Youth Report

Hello from the Youth Group! We hope that the Church Newsletter finds you well and that your holidays were filled with love and cheer!

The Youth of our great church have been busy bees lately. In December we’ve done quite a few things that need mention. To begin with, on December 2, we all gathered at Build-A-Bear in the Mall of Acadiana to continue our tradition of making bears for the Lafayette Police Department. The police department take these bears and use them for when they go to homes that have called in domestic abuse with children involved. The kids were able to make 12 bears to give them. They made them with love and tinder care and at the very end, they held their bears close and said a prayer for the child that might receive their bear. They also were able to donate seven bears to Toys For Tots. On the way out of the mall they handed them to the marines standing guard over the toys. After that great adventure we went to Target and purchased gifts for Angel Tree and came back to the church and wrapped them. All this in one day!

The next thing we had in December for the youth was a joint Christmas party with Faith Community of Broussard. We got to fellowship with kids from a different church who might have been different from them at first but after playing fun-filled Christmas games we found out that they weren’t different at all.

Just a few days later on a Wednesday night after supper, the youth put on a Christmas play we have been planning and working on since August. Saying that it was a great hit and glad to say that they all did an excellent job—that was quite evident!

After Christmas we came back together and had youth as planned, but the Monday after that which so happened to be the 31st of December, we had a lock in. From 8pm to 8am, 12 straight hours of fun-filled activities that were Monsters Inc. themed. There were movies, games, and candy-shaped sushi. The kids had a blast bonding and playing games by a bonfire.

And that was just December! . In January we are taking it easy and will be learning about God in our studies. We hope that you all have a great first month of the year!

Angelica DeForest

Happy New Year from Children's Ministry

In the month of December, our church was able to give our kids one of the greatest gifts of the season, the gift of prayer. All of our Covenant Kids were covered in prayer by our loving congregation. What a great message for our kids to learn; the power of prayer is amazing. We held our first Parent's Day Out where 32 kids learned about the true meaning of Christmas, decorated their own Chrismon tree, made gingerbread cookies for our Angel Tree families as well as had some holiday fun! A huge thank you goes to all of our dedicated Children's Ministry team members who made the day such a success. Thank you Jennifer Manuel, Leigh Nugent, Donna Fare, Susie Blanchard, Ann Messinger, Melissa & Kody Bowen, Bill Lassiter, Candi Carter, and Tracey Richardson.

Our children presented their version of "The Birth of Jesus." Our kids had worked so hard on this program and it was fantastic. Another huge thank you goes to Leigh Nugent for working so hard with our kids. We could not have done it without you! We also celebrated Jesus' birthday by hosting a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party for all of the Sunday school classes. What a great way for our kids to start Christmas week.
We look forward to the new year with many new adventure for our Covenant Kids.

Happy New Year,
Lindsay

The "C" Word

Yeah, I know people get uncomfortable around the "C" word, but sometimes it's a good thing.

Beginning after the first of the year, we will no longer be sending out our monthly newsletter via the US Postal Service. Our newsletter will be available by download from our website (www.CovenantUM.org) or for pick-up in the church Narthex. When you go to our website, look on the right-hand column of the first page. You'll see a section called "Downloads". Here you can download the most current newsletter, Sunday morning bulletin, and even our Visitor's Brochure.

For those on Brother Chris' email list, you will receive a notice of when the new issue is available. If you are not on this list and want to be, there is a easy sign-up box right below the download links.

Dinner and a Show

Dear Covenant Family,

Chef Verna has been hard at work cooking some old favorites made just for your dining pleasure. But it's not just the food - we also have the joy of having the Youth present a Christmas Program/Play for us: Chris Myth-Busters, directed and produced by our very own youth and young adults. They have been working very hard. Dinner at 5:30, the Program at 6:30. Don't miss either!

Sunday - December 23
We will be doing a little extra singing. Why? Because it's Christmas and when Jesus comes into your heart you need to sing.

Christmas Eve
Candle Light Communion Services at 4:00pm or 6:00pm.

It's Jesus Birthday After All!

HAPPY Birthday to Jesus!

What a great gift our Chancel Choir gave to us yesterday! Many thanks for all those involved in singing, narrating, accompanying, sound and video, and to Ken for directing. We were so blessed!

