Church office hours: Mon.-Thurs. from 9:00 – 2:00 p.m. [email protected] (919) 365-7979
www.covenantwendell.com “Celebrating the Past – Building the Future”
Covenant Presbyterian Church
125 S. Selma Rd. Wendell, NC 27591-9705
Dear Friends,
I am now beginning my fourth week with you all. You are a wonderful family of
faith! I am so blessed to be among you! And I am excited about where this
transitional journey will take us.
During this transitional time, the Presbytery of New Hope requires that we establish a Mission Study
Team. The purpose of this team is to work with me to identify a process of engagement with the
congregation to achieve three primary tasks.
1. To re-tell the story of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. To identify the people and events
that have shaped who you are. What is your history?
2. To identify and describe the context in which you, as a church family, live. What makes Wendell
unique? What are the needs of this community? What are the opportunities for ministry?
3. To envision your future ministry. This involves the creation of a new vision statement and
mission goals for the next 5 years. This vision will determine the skill set you anticipate for the
next installed pastor.
Once we have completed these tasks, we will complete a written Mission Study which will be given
to the Presbytery of New Hope’s Commission on Ministry for approval. The COM must approve this
Mission Study before a Pastor Nominating Committee can be elected. My experience has been that
the Mission Study will take 9 – 12 months to complete (once compiled, it is about 75 pages). But
once the Mission Study is approved, the completion of a Ministry Information Form, which the PNC
will compile for Session approval, will be expedited. So, relax! Enjoy the process!
I am in the process of creating this Mission Study Team; the Session provided names of folks who
have knowledge of Covenant Presbyterian Church’s history and the town of Wendell. We will roll
our sleeves up and begin our work as soon as this team has been created.
On another note: Please stop by and visit or I would be delighted to visit with you. As you will
discover, I am not one bit shy!
Blessings,
Pastor Debbie
Keeping Up with Covenant Church
News from Covenant Presbyterian
Wendell, North Carolina
Debbie Osterhoudt, Pastor – 478-363-2010
September 2017
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (Matthew 18:20)
CHOIR CHATTER:
As we rush toward September, your choir is in a flurry of activity. On August 30th, we presented our tour music at Brookdale in Wake Forest, the home of Peggy Fink. We previewed the Christmas cantata at our dinner on choir Sunday and will start rehearsing it in September.
In addition, we'll lead worship at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church on the morning of September 24th.
Yes, we're busy, and if you can sing, we'd love to have you give us a try. Thank you for being so supportive of us.
See you in church,
Wanda
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 2017
World Communion Sunday is a
celebration observed by several Christian denominations, taking place on the first Sunday of every October, that promotes Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation. It focuses on an observance of the Lord’s supper.
The tradition was begun in 1934 by Hugh Thomson Kerr who ministered in the Shadyside Presbyterian Church. "Davitt S. Bell (the late Clerk of Session and church historian at Shadyside) recalled that Dr. Kerr first conceived the notion of World Communion Sunday during his year as moderator of the General Assembly (1930).
Dr. Kerr’s younger son, the Rev. Dr. Donald Craig Kerr, who is pastor emeritus of the Roland Park Presbyterian Church in
Baltimore, was sixteen in 1933. He has related that World Communion Sunday grew out of the Division of Stewardship at Shadyside. It was their attempt to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity—in which everyone might receive both inspiration and information, and above all, to know how important the Church of Jesus Christ is, and how each congregation is interconnected one with another." It was then adopted throughout the US Presbyterian Church in 1936, and subsequently spread to other denominations. In 1940, the Federal Council of Churches (now the National Council of Churches), led by Jesse Moren Bader, endorsed World Communion Sunday and began to promote it to Christian churches worldwide.
Covenant will celebrate Communion on Sunday, October 1st,
in unity with our fellow Christians around the world. We hope you will join us.
Worship Elders Carol Rich & Tim VanGelder
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction,
that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES, 2017-18,
COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ADULTS
CLASS TEACHER TIME PLACE TYPE
Underhill Class
Bob Fleming, Todd Turner
9:30 – 10:30
Ed. Bld. Bible Study
Stomp and
Holler
Bill Alden 9:30-
10:30
Ed. Bld.
