NOTE: Please go to www.covpresathens.org or your email for a link to recent copies. The next newsletter

will be published for March 25th. Please email your articles to kwetherington@covpresathens.org before

12 noon, Wednesday, March 21st.

COVENANT

PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH

C O V E N A N T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

1 0 6 5 G A I N E S S C H O O L R O A D - A T H E N S , G A 3 0 6 0 5

7 0 6 - 5 4 8 - 2 7 5 6 O R 7 0 6 - 6 1 3 - 2 3 4 4

W W W . C O V P R E S A T H E N S . O R G

C O V E N A N T P @ C O V P R E S A T H E N S . O R G

T H E C O V E N A N T E R M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 2

The “FEED MY SHEEP” project for MARCH, MARCH, MARCH, MARCH,

sponsored by the Adult Choir, is collecting

peanut butter and canned sweet peas for the

Athens Emergency Food Bank. The Athens Area The Athens Area The Athens Area The Athens Area

Emergency Food BankEmergency Food BankEmergency Food BankEmergency Food Bank, the first food bank in Ath-

ens, is a private, non-profit corporation founded in 1980 by a coalition

of area churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals con-

cerned about our community's hungry people. Thank you Covenant

and may we all have enough!

Spring Instrumental Celebration in WorshipSpring Instrumental Celebration in WorshipSpring Instrumental Celebration in WorshipSpring Instrumental Celebration in Worship. The Covenant Band will rehearse briefly in the wor-

ship center on Sunday, March 18 at 12:15pm Sunday, March 18 at 12:15pm Sunday, March 18 at 12:15pm Sunday, March 18 at 12:15pm for supporting worship on March 25 at the 8:30 &

11:00am services. Once again, we feature an anthem with bagpipes at a service led by our middle

school youth. All are invited to dust off their instruments, tune them up, and help us make a joyful

noise unto God! Warren and Arnelle Combs

Member NE Georgia Presbytery, Synod of the South Atlantic, General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Emma Goodrick will be collecting items over the next few weeks for the Athens Animal Shelter for her Confirmation-

Timothy Task. Items needed are: dry dog food, flea medi-

cine, grooming products (including dog shampoo),

and dog collars. Look for the basket in the hallway. Thanks!

Covenant’s Great Easter Egg Hunt!Covenant’s Great Easter Egg Hunt!Covenant’s Great Easter Egg Hunt!Covenant’s Great Easter Egg Hunt!

Saturday, April 7Saturday, April 7Saturday, April 7Saturday, April 7

At 10amAt 10amAt 10amAt 10am

(rain or shine)(rain or shine)(rain or shine)(rain or shine)

Eggs will be hidden in three different areas Eggs will be hidden in three different areas Eggs will be hidden in three different areas Eggs will be hidden in three different areas

for toddlers through fifth grade. Refresh-for toddlers through fifth grade. Refresh-for toddlers through fifth grade. Refresh-for toddlers through fifth grade. Refresh-

ments will be served after all the eggs have ments will be served after all the eggs have ments will be served after all the eggs have ments will be served after all the eggs have

been found.been found.been found.been found.

E L B O W G R E A S E N E E D E D !E L B O W G R E A S E N E E D E D !E L B O W G R E A S E N E E D E D !E L B O W G R E A S E N E E D E D !

JOIN US ON SATURDAY, MARCH 31 SATURDAY, MARCH 31 SATURDAY, MARCH 31 SATURDAY, MARCH 31

9AM 9AM 9AM 9AM ---- 12PM 12PM 12PM 12PM FOR SPRING WORK DAY AT COVENANT!

OUTREACH SUNDAY, MARCH 18 Come and learn about The Ark, a vital ministry to

those in need in the Athens area, which Covenant helped start in 1989. Director since 2009, Lucy Hudgens will be with us all morning, giving good info at 9:40am in Fellowship Hall and answering your questions during our “free” lunch at 12:15pm - featuring Phil Hale’s Brunswick Stew, mac & cheese, and many other goodies provided by the Outreach Ministry Team. Donations are appreci-ated. Hope to see you! About half of the funds for The Ark’s emergency financial assistance come from 35 supporting congregations, along with staff & volunteers who offer counseling & referrals to other Athens agencies, to help encourage self-determination and not only simple handouts. Our own Pat Tinga and Kent Silver serve on the Board. Special envelopes for your contributions are in the church mailboxes. The Ark’s next fundraiser is the Entree of Hope, on Tues. April 24, where partici-pating restaurants give 10% of their day’s receipts. Save the date - and look for a list in a future newsletter.