This Wednesday
5:00pm - Hand Bells
5:30pm - Dinner: Jambalaya
6:15pm - Communion & Prayer
6:15pm - Children's Practice for Sunday's Christmas Pageant
6:30pm - Last Advent Study in Youth Room

Men - don't forget Saturday Breakfast
little clean up work around the church grounds, bring gloves.

Tonight - Zumba Class in fellowship hall 5:30 PM
Come join this group and get fit!

Let's remember Jesus this Christmas season, after all it is His birthday. Worship Him, Serve Him, Obey Him.

We hope to close out our Stewardship Campaign soon, so please return your 2013 Commitment Card soon, either in the offering plate, or drop off in the church office.

Don't Forget Items from Covenant

Don't Forget What is Happening at Covenant This Week!
First of all, don't forget Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Our Savior. It is His Birthday, not ours. Do something special for Him this year. Give an extra gift of time to Him; to study, to serve, to touch the lives of someone else.

Wednesday
Explorer's bible Study this morning
5:00pm - Handbell Choir
5:30pm - Wednesday Night Dinner - Chicken Alfredo
6:15pm - Holy Communion
6:15pm - Children's program
6:30pm - Advent Study continues - Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
6:30pm - Young Married Class

Thursday
8:30am - The Charles Nolan Session of Bull for Men

Sunday
Ken Cheshire leads our phenomenal Chancel Choir in their gift to our congregation: Lead Me Back to Bethlehem! Both services 9:00am and 11:00am, invite your neighbors and family.

Don't forget, our CAN DO financial stewardship campaign. We hope you will prayerfully consider your pledge to our church's operational budget for the coming year and then turn in your card. Even if you decide to maintain your level of giving from the past. There will be two baskets by the church entrance for you to place these cards.

Finally, don't forget, if you have been receiving the printed newsletter each month, we want to begin sending them to you electronically. So please send me an email with your preferred email address to receive the monthly newsletter.

We will continue to print them, and have them available also in the church foyer with the constant revisions in how to handle and the rates for non profit mailing has taken its toll. Send me an email marked newsletter with your email to add to this group.

Weekly Reminders - November 28, 2012

Don't get so busy putting out your decorations that you don't prepare your heart for Christmas!

Susie has already decorated our house, I am in charge of hanging lights outside, so that will be done sometime before Christmas Day.  But, Advent is more then just decorations, it is  the time we prepare ourselves for the Coming of Christ into our Hearts and Into our World.  I hope you avail yourself of every opportunity to do so.

Wednesday
9:30am - Explorers Bible Study
5:00pm - Hand Bells
5:30pm - Dinner: Gumbo weather and chicken and sausage gumbo with potato salad
6:15pm - Prayer and Holy Communion
6:15pm - Children's Mid Week Program
6:30pm - Young Married Class with Sheri Hester
6:30pm - Brother Byron and I will lead a 3 week Advent study - What is Advent? Finding Jesus in the Old Testament

Friday
10:00am - Hanging of the Greens- help decorate our sanctuary for the Christmas Season. I will have Hot Chocolate and Christmas Music.

Sunday, December 2nd
Stewardship Sunday & Holy Communion - so don't forget your I CAN food offering for UCO food pantry.

A Busy Week

Dear Covenant Family -

What a great weekend. The services were a blessing, as we honored those veterans among us. Thank you for coming. Once again we had over 375 in worship. One of the activities we did, was to allow our children and our adults to go over to our new building, and to write their name, or favorite passage, in the wall, that will soon be covered with sheet-rock, but they will stand forever with your mark in the new building. If you did not do this Sunday, come by soon, and add your mark.

Many of our flock went to help us host the homeless community. Covenant, as always, made a great showing. Thank you for your participation and your food and your prayers and your socks, and hats, and gifts the community enjoyed.

If you were in services yesterday, you heard another great report from the Pumpkin Patch. All your hard work, lead by the Mason's gave us another banner year. $68,000 that can be used for missions. You also heard the Masons are passing on the baton. They have laid the foundation of a great patch, but we will pick it up and do the best we can.

We had one funeral today, remembering Daisy Mellington. Tomorrow, from 11:00am-2:00pm, we will have visitation here in the church of Mrs. Sally Blaine, another member and mother of Laura Wiggins. The service will be held at 2:00pm. I hope you will come by and pay your last respects, as we celebrate her resurrection day.

