 |
Why Be A United Methodist Christian
|
Let me first welcome Rev. Byron Aucoin to our church staff, as the Minister of Visitation & Evangelism. While Rev. Byron is only part time working on Tuesday & Wednesday afternoon and Sundays, we will certainly be blessed by his gifts for ministry among us. Welcome home Byron & Martha.
Following our Louisiana Annual Conference meeting, I felt it was a good time to talk about being a United Methodist Christian. There are many reasons that I am proud of being a Methodist. A good friend of mine, Rev. Chuck Simmons, who serves a large church in Houston, shared his top 10 reasons of why we should be proud of our denomination. Here they are:
10. United Methodist respect the power of sin to seduce us into thinking we know what God knows. And then damn those who are in a position different from ours. We don’t believe our way is the only way. We view ourselves and other denominations as part of Christ’s church. We can be the best we can be, without condemning other groups.
9. United Methodist view diversity as good rather than evil. We all come from different places and experiences and are at different points in our Christian journey, we do not have to expect everyone to see things the way we see them. Diversity of opinion (Open Minds) does not have to cause splits, instead it helps us to really deal with the issues at hand.
8. United Methodist believe the Church should be a hospitable setting from which we can grow closer to Christ. Doubts are not bad things….if we are brave enough to seek understanding and to grow in faith. Faith is the answer to not having to have all our questions answered. We welcome all from different backgrounds to come walk with us.
7. United Methodist tolerate life’s ambiguity. Life is often messy and there are times when the solutions we see, are not always the way we want it. There are times when we must act without the assurance that we know exactly what is happening or why.
6. United Methodist see the evil as well as the good in most extremes and thus we are willing sometimes to situate ourselves in that dangerous middle. The Holy Spirit has to be our guide. He calls us to surrender to Him and risk our lives for Him, without always being able to hold fast to that doctrine that is often divisive.
5. United Methodist believe faith and works, worship and action, go together. In Jesus, the Word was made flesh and lived among us, the world really matters to God, and therefore, we are called to care for those who live in the world.
4. United Methodist believe salvation is not a one time event but a life long process of sanctification. We are to grow more like Christ each day God leaves us here, which is why I will always insist that you need to be involved in Bible Study.
3. United Methodist believe that sin’s power extends to life’s institutions and systems as well as individuals. The Kingdom of God is not confined to our individual lives, but we can often find political or educational or financial systems that need to be corrected.
2. United Methodist believe the Bible is God’s story of His redemption of our sin. The Bible invites us to hear and join in the faith of those whose testimony we read. Through the Bible, we encounter the Voice, the Spirit, of God that will equip us for Christian living. Anyone hear a plug for Bible study again?
1. United Methodist believe and practice God’s grace, God’s undeserved favor. It is God’s will to save us from all that distorts and destroys life. Jesus came not to condemn, but to offer forgiveness and the power to transform our lives. When we see the love of God, it should move us to want to change our lives and become more like Him. We believe in showing people how Loving Jesus is, not in making certain, people know how bad they are.
If you would like to know more about what it means to be Methodist, please ask myself of Rev. Aucoin. See you in Church this and every week,
Chris Blanchard
|
 |
There’s always one thing that can’t be denied living in the south, you always know when it’s summer.
As last year, the Chancel Choir will be taking a much deserved break the month of July. And I would like to thank the choir for working so hard this spring. I believe they are sounding better than ever. But just because the choir is taking a break doesn’t mean we’ll be doing without music. We’ve scheduled solos and small ensembles to keep the praisin’ goin’ through July and into August.
Believe it or not, when the choir returns in August, they will start working on music all the way through and including Christmas.
The praise team, recently named “Redeemed”, keeps working hard throughout the summer. And this year several of the team will represent Covenant at the National Worship Leader Conference in Austin later this month.
In His Service,
|
| Youth |
  Regular Youth Group meeting time is Sunday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00.
