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Benjamin Alexander

Bjorkman Son of Peter & Kala

Born August 24, 2016

Covenant Overnight

Women’s Retreat

October 7 & 8

Wintergreen Resort

Aimee Byrd, Guest Speaker

Topic: No Little Women

Register NOW!

More info on page 4 of this

Clarion.

SERVICE SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 8:00-1:00 pm

This is a church-wide service day involving several intergenerational service opportunities for the purpose of serving together as a church body, blessing the community, using our gifts,

and building relation-ships. We will meet together at the church at 8:00 a.m. for coffee, a devotional and prayer time, and then be dismissed to our projects at 8:30 a.m.

We’ll meet back at the church at noon for an optional lunch ($2/person, $8/family). A complete list of projects will be posted on the church’s website (www.cov-pres.org) by October 17. Please sign-up by using the online sign-up form or a paper sign-up form at the Welcome Desk in the church lobby. Sign-up deadline is Wednesday, October 26. Please be in prayer for this work and please consider how you and your family would like to participate. For further information contact Tim Frost (tim@cov-pres.org).

Baptism

September 25, 2016

Steven Courtney

1 Charlie Wingard John Hodges Lisa Smith Christian Rooker Doug Stephens 2 Ada Miller Tia Mingle Kinsey Pillichody 3 Lucy Brunk Michael Updike Julian Covarrubias Emmanuel Ortiz Evelyn Shive 4 Rachel Harris Avery Weniger Esther Hulvey Eric Say Joyce Bentz Matt Silver Dick Bolton 5 Jose Miranda 6 Mark Bentz Mark Collier Steve Lam 7 Lizzy Miller John Couric Carrie Jacobsen Paul Tongen Barbara Broome Rebecca Halbeisen Doug Rhodes 8 Clover Pence Kristin McCombe Brylee Brown Nate Smith Carla Benton Chin-Wen Hu 9 Nicole West Levi Napotnik Lindy Landes 10 Sterling Lorson Isaac Ritter Francisca Gonzalez Stephen Cavanaugh 11 Dalton Rothwell Melissa Ritter Katherine Manson Alondra Guerrero-Rosas Rachel Kidd Jeremiah Michael Morgan Cavanaugh

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS 12 Gloria Noll Tracy Hasley Cindy Luebben 13 Ethan Harris Logan Carberry Zachary Smith Terri Slater Lana Adamson 14 Tom Miller Sherman Showalter Marissa Collier Yongguang Hu Aston Rothwell 15 John Raines Barbara Miller Nohelia Guevara Lori Blosser Jack Martin 16 Megan Shank Keller Oates Susan Miller 17 Jasmin Prieto Julie Longenecker Sarah Pope Micah McAdams 18 Keith Allen Margarita Romero Alex Castro Cynthia Petcher 19 Oswald Chase Christianne Burns Beth Clatterbuck 20 Vicki Wickenheiser Joyce Jellum Millie Becker 21 Brad Rash Liam Shulgan Joel Taylor 22 Judah Eller Madi Quesenberry Israel Rothwell Angelica Rothwell

23 Katelyn Harding Ryan Pruitt Austin Slater Eleanor Eller 24 David Crabtree Mary Beth Wylie Mark Say 25 Norman Clark Monica Yoder Iris Nauman 26 Hannah Good Zeal Stephens 27 Isaac Knopp Judah Napotnik Judie Young Michael Schlabach 28 Johnathan Furman Mike Downey Lisa Dunlap Janet Godoy Michael Burkholder Waylan McGillis 29 Christopher Rogers Greg Crabtree Alexandra Harter Earl Wilbers 30 Paul Gorbea Chet Landes Jim Cunningham Charlie Martens 31 Isaiah Smith David Secrist Melissa Stover Richard Little

PIANO FOR SALE: Baldwin Howard spinet piano. $450. Please call Nancy at 540-487-8899 or Rick at 540-246-4330.

Wouldn't it be great to START OUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH HEALTH rather than trying to recover after the fact? I'm looking for 5 people who would like to try out a health and weight loss program for 30 days and work closely with me as a Health Coach. Call Lori at 908-0950 or send me an email (tagalongs3@yahoo.com) for more information.

PART-TIME CHILDCARE NEEDED starting in December We are seeking daycare for our two children. First, we are looking for part-time daycare, afternoon only, for our 3 1/2 year-old son, 1-2 days per week. Second, we are also looking for 2-3 full days of care for our daughter who was born in July. These could be two separate arrangements or one arrangement. Please contact Jacey Roberts at 814-937-8526 or via email at roberts.jacey@gmail.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING at Wingfield Ministries for Support Staff Specialist. Seeking individual with Christian character. Excellent proofing and communication skills are mandatory. Detail oriented with a strong knowledge of Microsoft office required. Duties include: Proofing, data entry, typing, combination of answering telephones and out-bound telephone calls, filing and other general clerical duties. Email resume with three professional references toAccounting@victoryweekend.com. No phone calls.

