Church office hours: Mon.-Thurs. from 9:00 – 2:00 p.m. covsecty1@raleigh.twcbc.com (919) 365-7979

www.covenantwendell.com “Celebrating the Past – Building the Future”

Covenant Presbyterian Church

125 S. Selma Rd. Wendell, NC 27591-9705

Dear Friends,

I am now beginning my fourth week with you all. You are a wonderful family of

faith! I am so blessed to be among you! And I am excited about where this

transitional journey will take us.

During this transitional time, the Presbytery of New Hope requires that we establish a Mission Study

Team. The purpose of this team is to work with me to identify a process of engagement with the

congregation to achieve three primary tasks.

1. To re-tell the story of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. To identify the people and events

that have shaped who you are. What is your history?

2. To identify and describe the context in which you, as a church family, live. What makes Wendell

unique? What are the needs of this community? What are the opportunities for ministry?

3. To envision your future ministry. This involves the creation of a new vision statement and

mission goals for the next 5 years. This vision will determine the skill set you anticipate for the

next installed pastor.

Once we have completed these tasks, we will complete a written Mission Study which will be given

to the Presbytery of New Hope’s Commission on Ministry for approval. The COM must approve this

Mission Study before a Pastor Nominating Committee can be elected. My experience has been that

the Mission Study will take 9 – 12 months to complete (once compiled, it is about 75 pages). But

once the Mission Study is approved, the completion of a Ministry Information Form, which the PNC

will compile for Session approval, will be expedited. So, relax! Enjoy the process!

I am in the process of creating this Mission Study Team; the Session provided names of folks who

have knowledge of Covenant Presbyterian Church’s history and the town of Wendell. We will roll

our sleeves up and begin our work as soon as this team has been created.

On another note: Please stop by and visit or I would be delighted to visit with you. As you will

discover, I am not one bit shy!

Blessings,

Pastor Debbie

Keeping Up with Covenant Church

News from Covenant Presbyterian

Wendell, North Carolina

Debbie Osterhoudt, Pastor – 478-363-2010

Revdebbieo@aol.com

September 2017

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (Matthew 18:20)

CHOIR CHATTER:

As we rush toward September, your choir is in a flurry of activity. On August 30th, we presented our tour music at Brookdale in Wake Forest, the home of Peggy Fink. We previewed the Christmas cantata at our dinner on choir Sunday and will start rehearsing it in September.

In addition, we'll lead worship at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church on the morning of September 24th.

Yes, we're busy, and if you can sing, we'd love to have you give us a try. Thank you for being so supportive of us.

See you in church,

Wanda

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 2017

World Communion Sunday is a

celebration observed by several Christian denominations, taking place on the first Sunday of every October, that promotes Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation. It focuses on an observance of the Lord’s supper.

The tradition was begun in 1934 by Hugh Thomson Kerr who ministered in the Shadyside Presbyterian Church. "Davitt S. Bell (the late Clerk of Session and church historian at Shadyside) recalled that Dr. Kerr first conceived the notion of World Communion Sunday during his year as moderator of the General Assembly (1930).

Dr. Kerr’s younger son, the Rev. Dr. Donald Craig Kerr, who is pastor emeritus of the Roland Park Presbyterian Church in

Baltimore, was sixteen in 1933. He has related that World Communion Sunday grew out of the Division of Stewardship at Shadyside. It was their attempt to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity—in which everyone might receive both inspiration and information, and above all, to know how important the Church of Jesus Christ is, and how each congregation is interconnected one with another." It was then adopted throughout the US Presbyterian Church in 1936, and subsequently spread to other denominations. In 1940, the Federal Council of Churches (now the National Council of Churches), led by Jesse Moren Bader, endorsed World Communion Sunday and began to promote it to Christian churches worldwide.

Covenant will celebrate Communion on Sunday, October 1st,

in unity with our fellow Christians around the world. We hope you will join us.

Worship Elders Carol Rich & Tim VanGelder

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction,

that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures

we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES, 2017-18,

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ADULTS

CLASS TEACHER TIME PLACE TYPE

Underhill Class

Bob Fleming, Todd Turner

9:30 – 10:30

Ed. Bld. Bible Study

Stomp and

Holler

Bill Alden 9:30-

10:30

Ed. Bld.

