christ.” And they challenge each person to consider how they need to grow into reflecting the image of God—“imago Dei”. This was a conservative church so I am not sure how that plays out; however, I do know a lot of young people who seek that church because they have high expectations of what it means to live as a Christian disciple. I may not agree with some of their theology and practices, but I do respect their mission and passion to grow in faith.

Covenant’s mission is “to equip the people of God to serve Christ in the world”—a great and worthy mission. So, if we are to take it seriously, then I and the leadership of the church should constantly assess how we are “equipping” you to serve Christ in the world. And I, myself, have to ask how I am being equipped as well. It really relates to that nearby church’s statement: how do I need Christ to change me to more fully reflect his image.

And when I consider it that way, the new year does prompt me to set some resolutions. So, I’ll confess some so that you may hold me accountable. As I am recreating a new life without Penny, I need to be more intentional. So, here are a few I am taking seriously:

Set a personal budget and track all expenses (Penny always kept and tracked our budget) Have my spiritual director hold me to a daily spiritual practice Pull my bucket-list/dreams out of the drawer (from my 50th birthday) and check off some of those life-long dreams that I had given up

Maybe you don’t see the integrity of making resolutions that you know you really will not keep. I understand. But in this new year, I do hope you will consider steps you can take for how Christ better equip you or how you can help better equip someone else. And that will help you and Covenant accomplish the mission Christ is calling us to in 2017. To New Beginnings and Hope, Richard

January Newsletter Covenant

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Where we are now during this interim: Please keep the PNC in your prayers.

Mini Rtrt 5/22

Mini Retreat

DONE 5-22

In Process

NOMINATIONS FOR ELDER: The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations from members to serve as Elders for the term beginning in Spring 2017 and for future terms and also to serve on the 2017 Nominating Committee beginning in February for one year. Please get your recommendations into the office or to Karen Turney or John Greeley by January 15th. The congregation will elect new officers on February 4th at the Annual Meeting.

ANNUAL MEETING & CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

On February 5 we will hold our Annual Meeting for which the primary business is to elect the next class of Elders,

to elect the new Nominating Committee and to approve the terms of call for the Associate Pastor.

Chronicle January Newsletter

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Sermons for January:

SCIENCE AND FAITH: CONFLICT OR COMPLEMENT? January Adult Sunday School Class

Please join us for our Adult Sunday School Class beginning January 8 at 9:30 AM in the Chapel led by Carson Meredith. Carson is a Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech.Georgia. Here is Carson's goal for the class: "My goal in each of these lessons is to cover some history or 'facts' on each topic , relate them to scripture, and get us thinking about the personal aspects. Ultimately I'd like to have everyone think about how can we be peacemakers and bearers of truth in a culture where religion and science are often pitted against one another." Class Schedule Jan. 8 : The nature and source of the conflict, from Augustine to Answers in Genesis. Jan. 15: Creationism and Evolution: understanding the central battleground of faith and science in our culture. Jan. 22: Origin of the Universe and Origins of Life: God as immanent creator in a hostile universe. Jan. 29: Science and technology in our lives (medicine and the environment). Can Christian principles guide us?

Spiritual Retreat Day: "Waking Up To The Fullness of Life"

Saturday January 21

A great way to begin 2017 is with a time of reflection, silence and meditation in a setting surrounded by nature. Of course, the practice of mindfulness is not just for one day but a discipline we can build into our lives every day. So I invite you to join us to learn more about the practice of mindfulness as a spiritual discipline. Whether you are a committed meditator or you have never tried it at all, you will get something out of this day. We will gather on Sat. Jan 21 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055 Rowell Rd. NE, Atlanta, 30342. We will be meeting inside of their building except for opportunities to walk around the trails during walking meditations. Our retreat leader

will be Kay Stewart who has been trained in Mindfulness-based Stress Resilience and has led numerous retreats and classes on the subject for Atlanta Presbytery. She also happens to be a close friend of the Hill family. The cost is $10.00 and we ask that you bring a sack lunch. We will be limited to 25 people. If you would like to participate please email Oscar at [email protected] or let Jill know and reserve your spot with $10. (give to Jill or Oscar). If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Jill.

