Newsletter - February 2012

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PASADENA COVENANT CHURCH

February 2012
By Tim Dally I was reminded of a line of thought in a novel called Gilead I read a few years ago - it was the idea of being able to see “transfiguration” everywhere because of the presence and power of God. In the novel it was way to think and imagine about the kingdom of God. As I write this from Chicago at the Mid Winter gathering for the Evangelical Covenant Church, I was wondering what it would be like to “see” like this and if it is possible for not only a person but a community to “see” like this. I wonder if we might be able to think of this as a practical theology as we try to see the way God is at work among us and in our world. Seeing with the eyes of the kingdom. Seeing things as disciples who have picked up their crosses, become new creations, love one another, putting the kingdom agenda of the Great Commission and Great Commandment first in our lives and in the lives of our community. As we approach the Annual Meeting this weekend, I think a lot of churches transform into a different type of community when our lives are reduced to a preoccupation with the business of the church. At the meeting we will discuss that financial and organizational aspect, but it should not be devoid of practical theology. I imagine a lot of churches might be tempted to see or look at things as less than they are, like this is only about some numbers and nominations. In reality the numbers and the nominations, the business of the church, should be all about the presence and power of God. The numbers and nominations represent commitment, reflection, sacrifice, giftedness, transformation, growth, and change. I would like to believe that everything thing about the gathering would honor God. Yes, that is what I said about a business meeting. Let’s all attempt to do more than business as usual as we gather to consider such things as if this is a part of the kingdom work of God. First Annual Meeting I ever attended in a Covenant church was a dogfight. The Holy Spirit was absent. People were behaving very badly. God was not honored. The unholy trinity of Me, Myself, and I reigned (thank you Eugene Peterson for that phrase). It was embarrassing, pathetic, sad, loud, petty, selfrighteous and was far removed from a description of transfiguration...more like Armageddon and evil has the edge. It is my hope that we walk into the meeting thinking of God and his presence and power, and the kingdom agenda that we exist for. We are not a big box store, we are not a quick deal with a drive through, we are not a vending machine, we are not driven by a remote control in our hands, we are not irrelevant, we are not alone, we are not an accident, we are not a country club...we are a church...we are his church...we are his church with a stated vision that honors God. We exist and as his church will prevail. Our business and budget help us serve His purposes. Our shared servant hood and our effort to focus on God's plans keep us aimed in the right direction. Your commitment matters. Every prayer you pray, every dollar you share, every minute you serve matters. We have a lot of God things to celebrate along with our commitments and affirmations as members. The good news is more than the fact that our attendance and offerings are going up. This Sunday, in addition to business, we celebrate what God is up to here at Pasadena Covenant. We will look back and we will look forward and maybe we will see things like the kingdom of God. As the lead pastor of Pasadena Covenant Church, thank you for living the vision. I am looking forward to this next year. I can imagine all kinds of possibilities when we put God and his agenda first.

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Sunday Morning Happenings For Adults at 9:00 a.m.
Couriers
Repeated Exposure to God’s Word will enrich and change your life. In-depth Bible Study Sundays at 9:00 am in the Fireside Room, Gym building. John Wipf, teacher; Marilyn Hanks, facilitator. Coffee and

good fellowship. For further information contact Marilyn Hanks (626) 791-3782.

 

 

 

Companions in Christ
Our adult Companions in Christ small group meets at 9:00 am Sundays for Bible study, prayer,

and fellowship in the room located upstairs off the west side of the balcony. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, contact Jennifer Mawhorter (909) 621-2389 or [email protected].

Life Together
Life Together will be reading a book on prayer, The Jesus Creed; Loving God, Loving Others, by Scott McKnight. We meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am in the Corner house. We welcome visitors and look forward to all that God will stir up in us this new year! If you have any questions, please contact Anita Sorenson at [email protected].

COME CELEBRATE

180 WONDERFUL YEARS!

The Family of Elmer and Allene Fredrickson would like to invite you to an Open House Celebration in recognition of their 90th birthdays. The open house will be Sat., March 10th between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00 at the home of John and Tammy Fredrickson, at 1865 Midwick Drive, Altadena (cross street: Allen Avenue). If you will be coming, please RSVP by March 5th by email: [email protected], or by phone: (626) 797-2610. No gifts, please.

Thank you for loving and honoring our parents/grandparents!
The Children and Grandchildren of Elmer and Allene

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The next Koinonia Prayer and Praise potluck will be on Sunday, February 12th, at 6pm at the new home of Art and Dorothy Patzia Please contact Dorothy to coordinate your potluck item.

The Pasadena Covenant Men’s Book Club will meet in the Corner House on Thursday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. We will finish our discussion of Last Call: the Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent. Please contact Tom Andrews for more information [email protected] or (626) 797-6190.