We also had another one of our Saints make the journey to her heavenly home, Mrs. Bonnie Ward, a faithful member for many years. After a long hosptial stay, she went home on Sunday morning. Visitation will be at Delhommes Funeral Home on Tuesday evening  4:00-7:00pm, But in lieu of any church services, we will have a short prayer service tomorrow evening at 6:00pm at Delhommes. On Wednesday I will travel with the family to have Ms. Bonnie's graveside down in Sweeney Texas.

So on Wednesday - we will have another full day -
9:30am - Explorers Bible Study
5:00pm - Hand Bell practice
5:30pm - Wednesday Night Dinner with our Thanksgiving Dinner with Ham, Turkey, Cornbread Dressing and Pie
6:15pm - Children's Program, Prayer and Holy Communion
6:30pm - Brother Byron will teach. We will not have our Daniel Study....since I will be headed back Texas

Sunday, November 18th, we will gather for worship and offer our Thanksgiving Praise to God. Even before you fill your belly with turkey.

I am so blessed to be your pastor. You are one of the main reasons I have to be grateful!

St. Jude's and All Saint's Day

The Patch is now closed, and work is going on as I write (of course that means I am not doing the work, just supervising), but I am reminded of what a team effort it takes, thousands of hours donated. While it will indeed be different next year, we will do Pumpkin Patch, pray now how you can help with the wonderful endeavor. The Mason's - Keith and Shirley, Steve & Cindy have worked very hard for these past years and joined by many others who unloaded pumpkins, who sold pumpkins, did the tours, cooked for the visitors, arranged the special events like Family Fun Day and the Gigantic Craft Sale, and on and on, but a Big Thanks from all of us.

Saturday
The last final hurrah of Pumpkin Patch is the St. Jude's Bike and Walk-a-Thon. Plan now to come out, walk a little, ride a little, ride a lot, or just hang out and help us greet those who come our way to help us raise funds for the wonderful program of St. Jude's Hospital for Children.

Rice Bowls are due this Sunday. Change the world for the children that will be fed by this project.

Sunday - All Saints Sunday
Join us as we honor our loved ones who have entered the Church Triumphant since last year, and I will preach on The Great Cloud of witnesses that surround us, both living and eternal living Saints.

Sunday afternoon
Our church council meeting is important, it is where most of the annual business is conducted. Leaders that have been nominated for next year, and salaries that will be paid for the pastoral staff will be set. All invited to attend, church council members expected to vote. 4:00pm Sunday.

Trustees will meet briefly at 3:30 to discuss a few items of maintenance.

For those of you who missed our Wednesday Night Solace, we prayed fervently for our nation. I will have extra copies of the service available on Sunday morning.

Sincerely,

Young Adult Ministry

October was a busy busy month, which has become the norm for our church. I want to thank everyone that supported us by taking a manna bag to hand to those in need. We are working on trying to keep some on hand to replace the ones that you hand out.

Trunk or Treat was a great success, and I want to thank all of those that helped to organize it and those that participated. We are looking forward to making next year’s even bigger and better than this year.

The young married group will be having their Christmas party on Friday December 14th, so mark your calendars. If you haven’t come to our Wednesday night Bible study, please consider giving us a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Sheri Hester

From the Associate Pastor

As we were doing our overview of the Old Testament on Wednesday night a couple of weeks ago, we were in the book of Psalms. We were talking about our favorite Psalm and we all agreed that the 23rd Psalm was the most recognized scripture in the Bible. It reminded me of a hymn we don’t sing very often “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”. The six verses of the hymn were written from the 23rd Psalm and is about God's abiding presence, our desperate need for Him, and a promise that even through "death's dark vale," there is a cross to guide us. That is the good news of the Gospel. Take some time and look it up in a hymnal (138 in UMH) or Google the lyrics. It will bless you as much as reading the Psalm.

