The Messenger
Newsletter o f The Church o f the Covenant
APRIL 2020
The Church
of the Covenant
267 East Beau St.
Washington, PA 15301
724.222.0190
www.churchofthecov.org
Worship Services
Sundays: 8:30, 9:43 & 11:00am
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adults 9:15 & 9:30
Children 9:45 & 11:00
Church Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 9:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
APRIL 2020
Dear friends,
The Session correctly and in its wisdom has voted to close the church and move to “modified
worship”. This means that there will be no activities in the church and that worship will be
conducted, recorded and videotaped, the sanctuary will be empty of people (but not of God),
and people can participate from home. There are multiple options and these are clearly ex-
plained in the letter sent out to the congregations included in this Messenger.
The stark reality as of this writing (March 17th) is that we may not have our regular Easter
Sunday services this year either. Easter, April 12th is within only four weeks of when the
CoronaVirus was diagnosed in our area. The Session will meet again on March 30th to
reassess the situation and make decisions. These decisions will be based upon facts and
medical information, guidelines given to us by governmental authorities, and much
discernment and prayer. Obviously, we will carefully communicate these decisions to you,
our wonderful congregation.
I remember the time around 9/11 back in 2001. The churches were full for a brief interval
but shortly after Christmas that year a lot of people stopped worshipping and praying. Once
the crisis was over, not as many turned their hearts to God any more. And over the past 20
years more and more people have fallen away, fewer people believe in God, churches are
emptying and closing. That must not happen this time. Do we not understand that it is only
the Lord who protects us? If the Lord does not stand guard over the (nation) the watchman
stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127: 1) People need to turn their hearts to God, pray more than
ever, and BEG THE LORD for the OPPORTUNITY to enter into His Presence and to
Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth once again. Worship isn’t something we put on our
calendar and do IF we have the time; it is essential for the saving of a people and a nation!
We are learning this lesson the hard way.
The Lord will not bless a people who will not turn and return to Him. Haven’t we figured
that out by now?
My prayer is that we will miss worshipping together so much that once we are able to gather
again in His presence and worship Him, through the Son, Jesus Christ, and in the power of
the Holy Spirit, that we will be so eager to gather that attendance will grow as people finally
understand that only God can save us from things that would harm us in this life.
We need God more than ever. Keep praying. Turn and return to the Lord in this season.
Become eager to come and fellowship and worship together when the Lord gives us
permission to do so once again. God bless you and keep you. I am praying for you.
Faithfully,
Pastor Stu
“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my
face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their
sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7: 14
STAFF Dr. Stuart D. Broberg
Pastor, Head of Staff
724-222-0190 x 117
Rev. Scott Shetter
Associate Pastor
724-222-0190 x115
Debi Nicolella
Church Administrator
724-222-0190 x 112
Lois Core
Interim CE Staff Coordinator
Dave Narigon
Interim Director of Youth Min.
Victoria Gregg
Financial Administrator
Darla Pepper-Miller
Director of Music Ministry
724-222-0190 x 118
Ralph Farabee
Maintenance Supervisor
724-222-0190 x 119
Cyndi Barney
Church Sexton
724-222-0190 x 119
Camille Braun
Pre-School Director
724-222-0190 x 121
Debbie Miles
9:43 Music Coordinator
Pat Sanders
Administrative Assistant
724-222-0190 x 112
Linda Grimm, RN
Parish Nurse
724-263-7911 Rev. Randall V. Boyer Associate Pastor Emeritus
WE NEED THE LORD MORE THAN EVER
The Messenger 2 APRIL 2020
NEWS FROM THE FAMILY OF FAITH
USHER TEAM 1 IS ON FOR April
(pending worship schedule)
Brant Barletta
Lou Barletta
Jim Edwards
Brian Edwards
Chris Edwards
Joel Braun
Don Faust
ALL ABOUT HANDS AND HEARTS
The Hands and Hearts Committee is a ministry of
caring to the Church of the Covenant homebound,
hospitalized and parishioners with healthcare needs.