FREE 12 yr old light "oak" LAMINATE ~400+ sq ft., has been in our dining room, kitchen, and hall but still has some decent life. FREE - WHITE CABINETS We've had them 14 yrs but got them used ourselves. Come take a peek for your shop, cabin, or playhouse for the kids? FOR SALE WHITE GE Spectra XL 44 GAS STOVE 30" large oven with 3 racks, replaced the oven igniter this spring, $200 obo. Call Mark 820-9211 or Julie 433-9177 or 810-5415 juliesmithteaches@gmail.com WRE CHRISTIAN MUSICAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Weekday Religious Education will hire a Music Director for Rockingham County school students. This is a part time paid positon. The successful candidate must be available during school hours, gifted in music and have a heart for teaching children and be able to direct our concert with a large number of students.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2016 WRE Benefit Auction

Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 9:00a.m.

Shady Oak at Weaver’s Mennonite Church

Route 33 West of Harrisonburg

Breakfast Sandwiches and Lunch Available

►Friday Night- 6:00-8:00 p.m. Bake Sale and Silent Auction ◄

Weekday Religious Education PO Box 835 Harrisonburg, VA 22803 438-9997

www.wrerocks.weebly.com

CPC Overnight Women's Retreat

Date & Location: October 7-8, 2016 at the Wintergreen Resort Guest Speaker: Aimee Byrd - cohost of Mortification of Spin, blogger at housewifetheologian.com, and author of Housewife Theologian and Theological Fitness. Topic: "No Little Women" When warning Timothy about dangerous false teachers infecting the church, Paul cautions that they target “little women.” Who were these women then, and are there still little women in the church today? Have we made any progress in equipping our women to discern truth from error in what they are hearing and reading?

Christ loves his church so much, that he wants all of his church, including the women, to “attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Eph. 4:13). This is good news! No Little Women aims to diagnose some of the problems plaguing the women in the church and to equip women as necessary allies in the household of God." Register NOW by visiting our website, www.cov-pres.org! Contact: Jenny Reid (thejennyreid@gmail.com)

Ladies: Would you like to get some Christmas shopping done and wrapped before Thanksgiving. Then join us on November 11th-12th as we carpool to Williamsburg Outlet Malls. We will shop on Friday and stay the night at Holiday Inn Express 2 miles from the outlets. We have supper together and enjoy a great time of fellowship and talking about all the bargains we got during the big Veteran’s Day sales. On Saturday, we shop more and come home at our leisure. Hope you can join us this year. To make your reservation, you can call the toll-free number for Holiday Inn Central Reservations at 800-465-4329.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS Covenant Presbyterian will host Valley Prayer, a community-wide time of prayer, on October 9 at

6 p.m. Our pastoral staff will lead the prayer time. We’ll be praying for our community, our country,

and the world. Please invite your friends and join us.

Recovering from Flooding in Louisiana

Louisiana has been hit by what the National Weather Service has termed the ‘1,000 year flood’. A slow-moving storm hovered for several days over much of LA dumping as much as three feet of water in some locations. One source stated that a record four trillion gallons of rain fell over Baton Rouge alone! Throughout the state over 30,000 people were rescued from their homes, at least 11 lives have been lost and over 100,000 homes have been destroyed.

Now that the waters have receded, there is much to do. Many PCA families and their communities have been affected and need our help. MNA Disaster Response has been on the ground since hours after the flood began and continues to work with all PCA churches in the affected area to help coordinate the response of the PCA. A Volunteer Staging Site is now in place and ready for outside volunteers. A designated fund has been set up to help with the major financial needs. A list of specific, needed supplies has been made. Please visit www.pcamna.org to see how you can best help those who have been impacted by this disaster.

Please pray for all those who have lost so much. Please pray that the Gospel will bring hope to those who so desperately need it. And please consider going to serve.

Are you a mom at home with an infant or preschooler? Join us for CPC Playgroup on Tuesday mornings during the school year from 9:30-11:30. Playgroup is a sweet time of play and interaction for our kids AND a time of fellowship and conversation for moms. Contact Grace Weniger or Carrie Rash with questions or comments. graceweniger@gmail.com carrie.rash@gmail.com

Playgroup Events for October 2016: Oct 4 – Fall Luminaries Craft in the Children’s Wing Activity Room Oct 11 – Outing to Miller’s Pumpkin Patch Oct 18 – Moms’ Potluck, childcare provided in Children’s Wing Activity Room Oct 25 — Costume Party and Bobbing for Apples in the Activity Room

THROUGH THE ROOF DISCIPLING AND SERVING FAMILIES AFFECTED BY DISABILITY

OUR MISSION To come alongside people with disabilities and their families to help the

mission of Covenant Presbyterian Church be fulfilled in their lives.

UPCOMING EVENTS Respite Day

Saturday, October 22, 2016 (10am-1pm) Activity Room | Covenant Presbyterian

Volunteers hang out with kids so parents get a break! Games, crafts, activities, and lunch will be provided.

