On the 1st Sunday of Christmas, December 29th, please bring your extra Christmas cookies to share during lemonade and cookie time! Please note, there will be no Sunday School and no Children’s Worship on December 29th. Sunday School and Children’s Worship will resume on January 5th.

Welcome, Ronn Lowe!

With great thanksgiving, we welcome Mr. Ronn Lowe as Organist and Piano Accompanist effective January 1, 2020. Ronn is a graduate of Roanoke College in Salem, VA and holds a B. A. in Music Education and Organ Performance. He has been active as a church organist for nearly 40 years and has served as organist for several churches in Roanoke, as well as Houston, TX. Please join us after worship on Sunday, January 5 for a reception to meet Ronn and welcome him to Covenant

Elder of the Month – January 2020

Kathryn Overacker has been attending Covenant since the day she was born and has been a member since going through confirmation class as a teenager. She graduated from Va Tech with a degree in accounting and is a CPA working in the senior housing industry. She is currently Co-Chair of Covenant's Finance Team and a board member and Treasurer of the Presbyterian Community Center. Kathryn enjoys hiking and greenway walking with husband Mark and their golden retriever Cooper, and family time at Smith Mtn Lake.

The Elder of the Month will be available in or near the Parlor following each worship

service to hear questions and concerns from the congregation.

Save the Date for a special “One-Day Winter VBS”!

On February 29, 2020 from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, all children ages PK (3+) – Grade 4 are invited to join us for a special program, Tell Me the Story of Jesus. Meet the disciples, the “Marys,” people whom Jesus healed, and even children as they share their stories of Jesus. We will enjoy songs, crafts, games, and snacks as together we explore the life of Jesus.

If you are in Grade 5 or a member of the Youth at Covenant, we hope you will plan to be

special helpers at this special program.

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

The Newsletter of Covenant Presbyterian Church

January 2020

Covenant’s Chili Cook-off &

Bahama Mamas Steel Drum Concert Saturday, January 11 at 5 PM

Three categories:

Hot!!! Regular (beef/pork) White (chicken/vegetable)

Please bring chili, cornbread, and/or cookies to share!

Chili judging @ 5:00 PM Chili supper @ 5:30 PM

Steel Drum Concert at 6:30 PM

Sign up now in Heritage Hall!

Dear Covenant Family and Friends,

The newsletter is getting a new look!

As we begin the New Year, what formerly has been Cross Currents is now Covenant Connection.

All of you are connected to Covenant in some way. Many were born, baptized and confirmed here. Many were married here. Many were nurtured by the church’s ministries of worship, teaching, pastoral care and service. Many found their way to Montreat by being connected to connected. Many have come new to Covenant and been here only a few years. Others have been part of families whose children and whose children’s children have called Covenant home. The young and not so young, those raised in Roanoke in other communities around the nation and the world, those still work, those in school, those retired, and those recently born have put their roots down deep in Covenant’s life as a congregation and developed lasting connections to Christ and one another that span the years and bring blessings untold.

It’s hard to know what the coming year holds, but one thing remains sure. Our Covenant Connection through this publication and a whole host of other means at God’s disposal will bless our families, our community, our nation, and our world in the year of our Lord 2020.

Happy New Year to you and yours, and may God bless you everyone!

Kyle

So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. – Galatians 6:10

“Soul Food” – Meditations from Centering Prayer

As dry leaves fall into compost, winter sees gestate in fertile hearts, and spring gives birth anew for summers ripening of the soul. Glory to the One in all, the all in One. Don we now our spiritual apparel: Love and Light a holy life building, sustaining deep roots, strength for seasons to come. What in life can remain hidden or not be attained? Seeds of unlimited potential lie dormant; nourish them and flourish. Awaken to new life! Loving service answer many prayers.

Lumen Christ #13 by Nan C. Merrill

Let Us Pray . . .

Church Members – Audrey Bashlor and Family, Christine Beck, Mary Jane Fisher, Alice Garrett, the Glick Family, Marilyn Hammes, the MacMichael Family, Dru Miller, Sherry Moran, Ray Mortara, Lindsey Nanz, Deborah Patterson, Ann Cecil Renick, June and Forrest Smith, Ben Snead, the Wallace Family, Wayne Wilson, caregivers, and military families.

