Keeping Up with Covenant Presbyterian Church News Wendell, North Carolina

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1 Keeping Up with Covenant Presbyterian Church News Wendell, North Carolina NOVEMBER 2018 N. C. State University Concert Covenant Presbyterian Full Day of Dedication November November 11-7:00 p.m. Church office hours: Mon. Thurs. from 9:00 2:00 p.m. covsecty1@raleigh.twcbc.com (919) Celebrating the Past Building the Future Yard Sale 8:00 a.m. Country Store & Craft Fair 8:00 a.m. Fish Fry 11:00 a.m. Covenant Presbyterian Church 125 S. Selma Rd. Wendell, NC Dedication Sunday November 4, 2018 Building on the Past, Envisioning the Future The charter members of the Covenant Presbyterian Church had a vision for a Presbyterian Church in Wendell, and they grew sweet potatoes in an effort to raise money for the first sanctuary which is now our Fellowship Hall. The church was chartered in Today it is time to embrace our present and envision our future. Just as the charter members took steps to be faithful to God s Word, we must also step out in faith and trust God to use who we are and our resources for God s purposes. Stewardship is a time to reflect and realize that through God s grace we can grow in our faith, perseverance, service and Christian witness. Your love for Christ and the mission of the Covenant Presbyterian Church is expressed through your gifts of time, talent and financial support. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you will support the 2019 mission of the Covenant Presbyterian Church and if you are able increase your pledge. A pledge/commitment card has been mailed to you and additional ones are in the narthex and outside the church office. Please return them in the offering plate on Sundays or to the church office on or before November 4. Your financial commitment will enable us to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to our care as we begin to develop the budget for Thank you for all you contribute to our church family. Please join us after worship in the Fellowship Hall on November 4, for light refreshments!

2 Church Staff: Transitional Pastor Newly Elected Elders to the Class of 2021 The Nominating Committee (Paula Perry and Barbara Sneade, Session Representatives; Mike Smithson, Hulon Perry, and Emma Buus, Youth Representatives) nominated the following four people to serve as Elders in the Session Class of 2021 beginning in January The congregation unanimously accepted this slate of names on October 14 during a called meeting of the congregation. In consideration of leadership characteristics needed and after a period of study using a resource suggested by the Presbyterian Church USA, Office of General Assembly, these are the criteria for leadership we were seeking: maturity of faith/judgment, active participation in the life of the congregation, team player, openness and adaptability to change, listening to others and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, humility, compassion for all God s people, Christian living in daily life in the family, at work, and in the community, cooperativeness, willingness to learn, ability to follow through on assignments. Steve Buus: Steve (and wife Allison) have been members of CPC for 15 plus years. This will be Steve s second time serving on the Session. Previously he has served as high school Sunday school teacher and led games for Vacation Bible School. There is probably other stuff he doesn t remember because he has two terrific kids! He is grateful and blessed to have found and become a member of the CPC family and he is looking forward to serving and giving back to the church. Steve Hicks: Steve was raised in the Snow Hill Presbyterian Church and spent 25 years there. His career in textiles sent him to several Presbyterian churches throughout eastern NC before settling in Pollocksville and New Bern for 20 years. Steve has been a member of CPC for several years, attends the Stomp n Holler Sunday School Class, and has for this past year served as chair of the Finance and Stewardship Committee. Heather Wolfgang: Heather and