April 18, 2007 - Covenant Presbyterian Church

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
April 18, 2007
Volume 49, Issue 8
The Covenant Key
stance,” differing in just one letter! This
changes the essential phrase to read, “like”
or “similar substance.”
Inside this issue:
Shepherds
2
Sunday Education
3
Easter Lilies
4
Music & Worship
6
Upcoming Events
7
Special points of
interest:
• May Calendar
enclosed
• Fill the May Basket Pg. 5
• 50th Annv. Update pg. 6
COVENANT STAFF
Dave Schneider, Interim Pastor
Margaret Milroy, Office Manager
Julianne Lawrence, Director of
Music Ministries
Toni Murillo, Custodian
The study of our Statement of
Faith begins with a quick examination of the Nicene Creed. This is the
only creed accepted by all three
branches of Christianity in the West
and the East—Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant. In the
fourth century AD, Constantine became the first Christian emperor in
Rome. In 325 he was troubled by all
the divisions and controversy in the
church. It was his dream to have a
unified Christianity which would further ensure peace in his empire. 318
bishops from around his empire
joined him in Nicaea at an ecumenical council. After several meetings,
the result was accepted as a definitive
statement of the “essential tenets” of
the Holy Roman Church at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. It was naïve,
however, to think this would end the
theological division among the
churches.
The main thrust of this document was
to try and arrive at an understanding
of the human nature of Christ and
also his relationship to God, that is,
“begotten, not made, being of one
substance with the Father.” Interestingly, today, the Eastern Church
(Greek Orthodox) uses a slightly different Greek word for “same sub-
This is an important affirmation! The Nicene Creed affirms that “Jesus Christ is
the center of the Christian faith” regardless of his nature. What confronts every
Christian in reciting this creed is to discern what is Jesus’ relationship to you and
me as human beings. Is Jesus both fully
human and fully divine? Yes! According
to an early Nicene church father Athanasius, “what is at stake is our salvation.”
This Creed also affirms the deity of the
Holy Spirit and its absolute unity with the
Father and the Son. The original form of
the ancient Creed declared that the Holy
Spirit proceeds from the Father, and several centuries later in the Western Church,
we added the phrase “and the Son.” So it
is a fully Trinitarian affirmation. This
later addition that the Spirit also proceeded from the Son was a source of bitter
disagreement with the Eastern churches,
so the Roman Catholic and Protestant
Churches have now removed that phrase.
Ultimately it is not the language that is
crucial but our faith. Even so, our faith
must seek understanding and meaning
through the language we use. This brings
to mind the Latin phrase, “credo ut intelligum, “ or, “I believe in order to understand.” For Presbyterians it is the Holy
Spirit which makes the language of the
Bible and faith inspired of God and holy
truth, as well as our acceptance of Christ
as Savior.
Page 2
The Covenant Key
C A R I N G
O
R
N
E
R
“To be a Caregiver is to be the Hands of God”
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so
closely; and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.
Hebrew 12:1
We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. I like that idea! There are people who witness to us on a regular basis
and most of them are just ordinary folk doing pretty ordinary things. Yes, sometimes an ordinary man or woman comes
along and does something extra-ordinary. Some of those extra ordinary things could be labeled miracles. But most of
the people that serve as witnesses for me are my friends, family, neighbors, co-worker and just folks I meet on the street.
They are not miracle workers.
And I am not a miracle worker either. I doubt I will find the cure for cancer or be the first person to walk on Mars. I
doubt I will become the president of the United States or get in the Guinness Book of World Records for jumping rope or
walking around the world in record time. I doubt I will be asked to sing the national anthem at Yankee stadium or get
the lead in a Broadway show. I doubt I will ever play golf with the Masters or be invited to be on an Olympic team. I
don’t except to be named the Citizen of the year and I don’t expect to become rich or famous.
Am I going to spend my time worrying about those “failures.” No! I am told to lay aside the worries and accept the gift
of forgiveness and focus on the job God has called me to do. The challenge, you see, is simply running the race set before me. And those who serve as witnesses. They serve as examples. They run with perseverance. They run with hope,
courage, love and faith. I am called to do the same.
We do not always see the saints among us but that’s because we do not see what it is we are looking at. We don’t see the
many, many people in our lives that are saints, who are serving as examples, who are witnesses for Christ. The fact is by
encouraging others I have the pleasure of serving as a witnesses. All of us saints at one time or another.
The challenge is discovering what drive me to run the race. What’s the price at the end of the race? Is it fame and
glory? Not really. Is it awards ceremony and plaques I can hang on my wall? No. The prize at the end of the race is the
sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing I have done my best and that I have answered God’s call.
Remember the gifts Christ gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and
teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Prayer: Awesome God, we pray that we follow in the footsteps of the saints. Make us holy.
Let us use the gifts you give us to build up the body of Christ. Amen.
By: Sunni Richardson, Associate in Ministry (Edna & Clark Richardson’s daughter)
Page 3
Remembering Members & Friends
in Care Facilities
ADULT EDUCATION
Sunday Classes 9:00AM
Bible Study - Allen Rice leads us through the
Lois Anderson - Wesley Acres, 3520 Grand
Ave., DSM, 50312
A prayerful JOY! Paula Hart Pearson went home
from the hospital.