Kitchen
Bible Study
Serendipity Marc Johnson 9:30 – 10:30
Session Room
Religious Book Study
Coffee and
Conversation
Linda Berry 10:00 –
10:40
Fellowship
Hall
Devotional &
conversation
CHILDREN THROUGH YOUTH
CLASS AGES TIME PLACE TEACHERS
Nursery Infant to age
4
9:30 –
12:00
Ed. Bld.
Nursery
Lindsay Pearson
Will
Smithson Class
K through 3rd
grade
10:00 –
10:45
Education
Building
Dorine Newton
Tim VanGelder
Junior Class 4th through
7th grade
10:00 –
10:45
Education
Building
Robin Harris
Heather Wolfgang
Youth 8th through
12th grade
10:00 –
10:45
Education
Building
Leann Dale
Jennifer Carnes
RALLY DAY IS SEPTEMBER 10TH
Worship will be led by our awesome youth including children’s
sermon, message, greeters and ushers. Music will be
provided by our Vacation Bible School Superheroes and
friends. Both youth and heroes have been preparing for
weeks so come and be inspired by their service.
ATTENTION: YOUTH 5TH GRADE THROUGH 12TH GRADE!
YOUTH GROUPS will begin on September 10th with a “Back to
Youth Group Party” As in the past, we will begin with a meal.
Everyone can support our youth and their leaders by providing a
simple meal at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings or by donations to
purchase a meal if no one has signed up.
HINT: If you buy Domino’s Pizza gift cards, you will be
supporting your church TWICE!
The Christian Education Committee meets on the fourth
Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to be a part
of this group, See Linda Berry or Dorine Newton.
IF YOU ARE NOT A YOUTH: We are never too old to learn
more about God’s word. Check out the classes for grown-ups, visit if you
wish and think about attending on a regular basis. (Maybe it is time to
start cramming for finals? )
Women’s Bible Study will resume on
Tuesday, September 19th at 10 a.m. in the
session room. The ladies will continue the study
of Revelations by reviewing chapters 1 – 4. All
women are welcome. Questions? Call Deb Park
at 505-280-5922.
Movie October first – The Shack (check out information on the “full page ad”)
Christian Education Elders Becky Abate & Paula Perry
First Sunday Fellowship Sunday, Sept. 3rd John & Judy Shotts are hosting our get together this month. Stay for a snack and a visit and then enjoy your holiday weekend!
Men’s Breakfast Sunday, Sept. 17th Tommy Crawford & Dickie Murray are chefs at 8:30 a.m. in the Education Building kitchen. All men of the church are welcome – hot coffee, great food & a great bunch of guys. All men are welcome. Any questions, see Hugh Cashion.
Breakfast Fellowship Monday, Sept. 11 The Clayton group meets at Jones Cafe at 9:30 a.m. on the first Monday of the month BUT NOT THIS MONTH. Due to Labor Day, Clayton group will not meet but are very welcome at the Zebulon group which meets at McLean’s on the second Monday, both at 9:30 a.m. EVERYONE is welcome – at either or both groups!
Prayer Shawl Sunday, Sept. 17th The knitters meet at 5:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month and
create shawls & throws for comfort in time of need. Want to join the group? Experienced knitters are happy to help & share patterns. Some supplies are
available. Call Christine Mailliard at 919-366-0883 for more information or if you know of someone who could use a shawl.
Join a special care ministry (Contact Kimberly Stevens at 919-269-3881 or Jeannie Driver at 919-365-5521 for more information.)
Handy Hands helps with home repairs and chores for those who find it difficult to manage by themselves. They have installed several ramps for those with problems with mobility. Need is more important than ability to pay so donations are appreciated.
Martha’s Ministry provides meals in time of need. If you are experiencing difficulties – illness, stress or any other reason and having a meal delivered would give you a lift, please let the church office know (919-365-7979). If you are able to help prepare and/or deliver meals, please call Kimberly, Jeannie or the church office.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Saturday, September16th - Blood drive
Sign up to save a life! Two ways to sign up for an appointment: there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you can check out the email sent earlier and sign up on line. Be sure to eat breakfast or lunch before your appointment! Must be over 18 years old, weigh at least 120 lbs., no tattoos within a year, cancer free for at least 5 years & not taking blood thinners.
Sunday, September 17th - Pot Luck Dinner after worship! Bring a dish to share and leave it in the kitchen before Sunday School
or worship. Then come enjoy a meal together. Covenant has some terrific cooks so it is always good. If you can’t or don’t want to cook, just pick up something or leave a donation in the basket!
