Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger€¦ · 09/04/2020 · The Messenger...

The Messenger

Newsletter o f The Church o f the Covenant

APRIL 2020

The Church

of the Covenant

267 East Beau St.

Washington, PA 15301

724.222.0190

[email protected]

www.churchofthecov.org

Worship Services

Sundays: 8:30, 9:43 & 11:00am

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Adults 9:15 & 9:30

Children 9:45 & 11:00

Church Office Hours

Mon.-Fri. 9:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

APRIL 2020

Dear friends,

The Session correctly and in its wisdom has voted to close the church and move to “modified

worship”. This means that there will be no activities in the church and that worship will be

conducted, recorded and videotaped, the sanctuary will be empty of people (but not of God),

and people can participate from home. There are multiple options and these are clearly ex-

plained in the letter sent out to the congregations included in this Messenger.

The stark reality as of this writing (March 17th) is that we may not have our regular Easter

Sunday services this year either. Easter, April 12th is within only four weeks of when the

CoronaVirus was diagnosed in our area. The Session will meet again on March 30th to

reassess the situation and make decisions. These decisions will be based upon facts and

medical information, guidelines given to us by governmental authorities, and much

discernment and prayer. Obviously, we will carefully communicate these decisions to you,

our wonderful congregation.

I remember the time around 9/11 back in 2001. The churches were full for a brief interval

but shortly after Christmas that year a lot of people stopped worshipping and praying. Once

the crisis was over, not as many turned their hearts to God any more. And over the past 20

years more and more people have fallen away, fewer people believe in God, churches are

emptying and closing. That must not happen this time. Do we not understand that it is only

the Lord who protects us? If the Lord does not stand guard over the (nation) the watchman

stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127: 1) People need to turn their hearts to God, pray more than

ever, and BEG THE LORD for the OPPORTUNITY to enter into His Presence and to

Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth once again. Worship isn’t something we put on our

calendar and do IF we have the time; it is essential for the saving of a people and a nation!

We are learning this lesson the hard way.

The Lord will not bless a people who will not turn and return to Him. Haven’t we figured

that out by now?

My prayer is that we will miss worshipping together so much that once we are able to gather

again in His presence and worship Him, through the Son, Jesus Christ, and in the power of

the Holy Spirit, that we will be so eager to gather that attendance will grow as people finally

understand that only God can save us from things that would harm us in this life.

We need God more than ever. Keep praying. Turn and return to the Lord in this season.

Become eager to come and fellowship and worship together when the Lord gives us

permission to do so once again. God bless you and keep you. I am praying for you.

Faithfully,

Pastor Stu

“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my

face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their

sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7: 14

STAFF Dr. Stuart D. Broberg

Pastor, Head of Staff

724-222-0190 x 117

[email protected]

Rev. Scott Shetter

Associate Pastor

724-222-0190 x115

[email protected]

Debi Nicolella

Church Administrator

724-222-0190 x 112

[email protected]

Lois Core

Interim CE Staff Coordinator

[email protected]

Dave Narigon

Interim Director of Youth Min.

[email protected]

Victoria Gregg

Financial Administrator

[email protected]

Darla Pepper-Miller

Director of Music Ministry

724-222-0190 x 118

[email protected]

Ralph Farabee

Maintenance Supervisor

724-222-0190 x 119

Cyndi Barney

Church Sexton

724-222-0190 x 119

Camille Braun

Pre-School Director

724-222-0190 x 121

[email protected]

Debbie Miles

9:43 Music Coordinator

[email protected]

Pat Sanders

Administrative Assistant

724-222-0190 x 112

Linda Grimm, RN

Parish Nurse

724-263-7911 Rev. Randall V. Boyer Associate Pastor Emeritus

WE NEED THE LORD MORE THAN EVER

The Messenger 2 APRIL 2020

NEWS FROM THE FAMILY OF FAITH

USHER TEAM 1 IS ON FOR April

(pending worship schedule)

Brant Barletta

Lou Barletta

Jim Edwards

Brian Edwards

Chris Edwards

Joel Braun

Don Faust

ALL ABOUT HANDS AND HEARTS

The Hands and Hearts Committee is a ministry of

caring to the Church of the Covenant homebound,

hospitalized and parishioners with healthcare needs.

