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Sunday, June 4th ~ 8:30 & 10:00 am
~ Pentecost Sunday ~
~Communion ~
Acts 2.1-21
“Come, Holy Spirit"
Rev. Chris Weichman
Sunday, June 11th ~ 8:30 & 10:00 am
~ Trinity Sunday ~
Acts 4.1-13
“Out of the Ordinary”
Rev. Chris Weichman
Sunday, June 18th ~ 8:30 & 10:00 am
~ Second Sunday after Pentecost ~
Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7
“Abundance”
Britney Knight
Sunday, June 25th ~ 8:30 & 10:00 am
~ Third Sunday after Pentecost ~
Matthew 10.24-39
“Love Your Life & Live”
Rev. Chris Weichman
The Caring Church in the Heart of the City!
* Childcare available at both services
June 1, 2017 / Volume 34, No. 6
VBS 2017 will strive to involve children, youth, families & students
from the church & neighborhood in a relationship-building ministry
beyond the once-&-done traditional weekend VBS of the past.
Our goal for VBS 2017 is to incorporate the 4 focus areas of the Mission Study:
Hospitality Relevance to the Neighborhood
Connecting with Youth & Children and Increasing the Use of Our Church Campus.
This new direction was the result of
the Christian Education Committee’s discernment for this summer’s VBS program.
We continue to listen to where God is leading us in mission creatively & relationally.
We hope to see you there,
turn to page 8 to see what “Very Best Summer” looks like so far...
PAGE 2
THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5
VOLUME 34, NO. 6 THE COVENANT CHIMES
PAGE 2
From the Desk of Pastor Chr is
The church faces many challenges today that it has not faced since it began almost two thousand years ago. The church in America is no longer in the position of influence it has enjoyed in previous decades. These days are more like the days of the church of the New Testament church, where the church is on the margins and not at the center of society. The mission field is right around us as well as around the world. We can no longer assume (if indeed, we ever should have assumed) that everyone around us is Christian.
So the question to ask is what was the early church like? How did it see itself in the world? A quick scan of the Book of Acts shows that the church was different because God’s purpose for the world is different than human kind’s purpose. God gave the church a vocation (from the Latin: vocatio = calling). The church was and still is called to serve God’s purposes for the world. The church was never about be-ing “successful” rather it was about participating in God’s mission to redeem God’s creation and save men and women from their sin. Churches that are about God’s mission show different traits or patterns. No one church has all these, rather every church is strong in a few.
Pattern 1, Missional Vocation. The congregation is discovering together the vocation of the church. In other words, who is the church to the community. Success and vitality are understood in terms of faithfulness to God’s calling and sending rather that in counting “noses and nickels.”
Pattern 2, Biblical Formation and Discipleship. The church is a community in which all members are involved in learning what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The Bible is normative in the church’s life.
Pattern 3, Taking Risks as a Contrast Community. The church is learning to take risks for the sake of the gospel. The church understands itself as different from the world because of its participation in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Pattern 4, Practices That Demonstrate God’s Intent for the World. The pattern of the church’s life as a community is a demonstration of what God intends for the life of the whole world. The practices of the church embody mutual care, reconciliation, loving accountability, and hospitality. It is important how Christians behave toward one another and toward non-believers.
Pattern 5, Worship as Public Witness. Worship is the central act of the church where the community celebrates with joy and thanksgiving God’s presence and God’s promised future.
Pattern 6, Dependence on the Holy Spirit. The church confesses its dependence on the Holy Spirit, shown particularly in its practice of prayer.
Pattern 7, Pointing toward the reign of God. The church understands its calling as a witness to the gospel an reign of God and strives to be a sign of that reign.
These patterns are outlined more fully in the book, “Treasure in Clay Jars”. As a church we are to look at ourselves and ask questions, “What is God up to in our midst?” and “How has God gifted this church to bear witness in our commu-nity?” As you think about FPCC, to a greater or lesser extent, these patterns can be seen in the life of the church. This is good news. May God continue to grant us humility to listen and boldness to follow as the Holy Spirit leads.