Family and Friends – Kenneth Benner (Lynnemarie Hancock’s brother), Barbara Bojanowski (Ray and Jean Martin’s friend), Kevin Carter (Cheryl Floyd’s brother), Ron Dibling (Wil Dibling’s brother), Larry Ford (Sherry Moran’s brother), Dickie Hinchee (Leigh Singh’s grandmother), Charlotte McVey (Melissa Cranwell’s mother), Mike Overacker (Mark’s brother), Denise Pillow (Presbytery of the Peaks), Shirley Robertson (Barbara Robertson’s mother), Colin Rooney (Nanz Family friend), Tim (Lynnmarie Hancock’s friend), Daniel Woodbury (Lynnemarie Hancock’s cousin).

Joys and Thanksgivings – Birth of Jim and Linda Eaton’s great-grandson, Theo Floyd, on December 10; Completion of treatments for cancer and first clear CT scan for John Munton; Malawi Mission worker Tyler Holm released from the hospital and returned to Malawi; Successful surgery and healing for Rick Aydlett; Good test results following recent illness; Successful surgery and continued recovery for Bill Beasley.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

Let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

2019 Christmas “Spirit of Giving” – It’s Not Too Late for That Last Minute “Alternative” Gift!

What do you give to “someone who has everything”? You can still give a meaningful gift to Covenant’s mission outreach programs in Malawi, Guatemala, and Roanoke area programs! Gift cards are available on the display table in Heritage Hall for you to send to those you wish to honor with a special mission gift. Please make checks payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church, noting your gift choice in the memo line of your check. Fill out the form and place both the check and form in the offering plate, leave them with the church office, or mail them to the church. Thank you from all those in need of the hope that the

birth of Christ brings!

Holy Hunch Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, January 8th at 10:00 AM in the Green Room. All are welcome to join Dr. Kyle Allen for an informal discussion of the scriptures highlighted in upcoming sermons.

The Men’s Bible Study Fellowship meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 8:00 AM in the Red Room. The next meeting is on Saturday, January 4th. Please come and bring a friend! For more information, contact Jeff Cutright (jcutright4@msn.com) or John McMillen (mcmilljd@gmail.com).

Covenant women and friends are invited to attend Covenant's twice-monthly Women's Bible Study group! This small group ministry meets in the church parlor at 10:30 AM on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, September – May. The next meeting is on Monday, January 13th. For more information, email Sharon Nanz at slnanz@aol.com.

Circle of Friends will meet on Tuesday, January 14th at 7:00 PM at the home of Beth Allen. Please contact Carol Gentry for more information (carolg5@cox.net).

On Call Ministry at Covenant

Did you know that there is a group of folks that call those on the prayer list each month? We reach out to those in need through a call, just to let the people know we are praying for them. This ministry is so meaningful to the callers as well as those we call. Praying for others is a privilege. We hope you will consider being a part of this ministry. Please contact Anne Currin (540-312-9880 or annecurrin5024@gmail).

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Generosity Update

As of December 23 we have received 68 pledges totaling $320,985. Thank you so much to those who have turned in their Estimate of Giving cards. If you have not yet, please prayerfully consider turning in your estimate before the end of the year as it greatly assists in planning for 2020.

Session Highlights:

Congregational Meeting – November 17, 2019

• Approved election of Laura Jane Ramsburg to serve a three-year term as Elder beginning in January of 2020 and Susan Foard to serve a three-year term as Deacon also beginning in January of 2020.

• Approved authorizing the Nominating Committee to begin the process of seeking nominations from the confirmed, active membership of the congregation to be elected by the congregation to serve on an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.

Session Stated Meeting - December 1, 2019

• Approved the baptism of Lincoln James Vick, infant child of Duncan and Kimberly (Gills) Vick to take place on Saturday, January 4, 2020, allowing by special circumstance that the baptism take place at the home of Bob and Alice Garrett.

• Approved motion from Endowment Committee to move Covenant’s current endowment funds from the New Covenant Family of funds to the Vanguard Family of funds.

• Approved Covenant’s 2020 Operating Budget in the amount of $635,000.

• Approved offering Jennifer Powell a part-time position with Covenant beginning April 5, 2020.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Meg Munton, Clerk of Session, at munton.clerk@gmail.com. Copies of approved Session and Congregational meeting minutes are located in the Church Library.

