THE WORSHIP OF GOD
SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2016
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
10:00 AM
ORDER OF WORSHIP *All who are able are invited to stand.
THE MCGAFFIN CARILLON GEORGE LEGGIERO
PRELUDE Vater unser im Himmelreich GEORG BÖHM
Our Father who art in heaven Jonathan Moyer
WELCOME THE REV. MELANIE MARSH BAUM
* STATEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY ` STUDENT COMMUNITY AT COVENANT
* CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY `
INTROIT Siyahamba ekukhanyeni kwenkos TRADITIONAL SOUTH AFRICAN
We are marching in the light of God The Covenant Choir
* CALL TO WORSHIP MINDY STEWART
One: Oh God, where can we go from your spirit?
Or where can we flee from your presence?
All: If we ascend to heaven, you are there;
if we make our bed in Sheol, you are there.
If we take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand leads us, and your right hand shall hold us fast.
Let us worship the God of all creation
Let us praise the God who is ever in our midst.
COVENANT
CHURCH of the The
* HYMN 454 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word LIEBSTER JESU
* CALL TO CONFESSION HARRIET WADSWORTH
* CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, we confess that we close the doors of our mind, shutting out your
truth. We lock the gates of our hearts, pretending to be self-sufficient. Help us to
sense your presence and to taste your grace, that we may fling wide the portals of
our hearts, making them temples set apart from selfish use for your service. We
ask your forgiveness as we silently confess our sins.
* PRIVATE CONFESSION OF SIN (in silence)
* RESPONSORIAL KYRIE JONATHAN MOYER
Cantor sings once, then all are invited to sing.
* DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
One: Hear the Good News!
If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just,
forgiving and transforming our lives.
Friends, believe the good news.
All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
* GLORIA PATRI HYMN 579
Glory be to the Father** and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
**or Maker
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST LESSON PSALM 139
ANTHEM Like as the hart HERBERT HOWELLS
The Covenant Choir
Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My
soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God. When shall I come to appear before
the presence of God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they daily say
unto me, “Where is now thy God?” Psalm 42: 1–3
TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES MINDY STEWART
PARTING RESPONSE
All are invited to sing as a round as the children and youth depart for Sunday School.
Translation: Goodbye friends, until we meet again.
SECOND LESSON EPHESIANS 4:17–25
One: This is the word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
SERMON This Present Moment MELANIE MARSH BAUM
* HYMN 275 God of Our Life SANDON
JOYS AND CONCERNS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY THE REVEREND EILEEN F. VIZCAINO
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING, INTERCESSION, AND PETITION
THE LORD'S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.
CONGREGATIONAL AMEN JONATHAN MOYER
All are invited to sing.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY O quam suavis est JEHAN ALAIN
Lynne Hoffman-Engel, soloist
O quam suavis est, Domine, spiritus tuus, O how sweet is thy spirit, Lord,
qui ut dulcedinem tuam in filios demonstrares you who in order to demonstrate
sweetness to your children
pane suavissimo de caelo praestito, send down from heaven the sweetest
bread unsurpassed,
esurientes reples bonis, filling the hungry with good things,
fastidiosos divites dimittens inanes. send the away the disdainful rich.
* DOXOLOGY OLD HUNDREDTH
HYMN 591
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.* Amen.
*or Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION
* HYMN 80 Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley LONESOME VALLEY
* BENEDICTION
LITURGICAL MOVEMENT AND MUSIC Mary Anne Bromelmeier Veronica Bromelmeier
Jenny Conner, Kitty Jarjisian, Eileen Vizcaino
Jonathan Moyer, organ
THE MCGAFFIN CARILLON GEORGE LEGGIERO
Convinced of God’s grace,
the Church of the Covenant seeks to:
Be a welcoming spiritual home,
Live God’s inclusive love,
Express Christ’s compassion,
Do justice in the world.
WELCOME
WE WELCOME ALL WHO HAVE COME TO WORSHIP at the Church of the Covenant. If you are
interested in exploring additional opportunities or inquiring about church membership,
please contact Amy Starr Redwine at [email protected] or Melanie Marsh Baum at
MUSIC NOTES: Our music this week reflects on spiritual nourishment, metaphorically
represented by the cleansing waters of a brook (Psalm 42) and the sweet bread of communion.