Kitchen

Bible Study

Serendipity Marc Johnson 9:30 – 10:30

Session Room

Religious Book Study

Coffee and

Conversation

Linda Berry 10:00 –

10:40

Fellowship

Hall

Devotional &

conversation

CHILDREN THROUGH YOUTH

CLASS AGES TIME PLACE TEACHERS

Nursery Infant to age

4

9:30 –

12:00

Ed. Bld.

Nursery

Lindsay Pearson

Will

Smithson Class

K through 3rd

grade

10:00 –

10:45

Education

Building

Dorine Newton

Tim VanGelder

Junior Class 4th through

7th grade

10:00 –

10:45

Education

Building

Robin Harris

Heather Wolfgang

Youth 8th through

12th grade

10:00 –

10:45

Education

Building

Leann Dale

Jennifer Carnes

RALLY DAY IS SEPTEMBER 10TH

Worship will be led by our awesome youth including children’s

sermon, message, greeters and ushers. Music will be

provided by our Vacation Bible School Superheroes and

friends. Both youth and heroes have been preparing for

weeks so come and be inspired by their service.

ATTENTION: YOUTH 5TH GRADE THROUGH 12TH GRADE!

YOUTH GROUPS will begin on September 10th with a “Back to

Youth Group Party” As in the past, we will begin with a meal.

Everyone can support our youth and their leaders by providing a

simple meal at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings or by donations to

purchase a meal if no one has signed up.

HINT: If you buy Domino’s Pizza gift cards, you will be

supporting your church TWICE!

The Christian Education Committee meets on the fourth

Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to be a part

of this group, See Linda Berry or Dorine Newton.

IF YOU ARE NOT A YOUTH: We are never too old to learn

more about God’s word. Check out the classes for grown-ups, visit if you

wish and think about attending on a regular basis. (Maybe it is time to

start cramming for finals? )

Women’s Bible Study will resume on

Tuesday, September 19th at 10 a.m. in the

session room. The ladies will continue the study

of Revelations by reviewing chapters 1 – 4. All

women are welcome. Questions? Call Deb Park

at 505-280-5922.

Movie October first – The Shack (check out information on the “full page ad”)

Christian Education Elders Becky Abate & Paula Perry

First Sunday Fellowship Sunday, Sept. 3rd John & Judy Shotts are hosting our get together this month. Stay for a snack and a visit and then enjoy your holiday weekend!

Men’s Breakfast Sunday, Sept. 17th Tommy Crawford & Dickie Murray are chefs at 8:30 a.m. in the Education Building kitchen. All men of the church are welcome – hot coffee, great food & a great bunch of guys. All men are welcome. Any questions, see Hugh Cashion.

Breakfast Fellowship Monday, Sept. 11 The Clayton group meets at Jones Cafe at 9:30 a.m. on the first Monday of the month BUT NOT THIS MONTH. Due to Labor Day, Clayton group will not meet but are very welcome at the Zebulon group which meets at McLean’s on the second Monday, both at 9:30 a.m. EVERYONE is welcome – at either or both groups!

Prayer Shawl Sunday, Sept. 17th 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 919-366-0883 for more information or if you know of someone who could use a shawl.

Join a special care ministry (Contact Kimberly Stevens at 919-269-3881 or Jeannie Driver at 919-365-5521 for more information.)

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 (919-365-7979). If you are able to help prepare and/or deliver meals, please call Kimberly, Jeannie or the church office.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Saturday, September16th - Blood drive

Sign up to save a life! Two ways to sign up for an appointment: there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you can check out the email sent earlier and sign up on line. Be sure to eat breakfast or lunch before your appointment! Must be over 18 years old, weigh at least 120 lbs., no tattoos within a year, cancer free for at least 5 years & not taking blood thinners.

Sunday, September 17th - Pot Luck Dinner after worship! Bring a dish to share and leave it in the kitchen before Sunday School

or worship. Then come enjoy a meal together. Covenant has some terrific cooks so it is always good. If you can’t or don’t want to cook, just pick up something or leave a donation in the basket!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month, September 26th in Fellowship Hall. Conversation, devotions, refreshments and study as well as planning for the Spaghetti Dinner, Country Store & Silent Auction on November 4th are on the agenda. All women of the church are welcome! If you are new to

Covenant, this is a great way to meet people and make new friends.

