Covenant Presbyterian Church

2439 McGregor Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-334-8937

www.covpcfm.com

info@covpcfm.com

Join us from 9:30 to 12 for a morning just for you! Nursery is provided, but please pack lunch for your child. Meetings are March 8 and 22.

Each month the MOPS group will be collecting items for the Operation Christmas Child boxes. This will help better prepare the boxes when the time comes. In March we are collecting flip-flops and socks (kid to adult sizes)

NO PARENTS DAY OUT

on March 25 and April 1.

Enjoy your Spring Break!

The Festival of Hymns and Psalms includes settings and arrangements of familiar hymns by Bach, Mendelssohn, Pachelbel,

von Nicolai, John Rutter and Moses Hogan presented by Covenant Presbyterian Church’s Chancel Choir and Jubilate Ringers accompanied by a chamber orchestra of guest musicians.

The Spring Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Mark your calendar...Caroline Hong Piano Concert will be April 1, 2016.

MARCH 2016

A Message from our Pastor... One of the unfortunate things that occurred as a result of the Reformation of the 16th Century is that Reformers often felt it necessary to throw away the powerful symbolism of Roman Catholic liturgy, theology and spirituality because they wanted to get away from anything that smelled like the authority of the Papacy. It was a sentiment that lasted a long time among many Protestant traditions, and I well remember as an adolescent in Kansas hearing remarks from people in my dad’s church who complained about anything done in worship that seemed “too Catholic.” For the most part it was about using symbolism as an aid to corporate and individual spirituality. Thankfully, our church and others have found themselves reclaiming some important symbolism which really should have not be thrown out in the first place.

One of those important symbolic reflections comes to us through the Stations of the Cross. Anyone who has visited Old City Jerusalem has seen the sign pictured above, which marks the beginning point of those stations that wind through the city streets on the approximate path Jesus followed while carrying his cross. I say approximate because the actual city streets upon which Jesus walked are now about 10 feet below where modern-day visitors stand while visiting Jerusalem today (Jerusalem is a city built on top of earlier versions of the city). I have personally walked the “Via Dolorosa” (Way of the Cross) a number of times and have found it to be a good opportunity to reflect on what Jesus did; a meaningful exercise especially for Lent and Holy Week.

I would like to use this space to highlight those fourteen stations for your own personal Lenten Season reflection. It should be noted that some of the stations actually come from a scriptural citation; others do not, but come rather as a result of some kind of oral tradition. The long and short of this is that The Way of the Cross comes to us as story, informed by Scripture, that dramatizes for us the extent to which Christ went on our behalf.

Station One: Station Two: Station Three:

Jesus is Condemned Jesus Accepts his Cross Jesus Stumbles

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Station Four: Station Five: Station Six:

Jesus & His Mother Simon Carries Cross A Woman Wipes Jesus’ Face

Station Seven: Station Eight: Station Nine:

Jesus Falls Again Jesus Speaks to Women Jesus Falls for Third Time

Station Ten: Station Eleven: Station Twelve:

Jesus Stripped of Robe Jesus Nailed to Cross Jesus Dies on Cross

Station Thirteen: Station Fourteen:

Jesus Taken From Cross Jesus Laid in Tomb

Prayer: Loving God, you did not withhold nor spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all. Teach us what this means. Give us new hope. We ask this in Christ’s holy name. Amen.

Peace and Grace, Jeff

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Our annual Easter tradition will be held on Palm Sunday, March 20th after our 10 a.m. worship service. Each year we use this event to reach out to friends and family in our community as an introduction into our church. We are happy to say that we have once again reached out to the foster and adoptive families in Lee County. We are thrilled to be able to provide these children with a fun-filled day here at our church to continue this tradition. Last year the attendance was 350; therefore, we will need to have every volunteer on hand. Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to: donating candy or trinkets for the Easter egg hunt; putting together candy bags for distribution; setting up tables; assisting with parking and traffic

control; supervising games and waterslide activities; preparing and servicing lunch; donating baked goods; donated stuffed Easter baskets; setting up egg hunts and scavenger hunts; and cleaning up.

This will be a great outreach for our church and a fun-filled day for all! Please contact Dawn Castner at cpcpublications@gmail.com or sign up at the Connection Station if you are

attending and/or volunteering. WE NEED YOU!!!

