Celebrate Easter. April 2019

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Covenant United Church of Christ April 2019 C A L E N D A R A T A G L A N C E Bfast w/ the Pastor Thursday, April 4, 9am Missions Project: Flowers Saturday, April 6, 10am Deacon s Meeting Tuesday,

Saturday, May 4, 9am-2pm Mission s Committee Mtg Wednesday, May 8, 10am THURSDAY, APRIL 18 AT 8:00 p.m. A dramatic service of readings and the Lord s Supper.

1 Covenant United Church of Christ April 2019 C A L E N D A R A T A G L A N C E Bfast w/ the Pastor Thursday, April 4, 9am Missions Project: Flowers Saturday, April 6, 10am Deacon s Meeting Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, April 18, 8 pm Easter Sunday Sunday, April 21 Church Council Mtg Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 pm Grandma s Attic Rummage Friday, May 3, 10am-5pm Saturday, May 4, 9am-2pm Mission s Committee Mtg Wednesday, May 8, 10am THURSDAY, APRIL 18 AT 8:00 p.m. A dramatic service of readings and the Lord s Supper. Sit in the Sanctuary and experience with sound and sight the pensive and dark qualities of Jesus last hour. Celebrate Easter Resurrection Sunday, April 21 SUNRISE SERVICE AT 6:30 a.m. By the historic Erie Canal along the Gasport Road Bridge in the Lions Park. Join church members and friends as we celebrate the reality of the Resurrection in the early light of the morning sun. The service is a half hour long. A Pancake breakfast will follow in the Dining Room at the church. FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST AT 7:15-9:30 a.m. Between our worship services, church volunteers will prepare a breakfast for the congregation with pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee. There is no cost. I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Minister s Letter 2 One Great Hour 3 Victorian Tea Recap 4 Flowers Mission Project 6 Grandma s Attic 7 EASTER EGG HUNT AT 10:00 a.m. For Children along the side of the Church. Easter baskets will be provided, or children can bring their own. The hunt will start at the center Church front doors. Casual shoes are recommended. One special egg will contain a sterling silver American eagle dollar! FAMILY WORSHIP AT 10:30 a.m. Preludes beginning at 9:45 Inspiring preaching, warm fellowship, and rich music will make this a memorable day. Our Worship Chorus will sing; there is also a fun educational experience for children after the Children s Sermon if parents wish them to attend. Nursery care also available. EASTER COFFEE HOUR AT 11:30 a.m. A time of fellowship, coffee, tea, and Easter chocolates in our Fireplace Room!

Minister s Letter... Spring Cleaning I sit in my office Tuesday morning at Covenant. My Tuesday is your Monday. It is the beginning of my work week that extends from Tuesday to Sunday.

.. As I think these thoughts, I stare at what is around me.

Association of the UCC. There is a gold chalice that I purchased in Pittsburgh, the brass lamp on my desk from Connecticut Farms Church, a Buffalo made out of mahogany from First Church in Buffalo.

I have accumulated books and files, clergy robes and stoles.

This reality doesn t do justice to the parsonage Barbara and I live in - the attic: the storehouse of discarded fish tanks and telescopes and Johnny s childhood toys and art supplies, and more books

