New Covenant ConnectionNew Covenant Presbyterian Church

“A Church Family – A Church Home”April 2018 Volume 28

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COME CELEBRATE EASTERAT NEW COVENANT

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service–April 1st 6:45 a.m. with breakfast following at 9:00 a.m.Easter Sunday – April 1st 10:00 a.m.

This year we celebrate Easter with two

services. One as a Sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. on the lawn by the church. Chairs will be available and the choir will be singing.

There will be a light breakfast available in the Christian Education Building at 9:00 a.m. after the sunrise service.

The second Easter service will be held at 10:00 a.m. with the choir and drama troupe as part of the service in the sanctuary.

New Covenant Church

MinistersThe Congregation

Assistant to the MinistersInterim Pastor Rev. Jeffrey Howard

Accompanist: Jenny HughMusic Director: Ken Hudson

SessionSkip Leeson, Clerk 449-1942 Clerk Barbara Montazella 845-813-1374 Worship Susan Pedersen 378-0902 EvangelismCarole A. McBride 378-5359 Christian Ed.Sandy Boyce 378-2902 PersonnelPaul Willbanks 410-829-9161 MissionBen Urban 376-844 StewardshipPam Leeson 449-1942 Congregation Life

DeaconsAlice Megonigal 2020 376-6172Melissa Padgett 2021 610-554-4488Laura Pedersen 2022 378-0902Don Bauer 2020 378-2317Landa Lindgren 2021 378-0914Kathy Henry 2022 832-5510

TrusteesAlan Pedersen 2021 378-0902Tom Kimble 2020 376-1770Al Grimminger 2019 378-2252

Church InformationChurch Phone 378-4446Pastor’s Home Phone 319-1511CCLI license 649817Treasurer, Cyndi Daniels 299-5373Worship Service 10 a.m. Sunday School 8:45 a.m.www.newcov-church.org

”Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” Luke 19:38

There may even be an Easter Egg Hunt in the schedule too! Come join us and celebrate that Jesus Christ has risen!!!

*Special Dates*

* April 01, 2018 Easter* April 25, 2018 Administrative Professionals Day

Shortly our annual Progressive Dinner will be here! Saturday, April 7th, at 4:30 PM we start at the home of Jane and Mike Adams for appetizers and to get the assigned homes for the different courses for our meals. We need host/hostess homes for the salad and main courses. Sign-up sheets will be in the back of the church. We need everyone that is planning on attending to sign up and if you are able to serve a course you can indicate that as well. It has always been a wonderful night of fellowship and good food!  See you there! Submitted by Pam Leeson, Congregation Life Team

The month of April begins with our Easter services. This will be the first year that we have an Easter sunrise service as well as an Easter service in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. Let’s pray for good weather on Easter for both services!

During the entire month of May, the sanctuary will have white paraments to symbolize the Easter season up until Pentecost on May 20th which changes to red to symbolize Christ’s visit to the apostles.

If you are interested in helping Barbara on the Worship Ministry Team, please contact her at 845-893-1374. Please volunteer to be a liturgist or scripture reader by signing the list at the narthex lobby.Submitted for Barbara Montazella, Worship Elder

Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and

in their lives. As they respond to God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world. (Directory for Worship, W-1.1001)

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PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Pastor Search Committee is conducting a Mission Study in preparation for calling our next pastor. The Mission Study is an extremely comprehensive document that describes our church and community from current and future perspectives. The Pastor Search Committee is developing a survey using questions required by the Presbytery Mission Study Design Guide – Data Gathering for Ministry document. This survey is another opportunity for our congregation to be involved in the pastor search process. Your input is vitally important – so please take the time to participate.  The survey will be available both electronically and on paper.  Please complete only one survey per person.  Each adult should answer the survey individually. One adult head of household should respond for children ages 17 and under. The survey will be an emailed link sent to those who receive emails from the clerk of session.  If you choose to complete the survey on paper - it will be available in the church.  We anticipate having it ready for Easter Sunday and collecting data for the first couple of weeks in April. 

Submitted by Donna Casey, Co-Lead Pastor Search Committee

Ephesians 3:20-21 – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

BIBLE QUIZ

In John 10, what metaphor does Jesus use to describe himself?

A. “I am the gate…”B. “I am the good shepherd...”C. Both A and BD. Neither A nor B

(Answer from March: D The temple curtain. See Matthew 27:51.)

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering was collected Sunday March 18th and also collected again on Palm Sunday March 25th.

Sunday April 22nd will be Kenya Mission Sunday. A group of Kenyans studying with Grace Howard will travel from the Washington DC area to engage New Covenant in a Kenyan style worship and to present to New Covenant the ongoing opportunities and challenges for spreading the gospel in their home country.