School’s out and the temperature is up—must be summer and UMYF will have a busy one. We started it off with a “BANG!” when David & Rachael Lee invited us to accompany them to Ponka, Ark.—that’s in the northwestern corner of the state—for camping and canoeing down the beautiful Buffalo River. So six of our youth, Rex Jones, Michael Neil, Maxie Benoit, Madison Bolinger, Hannah
Stepanek and Lauren Lee, along with some very brave chaperones, Jerry Nugent, Kody & Melissa Bowen and myself, met the Lee’s at church bright and early on Fri. May 30th to embark on what turned out to be the one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. For 3 days, we communed with nature—sleeping in tents, cooking over a camp fire, singing and making s’mores, swimming in a crystal clear river—but most importantly, learning what it means to be part of a team and how wondrous God’s creations really are. The scenery was breathtaking, but the friendships and fellowship that came out of it was even better. Altogether, we canoed approximately 24 miles! This was indeed a trip each one of us will remember and we can’t wait until next year. Thank you David & Rachael for giving us such an amazing experience! And thank you Kody, Melissa and Jerry for being there for us and making this trip so great!
Out next undertaking this summer is the city wide scavenger hunt benefiting United Christian Outreach. Our youth, as well as youth from a few of our sister churches, will disperse and walk the streets going door to door collecting canned goods and various non-perishable items to help restock UCO’s shelves. This will be our first mission project for the summer. We’re hoping to make this an annual event.
In July, we’re breaking out the Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts for the “Beach Party” at VBS. Every year, several of our youth volunteer and take part in VBS and this year will be no exception.
During that same week, we’ll also be having our own fun as we go CRAZY during “YOUTH WEEK”. This year will be packed with tons of activities and ending with a luau on Friday.
Then, before school starts again, UMYF will be offering its services to anyone needing a helping hand. It’s our turn to give back to the congregation in thanks for all of your support and generosity. We call it Youth Service Day. If you have odd jobs, yard work, minor projects you need help with, make sure to sign up and our youth will be there to take care of it. Be on the lookout for more info and sign up sheets in the narthex.
Whew! It’s going to be a great summer! Stay tuned for more youth updates in next month’s newsletter!
Until then….
Gretchen Cheshire
|
| TeamKID |
|
We can all agree that the TeamKID program has been a wonderful addition to the children’s ministries at Covenant. The kids love the fun and games and have learned so much about Jesus and the Bible through this fabulous program. However, beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, TeamKID will see some changes. The first change has to do with the creation of the new Pre-Teen ministry, Club456. This new pre-teen program for children in grades 4-6 will meet on Sunday afternoons beginning this fall. Therefore, since Club456 will serve children in grades 4-6, while TeamKID will serve only younger elementary children up to grade 3.
The biggest change, however, involves our own Coach Jones. Lynley Jones has lead TeamKID from its beginning, and has done an excellent job in this ministry! Lynley’s enthusiasm and love for the Lord are infectious, and it is largely because of her dedication and hard work that TeamKID is such a success. However, “Head Coach,” Lynley has decided to not continue leading this ministry. Though we hate to see her step down, we understand she would like to be able to devote herself more fully to other areas of ministry. I am so grateful to have had Lynley serving in Children’s Ministry, and I hope that her service in TeamKID has blessed her as much as she has blessed our children. I’m sure you will all join me in saying, “Thank you so much, Lynley, for your faithful service!”
In order for us to continue the TeamKID program for the younger elementary kids, we are in need of a new leader for the program. The right person for this ministry loves children and loves the Lord. Those are really the only requirements. If you are interested in helping this wonderful ministry, please contact Leigh Nugent at the church office. Lynley and I would love to meet with you to discuss TeamKID and how you could serve in this ministry. -Leigh Nugent
|
| Volunteer Spotlight: Kitchen Team |
|
When their "obligation" was complete, they didn't even take a breather. They came forth and volunteered to assume the same duties/service for the Covenant family. This is not just a Wednesday job. They plan, shop, cook, serve and then clean. They have been so faithful and have added new life to our mid-week Fellowship Meals. They have been inspiration and blessing to us.