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month, September 26th in Fellowship Hall. Conversation, devotions, refreshments and study as well as planning for the Spaghetti Dinner, Country Store & Silent Auction on November 4th are on the agenda. All women of the church are welcome! If you are new to
Covenant, this is a great way to meet people and make new friends.
Congregational Care Elders Kimberly Stevens & Jeannie Driver
IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED ---
Due to “technical difficulties” we did not show
The Shack last month as scheduled
SO we are going to try again!
THURSDAY, October 1st
AT 7:00 P.M.
THE SHACK
Adapted from the best-selling novel by
Canadian author William P. Young
This 2007 movie stars Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer
& Tim McGraw.
After a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep
depression & questions his innermost beliefs.
Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging
him to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. Mack
journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of
strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting,
Mack finds important truths that will transform his
understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.
IN AIR CONDITIONED COMFORT
ON THE BIG SCREEN.
FRESH, HOT POPCORN & BEVERAGE PROVIDED
BE CASUAL, BRING A CHAIR IF YOU LIKE.
AND YOU CAN’T BEAT THE PRICE – FREE!
COMING ATTRACTIONS!!
FOR YOUTH: October, work on Jesse Tree ornaments
October 11, Fields of Faith at East Wake H.S. October 29, Halloween Party
COVENANT CONCERT SERIES:
November 12, 2107 - Grains of Time March 25, 2018 – Capital City Girls’ Choir April 29, 2018 – Triangle Youth Jazz Band & Triangle Youth Jazz Orchestra 03
Two more groups are to be scheduled: Raleigh Boys’ Choir & Triangle Youth Brass Band. WENDELL HARVEST FESTIVAL October 6 & 7 –– Forms to enter the “Little Miss/Mr. Wendell” contest are available in the church office.
Joyful Noise choir is planning to begin in October – Anyone willing to help please call Robin Harris. The youngsters love to sing!
SPAGHETTI DINNER, SILENT AUCTION & COUNTRY STORE.
November 7
Help for Texas!
Dear friends,
Twelve years ago our country experienced the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as it ripped through the cities and towns surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. I was a member of a Mission Team from Wake Forest and we journeyed to New Orleans three weeks after Katrina slammed into our coastal cities. We worked under the direction and support of the PCUSA Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program. The folks who
organize rescue and implement recovery/rebuilding in these communities are local people who have been through training and are volunteers. So any money we give to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program goes to help the folks whose homes have been destroyed and their lives shattered. While we were in the Gulfport area, the American Red Cross provided much needed food, clothing and housing.
Unfortunately, we are once again facing a tragedy of epic proportions caused by massive flooding and destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. How can we help? We can share our resources through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program. You can give to the church and we will make sure that this money is forwarded to support this ministry. Be sure to indicate on the “memo” line of your check that it is designated for “PDA.” Or you can give directly to the American Red Cross.
It is amazing the stories of heroism and sacrifice that are coming out of the Texas area – people helping their neighbors. We too can help through the sharing of our gifts. And we can continue to pray for healing and restoration of the people in Texas.
Pastor Debbie
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
The cookout the Bright for Will Fund on September 27th was wonderful! The burgers and dogs were delicious and the ice cream truck servings were huge!! The bins for donations are in the narthex.
"A note of Thanks from the Smithson family: We would like to thank everyone who supported our Bright for Will initiative during the month of August. Yesterday was such a great day! Thank you to everyone who contributed food, and to those who ate the food! We are especially appreciative for the donation of supplies and the monetary contributions. Close to $1000 was contributed to Bright for Will yesterday at Covenant! Without Covenant, Bright for Will would not exist and we so appreciate the many who support us and keep Will’s memory alive through our charitable foundation. Special thanks to the Mission Outreach committee for their assistance and a shout out to grillmaster Bud Lawler and Joe Bowman for providing the grill. Sincere Thanks! The Smithson Family"
CARVER ELEMENTARY BACKPACK BUDDY PROGRAM
Don't forget our weekend meals for Carver kids. We need hearty soups, vegetables, peanut butter and fruit. There is a designated bin in the Narthex and lists with suggested items on the bulletin boards.
The Food Pantry is an on-going project supplying bags of
groceries to needy families in our area. Emphasis for September: Cans of Vegetables & fruit. Of course any non-perishable foods are welcome. We are grateful to Wendell UMC for providing space & volunteers to staff the pantry. If you would like to volunteer at the pantry, please
notify the church office.
