august 2019 - covenant presbyterian...
TRANSCRIPT
COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2439 McGregor Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL 33901
239-334-8937 www.covpcfm.com [email protected]
The Newsletter of Covenant Presbyterian Church
The Clarion
August 2019 Greetings,
We are getting down to the wire in regard to Dawn Castner’s tenure as our Director of Family Ministry, and I
simply want to reflect on her contributions and dedication to the life of Covenant Presbyterian Church for
over 18 years. I write this even as I can hear her in the church office buzzing around like a top taking care of
all the details that go along with getting ready for VBS, which is less than two weeks away! I also need to
mention that for as long as I have been here, Dawn has held two titles: One as Director of Family Ministry,
and the other as our Publications Director. In one person we are saying goodbye to two very important jobs
in the life of this church.
Dawn has been a creative presence, caring servant and faithful member/staff person in the life of our
congregation. We have watched her be a “mom” along with everything else she has done here, and that has
always been a joy to observe. With both Lauren and Brooke transitioning to their lives in other contexts, I do
want to lift up Dawn’s family, along with her, because being in ministry for 38 years, Ruth and I have also
known the blessing of having our family be part of your ministry. Lauren and Brooke very much have been.
And, I am also going to miss Nick (whose last name I FINALLY learned how to pronounce), who has come and
participated in our life together in meaningful ways as well.
Change like this is never easy for a community of faith like ours, where we learn how to rely on each other
and share in the joy of being together in ministry on a regular basis. Dawn has developed deep and
meaningful relationships with many in Covenant’s family, and this transition is not only challenging for those
of us on the staff, but for the entirety of our congregation. As a result, I want to announce:
Farewell Extravaganza for
Dawn Castner
Sunday, August 11, 2019
in the Fellowship Hall following worship
This will be our special opportunity to say to Dawn: “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!” Please get this
on your calendars now, and plan on joining us for a celebration well deserved. And one more time from me,
the Head of Staff, who does whatever staff tells him to do: I have appreciated your leadership and ministry in
our midst, and will miss you and the gifts you have given this congregation throughout the years.
Peace and Grace, Jeff
Page 2 The Clarion
Peacemaking Commitment
The term "peace" has been understood in different ways at various times and in various contexts. For example, peace can refer to an individual's sense of well-being or security, or it can mean the cessation of armed hostility, producing an atmosphere in which nations can relate to each other and settle conflicts without resorting to the use of arms. For men and women of faith, peace will imply a right relationship with God, which entails forgiveness, reconciliation, and union. Finally, the scriptures point to eschatological peace, a final, full realization of God's salvation when all creation will be made whole.
Excerpt from: "The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response", 1983 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
There are lots and lots of reasons to teach Sunday School. Some of them are more important than
others, but all of them are important! Would you consider teaching?
Which of the following reasons would lead YOU teach Sunday School?
you are God-called
you have experiences, abilities, and the personality that God wants to use
God has given experiences you need to share
the class needs you
because you teach, you will grow more as a disciple
you are concerned about the age group (preschoolers, children, youth, or adults)
you have a passion to teach
you love to connect with new people
you love a good challenge
you love to make a difference in people's lives
you want to raise the next generation of leaders
you know how important Sunday School is to keeping people connected to the church,
growing as disciples, and mobilized into ministry/service
you will become more deeply involved in the church and the Lord's ministry
you want to influence the direction of many lives.
Interested? Contact Dawn Castner, Director of Family Ministries,
Eric Nanz, Youth Director or Beverly Grady, Christian Education Chair.
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
LEADER
NEEDED
Classes resume
August 25th
Dates to remember...
July 24-26 VBS Prep from 9 am to 1 pm each day. Come any time!
July 27 FINAL Decorating from 10 am to 3 pm Lunch provided!
July 31 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 pm
August 2 Clean-up after conclusion of program 12:15-2 pm
(Extra volunteers NOT involved with VBS—please!)
Important VBS Bible Points...
When life is unfair...God is good!
When life is scary...God is good!
When life changes...God is good!