January 1 “Home by a Different Way” (Rev.Kate Colussy-Estes) January 8 “What Tribe Do You Belong To?” (Dr. Richard Hill) Matthew 3:13-17 January 15 TBD (Dr. Jill Ulrici) January 22 “What Atheists Can Teach Us” (Dr. Richard Hill) Matthew 4:12-23 January 29 “Blessed are the Cheese-makers” (Dr. Richard Hill) Matthew 5:1-12

February 5 “We’re Above All That Legalism” (Dr. Richard Hill) Matthew 5:13-20 February 12 Youth Sunday February 19 “A Bloodless Bullfight” (Dr. Richard Hill) Matthew 5:38-48 February 26 TBD (Dr. Jill Ulrici)


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Scene’s from Covenant’s Christmas

And to anyone wanting to savor one last bit of Christmas Joy check out this YouTube video of 10 year old Kaylee Rodgers singing the band Cloverton's alternative lyrics to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfAwXDWThlo


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Card from Karen Turney’s International Student Dinner

December 21, 016


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Covenant Youth Group: January

1st: Happy New Year-No CYG 8th: 12:00-2:00 CYG Meeting 15th: 12:00-2:00 CYG Meeting 22th: 12:00-2:00 CYG Meeting 29th: 12:00-2:00 CYG Meeting

As part of an ongoing effort to increase communication and transparency on all matters of the Church, the Administration Committee plans to include monthly high-level updates on the current financial status of the church in the bulletin. If you have any questions about the information presented or any other financial-related matters, please feel free to contact the John Greeley or Pinckney Straughn.

DECEMBER

Pledged revenue Non pledged revenue Other revenue (rent, etc) Total Revenue Total Expenses Net Total

BUDGET $419,275

30,000 162,700

611,975 612,558

$(583)

YTD $439,541

24,669 153,215

617,425 598,974

$18,451


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OFFICE RENOVATION PROJECT: To create an appropriate office space for a new pastor coming this year and to upgrade all the staff offices, the total renovation cost is about $50,000. We estimate that $15,000 can come from our 2016 & 2017 budgets. For the remaining $35,000, we have pushed for year-end gifts in addition to fulfilling 2016 pledges. Currently, we have raised over $9,300 with a few more gifts expected. The remainder of the cost will come from our Building Reserve Fund (currently $116,000) which has been built up in recent years for unexpected maintenance costs. We hope to minimize dipping into this fund knowing it will be needed for a major renovation to our sanctuary organ within a few years.

2017 STEWARDSHIP UPDATE - As of Wednesday, January 4, 2017,

we have 77 pledges for ~$447,451 for 2017 vs 78 pledges for ~$420,400 in 2016.

We still anticipate a few more pledges will come in.

Pray for the Session as we solidify the budget for this new year.

Great things are coming!

Thank you for your support of Covenant as we seek to make even more of a difference!


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Covenant Presbyterian Church 2461 Peachtree Rd.., N.E.

404-237-0363 Mondays 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

January 9 - February 27 (skips January 16, Martin Luther King Day) 7 weeks, $90

TO REGISTER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Call Meg. Randolph, 404-758-4850 or e-mail: iimerbaancetajirne.com

Registration required one week prior to start of class. C1ass size limited due to space limitations.

WINTER 2017 SESSION


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OF NOTE: Privileged. Grateful. Honored. Challenged. These are just few of the words I use to describe working with the talented musicians at Covenant. It is a real joy to present music that has passed the test of time, as well as music that we hope will

become new favorites.

Time after time, our choir rises to new challenges. The latest example is our presentation of Dan Forest’s “Requiem for the Living”, combined with the choir from North Decatur Presbyterian Church. It felt like a good collaboration from our perspective, and we were very gratified by the response from the congregation at Covenant .

The days between the Christmas celebrations and the New Year are among the busiest for me. I have been at the church nearly every day planning the services through May. Taking into account the frequency of appearances by the Children’s Choir, the Handbell Choir, offering opportunities to showcase our talented staff singers , dodging the hazards of the calendar with school breaks, this process takes days to complete. Once done, Sandy Philp, our dedicated Music Librarian, and I assemble the music, in order, in 20 packets, ready for the choir’s first rehearsal on Wednesday, January 4. Sandy then begins the process of returning all the music we’ve just sung back to its place in the music library. I’m happy to provided guided tours of our music library. With over 1,000 titles, it’s really quite something to see, and the envy of many musicians in town.