Mission/Outreach Elders Leta Thornton & Bud Lawler
More Mission/Outreach news.
The Jesse Tree Project
A few years ago the Jesse Tree was introduced at Covenant and if you missed out then, you have another chance this year. The Jesse tree tells the story of God’s salvation beginning with creation to the coming of the Messiah. There is a different ornament for December 1st through the 25th as well as a booklet of
devotions to be used as the ornament is placed on the tree each day. You may sign up to make 25 of one ornament and then exchange
with others making different ornaments so that you will have a complete set for yourself. Or you may make the ornaments and donate them to the church to complete sets for new church families or to sell.
If you don’t have time to assemble ornaments, you may just sign up to purchase a Jesse Tree Set for $40 which includes the devotional booklet. Please preorder so that we have enough. The kits are wonderful gifts for young families and newlyweds.
There will be a meeting following worship on September 10th for those interested in participating.
Monetary donations to cover the cost of materials and the devotional booklets are appreciated. Mark your check “Jesse Tree” and put it in the offering plate. Contact Alli Buus (919-365-5201) or Bonnie Wagstaff (919-365-9061) if you have any questions.
Wendell Council of Churches
October is Covenant’s turn to offer the pray at the beginning of Wendell’s Town Meeting. The meetings will be held on October 11th and 25th and begin at 7:00 pm.
It is also our turn to provide a brief service on Sunday mornings at Oliver House which is right around the corner on Wendell Boulevard. The residents enjoy singing hymns and brief devotions. If you are interested in helping with this, please call Bud Lawler 919-243-0056.
Financial Report for August 2017 Month Year to date
Expenses $21,256 $154,775 Received 20,036 178,418 Difference $ (1,220) $ 23,643
Heritage Fund $ 1,905 $ 10,436
Mortgage Balance as of August 30, 2017 - $1,053,837. Gift Card Update: Due to demand, Walmart gift cards are
available in the narthex after worship with NO WAITING! Food Lion & Lowes cards as always are available. Lists of additional cards from businesses all over the country – restaurants, department stores, pharmacies, motels, even cruise lines – are available at the gift card list in the narthex. If you don’t see a particular card on the list, ask Susan Darby or David Meyers and they will find out if it is available. To order, just fill out the form (or make a list including your name and phone number), give it to someone at the gift card table along with your check. Your cards will arrive the following Sunday and your check will not be cashed until the cards are received. Each card earns a percentage for Covenant, paid by the vendor. It may seem like only a few dollars but when several of us participate, it adds up in a hurry. Not a bad deal – we get the full value of the card and the church gets extra money. Last year it came to over $4,000!! Gifts, eating out, grocery shopping – the opportunities are endless!!
Stewardship Elders Hugh Cashion & Barb Sneade
September Birthdays
4 Michelle Haswell
8 Buck Bullock 19 Steve Buus Marc Johnson
Robert Raybon 21 Judy McCurdy
9 Wendy Pearce 22 Marcella Abate
13 Leta Thornton 23 Vanessa Turner
14 Tammy Strickland 25 Jeff Kopp, Ed Park
15 Brenda Johnson 26 Don Agee, Ron Oldham
16 Tim Sherrill 27 Peggy Buffaloe
16 Louise McClaid Emily Anderson
September Anniversaries
1 Bob & Becky Morgan
6 David & Jeannie Driver
13 Brian & Paula Daniels
15 Don & Christine Mailliard Todd & Vanessa Turner
17 Bob & Pam Labusohr
27 Bill & Judy McCurdy
NOTE: Please let the office know of any omissions or errors.