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

Be the Light, Share the Light in 2020!

Mark Your Calendars for Sunday, January 5th – Start the New Year off on a positive, illuminating note! Join us in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 AM on January 5th for food, fellowship, and a fun, interactive preview of the adult Sunday school classes at Covenant from January to May 2020. Light breakfast goodies and drinks will be provided. Please note: Sunday school for children and youth will begin January 5th!

Sunday School at Covenant in Winter and Spring 2020

Shine this Sunday School Year! Sunday School for adults will resume on Sunday, January 12, 2020. We are called to be Christ’s light in the world. Come explore meaningful ways to nurture your faith, to grow in your relationship with the Lord, and let His Light Shine in your interactions with others…and do so in the midst of fellowship with your Covenant family!

Two class offerings are available for adults in January and February:

In the Word: From Judgment to Hope – Exploring the Message of the Prophets (Green Room) – Which prophet had visions of wheels with eyes? Who is considered one of the greatest and most influential prophets? Who is the weeping prophet? Which prophet was a fig farmer and goat herder? Which prophet used the metaphor of an adulterous wife to make his point in what some refer to as a “text of terror”?

Walter Brueggemann refers to the prophets as “emancipated imaginers of the alternative.” Join this thought-provoking class in an exploration of two common themes across the prophets, judgment and hope. Discuss how these themes apply to us in our world today. Together, we will imagine the alternative!

The Wired Word: Current-Event Discussions from a Faith-Based Lens (Blue Room) – What is “church”? How do we connect with those who are “spiritual but not religious”? What can our youth teach us? How do congregations handle issues such as suicide? . . . These are just a few of the interesting and timely topics addressed by The Wired Word class in Fall 2019!

In January, join in on continued thought-provoking, stimulating discussion around current events as related to Scripture each week. No weekly preparation necessary! Simply show up. Each week, the class enjoys discussions of selected current topics/events while exploring Scriptural guidance for facing the happenings in our world today. Coffee included!

For children, two classes are available in the downstairs classrooms 1) Pre-K to 1st Grade and 2) 2nd Grade – 5th Grade. Children’s Sunday school classes will explore the stories of our faith tradition and the faith-based actions/practices of our faith in multi-sensory, stimulating ways. Pre-K – 1st grade and Grades 2-5 classes begin Sunday School with praises to God through music, followed by age-appropriate lessons for Bible learning. Each week, children will relate with Bible characters, see themselves in the Bible story, and apply faith-based actions to their own lives as they learn about the stories of our faith, from Creation to the Gospels and beyond! Middle and high schoolers will gather in the Youth Room each week to explore Scripture and relate it to questions about life, faith and the Presbyterian tradition. All middle and high school students are invited to engage in this youth-centered, fun class each week!

Pop-Up Sundays: The first Sunday in every month!

Pop-Up Sunday School will take place on the first Sunday of each month in February and March. All are invited to meet for a one-time special program at 9:15 AM (in the Blue Room on February 2; in the Fellowship Hall on March 1). Coffee and doughnuts will be provided!

On Sunday, February 2, 2020, Pranav Singh will address the question, What on Earth is 5G?

Almost every commercial break nowadays contains some mention of 5G, Edge Computing, I-O-T or other strange terms. 5G is a new generation of wireless cellular technology that will introduce new communication networks, new devices, new capabilities, and amazing services. But how will all this technology truly impact our daily lives beyond simply streaming games better, loading web pages faster, or not having to worry about signal strength? Join us for an informal, non-technical discussion of this new connected world. We’ll explore what it will look like, what new services we will enjoy, and innovations that lie ahead of us.

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

FAITH FORMATION

Mid-Week Manna, Anyone?

Would you like to receive some mid-week Scriptural encouragement each Wednesday in 2020? Sign-up to receive a “mid-week manna” verse via text message each week during 2020.

How does it work? Members of Covenant will share their favorite Bible verses with the church. Verses will be used as “mid-week manna” to brighten your day every Wednesday. Messages will come straight from Covenant to your phone. Sign up to receive mid-week manna texts by contacting Jennifer Powell at jpowell@covroanoke.org. Leave your name and cell phone number.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Send your verse to jpowell@covroanoke.org, and Jennifer will include your verse in the Mid-Week Manna weekly text one week in 2020.