After an honest effort to move our rehearsals from 8:30 on Sunday morning, the Handbell Choir has returned to that time. We realize that the early hour on Sunday presents a challenge when recruiting new members. But we use our time well, learning not just the notes on the page, but the music theory (the why and wherefore ). If we could get just two more ringers, we could expand our complement of bells to five octaves! Who’s ready for a challenge?

Still, with the early – and late – rehearsal times, the press of preparing for a new rehearsal cycle, and trying my best to balance competing needs and priorities, making music at Covenant is among the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I am grateful to the congregation for your support, both right after the Choir sings, and over time in the budget process. We intend to keep going strong so that our next Pastor can know and understand the music traditions at Covenant. Jeffrey


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BCM—Food Collection The Mission Committee has a monthly collection of food for BCM's pantry on the first Sunday of each month. If you forget to bring on the first Sunday, the following Sunday will be fine. There are two designated bins marked BCM; one outside the sanctuary on the Terrace street side, the other near the doorway in the Westminster Room off the parking lot. The suggested shopping list below will feed a family of four: Instant oatmeal or grits - 1 box Peanut Butter - 2 small jars Jelly - 1 small jar Cornbread mix - 2 boxes Soup - 4 cans Macaroni & Cheese - 4 boxes Dried beans - 1 bag Spaghetti - 1 medium box Rice - 2 bags Spaghetti Sauce - 2 jars Canned Vegetables - 4 cans Canned Beans - 3 cans Canned Tuna - 4 cans

A request was made for a handy checklist for the BCM Food Collection….


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UPDATE FROM THE HAITI COMMITTEE Hurricane Response

The story of 2016 was Hurricane Matthew – a natural disaster in a country that always seems fragile. The storm damaged buildings and swept away crops and livestock. The Haitian currency has lost significant value over the past few years and experienced a sudden and additional 10% devaluation in the wake of the storm. The purchasing power of the currency has dropped 50% in less than three years. Wages have been stagnant and prices of food and other goods have increased. The storm intensified an ongoing economic crisis.

The underlying principle of LaGonave Haiti Partners is responsible development and aid. The Overwhelming generosity of partner churches and individuals allowed us to wire over $80,000 for relief and rebuilding in the 3 months after the storm. $30,000 to repair buildings and walls. $26,000 to purchase rice, beans and cooking oil in the local markets for emergency food relief $6,000 to purchase goats to begin to replace lost livestock $14,000 for Pere Vil to use as he sees fit (e.g. buying bags of cement for people to repair homes, $2,950 for medika mamba

Scope of the Partnership At Covenant, we focus on the community of Nan Mango and our primary commitment is to fund the teacher salaries for the year, a total of $15,840. As our mission budget for the Haiti project is $12,000 a year, we rely on the Alternative Gift Market and the generosity of our members, families and friends to meet our school support obligations and to contribute to the other partnership programs that benefit Nan Mango. In 2016, Covenant members contributed over $16,000 to the partnership over and above our mission budget which allowed us to help support a number of programs including adult literacy, healthcare initiatives, the goat project and hurricane relief and rebuilding.

Each of the ten communities in the partnership benefits from each partnership program. Support of the schools is the largest portion of the annual partnership budget, over $240,000. The healthcare initiatives ($75,000) and school lunch program ($45,000) are also sizeable and require an ongoing commitment to fundraising. In total , the annual budget for ongoing programs exceeds $425,000.

The partnership remains an all-volunteer organization--- no paid staff. Covenant members have provided significant leadership to the organization. Deb Griffin stepped down as Board Chair in July and continues to serve as chair of the Medical Committee. Alison Caughman serves as a member of the board and executive committee as Secretary. Lee Wilder serves as Treasurer and member of the executive committee. Three of the 12 board seats are held by Covenant members. In addition, Jim Ingvoldstad continues to serve on the medical committee and Jan McAlister is our liaison with Childspring.

Nine Covenant members traveled to Haiti in 2016: Jewell and Grace Sanders, Ed and Katie Lloyd, John Greeley, Jim Ingvoldstad, Jan McAlister, Deb Griffin and Lee Wilder.

2017 Our new classrooms should be completed within several weeks as well as all repairs necessitated by the hurricane . The community garden has been replanted and should begin to yield produce soon.

Our next mission trip will be March 2 – 9, 2107 and it is NOT too early to be making plans. If you have any interest in going (Richard Hill, Alison Caughman and Lee Wilder have already signed up), please talk to Richard or Lee Wilder.