Coffee House + Q&A

Saturday, November 19, 2016 (10am-12pm) Activity Room & Multipurpose Room | Covenant Presbyterian

Fellowship, coffee, and treats with an informal Q&A for adults.

This is an opportunity for individuals and families affected by disability

to share their desires and needs in a church body.

We want to know how you’d like to be supported! Childcare available.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please RSVP if you’d like to be a volunteer or a participant!

Amy Roy: 540.307.0020 | amykroy@gmail.com

Sarah Pruett: 540.649.2223 | coffeysc@gmail.com

LIFE Overview at JMU

Leaders in International Friendship Exchange

(LIFE) is a program that matches JMU international

students with local friendship families who are inter-

ested in connecting with international students. The

purpose of the LIFE program is to facilitate friendship

and cultural understanding.

Who participates in LIFE? LIFE is a completely volunteer program that is open to JMU international students and to members

of the Harrisonburg area community. International students choose to participate in LIFE in order

to learn more about American culture and customs through interaction with an American family,

improve conversational English skills, and to develop friendships with individuals in the local

community. There are hundreds of international students at JMU representing a diverse range of

cultures and interests. Friendship families participate in the program in order to learn about a new

culture, provide a comfortable environment to students far away from home, and promote a sense

of global understanding. If you wish, you may read about the real experiences of students and

friendship families participating in the LIFE program.

How do I join LIFE and what are the options for participation? There are two options for participation in the LIFE program:

1. Matched: Participants are matched by the program coordinator based on similar preferences and

interests. Participants then meet each other for the first time at an event sponsored by the JMU Office of

International Programs (OIP).

2. 2. Non-matched: Participants attend social events sponsored by the Office of International Programs

(OIP) where relationships between international students and members of the local community can grow

organically.

Both international students and friendship families join LIFE by completing the application. All friendship

families must pass a background check before participating in the program.

When can I participate in the LIFE program? Non-matched participants can begin participating in the program once their application is approved. For

matched participants, there are three start dates for the LIFE program and one end date for participation:

Summer start date: commitment lasts until the following May (1 year).

Fall start date: commitment lasts until May (8 months).

Spring start date: commitment lasts until May (3 months).

Go to this web site to begin!

https://www.jmu.edu/international/isss/students/get-involved/life/index.shtml

The LIFE program is a wonderful opportunity to meet an international college student and begin to pray for

and befriend them. We DO NOT “convert” them. We ask the Holy Spirit to provide opportunities to share

the “reason for the hope that is in us” ( 1 Peter 3:15) , the LORD of LIFE, within the context of hospitality.

IF you have any questions, please contact:

Mark or Julie Smith 433-9177 juliesmithteaches@gmail.com

Please note the following information for the guest network at the church building for Covenant attendees to use:

· Network: CovPresGuest · Password: CovenantPCA · Time available: 5:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. daily

Covenant Social Seniors (Age 55 and up)

Fine Dining at Covenant December 3, 2016

2-4PM We are very happy that

Bobby Jo Miller will give us an afternoon of fellowship and

good food. Please respond to Jeanie

434-9564.

Let’s end the year with a bang!!!

Hello ladies !

Have you ever wanted to help with Missions without leaving town?

We need women of all ages to meet once a month to pray for our women on the mission field.

A.R.M.S., Assisting and Refreshing our Missionary Sisters, will meet on Saturday, October 15, at 9:00 am. in the Nursery Wing Conference Room.

For more information contact Rebecca Jalbert at fanaticfeline@gmail.com

Concert -- The dramatic cantata,

God's Trombones, will be presented on Saturday,

October 1, at the Donovan Methodist Church in Singers Glen

(6:00 dinner, $12; 7:00 concert). The cantata expresses, through poetic

sermons and spirituals, the creation and our hope in Christ.

Raymond Hebert will direct, and Ann Marie Tipton will accompany

on the piano. Contact Raymond (540-908-7452) for

more information.

2016 FALL STUDY FELLOWSHIPS, September 11-November 27:

A SURVEY OF CHURCH HISTORY, PART 4: The Reformation Continues, 1600-1800 A.D., meets

in the sanctuary: As the Protestant church carried the Reformation into the seventeenth and eight-eenth centuries it faced numerous challenges from without and from within. Europe was witness-ing dramatic changes as the medieval world began to give way to the modern. Having broken with the Roman Catholic Church, Protestants faced the prospect of deepening division among its own members. Despite numerous threats, the Reformed church pressed forward. In this fourth series, Dr. Robert Godfrey surveys the history of the Reformed church in the English-speaking world, be-ginning with the Puritans from England to New England. We will also meet such notable figures as John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, and Jonathan Edwards, all of whom played major roles in the First Great Awakening. There will be a 23-minute video lecture by Dr. Robert Godfrey followed by discussion. This class is facilitated by member Lyle Jacobsen.

