May 15, 2016

Rev. Timm High

The Caring Church in the Heart of the City!

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.

The Congregation, in ministry We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation

“ What Should We Do? ”

R E S P O N D I N G

Gathering Music Processional Grayston Ives

Welcome, Announcements &

Reading of Mission Statement Linda Majewski

Sung Call To Worship Hymn #288 Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me (us).

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me (us).

Melt me (us), mold me (us), fill me (us), use me (us).

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me (us).

Prelude Fantasia Richard Purvis

*Hymn #280 Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us Ebenezer

*Prayer of Confession Almighty God, you are always ready to listen to our prayers

and for that we are grateful. Lord, hear our individual

prayers of confession…Amen.

*Assurance of Pardon Linda Majewski

*Passing of the Peace

The Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you

And also with you.

*Gloria Patri

Story Telling Rev. Timm High

Scripture Reading Acts 2.1-39 Linda Majewski Page 885, Pew Bible

Anthem God Is Seen arr. Peter van den Honert

Sermon “What Should We Do?” Rev. Timm High

Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant

Reception of Confirmand See Insert

Giving of Our Tithes & Offerings

Offertory ~ Trio on

Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling Paul Manz

G A T H E R I N G

P R A Y I N G

L I S T E N I N G

Sunday, May 15, 2016 ~ Day of Pentecost / Communion ~

8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Service

*Doxology Hymn #609 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known,

Creator, Word and Spirit one.

Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

*Hymn #507 Come to the Table of Grace Table of Grace

Holy Communion Invitation to the Lord’s Table and Words of Institution

Prayer And Lord’s Prayer

God is Good All the Time!

All the time God is good!

Distribution of the Bread

Distribution of the Cup

Prayer After Communion

True Light of Love,

from whom comes every good gift:

send your Spirit into our lives

with the power of a mighty wind.

Open the horizons of our minds

by the flame of your wisdom.

Loosen our tongues to show your praise

so that we might live a life of

Faith, Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. Amen!

*Benediction

*Postlude Come, Holy Spirit Nicholas deGrigny

*Please rise in body or spirit.

Liturgist ~ Linda Majewski

Attribution for music used in the service represents the name of the composer, arranger, or tune

Thank You to our Guest Organist,

David Ruler

for his time & talent today!

Please join us for cake & fellowship in the Parlor after the 11:00 service to honor our new Confirmands ~ Alec, Haley, Laura & Marrick

The Sanctuary flowers are in loving memory of Donna L. Conner,

Mr. & Mrs. William M. Conner and Jimmy Conner, given by

Andrew J. Conner.

At the conclusion of the 11:00 a.m. service, Andrew

invites you to take flowers from the sanctuary bouquets and

distribute them to a shut-in, hospitalized friend or person you

wish to reach out to in Christ’s name.

M E M O R I A L F L O W E R S

Welcome to all, especially guests, newcomers to Erie & college students.

Please silence all electronic devices upon entering the Sanctuary & McBrier

Chapel. We’re here to help you & our ushers are available to assist you with

any needs you may have. They have large print bulletins & systems that

assist the hearing impaired. An usher can also direct you to the restrooms.

You are invited to the Parlor after each service for refreshments & fellowship.

Members are encouraged to invite visitors to join them. Volunteers are al-

ways needed to host fellowship; a sign up board is in the Parlor. Questions ~

see Sandra Herman.

Families with young children: We always welcome children in worship.

Activity bags are available for use during both services. Please return the

activity bag to Art Gallery Hall or the Narthex at the end of worship. We

have infant up to age 3 childcare available in the Nursery during both ser-

vices . After “Storytelling” during the 11:00 a.m. service, children in Kinder-

garten ~ Grade 3 can leave the service & be escorted to Classroom D on the

2nd floor for Children’s Worship.

Would you like a copy of today’s sermon? If you would like a copy of to-

day’s sermon on CD, please call the church office at 456-4243. Sermons

are also always available on our website ~ www.firstcovenanterie.org

Interested in becoming a member of First Covenant? For information, please contact Sheila Sweet at (814) 898-3417.

Love One Another as I Have Loved You . . . In John 15:12, Jesus says,

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Loving & caring for one another is not just the pastor’s job ~ it’s something

Jesus calls us all to do! Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with

special gifts for caring can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bring-

ing Jesus’ love & care to those who most need it.

If you know someone who is going through a difficult time, contact Lead-

er Diane Ream, 899-6762 about Stephen Ministry. Our Stephen Ministers are

ready to provide focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care ~ to help

that person experience the healing power of Christ’s love.

