Yo u r C o m m u n i c a t o rFALL September, October, November 2017

Dear Covenant friends and family,

The first-day-of-school pictures have al-ready been posted on Facebook. I hearthe moan:

They are growing up so fast.

We’ve had quite a number of funeralsand memorial services.

The people who have had long, long his-tories together are feeling the loss espe-cially keenly.

Where does the time go?

The season of cicadas, cooler nights,and misty mornings used to mean a littlewistfulness and foot-dragging as we triedto stretch out the last summer days. Butnow we are already in the thick of things.

Then we realize that we are always in thethick of things.

We give our moments meaning.

Or not.

We can certainly hurry past them if wearen’t careful.

God calls us to life. Abundant. Real. Fullof grace.

Now, there’s a lot in this newsletter. It’s notjust busyness to add to your busyness.

The things we offer here are designed to

make you better out there.

Here is where we help one another findthe spiritual tools that make life, work,and play more satisfying; the things thathelp us to love better, live more vibrantly,and actively bring good things to a hurt-ing world.At the same time, Covenant is not justwhere we are fed. It is a place where wemake meaning of our precious lives.

Let’s do this together.

Grace and peace,

Tracy

Covenant Events:For updates about events atCovenant see your Sundaybulletins, weekly Tues. orThurs. e-newsletters, or www.covenantpcusa.com

Parents’ Night Out (PNO)2nd Fri. of the month, 6-8:30pmParents need time away, too. We host their childrenso that they can be free to be grown-ups and play.We feed children dinner, play games, watch amovie, and be good to one another. These arewonderful nights. This is a gift from our CovenantFamily so there is no charge, but we need you toregister by the Tuesday of the week of PNO. Do-nations accepted, and volunteers are needed tokeep this wonderful ministry to our community asafe and nurturing one. Email Erin aterinwise3@yahoo.com.

Party at the Pumpkin PatchSat., Oct. 14, 10am, Jacquemin Farms, Plain CityJoin in the Fall fun with a trip to the pumpkin patch with your churchfriends. Details will be announced.

All Church Family PicnicSept. 14, 5-7pm, Fancyburg ParkSchool is back in session but we still have time to play. Take the nightoff from cooking dinner and join us in the park. We provide hot dogs;please bring something to share as we enjoy dinner and play together.

Children’s ServiceSun., Nov. 12, 8:30am & 11amOur children design, write and lead our worship services. Writing theservice and learning the music will happen during Treasure Findersin Sept. and Oct. Contact Erin if your child would like to participate.

Save the Date! Covenant Night at the ZooWed., Dec 6, 5:30-7:30pm

Children & Families

Erin Wise, Director of Children’s Ministry, erinwise3@yahoo.com

VBS 2017: A huge thank you goes to our 65 volunteers for helping make Hero Central one ofthe best VBS ever. We had over 170 children learning, dancing, playing, laughing, and lovingGod in our building that week. The energy and love was contagious. The children helped restockthe SOS food pantry as their mission for the week. Thank you for the time, snacks and prayers

that made this the best week of the summer. Also, on behalf of the SOS Food Pantry team, ThANK YOU! The

VBS staff and students were very generous in collecting 1,176 cans and boxes of food. We are so very grateful. Manyfamilies in our region will be helped by these gifts of food.

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Treasure Finders Kick Off September 10Covenant Sunday School for children 3 years old through 5th grade is called Treasure Finders. We meet at 10am in Fel-lowship Hall, and join Gathering for their first three songs. Then the children leave for Joyful Noise (singing with KatieWynkoop) and then class time. Details about the curriculum and other information will be on our church website.

Covenant Presbyterian Women (CPW) continued

Our Children’s Center is full of activity, excitement, and love as 140 children, 12 teachers, and

a growing number of nurturing volunteers fill our education wing and spill onto our playground

throughout the work week. We are playing, learning, and exploring our world. We are sharing

sorrows and joys and caring for one another. We are teaching and practicing kindness.

Grown-ups and children can help support this growing ministry of the church in any of the following big or small ways:

• Help keep our playground tidy by sweeping mulch and sand off the blacktop, parking the crazy coupes, organizing

the tree cookies and stumps, and picking up trash

• Donate tissues, disinfectant wipes, paper plates and cups, napkins, disposable spoons

• Help sort and organize, repair, or prepare equipment and materials for the teachers

• Share an interest or hobby with the children

• Join our staff as an after school teacher working 3-15 hours a week

Questions? Contact Caroline.

