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To be an instrument for God’s transformation of individuals and
society by Welcoming all who come our way; Seeking those who have not come;
Teaching the message of Christ’s love in word and deed;
Expressing gratitude to God through stewardship and worship;
and Caring and Praying for those in need of emotional and spiritual
support, direct service or partners in their struggle for justice both
locally and throughout the world.
The Covenanter (USPS 680-460) is published bi-weekly except the months of July and August by: Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., Scranton, PA 18510-2497 Phone: 570-346-6400 Subscription price: $10.00 Postmaster: please send address changes to the above address.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Covenant
Presbyterian Church
Periodical Postage Paid At Scranton, PA
Scholarships Pledges
Inside this issue:
Volume XXXIX, Issue 8
June 9, 2020
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.COVENANTSCRANTON.ORG
OUR MISSION
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verse 20, we find a most familiar passage from Jesus:
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst."
It's a comforting passage for us when we only gather in small numbers - bible study, prayer, and small groups. It's good to know "numbers" aren't everything to our Lord. After this past Sunday, when we opened the doors for public worship again, I felt inclined to rework the quote from Matthew: Jesus said, "where 23 are gathered in my name on Sunday morning, there I am in their midst." We have returned, with CDC guidelines and necessary precautions, to worship together again. It was delightful to hear the live organ presentation by Tim Smith; to enjoy solo voice from Kathy Fisk; and to be in fellowship, even if we don't shake hands, pass the peace, or enjoy coffee hour for now. Please know that we don't expect large numbers for now. But seated as we are, socially distant and with masks on at ease, as we come and go, it's pleasing to be in the house of the Lord again together. We're not quite sure what the "new normal" will bring for us in the future of Covenant's ministry, but we will always anticipate Christ's presence in how we continue to be His presence in the world. Blessings and well being to you all,
Scott
Sunday Worship 10:30 A.M.
Holy Communion First Sunday
of each month (Deferred for now)
Information/Staff ……….……..2
Prayers……………………………….3
Moments of Joy..………..……..4
Covenant Women.…..…………4
Graduates ……..…………….…...4
Camp Lackawanna …………...5
Infant Care Program ………….5
Scholarships …………….……..…6
Pledges ……………………………..6
Higher Education Scholarship Grants If you or your child will be attending undergraduate school in the fall and would like to apply for a Higher Education Scholarship Grant from Covenant Church, please call Mrs. Lee Carr at the church office and give her your name. Applications will be mailed to current school attendees and new applicants soon.
Don’t forget your pledge! Online giving is easier than ever
when you sign up with Vanco. Information and instructions for
online giving located on our website.
www.covenantscranton.org
Covenant Presbyterian Church
The
COVENANTER
Worship videos will continue to be posted online: www.covenantscranton.org
https://www.facebook.com/cpcscranton/ Church Members only page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cpcscranton/
It has been a trying, stressful time for The Infant Care Program. After closing on March 17th our director, Barbara Pliske, has been working hard from home keeping up with state updates and participating in many Zoom meetings trying to disseminate what re-opening will look like for daycare centers.
While initially preparing to open on June 15th, our Board of Directors has decided that we will wait a bit longer to re-open. We hope to decide on an opening date around the first week of July.
We are sorry for any difficulty we are causing some families. The pandemic has been the most challenging time for our program. The staff is missing the children greatly. We hope to plan some form of graduation celebration for our six preschoolers who’ll be off to Kindergarten in the fall.
Please keep our families and our staff in your prayers as The Infant Care Program figures out how to move forward in these challenging days.
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Staff Information
Church Address: Covenant Presbyterian Church 550 Madison Ave. Scranton, PA 18510 Phone: 570-346-6400
Business Mailing Address: 816 Olive St. Scranton, PA 18510
Rev. Scott G. Loomer, Pastor Cell: 570-578-9424 Email: [email protected] Phone Extension: 223
Director of Music/Organist Dr. Timothy Smith Phone Extension: 227 Email: [email protected]
Church Operations Manager Mrs. Lee Carr Cell: 570-241-3366 Email: [email protected] Phone Extension: 224
Receptionist/Secretary Mrs. Patricia Ollendyke, Email: [email protected] Phone Extension: 221
Mr. Clarence Cobb, Sexton Church WiFi: username and password is cpcguest.