~ Rev. Chris Weichman
Our mission at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
is: To awaken all people to our need
for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord Jesus Christ,
and to encourage and equip each one to become His fully-devoted follower.
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VOLUME 32 NO. 5
*Please pray regularly for our ministry.
We have listed below some of our
congregational joys & concerns as
The Covenant Chimes goes to press on May 24, 2017:
Prayer Concerns…
for God’s healing presence for those
discharged from hospitals since
the last edition of The Covenant Chimes:
JoAnn Stager.
In Loving Memory...
of those who have joined the church
triumphant:
~ William Sesler ~ May 22, 2017
Thank you to … Anne Koebe who asked
for Sunday Supper donations in lieu of
birthday gifts.
VOLUME 34, NO. 6
Congregational Joys & Concerns
PAGE 3
Volunteers Needed!
Interested in helping others? If so, please contact Vic Glembocki at 864-9096 to volun-teer your time to pre-pare & serve the many guests they see daily at the City Mission Kitch-en, 1023 French St. the first Thursday of every month between 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
June date is the 1st!
Articles Due by: Thursday, June 15th
Mailed on:
Thursday, June 22nd
July Issue…
If you notice an incorrect or missing birthday
or one that is listed that should be removed,
please help us by calling the church office at 456-4243 so that we can update our records.
Thank you!
June 2 Tim Campbell Sr.
Linda Holmes
Morgan Sesler
June 3 Derek Golembeski
June 4 Todd Powers
James Dauer
Katie Ryan
June 5 Steven Reichert
June 6 Elaine Morse
Abby Thomas
June 7 James Blackman
John Magee
June 9 Crystal Gleason
Wendy Elliott
June 10 Alec Reese
John Elliott
June 11 Debra Dauer
Amy Vilushis
June 12 Michelle Reichert
June 13 Jeffrey Campbell
Winston Elliott
June 14 Bryleigh Paluchak
Richard Fetzner
June 15 Suzanne Magee
Ronald Fabich
June 16 Ronald Hoffman
June 17 Robert Baker
Gary Raimy
Iona Hilliard
Jerry Thomas
Tim Campbell, Jr.
June 19 LuAnn
Shidemantle
Allen Bieber
June 20 Patricia
Ackerman
Alan Schaal
Crystal Dunn
June 21 Paul Carpenter
Nancy Kern
Nancy Jean Fair
June 22 Nancy Sturtevant
Ryan Smith
June 24 Laurence Briggs
June 25 Frederick
Barringer
June 26 Katrina Johnston
June 27 Eric Carlson
Betty Cornman
Lorie Fritts
Greg Cooper
June 28 John Gregory
James Jones
June 29 Jasper Allen
Dale Shidemantle
The Communion Table
will be set by God for you
on...
June 4th (Don’t forget to
wear Red!)
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VOLUME 34, NO. 6
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THE COVENANT CHIMES
Summer Worship Schedule Beginning June 4th
On Sunday, June 4th, the worship schedule on Sunday morn-
ings will change from 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
The Spiritual Formation hour returns in September after Labor Day Weekend.
We are forming an Ecumenical choir to sing at Rev. Chris Weichman’s service of Installation on June 11, 2017. Any and all FPCC folks who love to sing are cordially invited to join in this celebratory choir. There will be one rehearsal on Sunday June 11 at 4:00. Please see Leslie Weber if you are interested!
Music Notes
Join a group of women the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month as we gather for discussion around the book, A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans. Our next two gatherings are:
Tuesday, June 13th @ 7:00 PM ~ Alkeme ~
18 N Park Row Erie, PA
Tuesday, June 27th @ 7:00 PM ~ Sloppy Duck ~
726 W. Bayfront Parkway Erie, PA
Wine & The Word
Transition to Erie It's Moving Month for the Weichmans & Pastor Installation June 11. Keep Pastor Chris and his family (wife Karen and daughters Emma and Noelle) in your pray-ers this "transition to Erie" month.
Save the date: Don't miss Chris' installation service on Sunday even-ing, June 11 at 6:00 p.m.