Congregational Care Elders Kimberly Stevens & Jeannie Driver

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED ---

Due to “technical difficulties” we did not show

The Shack last month as scheduled

SO we are going to try again!

THURSDAY, October 1st

AT 7:00 P.M.

THE SHACK

Adapted from the best-selling novel by

Canadian author William P. Young

This 2007 movie stars Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer

& Tim McGraw.

After a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep

depression & questions his innermost beliefs.

Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging

him to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. Mack

journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of

strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting,

Mack finds important truths that will transform his

understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.

IN AIR CONDITIONED COMFORT

ON THE BIG SCREEN.

FRESH, HOT POPCORN & BEVERAGE PROVIDED

BE CASUAL, BRING A CHAIR IF YOU LIKE.

AND YOU CAN’T BEAT THE PRICE – FREE!

COMING ATTRACTIONS!!

FOR YOUTH: October, work on Jesse Tree ornaments

October 11, Fields of Faith at East Wake H.S. October 29, Halloween Party

COVENANT CONCERT SERIES:

November 12, 2107 - Grains of Time March 25, 2018 – Capital City Girls’ Choir April 29, 2018 – Triangle Youth Jazz Band & Triangle Youth Jazz Orchestra 03

Two more groups are to be scheduled: Raleigh Boys’ Choir & Triangle Youth Brass Band. WENDELL HARVEST FESTIVAL October 6 & 7 –– Forms to enter the “Little Miss/Mr. Wendell” contest are available in the church office.

Joyful Noise choir is planning to begin in October – Anyone willing to help please call Robin Harris. The youngsters love to sing!

SPAGHETTI DINNER, SILENT AUCTION & COUNTRY STORE.

November 7

Help for Texas!

Dear friends,

Twelve years ago our country experienced the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as it ripped through the cities and towns surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. I was a member of a Mission Team from Wake Forest and we journeyed to New Orleans three weeks after Katrina slammed into our coastal cities. We worked under the direction and support of the PCUSA Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program. The folks who

organize rescue and implement recovery/rebuilding in these communities are local people who have been through training and are volunteers. So any money we give to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program goes to help the folks whose homes have been destroyed and their lives shattered. While we were in the Gulfport area, the American Red Cross provided much needed food, clothing and housing.

Unfortunately, we are once again facing a tragedy of epic proportions caused by massive flooding and destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. How can we help? We can share our resources through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program. You can give to the church and we will make sure that this money is forwarded to support this ministry. Be sure to indicate on the “memo” line of your check that it is designated for “PDA.” Or you can give directly to the American Red Cross.

It is amazing the stories of heroism and sacrifice that are coming out of the Texas area – people helping their neighbors. We too can help through the sharing of our gifts. And we can continue to pray for healing and restoration of the people in Texas.

Pastor Debbie

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

The cookout the Bright for Will Fund on September 27th was wonderful! The burgers and dogs were delicious and the ice cream truck servings were huge!! The bins for donations are in the narthex.

"A note of Thanks from the Smithson family: We would like to thank everyone who supported our Bright for Will initiative during the month of August. Yesterday was such a great day! Thank you to everyone who contributed food, and to those who ate the food! We are especially appreciative for the donation of supplies and the monetary contributions. Close to $1000 was contributed to Bright for Will yesterday at Covenant! Without Covenant, Bright for Will would not exist and we so appreciate the many who support us and keep Will’s memory alive through our charitable foundation. Special thanks to the Mission Outreach committee for their assistance and a shout out to grillmaster Bud Lawler and Joe Bowman for providing the grill. Sincere Thanks! The Smithson Family"

CARVER ELEMENTARY BACKPACK BUDDY PROGRAM

Don't forget our weekend meals for Carver kids. We need hearty soups, vegetables, peanut butter and fruit. 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. Emphasis for September: Cans of Vegetables & fruit. Of course any non-perishable foods are welcome. We are grateful to Wendell UMC for providing space & volunteers to staff the pantry. If you would like to volunteer at the pantry, please

notify the church office.

Mission/Outreach Elders Leta Thornton & Bud Lawler

More Mission/Outreach news.