Think About Such Things

In Philippians, Paul closes out his letter by exhorting and encouraging the church to spend their time and to focus on things that will enrich their lives, not distract from them. We all look toward having a more positive outlook while the world seems to want to do nothing more than to steal our joy. It becomes very easy to fix our minds upon all that is negative around us. And why not, the air is filled with negative political campaigns, and the news is full of bad news, and yes, we do not always get our way. I can think of nothing more to say, than to allow Paul to say it His way:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every thing, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable -
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.”
- Philippians 4: 4-8 NIV

The choice is ours. What will you focus on? What will occupy your brain cells?
I am choosing to have a more positive attitude by listening to the Word of God and to draw upon His power. In addition, you might just decide to spend some time at worship, in fellowship, in study of God's Word, and in serving our Lord by serving His church.

See you in your place of worship often, 

Mid Week Reminders - October 31, 2012

It was a sad sad day today, as the last school bus pulled out of our parking lot, meaning the Pumpkin Patch Field Trips ended today. So many of our volunteers just won't know what to do with themselves now for the next 11 months.

Seriously, big thanks to all of you who helped greet, lead, tour, feed, entertain, read to, load pumpkins for, and all in all, welcome all those little ones and their parents and teachers, to Covenant United Methodist's Pumpkin Patch.

Way too many volunteers to name, but the mason's have once again hit a home run. Over the next few days, we will need some hands to help turn the patch back into the front lot.

This Sunday I want to recognize all the hands who have helped in this years patch. I know we will not be surprised to see how many people it took to make this another great year.

Wednesday Schedule
9:30 - Explorers Bible Study
5:30 - Dinner - Pork Loin
6:20 - Holy Communion and Solace Service - we will spend our time together praying for our nation, prior to the election next Tuesday.

Thursday
8:30am - Men Bull Session

Saturday
St. Jude’s Bike and Walk and Cook a thon - come by and help us support the kids at St. Jude’s.

Sunday
last day of the St. Jude's Silent Auction

Sunday Services
All Saint's Sunday - we will honor those of our congregation that have passed on this last year, reading their name, lifting them up in prayer, and tolling a bell in their memory.

Sunday afternoon
4:00pm - Church Council meets - all invited.

Sincerely,

MidWeek Reminders - October 24, 2012

Don't Miss - Wednesday Evening Schedule
5:30 - Dinner - Beaf Stew
6:00 - Handbells
6:15 - Prayer and Holy Communion
6:20 - Children's Ministry
6:20 - Bible Studies
     Old Testament Overview - Brother Byron
     Daniel, Chapter 10-11 - Brother Chris
     Young Marrieds - Sheri Hester

---

In the Patch
If you haven't volunteered at the Pumpkin Patch Field Trips, come on down. Only a few days left. Thanks to all those who were able to come unload the last truck.

Saturday
Young Adults cooking Jambalaya, etc

Sunday
Angel Tree cooking
Trunk or Treat 4:00-5:30. Bring some bags of candy, and welcome all the little ones as we have fun together.

---

Next Wednesday after our Dinner
we will have a Monthly Solace Service, praying specifically for our nation and the National Election.

---

We have had a few folks in the hospital and others who need nour prayers:

• Vickie Neck in the death of her mother-Elizabeth Brodhead, I conducted her memorial service in Pineville, Tuesday
• Danny Griffith was in LGH
• Gene Randall was in Lourdes
• Bonnie Ward in Lourdes
• Diane Timm had knee replacement this morning

If there are others, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Mission Opportunities

Sunday, November 11th 
We will join the other United Methodist Congregations to put on our annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the “Homeless” Community. You can help serve, greet our guests, and help us make a difference in their lives. First United Methodist Parking Lot.

---

Sunday, November 18 
“BUY SOME GREAT COFFEE AND SUPPORT ORPHANS IN HONDURAS!”
The Hope of Jesus Children's Home is a Christian home located in La Esperanza, Honduras. Abandoned and neglected orphans in Honduras are provided with protection and daily care as they grow up in this loving environment. This ministry also has a self-sustaining coffee and dairy farm, Hope Farm, that helps support the children's home. All proceeds of the coffee go directly to the care of the children. Sponsorship is also another way to support these children in need.

On November 18th, 2012, Christine Brasseaux, a volunteer to this ministry and a Kairos friend, will be selling coffee and will have more information available following the 9 AM and 11 AM services. The coffee would make great Christmas gifts too!

Preschool News

We can’t believe that November is already here! We have been very busy at the preschool. We will be learning about Pilgrims, Indians, and Thanksgiving this month. Our Preschool students will have a Thanksgiving Feast on November 14th & 15th. We are learning about Lettter T this month so we will also have a train coming to take us for a ride. Please join us November 12th for our Veteran’s Day ceremony at the flag pole at 11. Remember we have our Fall Break November 17-25th. We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!