Chris moved from Ohio to Wendell 12 years ago and joined CPC. She has served in a variety of capacities including participating on the Christian Education Ministry Team and teaching Sunday School for 4 th - 8 th grade youth. Karen Marsh: Karen grew up Presbyterian, but she (and husband Steve) have recently joined CPC, transferring their letter from Zebulon Baptist Church. She was an ordained deacon in that church, as well as a children's and women s Sunday School teacher. She also headed up their Wednesday night supper teams. She is currently a member of our Tuesday morning Bible Study and has recently joined the Mission Ministry Team. She and Steve have four children and she is a nurse supervisor at Springmoor Retirement Community in Raleigh. Did you know? In the Presbyterian Church the congregation votes on three things: the election of your leaders, the call of a pastor or matters related to that call, and the encumbrance of property. All other matters are the responsibility of the Session. Reverend Debbie Osterhoudt, (mobile) Revdeb2017@gmail.com Pastor Emeritus Reverend Bob Borland Directors of Christian Ed. Linda Berry lberry61@hotmail.com Dorine Newton dorinenewton@nc.rr.com Administrative Assistant Mary DeFino covsecty1@raleigh.twcbc.com Minister of Music Wanda Ramm wjramm1@gmail.com Church Musician Jeff Bottoms Innerkid13@earthlink.net Clerk of Session Fred Lanzi fredlanzi@bellsouth.net Church Treasurer Carol Rich crich319@gmail.com Accounts Receivable Judy McCurdy mccurdyj@aol.com Webmaster Lisa Bailey lbailey513@aol.com Members Roberta Hole s family, Debbie Lawler (shoulder surgery, 9/21), Tom Martin, Leta Thornton (cancer surgery), Carol Rich (recovering from surgery), Louise McClaid (Transitions, Hospice), Ron Hall (hip surgery, anticipated) Assisted Living - Beth Lewter (Zebulon House), John Chambers (Crescent Green of Carrboro), Peggy Fink (Brookdale, Wake Forest), Louise Weant (Stone Ridge, Cary) Member Friends & Family Harold Forrester (Tammy Strickland s father) Stacey Swart (sister-in-law of Susan Smithson, breast cancer) Steve Moody (Joan Davis cousin, cancer) Logan Barnes (Ewing s sarcoma treatment) Gloria Baker (Judy McCurdy s cousin) Mike McCurdy (Bill McCurdy s brother, COPD) Arta Anderson (Juanita Taylor s mother, lung cancer) Natalie Perkins (Vanessa Turner s sister, lung cancer) Jennifer Carnes parents John & Mary Jane Roberts Christy Dunn (Stage IV lung cancer) Donald Bullock (Buck Bullock s brother) Prayer Concerns Richard Ives (Bob & Becky Morgan s brother-in-law, throat cancer) Member Friends & Family (cont d) Mike Belliveau (friend of Kevin Dale, cancer) Susan Studt (Judy Raybon s niece, brain tumor) Joseph Ricketts (Olive Martin s brother, recovering from major surgery) Scot Shaver (Reuben & Patty s nephew, liver transplant) Marie Blackwell (David Driver s mother, tests for Parkinson s Disease) Kay Perry (Walter Perry s mother) Carolyn Thompson (Judy McCurdy and Peggy Buffaloe s friend, brain tumor surgery) Marjorie Lawler (Bud Lawler s mother, declining health) Our sympathy is extended to Heather Wolfgang and family upon the death of her grandfather. Please let us know of folks we need to add/delete from the prayer concerns by either calling the church office, Pastor Debbie or turning in a prayer request card during worship. Welcome to our newest member Mary Norris. Mary joins us by transfer of letter from Hildale Park Presbyterian Church. She moved from New Jersey over the summer in order to be close to family. We welcome Benjamin Frank Irwin to our church family through infant baptism on October 14. He is the son of Kyle and Chelsea Irwin and the grandson of Shirley-Ann Irwin. The Grief Group meets on the first and third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Sessions Room. If you are grieving a loss, don t try to do it alone. Share your feelings with others as we walk together through the wilderness of grief. At the end of our journey together, may we be able to experience the wonderful memories we have of those we have lost. If you have any questions, contact Judy Shotts at or jshotts65@att.net.