GETTING TO THE HEART OF PARENTING, meets in Multi-purpose Room West: Parenting is

more than using your power to get children to behave in certain ways. Parenting is all about the exposure and change of the child’s heart. When the heart of a child changes the behavioral change that is needed will last. Learn how to be an instrument of heart changing grace in the little mo-ments of life that God will give you with your children, whether they are toddlers or teens. This class is facilitated by Greg Becker, Director of Congregational Care and Counseling, and Sarah DeBoer, member and counselor at Journey Counseling Ministries.

GOSPEL-CENTERED LIFE, meets in Annex 6: Many Christians speak of the Gospel, but how

many really understand it and apply it to their lives? We want to love and be loved yet living in the church often ends up being harder than we thought. This course teaches how the gospel seizes our hearts, shapes our everyday lives, and transforms us into a genuine community. This class is taught by Pastor Aaron Roberts.

WELCOME TO COVENANT CLASS, meeting in Annex 4: This 11-week class is designed to intro-duce you to other people who attend Covenant, communicate what we believe, and show you are-as of ministries in which you can be involved. Taking the Welcome to Covenant Class is a very practical way to help you discern whether or not Covenant is the church where the Lord would have you worship Him, grow in discipleship, and use your gifts to reach the world for Christ. Par-ticipating in the class does not commit you to becoming a member, but it is a pre-requisite to mem-bership. For planning purposes, we encourage you to register for the class (433-3051 or office@cov-pres.org). Cost for materials is $10.00 payable at the first class. This class is taught by Pastor Burress McCombe. (More info on this class on the next page.)

ALL NATIONS FELLOWSHIP, meeting on Sundays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. in Annex 3: The purpose of the class is to create a welcoming dynamic for people from all nations. Each Sunday we feature a different country or culture, integrating Bible Scripture with cultural content. Bring your interna-tional neighbor, co-worker, or friend with you to the class. For more information contact Covenant members John Couric, Deb Grathwol, Linda Doherty, or Jack and Barbara Tapping, or follow us on Twitter at @ANFellowship. (More Study Fellowships continued on next page.)

(Fall Study Fellowships, continued from previous page)

COLLEGE AND CAREER FELLOWSHIP, meets in Multi-purpose Room East: This Study Fellowship is for college students and the college-aged. Join us for fun, fellowship, and Bible study as we seek to serve the Lord in the church and the world. This class is taught by Pastor Todd Pruitt and RUF Pastor Joe Slater.

BIENVENIDO A ALIANZA/COVENANT, Sala de Cunas, Salón W-10: Una clase tanto

para quienes buscan bautizarse y hacerse miembros de la iglesia como para quienes desean entender mejor los fundamentos de la Iglesia Presbiteriana. Líder: Pastor Jacinto Hernández

FE EN LA PALABRA DE DIOS, Salón C-203: Una oportunidad para crecer en el conoci-

miento de las Escrituras, y ser transformados por el Espíritu Santo usando esta Palabra poderosa. Líder: Miembro Jack Penalver

OCTOBER YOUTH EVENTS:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1:00-5:00 PM: Mids & Highs HIGH KNOB HIKE

– Meet at the church at 1:00 p.m. Bring a bag lunch, water bottle, and

wear good shoes to hike in.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2: NO YOUTH GROUP

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 6:00-8:30 PM: YOUTH LEADERSHIP MEET-

ING for student and adult leaders at James & Sarah Plonsky’s home

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 6:00-7:30 PM: YOUTH GROUP—Both Youth Groups

meet in the activity room, then Mids meet in the Activity Room, HIGHS

meet in the Mezzanine.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 4:00 PM: REGISTRATION DEADLINE for HIGHS

RETREAT – Registration forms and payment due at the church office. Go

to the church’s website (www.cov-pres.org) for the online registration form

or to print off a paper form. See form for more info!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 6:00-7:30 PM: YOUTH GROUP—Both Youth

Groups meet in the activity room, then Mids meet in the Activity Room,

HIGHS meet in the Mezzanine.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21-23: HIGH SCHOOL FALL RETREAT at

Highland Retreat in Bergton – Meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. on Friday

(bring bag dinner) and arrive back at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23: NO YOUTH GROUP

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29: SERVICE SATURDAY (more information on

page 1 of this Clarion)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2:00 PM: FALL FESTIVAL at the Marsh Farm (no

Youth Group)

Page 11

Middle School Boys

Leader Location Time

Brad Billings, 556-8162 Johnny Furman (student leader)

Jeff & Melissa Furman’s 103 S. Pope Street

Bridgewater

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm

Middle School Girls

Grace Yoder, 478-3151 Shannon Cox, 828-0775 Phoebe Cox (student helper)

Shannon Cox’s 160 Wildwood Dr. Bridgewater

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm

High School Boys

Tim Mindling, 478-5431

Alex Solan, 484-358-1449 Tyler Spurlock, 703-785-9059

Tyler and Kaila Spurlock 1055 Stuart St. Harrisonburg

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:15pm

High School Girls

Mollie McGillis, 262-203-0610

Lydia Mindling, 820-6151 Mary Beth Wylie, 830-3301

Ryan and Heather Chico 1212 Woodcrest Cir. Harrisonburg

Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00pm

Fall 2016 BIBLE STUDIES

YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 2016-17 GRADE LOCATION TEACHER