Among the ways we support the congregation are
the Teddy Bear Ministry, Card Ministry, holiday
gifts for all shut-ins, blood pressure screenings,
assistance with completing Five Wishes Advance
Directive, prayer shawls, Care Notes, special
programs on health topics and transportation to
healthcare appointments. We also support
community programs such as Love in a Basket
providing baby and mom items to new mothers will
little or no support and global initiatives such as Safe
Birth collecting quarters to help ensure maternity
care in undeveloped countries. The Hands and
Hearts Committee along with the Parish Nurse and
volunteers from the congregation believe this
ministry is vital to the spiritual, mental and physical
health of our church and we invite anyone to join us!
Contact any committee member for more
information. Committee members: Connie
Hornickel, Linda Grimm, Mary Wichterman,
Devonne Cloonan, Carol Spencer, Pat Boyer, Anna
Phelan and Jean Phelan. We thank our regular volunteers:
Barb Payne, Rae Dawn Guyton, Barb Richmond and
Rebecca Aizupitis.
THANK YOU I'm sending Thanks and Love to the members of The
Covenant Singers and The Jubilate Ringers for their
faithful attendance to Thursday rehearsals and Sunday
morning worship services, where we sing and ring to
God's glory. We have sung and rung many beautiful
and deeply moving and challenging pieces this year,
and we were busy preparing even more beautiful and
deeply moving and challenging pieces for the
remainder of this Choir Season. And then COVID-19
happened. As we are unsure of what the future holds,
and rehearsals and worship services are on hold, we
will have to wait and see how this all plays out. I will
keep in contact with you all through our Facebook
page, texts, and phone calls. Stay safe and wash your
hands!
In Christ's love,
Darla Pepper-Miller
UPDATE ON GIVING
Sometimes life is just full of twists and turns. As we
wait out the COVID-19 virus and shelter in place, we
have closed the church building for your safety.
However, expenses continue needing to be paid and
income is limited when we do not gather together in
our traditional manners. Some have questioned how
they might still pay their tithes and offerings. There
are two quick answers. You may still mail your
checks to the church at 267 East Beau Street,
Washington, PA 15301, or you may choose to give
online by using the link provided on our website:
http://www.churchofthecov.org/stewardship-and-
giving/ways-to-give/gifts-by-credit-card/ .
JOIN US FOR MODIFIED WORSHIP
We have many ways for you to join us for worship.
First, if you missed last week’s sermon, you can access
the manuscript here. You may also go onto our
Facebook and YouTube channels to watch videos of
our services. We will be live-streaming on Facebook
each Sunday at 8:30 AM and then it is stored for you to
view later as well. Do not forget that our service is
always aired each Sunday on WJPA-AM 1450 at 11:30
AM. They also stream it on their website. Scripture
tells us not to forsake coming together to worship. We
may not always be able to meet in one location, but we
can always worship the Lord our God together as one
in Christ’s Spirit.
APRIL PREACHING AND VIRTUAL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
The Messenger 3 APRIL 2020
April 5, 2020 (Palm Sunday)
Sermon Title: HE KNEW HE WAS THE OFFERING
Preaching: Pastor Stu
Series: Least Favorite Book of the Bible
Scripture: Leviticus 7: 1-5
Focal Verse: “In the place where they kill the burnt offering, they shall kill the guilt offering….” v. 2
Synopsis: Jesus, the perfect sin offering, rode into the Temple to be offered up as the one complete sacrifice to
God that was holy enough for God.
Special Notes: MODIFIED WORSHIP. There is a great likelihood that the Session will meet on March 30th
and vote to continue having “modified worship” on Palm Sunday and Easter, where the sanctuary is empty of
people, but worship still is conducted, and it is videotaped and people can participate by way of WJPA Radio at
11:30 a.m. Sunday; Facebook and YouTube. These worship instructions are included in the letter appended to
this Messenger, which includes the direct links to these sites.