The Restaurant Roadtrip is heading west - on

Tuesday, March 20 - to Brett’s American Cas-

ual Restaurant on the Atlanta Hwy, east of

Mitchell Bridge Road, near the Honda dealer-

ship and Ingles groceries. Meet at the church at

11:15am for carpools, and we’ll eat around

11:30am. Signup on the board to let us know

you’re coming. Separate checks.

VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!

JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18JUNE 18------------22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 22, 2012 ------------ Please pitch in to help

make this year as wonderful as it has been in

the past. There are many things you can do to

help, from shepherding our young ones be-

tween classes, to arts and crafts, games, athlet-

ics, cooking, administration or even just helping

out during pickup and drop off. We also need a

coordinator/director for this year. Sign up now

next to the mailboxes. Thanks!

Remember in Prayer: Janna Dresden, having gallbladder surgery, March 23; David & Lindsey Bowden & family,

back in Athens; Pegi Murzynski, with ongoing health concerns after recent hospitalization; Barbara Burnett’s mother,

Alva, with health concerns but stable; Anna Holshouser, at home with broken leg; Emily Givens’ cousin, in chemo

for breast cancer; Alice McMaster’s grandmother in wound care, with Alice’s mother as caregiver; Margaret

Weirich’s former husband Gunter in Germany, with advancing cancer; Jim Smith, recovering well from heart surgery

in NYC (see this website - http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2012/03/12/top-10-heart-song-list-

david-adams-surgeon/ - with a great story & photo); and Betsy Burmeister & family, in the death of her sister Kerry

on March 11 (interment of her ashes is Saturday, March 17 at Memorial United Methodist Church, 504 Gum Street,

Williamson, WV 25661- Memorials may be sent to Williamson Church or to St. Mary’s Hospice House in Athens).

Page 2 T H E C O V E N A N T E R M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 2

Covenant Breakfast Club Monday, March 19, 2012 - 8am - Join us at the Cracker Barrel on Epps Bridge Road for good food and conversation among friends!

T E R R A C Y C L E T A L K - GOOD NEWS! MORE THAN 300 RECYCLABLE ITEMS HAVE

BEEN CONTRIBUTED FOR TERRACYCLE SO FAR, AND TERRACYCLE HAS JUST

ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL TAKE MORE ITEMS THAT ARE RELATED TO CHEESE

PACKAGING.

Up to now, TerraCycle has accepted plastic tubs that originally contained cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, or any other kind of cheese. From now on, TerraCycle will also accept the lids that come with these tubs, as well as tubs and lids from sour cream and butter (unfortunately, not mar-garine). Yogurt containers can also be saved, as well as plastic lids from yogurt containers, if they have plastic lids. Most yogurt containers have a thin plastic or aluminum seal, however, and these seals cannot be sent to TerraCycle. Of course, cheese bags and wrappers can still be collected. Please make sure that all plastic tubs and lids are clean and dry, and place them in the cheese bag and wrapper drawer. Many thanks go to all who are supporting the TerraCycle program. Keep up the good work!

Week # 11 Week # 11 Week # 11 Week # 11 Financial ReportFinancial ReportFinancial ReportFinancial Report

Anticipated Pledges - $93,412.

Actual Pledges - 87,670.15.

Deferred Pledges - $15,312.50

Thanks for your faithful giving!

Bowden Vocational Fund $2,855.05

We seek your suggestions for 3 non-

elders at Covenant to serve on this

year’s Nominating Committee, with

Juergen Wiegel (chair) and Mary Ann

Johnson. See the forms in your church

mailboxes. Bring them by the church

office this week, or email them, or drop

them in the box in the Gathering Room.

Don’t delay! Many thanks!

Who’s Who? Can you guess who at Covenant

in December was on board US Air Force Two?

(look elsewhere in The Covenanter for the answer)

A special thank you to the

Barstow’s for the beautiful

camellias for Sunday’s flower

arrangement.

Come and see Ben Foutz in Clarke Central High School’s Central Players presentation of

PETER PAN

March 22 & 23 at 7:30pm

March 24 at 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Tickets $5 students/ seniors/ children

$7 adults - Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Clarke Central’s E.B. Mell Auditorium, 350 S. Milledge Ave.

Join us for Lunch Bunch at DePalma’s

(eastside)

March 27 at 11:30am

Separate checks. Good fun, food

and fellowship!

