Tuesday, April 30, 2013

F3 Event

F3 Event (Faith, Family & Fun)
"TOP SECRET"

Friday, May 17, 2013
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Covenant UMC - Fellowship Hall
A Night of Family Bible Study

RSVP to Lindsay Perry at children@covenantum.org with the number of family members who will be present. Nursery will be provided to infants and toddlers of those who RSVP prior to the event. Click here to RSVP for TOP SECRET!

Join us on Friday, May 17th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for a night of family Bible study. We will be "investigating" how God wants us to speak reassuring words to our family members.  Wear your best disguise, bring you spy gear and your Bible. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.  You won't want to miss out on this fun-filled night of God's word, your church family and food!

This event is open to all families.  Bring your children from babies on up!  Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. The more the merrier!

We can't wait to see you there!!!

Blessings,
Lindsay Perry
Director of Children's Ministry

Don't Forget! Important Meeting for the Community and Church Events

TOGETHER.
SHAPING THE FUTURE.

Our church is committed to making certain You have the Best Future Available.  We do that every time we encourage you to grow as a Disciple of Jesus Christ-in study, in worship, in fellowship, and in service. I wish you each would make the most of all our opportunities possible.

But I also want to encourage you to make certain our Lafayette Community is the Best possible place to raise our future generations. There is a group working to submit a Comprehensive Plan for our future in this growing area. We have the opportunity to hear all about it TONIGHT, Asbury 6pm. Join me and others to hear what is being presented. And then May 14-15th,  we will have the opportunity to express your opinion at two sites.

Covenant Schedule
Wednesday
9:30pm - Explorers Bible Study
6:00pm - Bible Study (REMEMBER, NO DINNER THIS EVENING AND NO CHILDREN'S PROGRAM EITHER)

Thursday
8:30am - Men's Bull Session in Holley Building

Sunday
Holy Communion + ICAN food offering for the UCO food pantry, I know you always are generous.

And Bring Your Bible to Church!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

May Newsletter Available for Download


May Newsletter
The May 2013 Covenant Newsletter is ready to download and pick up. Yeah, I know it's early.

1. You can pick up a paper copy in the church narthex the next time you are at church.
or
2. You can download it directly from our website – www.CovenantUM.org. Just look for the "Downloads" section in the right hand column of the first page and click on "Current Newsletter". It looks like this:

You will need to have the free Adobe Reader on your computer. If you don't have it, you can get it here.

See you Sunday,

Friday, April 19, 2013

Reminders and Prayers

Men's Breakfast and Light WorkDay
Saturday 8:00am -  gather for a light breakfast and then if weather permits we can divvy up our list of chores - mulch spreading, a little weed eating, cutting grass around the church building, a/c filter changing, maybe a little light carpentry-no saws necessary, and just general fun and fellowship with your Christian Brothers.

Don't forget Sunday - two opportunities to Praise the Name of Jesus.

As I write this, the hunt is on for one of the Boston Marathon Bomber suspects. Pray that he be captured alive, so the full plot might be revealed. And that God's Light shine upon the Darkness of Evil. Pray for the Law Enforcement Officers, and especially for the family of the one killed, and the recovery of the other officer wounded in the chase. I am always amazed at the bravery of these men and women who rush in to confront evil, while the natural inclination would be to flee. Praise God for  these brave men and women.

See You this weekend in your place of worship!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Nation Under Attack!


 Once Again, Our Nation was reminded of the Darkness Present in This World! 
Let us Pause to Remember the lives lost.

Yes...my church family, we were reminded so tragically of the forces of darkness that occupy this world. it matters not to those whose lives have been personally impacted by loss of life and limb and now once again, our sense of security, if the perpetrators are homegrown or from abroad. For such a time as now, did our Lord Jesus Come. John's gospel reminds us: In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it."  Join me and millions around this world, praying for the families of those personally impacted. Join me and millions around this world praying for God's justice to prevail. Join me and millions around this world praying for Peace in the storm, and that we will not be overcome by fear.

The message of the Gospel must not be shut up.  So our ministry continues, and I ask you remember the events of this Week.