Covenant Children’s CenterCaroline McGeoch, Director, childcenter@covenantpcusa.org

Associate Pastor for Spiritual FormationShea Watts, Director of Youth Ministry, sheawatts@covenantpcusa.org

VERGE (grades 5-8) & YOUTh (grades 8-12) Note: 8th graders may attend either/both Verge and/or Youth Group events.

I am excited about the changes coming this fall! Starting September 10, we will be having a weekly youth

worship service in the chapel. Starting with the series, “Wake up the Wonder,” we will be looking at the

bible and talking about ways of reading it that might unleash our imaginations and open up a wonder to see God in

all things. In addition, we will have events on the first and third Sunday of the month. The first Sunday will be an event

(5-12 graders) and the third Sunday will be a luncheon either at the church or a restaurant nearby (8-12 graders). The

last piece is a one-on-one coffee meeting with 8-12 graders once a month to catch up and find out how Covenant can

best support our kids!

Shea Watts

Upcoming Events (Times to be determined)• Oct. 1 - Trapper John's Canoeing • Nov. 5 - Curling • Dec. 3 - Night At The Movies

Associate Pastor for Spiritual FormationKatie Kinnison, Assoc. Pastor for Spiritual Formation, katherinekinnison@covenantpcusa.org

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Our Covenant community has been growing in faith and love, learning to reach beyond ourselves and to

bear God’s love into the world. As we grow – knowing in each moment we are loved exactly as we are –

we stretch outside our comfort zone. We risk and try new things, and every time God remains faithful, we

are ready to reach a little further, dig a little deeper.

The offerings at Covenant this year are designed to help us do this and to become ever more alive in God’s

love, more faithful followers of Jesus, more open channels of the Spirit. We are offering an open and intense new

bible study (lunch included) on Sunday afternoons. Stephen Ministers are becoming even more visible, helping us

learn about being with people in loss and in the journey of dying. We are forming a group whose purpose is to grow

in our capacity to listen to God and to discern with wisdom so that we make loving choices in our lives. Tuesday Night

Spiritual Formation offerings, Agora opportunities, and other experiences here at Covenant are being designed to

help us develop our empathy and compassion by reading books and watching films and listening to stories that help

us “walk” Inside An Other’s Skin. And we don’t simply learn about loving, we do love. HM3, CATCH Court, Habitat for

Humanity, the Community Garden, lunches for Open Shelter, Covenant Children’s Center, our Prayer Chain, and so

much more – all these ministries are opportunities for us to grow in love, to become our whole and free selves.

Look through these pages prayerfully. Scan the bulletin each week. Visit the website. Meet with one of the pastors

for help discerning what you might try out. This community of ours is a wondrous gift with opportunities for becoming

that bring glimpses of God’s kingdom of love into the world. Embrace the gift.

New on Sundays - A Year of Feasting: Bible and Lunch

Starts Sept. 10 in the Lounge, 12:15pm fill your plate; 12:30-1:30pm class You may shun the bible for its violence and bigotry. You may avoid the thing because it is absurdly hard to read. You maylong to find a way in. This is your opportunity to begin a different relationship to the books of our faith. Taught by our pastors,our youth director, and a couple of great guest teachers, this class introduces, overviews and opens up the bible. You’ll gethelpful tips, new insights, reading strategies, helpful handouts. Come be part of the community and its rich discussion, andthen take advantage of resources, blogs and videos posted to our website.

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Cherie Brooks, Director of Music - cheriebrooks@covenantpcusa.org

SPECIAL MUSIC

Please consider contacting Cherie if you

would like to present special music at the

8:30 or 11am services this fall. Email Cherie.

ChANCEL ChOIR NEWS – Singers needed!

Chancel Choir has Thursday evening rehearsals on

Thursdays at 7pm. On Thurs., Aug. 31 at 7pm there will

be an Open House Choir Night. A perfect time to come

check out what we do. We start singing again on Sun.,

Sept. 3. Come sing with us! All voices are welcome.

JOYFUL NOISE!

Stay tuned to your email and church communications for

updates from Katie Wynkoop about the start of rehearsals

in September. There are some exciting things coming up!

CAMPANILE BELL ChOIR

The Campanile Bell Choir is already rehearsing for the

fall season. If you would like to ring, contact Nancy David-

son, ndavidson7@gmail.com.

COVENANT MUSIC

CALENDAR ONLINE

The Covenant Music Cal-

endar is kept up to date on-

line as a Google Calendar.