April 9, 2020 (Maundy Thursday, POSTPONED)
April 10, 2020 (Good Friday, POSTPONED)
Special Notes: All Holy Week Services have been postponed until next
year’s Holy Week. This also includes the Fellowship of Concern Prayer
Vigil and luncheon on Maundy Thursday.
April 12, 2020 (Easter Sunday)
Sermon Title: DEATH OR LIFE?
Preaching: Pastor Stu
Scripture: John 10: 9-18
Focal Verse: “I came that they may have life…” v. 10
Synopsis: The evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus comes to bring life. Have you entered into
the safe sheepfold through Jesus, the Door. Do you follow Him as the Good Shepherd of your life?
April 19, 2020
Sermon Title: PERFECT LOVE
Preaching: Pastor Scott
Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21
Focal Verse: “But perfect love drives out fear…” v. 18
Synopsis: Throughout these many days of dealing with COVID-19, there have been many things that have
caused us to live in fear. While all of these things require us to use wisdom in our responses, we live in the per-
fect love of God who is a God of peace and not a God of fear. If God is for us, who can be against us?
April 26, 2020
Sermon Title: NO FOXHOLE CHRISTIANS
Preaching: Pastor Stu
Scripture: James 4: 2b – 7a
Focal Verse: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” v. 4
Synopsis: When the CoronaVirus scare is over, where will you be sitting Sundays or is something else more
important? If you’re only a Christian in times of crisis maybe you’re not a Christian.
The Messenger 4 APRIL 2020
March 31, 2020
Dear Church Family,
The COVID-19 outbreak continues to take its toll around the world. Here in Western PA, it is no
different. We remain under stay-at-home orders, and only essential personnel are to be out and about.
This means that the church must continue to keep its doors closed. The session has extended the closure
of the church until April 30, 2020 when they will revisit the situation. We will continue to monitor the
situation to make the best decision from the best information at that time.
However, ministry continues each day. Both pastors continue their work from home, preparing
sermons, reaching out to speak with many of you, and preparing for the day when we can return to
regular worship. Ralph and Cyndi are busy making sure that everything is safe and secure and healthy
for you when you return. Debi is still maintaining the many office duties that need to be done from day
to day.
While we may not be able to gather together, worship continues to take on a modified format. The
pastors along with Darla will put together a streamlined service that will still be available on WJPA at
11:30 AM. You may listen over the radio or stream it online. The link to get to the online stream may
be accessed through the church’s website.
In addition, the modified service will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube at 8:30 AM. You
may join us for worship at that time, or you may wish to watch the video at another time. Please note:
You do not need to have a Facebook account to access the church’s Facebook page. As a public
page, we are accessible to all who desire to view it. You can access the church’s Facebook page or
YouTube page at any time by clicking on the Facebook or YouTube link located on the
church’s website homepage.
One of the great disappointments of this time of separation is that we are not going to gather as we nor-
mally do for Palm Sunday and Easter. This is truly disappointing, but we are planning ways to still cele-
brate. Instead of a prayer vigil this year, look for a Holy Week prayer guide to come your way
shortly. In addition, plans are being made to celebrate Easter when we return to regular worship. We
will plan to do all the music and pageantry with which we are so familiar.
Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your prayers. We love you and are praying for you. We
look forward to the day we can all assemble and give God praise for His faithfulness. Be careful. Be
safe. Hold fast to your faith. We will see you online until then.
Faithfully,
Dr. Broberg Rev. Shetter Jonathan Pachter, Clerk of Session
The LORD is my light and my salvation -whom [or what] shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life
- of whom [or what] shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
DEADLINE FOR THE
May MESSENGER
is April 15th.
The Messenger 5 APRIL 2020
(Letter continued)
Please be aware that ALL ministry activities are currently suspended.
This includes the following list, but it is not an exhaustive list.