"Like as the hart" is one of the most often performed works of the English composer Herbert
Howells (1892-1893). Its tranquil melody and impressionist-like harmony vividly portray the
scenic words of Psalm 42. The offertory O quam suavis est was composed by the French
composer Jehan Alain (1911-1940), a contemporary of Howells who met his untimely death as
a soldier in WWII. The text originated as a vespers antiphon for the feast of Corpus Christi.
We welcome soloist Lynne Hoffman-Engel.
OUR LAY WORSHIP LEADER is Harriet Wadsworth, who joined the Covenant in 1984, and
raised her daughters, Julia and Margaret Wadsworth, in the church. She has served on many
committees and task forces, and is currently a member of Session and Moderator of the Organ
Committee. Harriet works with Chip Bromley at OrganizeOhio on issues of major concern to
Cuyahoga County: housing policy, community development, fair lending. The Covenant
community is welcome at free events; information at organizeohio.org. A March 9 Brown Bag
lunchtime program at CSU will address state budget issues. Harriet is married to John Orlock,
playwright and professor of English at CWRU; they have a granddaughter, Sylvia
Wadsworth-Butler, and are expecting a second grandchild in March. If you would like to become
a lay worship leader, please contact Gale Bromelmeier at 440-944-7480 or at [email protected].
TODAY STEPHEN MINISTERS, HERRICK ROOM, 9:00
WORSHIP, 10:00 SUNDAY SCHOOL/CHILDREN’S CHOIR, 10:15
COFFEE AND FELLOWSHIP, Reception Room, 11:00 SNACKS FOR STUDENTS, Narthex, 11:00
ADULT FORUMS, Beckwith Hall and Herrick Room, 11:30 HEALING CIRCLE, Sonia Golden Room, 12:30
GUITAR SOCIETY, Choir Room, 1:15
11:30am, Beckwith Hall: We welcome the Reverend Kristine Eggert and David Eggert, co-founders of God Before Guns, a Covenant mission partner.
11:30am, Herrick Room: Melanie Marsh Baum will talk about creative and liturgical movement as spiritual disciplines.
12:30, Sonia Golden Room: Join the Healing Circle. All are welcome. Energy work is provided for those who have a need.
FOLLOWING A TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES, children will leave for Sunday school/choir. The
crèche is open for infants through pre-kindergarten from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Child care is
available for special services such as Tenebrae. Call the church office for more information.
FLOWERS IN THE CHANCEL TODAY are presented to the glory of God and in appreciation for the
ministry of God Before Guns.
USHERS TODAY are John Bromelmeier, Bob Ault, Clint Fowler, Patty Fowler, and Oleg Targoni.
Greeters are Dan and Karin Garland.
THE ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING will be received in morning
worship on Palm Sunday, March 20. Through our gifts to One Great Hour of
Sharing, we serve people in our community and around the world. See today’s
bulletin insert to learn more.
A STEPHEN MINISTER is in Christ Chapel following worship today if you would like someone
to pray or talk with. Stephen Ministers are church members trained to support individuals
who are facing challenges and would like a caring Christian presence during this time.
OPPORTUNITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
TODAY
GOD BEFORE GUNS FORUM: We welcome the Reverend Kristine Eggert and David Eggert to
Covenant this Sunday. Reverend Eggert, a retired Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
pastor, and her husband David, co-founded God Before Guns, a Covenant mission partner
that "works to reduce gun violence through community engagement, education, and
advocacy, convening and collaborating with diverse faith communities and other community
partners." Come and meet Reverend Eggert and learn about the work of God Before Guns.
THE HEALING CIRCLE meets today at 12:30 pm in the Sonia Golden Room. Engage in
meditation exercises, and hear about each other's work and research. The session includes a
light lunch, energy work for those who have a need, and an update on the Covenant's work
with University Hospitals. You are invited. The Healing Circle is open to people of all faiths.
Call Ed Laylin at 216.466.3631 to learn more.
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
REMEMBER LOVED ONES ON EASTER SUNDAY with a lily or flowers. Order forms are
available in the church office and on the Covenant website and e-news. Names of
the donors and those being remembered will be in the Easter bulletin. Call
Mildred Russin at 216.421.0482 for more information or to place an order.
HOSPITALITY REACHES OUT! Our university students will visit clients at the 2100 Lakeside
Shelter for men who are homeless. Join us in two ways: Bring cookies to church on Sunday,
March 13 for us to take AND/OR go with us on Saturday, March 19, leaving Covenant at 1pm
and returning at 5pm. More information: Rev. Eileen,
216.233.5151, [email protected].