2 Minister s Letter... Spring Cleaning I sit in my office Tuesday morning at Covenant. My Tuesday is your Monday. It is the beginning of my work week that extends from Tuesday to Sunday. This time is a transition of sorts into another week, thinking what this week will entail: bulletin, Jubilee planning, sermon writing, people I intend to visit, meetings... As I think these thoughts, I stare at what is around me. An assemblage of things from my past: a photo of a Christmas Eve service from Trinity Presbyterian Church, an inkwell from my sister, seminary diploma, ordination certificate from the Hampden Association of the UCC. There is a gold chalice that I purchased in Pittsburgh, the brass lamp on my desk from Connecticut Farms Church, a Buffalo made out of mahogany from First Church in Buffalo. They are, I think, relics from the past - things with some emotionality, although sometimes with current significance, too (i.e. the ordination certificate). I have accumulated books and files, clergy robes and stoles. It all is burdensome when I have to move them, to pack them up in cardboard boxes and to carry them from office to truck to unpack them again somewhere else. This reality doesn t do justice to the parsonage Barbara and I live in - the attic: the storehouse of discarded fish tanks and telescopes and Johnny s childhood toys and art supplies, and more books there, in fact twenty cases of them. I dread the move when it comes down the road. But this isn t the only baggage, stuff, I have. Internally are those attitudes, regrets, guilt - provoking memories that flicker again into my consciousness that I, with intentionality, try to push away from conscious thought. The stuff in my office and in our attic - I can deal with that... to sort and discard with some grief, with the intentional loss I experience as I let go of things I have accumulated. But the stuff I carry inside me is another matter. How to get rid of those thoughts that still haunt me... Some of it happens through forgiveness, to forgive myself or others. Or to tell myself I did the best I could with what I had at that time. And other memories; to shake my head and experience the sadness, suspecting that I will carry them to the end, although I don t want to. So, I am glad Spring is here and Easter just weeks away, to be reminded (in spite of all the stuff I carry), that resurrection and new life transforms old into new. And the things and thoughts of the past can loosen their hold on me; indeed, on all of us, as we look to the awesome reality of a Savior who rose from the dead, to set us free - not just from sin and death, although this is excellent, but from burdens of living, too. P a g e 2 C o v e n a n t N e w s

Breakfast with the Pastor Thursday, April 4 9:00 a.m.

00 (Sunday Collections) Expenses $10,202.70 Shortfall ($ 5,448.87) Checkbook Balance 02/01/2019: $4,328.46 02/28/2019: $3,276.

Burniece Herendeen Treasurer There is a basket in the Sanctuary ready for your donations of Easter Candy!

Hunt. Offering Collection: April 7, 2019 We sometimes think that imagination means something escapist or illusory.

Hear how the Apostle Paul put it: Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we

a world where no child goes unfed, un-housed, or unloved; where no one ever fears abuse or violence; where clean water is not a dream

practices enrich and renew the land rather than deplete it; where survivors of natural disasters have the resources they need, now and

3 Breakfast with the Pastor Thursday, April 4 9:00 a.m. Sunrise Café Ice Cream Social SAVE THE DATE Sunday, June 9 TREASURER REPORT February 2019 Income $ 4, (Sunday Collections) Expenses $10, Shortfall ($ 5,448.87) Checkbook Balance 02/01/2019: $4, /28/2019: $3, Shortfall is based on Sunday Collection less expenses. Burniece Herendeen Treasurer There is a basket in the Sanctuary ready for your donations of Easter Candy! By Palm Sunday (April 14) please bring in individually wrapped candy that can fit in Plastic Eggs for our Easter Sunday Children s Egg Hunt. Offering Collection: April 7, 2019 We sometimes think that imagination means something escapist or illusory. Yet, imagination is not something unreal or fake. No, it is essential to God s hope for creation. Hear how the Apostle Paul put it: Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21). You see, when we use our imaginations, we can begin to envision and work for! a world where no child goes unfed, un-housed, or unloved; where no one ever fears abuse or violence; where clean water is not a dream but a reality for all; where small farmers do their work with dignity and are paid a fair wage for their labors; where agricultural practices enrich and renew the land rather than deplete it; where survivors of natural disasters have the resources they need, now and for years to come; where vulnerable immigrants are welcomed in Christ s name. Can YOU imagine these things? Through your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing what we can imagine becomes ever more a reality for more and more people. Please give generously! More Than You Can Imagine... Please use the enclosed offering envelop for your donation on April 7! Easter Candy Collection C o v e n a n t U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s t P a g e 3

Women s Fellowship Victorian Tea Recap A huge thank you (from Donna Rice, your Basket Chairperson) to all who helped make the Tea Basket Raffle so successful.

A FYI for next year, the favorite ones loaded with tickets were; the gift certificates, the chocolate basket, the Terrariums, the garden baskets, and the lottery tree.

It was a big help to have many baskets already wrapped and labeled when they arrive.