The Samaritan Counseling Center
Men’s Breakfast
The Martha Washington Quilters Guild
The Stewardship Committee Meeting
The Tuesday Night Speaker Series
Al-Anon
The Jubilate Ringers
The Covenant Choir
943 Praise Team Rehearsal
Christians In Recovery Fellowship
Friends Of Jesus
PEPPI
AA Renewal Group
AA Camel Group
All Worship Services
All Sunday School Classes
All Youth Activities
The Counters
Monday Readers Group
Adult Ed. Committee Meeting
CE Committee Meeting
Mission Committee Meeting
Building And Grounds Committee Meeting
The Deacon’s Fish Fry
Get Involved Sunday
Any Other Committees
Come To The Table Groups
Fostering Spiritual Friendships Group
Again, this list is not exhaustive. The building will be locked and there will be no
admittance. Please note: If your group decides that it wants to meet at a location outside of
the church, this is not a church approved function. The church will not endorse this decision
or these groups and will not be held liable if any participants should become ill as a result.
Thank you for your patience as we wade through these ever-changing events.
The Messenger 6 APRIL 2020
PARISH NURSE CORNER
Research is finding that there are more and more health benefits of coffee.
According to the Mayo Clinic, coffee may protect against Parkinson’s Disease,
Type 2 Diabetes and liver disease, including liver cancer. Coffee appears to help with improving
cognitive function and lowers the risk of depression. This information is based on one or two cups
per day; experts caution against the amount of sugar and cream added. To learn more about coffee,
visit https://mayocl.in/32eYIXS. Any questions? Find me in my office in Room 302 most Sunday
mornings. Stop by!
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN For prayer support or to join this ministry, call
the church office. Please contact the
Fellowship of Concern to give the names of
those who are in need of prayer for health or
other reasons. The names will then be called
or emailed to the church members who pray
daily for others. Prayer request cards are avail-
able in each pew. Completed forms may be
placed in the offering basket.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
REMINDER
We want to remind you that everyone is in-
vited to participate in Sunday School! The
Video Bible Study will be on hiatus until
further notice.
The Adult Sunday School continues the series,
as a part of the Life Guide Bible Study, called
The Kingdom of God. This book is about “the
dynamic of God’s Kingship being applied.”
This class meets at 9:30 AM in the Parlor.
Contact Andy Kluczan for details.
At 11:00 AM in the Parlor, there is a study on
Esther using the book, The Esther Anointing:
Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Courage, and
Influence. Among the topics being discussed
are: Discovering your place of influence &
Finding God’s favor for your assignment.
Contact Shirley Desmond for more
information.
What Christ Says to the Church:
A Study of the Letters to Revelation’s Seven Churches
Lead by Dr. Jim Platt - 7:00pm in the Dining Room
April 14th – May 12th
Chapters 2-3 of the Book of Revelation are comprised of a series
of seven letters, directed to important churches in Asia Minor
(modern Turkey). Join us as we look through the lens of these
seven letters and wrestle with some of the troubling issues in our
own society today including: the overall decay of society, the
breakdown of morals, and the disturbing ways in which this
breakdown has infiltrated the contemporary church. Drawing from
the wisdom of seven very ancient, yet very relevant letters, we will
discover together: “What Christ Says to the Church”! In addition
to wrestling with the content of the Biblical text, this class will
also incorporate photographs of the cities represented by these
churches as an object lesson speaking very directly to what
happens when God’s church fails to heed the voice of Jesus.
We hope you will join us as we confront this important topic!
SAVE THE DATE! Hands and Hearts will be hosting a Healthy Eating
Program on Monday, May 18th from 6:30-7:30pm
in the church dining room. Dana Stainbrook, RN,
BSN, CDE will present the program. Dana has
years of experience counseling patients on healthy
food choices. Recipes, healthy food samples and
handouts will be available with plenty of time for
Q&A. Free and open to the community; join us and
bring a friend for an evening of fun and food!
