From the Associate Pastor - February 28, 2011

We have been consistently going over the 160 mark in Sunday school since the first of the year. We have two new classes to choose from and I pray that we can add two more by the end of the year. I know that Pastor Chris pushes Sunday school attendance every Sunday after the 9 a.m. service and we have seen an increase each week. But, 85% of those that attend a church or a Sunday school class attend because someone asks them personally to come to their class. I know each teacher and class member is proud of their own class, so why not share the joy with someone. We can reach the 175 mark this year if we just reach out and ask someone to come and visit your class.

Byron

Memorial Service Sunday

This Sunday, February 27th, at 3:00pm, we will host a memorial service for Lisa Hogan's recently deceased stepfather.

We know you will keep Lisa and the family in your prayers.

2011 Estate Planning Course

Join us for a special "seminar-by-mail" estate planning course, featuring five important lessons, mailed to you at weekly intervals. Louisiana has unique laws regarding community property and probate that this course will fully address.

Upon completion of the course, you will receive a copy of "Your Personal Estate Planning Record" -- a handy and valuable booklet where you can record all your personal data, determine your net worth, and continue your financial planning.

There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Just sign up! The first lesson will be mailed in February, or if we hear from you later, we'll start your lessons then.

There are two ways to enroll:

Enroll now! (download a form and fax it to us)

Contact us (Fill out and submit the online form and write "Estate Planning Course" in the message area.)

Midweek Reminders from Covenant - February 23, 2011

The Blessings of the Family

Here we are, home again. Rev. Byron and I have been spent a few days with all the other United Methodist clergy of Louisiana, tending our lives together. We worshiped, we prayed, we looked for colleagues we hadn't seen in such a long time, and we discussed the ever changing nature of doing ministry. As some of you are aware, many church congregations are struggling and have been in decline for years. PRAISE BE TO GOD, Covenant is not one of those congregations. The LORD has fully blessed us with growth and potential. Yet we know HE is not finished with us yet, and would have us reach out more. I am thrilled our denomination is addressing these issues, and hopefully as the United Methodist Church, we can add souls to the Kingdom of God.

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A Big thanks to a generous church for helping William Guilbeau get halfway to Australia. It was most successful and delicious!

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Wednesday
5:00pm - Handbell rehearsal
5:30pm - Wednesday Night Supper - brisket, potato dish, and sides - always good food
6:15pm - Children's Music Ministry
6:20pm - Holy Communion and Prayer
6:30pm - Last Study on Book of James - chapter 5

Sunday Morning Worship
This week the message is on Resurrection. Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. But what does that mean to us this side of our own grave? If you missed last week, it was wonderful. God blessed us in music.

Speaking of music, this Easter Season will be awesome. Our choir will be doing their special music on Palm Sunday, at both services. And yes, I will be preaching, in case you were worried I wouldn't.

Easter morning,  Redeemed will be leading us in worship at both services, because they are writing and composing their own music just for Covenant. I am excited and I know you are too! We are so blessed with our entire music team. I can't wait to hear the choir one week and Redeemed the next. But why wait, come on Sunday and stay for both services, variety is the spice of life.

We are looking for team members for the Covenant team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Cancer Walk on March 19th. Go to our website and find the link. www.covenantum.org

Sincerely,

Rev. Chris Blanchard

Welcome New Members - February 23, 2011

Peter & Jennifer VanDuzee (February 6)

Vanessa Madrid (February 20)

The Gift of Music and Singing from the African American Community

The Gift of Music and Singing from the

African American Community

www.negrospirituals.com

Music has always played vital roles in the lives of people. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is called the African American “national” anthem - Written and performed in 1900 to celebrate 40 years of freedom for people of color in America, written by James Weldon Johnson, poet, lyricist, and first African American to be admitted to the Florida bar as a lawyer. Can’t we see the emotion of such a time of celebration and even in unveiling of freedom in Egypt?

“Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty:
Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies,
Let us resound loud as the rolling sea,
Sing a song full of the faith
That the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope
That the present has brought us:
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.”

Other history and examples of Negro spirituals from our past:

Some of the earliest songs were sung by slaves outside of churches. The lyrics were sung to reflect their personal worship of the Lord, but sometimes often related the desire to escape to free country with words such as heaven and home.. Songs such as “The Gospel Train” and “Swing Low, sweet Chariot” were also used to speak of such operations as the Underground Railroad that provided freedom to the slaves. Crossing over Jordan was code language for crossing the Ohio River to freedom in the north.