Amy Rizzuto

Christmas Cards with a Cause

We are now taking orders for Christmas cards designed by our own Covenant Kids. 

All proceeds go to the Covenant “Angel Tree Project”. 

Look for the display and order form in the Narthex!

10/pack for only $15! 

Orders must be placed by November 15. 

Thank you,
Melissa Bowen

Pecan Sale

Excitement in the air all around Covenant - Pumpkin Patch activities with smiling faces of thousands of children - food & fun at many other mission events on the Church grounds - plus we’re able to see our new building going up!! 

It’s also time for our annual Fellowship Class Pecan Sale with all profits going to missions. Since 2002 when we started reporting, thanks to Covenant family pecan purchases, the Fellowship Class has been able to give $35,117.66 to help those in need. 

Pecans will be here in time for Thanksgiving - so whether you’re baking, snacking, or gift giving, the freshest, the meatiest, the tastiest pecans will be available - halves, pieces, chocolate covered, cinnamon glazed, and caramel clusters – your choice or how ‘bout some of each. Place your order today in the Narthex “Pecan” Notebook.

Angel Tree

It seems like we just finished Pumpkin Patch 2011 and low and behold we are near the end of Pumpkin Patch 2012. The Pumpkin Patch is such a worthy project, and it does my heart good to see so many of our church family working so diligently to make sure it happens. But just as quickly as the Pumpkin Patch comes around so does Angel Tree.

As most of you know Butch Lewis has cooked every Sunday and the profits all go to the Angel Tree. This is one way we are able to buy food for these families. With the rising cost of food I know that we are going to have to spend more money than we have in the past. We are so thankful for everyone who purchased a burger, hot dog, or poboy; but, we will still need more than what we receive at the Pumpkin Patch. So this is my request, if we run out of Angels from the tree, please consider giving a monetary donation. This is probably the greatest gift you can give to the parents because they won’t have to see their children go to bed hungry.

If you would like to help in ANY way please call me at 298-0168. We LOVE to have helpers (from 4 yrs. to 104 years), we aren’t choosey. Having children help teaches them what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

The Angel Tree calendar is below and remember any help will be greatly appreciate:

• November 25 Angels will be available
• December 16, noon ALL gifts due at the church wrapped & tagged
• 5:30 - Grocery shopping for Angel Tree (Many volunteers needed)
• December 17 TBA Delivery of food and gifts

We are known as the Pumpkin Patch Church, but from time to time I hear the comment, “Oh you go to Covenant, I know that church they do the ANGEL TREE.” Basically Covenant is the church with giving and loving HEART.

Thanks to you all,
Kathy Lewis

Mid-Week Update, October 17, 2012

We're halfway through October and the pumpkins are flying out of here!! This past weekend was wild with Family Fun Day and this weekend looks to be even more so with the annual Craft Fair Saturday and Sunday.

Guess what? The Fifth and FINAL Pumpkin Truck will be here tomorrow at NOON for unloading. We need all hands available and we can make very quick work of it. It's only one truck this time. Please, all who can help...

And in addition to all of the Pumpkin activities, our regular ministries are in full swing -

Wednesday schedule:
9:30am - Women's Explorer Bible Study
5:00pm - Handbell Practice
5:30pm - Meal - we'll be saying Goodbye to Merlyn Hart
6:15pm - Holy Communion, Brother Byron's Bible Overview, Brother Chris' study of the book of Daniel and the Young Married Group
6:30pm - Kids Program: "What's in the Bible with Buck Denver". All kids 4yrs thru 5th grade

This Weekend at The Patch
Craft Fair - Saturday and Sunday
Free Flu Shots - Saturday - free if on Medicare, $10 for everyone else
Fall Blood Drive - Sunday from 11:00am-3:00pm

God bless and have a great week!

A HUGE THANKS goes out to all our early morning Pumpkin Unloaders this morning!! We couldn't do it without you!

Midweek Update - October 9, 2012

I certainly hope you are not trapped indoors working with this beautiful weather as I am. For me, these fall-like temperatures are a long time coming.

