Lent, Easter and Holy Week at Covenant

As we journey through the second half of Lent toward the passion and resurrection of Jesus, we hope you'll celebrate this holy season with us.

Lenten Suppers and Study
Lenten soup suppers and study continue through Holy Week, concluding March 19.

Palm/Passion Sunday, March 16
After beginning with a Palm Sunday children's procession to celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, we will close by extinguishing the last Lenten candle to anticipate the darkness of the passion on Good Friday. We will receive our One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

Maundy Thursday, March 20
We will observe Maundy Thursday with a service of evening prayer and choir music, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and appropriate for adults and children. We will remember Christ's last supper, inviting people in groups to receive the sacrament of communion at the table itself. It will be an intimate service, an opportunity to taste and see how gracious the Lord is, with freshly-baked bread to break in communion, and to take away.

Easter Worship, March 23
At 6:30 a.m. on the Patio, weather permitting, we begin our celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord with a Sunrise Service planned by our young people, communion, and placing flowers on the cross. Breakfast follows in Fellowship Hall.

At 10:45 in the Sanctuary, we come together for a joyful Easter worship with communion, special choir and handbell music, and congregational singing of Handel's celebratory "Hallelujah Chorus." Join us and bring the whole family for this special day in our church family life.

Spring Cleaning

Saturday, March 15, 2008, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Just waiting to burn off some of that pent-up cabin-fever energy? Looking for a good way to limber up the lazy muscles after the winter hibernation period? Then we have a job for you!

Covenant Cleaners and a support crew from i-Church will get together for an elbow-greasing, reach-and-sweeping work day on Saturday, March 15, from 9:00 a.m-1:00 p.m. Fritz Beyer and the Buildings and Grounds folks would love to have your help with cleaning up the ravages of winter storms around the property, and Doris Davis and helpers will welcome the scrubbers and polishers and dusters to spiff up the kitchen, Fireside Room, and other cobwebby corners.

With any luck, we'll enlist the energies of the Men's Breakfast group, after they warm up with some hearty food, and others who want to get some fresh air, enjoy some exercise, and generally get Covenant ready for the Easter sunrise service and all the other festivities of the season. Mark your calendar now! We'll look forward to seeing you for some spring cleaning.

One Great Hour of Sharing

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Covenant will receive our annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering on Palm Sunday, March 16, during worship.

Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God's love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives, and work together to strengthen their families and communities.

Where does the money go? Thirty-six percent goes to the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and 32 percent each goes to the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance programs. The Faith in Action Ministry Team hopes you will give generously to this offering to support people in need around the world.

Presbyterian Women Meet in March

Tuesday, March 11, 2008, noon in the Fireside Room

Presbyterian Women will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, March 11, beginning at 12:00 noon in the Fireside Room, with lunch prepared by J 'n' J Catering, thanks to Jane Bernstein and Jennifer Espinoza. A program will follow at 1:00 p.m.

At their February meeting, Presbyterian Women decided to continue their lunch programs through May, but because they will not elect officers for next year, their programs will conclude with the May meeting.

Easter Memorials

The Memorial Committee invites you to make a memorial gift to remember loved ones during the Easter season.

This year we invite you to direct your donation to the purchase of Easter flowers for the Sanctuary, to be delivered after Easter to shut-ins; to the South Palo Alto Food Closet; or to upholstery cleaning of the chairs in the Fireside Room.

The Memorial Committee will take sign- ups for Easter Memorials at a table in Fellowship Hall after worship on March 2, 9, or 16. Or you can complete the order form enclosed in this newsletter and return it to the Church Office no later than March 16. Make your check payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church, with "Easter Memorial" on the memo line.

Family Suppers Continue

The Adult Education program of Lenten midweek supper and study for the family continues through Wednesday, March 19, the middle of Holy Week. We begin with a simple supper at 6:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Study programs follow for adults and children, Pausing on the Way to Jerusalem, and we conclude at 7:30.

Senior Chat for March

Stimulate your mind, body, and spirit with Senior Chats on the second and fourth Fridays of each month in the Fireside Room, 10:00-11:30 a.m. We share light refreshments, light exercise, and lighthearted fellowship, and we have great presenters in March. For more information, call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers, Coordinator, at (650) 494-3093. Join us!

• March 14 - Singing from the Heart
  Nancy Cassidy, a well-known soloist in the area, will jog our memories as she sings songs from the traditions of folk and gospel music and from various eras past. Feel free to hum or sing along if you are so moved. She will bring instrumentalists with her.
• March 28 - Aikido Way
  Jeramy Hale will share thoughts about the philosophy, history, and culture of Aikido, a noncompetitive Japanese martial art. The word comes from three parts: ai—harmony; ki—universal spirit energy; and do—the way. Jeramy and his wife, Molly, will demonstrate the art, the purpose of which is to bring discipline, inner peace, and unity of mind, body and spirit.

Presbytery Women Meet

Saturday, March 29, 2008, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Foothill Presbyterian Church, San Jose

Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of San Jose will meet Saturday, March 29, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Foothill Presbyterian Church, San Jose. Foothill is the first certified "Green Business" in Santa Clara County. We will share hands-on activities and ideas on "going green." Join us as we find ways to care for our environment. Call Carol Holsinger (650) 326-3146 if you'd like to carpool.

From the Librarian

This month I have three topics: a new book, the closing down of the separate collection of materials from the early 1980s called "Peacemaking," and some comments on the organization of the Covenant Library.

I don't know how Richard Creel's Religion and Doubt; Toward a Faith of Your Own (1977) came to be among our uncataloged books. But now that I have read some of it, I thank the donor. This book could be very helpful to a young person seeking a "world view of their own" and a "realistic faith," to use the author's language. It raises good questions and yet is not in the least cynical that I have been able to perceive. It does not appear to steer the reader toward any one faith. There are some ten pages of categorized bibliography that the author says is mostly written at an introductory level.

Within the past month I decided to dissolve the separate Peacemaking collection. We need the shelf space, and as far as I can determine, it is no longer needed as a separate collection. Anyone interested should see me soon.

I also wanted to mention, as I did last month, that the main collection is now using the whole numbers al fractions of the past. Some older books will still be numbered with the fractions, and may or may not be found precisely in the new location, but they should be close by. Any questions? Just ask.
Rudy Dyck, Librarian

SuperSunday

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Mark your calendar for a special three course event on Covenant SuperSunday, February 10. Don't miss it!

Grace
In worship we observe the first Sunday of Lent in this season of reflection and welcome the Boy Scouts on Scout Sunday.

Appetizer
After worship in the Sanctuary, we will receive the 2008 budget and approve the terms of the Associate Pastor's call at the Annual Congregational Meeting, an important event in our congregational life. Your copy of the Mission Study Congregational Survey, the first step in our planning for a Pastor Nominating Committee, will be available in Fellowship Hall, on your way to a special celebration.

Entree
Gung Hay Fat Choy! After the meeting we'll share a Chinese New Year Potluck Lunch in this Year of the Rat, a "time of hard work, activity, and renewal," a "good year... to make a fresh start." Bring your favorite Asian dish—or a potluck favorite of any origin—to help begin our "fresh start" in 2008. Be there!

Lenten Events Planned

Although it's only a few weeks since we put the Christmas decorations away, Lent arrives early this year with Ash Wednesday on February 6.

We'll begin this season of reflection with worship and communion in the Sanctuary, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Join us as we enter this holy season leading in six weeks to Holy Week and the celebration of the Resurrection.

The Adult Education team has planned a series of family suppers for Lent. We invite you to join us and bring the family for a soup and bread supper and study, beginning February 13 and continuing for six weeks, until March 19. Pausing on the Road to Jerusalem: Lent invites each of us to join in the journey toward Jerusalem that Jesus took during the last days of his life. One step on the journey can be to join with others on the Wednesday evenings of Lent for a simple supper (soup, bread, fruit) and study of Lenten themes. Discussions of the themes, led by Paula and Alison, will be offered for both adults and youth, so families are welcome. Supper will be served in the Fireside Room at 6:00 PM; study groups begin at 6:30; and we’ll return for a brief closing in worship, ending at 7:30. The cost for the meal is $2, or $5 for a family. Study guides will be available weekly on the preceding Sunday and at the Wednesday meeting.

We encourage you to sign up for the suppers in advance, only to be sure we prepare enough food. There will be no Sunday morning Adult Education program from February 10 through Palm Sunday, March 16.

Souper Bowl Sunday

Sunday, February 3, is Souper Bowl Sunday. The Faith in Action Ministry Team invites you to support the South Palo Alto Food Closet and this national campaign to provide food for the hungry. Last year, 14,000 organizations raised more than $8 million for charities across the country and around the world.

The South Palo Alto Food Closet has requested soups and stews this year, as the supply is nearly gone. Cans with pop top openers are especially welcome. Other items rarely donated and very often requested are cans of salmon, jams and jellies, and condiments such as sugar, salt, pepper, and sauces of all sorts. If you are able to donate $1 with each can, the funds will be used to buy additional items for clients' supply. If you write a check, make it out to Covenant Presbyterian Church, with "Souper Bowl" on the memo line. Proceeds from Souper Bowl Sunday go directly to the South Palo Alto Food Closet, so you are benefitting a local mission.

Presbyterian Women Lunch

Tuesday, February 12, 2008, noon in Fireside Room

Presbyterian Women will hold their February luncheon meeting on Tuesday, February 12, at noon in the Fireside Room. Lunch will be served by J 'n' J Catering, or Jane Bernstein and Jennifer Espinoza.

The program, beginning at 1:00, will be an important discussion about the future of the PW program, given their declining numbers. Signups for the lunch will be taken after worship in Fellowship Hall on January 27 and February 3.