Feel free to push the calen-

dar to your phone or bookmark it for reference. Direct link:

http://goo.gl/frWytI. You can also search “Covenant

Music” on Google Calendars.

2017-2018 COVENANT CONCERT SERIES

Music for the Greater Good

• Sept. 17, 3pm

From Eden to Apocalypso by Dr. Tracy Keenan

• Fri., Nov.10, 8pm

Quartet for the End of Time by Messiaen, featuring Deni-

son University Music Profesors

• Sun., Dec. 10, 2pm

A Barbershop Christmas featuring The Singing Buck-

eyes and The Olentangy Orange Choirs in Concert

More to be added…keep checking your bulletin!

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What if you laid the story of the Bible down andthen laid your life story down over it. We get ourstart in Eden and end up at Revelation, lookingback over our lives with our own personal dayof reckoning as we discern what was important.In between are times of consequences, wilder-ness, rules, belonging, gratitude, lament, exile,vision, conviction... in other words, your life story.

I've been working on this music for over twoyears, and these 12 pieces will be presented bysome stellar musicians: Dave Powers and histrio, Cora Kuyvenhoven and her trio, the Chan-cel Choir, Katie Wynkoop, and a few soloists.Some of the pieces will just be me with thepiano. Styles range from choral to baroque toR&B to pop to ballad to, yes, calypso.

Come and hear your story!A free will offering will go to support HM3, the weekly community meal and

gathering at Hoge Memorial Presbyterian Church on the West Side.

Sept. 17, 3pm

American Red Cross Blood DriveMon., Oct. 9, 2-7pm, Fellowship hallVolunteering to register donors and staff the snack tableis a wonderful opportunity to welcome people to Covenant.Schedule your appointment to donate blood betweenchurch services in the front hall or go to redcrossblood.orgto schedule online. Call Mona Connolly, 614-886-4413, orTiffany Epling, 518-431-9280, to volunteer.

Adults

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Wednesday Bible Studies: Exodus

1pm, Room 120 and 7pm, LoungeLed by Katie Kinnison. Join us in engaging this storyof being set free and what it takes to really live in free-dom. No prior bible knowledge is required; bring yourexperiences. The more richness we have around thetable, the richer our exploration. We will listen for theHoly One speaking to us about our lives now, in andthrough these words written so long ago.

For Parents: Raising Race Conscious Children Who Love Really WellMon., Sept.18, 6pm, Fellowship hall. Dinner and Childcare ProvidedGiven recent events and the state of our country, you may be wondering what we can be teaching our children thatwe aren’t already working hard to teach. We have collected lots of resources that offer good, practical help. Join usfor an introduction to these resources and for conversation with each other. Led by Katie Kinnison.

Men’s Fellowship Ministries

• Men’s Breakfast, 2nd Sat. each month, 8am, First Watch, Kingsdale - Alan Kennedy 614-451-9318.

• Men’s Spirituality Group - Every other Sunday, 9:30-10:30am, Room 120

• Connecting With God Men's Breakfast - Starts Sept. 23 (4th Sat. each month, Sept. - May), 8am, Lounge. Returning

for a 6th season! Pancakes, gruel and hot beverage provided. If you can, bring a breakfast treat to share. This Fall

we rejoin N.T. Wright in his series “Surprised By Hope.” In these sessions we will ask questions: What is heaven

really like? Is our main duty as Christians simply to help non-Christians get into heaven? What hope does the gospel

hold for this present life? In what ways does God intend for us to experience that hope personally and spread its

healing power to the world around us? Wright wrote: “Hope is about what lies ahead and is promised by a God who

loves to bring hope to each one of us.” Come and join in the discussion.

September 12: Discernment 101

Led by Katie Kinnison. Discernment isa fancy church word for knowing whatto do and when not to do, for listeningin our deepest places for the most lov-ing choice.

Book DiscussionsCopies of these books are availableon the book cart and Welcome Table• Sept. 26: Between the World and

Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Led by TracyKeenan and Shea Watts• Oct. 24: Stand Your Ground: Black

Bodies and the Justice of God by KellyBrown Douglas. Led by Katie Kinnison.

SeminarsOct. 3, 10, 17: Working the Guide-

posts: Living What We Learn From

Brene Brown. Whether you’ve read allher books, listened to one TED Talk orknow nothing about her, you will ben-efit from these discussions of prac-tices and strategies that help us liveas whole-hearted, open-hearted, vul-nerable and brave human beings. Ledby Katie Kinnison. Nov. 7, 14: Why I Do What I Do? anexploration of our ways of being andthe Enneagram. Led by TracyKeenan.