3 Finance/Stewardship Steve Hicks & Carol Rich Finance Report for September 2018: Expenses YTD: $234,822 Income YTD: $214,471 Heritage Fund YTD: $14,798 Mortgage Balance as of 9/16/2018: $980,190 November Birthdays Nov 1 Faye Raybon Nov 15 Barb Sneade Nov 3 Freddie Boykin Nov 17 Pam Hardee, Linda Berry, Emily Anderson Nov 8 Elaine Vaden Nov 18 Dickie Murray Nov 9 Megan Dale Nov 21 Jeff Bottoms, Linda Summa Confirmation Class Pastor Debbie s Confirmation Class for youth, grades 5 and up, began in October. This class is exploring our Presbyterian heritage, beliefs, and our Christian discipleship which includes opportunities for the youth to engage in mission/outreach. These young folks will share their statements of faith with the session and congregation in December. Tuesday Bible Study Come join us as we study the New Testament Book of Acts on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m., in the Session Room across from Debbie s office. The Book of Acts is the story of how the Holy Spirit blew through and among those first followers of Jesus Christ. They were confronted with many of the same cultural issues with which the church today is grappling. Pastor Debbie is our discussion leader but we always have lively discussion! Questions? Give Debbie a call or her at revdeb2017@gmail.com. It is certainly not too late to join us now!! Beginning on Tuesday, November 20, we will begin an Advent Study using Thomas Moore s book, The Soul of Christmas. Nov 11 Karen Duke, Lindsey Pearson, Jonathan Murphy Nov 23 Jackie Boykin, Fred Lanzi Nov 12 Morgan Kirk Barnes, Linda Hess Nov 26 Lisa Bailey, Lisa Sanford Nov 13 Angelia Page Nov 29 Bryan Cauley November Anniversaries Nov 2 David Meyers & Susan Darby Nov 16 Jeff & Colleen Kopp Nov 4 Mike & Susan Smithson Nov 5 Walter & Paula Perry Nov 17 Jeff & Joan Davis Nov 24 Stewart & Ginny Aull Don t forget to fall back! GIFT CARDS: Thank you for supporting our church by purchasing gift cards through Covenant! We continue to raise almost $4000 per year and that has really helped the budget. Food Lion, Lowes and Walmart are available in the narthex before and after service. There are now over 700 retailers who give a percentage to Covenant nothing out of pocket!! Order on Sunday and have your gift card the following Sunday. Please think about paying for your groceries, prescriptions, gas, gifts, household items, restaurants, travel, etc. using gift cards. For more information, please call Susan Darby at or David Meyers at or sddarby@hotmail.com. The Bells are Coming! Because of the generosity of one of our members, a digital carillon will be installed the first week of December at no cost to the church. You will hear bells and hymns which will delight not only our church family but our community for years to come. Sound System The Session is working methodically to resolve our sound system problems. It is not a quick fix. Some parts will need replacing. We want to be good stewards of our resources, so we ask for your patience!

4 Worship Elders Barbara Sneade & Tim VanGelder Congregational Care Elders Paula Daniels & Jeannie Driver Choir Chatter Fall is here, and the Covenant Concert Series is underway. November 11 th brings us NC State s Singing Statesmen, Vox Accalia, and Chorale. This event is always a delight, so be sure to be with us. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. As usual, an offering will be taken. Our congregation is hosting the Community Thanksgiving Service on the evening of November 18 th, so plan to be with us. Each participating church shares two songs with us. The evening is always fun and there are refreshments after the service. Your choir is busy preparing Appalachian Winter by Joseph Martin. We ll share it with you on December 16 th at 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will follow. You may have noticed some new members. We are delighted to have them and welcome more. Give it some thought. We have a loving choir family and enjoy making music together and sharing God s love through that music. See you in church, Wanda Congregational Care Committee Meeting - November 25, 2018 at 12:15 p.m. - Session Room Presbyterian Women of the church meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. (Nov. 27) in the Fellowship Hall. Inviting all women to come join us for a great night of fellowship and wonderful lesson from Judy Shotts. We enjoy lively discussions about what the Bible is saying to us and how we can put the message into action in our daily lives. Come and join us as we all journey together to strengthen our faith. Breakfast Fellowship November 12 Come join us for breakfast. Everyone is welcome! The second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in Zebulon at McLean s Restaurant. Handy Hands helps with home repairs and chores for those who find it difficult to manage by themselves. They have installed several ramps for those with problems with mobility. Need is more important than ability to pay, so donations are appreciated. Martha s Ministry provides meals in time of need. If you are experiencing difficulties - illness, stress or any other reason, and having a meal delivered would give you a lift, please let the church office know ( ). If you are able to help prepare and/or deliver meals, please call Paula, Jeannie or the church office. Men s Breakfast - The Third Sunday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Church s Education Building. Prayer Shawl The Knitters meet at 5:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month and create shawls & throws for comfort in time of need. Want to join the group? Experienced knitters are happy to help & share patterns. Some supplies are available. Call Christine Mailliard at for more information or if you know of someone who could use a shawl. Join a special care ministry (Contact Paula Daniels at or Jeannie Driver at for more information) Mark your calendars for November 3. A FUN day for all, starting with a yard sale, followed by crafts, homemade goods, specialty items, and you don t have to cook. Buy your tickets for the Fish Fry from the Presbyterian Women. (Drive-up or eat-in). The day will raise funds for the Pastor s Discretionary Fund. This is a fund that is available to help those in need in our congregation and in the community. Come and enjoy the festivities and at the same time you will be helping someone in need. The yard sale starts at 8:30 a.m. Fish Fry starts at 11:00 a.m. This is a joint effort hosted by the Care Committee and Presbyterian Women. See you all on Saturday, November 3! Member Directory is ready for pick up. Copies will be in the narthex and outside the church office. If your information is incorrect, please contact Mary, Church Office Administrator, at or covsecty1@raleigh.twcbc.com.