Submitted by Paul Willbanks, Missions Elder

God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I Love You”.

-Billy Graham

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

The April donation schedule is for any canned goods. It could be vegetables, chili, soup or any item that will help stock the kitchen closet! Thank you everyone for your continued support of Neighborhood House. This month’s donations can be placed in the Neighborhood House box by the sanctuary coat rack. Thank you all for helping our community!

Submitted by Jane Adams, Neighborhood House coordinator

Church Bulletin Typos:

Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

Page 3 Deacon's News

Deacons agreed to help with the Easter brunch to be held in the Christian Education building. Landra agreed to create a “Welcome to New Covenant

Church” document for the visitor bags. Prices are being reviewed for a handout item to be included in the bag which will have our name on it. Melissa has a resource for New Member Bags which would have vinyl lettering at the cost of $1.50/bag. Other options are still being investigated. Deacons have a Meals Ministry in place. If you know of anyone that would need assistance with a meal, please contact one of the Deacons. Meal volunteers are also welcome – just contact a Deacon. Anyone needing transportation to a doctor appointment, pharmacy, etc. the Deacons are ready to help. Please contact Don Bauer who is leading this ministry. 302-378-0914 The next Deacons meeting will be held on Sunday, April 15th after Sunday Service. Reminder: the next Fifth Sunday second offering is on Sunday, April 25th.

Submitted by Landa Lindgren, Deacon Secretary

4/11 Jacob Hollick 4/11 Eric Hughes4/14 Pam Leeson 4/15 Morgan Brent4/19 Judy Kimble 4/20 Nancy Carol Willis4/20 Jane Adams 4/21 Ruth Keiderling4/20 Ellen Hughes

4/7 Clinton and Norma Dunn

There’s an old saying: What you do for yourself gives you pleasure, and what you do for others gives you worth.

A Merry Heart Doeth GoodLike a MedicineProverbs 17:22

Little Marty turned to his mother and said, “Mom, you woke me up for school this morning and now you’re putting me to bed.” “Yes,” said Marty’s mom, “a mother works from son up to son down.”

News Flash! A local ballet school just merged with a parachute club. New students will be taught how to dance on air.

Pete: What candy is only for girls? Harry: HER-SHEy’s kisses. A study says that chocolate may lower your chances of a stroke. That is, a swimming stroke, a golf stroke, a tennis stroke…. What did the little chicks call their famous rock band? The Red Hot Chili Peepers.

Yep, Lord, today was dumb thing number 316. I put birdseed in the rabbit hutch and rabbit pellets into the bird feeder. So far neither animal has complained.

After hearing a bible lesson about miracles, a little girl went up to her religion teacher. “In my house,” said the little girl, “when handwriting appears on the wall it’s not a miracle, it’s my little brother.”

Q: How are baseball and pancakes alike?A: They both depend on the batter.

The fathers of two teenage boys were talking. “My son Matt used to be late to school every day,” said Mr. Smith. “I bought him a used car and that solved the problem.” “How did buying him a car solve the problem?” asked Mr. Jones. Said Mr. Smith, “Now he gets to school early so he can find a parking place.”

Four high school boys afflicted with spring fever skipped morning classes. After lunch they reported to the teacher that they had a flat tire. Much to their relief she smiled and said, "Well, you missed a test today so take seats apart from one another and take out a piece of paper." Still smiling, she waited for them to sit

down. Then she said: "First Question: Which tire was flat?" 

Page 4Why indeed…?

1. Why is the third hand on the watch called a second hand?

2. If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know?

3. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

4. Why do “tug” boats push their barges?5. Why are a “wise man” and a “wise guy”

opposites?6. If all the world is a stage, where is the

audience sitting?

Q: What do you call 99 rabbits stepping backwards?A: A receding hareline.

Boycott: Bed for a male child.

Mary: Did you hear about the angel who lost his job?Sean: What happened to him?Mary: He had harp failure.

Q: What do you get when you cross an insect and a rabbit?A: Bugs Bunny

A man found a magic lamp on the beach. He rubbed it and out popped a genie, who gave the man three wishes. The man wished for a million dollars, and poof! There was a million dollars. Then he wished for a convertible, and poof! There was a convertible. And then, he wished he could be irresistible to all women... Poof! He turned into a box of chocolates.

Lord, I had quite a moment today when my granddaughter touched my face and said she was glad I was old. I asked her why, and she said it’s because my cheeks are so soft. Now I’m glad I’m old too.

Susie: I used to wear tight jeans, but I stopped.Annie: Why did you stop?Susie: Hindsight.