The song “There is a Balm in Gilead” is another song of codes: interestingly, the balm of the Old Testament could not heal sinners, but in New Testament, Jesus “heals” everyone who comes to him. Healing here would be the ultimate freeing of their burdens and woes. Spirituals were a way of sharing the hard conditions of being a slave or a person of color in our past. This genre of music has had a huge influence on Gospel Music that we know today.

February 20, 2011 Sermon Download Available

This morning's sermon, I AM the Vine, is now available for free download from our website. http://tinyurl.com/5j6nl3

From the Music Director - February 19, 2011

As a follow-up to my article in last months newsletter, please allow me to refresh your memories. This year we will be having two very special musical programs.

On Palm Sunday for both services the Chancel Choir will present Journey to the Cross: Remembering Christ's Sacrifice of Love. This is a wonderful cantata with music and narration that will hopefully set the mood for Holy Week and, eventually, Easter Sunday. This cantata is made up of wonderful songs from various composers and arrangers, creating a very special program.

Then on Easter Sunday our own Redeemed will present an all original musical program tentatively entitled Eyewitness, for both services. We are writing all of the lyrics, music and narration ourselves in a wonderfully collective process that is, in turn, bringing the group even closer together. The Holy Spirit is doing some wonderful things. I promise, you will hear nothing like this anywhere else.

Both of these services are very unique and wonderful. It is our prayer that everyone will feel God's Holy Spirit at work.

But until then, enjoy all of the special Lenten music, and let's not forget the wonderful Handbell Choir on Sunday mornings.

For New Members

There is nothing like being part of a family and especially a church family as great as ours. With attendance and membership on the rise, a new building in the making, and members being called to share in this, a new group called the Membership Coordinators has been formed. This group will specifically help members find the area where they can serve the Lord as a volunteer in our church family.

If you are interested in blessings beyond your expectations, please contact Diana Seiler at jery5di@gmail.com or Denise Evans at dmbe37@gmail.com.

Preschool News - February 18, 2011

Preschool registration is well under-way and several of our classes, both in Mother's Day Out and in the Preschool are filled. There are openings in both the summer and for the 2011-2012 school year.

As always, we are looking for good substitutes! Call me at the school office (988-3962) if you would like information about our school or about substituting.

Grace and peace,

Kim Havard
Children's Ministries Director

Children's Ministries - February 18, 2011

We have some awesome volunteers in our Children’s Ministries! I so appreciate all they do each week to prepare and teach our children. Hats off to each of you!

The children of Covenant UMC will determine its future. These children need to be grounded in God’s word and the beginning of this for all of them is Sunday School. There are few things as important as serving children in the name of Jesus and nurturing them in the Christian faith. Each time you encounter these children, you are not only sharing your knowledge and wisdom, but they will be blessings to you!

Sunday school is not just about learning the Bible (surprised?). In Children’s Ministry, it’s also about caring for your students. It doesn’t matter as much that you know that Bible backward and forwards (we have curriculum for that), as it matters that you care and that they see your love and concern for them.

We have an opening for two assistants (one temporarily) and a teacher for the 2nd/3rd grade class. Won’t you pray about joining us in Children’s Ministry and let these children be a blessing to you?

Kim Havard

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walk is coming up March 19th at Girard Park. We have sponsored our own Covenant Team for years. So many of our flock have survived and so many of our flock have been affected by Breast Cancer. Lisa White, one of our survivors has taken the lead for the Covenant team - go on the local affiliate website at www.Komenacadiana.org and look for registering on the Covenant for the Cure team.

Friday Update - February 18, 2011

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

This weekend with so many of our women out for their retreat, why not stop and pray for the success of that endeavor now? We are going to need everyone else to find their way into worship this Sunday where I will be continuing the GREAT I AM Sermon Series. This week, I AM the Vine! Staying Connected to our Lord.

Worrying about what to eat on Sunday? Don't! Once again we got you covered. This Sunday after our two wonderful worship services, we will all have the opportunity to help William Guilbeau raise funds for his People to People Summer Experience in Australia. Donations only - to eat in or to take out. After worship for food for the soul, there will be food for the body.

This Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm, we will have our second Church Council meeting. Again, we want to invite as many people as possible to attend. We will review progress on building. We are close to having a final schematic to look at and then move on. But the main business will be looking forward for the future growth and ministry of Covenant. We have a lot going for us, but there are always places we could minister better. Come ready to dialogue with others about your area of concern for our church family. Sunday 4:00pm.

Last but not least, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walk is coming up March 19th at Girard Park. We have sponsored our own Covenant Team for years. So many of our flock have survived and so many of our flock have been affected by Breast Cancer. Lisa White, one of our survivors has taken the lead for the Covenant team - go on the local affiliate website at www.Komenacadiana.org and look for registering on the Covenant for the Cure team.

Chris Blanchard
Covenant United Methodist Church

Bits & Pieces - February 28, 2011

Here are some Bits & Pieces, activities at Covenant you may not be aware of:

We have a new Young Adult Sunday School class. The class is open to anyone between college age and early thirties. The class meets in the Fellowship Hall. See Brother Byron for more info. Come check us out!

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Trinity Sunday School class invites you to try us out— “You just might like us!” We are God learning people. We meet in room 3, (Pre-School Building). Our study book is the Holy Bible, and presently are studying the Book of James. We don’t serve donuts but we serve nourishing food for the heart, mind and soul. See you Sunday! - Bernie Shamp,facilitator

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Beginning Monday, February 21, Non-Judgmental Weight Loss Support Group will meet weekly from 9:30 to 11:00am in the Holley Building. See Myra Duhon for more information.

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Thanks to all men who cleaned—decorated— cooked. Thanks to all who came. Big thanks to HWY 412 for serving so graciously.

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Thank you Club 456 for making the beautiful Valentine cards for the staff of Covenant!

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We are in need of a Sunday School teacher and assistant. Please contact Kim Havard if you are interested or want more information. kim@covenantum.org

Midweek Reminders from Covenant - February 18, 2011

Are You enjoying this beautiful weather God has given us?

Isn't it something to watch the unfolding of history being made in Egypt and other parts of the Mid Eastern World. Freedom has been placed in our hearts by God, and we should pray that what unfolds in those countries will be God Directed and God Lead.

Today
Be in prayer for our Covenant Preschool and Mother's day Out Program as we open up for registration for our summer and fall terms. People were already lining up before 6:30am. We have such a great program, and we should thank God for the staff He has lead our way, as well as the students we have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Registration continues through tomorrow, but if you know of anyone considering the school, you best call and tell them to contact the school today.

Tonight
5:00 - Handbell practice
5:30 - Wednesday Night Supper, fellowship hall
6:20 - Holy Communion and Prayer, followed by Our Study in the Book of James (chapter 4), tonight the theme is Humility

Some of our women will be "retreating" this weekend. Our prayer is for the Lord to ignite their hearts.

Sunday
Our worship services this week will focus on John 15:1-6, I AM the Vine.
3:00 - Board of Trustees
4:00 - Church Council - but all are invited to attend as we continue our conversation about the future of our church. We are more then a building and we want to discuss where the Lord may be Leading us to Do His Will. Come with one or two concerns or dreams or wishes for our church as we brainstorm and seek God's direction.

Sincerely,
Chris Blanchard

February 13, 2011 Sermon Download Available

Yesterday's sermon, I AM the Way, the Truth, the Life, is now available for free download from our website. http://tinyurl.com/5j6nl3

Friday Nite Reminder

Just a reminder for all those who registered with us to come enjoy a Great Night Out. We can't wait for you to get here. Please come first to the church foyer, 6:00pm.

Great Food, Warm Fellowship, Special memories.

6:00pm tonight, don't forget.

This Friday - Big Night Out

Who's Invited?
You and your Valentine - this could be a spouse, friend, parent, son or daughter, etc. (Adults only, please)

When?
Friday, February 11, 6:00pm

Where?
Covenant Fellowship Hall

How can you be a part?
Make a reservation by calling the church office at 981-2088 to let us know you'll be coming. You can choose between Steak or Fish.

A Free Will offering will be accepted at the event.

Preschool & MDO Closed Friday, February 4, 2011

Covenant Preschool and Mother-Day-Out, as well as all Lafayette Parish public schools, will be closed on Friday, February 4th due to the expected severe weather.

Snow Day

After a great time with our men at the Bull Session, who braved the blistery weather, and tying up some loose ends, we are headed home before the freeze.

Should anything come up, you can call me on my cell 337 591-0580.