When life is sad...God is good!
When life is good...God is good!
Page 7 The Clarion
This woman is frustrated and rather put out with myself. Perhaps you have found
yourself in a similar position. It started the other day when I realized I hadn’t sent in my
article for the Clarion. Not a problem. It was in my iPad. I got interrupted caring for Pete
and totally forgot to hit the SEND button. All might have been easily resolved except when I went to do that
the iPad said, “Your iPad could not be activated because the server cannot be reached”. Frustrating! This was
made even more so because the iPad didn’t like ANY password it was offered. Meanwhile, the cute husband
of mine who had just come home from seven weeks in rehab the night before was coughing more than he
had been in the morning. By the time the nurse came the iPad still wasn’t letting me do what had to be done,
Pete’s blood pressure was 175/100, and the nurse couldn’t make heads nor tails of his rehab meds and the
Lee Memorial “Bridges” meds. Then new medical bills arrived. We ended up forgetting the Clarion’s Stephen
Minister article because Pete began a fever that rose rapidly and ended up with a call to 911, several hours in
the ER, and today he’s in ICU but the iPad still isn’t talking to me. Argh! You have more than likely had days,
or even periods, that sound like this. When you get too many of them, please, don’t think you have to deal
with them alone. You have friends in our church, Stephen Ministers, who are more than willing to come to you
with Christian caring, compassion, confidentiality, community, and trustworthiness. Call on us. We are here to
help. Sincerely, Lyn
Pat Arner: 850-0423 Barb Sheets: 995-8881 Lyn Sisti-Sommer: 823-8534 Rev. Jeff DeYoe: 334-8937
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS FOR JUNE
The Session met on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 with Rev. Jeff DeYoe moderating the meeting and eight elders in
attendance. Others present: Gary Brothers, Facilities Manager, Barbara Heflin, Clerk of Session, John
Anderson, Deacon, and Deborah Maurer (part of meeting).
Approved the 2019-2020 Concert Series.
Approved the financial review for 2018.
Approved the Presbyterian Women’s calendar for 2019-2020.
The Session will not meet in July. The next meeting will be August 20 at 6:30 p.m.
An Open Invitation to the Covenant Community Please join us as we celebrate the September arrival of baby girl Nanz
with a BABY SHOWER
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4th 11:30 am, following worship
Upstairs Chapel Enjoy Finger Foods and a Few Games in Celebration!
Women, Men, Youth and Children Invited!
Page 6 The Clarion
YOUTH GROUP
Covenant Presbyterian Church hosts a full calendar of events for all youth in 6th through 12th grade! Youth Bible Study is held Sunday mornings at 9:00 am before worship. Youth fellowships take place every month and include meals, games, activities, music and discussions. A variety of trips, retreats, mission and outreach opportunities are available as well. Youth do not need to be members of Covenant to participate and are always welcome to invite friends! For specific information regarding dates and times of youth activities please contact Eric Nanz at [email protected].
Please pray for our friends who are
unable to attend services:
Nancy Albright, Lloyd Balsley, Stephanie
Barclift, Pete Bercaw, Ann Fairbairn, Don
Fjellin, Joan Halpern, Nora Harmon, Sue
Loman, Jean Miller, Pete Sommer, Charles
Tebbetts, Sonia Wagner, Mel Wert, and
Anne Wills
God Bless You!
Covenant Returns to Misión Peniel on Friday Afternoon, August 30th!