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Infant Care Program
In addition to the announcement regarding our Summer Camp program, which can be found on the front page of the Presbytery's website (www.lackawannapresby.org) there is a lot going on out at Camp right now. Many of the projects that were approved by the Presbytery to upgrade the Camp have finally gotten started after waiting for the winter weather, and then the virus, to abate. The Director's House is undergoing significant repairs and upgrades, the Pool will be sandblasted and the filtering system replaced, a Low Ropes course is being laid out, a spot for our Archery Range is being selected, the Road to the Main Lodge is being regraded, and many other projects are in the works. But none of that will interfere with you or your group coming out to Camp this summer and enjoying all that nature has to offer. For the first time you can come during the height of summer, prime vacation time, and Camp out in Tents, Cabins, or Smyrl Lodge. Give the office a call to reserve your time slot, messages are being checked at least twice a day now that we are back open. Camp is also looking for a vehicle to use for getting around the grounds. This could be an old truck, SUV or car that still runs well (the body or looks of the vehicle are less of a concern), but we also would be able to use a Gator, or other off-road vehicles like a golf cart. If you know of one that could be donated or acquired very reasonably, please let us know. Finally, if you are in need of some firewood, and have the tools and skills to cut up fallen trees then please reach out to us to schedule a time to go out to Camp. We have a number of fallen trees that we are happy to have you come, cut up, and haul away for firewood.
Camp Lackawanna
“God who holds us in our anxiety” God of grace and mercy, be present with us as we face an unknown future and as we walk paths untrodden. In the ever-changing and uncertain world where we find ourselves, help us to know and be assured that you are sovereign, that you are all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present. We know you are a good God who holds us in our anxiety and distress and who has a plan for our future. Calm our hearts and minds and give us hope in you, our only certain hope. We pray in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Rev. David Loleng, Director of Church Financial Literacy and Leadership, Presbyterian Foundation
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Let’s keep the good news coming! Send us your photos/news so we can share it with the congregation. Staying connected to our church family is important now more than ever! New Births: Congratulations to Drs. Thomas & Tara Churilla on the birth of their son, Edward Michael Churilla, on May 12, 2020. Grandparents Michael & Nanine Gramigna are over the moon!
Graduates Rachel Fogley Daughter of Anees & Karen Fogley MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Rachel is planning to do her Internal Medicine Residency at The University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital.
Congratulations Dr. Rachel Fogley! Preschool Graduates Let’s celebrate ALL our Graduates! Preschool graduation is an important step in the life of a five year old!
Kaden Brown Joseph Chaffers Son of Tierney Ollendyke Son of AJ & Lori Chaffers The Infant Care Program Dickson City Civic Center
Covenant Women Psalm 145:14 The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. *The sympathy of the congregation is extended to the family of Mrs. Lois Behlke, who passed away recently. *Prayers of Joy for our sexton, Mick Cobb, who has recovered completely, and for his wife Lori, who was released from the hospital and is very happy to be back home. *Praying for Patti Ollendyke’s brother in law, Wade, who has improved greatly and moved to rehab. *Praying for Alice Goodall’s daughter in law who is receiving cancer treatment. *Prayers for a speedy recovery for Gail Wintermute who has been ill with Covid19. *Praying for Steven Thomas, from the Arcadia Chorale, who is hospitalized and not doing well during his stem cell treatment. *Craig & Bernadette Westbrook ask for prayers of Joy for the third anniversary of Craig receiving his new lungs! Happy Lung-a-versary Craig! *Many thanks to Tyler Santarsiero and Ezekiel Hoehle for sharing their musical talent with us during our worship videos. “Knee”mail—if you would like to be added to Covenant’s email prayer list, please send a request to [email protected] or Pam Huddy at [email protected].
Continuing our prayers for: Anne Byer, Clara Jane Post, Jack Winieski, Steven Thomas, Craig & Bernadette Westbrook, Sr., Dan & Bonnie Welsch, Sally Kennedy, Kathlyn Matthews, Richard Rushmore, Gail Wintermute, Roberta Tighe, Ken Dolph, Larry Sykes, Nancy Kohl, Dana & Donna Nelson, Diane Praschak, Rufus Holmes.
The Light of God, surround us; The Love of God, enfold us; The Power of God, protect us; The Presence of God, watch over us; the Mind of God, guide us; The Law of God, direct us;
Wherever we are, God, be our strength and harbor.
Covenant Women’s Circle
Covenant Women's Circle met via Zoom to begin planning fall activities for Covenant Community Connections. The group looks to plan events that would interest our members and community, such as Cardmaking with Terri Gyza and Sustainable Shopping. During these uncertain times, our planning may lead CWC down new roads as we travel into the fall. Programming to be announced early fall. Contact Linda Frangos or Lee Carr for the meeting schedule.
Leah Rudolph and Terri Gyza have continued working on the Labor of Love project, crocheted sleeping mats for the homeless. Please continue to save us your plastic bags and work on making plarn.
If you are comfortable doing so, bags and plarn can be dropped off at the Rudolph residence and left on the front porch. 112 Woodside Dr., Clarks Summit
Kathy Kintzer has patriotic aprons for sale! Cost is $12.00, and all proceeds go to The Infant Care Program. You can mail a check (made payable to Covenant Women) to the church office, and Kathy will be happy to drop-off your apron at your home. Give her a call!
Pastoral News Moments of Joy!