W E L C O M E T O W O R S H I P

F A I T H F O R M A T I O N

Adults “New Testament Short Let-

ters” with

Bill Holmes…….Witherspoon Room

“Reflecting on the Gospel of Luke” with

Timm High……………Fidelis Room

“What Matters Most?” with

Bill Sesler…………………Room 116

Children Nursery (infant ~ age 3)…...Room 113

with Morgan Wood

Age 4 ~ Grade 1………...Classroom C

with Monty Service

Grades 2 ~ 5…………….Classroom D

with Judy & Brian Stollatis

Youth Grades 6-12 … Middle School Lounge

with Ron & Lauren Fabich

Classes every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. through May 22th

Acts 2.1-39 shares how, on Pentecost, the awesome power of God is

revealed seven weeks after the death and resurrection of Jesus. (from

Feasting on the Word, Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year

C, Volume 3)

T H O U G H T S O N T H E T E X T

F I R S T C O V E N A N T L I F E

Timm will be out of town this week on May 18th - 20th. Please contact the

church office or the Rev. Steve Morse at 838-0066 for pastoral care needs.

Next Sunday is the last Sunday for the 9:30 a.m. Spiritual Formation hour until

September...hope to see you back!

A reminder to FPCC Deacons that there is a meeting Tuesday May 17th at

6:45pm in room 116.

Articles due!!! If submitting an article for the June edition of the Chimes, the

end date for submissions is this Wednesday. May 18th. Thank you!

Support many Our West Bayfront neighborhood groups in one night! The Martin Luther King Center’s “Erie Dance Theater”, Downtown

YMCA’s Teen Center Media Program & “Life Through Music” will present

a special night of LIVE performances, hors d’oeuvres, libations & more

THIS THURSDAY, May 19th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the MLK Center, 4th

& Chestnut, just 3 short blocks away from FPCC! Get $25 tickets by calling

459-2761 or online at mlkcentererie.org .

Neighbor2Neighbor Help Needed: Work Project Coaches are needed for teen

work crews at 5 homes in the church neighborhood June 5-11. Minor porch,

window, downspout, landscaping, etc. repairs will be made to homes sur-

rounding FPCC by youth from Liberty Presbyterian Church (Todd Tracy) of

Delaware, OH. This is a new “INside-OUT” initiative…a great chance to

meet neighborhood homeowners & show them God & First Covenant care

about them. Contact Pat Tracy 864-6118 or Seph Kumer 456-4243, x105 if

you have some daytime hours to offer during this week.

Summer office hours: Starting Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 27th until

Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 2nd the church office will be closing

at noon on Fridays so the staff may enjoy the sunshine. Sunday bulletins

will be printed on Thursday afternoons so any submissions must be in by

Wednesday at noon for inclusion. Thank you for your cooperation.

Build a house… or at least a house addition for an Erie family with a special

needs child. The days still needed to help build are: June 6, 21, 23 & 25

from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2504 McClelland Ave. Contact Tim Tracy at

864-6118 to sign up to build, provide snacks, or for more information.

Can you help serve a meal? Knox Hall will be the site of the Erie City Mis-

sion’s Middle School “Bonkers 4 Jesus” middle school day camp on Friday,

June 24. The Mission has asked if we could help serve the meal so that their

staff can visit with campers & their families instead of serve dinner. 20-25

helpers are needed. Please contact Seph in the church office if you can help.

It’s a “Barnyard Roundup” in downtown Erie! Vacation Bible School

takes us to the farm on July 15-17. Farm hands needed to help with snacks,

crafts, Bible storytelling, games, decorating & closing picnic. Contact Seph

Kumer in the church office to help make the “Barnyard Roundup” possible.

Elmwood Gardens Auxiliary Annual Fund Drive...Enrich the lives of those

who reside at the former “Presbyterian Lodge” during May. Monthly birthday

& holiday parties, flowers & cake for Mother’s & Father’s Day, Christmas

gifts, a summer picnic & much more are all provided by this fund. The Auxil-

iary pays for Lift vehicles for outings & shopping trips. The Auxiliary is fund-

ed by this drive, gifts from Presbyterian Women’s groups, churches, bake sales

& an occasional raffle. Envelopes will be available in the Welcome Center,

Narthex & Art Gallery Hall. If you are able to help in this effort, please return

donations to the church, made payable to “Elmwood Gardens Auxiliary”.

