January 2016 Tidings - Covenant Presbyterian Church

Vol. 26, Issue 1
January 2016
JANUARY
WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP
Sunday, January 3
Communion—Pastor Melanie Preaching
10:00 a.m.
Worship,
Sunday School, Nursery
5:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, January 10
Food Collection Sunday
Pastor Jenny Preaching
10:00 a.m.
Worship,
Sunday School, Nursery
5:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, January 17
Change 4 Children
Rev. Jennifer Gleichauf Commissioning
Guest Preacher: Rev. Mamie Broadhurst
10:00 a.m.
Worship,
Sunday School, Nursery
11:00 a.m.
Coffee Time
5:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, January 24
Pastor Jenny Preaching
10:00 a.m.
Worship,
Sunday School, Nursery
11:00 a.m.
Annual Meeting
5:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, January 31
Pastor Melanie Preaching
10:00 a.m.
Worship,
Sunday School, Nursery
11:00 a.m.
New Elder Training
5:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal
SECOND SUNDAY COFFEE
RESCHEDULED IN JANUARY
January’s Second Sunday Coffee is
being rescheduled to the third
Sunday, January 17, so that we
may celebrate together following the
Commissioning Service.
COMMISSIONING:
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, AT 10:00 A.M.
Please join the Covenant Family as we welcome the
Rev. Jennifer Gleichauf and commission her as our
new Co-Pastor, joining the Rev. Melanie Hammond
Clark in ministry. Jennifer will begin her ministry
with us on January 3, and we will celebrate
with a special service on Sunday, January 17, at
10:00 a.m.
Jenny has invited her colleague, the Rev. Mamie
Broadhurst, to preach on this occasion. A graduate of
McCormick Theological Seminary, Mamie currently
serves as Pastor of Covenant Community Church in
Louisville, Kentucky. Before attending seminary,
Mamie served as a Young Adult Volunteer with the PC
(USA) for two years, one year in Guatemala and the
other in Nashville, Tennessee. She also served as an
intern in the national offices in Louisville. After
serving as an Associate Pastor in Oak Park, Illinois,
she and her husband, Richard, served as mission coworkers in Colombia, South America for three and
half years as Pastoral Accompaniers for Human
Rights and Displaced People. Their daughter, Nora,
was born in Barranquilla. We look forward to Mamie’s
message on this special Sunday.
Let us celebrate the beginning of our new copastorate, welcoming Jenny, Brian, and Evie to
Covenant. Following the service, you are invited to
celebrate at the Coffee Time in the gathering space.
In place of the Pastor’s Page this month, we happily share with you the "official" job
description for our Co-Pastors as approved by the Presbytery of Milwaukee:
Covenant Presbyterian Church
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
The Rev. Melanie Hammond Clark
Stated Supply - 3/4 Time
The Rev. Jennifer Gleichauf
Stated Supply - 3/4 Time
(Stated Supply is a pastoral relationship established by contract between session and pastor, subject to Committee on
Ministry approval. Stated Supply pastor contracts are reviewed and renewed annually.)
PASTORAL VISION
We envision a collaborative ministry centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ in which our individual gifts combine to
create a wholeness in ministry.
This vision includes:
Preaching and teaching the Scriptures in ways that are accessible, personal and intellectually
challenging,
Shaping and undergirding people’s faith through sermons and teaching that give significance and
purpose to the believer’s daily life, vocation, and work,
Training, equipping and releasing believers into ministries with appropriate oversight and mentoring,
Commitment to process which is visionary yet pragmatic, relying on dialogue and prayer to discern
how God’s reality can transform and be made manifest in our reality, and
trust in God to surprise, bless and stretch us.
PASTORAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Melanie and Jennifer will be serving as the primary staff resources for church life. The chart below will be revised as
needed over time to best reflect the gifts of each of them in the future.
Rev. Jennifer Gleichauf
Christian Formation Committee
Youth Ministry
Deacons
Foundation Board
Memorials & Honoraria Committee
Mission Outreach Committee
Worship & Music Committee
Rev. Melanie Hammond Clark
Adult Spiritual Growth Committee
Facilities Committee
Fellowship Committee
Nominating Committee
Personnel Committee
Stephen Ministry
Stewardship Committee
Trustees
SHARED MINISTRIES
Pastoral Care
Preaching
Session
UNLECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY
Now that she has a co-pastor on board, Pastor Melanie gets to teach the Unlectionary Bible
Study on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.—noon, beginning January 6. If you’ve never
attended, this would be a great time to give it a try!
Page 2
The Tidings—January 2016
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO READ?