Among the ways we support the congregation are

the Teddy Bear Ministry, Card Ministry, holiday

gifts for all shut-ins, blood pressure screenings,

assistance with completing Five Wishes Advance

Directive, prayer shawls, Care Notes, special

programs on health topics and transportation to

healthcare appointments. We also support

community programs such as Love in a Basket

providing baby and mom items to new mothers will

little or no support and global initiatives such as Safe

Birth collecting quarters to help ensure maternity

care in undeveloped countries. The Hands and

Hearts Committee along with the Parish Nurse and

volunteers from the congregation believe this

ministry is vital to the spiritual, mental and physical

health of our church and we invite anyone to join us!

Contact any committee member for more

information. Committee members: Connie

Hornickel, Linda Grimm, Mary Wichterman,

Devonne Cloonan, Carol Spencer, Pat Boyer, Anna

Phelan and Jean Phelan. We thank our regular volunteers:

Barb Payne, Rae Dawn Guyton, Barb Richmond and

Rebecca Aizupitis.

THANK YOU I'm sending Thanks and Love to the members of The

Covenant Singers and The Jubilate Ringers for their

faithful attendance to Thursday rehearsals and Sunday

morning worship services, where we sing and ring to

God's glory. We have sung and rung many beautiful

and deeply moving and challenging pieces this year,

and we were busy preparing even more beautiful and

deeply moving and challenging pieces for the

remainder of this Choir Season. And then COVID-19

happened. As we are unsure of what the future holds,

and rehearsals and worship services are on hold, we

will have to wait and see how this all plays out. I will

keep in contact with you all through our Facebook

page, texts, and phone calls. Stay safe and wash your

hands!

In Christ's love,

Darla Pepper-Miller

UPDATE ON GIVING

Sometimes life is just full of twists and turns. As we

wait out the COVID-19 virus and shelter in place, we

have closed the church building for your safety.

However, expenses continue needing to be paid and

income is limited when we do not gather together in

our traditional manners. Some have questioned how

they might still pay their tithes and offerings. There

are two quick answers. You may still mail your

checks to the church at 267 East Beau Street,

Washington, PA 15301, or you may choose to give

online by using the link provided on our website:

http://www.churchofthecov.org/stewardship-and-

giving/ways-to-give/gifts-by-credit-card/ .

JOIN US FOR MODIFIED WORSHIP

We have many ways for you to join us for worship.

First, if you missed last week’s sermon, you can access

the manuscript here. You may also go onto our

Facebook and YouTube channels to watch videos of

our services. We will be live-streaming on Facebook

each Sunday at 8:30 AM and then it is stored for you to

view later as well. Do not forget that our service is

always aired each Sunday on WJPA-AM 1450 at 11:30

AM. They also stream it on their website. Scripture

tells us not to forsake coming together to worship. We

may not always be able to meet in one location, but we

can always worship the Lord our God together as one

in Christ’s Spirit.

APRIL PREACHING AND VIRTUAL WORSHIP SCHEDULE


April 5, 2020 (Palm Sunday)

Sermon Title: HE KNEW HE WAS THE OFFERING

Preaching: Pastor Stu

Series: Least Favorite Book of the Bible

Scripture: Leviticus 7: 1-5

Focal Verse: “In the place where they kill the burnt offering, they shall kill the guilt offering….” v. 2

Synopsis: Jesus, the perfect sin offering, rode into the Temple to be offered up as the one complete sacrifice to

God that was holy enough for God.

Special Notes: MODIFIED WORSHIP. There is a great likelihood that the Session will meet on March 30th

and vote to continue having “modified worship” on Palm Sunday and Easter, where the sanctuary is empty of

people, but worship still is conducted, and it is videotaped and people can participate by way of WJPA Radio at

11:30 a.m. Sunday; Facebook and YouTube. These worship instructions are included in the letter appended to

this Messenger, which includes the direct links to these sites.