Summer Worship Hours Starting Soon Sunday, May 29th

8:30 a.m., McBrier Chapel

10:00 a.m., Sanctuary ~ NO Summer Sunday Faith Formation Classes ~

Thursday, May 19th

7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible ~Perkins

12:00 p.m. NA ~Knox Hall

4:00 p.m. Non-profit Partnership

~Library

5:30 p.m. Niagara Pier Assoc. ~Parlor

6:00 p.m. Life Skills ~Discovery

7:00 p.m. Christian Ed ~Irwin Home

7:30 p.m. Women’s NA ~Calvin

Friday, May 20th

7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study ~Parlor

5:00 p.m. Garcia/Miller Wedding

Rehearsal ~Sanctuary

Saturday, May 21st

8:00 a.m. Erie Phil. Rummage Sale

~Knox Hall

2:00 p.m. Garcia/Miller Wedding

~Sanctuary

Sunday, May 22nd

8:30 a.m. Worship ~McBrier Chapel

9:25 a.m. Fellowship ~Parlor

9:30 a.m. Christian Ed ~Various Rms

10:30 a.m. Covenant Choir Reh. ~MR

11:00 a.m. Worship ~Sanctuary

12:15 p.m. Greater than the Sum ~MR

12:15 p.m. Fellowship ~Parlor

Sunday, May 15th

~ Communion & Confirmation ~

8:30 a.m. Worship ~McBrier Chapel

9:25 a.m. Fellowship ~Parlor

9:30 a.m. Christian Ed ~Various Rms

10:30 a.m. Covenant Choir Reh. ~MR

11:00 a.m. Worship ~Sanctuary

12:15 p.m. Greater than the Sum ~MR

12:15 p.m. Fellowship ~Parlor

4:00 p.m. Sunday Suppers ~Knox Hall

Monday, May 16th

4:00 p.m. ICM Council ~Witherspoon

5:30 p.m. Session ~Fidelis

6:30 p.m. NA ~Knox Hall

Tuesday, May 17th

10:00 a.m. Staff ~Parlor

5:15 p.m. Properties ~ Library

6:45 p.m. Deacons ~116

7:30 p.m. AA ~Witherspoon

7:30 p.m. NA ~Calvin

Wednesday, May 18th

~ Chimes Articles Due ~

1:00 p.m. Dining with Diabetes ~116

5:30 p.m. Getting Ahead ~116

T H E W E E K A H E A D

When you wish to contact our Temporary Supply Pastor, Rev. Timm High,

he can be reached at 814-873-1910

or by email at timm.high@firstcovenanterie.org

or timm.high@att.net

Abby Blankenship, Campus Ministry Helen Greider, Weekend Host

Lisa Hiegel, Director of Covenant Preschool

Rev. Timm High, Temporary Supply Pastor Jackie K. Jones, Weeknight Host / Covenant Cook

Luba Kovalchuk, Custodian

Seph Kumer, Director of Community Ministries Rev. Stephen E. Morse, Parish Assistant

JoAnn Peters, Finance / Records Administration Anne Sauer, Administrative Assistant

John Scepura, Building & Maintenance Mechanic

Montgomery Service, Children & Youth Music Kevin Stevenson, Covenant Cook

Leslie Weber, Organist / Choirmaster

Morgan Wood, Nursery Attendant

F P C C S T A F F

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016 8:30 & 11:00 A.M. ~ Trinity Sunday ~

John 16.13-15

“Being In Relationship”

2016 YTD Budget: $117,634

2016 YTD Received: $112,498

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Reception of Confirmands

The Caring Church in the Heart of the City!

Reaffirmation of the

Baptismal Covenant

REAFFIRMATION OF THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT RECEPTION OF CONFIRMANDS

PRESENTATION ~

Elder

On behalf of the Session, I present Marrick Bauer, having

completed Confirmation, for the reaffirming of the baptismal

covenant into which he was baptized. He now desires to pro-

fess publicly his faith and to assume greater responsibility in

the life of the church, and God’s mission in the world.

Pastor

As you join with us in the worship and witness to Jesus Christ

as a disciple in this congregation, it is fitting that together we

reaffirm the covenant into which we were baptized, claiming

again the promises of God which are ours in our baptism.

We rejoice that you now desire to declare your faith

and to share with us in our common ministry.

In baptism you were joined to Christ,

and made members of his church.

In the community of the people of God,

you have learned of God’s purpose for you and for all creation.