As finishing touches were being made to the 3rd floor apartment, we knew something was missing. JoAnn Peters knew exactly what was needed! A master quilter, JoAnn reviewed her stock and found the perfect compliment to the living room. This is no small gift. JoAnn maintains an etsy site and sells her quilts for several hundred dollars. She and her sister also sell their quilts at limited public shows.
Thank you, JoAnn, for your generous gift add-ing to the comfort and beauty of all who use and who will use the apart-ment.
Early Notice: JoAnn has agreed to display some of her quilts in the Art Gallery this summer!
Thank You JoAnn!
The Book Discussion Class that has been meet-ing in Room 116 during Faith Formation Hour this year has wrapped up their discussion of Shelby Spong’s book, Biblical Literalism: A Gentile Heresy. After the class reviewed several books to read, Alex Ryrie’s Protestants: The Faith that Made the Modern World was the chosen one to discuss next year! This book traces the history & theology of Protestantism from the Reformation to the 20th Century. Since this is a thick read, books have al-ready been ordered for the Fall & will be available for pick up by May 28th in the church of-fice. Books will be $15. For more information on the author, check out alexryrie.blogspot.com. If you would like to be added to the class email list for updates on readings, handouts, and more, please contact class leader Rob Baker at [email protected] The class will not be meeting until the Fall Faith Formation kick-off; however, some of the partici-pants will be gathering in the summer for a pic-
Book Discussion Class
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Clerk ’s Corner
At the stated meeting on May 15th Session:
Had an exit interview with two representatives from the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry in which our experience and progress during Rev. High’s interim /temporary supply ministry and prospects for ministry in the near future with Rev. Weichman were both discussed.
As a follow-up to RoseMarie Lackey’s Moment for Mission on May 14th, charged Seph Kumer to explore ways in which First Covenant might support the City Mission’s Bonkers for Jesus program given the closing of several schools where that program has been operating.
Referred a memo discussing the potential development of addition youth, education, and music pro-gramming to the Personnel Committee for further exploration.
Had a report from the Budget Committee that the Trustees have now started to move proceeds from the sale of the Tiffany Window out of the money market account and into a separate fund within the
Endowment Fund. This will enable the earning of significantly more income while our discernment process continues.
Heard a very positive report from the College Ministry Working Group relating to the recently completed Study Space. Also, learned of the need for significant work to be done in the Kirk House kitchen.
Heard from Britney Knight that the recent spaghetti luncheon and dessert auction was a wonderful success and the youth summer mission trip is fully funded.
~ W.D. Holmes Clerk of Session
The Ushers’ Guild has been serving this church since the 1930’s. In the beginning, the uniform was formal pants, vest, and a coat with tails, along with a military precision in all aspects. It was an all male organization which was typical of the times. About twenty years ago, women were finally admit-ted to the guild, again typical of the times. Over the years, the uniform has changed to a more informal dress, sports coat and pants along with match-ing neckties. We have set up a picture display in Art Gallery hall of the ush-
ers over the years, including an actual uniform of Donald Burton’s from the 1930’s .
Here we are in 2017 dealing with dwindling numbers of ushers, due to several reasons, aging popula-tion, retirements, and more travelling. We have been unable to recruit new members, and, after much dis-cussion, we have decided to disband the official Ushers’ Guild.
The new ushers will be made up of all members of the congregation willing to volunteer a few times a
year. The dress code will be informal, whatever you wear to church these days. We will need four ushers
every week. We encourage families, youth, board members, and any other congregation members willing to
help. Duties include handing out bulletins at all entrances, collecting the
offering, and most importantly, greeting people coming to church. There
will always be two retired Guild members available for instruction, emer-
gencies, counting attendance, and taking the offering to the office safe.
Dale Sweet (898.3417) and Allen Sheasley (866.0425) will be signing up
ushers, please let them know if you are interested.
Students Help Kick-Off NEW Usher Ministry: Lijo George Philip, Yashaswini Raviillu, Kara Headley & David Pyle were one of the first teams.