TRY SABBATH BY WAYNE MULLER
From the back cover: “Now, in a book that can heal our harried
lives, Wayne Muller, author of the spiritual classic How, Then, Shall
We Live?, shows us how to create a special time of rest, delight,
and renewal -- a refuge for our souls. . . With wonderful stories,
poems, and suggestions for practice, Muller teaches us how we can
use this time of sacred rest to refresh our bodies and minds, restore
our creativity, and regain our birthright of inner happiness.”
A glimpse inside: “Sabbath is not dependent upon our readiness
to stop. We do not stop when we are finished. We do not stop
when we complete our phone calls, finish our project, get through
this stack of messages, or get out this report that is due
tomorrow. We stop because it is time to stop. . . . We stop
because there are forces larger than we that take care of the
universe, and while our efforts are important, necessary, and useful
they are not (nor are we) indispensable. The galaxy will somehow
manage without us for this hour, this day, and so we are invited -nay, commanded -- to relax, and enjoy our relative unimportance,
our humble place at the table in a very large world. The deep
wisdom embedded in creation will take care of things for a
while.” (p. 82-83)
PHOTOS FROM OUR CHURCH LIFE TOGETHER
Our New Co-Pastor and Her Family
At the Advent Workshop
December 6, 2015
The Tidings—January 2016
Time with the Children
With Claudia Grace
December 6, 2015
Page 3
EPIPHANY RETREAT
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2016
8:45 A.M. - NOON
epiph·a·ny
capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of
the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in
commemoration of the baptism of Christ
an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
a (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning
of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually
simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
b : a revealing scene or moment
The Adult Spiritual Growth Committee invites you to join Pastor Melanie at the church on
this early January Saturday morning where we will enter the new year with a fresh look at
God’s presence in our lives. Come on your own or bring a friend to this special time of
discovery and renewal. To register, contact Kathy Miller at kmiller@covpres.org or 262-6344597. For questions, contact Pastor Melanie at mhammondclark@covpres.org or 262-6344597.
NEWS OF THE CHURCH HOUSEHOLD
Directory
Page 14:
Page 19:
Page 20:
Updates:
Mary Kae Laing new email—mkaelaing@gmail.com
Annie (Berkley) & Andy Sireno, 2217 Stonegate Rd, Burlington WI 53105
Midge Sparks, Oak Creek Place, 3829 S Chicago Rd, #200, South Milwaukee WI
53172
Our New Co-Pastor:
Rev. Jennifer Gleichauf (husband is Brian Gleichauf, daughter is Evangeline Gleichauf, known
as “Evie”)
2031 N 54th Street
Milwaukee WI 53208
jgleichauf@covpres.org (please do not use until January 3, 2016)
773-425-2089 (home/cell phone number)
Address for Earl Kreisa:
As many of you know, Rev. Earl Kreisa’s wife died in September. Earl Kreisa served as the
pastor at Covenant from 1977-1983. Here is his address should you want to send a note:
Earl Kreisa
8096 SE 169th Tweedside Loop
The Villages, FL 32162
Page 4
The Tidings—January 2016
CLERKS HIGHLIGHTS
STATED SESSION MEETING – DECEMBER 14, 2015
FROM MARNIE B. HIDDE, CLERK
The meeting was called to order by Pastor Melanie at 6:42 p.m. at the church, with 10 of 12
elders present.
Claudia Grace lit the Christ candle and presented her devotion. She read from the book, The
Heart and Home of Christmas, by Karla Dornacher, “Star of wonder, star of light, star of royal
beauty bright.” Dornacher encourages readers to, “find the light,” “glorify God,” and to be
“loving, giving, and caring.” Claudia then closed in prayer.
Treasurer Jim Parrish joined the meeting, and he and the Trustees presented the proposed
Budget for 2016. Session had a lengthy discussion with questions regarding cuts and pledges
and the loss (through geographical moves) of some members who had given generously. It
was stressed that we are financially healthy, but it’s practical to live within the means of our
actual pledges. The general consensus was that all were happy with the proposed budget and
it was unanimously approved. Sincere gratitude and appreciation was expressed for Jim
Parrish. The hours and care he puts into the work of being Covenant’s treasurer are valued
greatly.
Melanie presented a document outlining the division of responsibilities in the new co-pastorate.
She explained how they came to their decisions and their plan on moving forward. Melanie
stressed that this was a fluid document and that along the way (and formally in six months)
they will revisit their responsibilities and adjust accordingly.
Frank Risler, representing the Trustees, explained the financials and insurance coverage. He
then announced that there has been a generous donation toward the cost of air conditioning in
the sanctuary. Session was surprised and overjoyed. Steve Wolf, from Facilities, expects to
have a quote by the end of the month. We will see what other funds might be needed to make
that project happen.