THANK YOU, DIANE AND RUDY!!! You have quickly become support columns in our Covenant Family Home.
When the Timms' tied on their aprons, they found another blessing here. Mrs. Verna!! This dear lady has been a part of Covenant for about 7 or 8 years. Whenever we need her help and assistance, she is there to cheerfully do her best. In case there are some of you out there who don't know, Mrs. Verna is one of the finest cooks here in Lafayette. She has worked at some of the "best restaurants" here, and now she has been promoted to God's Kitchen here at Covenant. Besides cooking, this precious lady has become part of our family. She has one son Troy, who is an off-shore chef for the oil industry. Mrs. Verna is also a loving Grandmother to Brittany and Steven.
THANK YOU, DIANE, RUDY AND MRS. VERNA. We appreciate you and we love you!
|
| Assisted Listening System |
 An Assisted Listening System has recently been installed in the sanctuary for those who need a little help hearing. A small device with an earpiece, similar to a transistor radio, is available for individual use during the worship services. The device is available from someone at the media station or requested from an usher.
The system is ADA approved. Anyone wishing to purchase their own receiver, orders can be placed through the church for $75 each.
The Assisted Listening System was purchased with funds from the Memorial Funds and with a significant gift from a member.
|
| Rebate Cards |
The amount rebated when we all use our Albertson's cards has decreased substantially. While shopping patterns change, it is still important that you have your Community Partner cards scanned when you shop for groceries. If you do not have a card, please call the church.
|
|
| Calendar of Events |
July
6 - “I Can” Sunday
8 - Sudie Lewis Circle at Mary Fontenot
13 - VBS Set-Up Day
14 - Quilting Bee
14-18 Vacation Bible School, Youth Week
15 - August Newsletter Deadline
19 - Methodist Men Breakfast, 8am
20 – Trustees 3pm, Church Council 4pm
26 - Club 456 Launch Party
Click Here for the Full Calendar
|
| Fifth Sunday Pot Luck |
|
Sunday, August 31 - 12:00 Noon
Alphabet Menu (suggestions only)
A-F Veggies (carrots, broccoli, peas)
G-K Fruit (fruit tray, fruit salad)
L-O Starch (rice, potatoes, corn, pasta)
P-S Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, coleslaw)
T-Z Desserts (cake, cookies, pie, candy)
The Church is providing the meat and drinks
|
| New Members |
We are so happy to welcome our newest church members:
Candice Athena Calvitt
Richard Francis Roy
Maria Christine Roy
|
| Knowing Who You Are |
Knowing Who You Are, Is Important
William Shakespeare said: A rose by any other name is still a rose!” But names are important. I know you are like me; we can value having someone call you by name. In Hebrew tradition, to know the name of someone is to be able to really know the person. Therefore, at the directive of the Church Council and the Public Relations committee, we are going to enter into a time of discernment regarding our church name. It seems as if we have gone by several different names since our beginning. The original church name was United Methodist Church of the Covenant. Sometimes later people would use the name of Covenant United Methodist Church. Some five years ago, the name used most often evolved into the Church of the Covenant, a United Methodist Community.
I want you to be praying about, and talking among yourselves, and sometime over the next few months, we will discuss it several times, but want to know everyone’s opinion. The church council has decided that we either need to use the names of: The Church of the Covenant, a United Methodist Church or Covenant United Methodist Church. We want to begin to use one name and use it in our outreach attempts and in our church family communications. What do you think our name should be?