6th grade Mobile Unit 2 Chris & Heather Rooker

7th

- 8th grade BOYS Mobile Unit 3 Ray Gay, Keith Fowler

7th

- 8th grade GIRLS Mobile Unit 4 Greta Houff, Niki Zwanzig

9th and 10

th grades Annex 2 Ryan & Heather Chico

11th and 12

th grades Mobile Unit 1 Tim & Shannon Cox

Children’s Ministries Leadership

Director ~ Lisa Updike

433-3051 lisa@cov-pres.org

Team Advisor ~ Christy Goehner

433-7302 cgoehner@aol.com

After School Program ~ Sandy Hernandez

810-7120 sandy@cov-pres.org

Alianza Elementary ~ Sandy Hernandez

810-7120 sandy@cov-pres.org

Backyard Bible Club ~ Sarah Kalichman

(804) 350-7518 skalichman121@gmail.com

Children’s Choir ~ Lisa Updike

433-3051 lisa@cov-pres.org

Children’s Church ~ Peyton Miller

828-3224 higgins2miller@gmail.com

Bin-Shin So

540-209-1952

CPC Moms ~ Grace Weniger 434-409-7390

Carrie Rash 804-301-2177

Nursery Coordinator ~ Kris Zwanzig

908-1969 kfzwanzig@gmail.com

Sunday School ~ Elementary Coordinator ~ Kristi Keller

540-435-8365

Early Childhood Coordinator ~ Jenn Gay

(540) 383-9571 jenngay@gmail.com

Scouting ~ American Heritage Girls ~ Kelli Hertzler

289-6351 hertzler4@verizon.net

Through the Roof Respite Care ~ Sarah Pruett & Amy Roy

coffeysc@gmail.com amyroy@gmail.com

Children's Ministries Support ~ Teresa Wildermuth

433-3051 teresa@cov-pres.org

Senior Airman Tyler Furman Air Force; Stationed at Beale AFB, CA. Tyler is the son of Jeff and Melissa Furman; husband of Amber Furman.

MC3 Derek Stroop US Navy; Stationed in San Diego, CA. Derek is the son of Marvin and Mary Stroop.

Captain Coleman Zwanzig Marine Corps; serving as a Logistics Officer in an Infantry Battalion on Camp Lejeune. They are living in Hubert, North Carolina. Coleman is the son of Kevin & Kris Zwanzig and husband of Hannah (Goodall) Zwanzig. Senior Airman Timothy R. Bowen Air Force; Stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is the son of Mike and Kathy Bowen and the grandson of Shirley Bowen. SFC Kristopher Gorbea Army; currently stationed in Germany, Airborne School. Kristopher is the grandson of Paul and Nancy Gorbea and the son of Glen and Sue Gorbea. Specialist David Valentine Paratrooper (red beret), first battalion, 82nd Airborne. Specialist David Valentine HHC– 307 BSB B-1931 Red Devil Road Room 517 Box 93 Fort Bragg, NC 28310 Capt. Drew Marsh Army; Drew is the son of Mike and Jane Marsh and husband of Kara (Buracker). Airman 1st Class Joel Marsh Air Force; Intelligence with the 89th Airborne. Joel is the son of Mike and Jane Marsh

Lieutenant Colonel Brian C. Spangler

and Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen G. Spangler Army; Brian and his wife, Kathy, are in the D.C. area. Brian at Fort Belvoir and Kathy at the Pentagon Health Clinic. Brian is the nephew of Kitty Urban.

Captain Jonathan Poyser

Air Force; currently serving as a B-2 pilot at Whiteman AFB in Missouri. Jonathan is the son of Bunnie Poyser.

Sgt. James Emmett Montgomery

Emmett is in the National Guard. He is stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Emmett is the son of Greg & Karen Montgomery. To add names of active service men or wom-en from the immediate families of Covenant

members/attendees or to update the status of a military person on the list, send info to Becky at 434-3463 or bshickel@hotmail.com

Pray For Our Military…. Please remember in prayer the men and women from Covenant families who are serving our country.

Home

Groups &

Weekly

Bible studies

Fall 2016

Home Groups and Bible Studies are primary avenues in the church for accomplishing our mission to equip disciples for kingdom growth and our vision to

grow as a gospel-centered church in our gathering, giving, and going locally and worldwide.

They meet in various places throughout the week and provide an opportunity to gather and know others on a deeper level in the context of study, prayer, mission,

fellowship, and worship. Topics vary but what is

common to all is the spirit of love, service, and

encouragement to one another. Whether you have been at Covenant for ten years or ten minutes, we

invite you to participate. If you have any questions, contact Aaron Roberts, Pastor of Adult Discipleship,

433-3051, aroberts@cov-pres.org.