You have been nurtured at the table of our Lord,

and called to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hear these words from Holy Scripture:

You are the light of the world.

A city built on a hill cannot be hid.

No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket,

but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

In the same way, let your light so shine before others,

so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your Father in heaven.

PROFESSION OF FAITH ~

Now, as you publicly declare your faith,

I ask you to reject sin,

to profess your faith in Jesus Christ,

and to confess the faith of the church,

the faith in which you were baptized.

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God,

do you once again turn from the ways of sin

and renounce evil in the world?

I DO.

Do you once again affirm Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior,

trusting in his grace and love?

I DO.

Will you seek to be Christ’s faithful disciple,

obeying his Word and showing his love?

I WILL, WITH GOD’S HELP.

PROFESSION ~

With the whole church, let us confess our faith.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

FAITH STATEMENT MADE OF SELECTIONS FROM

EACH STUDENT’S INDIVIDUAL STATEMENTS ~

I believe that God created the earth and the entire universe,

and that God cares for all living things on this earth. ~ HF

In my life God is almighty, highest, powerful, and creator,

lover, and protector. ~ LT

God is Jesus, Father, and Holy Spirit. ~ LT

Jesus is God in human form. ~ MB

He is the shepherd who leads us to God. ~ HF

Jesus took upon himself all of our sins, so we could be saved

and be made righteous through him. ~ MB

The Holy Spirit guides us, helps us make good decisions,

gives us inspiration and protects us. ~ AR

The bible is the story of God. ~ AR

It was written to reveal God to us and show God’s love for,

and salvation of, people. ~ HF

I believe the church isn’t a building,

but the people gathered together worshipping

and praising God. ~ LT

It is a welcoming community of faith

that extends all over the world. ~ HF

Giving and serving show gratitude to God

and love for the community. ~ AR

I believe that God blesses me, so that I may bless others. ~ MB

(MB = Marrick Bauer, HF =Haley Fabich, AR = Alec Reese & LT = Laura Taylor)

You have publicly professed your faith.

Will you be a faithful member of this congregation,

share in its mission and ministry, its worship and work,

through your prayers and gifts, your study and service,

and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

I WILL, WITH GOD’S HELP.

Gracious God, by water and Spirit

you claimed us as your own,

Cleansing us from sin, and giving us new life.

You made us members of your body, the church,

calling us to be your servants in the world.

Renew in Marrick Bauer,

the covenant you made in his baptism.

Continue the good work you have begun in him.

Send him forth in the power of your Spirit

to love and serve you with joy,

and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth,

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

LAYING ON OF HANDS ~

O Lord, uphold Marrick

by your Holy Spirit.

Daily increase in him your gifts of grace:

the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord,

the spirit of joy in your presence,

both now and forever. Amen.

WELCOME ~

Marrick Bauer

By publicly professing your faith,

Has expressed his intention

To continue in the covenant

God made with him in his baptism.

Let us welcome him as he joins with us

In the worship and mission of the church.

With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you

to share with us in the ministry of Christ,

for we are all one in him.

Remember your baptism and be thankful.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

THE PEACE ~

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Each blanket includes embroidery of the recipient’s name

& the Bible verse chosen by his/her parents.

(Thank You to Scott, owner of Scot-Tees

located at 4012 Main Street Erie, PA 16511... 814-897-9835

for his donation of embroidery services.)

Special thanks to this year’s Confirmation Class teaching team:

Diane Sutton, Stephanie Rose Briggs & Seph Kumer.

2016 Confirmand

Marrick Bauer 8th grade student at Harbor Creek Junior High

His parents chose Epiphanies 6:11-13 as his Bible verse.

* You are invited to help celebrate our four Confirmands

with a special cake in the Parlor after the 11:00 worship service today.

The Congregation, in ministry

We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation

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.

Abby Blankenship, Campus Ministry

Helen Greider, Weekend Host

Lisa Hiegel, Director of Covenant Preschool Rev. Timm High, Temporary Supply Pastor

Jackie K. Jones, Weeknight Host, Covenant Cook

Luba Kovalchuk, Custodian

Seph Kumer, Director of Community Ministries

Rev. Stephen E. Morse, Parish Assistant

JoAnn Peters, Finance / Records Administration

Anne Sauer, Administrative Assistant

John Scepura, Building & Maintenance Mechanic Montgomery Service, Children & Youth Music

Kevin Stevenson, Covenant Cook

Leslie Weber, Organist / Choirmaster

Morgan Wood, Nursery Attendant

F P C C S T A F F