SESSION ACTION: INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS ON SUNDAY, MARCH 13 AND 20
On Wednesday, February 24, your Session made two significant decisions:
Session will continue on the path of transitioning to the new governance structure.
Informational sessions will be held before on Sundays, March 13 and 20 before (8:45am)
and after (11:30am) worship. All will be in Beckwith Hall except the 11:30am session on
March 13 which will be in the Herrick Room. All members and friends are invited to come
to ask questions and share concerns about the transition.
The Manager of Finance and Operations position will not be filled at this time. Session has
asked the Personnel Committee to take time to re-assess whether the position should be
full or part-time. Member Keith Kallay will continue to perform the tasks of this position
on a volunteer basis until June 1.
CANDY AND PLASTIC EASTER EGG DONATIONS are needed for the annual Easter
Egg Hunt. Please bring pre-wrapped mini candies and/or fillable plastic eggs
to the church office by Wednesday, March 23. Contact Mindy Stewart with
any questions.
SCHEDULED THE WEEK OF MARCH 7
MONDAY 7th Organ rehearsal, 2:30
TUESDAY 8th Cache, 10:00; Tuesday Noon Bible Study, 12:00; Bereavement Group, 6:00
Lower Level Task Group, 7:00
WEDNESDAY 9th Tutoring at Daniel E. Morgan school; 2:00; Friends of McGaffin Carillon,
2:00; Twelve Steps to Freedom (AA), 5:30
Outreach and Social Justice, 7:15
THURSDAY 10th Cache, 10:00; PWR meeting, 2:30; Theology on Tap, 5:00 (Happy Dog);
Handbell Choir, 6:30; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30
FRIDAY 11th No activities scheduled
SATURDAY 12th Saturday Tutoring, 10:00
All committee meetings except Personnel are open. See Covenant’s interactive calendar at
CovenantWeb.org for details. (Call Willie Howard at 216.421.0482, [email protected], to
schedule or change a meeting.)
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE CONVERSATION, Beckwith Hall, 8:45
WORSHIP, 10:00 SUNDAY SCHOOL/CHILDREN’S CHOIR, 10:15
COFFEE AND FELLOWSHIP, Reception Room, 11:00 STUDENT SNACKS, Narthex, 11:00
ADULT FORUM, Beckwith Hall, 11:30 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE CONVERSATION, Herrick Room, 11:30
SCIENCE OF SPIRITUALITY, Sonia Golden Room, 12:30 GUITAR SOCIETY, Choir Room, 1:15
IN THE COVENANT FAMILY WE KEEP IN OUR PRAYERS Glenn Anderson Sr., Anne Brown, Akeya Clark (niece of Marie
Jones), Phyllis Hackett, Fritz Haiss, Joseph Knoth, Susan Nyberg, Ed Pembroke, Jonyrma
Singleton, Dianne Strawser (mother of Jennifer Lewis), Barbara Thatcher Williams, and Bill
and Jean Wittrock. We also pray for Covenant members and friends who are struggling with
illness, convalescing, or are homebound; the patients, family, and staff in our surrounding
hospitals; those who have placed prayer requests in our Carpenter's Box; and all who are
impacted by gun violence.
Amy Starr Redwine is on vacation today. Our prayers go with students during this time of
midterms.
SCC: Student Community at Covenant
from first year to "post doc,” and alums, this is for YOU!
TODAY (Congregation members invited!)
Snack Table for Students and Covenant greeters in the narthex (lobby) after worship
FUTURE EVENTS
Update: Visit Shelter for Homeless at 2100 Lakeside, Saturday, March 19, Saturday
1:30–4pm. Contact Jack to volunteer: [email protected]. Transportation from Covenant
at 1pm.
March 31, Thursday. Do dinner for cancer outpatients. Shifts available from 3:30 to
6:30, hour or half-hour. Chrismaly leading: [email protected]. No cooking experience
necessary.
Need a mid-week boost? BIBLE at 12noon, Tuesdays, with Pastor Amy and community
members. Church Library, Level 2. Come when you can, leave when you must.
Last Sunday was Outstanding!
Thanks to our team of 9 University Ushers
who arrived at 9:25 to help people find a seat,
near “new neighbors,” and to all 25 who came.
For Sami and Thomas who led prayer
and scripture.
To Chip, Greg and Jim who joined us at
Snacks.
11205 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106 P: 216.421.0482 CovenantWeb.org F: 216.791.2228 E: [email protected]
Check SCC on Facebook and SCC e-news online. Don’t receive it? Sign up at Snacks today, or email Eileen: [email protected].