Fair Trade

Sunday, February 10, after church in the Fellowship Hall

The Faith in Action Ministry Team invites you to add a very special shopping event to your Covenant SUPERSUNDAY experience on February 10.

After a delicious Chinese New Year Potluck Lunch, you will be able to do some early shopping for your special Valentine at the Fair Trade Shopping Table. They will have chocolates, nuts, and dried cranberries, as well as lots of information about what it means to look for the Fair Trade label. Items sold are purchased through a vendor recommended by the Presbyterian Coffee Project and are sold at cost as a way of increasing awareness of Fair Trade Foods available through the Coffee Project and local retail stores.

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, February 23, 2008, 8:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room

Because of the Deacons' retreat on February 16, the Men's Breakfast will be on Saturday, February 23, at 8:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. All men are invited to this program of fellowship and study. At the February meeting, we will begin discussion of the "Bible and Theology" topics from The Thoughtful Christian series. Watch for the date on your postcard.

Senior Chat for February

You're invited to join us at Senior Chat, an ecumenical group that plans sessions on a variety of topics—food for the soul, body, mind. Everyone is welcome at our meetings in the Fireside Room on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m. For more information, call Rev. Smith-Powers, Coordinator.

• February 8: Getting in Touch with Your Playful Self
  Manjula Waldron, Ph.D., will ask us to consider the place of our child within. Sometimes life gets altogether too serious, and we forget that imagination, playfulness, and a sense of wonder can give us a healthy boost.
• February 22: Research with Animals
  Linda Cork, D.V.M., Ph.D., will enlighten us about research and animal welfare. She will tell us about aging issues, sharing the results of studies of older monkeys. This will be a rare opportunity to hear an expert in the field.

From the Librarian

Peacemaking is one of my favorite subjects, and because it has had so much attention in the church and around the world lately, I thought I would talk about how to find books in our library that relate to peace.

Let's start with recent additions, which are located on the New Additions shelf for their first year or so. In that section, you'll find Jimmy Carter's Palestine, Peace not Apartheid, Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea, Zachary Karabell's Peace Be Upon You, Scott Hunt's The Future of Peace.

More titles are located in the Dewey Decimal system categories, rounded to whole numbers. In the Dewey Decimal system that we use at Covenant, rounded to whole numbers (001-999), we have 248 and 261 under Religion and 303 under Sociology. We have good items, I would say, at each of these. The 248 category is entitled "Christian Practice" or "Spiritual Practice"; 261 is entitled "Social Theology"; and 303 is entitled "Social Processes" or "Peacemaking." You may choose to browse or to go to the listings in the Library Information binder. Or you can always phone me for help.

Lastly, an older collection called "Peacemaking," from the Covenant Peacemakers active mainly in the 1980's, is located just below the New Additions.

That's enough for an introduction. I hope you explore the library if you haven't already. Enjoy.
Rudy Dyck, Librarian

Art Workshop Begins

The Artist's Way is a process in which we will explore how to bring more creativity into our lives. Whether you long to be more creative in a specific artistic endeavor (music, painting, sculpture, writing, etc.) or are just feeling "stuck" in your life and want to "unblock," this group exploration of co-creating with the great Creator promises to be a powerful experience.

Beginning January 9, we'll meet for thirteen sessions, one introductory meeting and twelve more to match the twelve chapters of The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. We'll meet in the Fireside Room on Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. about three times per month and finish by mid-May.

There is no charge for participating, but you'll need to purchase a copy of the book and make a significant time commitment outside of the group meetings to do the work outlined in the book. Contact Kevin Holsinger (Kevin@HolsingerMusic.com) if you are interested.

Adult Education for January

Adult Education presents a varied calendar of programs for the New Year in January.

• On January 6, Rudy Dyck leads a session about New Year's Resolutions. Is there—or should there be?—anything inherently religious about the way we celebrate the New Year? In this session from The Thoughtful Christian, author Jason Byassee shares some ways Christians might celebrate the New Year. We will reflect on the past and coming year and share guided prayer time as the new year begins.
• On January 13, Rev. Alison Harrington presents a session on baptism: "Come On In, the Water's Fine!" If Jesus was without sin, why was he baptized? Why do we baptize infants? As we celebrate our Lord's Baptism on January 13, come and discuss the history and significance of baptism.
• On January 20, Joni Marshburn will lead an exploration of the use of gratitude in our spiritual life. Using the Psalms and Colossians, we will examine what it means to employ gratitude as a spiritual discipline, look at the difference between gratitude and optimism, and create our own prayers of gratitude.
• On January 27, Adult Education goes intergenerational as we gather at 3:00 p.m. (no morning session that day) to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. There will be special snacks (Bertie Botts Beans, anyone?) and a time for age-appropriate discussion following the film. Come to the Fireside Room, by car, bike or broom, for an afternoon of fellowship and learning—all ages (for whom the movie is appropriate) are invited.

Senior Chat for January

Senior Chats may be the treat you choose to give yourself in 2008. We hear stimulating speakers who are rarely available elsewhere, and we enjoy light refreshments and light exercises. Please join us for a welcoming fellowship, and bring your friends. We meet in the Fireside Room the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

• January 11 Nutrition Studies
  Christopher D. Gardner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at Stanford, will speak about ongoing and up to date Nutrition Studies at Stanford. Dr. Gardner is an excellent, engaging speaker and will bring new ideas on nutrition as well as opportunities for us to consider.
• January 25 Avenidas Village
  This is an innovative concept gaining popularity all over the U.S. It provides many of the benefits of living in a retirement community without leaving your own home and neighborhood. Executive Director, Vicki Epstein, will speak about how to maintain your independence and a sense of connection.

Snow Trip

Covenant's intrepid band of more than thirty snow lovers heads for the hills the weekend of January 18-21. We'll have reports next month.

From the Librarian

As I contemplate the New Year, I am wondering again how to make our library resources more easily accessible to you all. Suggestions are most welcome. Please realize that the posted guide materials on the wall by the books, and the binder of more guide materials on the shelf just to the left of the posting, are quite comprehensive. As it says, you are always welcome to call me at home.

The next new book about to appear on the New Additions shelf is Palestine, Peace not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter. Palestine and Israel hold a special place in the hearts of most Christians, and our U.S. government has tried to help in numerous ways, not always helping very much.

Jimmy Carter has made a number of valiant efforts, both as President and as former president. I think this book is an excellent review of what he has attempted and what has resulted thus far. It also has an interesting 10-page chronology that starts in Old Testament times and goes to late 2006.

In my opinion, he correctly puts a lot of emphasis on the value of multiparty dialog per se, as opposed to the nature and amount of aid from America and elsewhere. How better to learn to get along as respectful neighbors, than to put priority on talking together and figuring out how to settle issues?
Rudy Dyck, Librarian

Peacemaking Committee

The Peacemaking Committee of the Presbytery of San Jose is looking for someone to act as a liaison to "Keep Hope Alive— Bay Area Presbyterian Palestinian Olive Project and Peacemaking Journey," a project cosponsored by the Peacemaking Committees of San Francisco and Redwoods Presbyteries. The task of liaison involves recruiting for and leading trips to Palestine and Israel to help Palestinian families plant trees and harvest olives and, at the same time, explore avenues for dialogue and peacemaking opportunities in the area. The first trip is planned for February, 2008, and another for October. Leadership includes the Rev. Dr. Fahed Abu-Akel, former PCUSA moderator, and the Rev. Dr. Herman Waetjen and Rev. Dr. Walt Davis, professors at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Contact Carol Holsinger for more information.

Be Still...

The week before Thanksgiving always feels like the slow ascent of the roller coaster car: better take one deep breath before the momentum of "the holidays" sweeps you away! This year at Covenant, you are invited to take that deep breath in many ways during the rush of the season, so that, spiritually speaking, your stomach won't be in your throat the entire time.

The Advent theme is Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God!" In worship we will share silence, focus on the kind of stillness that is active preparation, and sing those great hymns that slow the pulse of the season while heightening expectation. Adult education will be less about information and more about experience in the series, "Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem." The Winter Solstice service will offer a chance to remember loved ones, and acknowledge that the people who walk in darkness still walk in hope.

The Craft Workshop, Cookie Bake, and Potluck are wonderful "church family" celebrations of the season. And the EHP Family Giving and Alternative Gift Projects bind us to the community outside Covenant, blessing us with the gift of giving.

Breathe deep; be still; be blessed,
Rev. Paula Kelso

Spruce It Up

Saturday, December 1, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

No, we're not quite ready to put the Spruce up in Fellowship Hall and find the decorations. But we are ready for a pre-holiday Christmas Spruce-Up Work Day, scheduled for Saturday, December 1, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

We'll spend the morning tending to the weeds and leaves, the windows and walks and buildings, and generally getting the Covenant site all clean and shiny for the holiday season and before the rains come, we hope.

Some of our friends from I-Church will be joining us, but we hope Covenant workers will show up in enthusiastic numbers. Many hands make lighter work, right?

Christmas Memorials

The Memorial Committee invites you to remember loved ones during this holiday season with a Christmas Memorial gift. You may choose to help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas with a poinsettia ($7 each) or designate your memorial gift for the South Palo Alto Food Closet.

To make a Christmas Memorial gift, you can either complete the order form at the table in Fellowship Hall on November 25 or December 2 or 9, or return the enclosed form to the Church Office with your check, payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church, memo line "Christmas Memorial." Memorial gifts must be received by the Committee or Church Office no later than December 9.

Advent Crafts Fair

Sunday, December 2, 9:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Our Children's and Adult Education programs will come together on the first Sunday in Advent, December 2, 9:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., for a once-a-year Advent Crafts Fair that lets everyone be an artist and take home the decorative fruits of your painting, gluing, and assembling efforts.

