July 3, 2008
I hope that you have a safe and happy 4th of July. We don't really do fireworks at our house, but the hot dogs and watermelon are ready to go! (Food is always the most important part of any holiday for me!)

Since Chris will be on vacation next week, I'm trying valiantly—with Chris’ help—to write an E-pistle that will serve us for two weeks. It's a very sure bet, however, that I will leave out something extremely important. Please accept my apologies in advance! But let's see what I can come up with for now.

ABOUT SUNDAY
Worship
The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Psalm 145:8-14 and Matthew 11:16-30. The title of the sermon, at least for now, is "Of Burdens and Rest."

We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper this Sunday.

Please bring your non-perishable food items for the Rio Grande Food Project. The children will collect them during the Moments with the Children.

Summer Sunday School Drama
Children reenact Jesus' parables with costumes under the leadership of Nancy Bangs. Come have fun singing with Mr. Paul and with some drama, too. 10:00-10:45 AM on Sundays.

Genesis and Science
The last class of this program, which is led by the Rev. Tom Oler, will be offered this Sunday in the CE wing.

Youth News
Combined Youth Group 5-7pm. We will be doing a mission project during our meeting and planning for our big pool party with Jonathan Warren’s youth group next Sunday. Everybody come!!!

Let's Celebrate
Everyone is invited to join Dean and Alice Segrist in celebrating the 50th anniversary of their wedding day on Sunday, July 6, 2008 from 2:00-4:00 PM. It will take place at the church in Fellowship Hall. No gifts please.

ABOUT NEXT SUNDAY
Worship
On next Sunday (July 13), we will have our annual pulpit exchange with St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. I will be preaching at St. Andrew and the Rev. Frank Yates, pastor at St. Andrew (and current moderator of the Presbytery of Santa Fe), will preach at Covenant. The scripture readings will be Psalm 107: 1-9 and Matthew 22:1-14. The sermon title is “An RSVP Is Requested.”

Participants in the 2008 Youth Summer Mission Trip will be commissioned during worship on July 13 (although they don’t know it yet!).

And, we will also have a very special treat during the 11:00 service on the 13th! The Rev. Jonathan Warren, one of our former seminary interns, will be visiting us, along with members of the senior high youth group from First Presbyterian Church of Cody, Wyoming. Jonathan will assist in the leadership of worship during the 11:00 service.

2nd (At Least!) Annual Summer Happening
with Frank Yates
Frank Yates will be leading another terrific summer adult ed class called - "Almost Everything You Ought to Know About John Calvin in Less Than One Hour." Join us on July 13th during the Sunday School Hour in the CE wing. Frank is a fantastic teacher. You don’t want to miss this!

Youth News
All Mid and Senior High Youth are invited to Catherine, Bill, and George's house for a pool party at 6:30. Come and welcome Jonathan’s youth group to Albuquerque!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
July 20: Combined Youth Group 5-7pm

Vacation Bible School
Covenant's Vacation Bible School will be Monday-Friday, July 21-25 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Preschoolers and elementary school age welcome. The cost is $20/child or $30 per family.
We still need YOUTH VOLUNTEERS!! Please talk to Doris Buckman.

VBS Mission: Backpacks for Sombra del Monte Elementary School and school supplies for Martineztown House of Neighborly Services.

Summer Youth Mission Trip
consider how you might support our youth in their mission work this summer. From July 14-18, the youth will be working in Mountainair, NM, to help two families who lost everything in the Ojo Peak fire, which occurred in November of 2007. You can help by: volunteering to work alongside the youth and spend a night (or several nights!) with them, cooking a meal or providing snacks for them, or becoming a stockholder in the trip (you’ll get a postcard in the mail that week!).

Ice Cream Social
An all-church ice cream social in the church back yard at 6:30 PM on Sunday, July 27th. In addition to having some wonderful homemade ice cream, Seth and Tiffany Finch will be there. If you don't have an opportunity to speak with them that morning, this is your chance. The menu for the evening is homemade ice cream and cookies. If you have an ice cream freezer, please make your favorite recipe and bring it. A few good cookie bakers are needed as well. Please feel free to come whether or not you bring food. There is always plenty to go around. Don't forget to sign up!!

Faith Themes in the Cinema
Presented by John Sitler (from the faculty at the Menaul School)
· Sunday School hour Aug 3,10,17, & 24
· Films shown at Covenant on preceding Thursdays at 6:30 pm
· Films: Shane, Babette's Feast, Leap of Faith, & Dead Man Walking
· Sponsored by the Law Firm of Vogel, Campbell and Blueher

A Highland Musical Tour
Led by Jeff Jolly
Covenant Presbyterian Church Choir
June 5 – 14, 2009
Register now to reserve your place! A deposit of $500 per person is needed by as soon as possible to reserve your place. Checks should be made out to Covenant Presbyterian Church and given to Diane or Jeff Jolly. For further information, check out this website http://www.casterbridgetours.com/Groups/covenantchoir.htm
You will find details of the itinerary and prices. You can also e-mail Diane Jolly.

Peace,
Catherine