Usher s ’ Gui ld Ending
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THE COVENANT CHIMES
“Goodwill Ambassador Award”: Mary Concoby
T ime to Bui ld 2017 Habitat for Humanity will be building two houses this year. This first house will be built by the community and churches. This will be built June 12 thru June 30. It is mainly being construct-ed by Erie Insurance. If this is a time frame that you can help, please let Tim know and he will try to get you a position.
The Faith build will start Sept 7th and run thru Oct 28th. We have two positions opened on Fridays the 15th and the 22nd. Five positions for FPCC have been reserved on Saturdays the 16th and 23rd.
More information can be provided by Tim Tracy to those who are interested. You can contact Tim at 814-864-6118 or by speaking with him at church.
2 Community Gal lery Exhib it s
How do visual arts connect us with others? With a Creative God? If you have missed the “Erie through International Eyes” photo exhibit during May, you still have a few days to catch it! The ex-hibit, closing on June 4, features 100 photos of the Erie area, submitted by 14 Gannon students from 6 nations. “This reminds me of what there is to love about Erie!” is the most common response from viewers.
International students see our region with “fresh” eyes. They identify what is interesting to share with family and friends at home via social media. And they present a colorful, artful, stimu-lating collection! The Erie snapshots from every season have been very popular and provide another example of the church identifying a way to “do with” students… inviting them to contribute some-thing of value to them, the community, the church.
On June 11 the next exhibit will open. “More
than Meets the Eye” will feature paintings, architec-
tural designs/models, and a few other creative
items provided by guests of “Sunday Suppers” and
“Our Neighbors’ Place”. It is meant to remind view-
ers that we each are significantly more than what
others casually see on the surface. It is because of
deepening relationships developed with some of
our ONP and SS friends that we came to learn of
hidden talents. What a good lesson for the Church!
Are their hidden talents in our midst that we need
to uncover and allow to shine? Again, doing WITH,
not doing FOR.
On May 11th Mary Concoby was celebrated at Gannon’s English as a Second Language graduation. Two men Mary has been tutoring during the 2016-17 school year made the presentation with grateful, heart-felt words. Church staff, members & Mary’s family were present with Gannon faculty, staff & students. Mary received flowers, a beautiful purse & certificate! Mary has discovered the blessing of relationship-building with students.
Mary could use help on Wednesday nights begin-ning in September. Want to join the English tutor team, 5-5:30 p.m., then dinner at Covenant Connec-tions? Tell Mary or call Seph Kumer at 456.4243, x105 asap. This is an engagement that could be expanded as far as there are willing helpers!
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Reception for Last E.C.O Concert of the Season
This is a view most do not see on Sundays during worship. Without the be-hind-the-scenes work of the sound & lights team in the balcony each Sunday, worship might be in the dark or like a silent movie. Members of the Sound Tech Team work diligently to make sure worshipers have the best experience possible. If you see Jason Irwin, Geoff Ginader, Nancy VandenHonert, Neal Wurst, Bill Holmes or Tim McKinley…thank them for enhancing our time together!! If you are interested in receiving training to join this team, contact Bill Holmes at 814.825.3889
A concert version of Verdi’s opera: “La Traviata” (the original “Pretty Woman”) will be presented in the Sanctuary for the concluding concert of the Erie Chamber Orches-tra’s 39th season on Saturday night, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. If you have not attended any of this season’s concerts, perhaps you would enjoy trying this one. The musicians are high quality and the acoustics of the sanctuary are superb. Best of all, the music is accessi-ble to everyone since it is presented without an admission charge.
This will mark the 6th concert held by ECO at the church during their 2016-17 season. It has been a developing partnership between Gannon’s orchestra and the FPCC, and a
reception is planned on June 3 to celebrate such, and extend hospitality to the community beyond serving as host venue. The Fellowship team plans to host a cake and punch reception for both audience and musi-cians following La Traviata.
Would you like to cut and serve cake? Pour punch? Welcome guests? Please contact Sandy Herman, Fellowship Team chairperson, at 814-490-2093 ASAP. It is estimated that 300 will be served, so many out-going, friendly faces (and hands) are needed. The concerts and reception help address our mission study calls to action of increasing building use, extending hospitality and engaging the neighborhood and larger community.