Bible.
Contemporary Issues - Book discussion “The
Beatitudes”
FINAL Wednesday Class:
April 25th - Pastor Dave Schneider - PCUSA
disaster response
April 22nd - Barb Storjohann
April 29th - Judi Nikolish
Scripture
Reader
April 22nd - Jill Phillips, Karen Brooks
John & Fran Seago
April 29th - Harry & Jane Moulton,
Judi Nikolish, Clarice Sapp
Fill the May Basket in April
To help support the COG Fill the May Basket
personal products collection, Covenant will be
collecting items during the month of April.
Here is your chance to shop and donate items at
your convenience. A collection box will be outside the sanctuary in April for you to drop off
toothpaste, soap, shampoo, diapers, feminine
care products, laundry detergent, etc. We will
deliver the items to West Des Moines Human
Services on April 28.
~Deb Hayes & Karen Anderson
COG Representatives
Page 4
The Covenant Key
Thank you to ever
who gave
EASTER LILIES
Given By:
Covenant Friends
Russ & Gene Froyd
Dr. Marion E. Alberts
Claudia & Warren Pitcher
Ellie Collins
Ginny Ver Ploeg & Family
John & Dodie Jabour
Jerry & Jean Caster
Russ & Mary Marshall
Rick & Barb Storjohann
Dave & Peggy Schneider
Marie Stuber
Kevin & Sandy Littleton
Al & Julie Severt
Their Kids
Susie Richardson
Eleanor Short
Steve & Carol Brase
In (H)onor or (M)emory of:_
(M) Helen Danz
(M) Judy Waterstradt
(M) Ruth Toothman
(M) Arnold & Leone May
(M) Their Parents
(M) Jeannette Alberts
(M) Corene Irish
(M) Milo & Elsie Pitcher
(M) Ed Collins
(M) Mr. & Mrs. S. Collins
(M) Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Reasoner
(M) Stan Ver Ploeg
(M) Mary Ferretti
(M) Neva & Art Caster
(M) Horace Dimond
(H) Winifred Dimond
(M) Scott Marshall
(M) Rev. Howard Bailey
(M) Bill & Dorothy Marshall
(M) Bill Bailey
(M) Lawrence Paige
(H) Our Parents
(M) Lloyd Stuber
(M) August Deever
(M) Fitchett Family
(M) Mr. & Mrs. Seth Collins
(M) Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Reasoner
(M) Mr. Edward Collins
(H) Mrs. Ellie Collins
(M) John & Mildred Christensen
(H) Rex & Betty Severt
(H) Our Children & Grandson
(H) Clark & Edna Richardson
(M) Donna Mosher
(M) Rollie Short
(M) Sheldon Vos
(M) David and Charlene Hamilton
EASTER STORY COOKIES
To be made the evening before Easter
• 1 c. whole pecans
• 1 tsp. Vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch salt
• 1 c. sugar
• zipper baggie
• wooden spoon
• tape
• Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait
till you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them
with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain
that after Jesus was arrested, He was Beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp vinegar into
mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the
cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:2830.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain
that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:1011.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste
it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the
bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup
sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus
died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until
stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have
been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:13.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper
covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read
Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn
the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal
the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was
sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the
cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in
despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and
22.
Page 5
Update from Your PNC
Thank you to all who participated in our Strategic Planning forums. Lots of information,
ideas, Covenant strengths and areas for improvement were shared. The PNC is now
consolidating and synthesizing this information. Our next step is to present this information to Session and the Presbytery Congregational Care and Development (CCD) committee. Please continue to keep Covenant and
your PNC in your prayers as we continue this
process.
Personal Products Collection for
West Des Moines Human Services --Help Fill the May Basket!
On Saturday April 28, 2007 from 10:00
am to 3:00 pm, a truly community-wide event
will take place. The Church Opportunity
Group (COG), an organization composed primarily of West Des Moines churches, is coordinating an annual collection of personal care
items from customers of area stores. Products
such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo laundry
detergent, toilet paper, diapers, etc. are in
very short supply for those in need. West Des
Moines Human Services will distribute the
items collected. When funds are short, food
takes priority but everyone needs shampoo
and toothpaste for personal care and their use
is necessary for a professional appearance for
employment purposes.
Covenant Presbyterian will be collecting products at the 35th St. Hy Vee Drugstore
from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, April
28th. Please support this project and donate
personal care items.
~Deb Hayes & Karen Anderson
COG Representatives
NEW FUNERAL GUIDELINES
Our Shepherds have drawn up some “Funeral Guidelines,” which will
help the church reach out in its ministry of compassion and love. Several of our recent deaths occurred when we had no pastor, or the pastor was out of town or sick. What do we do? Whom do we contact?
An Act of Worship
The introductory paragraph in the proposed Guidelines remind us, “The
funeral or memorial service is an act of worship of the whole congregation. It is a witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and our
own hope of resurrection. In our ministry we give support to one another and pray for one another in our hour of need as members of the
family of God.”