April 9, 2020 (Maundy Thursday, POSTPONED)

April 10, 2020 (Good Friday, POSTPONED)

Special Notes: All Holy Week Services have been postponed until next

year’s Holy Week. This also includes the Fellowship of Concern Prayer

Vigil and luncheon on Maundy Thursday.

April 12, 2020 (Easter Sunday)

Sermon Title: DEATH OR LIFE?


Scripture: John 10: 9-18

Focal Verse: “I came that they may have life…” v. 10

Synopsis: The evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus comes to bring life. Have you entered into

the safe sheepfold through Jesus, the Door. Do you follow Him as the Good Shepherd of your life?

April 19, 2020

Sermon Title: PERFECT LOVE

Preaching: Pastor Scott

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Focal Verse: “But perfect love drives out fear…” v. 18

Synopsis: Throughout these many days of dealing with COVID-19, there have been many things that have

caused us to live in fear. While all of these things require us to use wisdom in our responses, we live in the per-

fect love of God who is a God of peace and not a God of fear. If God is for us, who can be against us?

April 26, 2020

Sermon Title: NO FOXHOLE CHRISTIANS


Scripture: James 4: 2b – 7a

Focal Verse: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” v. 4

Synopsis: When the CoronaVirus scare is over, where will you be sitting Sundays or is something else more

important? If you’re only a Christian in times of crisis maybe you’re not a Christian.


March 31, 2020

Dear Church Family,

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to take its toll around the world. Here in Western PA, it is no

different. We remain under stay-at-home orders, and only essential personnel are to be out and about.

This means that the church must continue to keep its doors closed. The session has extended the closure

of the church until April 30, 2020 when they will revisit the situation. We will continue to monitor the

situation to make the best decision from the best information at that time.

However, ministry continues each day. Both pastors continue their work from home, preparing

sermons, reaching out to speak with many of you, and preparing for the day when we can return to

regular worship. Ralph and Cyndi are busy making sure that everything is safe and secure and healthy

for you when you return. Debi is still maintaining the many office duties that need to be done from day

to day.

While we may not be able to gather together, worship continues to take on a modified format. The

pastors along with Darla will put together a streamlined service that will still be available on WJPA at

11:30 AM. You may listen over the radio or stream it online. The link to get to the online stream may

be accessed through the church’s website.

In addition, the modified service will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube at 8:30 AM. You

may join us for worship at that time, or you may wish to watch the video at another time. Please note:

You do not need to have a Facebook account to access the church’s Facebook page. As a public

page, we are accessible to all who desire to view it. You can access the church’s Facebook page or

YouTube page at any time by clicking on the Facebook or YouTube link located on the

church’s website homepage.

One of the great disappointments of this time of separation is that we are not going to gather as we nor-

mally do for Palm Sunday and Easter. This is truly disappointing, but we are planning ways to still cele-

brate. Instead of a prayer vigil this year, look for a Holy Week prayer guide to come your way

shortly. In addition, plans are being made to celebrate Easter when we return to regular worship. We

will plan to do all the music and pageantry with which we are so familiar.

Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your prayers. We love you and are praying for you. We

look forward to the day we can all assemble and give God praise for His faithfulness. Be careful. Be

safe. Hold fast to your faith. We will see you online until then.

Faithfully,

Dr. Broberg Rev. Shetter Jonathan Pachter, Clerk of Session

The LORD is my light and my salvation -whom [or what] shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life

- of whom [or what] shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

DEADLINE FOR THE

May MESSENGER

is April 15th.


(Letter continued)

Please be aware that ALL ministry activities are currently suspended.

This includes the following list, but it is not an exhaustive list.