For ParentsNov. 21, 28, Dec. 4, 6pm, Lounge:Dinner and Childcare Provided.Parenting Together. Join us for guidedconversation about raising our chil-dren with love and grace. Led by KatieKinnison and Erin Wise.

ConversationsDecember 11, 18: Interfaith Discus-sions. Stay Tuned for More Information.

Tuesday Night Spiritual FormationLounge or the Chapel, 7 -8:30pm

Date 8:30am and 11:00am Worship Services 10:00am Gathering Worship Service Special

Sept. 3 Jim Mehler preaching Shea Watts preaching CommunionAmos 5:14-15; Romans 12:9-21 - Values In Conflict Exodus 3:1-15 - Naming God

Sept. 10 Tracy Keenan preaching Katie Kinnison preachingIsaiah 54:1-8; Genesis 2:25 - Shame, Regret, & Other Dressed-Up Demons Deuteronomy 30:4, 6, 19-20 - Choose Life

Sept. 17 Tracy Preaching Katie Kinnison preachingPsalm 37:1-8, 23-28; John 14:18-31 - Legacy Galatians 5:1, 13-14 - For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free

Sept. 24 Katie Kinnison Preaching Jim Mehler preachingMatthew 6:22-26 - Grace Anatomy: Eyes Matthew 20:1-16 - What Do You Think This Means?

Oct. 1 WORLD COMMUNION - 1 SERVICE 10am - Tracy Keenan Preaching No Gathering Communion

John 1:14; 6:42-51; 1 Corinthians 11:25 - Grace Anatomy: The Word Made Flesh Potluck

Oct. 8 Tracy Keenan Preaching Katie Kinnison preaching

Ezekiel 36:25-27; Matthew 13:10-17; Proverbs 3:5 - Grace Anatomy: The Heart of the Matter Ephesians 6:10-18 - Powers & Principalities: Architects of Death

Oct. 15 Tracy Keenan Preaching Katie Kinnison preaching

Matthew 9:35-38; Luke 7:11-17 - Grace Anatomy: The Gut Feeling of Compassion Romans 12: 1-2 - Blinded by the White

Oct. 22 Tracy Keenan Preaching Katie Kinnison preaching

Exodus 3:3-5; Psalm 119:105 - Grace Anatomy: Bare Feet on the Holy Ground 1 Timothy 2: 8-15 - Let All Creation Cry Out – Except Those Uppity Women

Oct. 29 Katie Kinnison Preaching Shea Watts preaching

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Grace Anatomy: The Body as Temple Isaiah 53 - Man Up: (De)Constructing Patriarchy

Nov. 5 SPECIAL GUEST PREAChER: Tom Long* Tracy Keenan preaching Communion1 Timothy 6:6-11 - Consumerism: Insatiable Hunger

Nov. 12 Children’s Sabbath - Tracy Keenan preaching Katie Kinnison preaching

Matthew 25:1-13; Amos 5:18-24 - What God Really, Really Wants Song of Songs 1:3-7 - Sexuality in Chains

Nov. 19 Tracy Keenan preaching Katie Kinnison preaching

Psalm 90; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - Life is Short. Love Well. Psalm 27 - What Does Waiting Look Like?

Nov. 26 Katie Kinnison preaching Jason Keeefer, organEzekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Matthew 35: 31-46 - Our King’s Judgment on the Church Philippians 4:4-9 - Gratitude on Purpose

* Dr. Thomas Grier Long is the Bandy Pro-

fessor of Preaching at Candler School of The-

ology at Emory U. in Atlanta, GA. He received

his BA degree from Erskine College is 1968,

the Master of Divinity from Erskine Theologi-

cal Seminary in 1927, and the Ph.D. from

Princeton Theological Seminary in 1980. He

began his career as a preacher at McElroy

Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian

Church near Atlanta and since that time has

taught at a number of Seminaries including

Erskine, Columbia, Princeton and Candler. In

1996, Dr. Long was named one of the 12 most

effective preachers in the English speaking

world by Baylor University, along with the likes

of Fred Craddock, Billy Graham, James

Forbes, Barbara Brown Taylor and William

Willimon. He was ordained in the Associate

Reformed Presbyterian Church and currently

a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

He is married to professor of sacramental and

liturgical worship Kimberly Bracken Long.

Preaching magazine named his Witness of

Preaching one of the 25 most influential books

on preaching in the past 25 years.