ADULT EDUCATION UPDATE
All information is pending whatever
schedule updates occur in the future.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
The Messenger 7 APRIL 2020
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS: Children’s Ministry
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for July 13-17 for your children to
participate in a week of Bible time adventure. For more
information, or to volunteer, contact Lois Core:
“Sunday School in Your PJ’s” Sunday School teacher Jill Losko and her daughter, Sarah, are offering an alternative
Sunday School lesson format on Facebook. Jill teaches Grades 3, 4 and 5 and has created a
private group on Facebook for The Church of the Covenant families and friends called,
“Sunday School in Your PJ’s”. They are meeting virtually on Sunday mornings at
11:00 am with live videos that contain a Bible message and a craft. The first one aired on
Sunday, March 22, which is still available for viewing. We are asking kids of any age to
take a turn at leading a lesson from their own homes as the Loskos did. Please request to
join the group on Facebook and Jill will approve you and provide you with guidance and
support. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/541283439836450
Deep Blue Bible Stories Here is a website on youtube that the children might enjoy watching while Sunday School is
being postponed: https://t.e2ma.net/click/pm82zc/pitsu1c/dtxhtn
Several of the videos are timely because they tell the stories of Palm Sunday and Holy Week.
Other Sunday School Ideas 1. Read some Bible stories and act them out.
2. Make a craft that relates to one of the Bible stories. Use Pinterest for ideas.
3. Have daily family devotions.
4. Memorize scripture verses, the Lord’s Prayer, the 10 Commandments.
5. Dance to kids worship music.
6. Take a nature walk and count the ways that God has blessed you.
7. Write a prayer and offer it during devotional time.
Go to https://ministry-to-children.com/online-ministry-when-church-is-cancelled/ for more ideas.
Palm Sunday, April 5 and Easter, April 12 Sunday School will not meet and the Nursery will not be open.
Missing You!
Staying connected and continuing to share God’s love is paramount in the minds of our Sunday School teachers. The Bible is
full of stories that prove God’s presence in all circumstances. He is present now and wants us to go to Him in prayer for com-
fort and strength. Know that the teachers miss all of the children and are praying for each of them. We hope to see everyone
Sunday
School
in your
PJ’s
The Preschool continues to send daily lessons and shout outs to all preschool families with encouragement,
fun and sprinkles of God's love via our "Remind" app. If you would like a smile during this time ..go to our
Preschool Facebook page Church of the Covenant Preschool or this link March 30, 2020 and watch the video that
we all put together. Just click on the March 30th, 2020 and the video will appear. We hope it makes you feel like
you are loved and to stay strong and reach out to others even though you don't have a child in preschool. The
beautiful preschool staff that we are blessed with here at our church have opened their hearts to all. We will
continue to send daily teachings about God and curriculum based lessons until we can meet in person once again.