John with his kid posse Katie with the girls


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Upcoming Events

February & after ... February 5 Annual Congregational Meeting (Souper Bowl of Caring)

February 12 Youth Sunday

February 10 Parents’ Night Out #1 Ash Wednesday

February 19 All Committees Meet

February 24 Parents’ Night Out #2

February 28 Third Sunday in Lent And further out: March 1 Ash Wednesday March 5 Lent Begins April 9 Palm Sunday March 16 Easter Sunday

On-going Classes Held in the Chapel

Women’s Spiritual Circle

Mother’s Group Monday 9;30 am

WSG 3 - Monday - 11:00 am

WSG - Wednesday - 6:15 pm

1st & 3rd Wednesdays

WSG 1 Thursday - 10:00 am

Thank you to Everyone for your many cards and all the prayers that have come my way. I love each and everyone of you and hope to be back very soon. Charlotte Cook

Scout Meeting Schedule: Sun @ 5pm: 2nd Grade Wolf Tues (1st/3rd) @ 6pm: 5th Grade Web 2 Tues (2nd/4th) @ 6pm: 1St Grade Tiger Den 2 Wed (1st/3rd) @ 6pm: 3rd Grade Bear Wed (2nd/4th) @ 6pm: 4th Grade Web 1 Thur @ 6pm: 1St Grade Tiger Den 1

CENTRAL NIGHT SHELTER DATES, NEEDS, & SIGNUPS

Contact Lee Wilder for detailed information: ([email protected] or 404-218-2242). Thank you!! Tuesday, February 21st: Dinner: _____The Jaynes and Debbi Griffin___ Lunches________________________________ Overnight: 1 Claude Cox___ 2._____________ 3._____________ 4._____________ 5._____________ Monday, March 20th: Dinner: _____The Lloyd Family_____________ Lunches________________________________ Overnight: 1._____________ 2._____________ 3._____________ 4._____________ 5._____________

mailto:[email protected]

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5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 (1) (2) (3) (4)

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

ONGOING:

First Sunday Food Collection

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish Academy

Teacher Workday

BYO Rehearsal 2-5pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

Presbytery

Clergy Cluster

Mtg 12 noon

Staff Meeting

1:15 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm Parents’ Night Out #1 6 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

Tai Ji Class 1 pm Yoga Class 6:30 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

New Year’s Day

Sunday School Class

cont’d (see NL article)

Sunday School Class starts (see NL article)

BYO Rehearsal 2-5pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

Session Meeting

2016 Budget

Mtg.

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm


The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

Parents’ Night Out #2 6 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

Session Meeting

Regular Mtg.

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm


January 2017

Holiday

Celebrated

Office Closed

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

Staff Meeting

3:30 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

BYO Rehearsal 2-5pm

BYO Rehearsal 2-5pm

BYO Rehearsal 2-5pm

Spiritual Retreat Day:

"Waking Up To The

Fullness of Life"

(see NL Article)

Sunday School Class cont’d (see NL article)

All Committees Meet after Worship

Sunday School Class

cont’d (see NL article)

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm


MLK Birthday

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

The Spanish

Academy

9 am to 1 pm

Choir Practices SUNDAY 8:30 am Handbell Choir 9:30 am Children’s Choir WEDNESDAY 7:30 pm Regular Choir

Covenant Presbyterian Church

2461 Peachtree Road

Atlanta, GA 30305

Cov en a n t Pres b y ter i a n Ch u rc h

Phone: 404-237-0363

Fax: 404-237-3857

Email: [email protected]

" E q u i p p i n g t h e

P e o p l e o f G o d t o

S e r v e C h r i s t i n

t h e W o r l d "

www.covenantpresybertian.us

1 Karen Turney 2 Kelley Day 5 Charles Moore 5 Mary Short

15 Keelin Roper

19 Audrie Ono 20 Ryan Chang Liu 21 Janet Hart 26 Beth Hogan 28 Bob Bender

January birthdays!!

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2461 Peachtree Road, NE

Atlanta, GA 30305

“Equipping the People of God to Serve Christ in the World”

Covenant Chronicle January 2017 - Covenant Presbyteriancovpresatlanta.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/... · Covenant Chronicle January 2017 The World Looks Brand New A Word from Richard

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