Montaña de Luz Mission Trip Update: There's still time to join Covenant's team and travel to Honduras from June 14-21, 2016! Our work project has been confirmed: We will be renovating the current chapel on site (painting, designing a mural, removing old window panes and screening the window, installing new fans, creating a new storage area for supplies, and spending lots of time with the children! Total Cost (includes airfare, insurance, meals, transportation, lodging, site seeing and cultural events): $1,800 per person. Pick up the information sheet on the Connection Station board or contact Ruth DeYoe: ruthdeyoe@gmail.com

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING will be received and dedicated on Palm Sunday, March 20th God unites our gifts to create a big impact. On Palm Sunday (March 20) you are invited to bring your gift for the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering. Fish Banks that were distributed in February to the congregation will also be received in worship on Palm Sunday. Gifts received will be used for

ministries that provide food and safe water to people in need, hope to those overcoming a catastrophe or conflict, and resources for disadvantaged and oppressed communities striving to better their lives. Your gift, combined with the talents of those who receive it, will serve to create a more just, resilient, and sustainable future. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People are all supported through this special offering. Please give generously. Checks should be made out to Covenant Presbyterian Church (memo: One Great Hour of Sharing). For additional information, visit: presbyterianmission.org/give-oghs This special offering of the PCUSA continues to make a HUGE difference in the lives of many!

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Palestine Olive Oil Sales- Palm Sunday

The next sales event for Palestine Olive Oil and Thyme Spice Mix will be on Palm Sunday, March 20, in the Church Courtyard before and after Worship by members of the two Covenant mission teams that went to Palestine. Proceeds from the sale of olive oil and spice mix benefit planting of olive trees; production, bottling, and packaging of oil and spice; art-based emotional therapy for Palestinian children traumatized by war and occupation; and start-up of other businesses in Palestine. Participating in this event is a non-violent statement of support for Palestinian justice .

Covenant Presbyterian Church hosts a full calendar of events for all youth in 6th through 12th grade! Youth Bible Study is held every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. before worship. Youth fellowships take place every month on Sunday evenings and include meals, games, activities, music and discussions. A variety of trips, retreats, mission and outreach opportunities are available as well. Youth do not need to be members of Covenant to participate in activities and are always welcome to invite friends! For specific information regarding dates and times of youth activities please contact Eric Nanz at nanzet@gmail.com. Youth Activities for March: 3/5 INASMUCH

3/6 Sunday School 3/13 Sunday School and Evening Fellowship

3/20 Eggstravaganza

3/27 Easter Sunday

CEDARKIRK SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Registration for Cedarkirk’s 2016 Summer Camps is open! Whether

you are in first grade or high school, a family with young children or

a grandparent seeking time with your grandchild, Cedarkirk’s

summer programs have something for you. Cedarkirk offers camps

for all ages and stages of life, emphasizing opportunities for fun,

community-building, and spiritual growth in a beautiful, natural

environment. To ensure your choice of programs, pick up a

brochure in the church office or visit www.cedarkirk.org today. If

you have any questions, please contact the camp office at 813-685-

4224x2 or camps@cedarkirk.org

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SESSION HIGHLIGHTS FOR FEBRUARY

The session met on February 16, 2016 with Rev. Jeff DeYoe moderating the meeting and ten elders in attendance. Others present: Gary Brothers, Facilities Manager, Mary Kay Brothers, Deacon, and Barbara Heflin, Clerk of Session.

Approved Pat Arner to serve as Deacon, Class of 2017 to fill the unexpired term of Steve Callaway who resigned.

Approved Ryan Heck, Pete Burkert and Karen Ulack to serve on the 2016 Stewardship Campaign Committee.

Approved the following members to be placed on the inactive roll due to no current addresses: Lolly Koch, Burton and Angie Marsh, Xochil Montenegro, Mary Musselman, Harry Myers, Vicki Richmond, Sue Rudnicki, Dudley Smith, Garrett and Elizabeth Van Sickel.

Approved the Feed 5000 Food Drive which would provide bags of food for CCMI. A list of items needed would be provided for those who wish to participate. They will be collected on a quarterly basis, beginning in April.

Approved the annual financial review as required by the Book of Order.

Approved the baptisms of Preston Michael King, Summerlyn Hill and Beckham Hill on April 3, 2016.

The Presbyterian Women’s Gathering will be held on Sunday, March 6 following the worship service in Fellowship Hall with Ellen Sheppard as speaker.

The Souper Bowl of Caring offering totaled $807.22.

The Spaghetti Luncheon Youth Fundraiser totals $3,011 to date.

The annual Eggstravaganza will be held on Palm Sunday, March 20 following the worship service with children in the Lee County Foster Care program invited. Volunteers are needed to help with the event. Last year 350 people attended this event.

