Changing of the Year - Happenings & Hope

Mind boggling and life changing. Since our last newsletter went to print, we have had several happenings to deal with. We lost two staff persons here at Covenant, as well as say goodbye to another of our young moms (Jan Knight Begnaud) who also died. Gretchen Cheshire, our beloved director of youth and young adults died on October 16th. We still are mystified and will carry the hurt of this loss to us individually and to our congregation, and we need to continue to surround Ken and Gretchen's family with this loss.

The next happening to our staff, was the resignation of Kim Goodman, which I accepted effective Friday November 18. We are so happy that Kim and Don married, but I certainly didn't realize her life change would effect our congregation so much. She and Don feel she needs to be full time married, so I reluctantly accepted her resignation.

Happening number three—hopefully by the time this newsletter is delivered to your house, we will have a completed bid package for our planned multi-purpose building. We are so excited. It has taken way too long, but know that when we get bids, we will have few if any change orders. Mike DeHart and the committee did not know they were signing up for a multi-year commitment. Sometimes in January, we will get the final price and inform the congregation as we get a final approval. But let me tell you, we are so ready. We already have outstanding pledges toward the buildings from several of our key leaders of $285,000 plus have already received some $270,000 towards the building. PRAISE THE LORD! Each of our households shall soon be receiving a brochure that talks about the Master's Plan and it has information along with a commitment sheet for you to return. We hope many of you will be able to return those to the church office, hand them to me or Mike DeHart or to Jeanne Boniol during December. Wouldn't it be great to see how we could fund this building by extra mile giving and funds already in hand, and not have to borrow too much. This is my hope!

Christmas is a season of hope! Unlike the kinds of hope found in only the right circumstances and the “stars all lining up” found in the world, the Bible emphasizes a hope that is eternal. We have hope because of the possibility of our future resurrection along with Jesus, hope in the knowledge of the unconditional love of God as evidenced in Jesus Christ and His Grace. Even when we must face the death of a loved one, we had all hoped they would get better. Our Christian faith says they did get better, and now are forever healed by God's grace. We can hope that things can get better in this world, but even if they do not....we still will live our life in the fullness of God's Kingdom here in our lives and the Kingdom of God to come. Have Hope this Christmas season....

Speaking of Christmas, here is the list of Christmas activities:

• Choir Performance—December 11th, both services 
• Redeemed Performance—December 18th, both services 
• Handbells—December 18th, both services 
• Children's Christmas Musical—Sunday School Hour, December 18th 
• Christmas Eve Services—4 Pm and 5:30 PM, Candlelight Holy Communion 
• Christmas Day—December 25th, one service at 10:00am, no Sunday school that day, “Blessing of the Toys”, and other fun things

See You at your place of worship,

Childrens' Ministries & Preschool Update

It's been a full month of Pumpkin Patch activities for many of our children. Hats off to those who have been there to assist their parents when they were working and to those who have shared with others about the Patch.

We offer several opportunities for children to be a part of the activities in our church. There's Club 456, MPKids, Wednesday night activities and Sunday school. Be sure you bring your child so that they can reap the benefit of the wisdom of these leaders who work so hard to prepare for them to learn more about our Lord.

Congratulations to one of our families...the Nugents have a new baby girl and Jay is a proud new brother. Many thanks to Mrs. Leigh and Mr. Jerry for all they do to assist with our Children's Ministries.

The children in our Preschool have thoroughly enjoyed the Pumpkin Patch. There have been comments every single day from numerous children about "all those punkins." They've had great fun, so thanks to you Covenant Pumpkin Patch Volunteers, for all the effort you put forth each year to provide all this fun!

We are moving into Thanksgiving, where we'll by dying shirts with fruit and tea leaves and setting up teepees and wearing Pilgrim hats and collars. We believe in teaching the children early about their heritage as Americans.

We also believe in teaching them the importance of Christmas. Many of our children are active in church with their families, and most know the Christmas story, but there are some who do not. How fortunate that we have the opportunity to witness to these families and it shows up most at Christmas.

Many blessings throughout this holiday season,
Kim Havard

Children's Ministry Update - October 1, 2011

One of the regular events we offer for children is on Wednesday nights. We've revamped it this year and are offering a time of Bible study, craft fun, thought-provoking games, and some great music. (Father Abraham is wearing the adults out!) If you have children in grades K-6, make sure they join us for a great time on Wednesday nights beginning at 6:30 (parents are welcome to bring their children in about 6:15 so they can participate in Communion). Many thanks to Ms. Amanda Arceneaux for leading the Bible study portion and to Ms. Kathy Lewis for leading music. Mr. Sam Ball is also there to help and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. We had 7 children the first night, 9 the second night...come on, let's beat the odds and shoot for 15 next time!

I also want to express thanks to Robin Stokes for taking over the coordination of Children's Worship. Susie Blanchard has done a great job and we appreciate all her dedication. Also coming in to help with Children's Worship is Sherry Goudeau, Emily Goudeau, and Diana Seiler. It takes a team to put this together every week and we have a great one!

Kim Goodman

Preschool News - May 2, 2011

Wow! It's hard to believe that the school year is almost over. We are on countdown! It has been an awesome first year for me as Director. The Staff is top-notch and great team players. I couldn't ask for better people with whom to work.

Our Summer Session is almost filled with lots of eager students. Our theme this summer is "Animals, Animals, Animals!" We will be looking at many of the animals mentioned in the Bible and the stories surrounding them. Fun jumps, water days and ice cream are on the way!

Thank you for supporting YOUR preschool!

Kim

Preschool Openings

We have just 6 openings left in the 4 year-old classes in our Preschool. All other classes are filled with a considerable waiting list.

These openings are going to go fast, so, if you know of someone who might be interested, have them call Kim or Amy at 988-3962 as soon as possible.

Covenant Early Learning Center Update

Summer is over and our new year has begun! Summer whizzed by us real fast with a total of 145 children. Yes, we all stayed busy and the highlight of the summer was the “Fun Jumps”. The children enjoyed them immensely. Our new year has begun with a total of 150 children enrolled. Teachers and students are very excited and enthusiastic and we are all looking forward to a wonderful year together.

We welcome to our staff this year four new employees: Dana Hebert - Younger 2’s Teacher; Trisha Haley - Toddler Assistant; Mona McRae-Assistant to 2’s; Kendra Domingue - Assistant for Nursery. We are pleased to welcome these four dedicated ladies to our staff as part of the Covenant Family.

Parents and teachers alike are very thankful for this ministry of the church. We are striving to present these children with a solid foundation on which to build their lives and it’s because of you that we are able to do so. Please keep the staff, parents and children of YOUR preschool in your prayers.

Grace and Peace,

Kim Havard