Women’s Book Club
The Pasadena Covenant Women’s Book Club will meet on Monday, February 27th, 7:30 9:00 pm at the Corner House to discuss The Gardens of Water by Alan Drew For more information, please contact Jennifer Mawhorter [email protected] or 909-621-2389.

Loving, Reliable Child Care Workers Needed
Our nursery is growing, and so is our small group ministry! That combination leads to much need for child care! We are needing to expand our roster of paid child care workers to help meet that need. Child care is most often needed on Sunday mornings and

Tuesday, February 21st, Sarah Circle meets from 9:30 am - noon in Fireside. We welcome all women from all generations to join us for service projects, fellowship and refreshments. Sewing baby quilts continues. Vikki Randall has a Children’s Ministry project for us to assemble. We have a “rolling start” so come when you can. For information, contact Mary Barkman.

afternoons, and in evenings during the week. All child care workers must be at least 16 years of age, and undergo a background check. Starting pay is $10/hr. If you’re interested in applying, contact Vikki Randall at [email protected].

Upcoming Trustee Meeting
Monday, February 6th 7:00 pm in the Corner House

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Cross-Cultural Communication Specialists’ Praise & Prayer Requests
Cross-Cultural workers with Bibles and Literature in French (BLF), Walter and Nancy Zurfluh, have finished 54 years of faithful service to the Lord. The following letter was sent to the Cross Cultural Ministry Team and therefore applies to all at Pasadena Covenant who support our ministries. “Dear Friends at Pasadena Covenant Church: Thank you for touching many people with the Gospel of Christ in Eastern Europe, French-speaking Europe, Africa and other countries around the world through our ministry for over 54 years. Because of health issues and advanced age we feel that we can no longer serve Bibles and Literature in French on a full time basis and perform all the duties and responsibilities expected of us. We and the BLF board believe that the Lord is leading us to retire as of December 31, 2011. We will still be associated with BLF and hope to be able to continue to assist in this ministry as health and strength allow. There will be opportunities to reach out via E-Mail, correspondence and phoning with some possible occasions of representing BLF in local missionary conferences, Christian colleges and seminaries, but long distance travel is no longer possible or advisable at our age. Thank you for continuing to pray for BLF as the Lord may lead you. To keep in touch check out the website www.blfusa.org for updated information on this ministry. A prayer and praise bulletin in available each Tuesday if the office has your E-Mail address. We have appreciated so very much the fellowship with you and Pasadena Covenant for many years. Lord willing, we plan to continue to remain in this fellowship. Again we express our deep gratitude for your investment in the ministry which the Lord has given us over so many years. You will be rewarded abundantly because you are part of this ministry team. In addition pray for the many decisions and adjustments that our new status will require. Gratefully yours in Christ, Walter and Nancy Zurfluh”

 
 
   
Your gracious support is appreciated!
We need the following supplies:
 

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Mac & Cheese Spaghetti Sauce or Pasta Sauce Canned Beans Potatoes Canned Soup Bulk Rice Canned Meat Baby Pampers Oranges Cans of Fruit Canned Vegetables Rolls of Toilet Paper Fruit Juice Crackers Cereals
 

Peace and Justice Ministry Team will meet on Monday, February 13th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Santa Barbara Room. All are welcome to attend.

Canned Chili Bulk Dried Pinto Beans Onions Peanut Butter Jelly Snack Items Cooking Oil Spaghettios or Ravioli Cans of Tuna Canned Tomatoes Ramen Cup of Noodles Baby formula Baby wipes Feminine napkins

Help Our Neighborhood Children
A good education is important and we can help children in our neighborhood school, Madison Elementary, by either working in a classroom once a week or tutoring children in basic skills. The needs, as well as rewards, are great. If you have a willingness to help, you can be a blessing to children who need help with school. Please contact Dorothy Patzia at [email protected]

             

Spaghetti or Noodles  Oatmeal
            

Current Household Needs for our Neighborhood families include: Toddler Car Seats, Booster Car Seats (for children 4years and older who weigh over 40 lbs), an alarm clock, living room couches, twin or full size mattresses, bun beads, and dinner tables and chairs. List is found on the church website. If you have these (or other items not listed) to donate, contact Mirsa Serrano at [email protected] or Kim Dorman at [email protected]

Please, no dented cans or outdated food.
Please bring your donations on Sunday morning and place them in the baskets under the tables outside the Gathering Place in the Sanctuary Building. We deliver the food for distribution every Monday mornings.

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Midweek Programs
FLOW (High School): Tuesdays, 7-9 pm G.O.A.T. (Middle School): Thursdays, 6-8 pm
Our midweek program for high school and middle school involves large community time, worship, and small groups. Join us this winter and spring as we dive into Faith in Action, a small group study designed to introduce students to holistic faith, focusing on topics such as racial reconciliation and economic stewardship. Our format includes small group night out, game nights, and dinners! Make sure your on the email list to receive the most up-to-date information!