You're invited to get ready for holiday decorating in a crafts wonderland set up in Fellowship Hall. We'll have a variety of stations, planned by Jennifer Espinoza and Jane Bernstein, for a morning of hands-on fun and creativity, with holiday crafts of all kinds to make and take home. Come and let your inside artist out in the open!

Adult Education for December

The Adult Education program has scheduled an Advent discussion series led by Carol Holsinger, Joni Marshburn, and Diane Jones. Join us December 9, 16, and 23 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room for a different look at the Advent season.

The series, titled Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Journey through Advent, offers a scripture-based time for guided meditation and prayer as well as thoughtful reflection on music, art, and poetry.

Presbyterian Women's Christmas Luncheon with Gunn High School Choir

Tuesday, December 11, 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall

Presbyterian Women will hold their annual Christmas Luncheon in Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, December 11, beginning promptly at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the festive tables and good food, the highlight of the event is the musical performance of the Gunn High School Choir, directed by Bill Liberatore.

This event is always a sellout, so you're encouraged to get your tickets ($7) early. Presbyterian Women will take luncheon signups in Fellowship Hall after worship on December 2 and 9.

Annual Christmas Family Potluck Supper

Sunday, December 16, 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Mark your calendar and tell the kids to save the date. Sunday, December 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall is the time for Covenant's Annual Christmas Family Potluck Supper.

To help us plan setups, we hope you'll sign up in advance after worship in Fellowship Hall on December 2 and 9. But we'll find space for you, signed up or not. Bring a dish to share, place settings for your family, and a good appetite.

We'll have some carols and maybe even some Yule logs or other surprises, so don't miss it! And remember, the fellowship, good food, and Christmas Potluck spirit make it a great time to invite a friend.

Sleeper Memorial Cookie Bake

Saturday, December 22, 2:00-5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Looking for a sanctioned sweet tooth event, guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and let you get your hands sticky? Join us for Covenant's very special Sleeper Memorial Cookie Bake, Saturday, December 22, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Kitchen and Fellowship Hall.

A fond tribute to Covenant's all-time Cookie Baking Champion, Nancy Sleeper, the Cookie Bake is fun for kids of all ages. Our new Chief Cookie Chef, Kristen Sheau, says we'll decorate pre-baked cookies and bake dozens of cookies in mouthwatering flavors for use at Fellowship time the next day.

Donations of cookie dough and unfrosted cookies are welcome. Kids of all ages are invited, although we ask that children under age 5 are accompanied by an adult. Contact Chef Kristen for information.

Christmas Reading Treat

Here's a great new book that will give you a Christmas reading treat or a good gift idea.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin is an outstanding book, published in 2006 and rated at the top by your Church Librarian. We'll shelve it on the New Additions shelf in the Church Library for a year or so.

The full title is Three Cups of Tea; One Man's Mission to Promote Peace One School at Time. That man, Greg Mortenson, tells the story of his highly unusual life after the promise he made to his Balti porter in northern Pakistan in 1993 as they returned from a troubling climb up one of the highest mountains in the world, K2.

Mortenson promised he would come back to Pakistan and build a schoolhouse for the girls of his porter's village. This was some promise, since Mortenson had almost no resources. He was a nurse living in Berkeley, at the time sleeping on the floor at a friend's house. It is an amazing "travel adventure story." It is also a touching "friendship story" involving a growing circle of friends in Pakistan and across America, and then, after some years of successful school building in Pakistan, with new friends in Afghanistan. And it certainly is a "life commitment story." I could not put it down. As this book was going to press last year, he had built 55 schools.

I heartily thank the two or three people who recommended the book to me, whoever you are. After reading some quite depressing things about current events in the world, this book was a real "uplifter" for me. Do you perhaps need such an uplift?

We also have about twenty books that Pastor Isaiah left behind for Covenant, now awaiting evaluation and possible addition to the library. My invitation for you to help select books from the remaining 20 or so still stands.
Rudy Dyck, Church Librarian

Senior Chat in December

You're invited to join us for two stimulating Senior Chat programs from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room. The holiday season is a good time to invite friends. We share friendship, new ideas, and light refreshments. For information, call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers, Coordinator.

• December 14: From Inability to Ability
  Molly and Jeremy Hale will share their movie that they produced, an inspiring, true story. Molly was told that she'd never walk again after a devastating accident. Her determination and her amazing support network turned that prediction around. This session will prove once again that there is incredible power in faith and the human spirit.
• December 28: The Value of Tradition
  Please bring your favorite holiday music (CD or tape) and personal stories to share. If you wish, you may just come to listen and bask in the joy of others' contributions. It's a gift to be able to consciously share each person's unique traditions, passed on to children and grandchildren.

Alternative Giving

Covenant's Alternative Gift Faire will be open after worship in Fellowship Hall on Sundays December 2 and 9. Bring your list of folks who are hard to shop for, and we'll help you find something: a scholarship from the Community Activities Committee for your teacher friend; a hammer from Habitat for Humanity for the handyman around your house; a gift to United Campus Christian Ministry at Stanford for your college-aged nephew; a gift to the South Palo Alto Food Closet for that fellow who gave you the fruitcake last year. Ten organizations to choose from. Gift cards provided.

Christmas Joy Offering

Sunday, December 23

Covenant will receive its Christmas Joy Offering on Sunday, December 23, during worship. A Presbyterian tradition for almost seventy years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help those in need.

Fifty percent of the receipts from the Christmas Joy Offering is distributed to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs supporting retired and active church workers and their spouses and families. The other fifty percent supports Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education.

We hope you will give generously to this special holiday offering.

Family Giving

You are invited to help us share Christmas with local families in need through the Family Giving Project of the Ecumenical Hunger Program.

We will provide donations of food, grocery gift cards, and wrapped gifts for families assigned to us. You can make a cash contribution through Alternative Gift Faire donations at the sign-up table on December 2 and 9. Make your check payable to Covenant, with "Family Giving Project" on the memo line. Grocery gift cards may be given directly to Cindy Sauln.

We will shop for gifts the week of December 9 and wrap gifts in the Fireside Room on Saturday, December 15 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. We will deliver completed boxes of gifts and food to EHP immediately after worship December 16. We welcome donations of gift-wrapping supplies, including shirt-size boxes for clothing, and we need volunteers to wrap and deliver gifts.

Christian Witness to the Incarcerated

Faith in Action invites you to check our updated Fellowship Hall bulletin board, this month featuring an article by Rev. Alison Harrington, "Christian Witness to the Incarcerated," about her work with inmates at Elmwood and Juvenile Hall.

Community Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church

Join your friends and neighbors for the annual Community Thanksgiving Service, scheduled this year for Tuesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto.

This service is a unique opportunity to share in the universal faith practice of giving thanks with those from many other faith communities in our area, with music, prayers, and readings. It’s always an uplifting experience.

Covenant Bazaar and Great White Elephant Sale

Saturday, November 3, 2007, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall and Fireside Room

Presbyterian Women hold their annual mission fund raiser, the Covenant Bazaar and Great White Elephant Sale on Saturday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall and Fireside Room.

Presbyterian Women will have a variety of items for your admiration and shopping pleasure in their Treasures Room, usually known as the Fireside Room. The Sewing and Crafts Circle will have an assortment of beautiful handmade items for sale, and Covenant’s world renowned cooks will have an array of delectable baked goods for sale in Fellowship Hall. At the same time, the Community Activities Committee holds its Great White Elephant Sale in Fellowship Hall, benefiting their minority scholarship program.

How can you help support this annual mission fundraiser? First, you can make donations of like new "collectibles" by contacting Jean Scott. You can also donate treats for the taste buds by supplying baked goods; contact Bonnie Wilcox. PW will take signups for baked goods in Fellowship Hall through today, October 28. Donations may be dropped off in Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 2, and baked goods may be left either Friday or Saturday morning.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to support mission giving and minority scholarships while you shop, shop, shop for treasures, crafts, white elephants, and a tasty treat to take home!

Adult Education for November

In November, Adult Education focuses on How We Can Make the World a Better Place.

On November 4, 11, and 18, we’ll hear reports from those who attended the Sunnyvale conference on How to Make the World a Better Place. Your fellow Coven-ites will share what they learned on subjects from ecology to social justice, and we welcome you to a dialogue about what part Covenant can play in making our corner of the world better.

On November 25, Rudy Dyck will lead a session on the Fellowship of Reconciliation, which recently awarded our Palo Alto neighbor, Samina Faheem Sundas, its Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Peace Prize. Although those of us who have met her are thrilled that she has received this honor, many are unaware of what this national peace, justice, and nonviolence organization does. Our discussion will include coverage of Ms. Sundas’ work which led to the award from this organization founded in Switzerland in 1914 to try to prevent a war from breaking out. Later an American organization based in New York state, the group publishes a magazine, "Fellowship," now in its 73rd year. The organization provides advocacy training for "grassroots" civilian diplomacy and is currently confronting issues in Colombia, Burma, Iraq, Palestine, and more, as well as in our own country.

Join us at 9:30 Sunday mornings to explore some of the many ways around us to put our faith into acts.

Holiday Help for Hunger

For more than 25 years, Covenant has supported the South Palo Alto Food Closet, housed in Room 9. As many of you know, their needs for food and donations increase around the holidays. Kate Church, Director, nd of help they need if you’d like to make donations to help the hungry in our neighborhood have a brighter holiday:

• They will buy potatoes, onions and carrots, so please don’t get any of those.
• Their clients don’t like sweet potatoes, so leave those off your list.
• Any fresh vegetables that will keep at cool room temperature are welcome, such as green beans, green (or yellow or red or orange) peppers, celery, broccoli, tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Any fruit is also welcome — oranges, bananas, apples, etc.
• They won’t have space to store things refrigerated, but they can store things in a cool garage if necessary.