The Jesse Tree Project

A few years ago the Jesse Tree was introduced at Covenant and if you missed out then, you have another chance this year. The Jesse tree tells the story of God’s salvation beginning with creation to the coming of the Messiah. There is a different ornament for December 1st through the 25th as well as a booklet of

devotions to be used as the ornament is placed on the tree each day. You may sign up to make 25 of one ornament and then exchange

with others making different ornaments so that you will have a complete set for yourself. Or you may make the ornaments and donate them to the church to complete sets for new church families or to sell.

If you don’t have time to assemble ornaments, you may just sign up to purchase a Jesse Tree Set for $40 which includes the devotional booklet. Please preorder so that we have enough. The kits are wonderful gifts for young families and newlyweds.

There will be a meeting following worship on September 10th for those interested in participating.

Monetary donations to cover the cost of materials and the devotional booklets are appreciated. Mark your check “Jesse Tree” and put it in the offering plate. Contact Alli Buus (919-365-5201) or Bonnie Wagstaff (919-365-9061) if you have any questions.

Wendell Council of Churches

October is Covenant’s turn to offer the pray at the beginning of Wendell’s Town Meeting. The meetings will be held on October 11th and 25th and begin at 7:00 pm.

It is also our turn to provide a brief service on Sunday mornings at Oliver House which is right around the corner on Wendell Boulevard. The residents enjoy singing hymns and brief devotions. If you are interested in helping with this, please call Bud Lawler 919-243-0056.

Financial Report for August 2017 Month Year to date

Expenses $21,256 $154,775 Received 20,036 178,418 Difference $ (1,220) $ 23,643

Heritage Fund $ 1,905 $ 10,436

Mortgage Balance as of August 30, 2017 - $1,053,837. Gift Card Update: Due to demand, Walmart gift cards are

available in the narthex after worship with NO WAITING! Food Lion & Lowes cards as always are available. Lists of additional cards from businesses all over the country – restaurants, department stores, pharmacies, motels, even cruise lines – are available at the gift card list in the narthex. If you don’t see a particular card on the list, ask Susan Darby or David Meyers and they will find out if it is available. To order, just fill out the form (or make a list including your name and phone number), give it to someone at the gift card table along with your check. Your cards will arrive the following Sunday and your check will not be cashed until the cards are received. Each card earns a percentage for Covenant, paid by the vendor. It may seem like only a few dollars but when several of us participate, it adds up in a hurry. Not a bad deal – we get the full value of the card and the church gets extra money. Last year it came to over $4,000!! Gifts, eating out, grocery shopping – the opportunities are endless!!

Stewardship Elders Hugh Cashion & Barb Sneade

September Birthdays

4 Michelle Haswell

8 Buck Bullock 19 Steve Buus Marc Johnson

Robert Raybon 21 Judy McCurdy

9 Wendy Pearce 22 Marcella Abate

13 Leta Thornton 23 Vanessa Turner

14 Tammy Strickland 25 Jeff Kopp, Ed Park

15 Brenda Johnson 26 Don Agee, Ron Oldham

16 Tim Sherrill 27 Peggy Buffaloe

16 Louise McClaid Emily Anderson

September Anniversaries

1 Bob & Becky Morgan

6 David & Jeannie Driver

13 Brian & Paula Daniels

15 Don & Christine Mailliard Todd & Vanessa Turner

17 Bob & Pam Labusohr

27 Bill & Judy McCurdy

NOTE: Please let the office know of any omissions or errors.

Lectionary for September 2017

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 3

Exodus 3:1–15

Psalm 105:1–6, 23–26, 45b

Romans 12:9–21

Matthew 16:21–28

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 10

Exodus 12:1–14

Psalm 149

Romans 13:8–14

Matthew 18:15–20

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 17

Exodus 14:19–31

Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21

Romans 14:1–12

Matthew 18:21–35

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 24

Exodus 16:2–15

Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45

Philippians 1:21–30

Matthew 20:1–16

Psalm 119: 105 - “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Volunteer Schedule for September/October 2017