Wednesday
9:30am - Explorer's Bible Study
5:30pm - Wednesday Night Dinner
6:30pm - Bible Study - What it means to be Covenant People

Saturday
8:00am - Men's breakfast - Come one, come all. Join us as we eat and fellowship and do a little light work around our campus
 
Sunday Worship 
Building Our Christian Lives - following the Master's Plan and choosing the Right Construction Crew.




Thursday, April 11, 2013

Pretzels for Covenant


Sunday, April 21st 
According to legend, this snack is shaped like arms crossed in prayer. The three holes were said to represent the Holy Trinity.

As a fundraiser, the Wesleyan Sunday School class remembers this tradition by handing out pretzels. Donations will be joyfully accepted. All proceeds will go to the stained glass window fund.

Health Seminar This Sunday

This Sunday our Health Care Ministry Team is sponsoring our Second Important Seminar - Five Wishes- for those of us who need to think about the end of our life and the directives we wish to leave. Hospice will provide information, then we will hear from LOPA about organ donation.

The seminar will be 4:00pm in the Sanctuary. We hope you will be present to learn about these important issues of our Life. We not only need to prepare Spiritually but also taking care of our other needs.

I hope you can join us.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Covenant News - April 9, 2013

As always, I want to let you know all the happenings around the church:

Wednesday
9:30am - Explorer's Bible Study
5:30pm - Wednesday Night Dinner - Pork Loin
6:15pm - Prayer and Communion
6:30pm - Study #1 - What is a Covenant of God?
6:30pm - Smart Discipline Parenting Seminar - Sanctuary (not too late to attend, but we need to know if you need childcare - email children@covenantum.org).

Sunday Morning
two power packed worship services

Helma Constantine Funeral Information: 
Wake on Wednesday Evening at Syrie Funeral Home - 1417 East Simcoe Street from 5:00pm - 9:00pm 
Funeral service on Thursday - 11:00am at Covenant

Friday, April 5, 2013

Family News - April 5, 2013

Last evening about 9:00pm Mrs. Helma Constantine, Mother of Joyce Henson and Ambrose Constantine, passed to her Heavenly Reward. She was an extraordinary lady who pioneered during the Civil Rights Era of our community. We all are very proud of her courage and endurance in this effort. She held the course that she knew was the Godly one, and faced many obstacles over the years. Because she lived and fought this battle, we are all better for it.

This afternoon on Channel KATC-TV, a short taped interview with Ms. Helma will be shown at 5 PM and perhaps also at 10. Please try to watch and see what a courageous lady we had in our midst.

Ms. Helma leaves a community wide circle of family and friends, and we shall all miss her greatly.

Please join me in praying in THANKSGIVING for her wonderful life and for the legacy that she leaves to us all.

We will let the church know when the service of the Celebration of her life will be held.

Also passing on the information that Liz Knepper's Dad Paul passed away and the service will be held in Crowley on Sunday.

Join our church family as we pray for the familys

Just a reminder, this is the First Sunday, bring your ICAN food offering for UCO.

Covenant Children's Ministry Upcoming Events


Covenant Kids has been working on a mission project to benefit the Bridge Ministries of Acadiana. We have been collecting new or gently used books, Bibles and board games for their brand new facility. This week is the final week of our collection. If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes this weekend to work with you children cleaning out your bookshelves and closets.  You can drop off your donations in the Narthex.  It would be so great to have a HUGE donation to drop off to such a worthy local cause.  You can check out all of the great work that Bridge Ministries of Acadiana does on their website, www.bridgeacadiana.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Smart Discipline
Wednesday, April 10, 2013  6:30-8:30 P.M.

Just answer this...would you come out of your snug home for a guaranteed way to stop the fighting and bickering between your kids...or, to get your kids to do what you ask the first time (without screaming at the top of your lungs)?  If your answer is yes, we have a great deal for you! We're bringing the nationally acclaimed Smart Discipline workshop to our church, Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30-8:30 P.M. You'll learn guaranteed ways to sky-rocket self-esteem (even in negative kids) and proven techniques to get your kids to cooperate!  Sounds absolutely wonderful, doesn't it? We hope you will treat yourself and join the fun. We've even made signing up  simple. Just email Lindsay Perry at children@covenantum.org to RSVP. This seminar is free of charge; child care will be provided to those who RSVP prior to the event.  It'll only take a minute, and it'll make a tremendous difference!