The Messenger 8 APRIL 2020
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR MARCH
Wednesday, April 1
Exod. 7:8–24
2 Cor. 2:14–3:6
Mark 10:1–16
Thursday, April 2 Exod. 7:25–8:19
2 Cor. 3:7–18
Mark 10:17–31
Friday, April 3 Exod. 9:13–35
2 Cor. 4:1–12
Mark 10:32–45
Saturday, April 4
Exod. 10:21–11:8
2 Cor. 4:13–18
Mark 10:46–52
Sunday, April 5
Palm/Passion Sunday
Zech. 9:9–12
1 Tim. 6:12–16 or Zech.
12:9–11; 13:1, 7–9
Luke 19:41–48
Monday, April 6
Lam. 1:1–2, 6–12
2 Cor. 1:1–7
Mark 11:12–25
Tuesday, April 7 Lam. 1:17–22
2 Cor. 1:8–22
Mark 11:27–33
Wednesday, April 8 Lam. 2:1–9
2 Cor. 1:23–2:11
Mark 12:1–11
Thursday, April 9
Maundy Thursday Lam. 2:10–18
1 Cor. 10:14–17; 11:27–32
Mark 14:12–25
Friday, April 10
Good Friday Lam. 3:1–9, 19–33
1 Peter 1:10–20
John 13:36–38 or John
19:38–42
Saturday, April 11 Lam. 3:37–58
Heb. 4:1–16
Rom. 8:1–11
Sunday, April 12
Easter Exod. 12:1–14
John 1:1–18
or Isa. 51:9–11
Luke 24:13–35 or John
20:19–23
Monday, April 13
Exod. 12:14–27
1 Cor. 15:1–11
Mark 16:1–8
Tuesday, April 14 Exod. 12:28–39
1 Cor. 15:12–28
Mark 16:9–20
Wednesday, April 15 Exod. 12:40–51
1 Cor. 15:(29) 30–41
Matt. 28:1–16
Thursday, April 16
Exod. 13:3–10
1 Cor. 15:41–50
Matt. 28:16–20
Friday, April 17 Exod. 13:1–2, 11–16
1 Cor. 15:51–58
Luke 24:1–12
Saturday, April 18 Exod. 13:17–14:4
2 Cor. 4:16–5:10
Mark 12:18–27
Sunday, April 19
Exod. 14:5–22
1 John 1:1–7
John 14:1–7
Monday, April 20 Exod. 14:21–31
1 Peter 1:1–12
John 14:(1–7) 8–17
Tuesday, April 21 Exod. 15:1–21
1 Peter 1:13–25
John 14:18–31
Wednesday, April 22
Exod. 15:22–16:10
1 Peter 2:1–10
John 15:1–11
Thursday, April 23 Exod. 16:10–22
1 Peter 2:11–3:12
John 15:12–27
Friday, April 24
Exod. 16:23–36
1 Peter 3:13–4:6
John 16:1–15
Saturday, April 25 Exod. 17:1–16
1 Peter 4:7–19
John 16:16–33
Sunday, April 26 Exod. 18:1–12
1 John 2:7–17
Mark 16:9–20
Monday, April 27
Exod. 18:13–27
1 Peter 5:1–14
Matt. (1:1–17) 3:1–6
Tuesday, April 28 Exod. 19:1–16
Col. 1:1–14
Matt. 3:7–12
Wednesday, April 29 Exod. 19:16–25
Col. 1:15–23
Matt. 3:13–17
Thursday, April 30
Exod. 20:1–21
Col. 1:24–2:7
Matt. 4:1–11
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
Jean Hanas 4/03
Megan Sutton 4/03
Nicholas Wall 4/03
Billy Proudfit 4/04
Nancy Bernett 4/05
Joseph Di Pietro 4/05
Sarah Cole 4/05
Barbara Baughman 4/06
Evi Mecalf 4/06
Stephanie Silbaugh 4/06
Michael Spiegel 4/06
Jessica Kosco 4/06
Ben Baker 4/07
Debbie Knestrick 4/08
Cory Cook 4/08
Rae Dawn Guyton 4/09
Niki Ewing-Davis 4/09
Caitlin Scott 4/09
Jane Barnickel 4/10
Emily Yukish 4/11
Kenneth Watson 4/12
Dominic Clutter 4/12
Pat Sanders 4/13
John Pankopf 4/13
April Batove 4/13
Michelle McCarrell 4/13
MaryAnna McNeel 4/14
Tara Knight 4/15
Christopher Knight 4/17
Susan Kepler 4/18
Colton Clingermanstang 4/18
Jason Piatt 4/19
Lindsay Wall 4/19
Betsy Gaul 4/20
Edward Phillips 4/20
April Betzner 4/21
Karen Suzanne Orr 4/21
Brenda Griffith 4/21
Marian Keisling 4/22
Donna Sukel 4/22
Brooke Roupe 4/22
April Devenney 4/22
Denny Denmead 4/23
Rachel Phillips 4/23
James Little 4/24
Jack Piatt, III 4/24
Jessica Gunjak 4/24
Travis Nassar 4/24
Steven Aloia 4/25
Norma Koman 4/26
Stephen Spiegel 4/26
Jane Wagner 4/28
Joseph Jefferys 4/28
Doug Locy 4/28
Dayne Warren 4/28
Sarina Jones 4/29
Noah Johnson 4/30
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
THE CARNAHAN LIBRARY
Dedicated on 11/1/09 to the memory of Thomas Dorrington Carnahan II,
Thomas Dorrington Carnahan III, George Kirk Carnahan and to the glory of God.