Guess what? Pumpkin Truck #4 will be here first thing tomorrow morning at 6:00am for unloading. We need all hands available and we can make very quick work of it. It's only one truck this time. Please, all who can help...

And in addition to all of the Pumpkin activities, our regular ministries are in full swing -

Wednesday schedule:
9:30am - Women's Explorer Bible Study
5:00pm - Handbell Practice
5:30pm - Meal - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and more
6:15pm - Holy Communion, Brother Byron's Bible Overview and Brother Chris' study of the book of Daniel.

Also, don't forget this Saturday is Family Fun Day in the Patch. Redeemed will be playing and we will have out Fall Blood Drive from 11:00am - 3:00pm.

God bless and have a great week!

Covenant Kids Upcoming Events

Fall is finally here!  I hope you all have been enjoying the wonderful weather we have been having.  God surely has blessed us with these cool, sunny days to enjoy the Pumpkin Patch!  Covenant Kids has many fun activities coming up so get your kids ready for the fun!!

Wednesday Night Kids Lesson
We will be starting our new lesson, "What's in the Bible with Buck Denver."  We will laugh our way to a better understanding of the structure and purpose of the world's most important book.  Each week we will watch a 25 minute movie about a different part of the Bible and then play some games to reinforce what we learned.  All kids from 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to join us for the fun-filled lessons.  Class will begin at 6:30 p.m. and lasts 45 minutes.

Family Fun Day
This Saturday, October 13th, the Children's Ministry will be hosting Family Fun Day at the Pumpkin Patch.  We will be providing games, crafts and activities from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.  This will be a great chance to come out and support the patch while the kids have a great time.  All help is welcomed to make this a success.  Please contact Lindsay Perry at children@covenantum.org if you are able to help out.

Super Hero Sunday!!
Starting Sunday, October 14th, Covenant Kids will be soaring to new heights as we learn about Heroes of the Bible!  All kids from three years old through 3rd grade are encouraged to come to church in their best Super Hero costumes.  Kids can wear capes, masks, super hero costumes or their favorite Super Hero t-shirt to help get them excited for the fun lessons about Heroes of the Bible.  They can wear these costumes for the next four weeks as we learn about Moses, David, Elijah and David and what makes them heroes.

Family Fun Night at LA ICE Arena

This Sunday, October 7th, is Christian Family Night at the LA ICE Arena at 2607 NW. Evangeline Trwy (I-49).

Skating will be from 6:00-8:00pm.

Come have fun and fellowship.

Covenant Need

Novella Boudreaux needs someone to drive her to Kenner and back for a doctor's appointment in a week or two. Unfortunately, at this moment she doesn't have the time and date of the appointment. She is waiting to hear from the doctor.

If you think you might be able to help, please contact the church office at 981-2088. We should have more specifics soon. Your help in this is greatly appreciated.

Annual Pecan Sale

Excitement in the air all around Church of the Covenant - Pumpkin Patch activities with smiling faces of thousands of children - food & fun at many other mission events on the Church grounds - plus we’re able to see our new building going up!!

It’s also time for our annual Fellowship Class Pecan Sale  with all profits going to missions.  Since 2002 when we started reporting, thanks to Covenant family pecan purchases, the Fellowship Class has been able to give $35,117.66 to help those in need.

Pecans will be here in time for Thanksgiving - so whether you’re baking, snacking, or gift giving, the freshest, the meatiest, the tastiest pecans will be available - halves, pieces, chocolate covered, cinnamon glazed, and caramel clusters – your choice or how ‘bout some of each?

Place your order today in the Narthex Pecan Notebook.

Fellowship Class

Midweek News - October 2, 2012

And the fun just keeps comin'! Hundreds of kids coming through the patch, praise God the rain was over before Monday.

The Boss is still at home mending. But the healing is progressing and he says he'll be here Sunday to lead us in World Communion Sunday. We've got some very nice things planned for you. Don't forget your UCO contribution. A little goes a long way.

Patch News:
1. Those who can help with school field trips tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, we would greatly appreciate it. Come on by, you'll be done by noon.
2. Also Pumpkin Truck #3 will be here this Friday (October 5th) morning at 6:00am for unloading. We need all hands available and we can make very quick work of it. It's only one truck this time. Please, all who can help...