The Samaritan Counseling Center

Men’s Breakfast

The Martha Washington Quilters Guild

The Stewardship Committee Meeting

The Tuesday Night Speaker Series

Al-Anon

The Jubilate Ringers

The Covenant Choir

943 Praise Team Rehearsal

Christians In Recovery Fellowship

Friends Of Jesus

PEPPI

AA Renewal Group

AA Camel Group

All Worship Services

All Sunday School Classes

All Youth Activities

The Counters

Monday Readers Group

Adult Ed. Committee Meeting

CE Committee Meeting

Mission Committee Meeting

Building And Grounds Committee Meeting

The Deacon’s Fish Fry

Get Involved Sunday

Any Other Committees

Come To The Table Groups

Fostering Spiritual Friendships Group

Again, this list is not exhaustive. The building will be locked and there will be no

admittance. Please note: If your group decides that it wants to meet at a location outside of

the church, this is not a church approved function. The church will not endorse this decision

or these groups and will not be held liable if any participants should become ill as a result.

Thank you for your patience as we wade through these ever-changing events.


PARISH NURSE CORNER

Research is finding that there are more and more health benefits of coffee.

According to the Mayo Clinic, coffee may protect against Parkinson’s Disease,

Type 2 Diabetes and liver disease, including liver cancer. Coffee appears to help with improving

cognitive function and lowers the risk of depression. This information is based on one or two cups

per day; experts caution against the amount of sugar and cream added. To learn more about coffee,

visit https://mayocl.in/32eYIXS. Any questions? Find me in my office in Room 302 most Sunday

mornings. Stop by!

FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN For prayer support or to join this ministry, call

the church office. Please contact the

Fellowship of Concern to give the names of

those who are in need of prayer for health or

other reasons. The names will then be called

or emailed to the church members who pray

daily for others. Prayer request cards are avail-

able in each pew. Completed forms may be

placed in the offering basket.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

REMINDER

We want to remind you that everyone is in-

vited to participate in Sunday School! The

Video Bible Study will be on hiatus until

further notice.

The Adult Sunday School continues the series,

as a part of the Life Guide Bible Study, called

The Kingdom of God. This book is about “the

dynamic of God’s Kingship being applied.”

This class meets at 9:30 AM in the Parlor.

Contact Andy Kluczan for details.

At 11:00 AM in the Parlor, there is a study on

Esther using the book, The Esther Anointing:

Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Courage, and

Influence. Among the topics being discussed

are: Discovering your place of influence &

Finding God’s favor for your assignment.

Contact Shirley Desmond for more

information.

What Christ Says to the Church:

A Study of the Letters to Revelation’s Seven Churches

Lead by Dr. Jim Platt - 7:00pm in the Dining Room

April 14th – May 12th

Chapters 2-3 of the Book of Revelation are comprised of a series

of seven letters, directed to important churches in Asia Minor

(modern Turkey). Join us as we look through the lens of these

seven letters and wrestle with some of the troubling issues in our

own society today including: the overall decay of society, the

breakdown of morals, and the disturbing ways in which this

breakdown has infiltrated the contemporary church. Drawing from

the wisdom of seven very ancient, yet very relevant letters, we will

discover together: “What Christ Says to the Church”! In addition

to wrestling with the content of the Biblical text, this class will

also incorporate photographs of the cities represented by these

churches as an object lesson speaking very directly to what

happens when God’s church fails to heed the voice of Jesus.

We hope you will join us as we confront this important topic!

SAVE THE DATE! Hands and Hearts will be hosting a Healthy Eating

Program on Monday, May 18th from 6:30-7:30pm

in the church dining room. Dana Stainbrook, RN,

BSN, CDE will present the program. Dana has

years of experience counseling patients on healthy

food choices. Recipes, healthy food samples and

handouts will be available with plenty of time for

Q&A. Free and open to the community; join us and

bring a friend for an evening of fun and food!