Instead of distributing turkeys this year, the Food Closet will give families $15 and couples $10 gift certificates to Safeway. That way they don’t have to store turkeys, and clients usually have enough money for a turkey and a little something else.

The Food Closet will begin distributing Thanksgiving items to families on November 12. You can leave donations in the basket in the Narthex. Cash donations are always welcome; leave a check in the offering plate or the Church Office, made out to Covenant Presbyterian Church, memo line, SPA Food Closet.

Ecumenical Hunger Program Needs Help

Quita Kirk, Administrative Manager of Ecumenical Hunger Program, reports that they desperately need the following items, from food and clothing to household essentials.

• Furniture in good usable condition, i.e. mattress not sagging, stain free; appliances under 10 yrs. old; wood furniture, heavy duty, non-particle board;
• Household Essentials: bedding, blankets, comforters, bath and face towels, coffee makers, dish sets, electric frying pans, large pots, kitchen utensils, and silverware;
• Clothing: children’s uniforms, infant, toddler and children’s jackets, pants and shirts for boys/girls and teens;
• Nonfood Items: Feminine pads and tampons, disposable diapers (infant size 3, 4, and 5), body soap, lotion, deodorant, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, and laundry detergent;
• Food (esp. pop-top cans): low sodium foods, ravioli, chili, canned soups, baby food (stage 3), infant formula (Similac, Isomil, Enfamil), Cup-a-soup, Ramen noodles, non refrigerated prepared meals, diabetic food, canned milk, flour, sugar, jelly, condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard), spaghetti sauce, canned spaghetti and meatballs, yams/sweet potatoes, spices (garlic, pepper seasoned salt), hearty foods;
• Special Items: gift cards to local department and grocery stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway, Lucky’s);
• Organizational Wish List includes vehicles (working van); carpet or other office flooring; and volunteers!

For information contact Quita Kirk, EHP Administrative Manager at (650)323-7781 ext. 14, or email quita@ehpcares.org.

Men's Retreat

November 9-11, 2007 at Monterey Dunes

The Men’s Group will hold its Annual Retreat at Monterey Dunes the weekend of November 9-11. The cost is $200 for lodging and food. We will rent two nice houses on the beach and spend the weekend under the leadership of Rev. John Kelso, husband of our Interim Pastor and our former Interim Pastor himself, in reflection, prayer and fellowship, with “discipline, time management, and prioritizing” as our theme. The weekend is always spiritually refreshing and regenerating. All men are welcome. If you would like to attend, please make out your check to Covenant Presbyterian Church, and give it to Dick Davies. We will coordinate transportation. For more info, contact Frank Bernstein.

Senior Chat for November and December

Anyone over the age of 55 is welcome to join us for Senior Chat in the Fireside Room on the second and fourth Fridays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Our discussion topics are timely, informative, and often inspiring. We also enjoy healthy snacks and a short time of exercises and devotional thought. No RSVP’s necessary. Just join us and invite a friend. For more information, call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers.

• November 9: Cardiac Therapy
  Because heart problems are the number one killer of women, we need to discuss important care issues for before and after heart attacks. Our speaker from the Cardiac Therapy Foundation of the Midpeninsula will share research on the life extending value of cardiac care and rehabilitation programs.
• November 23: No Senior Chat— rather, a Day of Recovery from Thanksgiving.
• December 14: From Inability to Ability
  Molly and Jeremy Hale will share their movie that they produced, an inspiring, true story. Molly was told that she’d never walk again after a devastating accident. Her determination and her amazing support network turned that prediction around. This session will prove once again that there is incredible power in faith and the human spirit.

Reformation and Root Beer

Sunday, October 28, 2007, 3:00 p.m. in Fireside Room

On Sunday, October 28, our reformed Adult Education program will celebrate Reformation Sunday. Instead of meeting at the usual 9:30 a.m. time, we will gather at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon for (drum roll please!) Reformation and Root Beer! We will watch the fabulous movie Luther and celebrate Octoberfest by drinking root beer floats and eating popcorn! Movie goers of all ages are invited for a great film and discussion.

Youth Church Underway

Youth Church is off to a great start as we studied our Jewish Roots in September. During this series the kids learned that understanding Jewish traditions will enable us to better understand Jesus’ teachings and be considerate of others that have different traditions.

You may have noticed that the kids built a sukkah on the stage on September 16 to celebrate the Jewish holiday Sukkot. They also made mezuzahs and had a Seder meal together to learn about Passover. Ask the kids to tell you their memory verse. (Hint: It’s "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5))

In October Youth Church will focus on Creation and learning that not only has God created all of the intricate beauty of the world, but God has created us, too, as remarkable, wonderful creatures. Moreover, God has given us a remarkable vocation: to be stewards, partners with God in the ongoing preservation of creation. You can learn their memory verse for this series too! "The heavens declare the glory of the God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1)

Annual Men's Retreat

November 9-11, 2007 at Monterey Dunes

Covenant’s annual Men’s Retreat is scheduled for November 9-11 at Monterey Dunes in the same house we used last year. Rev. John Kelso, husband of our Interim Paula Kelso, will lead discussions.

The weekend begins with dinner Friday evening,, November 9, and ends Sunday, November 11, after lunch. To reserve your space, sign up now with Dick Davies. The cost is $200, including delicious meals prepared under the supervision of Bill Nugteren. Financial assistance is available.
Dick Davies

Covenant's Children

We are very excited about the coming year and all of the possibilities we have to nurture the faith life of our children. Every year we have more kids attending Covenant, and with more kids come more opportunities for fun!

This year the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School classes will be broken into four groups. The groups for infants and toddlers and for kindergarten through second grade will both meet in Room 5; third and fourth graders will meet in Room 7, and fifth grade through Middle School aged youth will meet in Room 8.

At 10:45 our children will worship with us until they are dismissed after the Children's Moment. At this time childcare is available for children through second grade. Kids third grade and older may remain in church with their parents, which we strongly encourage, or they can attend Youth Church. We know that each child is unique, and not all are able to sit through the entire service, so many of the children opt to attend Youth Church in the Fireside Room. Because we feel that it is important for children to be in worship, there will be special times when the older children will stay for worship.

We are very excited about the Youth Church Program which is based on a Rotational Workshop Model. The kids focus on one story for an entire month and rotate through different workshops weekly in order to engage different learning styles. The workshops include Exploratorium, where youth dig into the Scriptures; Creative Expressions, where they learn through art projects; Stages of Faith, where they learn through drama; Loaves and Fishes Café, a chance to learn through cooking; and BLAST Theatre, where youth learn through movies. To make this program work, we need a lot of help, so I invite interested volunteer helpers to contact me.

This year we will be partnering with parents in a more intentional way in order to support you in the nurturing of our children's faith. To this end we will often be sending home materials explaining what your child has been learning and how you can reinforce these lessons at home.

We also want to find ways for parents to assist us in the education of our children by helping out in Sunday School classes and in childcare. We hope that you'll consider how you can help us in the important process of developing our children's faith.
Pastor Alison

New Orleans Two Years Later

Our Faith in Action Ministry team recently received a letter from First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans. In it, Pastor Cliff Nunn reports on progress and work left to do as New Orleans passed its second anniversary, August 29, of the destruction wrought by hurricane Katrina. A complete copy of the letter is posted on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board.

Highlights from the message reflect the enormous progress accomplished by local, state, and national volunteer efforts: donations received, volunteers housed and working, homes rebuilt, new members received. "We also thank God for helping us realize the great value of Love, God, and friendships. All our worldly goods are not that important any more...

"How does it feel on this second anniversary of the storm? For me it feels like we have turned the corner and are on a new road. Our church is changed and has adapted to the new challenges....

"But much remains to be done. At the church, we are still dealing with what to do about our 1908 Steinway and Sons piano (probably not restorable), our 1830's Gothic Communion Table, and a few floor moldings....

"Three things are needed. First, we need your prayers. Prayers and our faith are really what have sustained us these many months. People coming to help have provided spiritual support and hope for the future. The Living Christ has been among us!

"Second, we need you to keep coming and volunteering and helping us rebuild homes. This effort will continue about two more years. There are many many people still living in FEMA trailers working on moving back into their homes.

"Third, we need your financial assistance. We have spent almost $100,000 on buying supplies for these homes [and paying for services and repairs] .... But, we have depleted almost all of the money given by good folk like you. If you can, please send a check made out to First Presbyterian Church, designated to "Building Supplies" and send it to 5401 S.Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. This will help continue our rebuilding effort. [Presbyterian Disaster Assistance] provides only a very small amount of supply money....

"Peace and blessings to all of you. Thank you for your generosity and prayers.

From the Librarian

This month I have several things to bring to your attention, dear Chronicle reader.

In June, Betty and I enjoyed a Senior Chat where Rev. John Butcher of Palo Alto taught a class on teachings from gospel writings that did not find their way into our New Testament, and he urged us to supplement our Bible reading with at least some of these writings. He recommended a book which Betty and I are pleased to donate to the Library: The Complete Gospels, Annotated Scholars' Version, edited by Robert Miller, 1994. While I have only scratched the surface of the material, I recommend the book because Butcher recommended it to this group of lay folks, and because even just reading a little of it, I have learned much about what was going on in the first century or two of Christendom. It was helpful to me at the same time to revisit Elaine Pagels' book, Beyond Belief; the Secret Gospel of Thomas, which we added a few years ago and which also treats this early period.