Sunday Worship Services, Gathering, Special Days

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8:30 & 11am - Traditional Service, Sanctuary - After services Stephen Ministers will pray with anyone who desires it.

10:00am - Gathering with upbeat music from our Indie-Gospel band, Fellowship Hall.

A Child’s Sunday Morning - We love having children in worship with us, but some children aren’t ready to stay through the sermon. We take seriously ourcall to help them grow in faith and love, so each of our worship services begins with the children among us. At 8:30 and 11am, children leave after Talk withChildren and go to Wiggle Worship. At Gathering, children leave for Treasure Finders (Sunday School)

SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES

Agora - 9:45am, Lounge• Sept. 24An Introduction to the Concept of Whiteness. Katie Kinnison. • Oct. 29-Nov. 19A Journey We All Take: Companioning the Dying. Katie Kinnison & Stephen Ministers.

Spiritual Cinema, Lounge 3rd Mon./month, 6:30-9pm• September 18 - Freedom Writers: a California teacher finds a way to unify her disadvantaged, racially divided studentsand to improve their grasp of academics, partly by having them keep journals about their violent, troubled lives. • October 16 - Alive Inside: (no subtitles) Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory discoversthat songs embedded deep in memory can ease pain and awaken the fading minds of those suffering from Alzheimer'sdisease and dementia. • November 20 - Obit: the first documentary to look into the world of editorial obituaries via the legendary obit desk atThe Times. How do you put a life into 500 words?

Subtitled so no dialogue is missed. Contact Beth Askue, 614-284-1767, or Susan Imel, 614-262-7444.

Seeds of hope Garden2017 has continued to be a busy time at the Garden, and many folks who need help with nutritious food have benefitedfrom the vegetables that have been harvested and made available via First Community Church's food pantry. We are inthe middle of tomato season, with Sun Gold cherry tomatoes and several beds of standard slicing tomatoes nearingripeness. Unfortunately, we lost our Sugar Crisp apple tree to strong winds several weeks ago, but the rest of the appletrees are loaded. We will soon be harvesting sweet potatoes and have been routinely delivering beans, squash, broccoli,lettuce, peas, kale, collards, and other crops. The red raspberries and black berries are nearing picking. If you have aninterest in vegetable gardening, give Bob Tannehill a call/email, or just show up to work at the Garden. We work mostSunday afternoons at 4 p.m. Bob Tannehill, Garden Manager, 614-578-6627 or robert_tannehill@hotmail.com.

Adults continued

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Covenant CrossRoads (CCR)CCR is a group of those who are self-identified as busy and active -- we are busy with life and jobs. If we have children,they aren’t around (much). We like to have fun and serve others. Upcoming activities:

- Fri., Aug. 25, 8pm - The Tempest, Schiller Park. Contact Bob and Carol Lowery.- Sat., Sept. 16, 4:30pm – Hoge Memorial Presbyterian Church- Sat., Sept. 16, Time TBA - Outdoor evening movie at Buescher’s home; watch for details.

More activities and service projects are being planned for the remainder of 2017. Watch for emails and announcements.If you have questions or you are not on the CCR email list and wish to be, please let one of us know: Jean Scott,scott.961@osu.edu; Cathy Koeneman kdmegali@yahoo.com; David Koeneman, davidkoeneman@yahoo.com; CarolLowery, lowery_at_home@yahoo.com; Joanne Pratt, jaker83pratt@columbus.rr.com; Janet Gross, jhrg81@hotmail.com.

Centering Prayer Tuesdays, 8:15am, LoungeCome try out a new prayer practice. It is easy to learn,and then it takes practice! Rather than setting our ownagendas for prayer, in this method, we give ourselvesover to God. Just as Christ emptied himself so that theSpirit of God could pour into the world through him, weempty ourselves of striving and trying to be in controlso that God can remove any obstacles to love fromwithin us. This prayer is designed to make us bettercontainers, better conduits of God’s love. See KatieKinnison, Cora Kuyvenhoven, Sandy Tullett, JeanieAuseon or Todd Cameron for more information.

Primetimers 3rd Fri./month, 12pm, LoungePrimetimers is a fellowship group open to all who are overage 50. A Potluck & Program is held on the 3rd Friday ofeach month. Bring your table service and a dish to share.

• Sept. 15 - Iceland, Linda Gabel• Oct. 20 - To Be Announced• Nov. - Thanksgiving Event

Contact Eileen Lazear 614-459-2327.