ADULT EDUCATION UPDATE

All information is pending whatever

schedule updates occur in the future.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS


CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS: Children’s Ministry

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for July 13-17 for your children to

participate in a week of Bible time adventure. For more

information, or to volunteer, contact Lois Core:

[email protected]

“Sunday School in Your PJ’s” Sunday School teacher Jill Losko and her daughter, Sarah, are offering an alternative

Sunday School lesson format on Facebook. Jill teaches Grades 3, 4 and 5 and has created a

private group on Facebook for The Church of the Covenant families and friends called,

“Sunday School in Your PJ’s”. They are meeting virtually on Sunday mornings at

11:00 am with live videos that contain a Bible message and a craft. The first one aired on

Sunday, March 22, which is still available for viewing. We are asking kids of any age to

take a turn at leading a lesson from their own homes as the Loskos did. Please request to

join the group on Facebook and Jill will approve you and provide you with guidance and

support. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/541283439836450

Deep Blue Bible Stories Here is a website on youtube that the children might enjoy watching while Sunday School is

being postponed: https://t.e2ma.net/click/pm82zc/pitsu1c/dtxhtn

Several of the videos are timely because they tell the stories of Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

Other Sunday School Ideas 1. Read some Bible stories and act them out.

2. Make a craft that relates to one of the Bible stories. Use Pinterest for ideas.

3. Have daily family devotions.

4. Memorize scripture verses, the Lord’s Prayer, the 10 Commandments.

5. Dance to kids worship music.

6. Take a nature walk and count the ways that God has blessed you.

7. Write a prayer and offer it during devotional time.

Go to https://ministry-to-children.com/online-ministry-when-church-is-cancelled/ for more ideas.

Palm Sunday, April 5 and Easter, April 12 Sunday School will not meet and the Nursery will not be open.

Missing You!

Staying connected and continuing to share God’s love is paramount in the minds of our Sunday School teachers. The Bible is

full of stories that prove God’s presence in all circumstances. He is present now and wants us to go to Him in prayer for com-

fort and strength. Know that the teachers miss all of the children and are praying for each of them. We hope to see everyone

Sunday

School

in your

PJ’s

The Preschool continues to send daily lessons and shout outs to all preschool families with encouragement,

fun and sprinkles of God's love via our "Remind" app. If you would like a smile during this time ..go to our

Preschool Facebook page Church of the Covenant Preschool or this link March 30, 2020 and watch the video that

we all put together. Just click on the March 30th, 2020 and the video will appear. We hope it makes you feel like

you are loved and to stay strong and reach out to others even though you don't have a child in preschool. The

beautiful preschool staff that we are blessed with here at our church have opened their hearts to all. We will

continue to send daily teachings about God and curriculum based lessons until we can meet in person once again.


DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR MARCH

Wednesday, April 1

Exod. 7:8–24

2 Cor. 2:14–3:6

Mark 10:1–16

Thursday, April 2 Exod. 7:25–8:19

2 Cor. 3:7–18

Mark 10:17–31

Friday, April 3 Exod. 9:13–35

2 Cor. 4:1–12

Mark 10:32–45

Saturday, April 4

Exod. 10:21–11:8

2 Cor. 4:13–18

Mark 10:46–52

Sunday, April 5

Palm/Passion Sunday

Zech. 9:9–12

1 Tim. 6:12–16 or Zech.

12:9–11; 13:1, 7–9

Luke 19:41–48

Monday, April 6

Lam. 1:1–2, 6–12

2 Cor. 1:1–7

Mark 11:12–25

Tuesday, April 7 Lam. 1:17–22

2 Cor. 1:8–22

Mark 11:27–33

Wednesday, April 8 Lam. 2:1–9

2 Cor. 1:23–2:11

Mark 12:1–11

Thursday, April 9

Maundy Thursday Lam. 2:10–18

1 Cor. 10:14–17; 11:27–32

Mark 14:12–25

Friday, April 10

Good Friday Lam. 3:1–9, 19–33

1 Peter 1:10–20

John 13:36–38 or John

19:38–42

Saturday, April 11 Lam. 3:37–58

Heb. 4:1–16

Rom. 8:1–11

Sunday, April 12

Easter Exod. 12:1–14

John 1:1–18

or Isa. 51:9–11

Luke 24:13–35 or John

20:19–23

Monday, April 13

Exod. 12:14–27

1 Cor. 15:1–11

Mark 16:1–8

Tuesday, April 14 Exod. 12:28–39

1 Cor. 15:12–28

Mark 16:9–20

Wednesday, April 15 Exod. 12:40–51

1 Cor. 15:(29) 30–41

Matt. 28:1–16

Thursday, April 16

Exod. 13:3–10

1 Cor. 15:41–50

Matt. 28:16–20

Friday, April 17 Exod. 13:1–2, 11–16

1 Cor. 15:51–58

Luke 24:1–12

Saturday, April 18 Exod. 13:17–14:4

2 Cor. 4:16–5:10

Mark 12:18–27

Sunday, April 19

Exod. 14:5–22

1 John 1:1–7

John 14:1–7

Monday, April 20 Exod. 14:21–31

1 Peter 1:1–12

John 14:(1–7) 8–17


1 Peter 1:13–25

John 14:18–31

Wednesday, April 22

Exod. 15:22–16:10

1 Peter 2:1–10

John 15:1–11

Thursday, April 23 Exod. 16:10–22

1 Peter 2:11–3:12

John 15:12–27

Friday, April 24

Exod. 16:23–36

1 Peter 3:13–4:6

John 16:1–15

Saturday, April 25 Exod. 17:1–16

1 Peter 4:7–19

John 16:16–33

Sunday, April 26 Exod. 18:1–12

1 John 2:7–17

Mark 16:9–20

Monday, April 27

Exod. 18:13–27

1 Peter 5:1–14

Matt. (1:1–17) 3:1–6


Col. 1:1–14

Matt. 3:7–12

Wednesday, April 29 Exod. 19:16–25

Col. 1:15–23

Matt. 3:13–17

Thursday, April 30

Exod. 20:1–21

Col. 1:24–2:7

Matt. 4:1–11

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Jean Hanas 4/03

Megan Sutton 4/03

Nicholas Wall 4/03

Billy Proudfit 4/04

Nancy Bernett 4/05

Joseph Di Pietro 4/05

Sarah Cole 4/05

Barbara Baughman 4/06

Evi Mecalf 4/06

Stephanie Silbaugh 4/06

Michael Spiegel 4/06

Jessica Kosco 4/06

Ben Baker 4/07

Debbie Knestrick 4/08

Cory Cook 4/08

Rae Dawn Guyton 4/09

Niki Ewing-Davis 4/09

Caitlin Scott 4/09

Jane Barnickel 4/10

Emily Yukish 4/11

Kenneth Watson 4/12

Dominic Clutter 4/12

Pat Sanders 4/13

John Pankopf 4/13

April Batove 4/13

Michelle McCarrell 4/13

MaryAnna McNeel 4/14

Tara Knight 4/15

Christopher Knight 4/17

Susan Kepler 4/18

Colton Clingermanstang 4/18

Jason Piatt 4/19

Lindsay Wall 4/19

Betsy Gaul 4/20

Edward Phillips 4/20

April Betzner 4/21

Karen Suzanne Orr 4/21

Brenda Griffith 4/21

Marian Keisling 4/22

Donna Sukel 4/22

Brooke Roupe 4/22

April Devenney 4/22

Denny Denmead 4/23

Rachel Phillips 4/23

James Little 4/24

Jack Piatt, III 4/24

Jessica Gunjak 4/24

Travis Nassar 4/24

Steven Aloia 4/25

Norma Koman 4/26

Stephen Spiegel 4/26

Jane Wagner 4/28

Joseph Jefferys 4/28

Doug Locy 4/28

Dayne Warren 4/28

Sarina Jones 4/29

Noah Johnson 4/30

Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

THE CARNAHAN LIBRARY

Dedicated on 11/1/09 to the memory of Thomas Dorrington Carnahan II,

Thomas Dorrington Carnahan III, George Kirk Carnahan and to the glory of God.

The following books are given in Memory of Betsy Stevenson by

the Presbyterian Women’s Afternoon Circle: (4 books)

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. This novel focuses on sib-

lings who were raised in a beautiful estate called the Dutch

House in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Through a series of cir-

cumstances, they are asked to leave the home in which they

grew up. They end up in the same poverty that their parents

had escaped from at the end of WWII. They find that all they

have to count on is each other. (This book had been on the best

selling list for many weeks. The library has other Ann Patchett

novels.)