Also in June, the Library received many books from Pastor Isaiah's collection. As of this moment, about 20 "gems" have been selected for probable addition to our library; four boxes have been selected for giving away at church; and others have been passed on to Palo Alto Friends of the Library. So first of all, please look for these four boxes after worship (from time to time) and help yourselves. Secondly, please consider helping with the process of making final selections and writing brief descriptions or commentaries. Finally, as you have heard me say before, new books and DVDs as well as used items are always welcome. Rudy Dyck, Librarian

Silent Auction Planning

"Oh, it's a long, long time,/From May to December, /But the days grow short/As you reach September...." Yes, it is September, and as the old song says, Covenant's AuctionMeisters don't have the leisure to dawdle between September and December to prepare for this year's Second Annual Silent Auction, now scheduled for February.

Last year the Silent Auction raised more than $3,000 toward the funding for important church programs. We hope that this year's auction will enable us to continue funding those programs and even to grow. So your support of the auction is important in our church planning for next year.

Jane and Frank Bernstein want your help: soliciting donations, planning for auction items, food, entertainment, and everything else that made last year's auction so much fun. What can you do to help us reach and exceed last year's figure? Sign up in Fellowship Hall or call now to volunteer!

Men's Retreat

November 9-11, 2007

The Men's Breakfast Annual Retreat is scheduled for November 9-11 at Monterey Dunes. John Kelso will lead the weekend retreat and study of "Decisions, Priorities, and Time Management." For information and reservations, contact Frank Bernstein.

Snow Trip

January 18-21, 2008

Busy people that we are, it's never too early to plan ahead so you won't be sorry. Snow Trip 2008 will head for the mountains from January 18-21, 2008. Sign up early with Pastor Alison to reserve your space!

Message From Pastor Paula Kelso

Dear Friends,
If you were in worship on July 22, you know that I have a soft spot in my heart for Martha, whom Jesus admonished for her household busyness. Jesus didn't tell her to abandon her chores, but just asked her to attend to what was important.

Those household chores are important, especially when your ability to function is at stake, perhaps just as our lack of storage space impedes our program work sometimes. Closets are such a ripe metaphor for life. We keep avoiding situations we are fearful of or conflicted about, stuffing them farther and farther back in the closets of our minds and hearts. Or we take things that we don't know what to do with and put them off on someone else, in the hope that our trash will be their treasure, when it's more likely that it will still be our trash, just in someone else's closet.

Cleaning closets is good housekeeping, and also a spiritual exercise. As we sort, we are confronted by the artifacts of our past. Some of it is so valuable that we need to find a good, orderly, safe way of keeping it. But some of it needs to go. Interestingly, that is one of the tasks of the interim period: sifting through community history to determine what is valuable and what is no longer useful. We'll do that together as we go along, but I am so pleased to discover that you are already digging in.
Good housekeeping,
Paula

Ministry Teams Seeking Volunteers

August is the month when Ministry Teams are looking for volunteers as they prepare for the return to our full programs. Take a look at who's looking for help this year.

• Dave Ellis and the Adult Ed team are looking for people with new ideas about the form and content of our Adult Ed program.
• Kathy Kerns monitors the Covenant website and chairs the Communications team.
• Mary Lee Templeton needs an Evangelism team of people interested in exploring how to make our church more visible and hospitable to newcomers and visitors.
• The Faith in Action team invites you to a planning meeting at Laura Carroll's home on August 19, right after worship, to talk about Faith in Action activities from Fall through Christmas. They'll even have iced tea and munchies. Call Laura for information or directions.
• José Espinoza welcomes help in planning programs and activities for the Children and Youth Ministry at Covenant.
• Madeleine Fackler chairs the Personnel Ministry team and will be looking for ideas about overseeing staff issues.
• Diane Jones and the Worship team plan regular and special worship services as well as supplying ushers, worship assistants, and greeters. They welcome new members to this important ministry in our church life.

Take your pick! It's a shopper's market! Being part of a ministry team is a great way to share ideas about how our church family and its programs nurture our own members and reach out to others.

Other Opportunities

• Volunteers are needed for local mission! Cindy Sauln leads a team that provides lunch every fifth Friday for Urban Ministry. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the meal and serve at All Saints Episcopal Church, from 9:15 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. The next scheduled dates are September 14, October 19, November 23, and December 28. Please call or email Cindy if you are able to assist for any of these lunch dates.
• Remember the South Palo Alto Food Closet this summer. Your donations of cash or canned goods are always welcome, and excess garden produce in the summer months is a special treat. They can also use regular or substitute help for two-hour shifts. Call Jean Jones for information about how you can help.

Adult Education Wants You!

The Adult Ed Ministry Team is looking forward to a new program year and hopes you'll be part of some changes and new ideas.

Last year, everyone on the Adult Ed team prepared and led a series on everything from Parables to Church History and social justice. This year we add Pastor Paula Kelso to the mix of presenters and hereby invite others who have an unfulfilled talent for teaching to join the team. We will offer training to those interested in facilitating learning groups, so if you'd like to join the Adult Ed team but aren't sure how to lead a session, we'll provide the support!

In keeping with the transitional period in which we find ourselves, we will experiment with content, style, meeting time and venue in the next year. We hope to have fun trying new things and encouraging more people to participate in Adult Ed. We will also visit some of you to hear your wishes and likes firsthand. We look forward to getting some good and candid feedback.
Dave Ellis, Adult Education

Auction Needs You!

Planning is underway for Covenant's Second Annual Silent Auction, scheduled for February. But now is the time for you to think about how you can help in this important event supporting our Associate Pastor position and outreach programs.

We need donations of all kinds of goods, services, outings, crafts, objets d'art, and more. Last year's donations included everything from specialty baskets of goodies to handcrafted jewelry, baked goods, golf outings and vacation home getaways. Are you good at computer troubleshooting? music reading or singing or playing? greeting-card making? Could you share that skill with lessons for someone? The only limit on welcome donations is your imagination. We especially need people to contact local merchants you frequent who are a good source of donations to charitable organizations.

If you are interested in helping with organization, soliciting local donations, and the like, please contact Jane or Frank Bernstein.

Covenant Welcomes Pastor Paula Kelso

We're pleased to welcome Rev. Paula Kelso to her ministry at Covenant, beginning today, July 1. Rev. Kelso is designated our "Stated Supply Pastor" until we officially form a Pastor Nominating Committee. At that time, she will become our Interim Pastor while we go through the process of seeking a new permanent Pastor.

Pastor Kelso comes to us most recently from her year and a half as Interim Associate Pastor at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church. She is not a stranger to us, however. She recently helped lead the Officers' Retreat for Deacons and Elders, and has known of Covenant since her husband, Rev. John Kelso, was our Interim Pastor before we called Pastor Isaiah.

Peacemaking Offering

Sunday, October 7, 2007 during worship

"And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." (Rev. 22:2)

On World Communion Sunday, October 7, Covenant will receive our annual Peacemaking Offering, one of four special offerings throughout the year in the Presbyterian Church.

When it established the Peacemaking Offering in 1980, the General Assembly asked that congregations use World Communion Sunday" to celebrate our common life in the global bonds of Christ’s peace-giving body and, as part of the celebration, to receive a special offering to support initiatives on peacemaking and peacemaking education throughout the church."

The Peacemaking Offering is shared by local church (25%), Presbytery and Synod (25%) and General Assembly (50%) ministries through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Please give generously to this offering to further God’s peace in our world.
Faith in Action Ministry Team

All Hallows Eve Party

Friday, October 26, 5:00-8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Come on along to help us celebrate All Hallows Eve on Friday, October 26, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. We’ll have games for all ages, treats, and fun costumes. Join the party and don’t miss out on the fun!

Presbyterian Women's Lunch

Tuesday, October 9, noon in Fireside Room

Presbyterian Women meet Tuesday, October 9, at 12:00 noon for lunch in the Fireside Room, followed at 1:00 by Jean Jones speaking about the work of the South Palo Alto Food Closet. Sign up for lunch in Fellowship Hall after worship October 7.

Seniors Chat for October

Senior Chat offers older adults stimulating speakers, discussions, and fellowship in our meetings the second and fourth Fridays of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. No RSVP is necessary. For more information: call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers.

• October 12: Alzheimer’s Disease and Recent Research
  Current projects at Stanford and elsewhere are developing ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. J. Wesson Ashford, M.D., Ph.D., a Senior Research Scientist at the Stanford/VA Aging Clinical Research Center, will demonstrate a memory screening game that gives a general idea of our memory function.
• October 26: Death and Dying Issues
  Jim Bronson, Director of Community Outreach and Education for Kara will present a video about Kara’s programs to provide peer support to individuals and families coping with death and dying.

Make the World a Better Place

Saturday, October 27, 2007, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Sunnyvale Presbyterian and Resurrection Catholic Churches

On Saturday, October 27, you are invited to a day-long program of speakers, workshops, and discussions about How to Make the World a Better Place. The program at Sunnyvale Presbyterian and Resurrection Catholic Churches runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The day of learning, growing, thinking, and imagining includes a variety of options focused on how to make that dream a reality. You can see the documentary, "How to Make the World a Better Place"; hear music about possibilities; listen to stories from State Assembly member Sally Lieber and the Rev. Noelle Damico; learn from people who have made the world a better place in their own ways in thirty different workshops; and eat a locally grown lunch. Workshops cover topics like "Green Your Home, School, Church, Business, and World," "Make Change Through the Arts," "Hungry No More," "Fair Trade/Sweat-Free," and "Speak Up, Out, and Get What You Want— Effective Speaking Skills." There is also a special track for youth. More information is available at www.sanjosepby.org/HowToMakeThe WorldABetterPlace.htm.

We will meet at Covenant at 8:15 a.m. to carpool to Sunnyvale and return at 5:00 with all sorts of ideas to pursue. Covenant members will pay a reduced registration fee of $10 for adults and $5 for youth. Look for fliers and signup sheets in the Fellowship Hall after worship.
Carol Holsinger for Faith in Action

Parent's Meeting

Sunday, September 16 after worship in Fireside Room

Next Sunday after worship, September 16, we invite you to a Parents' Meeting in the Fireside Room to talk about our children's programs for the coming year and about other important issues such as how we involve our children in worship.