Date Lay Reader Audio Greeters Ushers

Sept. 3 Marc Johnson Billy Cuthrell Tom & Stella Don Agee,

Martin Doug Petrey

Leeanne Stanton

Pete Dunlow

Sept. 10 Youth Kevin Dale Youth Youth

Sept 17 Deb Park Tim Harris Jim & Margie Philip & Annette

Hopkins Kirk, Al Cates,

Bob Morgan

Sept. 24 Hulon Perry Joshua Stevens John & Judy Ed & Barb Sneade,

Shotts Becky Abate,

Jeannie Driver

Oct. 1 Tammy Olive Martin & Steve Buus,

Strickland Leeanne Stanton Bud Lawler,

Bill McCurdy

Oct. 8 Carol Rich Judy McCurdy Tommy Crawford,

Gary Hardee,

Mike Smithson

Tim VanGelder

Oct. 15 Leann Dale Pam Hardee & Don Agee,

Carol Rich Doug Petrey

Leeanne Stanton

Pete Dunlow

Oct. 22 David Meyers Brian & Paula Philip & Annette

Daniels Kirk, Al Cates,

Bob Morgan

Oct. 29 Lisa Bailey Tom & Stella Ed & Barb Sneade,

Martin Becky Abate,

Jeannie Driver

NOTE: You will notice the Audio schedule is not complete. There are plans

for training new team members very soon. If you are interested in learning how to

manage the sound system even if you are only available occasionally, please let the

church office know. In the meantime, thank you to our faithful crew who will be filling

in as needed!

WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!

Children’s Ministry Volunteer Schedule for

September/October 2017

Date Children’s Sermon Nursery Volunteer Acolyte .

Sept. 3 Don Mailliard Robin Harris Shauna Moody

Sept 10 Youth Carrie Petrosky Kayley McClure

Sept. 17 Debbie Osterhoudt Rae Dunn Emma Cuthrell

Sept 24 Tom Martin Pam Hardee James Newton

Oct. 1 Bob Fleming Rae Dunn Emma Buus

Oct. 8 Jennifer Carnes Robin Harris Megan Buus

Oct. 15 Tom Martin Ruth Crawford Molly Smithson

Oct. 22 Don Mailliard Robin Harris Shauna Moody

Oct. 29 Debbie Osterhoudt Carrie Petrosky Kayley McClure

Nursery Worker:

The nursery will be staffed from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Sunday morning by Miss Lindsay Pearson.

Nursery Volunteers: The nursery volunteer is asked to bring a light snack and juice (no popcorn please). If you are unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday, please call anyone from the nursery volunteer list. If you have trouble finding a substitute, please contact the coordinator Robin Harris at robinrfharris@gmail.com or 919602-6705

NOTE: Covenant is blessed with several adorable babies and youngsters

who need somewhere to go when they are too restless to stay in worship with

Mommy & Daddy. The nursery is staffed every Sunday by Miss Lindsay

Pearson but volunteers are needed to help cuddle, rock, sing to and play with

the youngsters. The longer the list of volunteers, the less often you have to

serve. Right now, our volunteers are serving about once a month. If you

can give them a hand, they would really appreciate it. Call Robin Harris (who

is a very frequent volunteer!) at 919-602-6705.

September 2017

9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Children & Youth 11:00 p.m. Worship Sunday School 5:30 p.m. Youth Group Both start Sept. 10

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10:00 a.m. Youth Meeting 10:30 a.m. Superheroes Practice 12:15 p.m. First Sunday Fellowship

LABOR DAY Church Office Closed.

(Clayton Breakfast Cancelled)

7:30 p.m. Choir Practice

8:00 p.m. A.A.

6:30 p.m. Finance Com.

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12:15 p.m. Jesse Tree Meg. 5:30 p.m. Mission/Outreach

6:00 p.m. Property 7:00 p.m. Session

9:30 a.m. Breakfast Fellowship – Zebulon 7:00 p.m. Wendell Council of Churches (at UMC)

7:00 p.m. Icebreakers

7:30 p.m. Choir Practice

8:00 p.m. A.A.

9:00 a.m. Blood Drive

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 8:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 12:15 p.m. All church Potluck lunch 5:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl

10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

7:30 p.m. Choir Practice

8:00 p.m. A.A.

Choir on tour at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Pennies for

Hunger 12:15 p.m. Congregational Care Com. Choir on tour at Outer Banks Presbyterian Church

10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 6:00 CE mtg. 7:00 p.m. Presbyterian

Women

7:30 p.m. Choir Practice

8:00 p.m. A.A.

October 1st.