A man had to lose twenty pounds, so his doctor told him to eat nothing but rice cakes for a month. After thirty days he went back to his doctor, who was amazed to find that instead of losing weight, he’d gained ten more pounds. “What happened?” asked the doctor. “Couldn’t you eat the rice cakes? Were they

too bland?” “At first, they were,” answered the man, “but they tasted much better after I started dipping them in melted chocolate.”

From the Pastor’s Desk, March 2018

Dear New Covenant Church,

April will be a busy month for New Covenant Church.   We will start a new program called The Daniel Plan and Disciplepix will be here to take pictures for a new photo directory. The Daniel Plan is a six-week program to get and stay healthy from Rick Warren.  We start with FAITH, relying on God’s power to make and keep us well. We eat FOOD that loves us back.  We participate in FITNESS to discover movements we enjoy. We FOCUS on developing healthy habits. And we do all this with FRIENDS because it is better to get healthy together. We will gather in three small groups for six weeks to explore FAITH, FOOD, FOCUS, FITNESS, and FRIENDS.   We will meet at the church on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 or Friday evenings at 7:00 or Sunday mornings at 8:45.   Just pick a group, bring a friend, and find fun ways to be fit and healthy. All of this begins right after Easter. Once we are well on our way to health and fitness we will start taking pictures for our new photo directory. Jim Ritch of Disciplepix will be here April 27, 28 and 29. I first worked with Jim in 2013 on a directory for Pitts Creek Church.   Then in 2015 we did one for Ocean City. April is your turn. Jim makes taking pictures very fun and they turn out beautifully. Every family that has their pictures taken will receive a New Covenant Presbyterian Church directory and a 5x7 print for free.   Of course, you may purchase additional photographs for yourselves, family and friends. See Susan Petersen for more information. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church. So please join us for The Daniel Plan and get healthy.   And then let’s put together a beautiful church picture directory.

BlessingsPastor Jeff

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way…   12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.

15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

Proverbs 15:17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

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In 1908, a French newspaper organized a very special automobile race. The course was essentially around the world. Very few people owned cars at that time, and trips were almost always short. Yet siz cars entered.

Mechanics were few and far between. Gas and motor oil were difficult to come by. Roads were still primitive in many areas. (In some places, like Siberia, they didn’t exist at all.) In fact, the cars often drove on train tracks. The crews had to lift off their vehicles when they heard a whistle.

The cars themselves frequently broke down in the mud or during blizzards. One even caught fire while it was being lifted off train tracks to avoid an approaching train. Drivers were arrested for disturbing the peace, and even as suspected spies.

Despite all that, three cars managed to finish. They did because the drivers were committed to finishing, no matter what; even the third car, which had to chance to win.

We all know how important stewardship is. Yet it’s all too easy to make excuses to ourselves, each other, and God, that we “just can’t do it” because of difficulties with our jobs, our families, our health, and many other reasons.

Remembering how those long-ago drivers struggled; we too should try harder to “run the race,” as the Apostle Paul put it. We should give more of our time, talents, and treasure to achieve the goals that God has placed before us. Little by little, we’ll work wonders.

Our abilities should be dedicated to God. The abilities of the successful Christian business person are needed in the church. The trained efficient teacher should be using that talent in the church, as well as in the schoolroom. The person gifted in music should contribute to an effective music program in the church. The doctor and nurse will find many ways of using their abilities for furthering the Christian church.

(Reprinted with permission from Parish Publishing, LLC)

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford

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NEW COVENANT CHURCH NEWS FROM THE PEWS

Spring has come in like a lion, on our fourth nor’easter we got over six inches of heavy snow. I think we are all ready for some warmth and sunshine. To those still vacationing down in Florida, we envy you! Safe journeys back home, it might be cold outside, but we will give you a warm welcome! The Cookes’ returned just in time for the last storm, and we have Janet Glaser and Terri Lo Castro’s smiling faces back amongst us as well.

We are continuing prayers for Don Bauer, Craig Schafer, Scott Kirk, Ruth Keiderling, Carol L. McBride, and all those recovering from various illnesses. We are waiting to welcome Melissa’s and Justin’s newest addition. Melissa was hoping to hold out for one more week of work before delivering, we’ll see what happens.

Reverends Jeff and Grace Howard, along with their group that went to Jerusalem will be sharing some of their stories and pictures at an ice cream social held Sunday, March 25th after church.

We have had a few members share that they are looking for new jobs, let’s say a prayer that they find them quickly, and love the new positions.

We were blessed with Lois and Sam visiting and lending their voices to the choir one Sunday. It is always a pleasure seeing and listening to them.