Women’s Theology1st & 3rd Fridays, 9:30am, room 120 Discussing “The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts

of Hate to Reveal the God of Love” by John Shelby Spong.

Adults continued

Have you ever wished for someoneto really listen to you? Have you everlonged for someone to help your bearyour burden, to be a compassionatepresence for you, to walk with youthrough a difficult time? This is whata Stephen Minister does. With wellmore than 50 hours of training indeep listening and how to be with an-other in times of trouble and struggle,

these men and women are ready tomeet with you for an hour a weekwhile you find your way through griev-ing a death or a divorce, through atime of confusion or disorientation,through facing an illness or even yourown death, through the loss of a jobor a way of understanding yourself. Ifyou would like a Stephen Minister,please contact Katie Kinnison.

And our Stephen Ministers haveanother ministry: Dwelling Bless-ings. They will come to your home oroffice and bless this space where youlive. It is a way to bless a transitionfrom a home to a condo, to dedicatea new beginning to God, or to putaside a difficult move into new life.Contact any of our Stephen Minis-ters for more information.

Stephen Ministers

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habitat for humanityCovenant is once again participating in the Habitat NW Partnership Adopt a House by helping to finance and build ahouse this year. Construction has begun on the house located at 1756 S. 6th St. Volunteers work on the house onThursday mornings and Saturdays from 8:30am to 3pm. Lunch on Saturday is provided. We need men and womenvolunteers to help with the construction. Just show up either day at 8:30am and you will be instructed on how toproceed. Two days have been set aside for an all-women’s build: Sat., Oct. 7 and Nov. 4. We also need volunteersto help with the lunch for Oct. 14 and Jan. 27. For more info or to volunteer, contact Betsy Sebastian, 614-457-4383,grammyseb@gmail.com, or Charlie Bergmann, 614-572-5059, ctbergmann@yahoo.com.

Our Partnership With hoge:We have been following the HolySpirit on a kind of holy scavengerhunt these past couple years whereour partnership with Hoge is con-cerned. I still moderate their sessionmeetings each month, and scheduletheir preachers. Covenant hasbrought the “Message, Music, andMeal” to HM3 once a month a differ-ent group responsible for each event.People are getting to know some ofthe regulars and to share dinner andconversation.

Last spring, several of us started thePeer Chaplaincy group, folks who metevery Saturday evening (4:30-6:30)for fellowship, deep conversation, andsharing life journeys. Some lived in se-

verely fragile housing situations whileothers had more stable circum-stances, and our journeys had takenus in decidedly different directions.These weekly meetings were hard,especially when those with fragilehousing encountered crisis after crisis.(You really learn a lot about how hardit is to get a leg up when you are start-ing with such barriers to get over first.)

Plus, there were a lot of “regulars”at HM3 with whom we wanted toshare more meaningful fellowshipand conversation. Again, we felt thegracious push of the Spirit. We coulddo the music and message, but forthe latter, adapt the curriculum byAlexia Salviaterra that we had usedfor the Peer Chaplains. Shea and I

would provide the core of the musicset-up, inviting some of our friendsfrom a variety of venues to join us.(Let us know if you are interested inparticipating!) Shea is inviting youngadults to be a part of this new ministryas well. A deepening of the West Sidecommunity that meets for dinner eachweek is also an opportunity for moreof us to become more deeply involvedthere as sisters and brothers.

And we STILL need Covenant folks toprovide the food for HM3 once a month.

It's an exciting thing the Spirit is call-ing us into. Let us know if you are cu-rious. There's room for any and all whomight want to explore this ministry.tracykeenan@covenantpcusa.orgsheawatts@covenantpcusa.org

Weekly E-NewslettersIf you’d like to receive our Tuesday Gathering and/or the Thursday general e-newsletter filled with what’s happening atCovenant, send your email address to joanpogalies@covenantpcusa.org.

www.covenantpcusa.org - Find more details and updates at any time on our web site.

AN UPDATE ON ThE STEWARDShIP DRIVE“It’s your church. Give more. Get more out of it.” was this year’stheme for our stewardship drive. A big thank you to everyonewho has turned in their pledge card! As of August 23, we re-ceived pledges totaling close to $716,625. Did you know thatCovenant’s membership is made up of 425 households? Out ofthose households, only 183 made a pledge. Won’t you pleaseconsider making a pledge this year; it’s not too late to do so!Pledge cards are located on the Welcome Table in the hallway,in the church pews and in the church office. If you need a pledgecard, email Ingrid Brooker. Thank you for your financial support!