Once again, Covenant is building a team of at least, but not limited to 14 people of any age to serve the farm worker community in Immokalee on Friday, August 30th. Covenant sends a team of volunteers about every six weeks to help with the
mission. This month, volunteers will help organize and distribute non perishable food items, a carry-out meal, and clothing to the farmworker community in Immokalee. Volunteers who sign up at the Connection Station board in the courtyard (or by calling the office) are asked to clarify whether they will drive themselves or join a carpool. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the mission, located at 208 Boston Avenue, at 2 p.m. and plan to stay until 6:30 pm. Please bring your own water bottle (water cooler refills available) and a hearty snack to eat. Wear comfortable shoes. Those wishing to carpool from the church will depart from Covenant at 1 p.m. and return by around 7:15 p.m. Please visit the mission's website and if on Facebook, check for the latest photos of service teams! Website: www.misionpeniel.com and Facebook page: "Mision Peniel". Additional information about donations and serving guidelines are on the website under “Current News”. Questions? Contact Ruth DeYoe at: [email protected]
Covenant's Book Club, Leasure Time Book Club, meets on the
third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in room F205. Bring
your lunch or cup of tea and join us! Book selections are available
for lending in CPC Library. For more information, stop by our CPC
library or email Beverly Campbell at
Here are the upcoming selections:
August 15 A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
September 19 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
October 17 Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
November 21 The Library Book (Reese’s Book Club) by Susan
Orlean
Page 3 The Clarion
Presbyterian Women
Covenant's Presbyterian Women have made some changes in our Circles for 2019-2020. We have three Circles that meet at
the church once a month at different days and times. Which time will work best for you?
Naomi Circle — Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in Room 201, led by Jane Kaserman
239-939-4845 and Mary McKenzie 239-246-4754
Deborah Circle — Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in Room 205, led by Ellen Moore
401-474-6593.
Lydia Circle (united the Elizabeth Circle and the Ruth Circle) — Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each
month at 9:45 a.m. in Room 205, led by Barb Sheets 239-850-9697
All Circles will be using PCUSA's 2019-2020 Bible study entitled, Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten
Commandments by Eugenia Anne Gamble. What would it mean to consider the Ten Commandments not as a harsh list of
what not to do but, instead, as a “love letter” from a loving God?
Our Bible Study booklets are $10 and will be available in the courtyard before and after Sunday service on August 18, 25
and September 1. Leaders will also have the study book available at Circle Meetings.
May 2019 Financial Report
Income for May $69,197
Income Year-to-date $295,766
Expenses for May $56,699
Expenses Year-to-date $264,272
Year-to-date overage $31,494
Current Balance on Loan $336,012
Principal & Interest Paid in May $4,094
A complete finance report is available in the church office.
June 2019 Financial Report
Income for June $40,290
Income Year-to-date $336,056
Expenses for June $49,833
Expenses Year-to-date $314,105
Year-to-date overage $21,951
Current Balance on Loan $333,028
Principal & Interest Paid in June $4,094
A complete finance report is available in the church office.
Operation Christmas Child
Sure it’s only August, but we all know how time flies. It has been our practice here at Covenant
to shop for shoe box supplies all year long. We are a bit behind. As school starts this month, this
is an excellent time to pick up the needed school supplies at a major discount. Following is a list
of those items we need to include: Notebook paper or spiral notebook, pencils (sharpened are
best), pens, crayons (24 pack), and pencil sharpeners.
We also include: wash cloths, bar soap, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, a plastic cup or bowl. The additional space is filled with
small stuffed animals, toys, barrettes, ribbons, etc.
Last year our packing party was a family event for the youth and any adults who wanted to participate. A good time was had by
all. We would need to have all items for packing by October 13. We will also make boxes available for those of you want to pack
your own. The shipping week this year is November 18-25.
If you would like more information, please contact Barb Sheets.
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CEDARKIRK FAMILY CAMP ** NOVEMBER 1-3, 2019
Join us for this fun, family weekend of fellowship, canoeing,
swimming, line dancing and more. A $30 per-person, non-
refundable fee is required to register. The cost of the camp is
$115 (ages 13 to adult) and $101 (ages 5 to 12). Children under
5 are free. The registration fee includes lodging, activities and
meals. The maximum per family unit is $345. Registration is
limited and your spot is only reserved with the required
deposit. REGISTER TODAY TO SEE WHAT CEDARKIRK HAS TO
OFFER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!
The Christian Education Committee
will be hosting a Back to School
Rally on Sunday, August 18th
9 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
RSVP 334-8937
CHAPEL CHOIR at COVENENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Come join the fun while we laugh, sing great songs, and bring joy to
the worship experience here at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Who can join?