Lunch will be provided, and childcare will be available. We hope you can attend this meeting to learn how we can help each other in the development of our children's faith. If you have questions about our Children and Youth Programs, please feel free to give me a call, and we hope to see you after worship for lunch and discussion next Sunday.
Pastor Alison

Adult Education

You're invited to join us for the beginning of a new Adult Education program, The Thoughtful Christian, next Sunday morning, September 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room.

The Thoughtful Christian is a "web-based resource center that seeks to help Christians wrestle with difficult questions by stimulating informed conversation and reflection about living faithfully in a complex world."

We begin our exploration of this thought-provoking program with a four-week series exploring Sabbath as Resistance, followed by a two-week series on Sabbath Practice. Pastors Paula Kelso and Alison Harrington will share leadership of the discussions.

Presbyterian Women Begins Program for Fall

Covenant's Presbyterian Women begin their new season of luncheon programs on Tuesday, September 11, at 12:00 noon in the Fireside Room. You are invited to join them for lunch at noon, provided by J and J Catering, otherwise known as Jane Bernstein and Jennifer Espinoza.

Following lunch, we will hear from Pastor Paula Kelso, who will speak about things we never knew about the Presbytery. We hope we'll have a great turnout for this year's first luncheon program.

Our Pesky Rasmussen Circle and Bible Study begins on Tuesday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Marian Davies, assisted by Joyce McClure, will lead our study of a Horizons Bible Study program, Above and Beyond: Hearing God's Call in Jonah and Ruth. Study books will be available at the first meeting; they are $6.00 each. Our circle meets for refreshments and visiting at 1:00, and we have Bible study from about 1:30-2:30, usually concluding between 2:30 and 3:00. We hope you'll join us this year.

The PW Coordinating Team will meet on September 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room.

Finally, we hope you're already thinking about our November Bazaar and items for our Treasures Room or ways to help our sewing and crafts group. We also hope you'll donate some samples of your favorite recipes for the Bake Sale.

Senior Chats for September

You're invited to join a growing group of lively, interesting folks who meet from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room on the second and fourth Fridays of each month for stimulating speakers, refreshments, and an opportunity to meet new friends from neighboring churches. For more information about the Senior Chat program, call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers at 494-3093.

• September 14: Farewell to Falls
  Have we become too used to things the way they are to know that we are living with hazards in our homes? Ellen Corman, R.N., gerontologist from Stanford Medical Center, will help us become conscious of our surroundings and the way they impact our movement. New research, facts and figures will surprise you! And there will be a special free offer from the Medical Center.
• September 28: Ages and Stages
  Our speaker will explore the major demographic ages of the current population, including Baby Boomers, the Silent Generation, the GI Generation, Generation X and Generation Y. Elna Tymes, who has an MA in Gerontology, has opened a "safety/ comfort gadgets" online store for seniors, and is working on the countywide Strategic Plan on Aging.

Seniors of all ages are welcome! Join us and invite a friend.

Peace Events Scheduled

Three local events scheduled for September encourage us to speak out for peace in our world.

• We invite you to join Multifaith Prayers for Peace, scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 7:00 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, 957 Colorado in Palo Alto. On this anniversary of tragedy and loss, we will gather for a contemplative service of prayers, readings, silent meditation, and harp music. Together let us pray and work for peace. The event is sponsored by Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice. For more information call 650-569-3416 or see www.multifaithpeace.org.
• In anticipation of congressional hearings and debate on the war in Iraq, and in preparation for the International Day of Peace on September 21, the Santa Clara County Council of Churches urges every church to commit to take time during worship to pray for peace. We would love to tell the world (and the media) that every church in Santa Clara County is praying for peace on September 16!
• STOP AT 11:30 a.m. on September 21. At 11:30 a.m. on September 21, we're inviting you to take two minutes to do something for peace. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, at 11:30 a.m., just step outside for two minutes. Whether you bow your head, or attend the interfaith vigil on the corner of Embarcadero and El Camino in Palo Alto from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, we hope you'll join this nationwide demonstration for peace, sponsored by the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County and the Network of Spiritual Progressives.

Peacemaking Offering Set for October

"And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." (Rev. 22:2)

This year's Peacemaking Offering theme is taken from a verse in the book of Revelation. One of the images John uses in his vision of the new Jerusalem is the tree of life, with its twelve kinds of fruit and leaves that are to be used for the healing of all the nations of the world. It is an image of a world at peace, with enough for everyone to eat and the "medicine" to heal all the wounds and illnesses of humankind.

We live in the hope of that vision of peace and well-being expressed so vividly in the tree of life. The Peacemaking Offering is a tool of our efforts to live and work within that hope. You are invited to be a part of the work for peace in our world through the Peacemaking Offering, scheduled for Sunday, October 7.

25 percent of the Offering received will be retained by Covenant, 25 percent will be used by San Jose Presbytery and the Synod of the Pacific, and 50 percent will be used by the General Assembly ministries through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. We hope you will give generously in support of this offering for furthering God's peace in our world.
Laura Carroll, Faith in Action

Coveknitters

Sunday, September 9 at 4:00 p.m. in Fireside Room

Coveknitters are moving their monthly knit-and-visit meetings to the second Sunday of the month. We'll meet this month on September 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room for tea and fellowship—and knitting or sewing or jewelry-making or whatever else is your favorite craft. Join us for an afternoon "out" with the "girls."

Game Night

Saturday, September 15, 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Join the gamesters for the first Game Night of the fall season. We'll gather for pizza and games in Fellowship Hall on September 15 at 5:00 p.m. Game Night is back by popular demand. Join the crowd for some fun and pizza.

Men's Breakfast Group

Saturday, September 15 & October 20 at 8:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room

Men's Breakfast Group resumes its study of Man in the Mirror on Saturdays, September 15 and October 20, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. For information, contact Frank Bernstein. Newcomers are always welcome.

Fall Roundup

Mark your calendar for next Sunday, September 9, 2007, for Fall Roundup. We will return to our 10:45 a.m. worship time with Adult Ed and Church School resuming the following Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 9:30. An "Antless Picnic" in the Fellowship Hall will follow worship. Bring something to share.

Sabbath as Resistance

The Thoughtful Christian is a "web-based resource center that seeks to help Christians wrestle with difficult questions by stimulating informed conversation and reflection about living faithfully in a complex world." Join other thoughtful Christians in the Fireside Room as we explore Sabbath as Resistance, a four-week series beginning on September 16. Check the website at http://www.thethoughtfulchristian.com for more information. Pastors Alison and Paula will share leadership of the discussion.

Disaster Assistance

In recent months, floodwaters have inundated significant areas of Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Iowa, displacing thousands of families, including low-income families already struggling to make ends meet.

One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) are at work throughout the Midwest. $90,000 has been sent to eight different presbyteries affected by flooding. Six members of the PDA National Response Team have been deployed to provide assistance as needed to presbyteries and congregations active in the relief and recovery efforts of the Presbyterian Church ( U.S.A.). Please keep families who have lost loved ones, flood survivors, and care givers in your thoughts and prayers.
Laura Carroll, Faith in Action

Avalanche Ranch a Hit

Forty children and a great group of youth and adult crew leaders gathered in the Fellowship Hall "corral" for a week of fun and food, worship and Bible study as Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School swept through Covenant last week.

One of the most rewarding features of the week's program was seeing Covenant and other youth grow into leadership roles as crew leaders. Cris Kerns did a fine job running the craft station. Lulu Espinoza moved from junior leader to crew leader this year. Ana and Alejandro Yañez each led a crew, and Daniel Santos, Cati Espinoza, and Jasmine Jara were junior crew leaders, along with four junior leaders from First Christian Church. Adult crew leaders were Natalia Tanojo, Diane Jones, and Erica Quinn from First Baptist Church.

Special thanks to Pastor Alison Harrington for the Bible dramas; Diann Chethik for leading Chadder's Theater with a Southern twang; snack ladies Lillian Quan, Jeanette Lee, and Esther Lee; game leaders Diann Chethik and Chip Clark form First Baptist. We also thank those who helped create the "Avalanche Ranch" atmosphere: Jane Bernstein for decorations, supplies, craft preparation, and more; Alison's mother for use of the photo op saddle; Howard Hushbeck for sound setup; the Wunders and Scotts for props; Lizanne Reynolds for snack and grocery shopping; and Jennifer Espinoza for organizing and providing leadership throughout.

How do we know that God is real? Pastor Alison asked the first day. Rev. Kelso's grandson answered, "Because he makes the sun come up forever and always." Do we need any more testimony to why kids should have some summer fun at Vacation Bible Camp?

Fall Roundup

Hot on the heels of July's successful Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible Camp, Covenant is heading for a Fall Roundup, set for Sunday, September 9, beginning with a return to our regular worship time, 10:45 a.m.

During worship on September 9, we will commission our Sunday School teachers for 2007-08. After worship, we hope you'll join us for a big "Roundup Sunday" chuck wagon lunch in Fellowship Hall, complete with hot dogs, baked beans, and cornbread, as we look forward to an exciting Fall full of fellowship, fun, and spiritual growth.

Sunday School classes for Children, Youth, and Adults will resume the following Sunday, September 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Y'all come on along to the Fall Roundup and Kickoff Sunday as we say "Welcome Home!" and launch our 2007-08 program year.

Help With School Supplies

The Interfaith Network for Community Help is collecting school supplies for the Fall of 2007. INCH is looking for supplies for children age 5-17, including pencils, spiral notebooks, backpacks, packages of pens, and colored pens and pencils.