Sunday meals will be provided in June by St. Luke’s Catholic Church, the Erie Women’s Club, Asbury United Methodist Church and Harborcreek Presbyterian Church. We are grateful for these diverse, faithful partners in ministry. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the several faithful volunteers from FPCC who keep this ministry going.
Looking ahead to July, FPCC will provide the meal on July 2nd. On this Fourth of July weekend we will celebrate the completion of three years of serving Sunday Suppers! Looking back, FPCC has not prepared a meal since Christmas Day of 2016! On July 2nd we need 15 – 20 volunteers to serve from 3:15 – 6:00, four volunteers at 2:30 to help with cooking, and donations of 20 packages of 10 Smith’s hotdogs and 11 des-serts that would each provide 15 servings. A dessert that provides 15 servings would be a 9x13 cake, two pies, or four dozen cookies. Sign up in the parlor to volunteer and/or donate food items or contact Pat Tracy at [email protected] or call 864-6118 or 504-2220.
You are always welcome to come any Sunday afternoon by signing up in the Parlor, but if you have never volunteered for Sunday Supper, July 2nd in a great opportunity to get involved.
Sunday Supper
Thanks, Jason… and Geoff, and Nancy, and Neal, and Bill, and Tim…
Music &
Fellowship
Church Calendar
To all Elders, Heads of Committees & Groups: please keep Anne informed when planning or changing a meeting date, time or location. It is helpful for scheduling other church functions, outside meetings & a night host. ~ Thank you!
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JUNE ~
12, 19, 26 @ 6:30-8:00 PM FPCC & The Looking Glass Art Project present: “Community Mural Night”
Parents and children of all ages (Kindergarten-12th Grade) are invited to explore color, shapes, texture, and mediums of all kinds as we collaboratively create a mural for the playground wall with community art-ists Tom Ferraro and Ed Grout. Families will join together in groups to build relationships, brainstorm, and paint a mural for 8 Mondays in the summer with a reveal and celebration at the end! RSVP to Britney Knight to sign your family up, 814-456-4243 x 112. 16 @ 9:00 PM “Community Drive-In Movie Night”
Bring your lawn chair, grab some popcorn & enjoy “LEGO Batman” in our church parking lot! Invite your neighbors and friends. Rain Location: Knox Hall
21 @ 7:00-8:00 PM “Bedtime Stories in the Library”
Parents and children in 3rd Grade and younger are invited to gather in the library for a themed story, snack, and activity. RSVP to Seph Kumer, 814-456-4243 x 105.
JULY ~
10, 17, 24, 31 @ 6:30-8:00 PM FPCC & The Looking Glass Art Project present: “Community Mural Night” (see description in June)
16 @ 10:00 AM “Family Worship Service & Church Picnic”
Invite your neighbors and friends to family-friendly worship service and enjoy a picnic underneath the bell tower after the service! Rain Location: Knox Hall
19 @ 7:00-8:00 PM “Bedtime Stories in the Library” (see description in June)
AUGUST ~
1 @ 6:00-8:00 PM “National Night Out”
Join Our West Bayfront neighbors in Gridley Park to build relationships with each other and promote neighborhood safety while listening to live music, eating great food, and playing games! For more infor-mation or to sign up to help with bounce houses & games, contact Seph Kumer at 814.456.4243 x105.
7 @ 6:30-8:00 PM FPCC & The Looking Glass Art Project present: “Community Mural Night” (see description in June)
16 @ 7:00-8:00 PM “Bedtime Stories in the Library” (see description in June)
30 @ 6:00-8:00 PM “Annual Block Party”
NEW DATE & TIME! It’s that time again! Live music & entertainment, grilled burgers, face painting, games, great conversation and SO MUCH MORE!
Volunteers are needed for this is our opportunity to welcome neighbors & build relationships with every event!
Please contact: Seph ([email protected]) or
Britney ([email protected]) to explore how you can share your gifts & skills with the neighborhood this summer!