5 Sunday School classes and youth meetings have resumed with many lessons and activities planned! The children have provided music with bells and singing for the Conversation with Children during church services. The youth have been very busy making bookmarks for all the hymnals in church with the help of Norm Moak. These beautiful leather bookmarks will be appreciated by all for years to come! Thank you to all who helped the youth with this project! They will be presented to the congregation on Oct. 28. All Sunday School classes for adults, children and youth begin at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Sunday School: Both elementary and youth will be studying the same scripture and stories, but with a different emphasis. Nov. 4 Book of Ruth: Naomi and Ruth Nov. 11 Sunday School 1 Samuel 1:1-28 Hannah, Samuel and Eli Nov Kings 4:1-7 The Widow and Her Sons Nov. 25 Book of Esther Esther and Mordecai Underhill and Stop n Holler - Both classes meet in the Education Building and are traditional Bible Study classes. Serendipity class meets in the Session Room in the Sanctuary. This class, let by Marc Johnson, is studying Christian Doctrine by Dr. Shirley Guthrie. Mini-courses will be offered for adults. This is a series of courses that will run from 6-8 weeks with different adult leaders. It will meet in the Fellowship Hall. It will alternate with the Coffee and Conversation class. November and December: Our first mini-course: An Advent Study with Elaine Vaden The basis of the class will be Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life by Rowan Williams. Discipleship, says Rowan Williams, is a state of being. Discipleship is about how we live; not just the decisions we make, not just the things we believe, but a state of being. Christian Education Elder Paula Perry The six lessons are: Nov 4: Nov 11: Nov 18: Dec 2: Dec 9: Dec 16: Being Disciples Faith, Hope and Love Forgiveness Holiness Faith in Society Life in the Spirit Youth Ministry Sundays, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. Please help provide a meal for our wonderful youth by signing up on the bulletin board in the narthex and outside the office. Plan to feed about nine people, including something to drink. Thank you so much for your time and generosity! Children During Worship This group leaves the church service after the Conversation with Children. The children will learn about the Bible through a variety of adventures with songs, stories, games, and crafts. 1st and 3rd Sundays: Bible Adventure Time with Leanne and Megan Dale. Music Makers with Robin Harris and Kristen Taylor at 11:45 a.m. 2nd Sunday: Craft with Carolyn Fleming. 4th and 5th Sundays: Adventure Time with Leann and Megan Dale. Carver Elementary Backpack Buddy Program - Don t forget our weekend meals for Carver kids. We need canned vegetables, snack items, breakfast bars, small packages of cereal/oatmeal. Immediate need for protein items - peanut butter, tuna, meatballs, viennas, soups; fruit, popcorn, sweet snacks. There is a designated bin in the narthex and lists with suggested items on the bulletin boards. The Food Pantry is an on-going project supplying bags of groceries to needy families in our area. Non-perishable foods are welcome. Bring your food for the Back Pack Buddies and Food Pantry on Communion Sundays. When we gather to celebrate the Lord s Supper on the second Sunday of each month, we recognize God s amazing gift of Jesus Christ to the world and the incredible sacrificial gift Jesus made for us. The table of the Lord s Supper is a table of incredible love and grace shared for us all. But we are called to be not only receivers of the gift, but givers of the gift. What better way to share than to bring our food to the table for the local food pantry and Back Pack Buddies. Did you know that we provide bags of food to some 30 plus families with children from Carver Elementary School which will enable them to put food on their tables for the weekend? We are inviting Mission/Outreach Elders Bud Lawler & Rusty Wagstaff Emphasis for November: Snack Packs, all canned fruits and vegetables, soups (chicken noodle), crackers, cans and dry, white rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, powder milk, salt, pepper, hygiene items, deodorant, bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste and tooth brushes, feminine hygiene items, diapers (newborn, size 1, 2, 3), toilet tissue. Don t forget that the fourth Sunday of the month we receive Pennies for Hunger during worship. you to bring your food - canned vegetables, fruit cups, soups, etc., - Communion Sundays. The children will collect your food during the Conversation with the Children - just like they do with their Pennies for Hunger - and then place the food in the baskets at the communion table, reminding us that we are called to be not only receivers of God s grace, but givers. We will continue to gladly receive your food any time, in the boxes in the narthex. Just remember to bring a can or two on communion Sundays as well! Many thanks! Community Thanksgiving Service Covenant Presbyterian Church Sunday, November 18-7:00 p.m. The entire Wendell Community is invited to a service of music and thanksgiving.