SUNDAY NIGHT:

ACTS 2:42 Leaders: Tyler & Janelle Garman, 908-6237

Justin & Ashley Hormel, 804-387-1456

Location: Children’s Wing at the church building

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Studying: TBA on a specific study

Childcare: Yes (parents pitch in to pay sitters)

TUESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUPS:

APEX AT URBAN

Leaders: Scott & Sarah Pruett

Scott – (434) 249-3101

Sarah – (540) 649-2223

Location: Urban Exchange

238 E. Water Street, 4th floor Apex, Harrisonburg

(please call for parking info & code to enter building)

Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Studying: TBA on a specific study. Typical format includes a video lesson

followed by group discussion.

Childcare: No

SOUTHERN COMFORT Leaders: Keith & Jane Fowler, 249-3619

Dennis & Donna Houff,

Dennis: 810-8014

Donna: 810-8032

Location: Houffs’ home

510 Cave View Lane, Weyers Cave

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Studying: The Person of Jesus, Unit 1– Compassion, from See Jesus Ministries

Childcare: Yes, as needed

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUPS:

BROADWAY BELIEVERS Leaders: Jim & Barb Peters

Jim – 383-8695

Barb– 383-8696

Location: Peters’ home

353 Platinum Dr., Broadway

Time: Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Studying: How Now Shall We Live by Chuck Colson

Childcare: No

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUPS: (continued from previous page)

HARVEST (Full at this time)

Leaders: Joe & Linda Harter, 828-3885

Reid & Susan Linn, 828-6417

Location: Alternating by month between:

Linns’ home (first meeting on 9/7)

31 Bridgewater Road (in Mossy Creek) AND Harters’ home 112 Sunbright Drive, Bridgewater Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Meets approximately every other week Studying: The Blessing of Humility: Walk within Your Calling by Jerry Bridges Childcare: No

SECOND SEASON Leaders: Bill & Barbara Broome, 234-9798

Location: Broomes’ home

444 Dice’s Spring Rd., Weyers Cave AND

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Meets 2-3 times a month including a monthly meal

Studying: Sermon preparation

Childcare: No

MT. CRAWFORD FELLOWSHIP

Leaders: Greg & Vicki Becker, 478-3883

Gary & Becky Shickel, 478-3913

Location: Gary & Becky Shickel ’s home

394 North River Road, Mt. Crawford

Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Meets every other Wednesday. Studying: What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage, DVD series by Paul Tripp Childcare: Yes, as needed

SOLA SCRIPTURA

Leaders: John & Vicki Wickenheiser, 434-7070

Julian & Lisa Alleyne, 908-3114

Location: Alleyne’s home

1830 Manor Drive, Harrisonburg

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. Studying: Minor Prophets using LifeChange Series study guide. Childcare: Yes

THURSDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUPS:

ELKTON OUTPOST Leaders: Jim & Jane Blair, 908-1471

Location: 16640 Red Brush Rd., Elkton

Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Studying: Philippians using workbook by Sinclair Ferguson

Childcare: No

FAITH & LIFE Leaders: John & Vanessa Manson

John – 746-2431 Vanessa – 290-0043

Justin & Emily Shive, 410-382-8613

Location: Jim & Mary Cunningham ’s, 308 Victoria Dr., Bridgewater

Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Studying: Romans study with a guide by Tim Keller

Childcare: Yes, as needed

FRIDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUP:

FIESTA (meeting September 9-December 9)

Leaders: Jacinto & Sandy Hernandez, 540-810-7120

Location: Church-Nursery Wing, Room W10

Time: 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Studying: TBA

Childcare: Yes (Activity Room)

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES:

Men’s Bible Study: Time: Fridays, 6:15am Leaders: Burress McCombe, 433-3051 Location: Bridgewater Studying: An overview of the Bible

Women’s Bible Studies: Early I Will Seek You Study Time: Thursdays, 6:30am-7:30 am at Mr. J’s Bagels (1731 S. High St) Contact: Jenny Reid, thejennyreid@gmail.com Studying: verse-by-verse through the book of Philippians, leaning about joy, unity, and contentment “in Jesus Christ.”

Time: Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm Contact: Barbara Broome, 234-9798, broomebe@gmail.com Location: W10 at Covenant Church Studying: Sermon on the Mount by Sinclair Ferguson Further Details: Cost $10 for the book. Registration closed on Sept. 4.

If you are experiencing a difficult time-- emotionally, spiritually, or relationally-

you don't have to struggle alone.

Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers… ready to listen, care & encourage…providing one-to-one care

in your time of need.

It's free. It's confidential. It will make a difference in your life!

Contact one of these Stephen Leaders to be paired with a Stephen Minister:

Greg Becker Chandra Palmer Donna Baker

The Stephen Ministry offers booklets on a variety of topics that may concern you, a friend, or a loved one. The booklets are concise and don't require a lot of reading time, but give biblical help with specific areas of struggle. They are on display at the Stephen Ministry table in the lobby. Please feel free to review the topics and see if any might be of help to you or to someone you know. You may keep them, or return them for use by someone else once you have finished.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

BOOKLETS

When You Love an Addict

By Philip Monroe

Loving an addict is incredibly painful. Not only do you have to watch them make the same mistakes over and over again, but along the way they often lie to you, hurt you, and betray you. And yet, against all odds, you still love them and hope and pray for change.