The following books are given in Memory of Betsy Stevenson by
the Presbyterian Women’s Afternoon Circle: (4 books)
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. This novel focuses on sib-
lings who were raised in a beautiful estate called the Dutch
House in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Through a series of cir-
cumstances, they are asked to leave the home in which they
grew up. They end up in the same poverty that their parents
had escaped from at the end of WWII. They find that all they
have to count on is each other. (This book had been on the best
selling list for many weeks. The library has other Ann Patchett
novels.)
Finding Chika by Mitch Albom. Chika Jeune was born 3 days
before the earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. When her
mother died, she was admitted to the Have Faith Haiti Orphan-
age which Albom and his wife, Janine operate in Port-au-
Prince. The 50 children who live there have become like family
to the Alboms. When Chika turns 5, she is diagnosed with a
very serious illness which can’t be treated in Haiti. So Mitch
and his wife take Chika to their home in Detroit where they
begin a search for a cure. (This book has been a best seller.
The library has many of Albom’s books.)
Is Paris Burning? by Larry Collins. This classic best seller tells
the true story of how Paris miraculously escaped Adolf Hitler’s
sentence of death. The following is an excerpt from an order
from Hitler to the Commanding General of Greater Paris in
August, 1944 – “Paris must not fall into the hands of the en-
emy, or, if it does, he must find nothing there but a field of ru-
ins.” How the city is saved from total destruction is explained
in this non-fiction classic that reads like a novel.
Harriet Tubman: Conductor of the Underground Railroad by
Ann Petry. This biography of Tubman has received wonderful
reviews and was a ‘New York Times Outstanding Book’. As
most of us have learned, Tubman was a slave who escaped
from the plantation to the North in 1849. Before long, she de-
cided to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad,
helping others make the perilous journey out of bondage. (The
major motion picture that was released in 2019 presents a won-
derful summary of her remarkable life.)
The following books are given in Memory of Dick Phelan by
the Presbyterian Women’s Afternoon Circle: (2 books)
The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson. In his very
readable and often humorous style, Bryson takes the average
reader on a ‘tour’ of the human body. Each chapter covers one
area of a human being – the brain, the head, the heart and
blood, the skeleton, the immune system etc. The reader is pre-
sented with many interesting facts that are given in a way any
reader can understand. (This book has been on the bestselling
list for many weeks. Also, the library has more of his books
often based on his travels through a country he’s visited – ex.
Australia).
One Day: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary 24 Hours in
America by Gene Weingarten. The author is a two time Pulit-
zer Prize winning journalist and writer for The Washington
Post. In 2013, he asked strangers to draw a random day, month
and year. The date was Sunday, December 28, 1986. For the
next 6 years, Weingarten researched what had happened on that
date. The results were events, some of which were newsworthy
and some that never made it to the news but all of what he
found were compelling. This is a fascinating read for any
American.
The following books were purchased for the library:
Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times by Ken-
neth Whyte. Some of the information one learns from this very
good biography include: Hoover was an orphan who built a
fortune at a young age; a great humanitarian; a president
elected in a landslide and then defeated 4 years later; often con-
sidered the father of both New Deal liberalism and modern con-
servatism but unfortunately his accomplishments are often
overlooked by the perception that Hoover was inept and heart-
less in the face of the Great Depression. (Recently Hoover was
featured in a segment of CBS Sunday Morning and it presented
many of the accomplishments also featured in this biography).
Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus by Jim Wallis.
The author feels that our cultural and political crisis stems from
how the American church has become disconnected from the
teachings of Christ. Some of the chapter titles are What about
Jesus?, The Neighbor Question, the Peacemaker Question, and
The Discipleship Question. He reveals how following the
teachings of Christ empowers us to act in courage and hope.
The Messenger 9 APRIL 2020
The following books were donated to the library. The Library Committee thanks the donors. All have been cataloged and are ready to be
checked out. The library is in Room 308, the first room on the right as you enter the third floor hallway from the elevator. The card cata-
log will help you to locate a book by author, title or subject.
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