30 Hour Famine: February 24th: 7:00 - 6:30 pm
Our third annual 30 Hour Famine event! We’re so excited to see what God is going to do through us. This year, we’re doing things a little different and making the event an overnight lock-in! Join us for t-shirt making, a night of worship and prayer, and a day full of service—all while we fast! Fundraising envelopes are currently available, but you don’t have to fundraise in order to participate!

Children in Action (CIA) Lenten Workshop • February 12 - March 25
We have something special planned for 1st - 5th gradeschoolers at 9:00 am on Sundays during February and March. We will be focusing on Lent - the time of preparation for Easter. Theresa Crooks and Vikki Randall will lead kids in some hands-on art projects and other activities that help explore the events leading to the cross. The class will culminate in some special displays that will be available to the entire church to explore and learn from during Easter week. If your child would like to participate, please RSVP to Vikki Randall at [email protected] so we know how many crafts to plan for.

Actors Needed!
We are looking for a couple of actors to provide short skits in our PCC Kids’ Ministry on Easter Sunday (April 8th). There will be two services that week - you may serve at either service or both. For more information, contact Vikki Randall at [email protected].

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Investing in the Future
PCC is moving outward…and we need to make room for growth! One way we’ll do that is with two services on Palm Sunday (April 1st) & Easter Sunday (April 8th) at 9:00 & 10:30 am. We need lots of volunteers to help our children’s ministry those two Sundays. No preparation needed - our regular teaching staff will plan & prepare the lesson. We need loving volunteers to come alongside them to share God’s love for those two Sundays. You may choose to serve either hour, and choose which age level you’d like to work with (nursery, 2’s & 3’s, PreK/K or 1st-5th). PCC Kids’ Ministry is a dynamic and growing place where lives are being shaped every week. This a great way to see what all the excitement is about! Interested? Contact Vikki Randall at [email protected].

Winter Focus for PCC Children’s Ministry: Seeing Jesus
Our PCC Kids’ and Student Ministries have set three goals for 2012: 1. Look UP! To see and celebrate where God is at work 2. Look OUT! To see those on margins & know their names & stories 3. Look Around! Building a team investing deeply in relationships In our Kids’ Ministry, we will pursue our “look up!” goal by focusing on God’s activity in the Bible stories we explore each week. During Feb. and Mar., those stories will focus on Jesus’ life and ministry as we begin the Lenten time leading up to Easter. As we share those stories in both Godly Play (preschool) and Club 145 (gradeschool) we will particularly look for what each story shows us about Jesus—who he is, why he came, and what we can learn about his heart for the world. Godly Play does this through the use of thoughtful “wondering” questions that invite the children to enter the stories imaginatively. In Club 145, our gradeschoolers will maximize their growing reading skills by learning how to use the Bible themselves to question, explore, and understand God’s Word. We will use games, crafts, and other creative means to both look deeply in the text to see what God is doing, and respond by looking out and around as we follow Jesus’ example of ministry to others. We pursue our “look around!” goal by recognizing that our Sunday morning ministry is not an isolated event, but rather just one part of the whole life of the child. Partnering with parents helps us meet that goal of “building a team investing deeply in relationships”. Following up at home is a wonderful way for parents to nurture their child’s faith, reinforce the Sunday morning lessons, and deepen children’s relationship with their church family.

Soupcan Offering for Covenant World Relief (Coming in March)
“Soupcan offering” to help Covenant World Relief will be given in March and collected April 1st. Special calendars with daily family activities will help kids understand the needs of people around the globe.

Pasadena Covenant Church 539 North Lake Avenue Pasadena, California, 91101-1217 Return Service Requested

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February 2012
1 Wednesday 2 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 3 Friday 6:00 p.m. Peace and Justice Prayer Focus 4 Saturday 5 Sunday - Communion & Annual Meeting 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Brunch/Annual Mtg. 12:00 p.m. Catalyst Team Meeting 6 Monday 7:00 p.m. Trustee Meeting 7 Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Flow 7:00 p.m. College/Young Adult Bible Study 8 Wednesday 9 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 10 Friday All Day Student Ministries Staff Retreat 11 Saturday 12 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Classes for all ages 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Hospitality 6:00 p.m. Koinonia Prayer & Praise potluck 13 Monday 6:45 p.m. Peace and Justice Team Mtg. 14 Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Flow 15 Wednesday 16 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 17 Friday 18 Saturday 19 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Classes for all ages 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Hospitality 12:00 p.m. Student Ministries Parent Meeting 20 Monday Offices & Facilities Closed 21 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. Sarah Circle 7:00 p.m. Flow 22 Wednesday 23 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 7:00 p.m. Men’s Book Club 24 Friday 7:00 p.m. Student Ministries 30 Hour Famine 25 Saturday 26 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Classes for all ages 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Hospitality time 27 Monday 7:30 p.m. Women’s Book Club 28 Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Flow 29 Wednesday

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