And in addition to all of the Pumpkin activities, our regular ministries are in full swing -

Wednesday schedule:
9:30am - Women's Explorer Bible Study
5:00pm - Handbell Practice
5:30pm - Meal - Verna's Gumbo
6:15pm - Holy Communion and Brother Byron's Bible Study

Don't forget, Thursday, 8:30am - the Charles Nolan Men's Bull Session meets. Come help us save the world.

We hope you stay dry and enjoy this wonderful God given break from the heat. God bless and have a great week!

Mission Possible Kids - October 1, 2012

Christmas in August? You may think we're crazy, but Mission Kids started the season with visions of sugarplums in our heads. A whopping 29 kids showed up for our first meeting. What a record! Our mission was to create painted Christmas cards to print and sell during November. All proceeds will go to purchase gifts for Angel Tree recipients. You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to purchase these beautifully hand-painted cards. Kids also had the chance to create digital cards in the computer lab. You'll definitely want to order some of those as well. Orders will be taken in early November.

Big thanks to Miss Kathy Lewis for telling us all about the Angel Tree project. Miss Kathy has a great way of helping us understand this worthy mission project and appreciate what we have.

Thanks also go out to all our helpers: Lindsay Perry, Christy Chadick, Kelly O'Connor, Robin Stokes, Heidi Pharis, Ali Roberts, Sam Ball, Olivia Tidwell, and Brandon Guidry. Couldn't have done it without your help.

Mission Kids will meet again in late September, and it's not to late to join. All 1st through 5th graders are invited to come. For more information, email Jennifer Manuel at jenandwally@earthlink.net.

See you soon!

Miss Jennifer and Miss Leigh

Covenant Youth - October 1, 2012

Hello church, we hope this newsletter finds you well! The youth has been flourishing during the time that we have all made our way back to school. Our latest goals have been preparation for pumpkin patch, we are working on making sure there will be plenty of youth and parent volunteers as well as friends to bring along and enjoy the fun! They have been so excited at the mention of Pumpkin Patch and cannot wait to help serve the church. We have been growing as a youth group by encouraging all of the youth to bring their friends to youth as well as fun events such as the Pumpkin Patch so that they can see firsthand what we are about.

As you all have heard Senior High and Junior High split! The separation has been great for both groups with each making sure that our focus has stayed on God and helping the church to grow. As for Youth during October we will have youth at the Pumpkin Patch, we will go on a hay ride together, possibly take a trip to the maze and the petting zoo as well! We will be doing lessons on missions, relating how to reap what you sew by seeing the affect the church has on the community with the Pumpkin Patch. Be sure to spread the word about Covenant United Methodist’s Youth group and allow your youth to come and bring friends if possible! After Pumpkin Patch we will begin our retreats for the youth to wind down and enjoy their fellowship together and with God. We thank the church for always having our best interest at heart and believing in us every step of the way as we try to step closer to God each day. Have a Blessed week church!

Becca Wharton
Angelica DeForest

Covenant Kids Report - October 1, 2012

Covenant Kids will be doing a month long mission project in the month of October. October is Hunger Awareness month and the kids will be collecting change in Rice Bowls. Rice Bowls provides much-needed meals to great kids around the world through partnerships with Christian orphanages. If you have any questions about this mission project you can contact Lindsay Perry at children@covenantum.org or you can visit their website at Ricebowls.org.

The Wednesday Night Program is off and running. The kids have been enjoying our Movie Clips for Kids lessons which will run for a few more weeks. We will then start a new lesson on "What's in the Bible with Buck Denver." The lessons start around 6:25 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. All kids from four years old through 5th grade are invited to join.

Covenant Kids will be hosting Family Fun Day at the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. We will have a tent set up with games and crafts for the kids. We will need volunteers to help the kids with these activities. A sign up sheet will be posted in the Narthex or you can email Lindsay Perry to find out the needs.

Young Adult Report - October 1, 2012

Young Adults are back in full swing. Some of the topics we have been studying in Faith Links, have been the Aurora Shootings, The Olympics, and the Land Rover Curiosity landing on Mars. We have also started a Young Marrieds/Young Adults class on Wednesday nights. I know some people have been curious as to who falls into that age group. That group consists of those who have finished high school through thirty something.....we have even had some 40 something’s come to class. All are welcome. Don’t forget we have Sunday school in room 11 of the education building and we are looking for members. So if you don’t have a class, give us a try.