|
| Children and Youth |
|
I’ve been noticing a growing trend at Covenant lately that I feel compelled to address. There have been more and more parents and grandparents who are choosing to send their younger kids to children’s ministry programs that are designed for older kids. While those of us who serve in Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry love teaching all the children regardless of their age, our task is made more challenging when the age guidelines are not followed. In Children’s Worship, for example, lessons are written to be appropriate for a lower elementary age child. Kids much younger than that quickly become bored with and have difficulty paying attention to lessons that are above their heads. This age-appropriateness issue has also been raised in the past regarding the age levels of our youth program. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the age levels for some of our programs offered to Covenant children, pre-teens, and youth. Rev. Blanchard, Gretchen Cheshire and I, on behalf of the children’s and youth ministry volunteers, are requesting that all parents and grandparents adhere to the age levels below:
Children’s Worship is offered for children age 4 through children in grade 3. Children in fourth and fifth grade are welcome to attend, but Children’s Worship is not really recommended for children older than 3rd graders. Children younger than age four should not attend Children’s Worship unless accompanied by a parent or grandparent. The nursery is available for children age 3 and under.
Club 456 is a new ministry for pre-teens that will start meeting on Sunday afternoons this fall. This program is offered to pre-teens in grades 4, 5, and 6. Children younger than grade four should not attend Club 456. The only exception to this age limit is as follows: If a 3rd grader will be 9 years old before October 1st of his/her 3rd grade year, then his/her parents in consultation with the Children’s Ministry Director may choose whether or not to enroll the child in Club 456. (This may occur if a child repeats a grade in school, for example.)
UMYF is a ministry for youth (a.k.a. teenagers) that meets almost every Sunday afternoon. After consulting the Book of Discipline, the age levels for the youth group should be 7th – 12th grades. The only exception to this age limit is as follows: If a 6th grader will be 12 years old before October 1st of his/her 6th grade year, then his/her parents in consultation with the Youth Director may choose whether or not to enroll the child in UMYF.
As space is limited in this newsletter, I will wait until next month to write about the age divisions in our Sunday School program. If you have any questions about these age levels for our ministry programs, please contact Leigh Nugent, Gretchen Cheshire, or Rev. Blanchard.
-Leigh Nugent
|
| Bible Study Opportunities |
|
If you are not currently in a bible study, now is the best time to get involved. Here is a brief list of incredible opportunities offered:
Sunday Morning Classes:
Fellowship Class
Wesleyan Class
Searchers Class
Berean Class
Believers Class
Daily Life Class
Christian Believer
Classes throughout the week:
Mayberry
God’s Promises
Disciple I
Invitation to the Old Testament
Christian Believer
Purpose Driven Life (Spring 2007)
Lenten Bible Study (Spring 2007)
Invitation to John
Keep an eye out here and in the Narthex for schedules and sign-up sheets.
|
| Openings on Media Team |
 We still have a couple of openings in all three Sunday morning services for anyone interested in working at our Media Desk.This would include the sound board, video board and computer for the screen. Our goal is to create a Media Team that would allow the members to serve on a rotating schedule that would not require them to be there every Sunday.
Previous knowledge in these areas is not required (but couldn't hurt). We will be glad to teach you all you need to know.
If you are interested, contact Donn or Ken or just leave a message with Peggy in the church office and someone will get in touch with you. |
| Reminder |
 We now offer a way for you to make your giving more convenient and efficient. Our new Electronic Giving Service is a secure way that you can have your regular church giving debted directly from your checking account at any amount and interval you desire. The transactions are secure and totally confidential. As has been in the past, Jeanne Boniol will oversee all aspects of the transactions and will continue to be the only one to know your information. And, you will continue to receive your quarterly reports.Many of our members are already taking advantage of this wonderful service. For more information, contact Jeanne Boniol or Mike DeHart.
|
| Churchwide E-Mail Prayer List |
 We are currently have openings available on our Email Prayer List (EPL). Participation is strictly voluntary. This is the way it will work: If any members of the EPL hear of a person or situation in need of prayer, they will contact Audley Loewen by e-mail (or phone if preferred) and she will, in turn, send an e-mail to all the members on the list. They will not be contacted by phone unless requested. The goal is to eliminate all the calling and getting answering machines and a lot of the misinformation that can happen when prayer requests are passed by word of mouth.
If you are interested in being a part of the EPL, contact Audley Loewen at audley1975@aol.com or call the church office.
|
|