Don't forget, roads ought to be drivable by Sunday so we will have worship - Holy Communion - Living Positive Means Moving Forward and don't forget our I CAN FOOD OFFERING FOR UCO food pantry.

Chris Blanchard
Covenant United Methodist Church

Preschool & MDO Closed Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Covenant Preschool and Mother-Day-Out, as well as all Lafayette Parish public schools, will be closed on Thursday, February 3rd due to the expected severe weather.

Preschool News - January 1, 2011

The 2010‐2011 school year is on the down‐hill slope! We are planning and looking forward to a new school year. Registration for the Summer Session and for the 2011‐2012 school year for church members whose children are not currently enrolled will be February 6‐15. There will be a table set up in the Narthex on Sunday, February 6 and Sunday, February 13. You may also register by stopping by the school office, room 7. Please note, that if we do not have your registration by 2 PM on February 15, you will fall under the “open enrollment” registration, which begins at 8:30 AM on February 16. We are excited about the opportunities to continue the excellence put forth by our teachers and staff. For additional information, please call me or Amy Rizzuto, Assistant Director, at 988‐3962.

We are also looking to expand our substitute list for Mother’s Day Out and Preschool. In order to qualify, you must answer the following questions affirmatively: Do you enjoy inquisitive, active, imaginative children? Can you read a story book or color an art sheet? Do you like to give big hugs to little people? Can you follow a schedule? The big bottom line is if you love children, you’ll make the perfect substitute! Because we are a Class B facility licensed by the state, we do require a background check, which is done on the computer in my office. Just give me a call!

Grace and peace,
Kim Havard
Children's Ministries Director

Midweek Reminders from Covenant - February 1, 2011

The wind is blowing, but at least it's not snowing, for now! Just a reminder for the week plus some other requests:

First of all, why not pray and ask God for peace in all the countries that are in midst of protest and uprisings. People want freedom but may it come as a result of peaceful resolution. There are lives of Americans at risk, so please pray! While we are at, why not pray for all those whose lives are being made more difficult with the snowy weather.

Wednesday
9:30am - Explorers Bible Study
5:00pm - Handbell Choir
5:30pm - Dinner - Roast Beef Stew - yummy
6:15pm - children's Music Ministry
6:20pm - Prayer and Holy Communion
6:30pm- Bible Study---Practical Faith-Book of James, chpt 3:13-18

Thursday, 8:30am - Men's Bull Session
And while I am on the subject of men, don't forget to register for the Men's Big Night Out for the women of the church. Friday Februrary 11, 6:00pm - Call the church office or respond by email. For couples or singles, come eat with your church family for this Valentine Dinner. We will have steak or fish, just let us know what you would like to eat.

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Registration for the summer and fall sessions at Covenant Preschool will open on Sunday February 6th. There will be a table set up in the narthex for your convenience. Mother's Day Out is for children 6 months - 2 years. Preschool is for 3 and 4 year olds. Additional information is available on the church website or you may call Kim or Amy at 988-3962.

We will have church worship on Super Bowl Sunday. You can wear your favorite team colors should you be brave enough. This weeks message on Living Positive is Learning to Move Forward not Backward.

Sincerely,
Chris Blanchard

Pretzel Sunday

According to legend, the snack originated between the fifth and seventh centuries when a monk fashioned leftover dough into the now familiar shape. The thick strips of dough were shaped like arms crossed in prayer. The three holes were said to represent the Holy Trinity.

The Wesleyan Sunday School class will be remembering this tradition on February 27th with “Pretzels for Covenant”.

Mission Possible KIDS - February 1, 2011

Mission Possible Kids rang in the New Year with Operation Covenant Clean-Up. Agents Ava and Ashlyn LeFeuve, Cameron Chadick, Morgan Stokes, Kate Manuel, and Presley Nutter rolled up their shirt-sleeves and got busy disinfecting the tables in the Fellowship Hall and the toys in the preschool building Sunday, Jan. 2.

Special thanks to Christy Chadick and Robin Stokes for helping out and to Lesley Nutter for providing snacks for our very hungry agents.

Also, thanks to our future MPKid-er, Finley Stokes, for helping us wipe down the tables. What a little worker she is!

Mark your calendar for our next meeting Sunday,February 6. [Please note-our new meeting time is 3:30 to 5 p.m.] Agents will complete our "Share the Love" project and take a trip to a local nursing home. For more information about Mission Possible Kids, contact Jennifer Manuel at jenandwally@earthlink.net.