4 Women s Fellowship Victorian Tea Recap A huge thank you (from Donna Rice, your Basket Chairperson) to all who helped make the Tea Basket Raffle so successful. We had a total of 83 baskets and again many comments on how great they were. Our total income for the baskets was $1,970 with a net of $1,830. A FYI for next year, the favorite ones loaded with tickets were; the gift certificates, the chocolate basket, the Terrariums, the garden baskets, and the lottery tree. To be honest all the bags were plenty full of tickets which tells me our ideas are still good ones. So next year if in doubt donate gift certificates and let Donna buy the wine! It was a big help to have many baskets already wrapped and labeled when they arrive. Pam Bugenhagen, Carol Genet, Jean Grant, Sue Grant, Onnalee Landers, Bonnie Snaith and I did an awesome job taking care of all the rest. Onnalee, thanks again for your tablecloths to cover the raffle tables. They really make us look like a Class Act! P.S. Thanks Kim for my reminder to ask for them in advance! A really BIG Thank you to Pastor John. We so appreciate your patience with us as we tend to take over your Jubilee play and story areas (and all the tables and chairs) in prepping for the Tea. We also can t forget all our servers Thank you for a great job! As your Women s Fellowship Chairperson, I, would also like to add a great round of applause to Pam Brauer, our overall chairperson for her organizational skills, Sandy Voelker for her chef and pastry skills, Kim Yates and Bonnie Snaith for their choice of Tea Expertise and Katie Rose for her creative computer skills with the invitations, and programs. THURSDAYS 3:30-5:30 Our Jubilee kids have been learning about some Old Testament Bible Characters, like Abraham, David, and Joshua. In April we will be focusing on the Easter Season and learning about Jesus, with interactive activities and even an Egg hunt! April 4 Hamburgers & Tater Tots PALM SUNDAY April 11 Chicken Nuggets w/ French Fries LAST DAYS OF JESUS April 18 Hot Dogs w/ Mac & Cheese EASTER P a g e 4 C o v e n a n t N e w s

5 Victorian Tea 2019 C o v e n a n t U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s t P a g e 5

Thank you from Eastern Niagara Hospital: Dear Friends at Covenant United Church of Christ- Thank you so much for donating the beautiful paper flowers for patients at ENH who are in need

Carolyn Moore Community Relations Director Gasport Ladies Aux Annual Adult Card Party May 6 at 7:00 PM $5 Admission Donation - Next Date - Flower Making Saturday, April 6 The Birthday

All proceeds to benefit GCHC Many of our friends celebrated birthdays in March!, including Margaret Lort (pictured above), Pam Bugenhagen, Jesse Elsenheimer, Kim Yates, and Pat Crandall.

Gasport Community Food Pantry On Saturday February 23,Twenty families used the Food Pantry with 28 bags of food distributed, and 8 families used the clothing closet.

6 Thank you from Eastern Niagara Hospital: Dear Friends at Covenant United Church of Christ- Thank you so much for donating the beautiful paper flowers for patients at ENH who are in need of some extra attention, comfort, and care. We truly are appreciative of your time, effort, and creativity. Thank you for going the extra mile to help us care. Carolyn Moore Community Relations Director Gasport Ladies Aux Annual Adult Card Party May 6 at 7:00 PM $5 Admission Donation - Next Date - Flower Making Saturday, April 6 The Birthday hat strikes again! 10:00 am Lite Luncheon, Chinese Auction, Flat Screen TV Raffle, 50/50 Raffle, and Door Prizes. All proceeds to benefit GCHC Many of our friends celebrated birthdays in March!, including Margaret Lort (pictured above), Pam Bugenhagen, Jesse Elsenheimer, Kim Yates, and Pat Crandall. Please make sure the church office knows when your birthday is! Gasport Community Food Pantry On Saturday February 23,Twenty families used the Food Pantry with 28 bags of food distributed, and 8 families used the clothing closet. There was also 1 birthday and 1 new family. So far, 18 families have signed up for an Easter meal bag. In February our Sunday School Kids decorated placemats and cards for Absolute Care of Gasport. Great job kids! Please help keep the pantry stocked! Donations of anything and everything are appreciated. We will be doing Easter Meal Bags in addition to the regular distribution on April 20th. P a g e 6 C o v e n a n t N e w s