Faith Formation & Connection Ideas for 2020

• Choose a special Bible verse. On January 1, with your family, choose a Bible verse that you will learn and say with one another each day of the year. This will be “your verse” for 2020, and you can have interesting conversations around it the whole year through.

• Start a gratitude journal. Each night, before you go to bed, jot down 3-5 things for which you are thankful. For families with young children, share one thing that will be on each person’s nightly list at dinnertime each evening.

• Start a prayer journal. In a notebook, make a list of all the people for whom you will pray each day. Leave space to note answers to prayer along the way.

• Commit to service. Choose one day each month in which you will commit to service. You might volunteer at the church, serve at the Rescue Mission or the Presbyterian Community Center, help a Sunday School teacher prepare crafts, or visit with a neighbor. Covenant is involved in many service-oriented programs. Inquire if you need advice on where to start.

• For families with young children, work together to donate a toy or books to a local charity. Or, work together to collect food and take it to a local food bank or mission each month.

• Read your Bible. Commit to reading your Bible each day. Read as much as your schedule allows but read and ponder. As you read, note what about the text is familiar. What stands out about the text? How does it speak to you? Where do you connect? Are there parts of it you do not understand? What questions do you have?

Important Dates and Notes:

• December 29th o No Sunday School o No Children’s Worship

• January 5th @ 9:15 AM o Children and Youth Sunday School resumes o Adults meet in the Fellowship Hall for a sneak preview of Sunday School 2020.

Light breakfast items and coffee provided.

• Pop-Up Sundays in 2020: o February 2 o March 1 o May 3

• Lenten Study o March 8 – April 5

• Easter o April 12

• Sunday School resumes – Practicing Our Faith: Exploring the Virtues and Practices of our Christian Faith o April 19 – May 17

• Bright Sunday & Children’s Sunday o April 19

• Memorial Day Weekend o May 24: No Sunday School. No Children’s Worship

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

FAITH FORMATION

Key Dates: Sunday, January 12 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM – Fellowship Hall

Sunday, January 19 10:15 AM – Usher and Greet for Worship

Sunday, January 26 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM –Fellowship Hall

Sunday, February 2 Worship Souper Bowl Sunday

Friday, February 21- Middle and High School Winter Retreat at Camp Bethel

Saturday, February 22

Middle and High School Winter Retreat – Camp Bethel Sponsored by the Presbytery of the Peaks Youth Council Theme: Centered on Sabbath Small group workshops will explore Sabbath with music, nature, art and more Music Leader: Cameron Moore an Indie singer/songwriter from Charlotte NC Friday, February 21, 2020 at 7 PM to Saturday, February 22 at 4 PM @ Camp Bethel (off Route 11, north of Troutville) Cost: $55/person includes housing, four meals, and a cool t-shirt! Registration due by January 31, 2020

MONTREAT Summer Youth Conference

Covenant rising freshman through graduating seniors will be attending Week 4 of the Youth Conference on July 19- 25, 2020. The Montreat Conference Center is located in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina east of Asheville. The conference theme this year is We Are. Your non-refundable deposit of $150 is due now. Please contact Teresa Wulff at youth.service@covroanoke.org with any questions or concerns.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Covenant Presbyterian Preschool

We had a great day at Fantasyland in December! We love Santa!

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

Covenant Youth – CovYoGro!

Malawi News and Updates

Presbytery of the Peaks Grant

Covenant received a $3000 grant from the Presbytery of the Peaks Hunger Relief Two Cents-a-Meal program for the Christian families and children in Kalikumbi, Malawi. We have received this “Thank You” letter from Reverend Chiumia in Kalikumbi for our continued efforts on behalf of their children, communities and families:

Vote of Thanks

“Receive greetings from Kalikumbi in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On behalf of Kalikumbi preschool and Mtuzuzu. We would like to thank you for your orphan care do here by extend our profound gratitude for the grant awarded to support the two institutions at this particular time. It has come at the right time and children will be greatly assisted as we are facing food challenges at this particular period. May the Almighty God richly bless you all brethren.” – Reverend Bright Chiumia Kalikumbi preschool children and their teacher Michael Mvula

News from Rochelle Holms concerning Tyler’s recovery

Rochelle writes “Tyler has had both joys and difficulties during outpatient recovery care but having the hospital across the street from our hotel has worked out well. He still has about 2 months until a full recovery but has made good progress.” Continuing this story, Rochelle wrote on Dec. 13 “We want to share with you enormous praise that we were cleared by the doctor in Johannesburg, South Africa, and have travelled smoothly back home to Mzuzu, Malawi. Tyler will still need several more weeks of rest and recovery before returning to work but it is good to be home as a family.”