Make Plans Ahead of Time
Members are encouraged to make plans in advance for their own services and how they would like their families to celebrate the witness to
the Resurrection. From time to time it is appropriate for the church to
provide for workshops on living wills, assisted directives, remembering
the church in your wills, and our ministry to the bereaved—especially in
time of tragedy or sudden loss.
1. Living wills and directives should be updated every 5 years.
2. The pastor is available to help you, review your plans, at any time.
3. Do not wait until there is a death.
4. Leave a copy of your funeral plans with the church office and your
family/spouse.
The assistance of the memorials committee of the church and the investments counselor of the presbytery/church is recommended. Do
you know about the Presbyterian Foundation? If not, find out about its
free services.
The scheduling of funerals or memorial services takes precedence on
the church calendar over all other scheduled activities, with the exception of weddings. Weddings have been scheduled well in advance and
cannot be changed.
ADDENDUM: It is not unusual for those facing death to visit with the
pastor, with members of the immediate family present, to plan the actual funeral service. Pastor Dave recalls one member in a former congregation who had a terminal disease. Together with his spouse and
Dave they talked about his wishes for the memorial service. They made
a recording of this member playing “Amazing Grace” on his harmonica,
following which he made a humorous comment about the recording.
That recording, which included the comment, was played at his service
and brought smiles to all the faces.
Memorial Scholarship Offered
The Jeanette Alberts Scholarship Fund was established to provide support to any student entering the field of nursing or elementary education. $675.79 is available to provide support over
a two year period. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please contact Bill Patton by May 31, 2007.
Bill Patton 225-7566
Memorial Committee
Page 6
The Covenant Key
HEAD START
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
The Head Start Classroom at Covenant is always looking for volunteers to help out in the classroom. This issue we are featuring the “Playtime
Partner”.
The “Playtime Partner” volunteer provides
young children 3 to 5 years old with encouragement
and adult feedback during play activities. They encourage children to actively explore by helping them
solve problems, ask questions, and use words to describe their ideas and feelings during play. They interact with an individual or small groups of children.
This person should enjoy working with children. The
benefits they get are participation in fun filled activities with children, socialization with children one-onone, and to work with Head Start Staff and children.
The time frame is 9:15-9:45 and 1:00-1:30.
These volunteer “job” descriptions are displayed on the Head Start Bulletin Board next to the
Mission Bulletin Board. If you have a special skill
that preschoolers would learn from we would love to
have you for a short discussion too!
If you would like to volunteer once or twice
for a special occasion or presentation, I have the necessary paperwork in the classroom for you to quickly
fill out. If you would like to be a regular volunteer
(weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly), there is a quick orientation and some paperwork to fill out for our state
licensing with Claudia. If you are interested or would
like more information about volunteering for Head
Start, please call Claudia Murphy at 271-3072. You
can also stop by or call the classroom (327-6174)
anytime.
~Holly Mills
50th Anniversary
News
Sign up for the Saturday May 5th Dinner
by April 23rd. The cost is $15.00 per person
and we would like payment when you sign up.
We will have a social hour beginning at 5 pm,
dinner at 6 pm and a program at 7 pm with
John Severson as the speaker. It should be an
evening of great fun and celebration.
MENU
Choice of Lemon Chicken with Pasta
Or
Beef Stroganoff
Special Salad
Grilled Vegetables
Rolls
Dessert
Beverage
Sunday May 6th we will continue the
celebration. Dave and Julianne are planning a
special service you will not want to miss. There
will be cake and punch after church.
We are taking orders for the 50th anniversary commemorative T-shirts, polos and
denim shirts. Look for the exhibit table on Sundays and Wednesday Evenings. We would like
payment when your order is placed. Orders
due April 22nd.
The committee is still in need of a digital
camcorder and a volunteer to record the
events of May 5th and 6th. Contact Diane Johnson 225-2755 or the church office if you can
help with this.
We will also be selling these ornaments ($7.00/
each or $20.00 for three).
Watch for more details.
Page 7
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Magic
Maynia
Wednesday Morning
Coffee
At Covenant
Saturday,
10:00 AM
Great Fellowship!!!
Men’s Breakfast
May 7th
6:45AM
Discussion: Judaism led by
Kevin Littleton
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED
On Tuesday May 15th Covenant will be hosting the next
stated meeting of the Presbytery. This is a daytime event
and we will need many volunteers. We will need
helpers Monday May 14th and the day of the event.
The CPW has already signed up some volunteers,
but we will need extra help moving tables and setting up. Please say YES if you are contacted or add
your name to the sign up sheet on the West bulletin
board.
May 12th
7:30PM
Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
Des Moines, IA
Permit No. 16
COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1025 - 28th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266-2124
Phone: 515-225-2254
Fax: 515-225-9350
E-mail: covenantpres@iowalink.com
God Be With You & Yours.
WWW.WDMCOVENANT.ORG
Address Service Requested
Due: Wed. April 25th by Noon
Key will be mailed: May 2nd
This will cover: May 6th - 19th