Double Hits Double Hits Double Hits Double Hits answers:

1. Mole

2. Prop

3. Trunk

Page 3 T H E C O V E N A N T E R M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 2

Double Hits created by Marilyn BrownDouble Hits created by Marilyn BrownDouble Hits created by Marilyn BrownDouble Hits created by Marilyn Brown

Find a word described by both phrases.

example: like a leopard / caught sight of = spotted

1. spy / burrowing garden pest = _ _ _ _

2. aircraft part / support = _ _ _ _

3. old-time travel need / torso = _ _ _ _ _

During this Lenten Season, the Worship Ministry Team

invites you to the Wednesday evening Vespers service.

The Vespers service is a wonderful, peaceful time of con-

templation and prayer. It refreshes the spirit the way a

cold drink of water on a hot day refreshes the body.

Come and be refreshed. Acts 3:19-21

Wednesday, March 21. We will gather at 7:00pm

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

Mon. March 19 Genesis 37 - 39

Tues. March 20 Genesis 40 - 41

Wed. March 21 Genesis 42 - 43

Thurs. March 22 Genesis 44 - 45

Fri. March 23 Genesis 46 - 47

Sat. March 24 Genesis 48 - 49

Sun. March 25 Genesis 50

Calling all Youth & Children Calling all Youth & Children Calling all Youth & Children Calling all Youth & Children - have you made your plans for summer camps and conferencessummer camps and conferencessummer camps and conferencessummer camps and conferences

yet? NEGA Presbytery has been connected for decades with several nearby PCUSA facilities -

Camp Buc in Sapphire, NC; Camp Fellowship in Waterloo, SC; the Calvin Center, south of At-

lanta in Hampton, GA; and the Cherokee Retreat Center in White, GA. Ropes courses, whitewa-

ter paddling, horseback riding, scavenger hunts, art, drama, dance, and night owl treks - noth-

ing could be more fun! Presbytery financial assistance is available, though limited. See the

brochures in the Gathering Room. In an effort to have as many Middler youth as possible from

our presbytery camp together, we encourage you to sign up for the week of June 24-29 at

Camp Buc. Remember when you register for a summer camp or conference, please contact

the presbytery office to let us know, so we can share the word with other Northeast Georgia

campers to make connections among our presbytery's youth.

More summer camp funMore summer camp funMore summer camp funMore summer camp fun - - if you only have a weekend to spare, come to our PCUSA Rabun-Gap Nacoochee School on Hwy 441 near Dillard, GA. There’s a grandfather/uncle/father/son weekend, June 15-17, and a grandmother/aunt/mother/daughter weekend, June 22-24, for children ages 5-13. Stay in air-conditioned dorms! Enjoy great food, fishing, lake swimming, wall climbing, and campfires, of course! A great way to get used to camping and spend special time with each other. Applications are due April 30 - first come, first serve! See the brochures in the Gathering Room - or

check out this site - www.rabungap.org

Who’s Who: Who’s Who: Who’s Who: Who’s Who:

Judy Capie

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH SUNDAYMIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH SUNDAYMIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH SUNDAYMIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH SUNDAY

MARCH 25, 2012MARCH 25, 2012MARCH 25, 2012MARCH 25, 2012

FUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROFUN EASTER FACTS FROM M M M M M M M M M M M

WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012WOMEN’S DAY APRIL 2012

• Americans spend more than $2 Americans spend more than $2 Americans spend more than $2 Americans spend more than $2

billion on Easter candy annuallybillion on Easter candy annuallybillion on Easter candy annuallybillion on Easter candy annually

• 90 million chocolate bunnies are 90 million chocolate bunnies are 90 million chocolate bunnies are 90 million chocolate bunnies are

produced each year produced each year produced each year produced each year

(76% of people eat the ears first)(76% of people eat the ears first)(76% of people eat the ears first)(76% of people eat the ears first)

• Marshmallow Peeps are the most Marshmallow Peeps are the most Marshmallow Peeps are the most Marshmallow Peeps are the most

popular nonpopular nonpopular nonpopular non----chocolate treat.chocolate treat.chocolate treat.chocolate treat.