VBS Schedule... (continued from cover)
THE COVENANT CHIMES
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A New Mission Partnership… “Little Free Pantry” Dr. Carol Amann, a faculty member of Gannon University, President of the Honor Society of Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) and a member of the church presented a new concept to the Mission Committee in April. And the committee is planning to give it a try! It’s a “Little Free Pantry”.
Sigma Theta Tau International is a group of nurses within the community, as well junior and senior nursing students who want to make a difference. The students have participated in “StudySpace”.
They hired a carpenter to build a structure (pictured), and the plan is to install this on the south side of our garage. The little free pantry concept grew out of concern for many church neighbors experiencing rough times, perhaps in need a help with a food item to feed not only themselves, but their family. The idea is present in many communities across the U.S. and based on the “Free Little Library” concept: take an item, place an item.
The faculty of the Villa Maria School of Nursing and members of STTI will have food drives and purchase food items for stocking this pantry. They have already initiated these drives and have nonperishable food on supply. They would restock this pantry on a weekly basis, watch for outdated food, etc. In addition, church members and the youth group are invited to participate to keep the pantry full.
Pantry dimensions are 18 inches deep, 27 inches high and 31 inches wide. The roof has been shingled, the wood case painted and the “windows” are high impact plastic. The roof has a slight pitch to prevent it from the burden of snow, rain, etc. with a slight overhang to keep out adverse weather condi-tions. In addition, this structure would be elevated using a post, yet within reach of those who may be confined to a wheelchair.
If you have any questions or suggestions for this pilot project, please con-tact Dr. Carol Amann at [email protected].
Covenant Preschool The hall on the second floor is quiet, finger prints on the windows are not as many, and the parking lot is less congested ...the school year has come to an end! The preschool had another successful year.
This summer, the preschool is working on a project with Nancy Morris, Gannon Education teacher. She brings her students to our preschool during the school year. The project is called EFFORTLESS ART CRAYONS. We are collecting broken and used crayons on the 2nd floor in the colorful crayon box. These crayons will be recycled into custom made adapted crayons for children with special needs. Please help us to collect as many crayons as we can to donate to this very worthy cause. Visit their website to learn more at www.effortlessartcrayons.com
Do you love children and are looking for a part time job? The preschool is currently hiring for a lead teacher in the Tue/Thur/Fri 3 year old class. All applicants must be degreed and certified in Elementary Education or Early Childhood. The second position is an aide 2 mornings a week. If interested please con-tact the Preschool Director.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year. Classes are fill-ing up! “Play” school classes are offered on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday (2 mornings a week) for two year olds and one day a week on Fridays. The classes for 3 year olds will be offered on Monday /Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday with the option to add a third day of Friday. The 4 year old class will allow the students to attend preschool either 3 or 4 mornings a week. The Pre-K class attends school five mornings a week. We offer an Enrichment afternoon that is optional Monday thru Friday until 3:30pm for three, four or five year olds. Also, After School Care is avail-able until 5:30 for those families that work until 5pm. If you would like to visit the preschool and go on a private tour, I can be reached at 456-4243, x102. Have a sunshiny summer! ~ Lisa Hiegel, Director
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THANK YOU for opening the church to record numbers of Gannon students this semester: 100 1st Thursday, 130-Friday, 200-Saturday, 320-Sunday, 210-Monday, 250-Tuesday & 130-Wednesday. An army of church members, staff & students volunteered for “host” shifts. You also helped us provide enough snacks & beverages to feed 1,400 students. This event does so much more than provide a place to study and eat. It gives Abby, Kyle, Seph and all of you a chance to meet many new students, build relationships, pray togeth-er every night together & explore bible passages about God’s love & care for us. The spirit is using all of us in this for his good work! We could not do this without you! ~ Thank you from Abby, Kyle & Seph.
Campus Ministers...M.I.A. Following a spectacular Study Space, one might expect that College Ministers Abby Blankenship and Kyle Schumacher would take a long deserved rest. But that's not the case! Both are leaving the Kirk House and Erie to serve God and earn new ministry skills in other places for the summer.