Attention All Women

Join us for the

Celebration of Women Luncheon

March 6th at 11:30 a.m.

Presentation and theme:

Ellen Sheppard

Sign up in the courtyard.

Bring your friends!!!

Box lunch from Panera—$10

March 20 at 10 a.m. Palm Sunday Service

March 24 at 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday

March 25 at 12 noon Good Friday Service

March 27 at 8 and 10 a.m. Easter Services

Lenten Study

Pastor DeYoe continues his Lenten season with the

study of the Kerygma course, “Sowing Tears,

Reaping Joy: The Bible and Brahms; Requiem”.

Classes will be offered at 3:30 p.m. in F207 during

the Sundays of Lent, concluding on Palm Sunday,

March 20.

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The Ides of March did not blow well for either Ceasar, Anthony, or Cleopatra…and perhaps not for you, either. Whether your journey through this world’s troubles is long or short you do not have to travel it alone. You may request a companion, a Stephen’s Minister, to walk along with you and help you withstand life’s winds.

Contact a Stephen Minister: Pat Arner 997-9108 Sarah Jane Essebaggers 616-502-7086 Lyn Sisti-Sommer 656-1595 Barb Sheets 995-8881 Rev. Dr. Jeff DeYoe 334-8937

Peacemaking Commitment

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has chosen me to bring

good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed and

announce that the time has come when the Lord will save His people.”

Jesus (Luke 4:18 – 19)

LIFE Nehemiah Assembly April 4 The next LIFE Nehemiah Assembly is scheduled at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers on Monday, April 4 @ 7:00 p.m. (sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.). The Covenant LIFE team hopes Covenant will be well represented at this event where LIFE leaders will present the 2016 “Ask” for action from Lee County leaders on a justice issue. This year’s “Ask” is “to reduce the number of unsolved murders in Ft. Myers” which is probably the most challenging task yet taken on by LIFE. All Covenant members and friends are encouraged to attend the Assembly. Admission is free. LIFE (Lee Interfaith for Empowerment) is a justice coalition of 12 Lee County church congregations including Covenant. LIFE has achieved remarkable success since its formation six years ago including 1) Improved access to juvenile mental health care in Lee County, 2) Implementation of anti-bullying training in Lee County Schools, 3) Expanded use of civil citations in lieu of arrests by Lee County law enforcement agencies and 4) Elimination of the box to be checked for a past felony on the employment application form for the city of Fort Myers. At the Nehemiah Assembly, LIFE leaders will also provide updates on the status of these past “Asks”.

Please pray for our friends who are unable to attend services:

Maureen Bashaw, Doris Flaitz, Gloria Gibbs, Sue Loman, Jack & Gwen Pixler,

Ken & Genie Marshall, Dudley Smith,

and Fred Wolff.

God Bless You!

More dates now available…

www.covpcfm.com/covenant/directory/

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January 2016 Financial Report

Income for January $63,514

Income Year-to-date $63,514

Expenses for January $82,705

Expenses Year-to-date $82,705

Year-to-date deficit $19,191

Current Balance on Loan $284,310

Principal & Interest Paid in January $3,938

*A complete finance report is available in the church office

each month.

A Compassion Revolution! March 5th

It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer

with this one day Mission Blitz to help

those in need. Everyone can participate!

Covenant New Member Class- March 13

If you are interested in Covenant Church membership or just want to learn more about Covenant and our Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination, you are invited to attend the next New Member Class on Sunday,

March 13 at 11:30 a.m. following worship service, in F205. The one hour class will include the following topics:

- Overview of the Presbyterian Church (USA}

- PC (USA) beliefs, creeds and confessions

- Covenant Church history, organization, ministries and missions

- How to become a member of Covenant Church

Covenant also offers Affiliate Memberships for those who want to retain primary membership in their home

church.

ADULT SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES from 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Adult Bible Class in F201 Join us for a study by noted Theologian, John MacArthur, with Paul's Letter to the Philippians, which is one of his most loved epistles. This class is led by various church members. Living the Questions in F201 -- A DVD series exploring progressive Christianity and our ever evolving faith. Each class features short video clips of prominent theologians, followed by class discussion. Discussion guides provided in class. Facilitators: Barb Sheets and Ruth DeYoe. Stop by the coffee station in the courtyard and then join us for engaging conversation on the following themes in March: March 6-- Lives of Jesus March 13 & 20-- A Passion for Christ Please note: CLASS WILL NOT MEET ON EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 27th