“We would like to thank you for your unwavering prayers during our family tragedy and messages of encouragement to our family. Please continue to pray for Tyler’s recovery milestones for his lungs and ribs to be met.”

If you would like to sign a card for Tyler and his family, cards will be available in Heritage Hall after Christmas. We will send the cards as a group or you may mail a card to their address: Tyler and Rochelle Holm, University of Livingstonia, CCAP, PO Box 112, Mzuzu, Malawi. You may also send an email to Tyler at tyler.holm@pcusa.org. Please continue to pray for our PCUSA mission co-worker and his family in Malawi.

Covenant’s Annual Christmas Party for the Presbyterian Community Center Children and Families

Hunger Offering: As of December 22, our congregation has given $8,145 to assist the Presbyterian Community Center Food Pantry (50%) and other hunger initiatives supported by The Presbytery of the Peaks (50%). Thank you for your generosity!

With Thanks ~

Dru Miller would like to thank her Covenant church family for their concern during her recent illness and on-going recovery all of which meant so much . Special thanks to Kyle Allen, Mary Glenn Aydlett, Linda Eaton, Annalee Finch, Peggy Phillips, Jean Nunn, Earl and Janet Flora, and G.W. Thompson.

The deadline for articles for the February 2020 newsletter is Thursday, January 23, 2020.

Covenant Office Hours Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 NEW YEAR’S DAY Church Office Closed

2

3 4

8:00 Men’s Bible Study

5 Epiphany of

the Lord

Bring Bread

9:15 Sunday School Breakfast 10:30 Worship, with Communion *Reception after Worship for Ronn Lowe 11:45 Communications Team meets

6 Preschool resumes 7:00 Discipleship Team meets

7 6:30 Missions Team meets

6:30 New Officer | Training 8:30

8

10:00 Preschool Chapel 10:00 Holy Hunch Bible Study 4:00 Centering Prayer 7:30 Choir Practice

9

6:30 Centering Prayer

10 12:00 Preschool Staff Meeting

11 5:00 Chili Cook-off & Dinner 6:30 Bahama Mamas Steel Drum Concert

12 Baptism of

the Lord

Hunger Offering

9:15 Sunday School 10:30 Worship 3:30 VBS Planning Meeting 4:00 CovYoGro | 5:30

13 10:30 Women’s Bible Study 7:00 Fellowship Team meets

14 6:30 New Officer | Training 8:30

7:00 Faith Formation Team meets 7:00 Circle of Friends

15

10:00 Preschool Chapel 10:00 Holy Hunch Bible Study 4:00 Centering Prayer

7:30 Choir Practice

16

4:00 Newsletter Deadline

6:30 Centering Prayer 6:30 Old Stable Village HOA 7:00 Grtr Deyerle Neighborhood Assn meets

17 18

8:00 Men’s Bible Study

19

8:15 Diaconate meeting 9:15 Sunday School 10:30 Worship

20

21

6:30 New Officer | Training 8:30

22

10:00 Preschool Chapel 10:00 Holy Hunch Bible Study 4:00 Centering Prayer 7:30 Choir Practice

23

9:00 The Glen HOA Meets 6:30 Centering Prayer 6:30 Officers | Dinner & 8:00 Recognition

24

25 1:30 Piano | Recitals | | 8:30

26 Officer Ordination & Installation Sunday

9:15 Sunday School 10:30 Worship

4:00 CovYoGro | 5:30

6:00 Session meeting

27 10:30 Women’s Bible Study 6:30 Cub Scouts | 7:30

28

29

10:00 Preschool Chapel 10:00 Holy Hunch Bible Study 4:00 Centering Prayer 7:30 Choir Practice

30 6:30 Centering Prayer

31

Loving God, loving people, making disciples

January 2020