The Easter eggs are made, fun and fellowship were had by all. Thank you, Joyce and Bill and Cheryl Shields, we couldn’t have done it without you!

As Holy week approaches, may you all be blessed with God’s grace and love.

Mark Urban is at Fort Gordon until May 2018. He would love to receive mail at:PFC Urban, MarkCharlie Co, 551 Sig Bn 15th Reg Sig BrigFort Gordon, GA 30905

Respectfully submitted, Cory Tasker

Christ is not only a remedy for your weariness and trouble, but he will give you an abundance of the contrary, joy and delight. They who come to Christ do not only come to a resting place after they have been wandering in a wilderness, but they come to a banqueting house where they may rest, and where they may feast. The may cease from their former troubles and toils, and they may enter upon a

course of delights and spiritual joys. – Jonathan Edwards

Easter Sunday  9:30AM after breakfast - Easter Egg Hunt for children

All Sundays

8:45 - Christian EducationBethel Bible, Adult Bible Study, Adult Sunday School (beginning April 8, 2018, featuring the Daniel Plan) Youth/Nursery care available upon request, contact John Hetterly 302-383-9263 or Caroline Recla carolynrecla@verizon.net

10:00 AM - Youth Sunday School,Elementary and middle school age.Nursery care available upon request, contact Carol L. McBride 215-519-0418

Tuesdays

9:30 AM - Bible Study. “The Daniel Plan beginning April 3, 2018

Friday Evenings at 7:00 pmThe Daniel Plan - The Daniel Plan teaches simple ways to incorporate healthy choices into a reader's current lifestyle and helps them understand the kind of foods God created to keep them fit and strong. The book is categorized around five key concepts for optimal health that promote success: faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends. These concepts encourage readers to deepen their relationship with God and offer inspiration as they make positive choices.

June

Youth ClubStarting in June, every third Friday night 7PM-9PM, Middle/High school age activities will be offered. Movies, ice cream socials, mini golf, bowling events

are currently planned.  Contact Laura Pederson 302-354-0935 with ideas or contact info for potential participants.VBS crafter daysAfter church service - the entire congregation can join in and help prep for VBS (more detail to come).

July

Vacation Bible School – “Shipwrecked and Rescued by Jesus!” July 16-20, 9 a.m. to noonParticipants:

Preschool (potty trained) fun filled activities supervised in one room

First to fifth grade - enjoy fun filled activities indoor and out.

Middle School and High School - be a crew leader!  Learn leadership skills!

Nursery will be provided for VBS volunteers ONLY (leader needed).  Any adult help is welcome as well.Wrap up will be Sunday July 22 during worship.

Submitted by Carol A. McBride, Christian Education Elder

Website: www.newcov-church.org/Facebook: www.facebook.com/New-Covenant-Presbyterian-Church-USA-Middletown-Delaware

A special tri-fold brochure is being mailed to the local zip code residences inviting them to New Covenant Presbyterian Church for our Easter services. Please invite your neighbors to our special services and the brunch. Don’t forget the Easter Egg Hunt too. Special items will be handed out after the service.Submitted by Susan Pedersen, Evangelism Elder

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My wife, Jean, and I lived next door to each other for ten years before we were married. My sophomore interest in high school biology had sparked a live caterpillar collection. Their home was a shoe box, covered with screen wire. When I went on vacation, Jean fed them faithfully with leaves from her willow tree. She hated it.

Finally, the caterpillars stopped their incessant crawling and chewing, attached their tails firmly to a stick and lay still, sheathed with a shiny leather-like case. For weeks they seemed to be dead, unmoving in their tiny gray wrappings. I removed the screen and waited.

One by one, the gray cases began to twist and turn violently, and suddenly split open. A beautiful butterfly emerged. It stood for hours gently moving its wings, pumping fluids into them to extend them fully. Then the butterfly soared gracefully away on the breezes of summer, leaving nothing behind but a broken chrysalis to indicate its former bondage.

The chrysalis and butterfly suggest the empty graveclothes of our risen Lord. When Peter and John heard the news that the Lord's body was gone from the garden tomb, they ran all the way from their lodging. Peter entered the tomb and "he saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen" (John 20:6-7, NIV). The graveclothes once wrapped continuously around the body now lay collapsed, mute testimony that the corpse they had once shrouded had now emerged in life.

The bondage of death is broken. Christ is risen! We can face tomorrow with the assurance that Jesus is in fact alive to help us, to guide us, to give us hope for the future. And since He is living, our problems are not insolvable. The broken chrysalis of His graveclothes proclaims that Christ is Victor even over death. Because He lives, nothing is impossible.

By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

http://www.joyfulheart.com/easter/chryslis.htm

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