Then session discussed the 8 a.m. service. The Worship and Music Committee has, for several
months, been discerning the viability of the 8 a.m. service. As Claudia Grace, representing the
committee, writes, “We listened carefully and thoughtfully to the members of the Congregation
who attended the focus group, as well as those who sent written comments, and we know that
there are strong feelings about the service. We also heard that people understand that this
schedule is no longer viable and does not represent the best use of Covenant resources…
including our Pastoral and Music leaders, our ushers, deacons, and elders, as well as other
financial considerations.” Session voted to discontinue the 8 a.m. service. While all agreed
that this was a difficult decision, they also felt that this may open the door to other possibilities
and opportunities.
Joys and concerns of our family of faith were brought forward and included by Pastor Melanie
in the closing prayer. The meeting concluded at 8:13 p.m. The next Stated Session
meeting will be Monday, January 18, 6:30 p.m.
The Tidings—January 2016
Page 5
HOSPITALITY MONDAY NIGHT MEAL
DATES FOR 2016
HOSPITALITY
MONDAY NIGHT MEALS
Monday Night Meals is an opportunity
to serve our community. We provide
food and serve a meal at St. Luke's
Episcopal Church, 614 Main Street, to
families from the neighborhood. Each
date we are partnered with another
group who does the clean-up portion of
the evening. In general, the evening
begins at 4:45 p.m. and wraps up
about 6:30 p.m. Pans and sign-ups
are located in the Gathering Space for a
few Sundays prior to the meal.
Offerings to pay for milk and fruits/
vegetables are also welcome. If you
have any questions, please feel free to
call or email Kelly Miller at (262) 9396043 or knmiller8778@gmail.com.
January 11
March 7
July 25
September 19
December 12
Thank you for all your help and
dedication to spread God’s love in our
community in 2015. Every time we
serve, the guests tell us how thankful
they are for the meal we serve them.
BLOOD DONORS
It’s a new year for blood donations. If you haven’t
donated for a long time or if you have never
donated, now is the time to think of giving this most
precious gift to a stranger. It’s easy. It’s relaxing.
Just make your appointment to donate by calling 1877-232-4376. (Secret hint: If you donate on a
Saturday morning, they have O&H sweet rolls for
treats afterwards.) Once you have donated, don’t
forget to sign your name on the blood donation
thermometer chart in the gathering space.
JANUARY VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE FOR 10:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Ushers
Nursery
Greeters
Acolyte
Communion
Sunday
January 3
Marvin Dickel
Ron Cramer
Leon Potter
Sam Stills
Lori Jensen
Barbara Houser
Claudia Grace
Evan Nielsen
Karen Fretschel
Greg Hanchon
David Houser
Larry Kobriger
Ahn Peterson
Sunday
January 10
Marvin Dickel
Ron Cramer
Leon Potter
Sam Stills
Becky Lehner
Pam Lewis
Mike & Sue
Gibbs
Ben Torine
Sunday
January 17
Marvin Dickel
Ron Cramer
Leon Potter
Sam Stills
Sarah Baty
Dave Baty
Ruth Copeland
Joey Leger
Sunday
January 24
Marvin Dickel
Ron Cramer
Leon Potter
Sam Stills
Paula Hatch
Jessie Hatch
Chuck & Barb
Albee
Bryn Nielsen
Sunday
January 31
Marvin Dickel
Ron Cramer
Leon Potter
Sam Stills
Becky Lehner
Cammy Thordson
Jay Pease &
Phyllis Darge
Felicity Smith
Page 6
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The Tidings—January 2016
The Tidings—January 2016
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THE TIDINGS
Covenant Presbyterian Church
40 Ohio Street
Racine, WI 53405-1916
(262) 634-4597
www.covpres.org
e-mail: kmiller@covpres.org
facebook.com/welcometocovpres
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
COVENANT
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
In Ministry Together:
The Congregation, Ministers
The Rev. Melanie Hammond Clark, Co-Pastor
The Rev. Jennifer Gleichauf, Co-Pastor
Joan Bouldin, Christian Formation Consultant
Kathy Miller, Ministry Assistant
Larry Van Ess, Organist
Covenant Presbyterian Church
is a welcoming community
that celebrates:
Meaningful worship
Nurturing children in faith
Caring for ourselves and others
-- As Jesus cares for us
Sundays
10:00 a.m. Worship, Rotation Sunday School, Nursery
Weekdays
Church Office Open
Monday—Friday,
9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
ANNUAL MEETING JANUARY 24
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
10:00 A.M. WORSHIP
What is the annual meeting? This meeting
which follows the worship service, and usually
lasts less than half-an-hour, is the annual
Presbyterian denomination-wide practice of fulldisclosure during which we
(a) walk through Covenant’s 2015 Annual Report
(available two weeks in advance) and details
all the activities and finances of the church
(b) receive the Session’s 2016 budget and
(c) vote for new officers (elders and deacons).
Everyone is encouraged to attend, although
only members can vote.
Page 8
(Most of)
The Christmas Play Participants
December 13, 2015
The Tidings—January 2016