Sincerely,

Lindsay Perry
Director of Children's Ministry
Covenant United Methodist Church

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Weekly Reminders - April 2, 2013

It's the Post-Easter Slow Down Season!

After all the Holy Week and Easter activities, it is good to have a little slow down.

This Thursday is the first Thursday of the Month, so we gather for the Bull Session for men - 8:30am.

So just a reminder, since our school is closed this week, we will not have our Wednesday Night Dinner and Study this week. Nor are we having any music team ministry practice, this week only!

We will resume again on Wednesday, April 10th. A new Bible Study using a great video session on the Old Testament principle of The Covenant. On that night, our Children's Ministry will have a Smart Discipline Program.

Sunday, April 7th - we will gather for Worship and Holy Communion. My new sermon series will start focusing on Christians Under Construction. Looking at the various ways God works in our life to help build us to be the disciples He needs us to be.

Don't forget your ICAN food offering for UCO.

Covenant Rummage and Bake Sale

 COVENANT
RUMMAGE & BAKE SALE
FRI, May 31st—8am-3pm & SAT, June 1st—8am-12noon

PLEASE BRING DONATIONS
Wed. May 29th & Thurs. May 30th
(Please-NO clothes-NO computers)
We “treasure” your “trash”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
BAKE, SET-UP, SORT,
PRICE, SELL, CLEAN-UP

Youth Report - April 2013

March was a great month for our youth group. We started it off in Harvey LA at Acquire the Fire, where our group was inspired and set on fire for our Lord. The theme for the weekend was Relentless Pursuit, and inspiring our young people to never stop working and doing what the Lord has planned for them. The Friday following ATF, the Manuel’s were generous enough to offer their home to us for a bonfire. What a great way to continue being “on fire” than with a bonfire. I want to thank Wally and Jennifer Manuel for their relentless support for the youth of Covenant.

On Sunday March 10th we had our “Parent Youth Experience” where we had a quick example of the type of lesson we, played a game of trivia (where I must say it was a very close game), had fun playing Kinect, and of course what Methodist functions would be complete without food. Thank you to those parents and Brother Chris who took the time out of their busy schedule to come to support our youth group.

We ended our month by helping with the Easter Celebration. We have a few things up our sleeve for April, so if you want to know what is going on ask a youth, or better yet, come and give youth a try.
Sheri Hester

Preschool Report - April 2013

March was a great month for the preschool! We had a fun hoe down and pony rides and the St. Patrick’s Day leprechauns paid us a visit. Thank you to everyone that participated in the Komen race. We had a group of about 50 people join us. April should be just as much fun. We will have Easter parties and egg hunts before our holiday break. We will be off March 29th through April 7th. We will have our Spring Program on April 17th & 18th. Please feel free to come and watch how well Mrs. Susie’s classes perform.
Amy Rizzuto

From the Associate Pastor - April 2013

Was reading in 1 Corinthians 13 this morning and was reminded of something a preacher said about love in verses 4-7. The verses read “love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (NIV) The preacher said that, that is how we are to live our lives.

Take time today and read the verses and substitute your name where it says love. Are we patient, kind....etc? Remember, we are to live like Christ. Verse eight begins with “Love never fails.”

Confirmation Class

If you or your sixth grader or older youth would like to participate in the Pastor's Confirmation Class to prepare one for Profession of Faith and Full Membership in the church on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12th, please email the pastor at pastor@covenantum.org of your desire. We will meet four Sundays beginning April 14 during the Sunday School hour.