Lectionary for September 2017
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 3
Exodus 3:1–15
Psalm 105:1–6, 23–26, 45b
Romans 12:9–21
Matthew 16:21–28
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 10
Exodus 12:1–14
Psalm 149
Romans 13:8–14
Matthew 18:15–20
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 17
Exodus 14:19–31
Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21
Romans 14:1–12
Matthew 18:21–35
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 24
Exodus 16:2–15
Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45
Philippians 1:21–30
Matthew 20:1–16
Psalm 119: 105 - “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”
Volunteer Schedule for September/October 2017
Date Lay Reader Audio Greeters Ushers
Sept. 3 Marc Johnson Billy Cuthrell Tom & Stella Don Agee,
Martin Doug Petrey
Leeanne Stanton
Pete Dunlow
Sept. 10 Youth Kevin Dale Youth Youth
Sept 17 Deb Park Tim Harris Jim & Margie Philip & Annette
Hopkins Kirk, Al Cates,
Bob Morgan
Sept. 24 Hulon Perry Joshua Stevens John & Judy Ed & Barb Sneade,
Shotts Becky Abate,
Jeannie Driver
Oct. 1 Tammy Olive Martin & Steve Buus,
Strickland Leeanne Stanton Bud Lawler,
Bill McCurdy
Oct. 8 Carol Rich Judy McCurdy Tommy Crawford,
Gary Hardee,
Mike Smithson
Tim VanGelder
Oct. 15 Leann Dale Pam Hardee & Don Agee,
Carol Rich Doug Petrey
Leeanne Stanton
Pete Dunlow
Oct. 22 David Meyers Brian & Paula Philip & Annette
Daniels Kirk, Al Cates,
Bob Morgan
Oct. 29 Lisa Bailey Tom & Stella Ed & Barb Sneade,
Martin Becky Abate,
Jeannie Driver
NOTE: You will notice the Audio schedule is not complete. There are plans
for training new team members very soon. If you are interested in learning how to
manage the sound system even if you are only available occasionally, please let the
church office know. In the meantime, thank you to our faithful crew who will be filling
in as needed!
WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!
Children’s Ministry Volunteer Schedule for
September/October 2017
Date Children’s Sermon Nursery Volunteer Acolyte .
Sept. 3 Don Mailliard Robin Harris Shauna Moody
Sept 10 Youth Carrie Petrosky Kayley McClure
Sept. 17 Debbie Osterhoudt Rae Dunn Emma Cuthrell
Sept 24 Tom Martin Pam Hardee James Newton
Oct. 1 Bob Fleming Rae Dunn Emma Buus
Oct. 8 Jennifer Carnes Robin Harris Megan Buus
Oct. 15 Tom Martin Ruth Crawford Molly Smithson
Oct. 22 Don Mailliard Robin Harris Shauna Moody
Oct. 29 Debbie Osterhoudt Carrie Petrosky Kayley McClure
Nursery Worker:
The nursery will be staffed from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Sunday morning by Miss Lindsay Pearson.
Nursery Volunteers: The nursery volunteer is asked to bring a light snack and juice (no popcorn please). If you are unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday, please call anyone from the nursery volunteer list. If you have trouble finding a substitute, please contact the coordinator Robin Harris at [email protected] or 919602-6705
NOTE: Covenant is blessed with several adorable babies and youngsters
who need somewhere to go when they are too restless to stay in worship with
Mommy & Daddy. The nursery is staffed every Sunday by Miss Lindsay
Pearson but volunteers are needed to help cuddle, rock, sing to and play with
the youngsters. The longer the list of volunteers, the less often you have to
serve. Right now, our volunteers are serving about once a month. If you
can give them a hand, they would really appreciate it. Call Robin Harris (who
is a very frequent volunteer!) at 919-602-6705.
September 2017
9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Children & Youth 11:00 p.m. Worship Sunday School 5:30 p.m. Youth Group Both start Sept. 10
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10:00 a.m. Youth Meeting 10:30 a.m. Superheroes Practice 12:15 p.m. First Sunday Fellowship
LABOR DAY Church Office Closed.
(Clayton Breakfast Cancelled)
7:30 p.m. Choir Practice
8:00 p.m. A.A.
6:30 p.m. Finance Com.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12:15 p.m. Jesse Tree Meg. 5:30 p.m. Mission/Outreach
6:00 p.m. Property 7:00 p.m. Session
9:30 a.m. Breakfast Fellowship – Zebulon 7:00 p.m. Wendell Council of Churches (at UMC)
7:00 p.m. Icebreakers
7:30 p.m. Choir Practice
8:00 p.m. A.A.
9:00 a.m. Blood Drive
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 8:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 12:15 p.m. All church Potluck lunch 5:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl
10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Choir Practice
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Choir on tour at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Pennies for
Hunger 12:15 p.m. Congregational Care Com. Choir on tour at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church
10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 6:00 CE mtg. 7:00 p.m. Presbyterian
Women
7:30 p.m. Choir Practice
8:00 p.m. A.A.
October 1st.