If you can help with this community outreach for needy children, you can leave your donations in the Church Office before September 1, and INCH will pick them up.

Senior Chat Hiatus

The very successful series of twice monthly Senior Chat programs will take a summer hiatus in August. But we'll be back in September for a new series of speakers, discussion, light exercise, and fellowship, beginning the second Friday, in the Fireside Room. We hope you enjoy your summer, and we look forward to seeing you at 10:00 on September 14.
Dona Smith-Powers, Coordinator

Union Services Set

Join us for three union services with our neighbors in August. The common theme for the services, all at 10:00 a.m., is "Stranger in Our Midst."

• August 5 - Union Worship at First Baptist
• August 12 - Union Worship at Covenant
• August 19 - Union Worship at First Presbyterian, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto
• August 26, Sept. 2, 10:00 a.m. Summer Worship at Covenant
• Sept. 9 Worship at Covenant, 10:45 a.m.

BBQ at Covenant in August

Our journey of struggling with difficult faith questions continues in August here at Covenant. We have been meeting all summer for barbecue and discussion after watching a Living the Questions video (LivingTheQuestions.com).

We have covered topics such as scripture, creation, and restoration of human relationships. Our final two sessions will focus on the problem of human suffering and prayer. On August 8 and 22, Covenant hosts the program with our guests from First Baptist and First Christian Churches. We will meet on the patio and in the Fireside Room from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Join us for interesting discussions and good fellowship.

Also, we're looking for some folks to help with the barbecue. Please let Pastor Alison know if you can help or have a grill we can borrow. Hope to see you there!

Help Us Celebrate Pastor Isaiah Jones' Ministery

Sunday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. in the Covenant Church Sanctuary

Mark your calendar and join us for worship and a great Celebration of Ministry for Pastor Isaiah Jones, Jr., who returns to Covenant on Sunday, July 15. We hope it will be a joyous remembrance of his ministry with us for seven years and a loving sendoff to the next ventures in his life and ministry in his retirement.

Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jones, Jr., will be with us for worship beginning at 10:00 a.m. In addition, we will host a great Celebration of Ministry, beginning with worship at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary and continuing with a reception afterwards in Fellowship Hall.

You won't want to miss these opportunities to worship, sing, and share lots of love hugs as we celebrate Pastor Isaiah's ministry with us. Please be sure to invite others in the neighborhood and community to be part of the celebration. His ministry and music took him to many places in the community, and many people will want to share in the occasion.

If you would like to help provide refreshments for the reception, please sign up in Fellowship Hall today or next week, July 8, to bring finger foods like sandwiches, vegetable platters and dip, nut breads, cookies, and whatever else is easy to eat in a crowd.

For those who would like to participate, we will receive a love offering gift for Pastor Isaiah during the afternoon celebration. Plan to join us on July 15, and bring the family and friends.

Act Now

Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room

Looking for something different this summer? Why not a walk through Acts with the Wednesday Morning Bible Study group? We meet weekly at 7:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Join us as we explore this New Testament record of the Acts of the Apostles after the Resurrection of Jesus. New members are always welcome.

Summer Reading

Refreshed from a vacation in France, your Church librarian returned to recommend enthusiastically a new addition to the Church Library. Rudy says he's "especially pleased" with a donation from Joan Gielow: Peace Be Upon You; the Story of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Coexistence by Zachary Karabell. (2007, shelved first with New Additions and then at 291, Comparative Religion)

The pleasure comes first from the importance of the topic to the Christian church today in light of current events, and second from the fact that the book is very readable. The first 1,100 years of this three-way coexistence offer one fascinating story after another.

Did you know, for example, that Muhammad established a "Constitution of Medina" that embraced the three resistant Jewish tribes living there, at least for a while? That when they objected to his effort to call himself a prophet, he went to war with the tribes, won, and had many of these Jews executed? That by the end of his life his forces controlled all of the Arabian Peninsula and more, and Muhammad had named himself Allah's final messenger? But there is a cautionary note by the author that because little was written down until much later, it's not settled history.

Another fascinating topic is the number of so-called "religious" wars over the centuries where two sides became power coalitions that brought people together across religious and sectarian lines. (Ed. note: read in the paper about Israel and Fatah's Palestine lately?) Karabell's frequent message through all of these stories of animosity is that too often today we forget much of our history where diverse groups lived and worked together peaceably most of the time.

Besides the occasional recent book additions to the library, remember there's a lot of good reading on our library shelves, including recent Adult Education class study materials on healthcare and environmental issues. We've also begun building a DVD library. Donations of books and DVDs are welcome! Rudy Dyck, Librarian

Summer Fun

Never one to be caught loafing, our Passionate Pink Party Princess reminds us of several chances in July to have some fun in the sun.

• On July 1, 8, 22, and 29, join us for some Sunday splashing and sunning. We'll hit the pool shortly after the conclusion of worship to enjoy some snacks and lunch and sun. C'mon along to the Swim Party!
• On Saturday, July 14, Covenant goes to the ball park! We'll be going to a 5:00 San Jose Giants game, but we plan to tailgate before the game, so meet us in the stadium parking lot before starting time. If we get more than 15 people, we can get specially priced tickets and our name on the scoreboard! So please let Pastor Alison know as soon as possible if you are planning to attend this event.

Senior Chats for July

You're invited to join our friendly group for Senior Chat the second and fourth Fridays of each month in the Fireside Room. We share healthy snacks, light exercises, and brief devotional time before we hear a speaker. No need to RSVP — just join us.

• July 13 Aging as a Spiritual Journey with Marita Grudzen, Associate Director of the Stanford Geriatric Education Center, will help us consider some issues important to seniors: finding hope, letting go of expectations, making sense of suffering, forgiveness and healing. (rescheduled from an earlier date)
• July 27 New Uses for Hypnotherapy - Hypnosis has been used to treat pain and anxiety, as well as to break bad habits. Ann Pianetta, Certified Hypnotherapist and well known presenter in the area, will share the latest research on the subject.

For more information, call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers, Coordinator.

Union Services Set

Summer union worship services with two of our neighbor churches are scheduled for August. All services begin at 10:00 a.m. The common theme this year is "Stranger in Our Midst." Choir members are invited to sing in the union choirs, with rehearsals at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday at the host church.

• August 5 at First Baptist, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto
• August 12 at Covenant
• August 19 at First Presbyterian 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto

Join us for these special opportunities to share in worship and fellowship with our neighbors.

Fall Men's Retreat

November 9-11, 2007 at Monterey Dunes

Our Fall Men's Retreat has been rescheduled from late October to November 9-11 because of renovations in one of the houses we rent at Monterey Dunes. We will focus on decision making, setting priorities, and time management, continuing our study of those issues we began last year and have continued this year at Men's Breakfasts. We will supplement Patrick Morley's book The Man in the Mirror, which has provided us with spiritual, Scripture-centered focus on these and other issues affecting men's daily lives, with one or more Christian-based works.

All men are welcome at our retreat. The cost is $200 for lodging and all food and beverage. A limited number of partial or full scholarships is available for those who need assistance. Interested men should contact Frank Bernstein. Men also are welcome at our monthly breakfasts, which resume the third Saturday of September after a summer hiatus.

Burgers & Big Questions

Want a chance to ask questions about anything from creation to evil and suffering? Bothered by issues of personal faith or cultural clashes about belief? Here's your chance to express ideas and listen to others' thoughts on issues we often don't take time to consider. Covenant, First Baptist, and First Christian Churches invite you to BBQ: Burgers, Big Questions— Living the Questions. We'll gather from 6:00-8:30 p.m. for dinner and discussion of topics ranging from creation to evil and suffering. Join us as we walk this journey of faith together on Wednesday evenings:

• July 11 and 25 at First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto
• August 8 and 22 at Covenant

Vacation Bible Camp

Avalanche Ranch, a Wild Ride Through God's Word, comes to Covenant in July. Saddle up, dudes and dudettes, and get ready for this summer's Vacation Bible Camp.

Our Avalanche Ranch program will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Each day kids will sing catchy songs, play team-building games, nibble Chuck Wagon Chow, experience electrifying Bible adventures, collect Bible memory Buddies to remind them of God's word, and create crafts they will take home and play with all summer long. Kids will take part in a hands-on mission project which will benefit orphans in Africa.

Cosponsored with our neighbors First Baptist Church and First Christian Church, Covenant's Vacation Bible Camp begins July 23 and runs through July 27, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day. Preregistration is required, and scholarships are available. There are many adult volunteer opportunities for this church-wide mission that both serves our own children and provides an outreach to our community.

Children and grandchildren welcome! Adult volunteers needed. For information about how to enroll your favorite kids or how you can help make the fun happen, contact Jennifer Espinoza.

Auction Planning Begins

We had so much fun last year, we're doing it again! October 13 is the date for the Second Covenant Silent Auction. We raised over $8,000 last fall, a very nice first effort.

We'd like it even better if the proceeds get into five figures this year. The Silent Auction can be a great way to help us raise money for our growing ministries. The entire community is invited. We hope you'll invite your friends and tell them to bring their checkbooks!

Although the calendar still says "May," it's not too early to begin thinking about contributions to the Auction. We welcome everything from crafts and specialty baskets to services and travel and vacation stays and sports or theatrical tickets. The sooner we know about what we'll have, the better. It takes a lot of time to recruit auction donations and prepare a catalog. If possible, we'd like to know about donation items by September 30, to make it easier to put the book of items together without a lot of addenda.

We'll hold our first planning meeting in early June, and we welcome volunteers. Please contact Jane or Frank Bernstein if you'd like to help. We're also looking for help with contacting local merchants for contributions, food preparation, etc. The only limits on where to find donations and make this effort a big success are our imaginations and energy. We can do it again, and better!
Jane and Frank Bernstein

Covenant Presbyterian Church Invites Children to Avalanche Ranch: A Wild Ride Through God's Word!