Chapel Choir is for kids between 1st grade and 6th grade
What do you do in Chapel Choir?
We practice on Sundays after worship from 11:15 a.m. to 12 noon.
Sing during worship the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Sing at special holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
Take the gift of music to communities in the area.
Go on fun outings periodically.
Our first rehearsal will be Sunday, August 18 and our first Sunday to
sing will be Sunday, September 8. We would love for your child to be
part of the fun and fellowship of Chapel Choir this year. Please call or
text Maria Bahruth at 239-994-5509 to get started singing to the glory
of God and learning more about his Kingdom.
2019/2020 Covenant Concert Series
November 9, 2019
Angela Massey—Flute
December 13, 2019
Covenant Christmas Concert
January 10, 2020
Fred Moyer—Jazz Trio
February 21, 2020
David Burgess—Guitarist
March 13, 2020
USCG Idlers
(to be confirmed)
March 27, 2020
Covenant Spring Concert
Page 5 The Clarion
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Covenant offers two choices every Sunday morning, 9 - 9:45 am, upstairs (via the elevator or stairs). You are invited to come and see/come and share in what God is doing through those who gather for enrichment on Sunday mornings: “Adult Bible Fellowship” meets in room F201. Join us to discuss “The Twelve Disciples”. “Faith Connections” meets in room F207 Join us for a New Engaging Series, beginning Sunday, August 4th: COVENANTAL RESTORATION: A 12 SESSION VIDEO SERIES ON FAITH AND RACE Racism and oppression have a long and painful past and present, it is an open, aching human wound that reflects a fracture in our relationship with God. Understanding how it was promoted and is still alive and acting out in the construct of our beliefs and systems and structures is the beginning of caring for this wound. In this series on faith and race we pray God would bring you hope, renew your mind, enliven your spirit, and gift you with the virtues of the Divine’s own heart. May God strengthen your stand, inspire your movement towards God’s dream for humanity, and increase Kingdom square footage with each step you make in Love. SESSION ONE// A Beloved Community with Rene August SESSION TWO // Restoration of Relationship with Reggie Williams SESSION THREE // The Idol of Whiteness with Jim Wallis SESSION FOUR // Stone Catches with Bryan Stevenson Please join us for one or more Sundays… and invite the person sitting next to you in the pew or in the courtyard on Sunday mornings!
LIFE Justice Ministry Update LIFE (Lee Interfaith for Equality) is a coalition of 12 Lee County church congregations, including Covenant Presbyterian, working to resolve justice issues in Lee County. The LIFE congregations recently met at their Annual Celebration Event to celebrate not only the success of the 2019 Nehemiah Action "Ask" requesting affordable housing in Lee County, but also the on-going successes of previous year's “Asks”:
-Anti-bullying training in Lee County schools- the school district had the fewest bullying complaints ever this past year, and the Superintendent of Schools says “Thank You” to LIFE, -Civil citations in lieu of arrests in Lee County and throughout the State of Florida- Expanding use of civil citations is keeping thousands of youth from having police records -Unsolved murders in the City of Fort Myers- Have fallen from 99 % to less than 20 %.in the last three years. -Children’s Services Council- Lee County allocated an additional $1.6 million in 2019 to the Lee County Health Department for children and family services. The Lee County Health Department and School System have agreed to form a task force to assess the needs for additional health and education services for children and youth.
The LIFE working committees for Affordable Housing and a Children’s Services Council are still active with much work to be done. LIFE needs additional volunteers to serve on these committees. If you can help, please contact Chelsea Baker, LIFE Lead Organizer (Cell: 407-973-5839 or e-mail: [email protected]). The next big LIFE event will be the LIFE Annual Assembly on September 29 & at 7 pm at Fort Myers Congregational United Church (8210 College Parkway, between Winkler Road and Summerlin Road). We will discuss and vote on where to direct our attention and focus for the 2020 Nehemiah Action. Mark this date on your calendar.
LIFE for Justice! Justice for LIFE!