Abby's summer plans: Two years ago, FPCC had the amazing opportunity to house the Ocean City Beach Project at the Kirk House. 30 students and six CCO staff spent the summer in Erie teaching these students what it looks like to be a Christian leader on their own campuses. Well, this summer I will get to spend nine weeks in Ocean City, New Jersey as a part of the OCBP staff! I am so excited for this opportunity. I will be joining a team of three other staff members; Brendan Hall, Nicole Russo, & Geraud Brum-field and our two interns; Cay Johnson and Lauren Bailey. I am thrilled to spend the summer in community getting to love and grow with students from other campuses. Please keep my team in prayer as we strive, with God’s help, to develop this group of 30 students into strong Christian leaders. Pray for safe travels to and from Ocean City. The project runs from June 7th to August 5th. I will miss my church family over these next nine weeks! Please stay in touch over the summer. If you want updates from OCBP please email me at [email protected]
God Bless! Abby Blankenship
Kyle's summer plans: This summer I will be in Philadelphia for the CCO's Encounter Philly summer project. It is a 2 month intentional living community for students who desire to engage the city through Gods word! Students get jobs and internships in their field of study. All of us spend time learning about Biblical reconciliation in race, culture, urban development and much more. We do this through discipleship, Bible study, experiential learning, speakers and many other events! I will be gone from May 26-August 5th. If you would like to contact me over the summer please email me at [email protected]
In Christ, Kyle Schumacher
Both Abby and Kyle will return to Erie and the Kirk House in early August. Please hold our College Ministers in your prayers throughout the summer.
STUDY SPACE Spring 2016
THE COVENANT CHIMES
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Sisters in Spirit mark the date & pray for the weather to cooperate as we plan to gather on Saturday, June 10 at “the Nature Center beach” at 9AM for a relaxing morning at Presque Isle.
Bring anything brunch-food to share (suggestions: egg casserole; sweet rolls; fruit; juices) & please bring your place setting for your own family. Singles, Mom & Kids; Grandmas, Aunts – anyone that is interested in spending some time with other women from the church – PLEASE
FEEL WELCOME TO ATTEND. Our only “agenda” for this morning is to get to know each other better!
Please contact Deb Loney (790-8358) with any questions/ concerns.
Sisters in Spirit
Children & Youth Sunday: A Service of Light
Congregation members, neighbors, Gannon students, Bar-ber Institute friends, young & old, gathered at Rolling Mead-ows Lanes for a fun evening of sharing a meal & bowling on April 26! All who participated had fun, especially the kids! Don’t miss any of the fun family activities planned for the summer…our “Very Best Summer”!
“Noteworthy” is Erie’s version of
“The Voice” & will feature
a recent Covenant Connections guest in the finals at 9pm on Friday, June 2 at the Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State Street.
Sadun Alshammari of Saudi Arabia took Gannon &
FPCC by storm with his Arabic pop song
“Be Yourself”. Come, support this friend of the church
who doesn’t have local family &
friends!
Family Bowling Night Draws a Crowd!
In case you missed it, the children & youth led us in worship on Mother’s Day, May 14th. The Youth Group spent over three weeks planning the chil-dren’s storytelling moment, sermon & prayers
based on Psalm 27. Montgomery Service worked with the children & youth for several weeks on
worship music. The children & youth did a beauti-ful job listening to the Holy Spirit, sharing their
gifts & leading us in worship.
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Potato Bread = "Doing WITH"
Wow, what a day we had on April 30th ! The FPCC Youth and Theology on Tap
Men’s Group prepared and served a won-derfully delicious spaghetti lunch. In ad-
dition to the luncheon, 23 women and men from our congregation made over 50 desserts for the auction!! In two hours, $2,442 was raised for the Youth Mission Trip to Lexington, KY in July ! This was
truly an inter-generational and congrega-tional effort. Not only did this fundraiser raise enough money for the mission trip,
it also raised our spirits! It was such a joyous time for all who enjoyed a meal
and made a bid. If you didn’t notice, the title of this article is “1st Annual Spaghetti Luncheon
& Dessert Auction” because we are definitely going to do
this again next year. Get your best reci-pe ready! Thank you to all who partici-pated to support our incredible FPCC Youth; we could not have done this
without you!