Source: National Confectioners Asso., IRI

HOLY WEEK AT COVENANTHOLY WEEK AT COVENANTHOLY WEEK AT COVENANTHOLY WEEK AT COVENANT

Sunday, April 1 8:30 & 11:00am, Palm Sunday Worship & Communion

9:40am, Church School for all ages

5:00pm, Youth Groups

Monday, April 2 8:00am, Breakfast Club at Cracker Barrel

Wednesday, April 4 10:00am & 6:15pm, Adult Bible Studies

5-7pm, Covenant Connection

7:00pm, Evening Vespers

7:30pm, Adult Choir

Thursday, April 5 7:00pm, Maundy Thursday Communion

Friday, April 6 12:00-12:30pm, hosting PCUSA Good Friday worship

Saturday, April 7 10:00am, Covenant’s Great Easter Egg Hunt

Sun.Apr.8 Easter Sunday - - One Great Hour of Sharing offering

7:30am, Sunrise Worship outdoors

8:30am, Covered Dish Breakfast

9:40am, Church School for all ages

11:00am, Worship indoors - - no evening activities

You’re invited! Come to Covenant on Wed. March Come to Covenant on Wed. March Come to Covenant on Wed. March Come to Covenant on Wed. March

28282828 for a 5:45pm dinner with Covenant Connection

($3) and a 6:15pm presentation by Rich Reaves in

the Worship Center about the demographics of

our church’s neighborhood, followed by our eve-

ning vespers worship from 7:00-7:30pm. You’ll

get home around sunset to sleep well, after good

food and fellowship, as well as a very informative

discussion about the changing flavor of our com-

munity and what it can mean for growing our min-

istries in this place. Come and see! Signup on

the bulletin board, so we can know how many to

prepare for. Don’t miss it!

Highlights of the stated Session meet-

ing on Sun.Mar.11 include: 1) date for

2013 Session Retreat on Jan.18-19 at

Rock Eagle; 2) date of repeated seminar

for congregation by Rich Reaves about

demographics of neighborhood on

Wed.Mar.28 at 6:15pm; and 3) Confirma-

tion Review Team on Sun.Apr.15 at

5:00pm, as Don Bower, Brian Herndon,

& Juergen Wiegel. Ongoing copies of the

minutes of Session meetings, as well as

Ministry Team minutes, can be found on

the table in the narthex. All Session

meetings are open to anyone’s atten-

dance.

News from Columbia Seminarians! David Fuentes will attend 10 weeks of Greek School this summer beginning in July - and Lauren Van Wicklen will have a 10-week student pastor internship at Long Creek Pres Church near Kings Mtn, NC. Congratulations to them both for all their good work this first year of seminary! Blessings on the journey ahead. Remember to give them support year-long through your contributions to the Bowden Church Vocations Fund. Thank you!

Northeast Georgia Presbytery needs you!Northeast Georgia Presbytery needs you!Northeast Georgia Presbytery needs you!Northeast Georgia Presbytery needs you! We all enjoy the wonderful workshops, retreats, minis-tries, and assistance that are sponsored by our presbytery as we “build community for partnership in mission.” Yet many congregations have had to cut back on their gifts to NEGA’s ongoing work this year, resulting in furloughs for presbytery staff and other reductions. Even Covenant had to balance our own budget by reducing our 2012 contribution by $5000, and most of presbytery’s churches average fewer than 50 in Sunday worship. The connectional nature of our faith encour-ages us to help as needed, and so if you are able to support the presbytery financially, please make your check out to Covenant, marked for NEGA Presbytery, and we will forward it to them ASAP. Thank you!

The Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library Present

Authors, Hugh Acheson, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Philip Juras, and Terry Kay

Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7:00pm at Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7:00pm at Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7:00pm at Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7:00pm at

Lyndon House Arts Center, 293 Hoyt Street, Athens. Enjoy an evening of

conversation with local authors and book signings along with coffee, desserts, and

finger foods hosted by the Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library and their

partner Lyndon House Arts Center. Free and open to the public. Free and open to the public. Free and open to the public. Free and open to the public.

Books available for purchase and proceeds benefit the Athens-Clarke County Library.

T H E C O V E N A N T E R M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 2 Page 4Page 4Page 4Page 4

Week of March 18, 2012

Sunday - OUTREACH SUNDAY 8:30am Worship 9:40am Church School 9:40am Youth & Adult class about The ARK 11:00am Worship 12:15pm Covenant Band Rehearsal 12:15pm Outreach Luncheon 1:30pm Impacto de Fe 5:00pm Youth Groups

Monday OFFICE CLOSED 8am Covenant Breakfast Club 6:00pm Boy & Girl Scouts

Tuesday 11:30am Restaurant Road Trip to Brett’s 7pm-9pm Impacto de Fe 7:00pm Happy Squares 8pm New Freedom

Wednesday 10am & 6:15pm Adult Bible Study Covenant Connection 5:00pm - 5:45pm Music/Group 5:45pm - 6:15pm Family Time/Meal 6:15pm - 7:00pm Music/Group 7:00pm Vespers 7:25pm Adult Choir