6 Volunteer Schedule for November - December 2018 Date Lay Reader Audio Greeters Ushers Nov 4 David Meyers Tim Harris Judy McCurdy, Sally Hines Nov 11 Lisa Bailey Walker Driver John & Judy Shotts Nov 18 Nicole Bills Billy Cuthrell Nov 25 Hubert Hines Tim Harris Pam Hardee, Carol Rich Paula Daniels, Nicole Bills Dec 2 Elaine Vaden Walker Driver Jim & Margie Hopkins Dec 9 Marc Johnson Billy Cuthrell Olive Martin, Leanne Stanton Dec 16 Hulon Perry Tim Harris Judy McCurdy, Sally Hines Philip & Annette Kirk, Al Cates, Steve Buus Don Agee, Doug Petrey, Leanne Stanton, Pete Dunlow Bud Lawler, Bill McCurdy, Matthew Bills, Tim VanGelder Chris & Heather Wolfgang, Ed & Barb Sneade Becky Abate, Jeannie Driver, Al Cates, Sally Hines Tommy Crawford, Gary Hardee, Mike Smithson, Paula Daniels Philip & Annette Kirk, Al Cates, Steve Buus Dec 23 Carol Rich Walker Driver John & Judy Shotts Don Agee, Doug Petrey, Leanne Stanton, Pete Dunlow Dec 30 Leann Dale Billy Cuthrell Pam Hardee, Carol Rich Date Children s Sermon Nursery Volunteer Acolyte Bud Lawler, Billy McCurdy, Matthew Bills, Tim VanGelder Nov 4 Debbie Osterhoudt Carolyn Fleming Megan Buus Nov 11 Bonnie Wagstaff Megan Buus Mollie Smithson Nov 18 Kimberly Stevens Kristen Taylor James Newton Nov 25 Mary Selke Megan Buus Emma Cuthrell Dec 2 Jennifer Carnes TBA Emma Buus NOVEMBER 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 4 12:30-4:30 Holy Cow Interpretation Daylight Saving Time Ends 11 4:30 Confirmation Class 6:00 Property 6:00 Outreach 7:00 Session 18 8:30 Presbyterian Men s Breakfast 4:30 Confirmation Class 7:00 Community Thanksgiving Service 25 12:15 Congregational Care Meet 5 7:00 Wendell Council of Church (WUMC) 12 9:30 Breakfast Fellowship Zebulon 6:30 Perennial Garden Club 6 7:00 Grief Support :30 CE Committee 7:30 Grief Support :00 Presbyterian Women Church Yard Sale 8 6:30 Finance Church Office Closed Thanksgiving Day Church Office Closed 24 Dec 9 Youth Bells TBA Megan Buus Dec 16 Bob Fleming TBA Mollie Smithson Dec 23 Debbie Osterhoudt TBA James Newton Dec 30 Bonnie Wagstaff TBA Emma Cuthrell Note to Volunteers: It is the responsibility of each volunteer to find a replacement in the event that you are unable to fulfill your obligation on the dates provided. Also, we are down to 3 audio volunteers and really need four. ~ Thanks Tim