1st Annual Spaghetti Luncheon & Dessert Auction: THANK YOU!
A small group of Gannon friends/neighbors from India, Nepal & Iraq wanted to "give back" to the recent
StudySpace out of appreciation for the study location, food & interactions with
the church family that they experienced. They decided to prepare a traditional
Indian snack. The group spent about 6 hours shopping, cooking, cleaning & serv-ing spicy "Aloo Paratha" with those gath-ered on the last night of finals prepara-
tion. Their snack was lovingly prepared in the church kitchen & VERY popular with
students from the U.S. & across the globe.
This is a prime example of what it looks like "doing with" & not just "doing for". It’s about allowing for an exchange
where contributions of everyone are sought & valued. StudySpace is not limited to the church supplying something for stu-
dents... It is about the church family partnering with students, faculty, & friends
to meet a need together. Everyone learns! Everyone benefits!
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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5
Picture(s) of the Month ...
VOLUME 34, NO. 6
PAGE 13
Have you liked “First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant” or friended “First Covenant Church” on Facebook? This is one way to share good news about God’s work with FPCC. Also, if you take photos you think help tell our ministry story, be sure to share them to the church pages and/or tag the church!
David Bennett, Weekend Host Abby Blankenship, Campus Minister Helen Greider, Sunday Morning Host
Lisa Hiegel, Director, Covenant Preschool Seth Hiegel, Weeknight Host
Jackie K. Jones, Covenant Cook Britney Knight, Director, Youth & Family Ministry
Luba Kovalchuk, Custodian Seph Kumer, Director, Community Engagement
JoAllie Paluchak, Nursery Attendant JoAnn Peters, Finance/Records Administrator
Anne Sauer, Administrative Assistant John Scepura, Building & Maintenance Mechanic
Kyle Schumacher, Campus Minister Montgomery Service, Children & Youth Music
Marlene Spires, Acting Head of Staff Kevin Stevenson, Covenant Cook
Leslie Weber, Organist & Choirmaster Rev. Chris Weichman, Pastor
Church Staff
AMS
Rev. Chris Weichman, Moderator of Session William D. Holmes, Clerk of Session
Dale Sweet, Associate Clerk of Session
Trustees
Class of 2020 Charolette Foresther
Charles Kibler
Allen Sheasley
Derek Sweet
Class of 2019 Bill Holter
Jennifer Koebe
John Marsden
Greg Sesler
Class of 2018 Camilla Decker
Ron Fabich
Gloria Knox
Bill Tauber
Deacons
Class of 2020 Linda Altof
Deborah Bernardini
Lorie Fritts
Melanie Kramer
Scott Steva
Class of 2019 Julie Copen
Jason Fisher
John Gregory
Cindy Kerchoff
LuAnn Shidemantle
Class of 2018 Rick Bernardini
Mary Lou Neithamer
Mary Ann Sesler
Sheila Sweet
Ellie Zimmer
Elders
Class of 2020 Gregory Cooper
Nancy Irwin
Linda Majewski
Dale Shidemantle
Diane Sutton
Class of 2019 Patricia Bieber
David Doupe
Paul Diefenbach
Andrew Spriegel
Scott Wright
Class of 2018 Sandra Herman
Scott Sesler
Marlene Spires
Richard Sheasley
Phyllis Tarno
Church Officers
www.
Firstcovenanterie.org
Have you moved? Have a new phone number or email address? If you’ve changed any personal information, please update your church
records by contacting JoAnn Peters at 456-4243 x110 or
Keep Us Up To Date
Start 'em young! ~ Hannah Stumpf had a great time
eating pizza & bowling with her church family & new friends at the end of April!
Totals are both pledge & non-pledge revenue
2017 YTD Budget = $154,528 2017 YTD Actual = $143,744
(as of 05.24.17)
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THE COVENANT CHIMES VOLUME 32 NO. 5 VOLUME 34, NO. 6 THE COVENANT CHIMES
~ Father’s Day ~