STOCK GIFTSIf you plan to donate stock to the Church, please check withthe finance office for stock transfer instructions. Covenantuses Vanguard to handle stock transfers made by our mem-bers to Covenant. Please contact Ingrid Brooker to get stocktransfer instructions.

2017 Per Capita is $33.00 Per MemberTo date we’ve collected over $11,000 in per capita, howeverour total payment due to Presbytery is $20,526. This figure isbased upon our church membership roll as of Dec. 31, 2015.As you can see, we are behind in collecting per capita. If youwould still like to pay your fair share of per capita for 2017,please do so by contributing $33. Look for the pink per capitaenvelopes on the Welcome Table or simply mail your check tothe church finance office. Thank you for paying your fair share!

ON LINE BILL PAYMENT TO COVENANTDid you know you can send in your contributions to the churchthrough your online banking, just as you do for householdbills? It’s a safe and easy way to send in your donations, plusit saves you the cost of postage. Your bank sends a check tothe church on your behalf! All you need to do is set up

Financial Updates - Thank you for your support!

Ingrid Brooker, Financial Administrator, ingridbrooker@covenantpcusa.org

Covenant as a payee just like you would any other pay-ment that you do online. Make sure to include your en-velope number as your account number. This will ensureyour check gets credited to your statement of giving. Ifyou don’t know your envelope number, please call IngridBrooker, Financial Administrator, 614-451-6677.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO COMPLETE YOUR FY’17PLEDGE Covenant’s budget for the new fiscal year began on July1. However, if you are behind with your FY ’17 pledge, it’snot too late to complete your pledge. Please mark“FY’17” on the memo line of your check so that it’s cred-ited to your pledge. Thank you for your support.

AUTOMATIC DEBIT FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNTTo make it more convenient for you, we are offering auto-matic debit as a means of paying your contribution toCovenant. This involves automatic transfers from yourchecking account to the church. All we need is your bankchecking account number, routing transit number and thedollar amount to be debited. You will have the option tohave your contribution debited from your account weeklyor monthly. If you’re ready to get started on this option,please complete the Automatic Debit Authorization form lo-cated on our website or in the office. Please return yourcompleted form to Ingrid Brooker.

EARN ShOPPING REWARDS FOR COVENANTKroger Plus shopping rewards allows you to earn rewardsfor Covenant every time you shop at Kroger. Register yourKroger Plus card online at krogercommunityrewards.com.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you tosupport Covenant. Amazon will donate a portion of yourpurchase price to Covenant. On your first visit to Amazon-Smile smile.amazon.com, select a charitable organization,type in Covenant Presbyterian Church, Columbus, OH.

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Mortland Scholarship to Shea WattsThe Worship and Arts Commission has awarded this year's Mortland Scholarship to Shea Watts, Covenant’s Directorof Youth Ministry. Shea has completed his first year of doctoral studies at Chicago Theological Seminary. Best wishesand continued success go to Shea as he pursues his degree. The Jean Mortland Scholarship was established in 2007in memory of Jean A. Mortland because of her appreciation for excellent music and advocacy for higher education. Shewas a member of Covenant for over 40 years and taught at the Capital U. Law School.

Peace and Global Witness Offering Received Sun., Sept. 17The Season of Peace in the PCUSA ends withWorld Communion Sunday. On Sun., Sept. 17,the Justice & Peace Committee is receiving the2017 Peace and Global Witness Offering. Indi-vidual congregations are encouraged to use upto 25% of this offering to connect with the globalwitness of Christ's peace. Mid councils retain anadditional 25% for ministries of peace and rec-onciliation. The remaining 50% is used by thePresbyterian Mission Agency to advocate forpeace and justice in cultures of violence, includ-ing our own, through collaborative projects of ed-ucation and Christian witness. Alvis House is therecipient of Covenant’s local offering this year. Itis a nonprofit human services agency with 50years of experience providing highly effectivereentry treatment programs for individuals whohave spent time in the criminal justice system.They also serve people with intellectual or devel-opmental disabilities that face difficult challengesas they seek to live an independent life. Someof the women of CATCH Court have beenhoused at Alvis. Its vision is of a future whencommunities believe that a person's potential ismore important than his or her past. Please help.