July 23-27, 2007

Our Avalanche Ranch will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for children in grades kinder through 5th. Each day kids will sing catchy s, nibble Chuck Wagon Chow, take on a Daily Challenge, experience electrifying Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God's word, and create Bible Point Crafts they'll take home and play with all summer long. Kids will join nearly a million children in North America and take part in a hands-on missions project that will reach orphans in Africa.

Avalanche Ranch will begin on Monday, July 23rd, and continues through Friday, July 27th. Meet at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 670 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, each day from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. For information, call the church office at (650) 494-1760.
Pre-registration required. You can download the registration form.

Evan Almighty

Saturday, June 23, 2007, noon - meet at Covenant to carpool

We will be going on Saturday, June 23rd to see Evan Almighty. We will meet here at Covenant at 12:00 n and coon carpool over to the AMC Mercado 20 in Santa Clara for the 1:00 PM show. We will then return to Covenant for an Ice Cream Social and a discussion about faith. The movie is rated PG and so we are asking for parents to accompany their kids. This activity is aimed at our older kids (3rd grade and up) but parents can use their own judgment to determine whether some of the younger brothers and sisters would like to attend. Adults always welcome.

Presbyterian Women's Luncheon

Tuesday, June 12, 2007, noon in Fireside Room

Presbyterian Women will hold their final luncheon meeting this year on Tuesday, June 12, with lunch beginning at 12:00 noon in the Fireside Room and followed at 1:00 p.m. by a speaker, Jeff Marks, of Green Pastures in Mountain View.

We welcome all church members to this unusual opportunity to hear about Green Pastures, a home for disabled children. In the Green Pastures newsletter, Marks writes, "All of our programs and activities speak to our culture regarding the inherent value and the potential contribution of people who have a significant physical or developmental challenge."

Those attending are asked to help support the Green Pastures ministry by bringing cans of soup to the meeting. You can sign up for the luncheon meeting on June 3 or 10 after worship in Fellowship Hall.

Senior Chat for June

Why not take the opportunity of a lighter summer schedule to join us at Senior Chat on alternate Fridays from 10:00-11:30 in the Fireside Room for conversation, light exercise and a speaker? No RSVP's necessary. For more information, call Dona Smith-Powers, Coordinator.

• June 8: Aging as a Spiritual Journey with Marita Grudzen, MHS, Associate Director, Stanford Geriatric Center, will help us consider some issues important to seniors: finding hope, letting go of expectations, making sense of suffering, forgiveness and healing.
• June 22: Hidden Treasures in the Earth . . . and in Us with John Beverley Butcher, M.Div., has researched the Wisdom documents from Nag Hammadi, which speak to Jesus' wisdom, but also to the wisdom within each of us.

Burgers & Big Questions

Any questions about faith that you've always pondered but were afraid to ask? Well, here's your chance! Covenant, First Baptist, and First Christian Churches invite you to BBQ: Burgers, Big Questions— Living the Questions. We'll gather from 6:00-8:30 p.m. for dinner and discussion of topics ranging from creation to evil and suffering. Join us as we walk this journey of faith together on Wednesday evenings:

• June 13 and 27, at First Christian Church, 2890 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
• July 11 and 25 at First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto
• August 8 and 22 at Covenant

Antless Picnic

Sunday, June 10, noon in Fellowship Hall

Join us to celebrate Sunday School Teacher Recognition Day, graduations, end-of-school year, and anything else you want to celebrate at an Antless Picnic and Summer Kickoff, in Fellowship Hall after worship next Sunday, June 10, the last Sunday of our regular worship schedule.

Bring your favorite summer potluck sandwiches, casserole, or salad to share, and we'll provide the tables, plates, utensils, and picnic lemonade. And don't forget to invite a friend and bring the kids and grandkids! Maybe we'll even provide some picnic blankets on the stage for those who prefer blankets to chairs! Hats and sunglasses optional.

Pastor Isaiah Retires

Because of his illness, Pastor Isaiah will officially retire from his position as Covenant's pastor at the end of May. His last column, after seven years of sharing his insights and hopes and prayers with us, was phoned into the office from his hospital room in Houston.

My Covenant family and friends, this month is the completion of our journey of faith together. For more than seven years we have been blessed to experience God together. Praise to the Eternal Living God!

We are not clear on God's next leg of each of our journeys, but we know we go with God. Thank you for growing me, following my leadership, and loving me in ways that I cannot fully express by words. You have been God's presence for me in many, many ways.

I was recently inspired through the words of Psalm 21:1— "O Lord, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!"

Go forth in God's strength. Rejoice in the victories that God gives. To God be the glory.
Love, Pastor Isaiah

Pentecost Offering

May 27, 2007

On Pentecost Sunday, May 27, Covenant will receive our annual Pentecost Offering, one direct way we can meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised over $7 million for ministries that benefit younger members of God's family.

The General Assembly Council divides its 60% of offering receipts among national programs of three types: Ministries with Youth and Young Adults (25%); Young Adult Volunteers (25%); and Child Advocacy Ministries (10%).

Congregations are encouraged to keep 40% of the Offering to support work on behalf of children at risk in their local communities. Covenant has given much appreciated donations to EHP and Rev. Charles Tinsley in past years.

For the 2007 Pentecost local giving, the Faith in Action Ministry Team recommends dividing Covenant's offering among Rev. Tinsley's work with youth in the juvenile criminal system, with two in their last year of college, and more following (40%); EHP's efforts, with a new director, to reach out to youth with guidance, a computer center, and feeding and clothing needy families (40%); and Covenant's program to reach children at risk through the Vacation Bible School week in the summer and on-going youth activities (20%).

If you'd like to recommend realigning the amounts or adding programs, please call Laura Carroll.

Senior Chats in May

Our May Senior Chats will focus on the positives of aging with two programs presented by Senior New Ways on the subject of "Coming Fully Alive as You Age."

• May 11: Finding Meaning in Life - Susan Harlan of the Center for Aging and Spirituality will help us explore the positive aspects of aging: being versus doing, and the potential of becoming a "sage."
• May 25: Being Fully Alive - Merrylen Sacks, a gerontologist, will help us bring forth our own inner wisdom regarding prayer and meditation, care of the body, and coping with physical limitations.

Join us! For more information, call Rev. Dona Smith-Powers.

Adult Education Concludes Series

The Adult Education program concludes this year's programs with the final discussions of the "Creating Shalom" series.

Rudy Dyck led the discussion this morning with an examination of Health Care in California, considering issues of health care for all and ways we might improve health care access for those who don't have insurance.

On May 13 and 20, Joni Marshburn and Carol Holsinger will help us consider "Serious Mental Illness: Seeking a Comprehensive Christian Response," based on a document developed by the Task Force on Serious Mental Illness of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. We will explore the definition of serious mental illness, Biblical and theological perspectives, and the church's ministry to people with serious mental illness. Our study will be enhanced by material from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) FaithNet.

On May 27 and June 3, Rev. Alison Harrington will lead discussions about Prison Issues. She will share some of her experiences in prison ministries. You are also invited to go with Alison on a "Field Trip" as she provides worship leadership at San Quentin on May 20. Please be in touch with her to share in that experience.

Join us in the Fireside Room on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. as we conclude this year's varied subjects of adult study programs.

Thanks for Crop Walk

Among the hundreds of CROP Walk participants in San Jose this year were ten from Covenant who collectively raised $1,055!

Congratulations to Covenant's ten CROP Walkers, including José, Jennifer, Lulu, and Cati Espinoza; John, Leah, and Mary Akers-Bell; Sarah Phoenix; and Cris and Kathy Kerns. Mary and Sarah even took on and met the challenge to carry a gallon jug of water for the entire five miles to see what it is like for those in developing countries who walk long distances to get water.

One of the projects supported by the CROP Walk is drilling wells in these countries. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised are used locally to support Second Harvest Food Bank and Sacred Heart in their work with the poor. Thanks to our walkers and all who supported their efforts in a worthy cause.

Nimble Needlers Needed

Margaret Arnold, coordinator of the Sewing and Crafts circle, is looking for more clever needle-workers to help create crafts projects. The circle meets Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30 a.m. to work on projects that benefit others, either by direct donation or sale at the annual bazaar. Those who want to go to lunch together after the morning session often do so. More hands will make more projects to benefit Covenant programs directly as well as others.

Mark Your Calendar

June 24, 2007

Thinking ahead to summer already? Before we all hop in the car or head for the airport or the beach, don't forget Covenant's annual inauguration of the summer schedule.

We'll Worship and Picnic in the Park, on Sunday, June 24, and then begin our 10:00 a.m. Summer Worship Schedule on the following Sunday, July 1.

Holy Week - From Palms to Resurrection

Join us as we remember Jesus' journey from Palms to Passion and celebrate God's promise to us in Jesus' resurrection. During this most holy week in the Christian year, we invite you to be a part of several services concluding our preparation through Lent for the joyous celebrations of Easter Sunday.

On Thursday, we join our neighbor churches for a light supper and Maundy Thursday worship at First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Avenue, Palo Alto. On Good Friday you can choose a quiet meditation at Covenant or hear our preachers at neighboring churches. Then on Sunday, we return to Covenant for Easter Sunrise service, breakfast, and Easter Worship, concluding with the "Hallelujah Chorus." Celebrate with us in this joyful season!

Pastor Isaiah's Message for April

Bunny Visits

Saturday, April 7, 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Presbyterian Women's Luncheon

Tuesday, April 10, noon

Adult Education

Bible Study with Diana Gibson

Major Work Day Set

Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m./h3>

Coveknitters, Unite!

Earth Day Events Planned