Luncheon available 11am 2pm both days Chili, Hot dogs, sandwiches, macaroni plate, & drinks Wide variety of delicious desserts from the bake

7 Covenant UCC s Annual Spring Event Grandma s Attic Rummage Sale Bake Sale Luncheon Friday, May 3 10am-5pm Saturday, May 4 9am-2pm Saturday Only: $3.00 bag sale and 1/2 off large items! Luncheon available 11am 2pm both days Chili, Hot dogs, sandwiches, macaroni plate, & drinks Wide variety of delicious desserts from the bake sale! Raffles Tickets $1.00 each or 7 for $5.00 1st Drawing 6 piece Patio set 2nd & 3rd Drawing $50 Gift Card Made-In-America Store Drawing Saturday at 2pm. Need not be present to win Covenant United Church of Christ 4449 Main Street, Gasport, NY 14067

8 Grandma s Attic Sale Update Sign up sheets are posted in the Fireplace Room We are looking for bake sale & luncheon items as well as workers on both days (specifically some muscles on Saturday around 1PM to load things up!) You can also help by taking the enclosed flyer and spreading the word! Donations can be brought to the Scout Room starting April 15! If you need help getting things to church, contact Carol Genet for help. If you know someone clearing out, ask them if they would like to donate it to the church. We have had great success with doing a raffle at the annual Sale. This year we plan to have three items available, the grand prize being a 6-piece patio set (pictured left). 2nd and 3rd prizes are both $50 gift certificates to the Made-in-America Store. Please see Carol Genet, Donna Rice, or Onnalee Landers if you would like to make a donation to contribute to the purchase of the patio set. Raffle Tickets will be available soon $1.00 each or 7 for $5.00 Scott Brauer named SkillsUSA adviser of the year Scott Brauer, project-based engineering teacher at Niagara Career and Technical Education Center, has been named the SkillsUSA new York Area 1 Advisor of the Year. Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure an American Skilled workforce. Congratulations Scott Brauer! - From Union Sun & Journal 3/16/19 C o v e n a n t U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s t P a g e 7

Covenant United Church of Christ 4449 Main Street PO BOX 348 Gasport, NY 14067 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MIDDLEPORT, NY PERMIT NO. 7 www.covenantny.

org www.covenantny.org Attention Music Lovers! Our worship Keyboardist, Fran Woodmancy, is now accepting music students at Covenant.

For lesson rates and further details, please call (716) 946-2125 (716) 772-7802 Covenant News is published monthly except for January & August.

9 Covenant United Church of Christ 4449 Main Street PO BOX 348 Gasport, NY NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MIDDLEPORT, NY PERMIT NO. 7 SUNDAYS 10:30 am Worship Service & Sunday School WEDNESDAYS 7:30 pm Worship Chorus THURSDAYS 3:30-5:30 pm Children s Jubilee Contact office@covenantny.org Attention Music Lovers! Our worship Keyboardist, Fran Woodmancy, is now accepting music students at Covenant. Private piano, keyboard, and music theory classes are available for all ages, styles and levels of study. Fran has 40+ years experience as a music instructor and performer. For lesson rates and further details, please call (716) (716) Covenant News is published monthly except for January & August. Articles should be submitted via by the 15th of each month prior to the month of their appearance. We reserve the right to edit articles. Are you moving? Make sure to send us your updated mailing address! Church office hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Harvest is in! Homecoming Sunday, October 7. Worship Chorus. Sept Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30 p.m. Worship Chorus will resume!

The Harvest is in! Homecoming Sunday, October 7. Worship Chorus. Sept Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30 p.m. Worship Chorus will resume! Covenant United Church of Christ Sept 2018 C A L E N D A R A T A G L A N C E Sunday School Resumes September 9 Missions Committee Meeting Wednesday, Sept 12 @ 10am Youth Picnic & Kickball Game Sunday,