Drawing on his years of counseling experience, Philip Monroe helps you to see beyond the confusion that so often swirls around addiction and into the truths about the struggle and what the road to recovery really looks like. Along the way, he reminds you that your God cares deeply for you and for the addict in your life and is working to bring redemption and heal-ing.

About the Author:

Philip Monroe, PsyD, is Professor of Counseling & Psychology at Biblical Seminary where he leads the Graduate School of Counseling and the Global Trauma Recovery Institute. He maintains a private practice at Diane Lang-berg & Associates where he specializes in working with trauma and abuse, ministry burnout, and addictions.

WHAT IF THE WORST HAPPENS? By Vaneetha Rendall Risner

I found myself growing fearful. Not a heart-stopping, all-encompassing fear, but the kind of constant gnawing that occurs when you look at the discouraging trends of the present and assume things will never change. When you think about the future and wonder, “What if the worst happens?”

What if.

I’ve spent a lifetime considering the “what ifs.” Those questions have a way of unsettling me, destroying my peace, leaving me insecure.

People in the Bible were uneasy about “what if” questions, too. When told to lead the Israelites, Moses asked God, “What if they don’t believe me?” Abraham’s servant asked about Isaac’s future wife, “What if the young woman refuses to come with me?” Joseph’s brothers asked, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us?” All of them wondered what would happen if circumstances went awry. Just like we do.

We all face a staggering array of “what ifs.” Some are minor issues while others have life-altering repercussions. What if my child dies? What if I get cancer? What if my spouse leaves me?

The uncomfortable truth is, any of those things could happen. No one is free from tragedy or pain. There are no guarantees of an easy life. For any of us. Ever.

I was considering this sobering reality a few months ago. Over the course of several days, I had brought numerous longings and requests before the Lord. I wanted them fulfilled. But the unthink-able question haunted me: What if my inmost longings are never met and my nightmares come true?

Is God Enough?

As I sat poring over my Bible, I was reminded of the questions I had wrestled with for decades. “Is God enough? If my deepest fears are realized, will he still be sufficient?” Each time those questions had come up in the past, I’d pushed them out of my mind. But this time, I knew I needed to face them.

I wondered: If my health spirals downward and I end up in an institution, will God be enough? If my children rebel and never walk closely with the Lord, will God be enough? If I never remarry and never feel loved by a man again, will God be enough? If my ministry doesn’t flourish and I never see fruit from it, will God be enough? If my suffering continues and I never see the purpose in it, will God be enough? I wish I could have automatically said, “Yes, of course God will be sufficient.” But I struggled. I didn’t want to give up my dreams, surrender those things that were dear to me, relinquish what I felt entitled to.

I reflected on my unilateral unwritten contract with God, where I promise to do my part if he fulfills my longings. I reluctantly admitted that part of my desire to be faithful was rooted in my expectation of a payback. Didn’t God owe me something? (Continued on next page.)

“God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free

life.”

(Continued from previous page.)

Reluctantly, I opened my hands, filled with my dreams, and surrendered them to him. I didn’t want to love God for what he could do for me. I wanted to love God for who he is. To worship him because he is worthy.

God’s presence overwhelmed me as I relinquished my expectations. He reminded me that I have something far better than a reassurance that my dreaded “what ifs” won’t happen. I have the assurance that even if they do happen, he will be there in the midst of them. He will carry me. He will comfort me. He will tenderly care for me. God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life. But he does promise that he will be there in the midst of our sorrows.

Even If

In the Bible, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not guaranteed deliverance. Just before Nebuchadnezzar delivered them to the fire, they offered some of the most courageous words ever spoken. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it . . . But even if he does not, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods . . . ” (Daniel 3:17–18).

Even if.

Even if the worst happens, God’s grace is sufficient. Those three young men faced the fire without fear because they knew that whatever the outcome, it would ultimately be for their good and for God’s glory. They did not ask “what if” the worst happened. They were satisfied knowing that “even if” the worst happened, God would take care of them.

Even if.

Those two simple words have taken the fear out of life. Replacing “what if” with “even if” is one of the most liberating exchanges we can ever make. We trade our irrational fears of an uncertain future for the loving assurance of an unchanging God. We see that even if the worst happens, God will carry us. He will still be good. And he will never leave us.

Habakkuk models this exchange beautifully. Though he had pleaded with God to save his people, he closes his book with this exquisite “even if” . . .

Even if the fig tree does not bloom and the vines have no grapes, even if the olive tree fails to produce and the fields yield no food, even if the sheep pen is empty and the stalls have no cattle—

Even then,

I will be happy with the Lord. I will truly find joy in God, who saves me. (Habakkuk 3:17–18)

Amen.

“Even if the worst happens, God will

carry us.”

NOVEMBER CLARION DEADLINE Deadline for submitting contributions for the NOV ISSUE is Wednesday, October 26.