This year at the Pumpkin Patch, we will be selling our wreaths. We are raising money to support making Manna bags which will be made available to the congregation to keep in their cars to hand out to the homeless or those in need. Our goal is to be able to keep an ample supply for the congregation, so when they give their bag away, they can pick up another one at the church. We are looking for hotel size toiletries, so if you can help please let us know. Also, if you would like to make a donation, please put “Manna Project” in the memo section of your check. Look forward to seeing you the week at Church, Sunday school, and Wednesday night supper.

Sheri Hester

St. Jude News

Thank You Covenant members. You're the greatest! 2011 numbers reflect your very needed generosity. In addition to all your time & food, 44% of the $10,455 we sent to St. Jude's was from you — Silent Auction, Mission Kids, Pumpkin Patch & miscellaneous donations.

November 3, 2012 Great Pumpkin Ride/Walk/Run is looking forward to your continued loving support. We will start our silent auction October 21. If anyone has items or company services, we would welcome your donations. If so, please contact Carlena Clause or any committee member (Donna Fare, Tami Beck, Leslie Nutter, Jennifer Manuel, Herman Clause)

Food donations are Welcome to feed our hungry participants. Please contact Margo Harkreader. Flyers & Registration forms can be found in the foyer or at lafayettefitness.org or at www.covenantum.org.

From the Associate Pastor - October 1, 2012

In Isaiah 41:10, God tells us to “fear not for I am with you.” We know that scripture very well, yet sometimes we can let circumstances get us off track. It happens to all of us. These last couple of weeks has been very nerve racking. Martha and I signed a contract to build a new home, listed our old house, sold our house, and had to find an apartment to move into because the buyers needed to be our house in three weeks. I was worrying and fretting about how everything was going to turn out. Then I heard a song that said “do not fear about tomorrow, God is already there.” That song helped me to get back to focusing on Him and not the circumstances. Sometimes we forget that our God who is caring for us today, will sustain us tomorrow as well.

Up and Coming

I know most of you have used or heard the phrase “up and coming”, as it relates to people who advancing in their career or a neighborhood that is making a come back. I believe that can be used of our church family here at Covenant. We are an up and coming congregation. Yes, we have a great 30 yr plus history, but we are not waning, we are on the move and we are committed to be a dynamic up and coming congregation for into the future. With more than a building being prepared for our future, we are also preparing our church for the future mission as well. I am so glad to be a part of an up and coming congregation. 

We also have events scheduled that I want to call attention to in this article, events that are up and coming soon for us all. Before you get comfortable in your easy chair watching your favorite football team eating gumbo (sounds good to me), take your calendar out and plan now to attend:

Starting September 27th, we will begin our 40 days of Prayer for our Nation, prior to our National election. It is our Christian duty to pray for our nation and our leaders.If you do not have a prayer book, please go to our website for daily readings. And then there is our Pumpkin Patch. We are able to welcome guest onto our campus, offer a low cost family friendly activity for our community, and able to generate funds for our ministries and outreach, thanks to so many of you who help us in this endeavor. 

Pumpkin Patch Activities:

• October 5—More Pumpkins arrive
• October 6-7—Angel Tree Cooking at the Patch
• October 13—Family Fun Day- Preschool cooking and Childcare’s ministry having other events for our children. 
• October 14—Angel Tree Cooking at the Patch
• October 20—Craft Sale Day #1- Daily Living Cooking
• October 21—Sunday Craft Sale #2- Blood Drive, Angel tree Cooking, Outdoor service
• October 27—Young Adults Cooking
• October 28—Trunk or Treat, Angel Tree Cooking
• November 3—Pumpkin Patch St. Jude's Fund Raiser

 Other Activities during October:

• October 7—World Communion Sunday
• October 14—Learn how to be involved – Ministry Fair
• October 21—Blood Drive
• October 31—Mid Week Solace Service- Join us as we pray for our nation

What other things could you participate in? Each week, we have Sunday School classes for all ages, Wednesday nights we have 3 Bible Studies, and plenty of opportunities to give your time and talents throughout the church. As we each find a place to give and to serve, and to grow as a disciple, Covenant will continue to be an up and coming church. 

See you each and every week in worship,