Thursday (Shirley on leave) 2:00pm Knitters & Knotters 8pm Happy Squares

Friday 3:30pm The Cave 7pm-9pm Impacto de Fe 8pm New Freedom

Saturday Fellowship Hall Cleaned

Worship- March 18, 2012

8:30am: Reader: Helen Epps Ushers: Helen Epps, Brad Courtenay

11:00am

Reader: Laurie Anderson

Ushers: Tom & Susan Nemetz, Bill & Luanne Rigsby, Kent Silver, Kay Swan

Greeters: Bill & Luanne Rigsby, Stephanie Cahill

Piano: Marcia Verbrugge

Congregational Care: Marilyn Martin

Counter: Pam Knox

Flowers: Juergen Wiegel Plant Care: Frank Allen

Open: Joe Covert Close: Paul Brooks

Grounds: Chuck Rosenberger (19-25)

Nursery/Super: Don Bower 8:30am Michelle Cram, Don Bower

11:00am

Birth-Walking: Don Bower

Walking - 5 years old: Pam & Evan Knox, Colleen Cook

Week of March 25, 2012

Sunday - MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH SUNDAY 8:30am Worship 9:40am Church School 11:00am Worship 1:30pm Impacto de Fe 1:30pm Worship at Morningside 5:00pm Youth Groups

Monday OFFICE CLOSED 6:00pm Boy & Girl Scouts

Tuesday 11:30am Lunch Bunch at DePalma’s (eastside) 7pm-9pm Impacto de Fe 7:00pm Happy Squares 8pm New Freedom

Wednesday 10am Adult Bible Study Covenant Connection

5:00pm - 5:45pm Music/Group 5:45pm - 6:15pm Family Time/Meal 6:15pm - 7:00pm Music/Group 6:15pm Demographics of Neighborhood 7:00pm Vespers 7:25pm Adult Choir

Thursday 2:00pm Knitters & Knotters 8pm Happy Squares

Friday NO Cave 5:30pm Cave Council Meeting 7pm-9pm Impacto de Fe 8pm New Freedom

Saturday 9am-12pm Building & Grounds Clean Up Fellowship Hall Cleaned

Worship- March 25, 2012

8:30am: Reader: Jim Smith Ushers: Jim Smith, Steve Bell

11:00am

Reader: Middle School Youth

Ushers: Middle School Youth

Greeters: Middle School Youth

Piano: Betsy Burmeister

Congregational Care: Marilyn Martin

Counter: Sue Loegel

Flowers: Juergen Wiegel Plant Care: Frank Allen

Open: Harold Williams Close: Rich Reaves

Grounds: Hank Tweedell (March 26 - April 1)

Nursery/Super: Valerie Maples

8:30am Kay & Nathan Brooks

11:00am

Birth-Walking: Valerie Maples

Walking - 5 years old: Hanna Harper, Brian Herndon,

Gabe Harper

Page 5Page 5Page 5Page 5

Sunday, May 20 Sunday, May 20 Sunday, May 20 Sunday, May 20 ---- final 8:30am Worshipfinal 8:30am Worshipfinal 8:30am Worshipfinal 8:30am Worship

Sunday, May 27 Sunday, May 27 Sunday, May 27 Sunday, May 27 ---- final Church School at 9:40amfinal Church School at 9:40amfinal Church School at 9:40amfinal Church School at 9:40am

Pentecost Worship at 11 Pentecost Worship at 11 Pentecost Worship at 11 Pentecost Worship at 11

Sunday, June 3 Sunday, June 3 Sunday, June 3 Sunday, June 3 ---- 10am Worship begins10am Worship begins10am Worship begins10am Worship begins

Sunday, August 12 Sunday, August 12 Sunday, August 12 Sunday, August 12 ---- 9:40am 9:40am 9:40am 9:40am ---- Rally Day CS AssemblyRally Day CS AssemblyRally Day CS AssemblyRally Day CS Assembly

11:00am Worship resumes11:00am Worship resumes11:00am Worship resumes11:00am Worship resumes

12:15pm Fellowship Luncheon12:15pm Fellowship Luncheon12:15pm Fellowship Luncheon12:15pm Fellowship Luncheon

Sunday, August 19 Sunday, August 19 Sunday, August 19 Sunday, August 19 ---- 8:30am Worship resumes8:30am Worship resumes8:30am Worship resumes8:30am Worship resumes

Summer ScheduleSummer ScheduleSummer ScheduleSummer Schedule