Childre's Ministry - April 2013

  • April 10, 6:30-8:30 pm “Smart Discipline Seminar”
  • April 13, time TBA“Mission Kids to Bridge Ministry”
  • April 14, 3 pm “Children's Council Meeting”
  • May 17, 6--8pm “F3 Event” (Faith, Family, Fun)
Are you tired of fighting and bickering between your kids or tired of your kids not listening to what you ask the first time? This nationally acclaimed workshop will help you learn guaranteed ways to sky-rocket self-esteem and teach you proven techniques to get your kids to cooperate! We will be hosting the Smart Discipline Seminar in the sanctuary on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The seminar is free of cost and child care will be provided to those who RSVP prior to the event. Please RSVP to Lindsay Perry at children@covenantum.org with the ages of the children you will need child care for. You can learn more about the Smart Discipline program at www.SmartDiscipline.org.

Mission Kids is still working on their Bridge Ministry Mission project. It is not too late to bring in new or gently used Books/Bibles/Board Games which will be donated to the Bridge Ministry of Acadiana. Our Mission Kids will get to deliver all of the collected items on our next meeting which will be on Saturday, April 13 (time to be announced). Have your kids wear this Covenant Kids t-shirts as we share the love of Jesus with the kids of Bridge Ministry!

F3--Faith, Family and Fun—If you liked Huddle Up, you are not going to want to miss out on our next F3 event! On Friday, May 17, from 6-8 p.m., Covenant Kids will be hosting "Top Secret." Join us as we further investigate what God wants for each of our families. Bring your spy gear, your family and your Bibles! RSVP to Lindsay Perry at children@covenantum.org.
Lindsay Perry

Monday, April 1, 2013

Still Under Construction!

Yes, our new multipurpose facility that ground was broken on Easter 2012, is still under construction. Weather delays, changes in a few sub contractors, and just the normal delays, and we are still waiting to receive a completed building. We believe by mid May, we will receive it and then will have to do some of our additions and modifications and of course move our stuff into it. We will be adding a sound system, video projection system, as well as stage lighting before we can use the facility to worship. I would recommend you take a walk over to the building via our new covered walkway tying in the existing buildings. For now, there is no roof on it, but it should be there soon, at least you can walk on the nice wide sidewalk. After all, the building is still under construction!

Then, as most of you are aware, we are discussing the future renovation of our current sanctuary. The scope of the project is not complete, but we are hoping to enlarge the platform area, where the choir can be seated on the same platform with the organ, piano, and pulpits, and extend our communion rail. We also hope to have pews for seating, stain glass windows, and new flooring. We also hope to remodel the foyer, by enlarging it by utilizing the existing kitchen space, as well as remodel the bathrooms. Then, we will be able to remodel the existing fellowship hall, to accommodate new adult Sunday School Classrooms, etc. Again, we will have to be patient, as these facilities will be under construction.

But, the greatest construction program around here is on our lives. Each of us is still in process of being recreated into the image of Christ our Lord. 1 Peter 2 says: “you, also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” I like that verse: “being built”. I know I may be in process of becoming a “new creation”, but I know God is not finished with me yet. And may I be bold enough to say as your pastor, I think all of us have not yet arrived, but still under construction. The problem arises, when we think we're just fine the way we are, so we don't allow God to work in us. What even happens sometimes, is that some of us don't see anything wrong with us just the way we are. Of course, we ignore the carnage left behind as we slash and burn going through life. No wonder some people simply avoid us.

My next sermon series will be focusing on Christians Under Construction. I will examine: Why Renovate? The Master Architect and Plan; A Proper Foundation; Choosing the Right Construction Team; Using the Best Materials; and Furnishing it with Love. I know I need a lot of work in becoming the person, the pastor, the husband, the dad, I need to be. Hope you will also be preparing your heart and life to be Under Construction! See you in your place of worship,

April Newsletter Available for Download


April Newsletter

The April 2013 Covenant Newsletter is ready to download and pick up.

1. You can pick up a paper copy in the church narthex the next time you are at church.
or
2. You can download it directly from our website – www.CovenantUM.org. Just look for the "Downloads" section in the right hand column of the first page and click on "Current Newsletter". It looks like this:

You will need to have the free Adobe Reader on your computer. If you don't have it, you can get it here.

See you Sunday,