Mission & Other Opportunities

hUMAN TRAFFICKING

CATCh Court (Changing Actions to Change habits)1st Thur./Month, 11am, we take lunchSept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2If you have never been to Judge Paul Herbert’s courtroom to lis-ten to these survivors of human trafficking, you’ve missed someamazing church. The truth-telling, accountability, confession andforgiveness, the turn away from shame, lavish abundance ofgrace and steadfast love — all these will take your breath away.Contact Katie Kinnison or Nancy Davidson.• A Ministry in the human Trafficking FightSome of the women arrested in Franklin County for prostitutionare not yet ready to become part of CATCH Court. It may be theiraddiction, their fear of their pimp, or some other reason thatmakes it hard for them to take such a drastic step and break free.

When these women are released from jail, they have nothingand no real support. We make toiletry kits for them, assembledby our middle school youth, complete with notes of encourage-ment. Five to eight bags are needed each month at about $15each. You may donate to help the cause or contact Katie Kinni-son for more information. Checks should be made out toCovenant with HT BAGS in the memo line.• CATCh Christmas - Thurs., Dec. 21We have the honor of hosting the Christmas Party for the womenof CATCH Court this year. Stay tuned for ways you can be in-volved, and contact Katie Kinnison if you have some ideas abouthow to make this wonderful.

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Coffee Cans Needed for Peanut Brittle - We sell 400-450 cans of peanut brittle each year. Please bring your empty1 lb. coffee cans only and leave them in the kitchen for making peanut brittle this fall. Also, we need Kroger or GiantEagle 80% margarine, white sugar and kitchen help. Thanks so much! Contact Nan Davidson, ndavidson7@gmail.com.

Did you know….? The members of the Prayer Shawl Circle want you to know that shawls are knitted for many dif-ferent occasions, not just in times of illness or loss. The shawls are blessed for weddings, births (imagine nursing ababy wrapped in a soft, warm shawl), for graduations, ordinations, confirmation, celebration of birthdays, and serviceto the church or to others. So just ask about a shawl for any occasion. Contact Louise Davidson, 614-736-0042.

CPW Garage Sale is Coming: Incentive to Clean, Clear and Simplify Your homeFri., Sept. 29, 9am-4pm AND Sat., Sept. 30, 9am-12pmEver do some house cleaning and wonder what to do with all that stuff you don’t need anymore? The answer: donateit to the fabulous CPW Garage Sale! All sorts of clean, working items are welcome from buttons to bikes to bookcases,from skates to Santas to sofas. You are invited to bring you items to Fellowship Hall no earlier than Mon., Sept. 25 untilno later than Thurs., Sept. 28, noon, for pricing and display. If you have time and would like to assist with set up (manyhands are definitely needed), there will be sign-up sheets in the hallway beginning Sept. 3. Questions? Contact NancyCowman, bncowman@sbcglobal.net, 614-486-3525.

Covenant Presbyterian Women (CPW)Lynn hamilton, Moderator, lynnhamilton28@gmail.com

Please call the church office, 614-451-6677, if your address changes.

2070 Ridgecliff Road

Columbus, OHIO 43221

Phone (614)451-6677

www.covenantpcusa.org

Church Office: 614-451-6677Office hours: Mon.-Thur. 8:30am-4:00pm; Fri., 8:30am-12:00pm

Covenant ContactsTracy Keenan, Senior Pastor - tracykeenan@covenantpcusa.org Katie Kinnison, Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation - katherinekinnison@covenantpcusa.orgCherie Brooks, Director of Music - cheriebrooks@covenantpcusa.org Katie Wynkoop, Organist/Pianist - katie.wynkoop@att.net Jim Mehler, Parish Associate - jimmehler@covenantpcusa.orgErin Wise, Director of Children’s Ministry - erinwise3@yahoo.comShane Spicer, Interim Director of Youth Ministry & Asst. for Children’s Ministry - jagsniche@gmail.com Shea Watts, Director of Youth Ministry - sheawatts@covenantpcusa.orgIngrid Brooker, Financial Administrator - ingridbrooker@covenantpcusa.orgMary Pat Helvey, Membership Administrator - marypathelvey@covenantpcusa.orgJP Pogalies, Communications Administrator - joanpogalies@covenantpcusa.org

Communicator On Line: www.covenantpcusa.orgView and print issues of Your Communicator from our web site www.covenantpcusa.org.

Please email ingridbrooker@covenantpcusa.org or call the church office if you need

Your Communicator mailed to your house.

The Dec. 2017, Jan. & Feb. 2018 Winter Issue of Your Communicator

Information, events, news and reports for the Fall issue should be emailed by Fri., Dec. 8, to JP:joanpogalies@covenantpcusa.org. Include contact information and what, when, who, where, how and why.