February 10, 2012

Dear Covenant Kin,
Given how important the information was in the opening of last week’s epistle, we will continue to lead with that for the next few weeks:

Last month at our “Town Hall” Meeting, there was overwhelming support for the idea of going to one service. Your session listened very carefully and decided that beginning with Lent, we will try out the idea of only having one service. So starting Feb. 26th this is what our new Sunday morning schedule will look like:
9 am Sunday School
9:45 am Fellowship Time
10:30 am Worship
11:30 am Youth Group

The session wanted to give this a try, and it made the most sense to use the changes in the liturgical calendar to our advantage and try this new practice with the season of Lent. We will try this out until at least this fall, and see how it works. Then this summer the session will decide whether to continue this new schedule next fall.

So mark your calendars for Feb. 26th!!!

ALSO, I need your help with my Lenten discipline! I have decided that for lent I, am going to begin to spend time in the afternoons getting out of the office and visiting people in the congregation. So next week I will begin calling people to arrange times for a brief visit and to deliver the new Lenten Church Calendar. If you desire a pastoral visit, by all means, don’t wait for me to call you, call me at 505-463-5957. I look forward to this time of connecting with you,
Seth

Church Staff News
Seth is keeping fairly regular office hours of 9-4 Tues.-Fri. If you would like to meet with him, please call Seth or the church office to schedule an appointment. Jim Collie and Kathryn Cameron are also available by appointment. All 3 pastors may be reached at 221-6764.

BEFORE SUNDAY
PW Valentine Dessert
February 11 at 1:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall Bring artwork or crafts to share. It can be something you have made or purchased. Refreshments furnished by Mary Ruth Circle members. All women and guests are invited. Please sign on sheet in Narthex. Any questions, call Phyllis at 296-4538.

ABOUT SUNDAY
Worship
The scripture readings are Mark 1:40-45 and Psalm 30. Rev. Kathryn Cameron will be preaching this Sunday and the sermon title is "Words with Friends."

'12 Mission Themes
The Mission Committee decided that throughout 2012 we will have monthly mission themes to highlight the mission projects and activities with which Covenant is involved, putting a spotlight on different groups and organizations each month. With each new theme, we will update our mission board in the fireside room with information, photos, and other materials that correspond with the theme. We will also work to incorporate the themes into worship and other aspects of life at Covenant whenever possible. This month's theme is Blood Drives, highlighting the importance of donating blood.

Cuba Presentation
On Sunday, February 12th, Dan and Gayle Pedrick, and Jensen Blankinship will make a presentation about their recent journey to Cuba with the Presbytery of Santa Fe.

Youth Group
Youth group this Sunday will continue with the class on sexuality.

Just a reminder - This is the last week to purchase tickets to the PSF Murder Mystery Dinner. Make sure you pick yours up today!

OTHER NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
Adult Sunday School
The Parables
Helen Bennett has resumed her teachings on the parables.

The Divining Pen
Come join Kathryn Cameron and Sarah Kotchian on Feb. 19th in this one-week Sunday school class as we explore writing as a way to deepen our faith journeys. No writing experience necessary; all are welcome. We will write in class and take away some encouragement on writing into our questions and experiences of our life in God. Sarah will share how she is writing into her journey to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago beginning this March. Kathryn will share how writing poetry has become for her communion with the Ineffable One.

Adult Lenten Study
We are already sneaking up on Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22nd. Starting Thursday, March 1st at 5:30 pm, we will have a soup dinner together and then begin our adult Lenten series on Gradye Parson’s book, Open to Me the Gates. This explores the image of gates used repeatedly in scripture to talk about entering into a faithful relationship with God. Books are available in Narthex for $8.

Adult and Youth Sunday School
Starting on Feb. 26th we will begin a Lenten Sunday School series for adults and youth together focusing on Protestant Traditions. Much like our study last year on Different World Faiths, this year we will focus on our Sisters and Brothers of different protestant traditions. The classes will be team taught by the pastoral staff and several congregants who were parts of others Protestant traditions in the past. Here’s the line up:
February 26 Introduction: Seth Finch
March 4 Methodism: Jim Collie
March 11 Lutheranism: Kathryn Cameron March 18 Episcopal: Sue Browne & Rev. John Barton
March 25 Baptists: Paul Watson
April 1 Wrap up: Seth Finch

Spring Dinner Group lists are ready to be picked up from the Narthex table.

R.O.M.E.O. Lunch Group
For the past four years on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, the Covenant R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group meets at noon for lunch and fellowship at Ortega's Mexican restaurant, on Wyoming near Comanche. If you are retired or still working and can spare an hour once a month, please join us. The next lunch date is Wednesday, Feb. 15th.

YAV Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
We have another YAV in our midst!! Jensen Blankinship is in the process of becoming a YAV for the 2012-2013 year, so it's time to start fundraising. Please plan to join us for a pancake breakfast during fellowship time at 9:45 on Sunday, March 11th to support Jensen and her year in mission through the Young Adult Volunteer program.

Blood Drive Results
There were 18 donors for the blood drive. Thanks! 63 people will be helped with that blood.

Per Capita
Per Capita assessment for 2012 is $33 per member. Please mark your Per Capita payment plainly so the counters know to credit you.

“Spirituality of Presence”
The Ecumenical Institute for Ministry is offering a three-Saturday course in spirituality: Spirituality of Presence on March 3, 10, and 17, 2012. This course examines the Inner Compass that draws us to God. We will engage in discussion of our spiritual traditions and prayerful experiences of God’s presence with us. The cost for the course is $80; registration deadline is February 28th. Look for fliers on the Narthex with more information.

MEDITATION
Recently, Presbyterian Student Fellowship (the group for our young adults and college students) lost a member, when she died tragically. Her name was Emily Lein, she was 19 years old, a student at NMSU and she attended La Mesa Presbyterian Church. This past week I received an article about something happening down at NMSU that was inspired by Emily and I wanted to pass it on to you for reflection. Enjoy!

http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_19931710

See you Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Seth