Finding Chika by Mitch Albom. Chika Jeune was born 3 days

before the earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. When her

mother died, she was admitted to the Have Faith Haiti Orphan-

age which Albom and his wife, Janine operate in Port-au-

Prince. The 50 children who live there have become like family

to the Alboms. When Chika turns 5, she is diagnosed with a

very serious illness which can’t be treated in Haiti. So Mitch

and his wife take Chika to their home in Detroit where they

begin a search for a cure. (This book has been a best seller.

The library has many of Albom’s books.)

Is Paris Burning? by Larry Collins. This classic best seller tells

the true story of how Paris miraculously escaped Adolf Hitler’s

sentence of death. The following is an excerpt from an order

from Hitler to the Commanding General of Greater Paris in

August, 1944 – “Paris must not fall into the hands of the en-

emy, or, if it does, he must find nothing there but a field of ru-

ins.” How the city is saved from total destruction is explained

in this non-fiction classic that reads like a novel.

Harriet Tubman: Conductor of the Underground Railroad by

Ann Petry. This biography of Tubman has received wonderful

reviews and was a ‘New York Times Outstanding Book’. As

most of us have learned, Tubman was a slave who escaped

from the plantation to the North in 1849. Before long, she de-

cided to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad,

helping others make the perilous journey out of bondage. (The

major motion picture that was released in 2019 presents a won-

derful summary of her remarkable life.)

The following books are given in Memory of Dick Phelan by

the Presbyterian Women’s Afternoon Circle: (2 books)

The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson. In his very

readable and often humorous style, Bryson takes the average

reader on a ‘tour’ of the human body. Each chapter covers one

area of a human being – the brain, the head, the heart and

blood, the skeleton, the immune system etc. The reader is pre-

sented with many interesting facts that are given in a way any

reader can understand. (This book has been on the bestselling

list for many weeks. Also, the library has more of his books

often based on his travels through a country he’s visited – ex.

Australia).

One Day: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary 24 Hours in

America by Gene Weingarten. The author is a two time Pulit-

zer Prize winning journalist and writer for The Washington

Post. In 2013, he asked strangers to draw a random day, month

and year. The date was Sunday, December 28, 1986. For the

next 6 years, Weingarten researched what had happened on that

date. The results were events, some of which were newsworthy

and some that never made it to the news but all of what he

found were compelling. This is a fascinating read for any

American.

The following books were purchased for the library:

Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times by Ken-

neth Whyte. Some of the information one learns from this very

good biography include: Hoover was an orphan who built a

fortune at a young age; a great humanitarian; a president

elected in a landslide and then defeated 4 years later; often con-

sidered the father of both New Deal liberalism and modern con-

servatism but unfortunately his accomplishments are often

overlooked by the perception that Hoover was inept and heart-

less in the face of the Great Depression. (Recently Hoover was

featured in a segment of CBS Sunday Morning and it presented

many of the accomplishments also featured in this biography).

Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus by Jim Wallis.

The author feels that our cultural and political crisis stems from

how the American church has become disconnected from the

teachings of Christ. Some of the chapter titles are What about

Jesus?, The Neighbor Question, the Peacemaker Question, and

The Discipleship Question. He reveals how following the

teachings of Christ empowers us to act in courage and hope.


The following books were donated to the library. The Library Committee thanks the donors. All have been cataloged and are ready to be

checked out. The library is in Room 308, the first room on the right as you enter the third floor hallway from the elevator. The card cata-

log will help you to locate a book by author, title or subject.

The Messenger c/o The Church of the Covenant

267 East Beau Street

Washington, PA 15301

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D

Washington, PA

Permit No. 29

Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger€¦ · 09/04/2020 · The Messenger...

Documents

Transcript of Newsletter of The Church of the Covenant The Messenger€¦ · 09/04/2020 · The Messenger...