Please give your submission to Becky or

E-MAIL:

bshickel@hotmail.com PHONE: 540-434-3463

Sunday Worship Service at: 546 West Mosby Road Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Phone: 540-442-6820

Covenant Clarion is a monthly publication of Covenant Presbyterian Church, PCA 32 Southgate Court, Suite 101 Harrisonburg, VA 22801

1st Worship Service Sunday School 2nd Worship Service Children’s Church during both services for ages 3 to kindergarten. Nursery available both services for newborns to Age 3

PHONE: 540-433-3051 E-MAIL: office@cov-pres.org FAX: 540-433-6361

8:30am – 9:45am 10:00am – 11:00am 11:15am – 12:30pm

RULING ELDERS

Hal Baker SABBATICAL

Greg Becker 433-3051 Larry Chico SABBATICAL

Steve Draper 433-0987

Lyle Jacobsen 214-8504

Mike Marsh SABBATICAL J. D. Patton 810-8016 Don Perkuchin EMERITUS David Shank 383-4701 Gary Shickel 478-3913 Jim Smith SABBATICAL Ken Van Sickle (540) 856-8557

DEACONS

Mark Bentz 383-8442 Mike Brady 289-5738 Marshall Butler 421-7224 Mike Downey 289-9709 Angel Garcia 746-6206 Chris Goehner 433-7302 Paul Hamner 434-1140

Dennis Houff SABBATICAL

Rodney Landes 289-6961 Reid Linn SABBATICAL Greg Montgomery SABBATICAL

Terry Pennington 879-2485 Mark Shickel 478-3930 Jeff Stapel SABBATICAL

John Wickenheiser 434-7070 Michael Wilburn 434-2223

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Equipping Disciples for Kingdom Growth

CHURCH OFFICE: 433-3051, Fax: 433-6361 32 Southgate Court, Suite 101, Harrisonburg

Email: office@cov-pres.org Website: www.cov-pres.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM - 4PM

PASTORAL STAFF • TEACHING ELDERS Todd Pruitt, Lead Pastor • todd@cov-pres.org Tim Frost, Facilitating Pastor • tim@cov-pres.org Jacinto Hernandez, Pastor of Alianza • jacinto@cov-pres.org Burress McCombe, Pastor of Worship • burress@cov-pres.org Aaron Roberts, Pastor of Adult Discipleship • aroberts@cov-pres.org

OTHER STAFF John Kidd, Director of Youth Ministries • jkidd@cov-pres.org John Stephens, Associate Director of Alianza Worship • jstephens@cov-pres.org

Kendal Butler, Director of Administration • kendal@cov-pres.org Greg Becker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Director of Congregational Care & Counseling • greg@cov-pres.org

Lisa Updike, Director of Children’s Ministries • lisa@cov-pres.org Sandy Hernandez, Associate Director of Alianza Ministries • sandy@cov-pres.org

Judy Baer, Ministry Support • judy@cov-pres.org Teresa Wildermuth, Ministry Support • teresa@cov-pres.org Grace Good, Ministry Support • ggood@cov-pres.org Nancy Frutuozo, Ministry Support • nancy@cov-pres.org Dawn Frederick, Receptionist • dawn@cov-pres.org Gus Alvez, Daniel Anglo, Custodians

MINISTRY CONTACTS:

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Sandy Hernandez • 810-7120 AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS Kellie Hertzler • 289-6351 BACKYARD BIBLE CLUB: Sarah Kalichman • 840-350-7518 MEN’S MINISTRY: Aaron Roberts • 433-3051 CHILDREN'S CHURCH: Peyton Miller • 828-3224 CLARION: Becky Shickel • 434-3463 COLLEGE AND CAREER FELLOWSHIP Church Office • 433-3051 CPC Moms Grace Weniger • Carrie Rash ESL: Sue Hodges • 896-9530 LIBRARY: Vanessa Manson • 828-4798 MERCY MINISTRY: John Wickenheiser, Mark Bentz MISSIONS MINISTRY: Jeff Furman • 828-1120 NURSERIES: Kris Zwanzig • 908-1969 PRAYER CHAIN: Church Office • 433-3051 SENIOR MINISTRY: Jeanie Diehl • 434-9564 STEPHEN MINISTRY: Greg Becker, Reid Linn SUNDAY SCHOOL for Early Childhood: Jenn Gay • 383-9571 SUNDAY SCHOOL for Elementary Children: Kristi Keller • 435-8365 SUNDAY SCHOOL for Youth: John Kidd • 433-3051 STUDY FELLOWSHIPS for Adults: Aaron Roberts • 433-3051 THROUGH THE ROOF: Sarah Pruett & Amy Roy VISITOR WELCOME BREAD MINISTRY: Dawn Frederick • 433-3051 WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Barbara Broome • 234-9798 Bunnie Poyser • 383-9159

COVENANT CLARION OCTOBER 2016

ALIANZA COVENANT Iglesia Cristiana Hispana (PCA)

Culto de Adoración: Domingos, 11:15AM

Escuela Dominical: 10:00AM

Jacinto Hernández, Pastor