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From the Desk of the Pastor Hot! Hot! Hot! Summer has arrived. Over the last several weeks our Transition
Team has been hard at work. They have started having small group meetings to talk about life here at Covenant.
These team members have told me how the information you have shared with them has given a sense of hopefulness for
the church’s future. As these meetings continue I believe that God’s leading will become the
focus for the congregation and help us to define our needs for Pastoral leadership. As we move forward
a Call Committee needs to be formed. The council has decided that now is the time to do this.
We are looking for at least five volunteers to serve on this committee. I encourage you to pray
for God’s leading as we enter this new transitional phase in our congregation’s life. For more
information on the call committee please read Jennifer’s column below. See you in worship, Pastor Terry _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ President’s Ponderings Well,
since I'm the hold-up on getting the newsletter out this month, my article's going to be pretty short and sweet. Just to catch
everyone up on what's been going on this summer: -- The transition team meetings are still underway. Things are moving along well
there, and I appreciate everyone's cooperation.--
We had Vacation Bible School and served 26 children. I don't know about the kids, but I sure was blessed by the experience.-- We had a potluck meal, something I hope we'll do more often, even if it's not
a "Special Occasion" Sunday.-- We celebrated
the life of Judy Renker, and we continue to pray for her family.-- In our own ways, we said goodbye to Wes Rosenthal, and we also pray for his family.-- We wrapped up our summer Mothers' Day Out program and are eagerly looking forward
to the fall. I'm sure I left something out...I always manage to do that. And it's pretty early
in the morning as I write this. If I did, and it's something you'd like me to share in next month's newsletter, please let
me know. Things that are coming up: -- The transition team will continue to meet and collate information.-- We'll be planning a church picnic and celebration for Reformation like we did
last year. It's fun to start a new tradition.--
We'll be electing a call committee sometime in the next couple of months. I'll be making another announcement at church on
Sunday, but if you know of someone you'd like to see serve on the call committee, please talk to them first, make sure they
are willing to serve, and then give their name to a council member. We will gather the list of names submitted and then call
a congregational meeting so we can vote on the members of the committee. We'd like to get them started before the transition
team is entirely through so they can combine some efforts. And I leave you with this, my favorite
passage in Colossians. I'm sure I've shared it with you before, but it's one of those passages I'd do well to read every morning
before tackling the day: Colossians 3:12-17 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive
as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over
all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members
of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and
as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Peace, Jen Jones ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Money Talks” from the Treasurer
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Women’s News Lutheran
Woman Today Come together with a community of women united by faith in Jesus Christ. Every issue of Lutheran Woman Today brings you articles that inform, challenge, comfort, and encourage.Award-winning Bible studies enrich your faith and expand your understanding of God’s word.
Regular columns on prayer, health, the church calendar, and useful resources supplement the Bible study and faith-in-action
articles. Subscribe to LWT even if you don’t attend Bible
Study. 1-800-328-4648 Order Center On line: subscriptions@augsburgfortress.org 2010-2011 Bible Study is “The People of God: Unity in the Midst
of Diversity.” The study looks at what unites us and defines us as people of faith. These days,
the tendency is to stay focused on the issues that divide us. The goal of this study is to help us understand
how our different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives can be shared as we study the Bible together and focus on
our common faith in Jesus Christ. The theme verse is Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together except they
be agreed?” (KJV)The authors are the Revs. Jensen and Linda
Johnson Seyenkulo Covenant women meet the second Tuesday
of each month for the LWT Bible Study. Mark you calendars to begin September 14, 7 pm in the fellowship hall. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Grace Growers Summer
Bible Study At Country Lane Apartments “Stories of Discipleship” based
on the gospel lesson in Luke have been the study at the Country Lane Apartments this summer. Nine Country
Lane residents have attended with our Covenant Group and have become new friends. Our last session at that
location will be August 18. After a two week break, we’ll be meeting at the church on Wednesday,
September 8 at 10 am. We’ll have a light lunch and invite our new friends to be our guests at the
church. Grace Growers welcomes all adults, any age, who would like to participate
in the weekly study of the Sunday gospel. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Corner Are we being persistent in prayer?
Do we pray in faith believing that God hears and answers our prayers? Are we agreeing in prayer
for the work of the transition team and self-study process? Did you use the prayer list in the July newsletter? We are to PRAY ALWAYS with PERSISTENCE, WAITING WITH
PATIENCE AND HOPE depending on PRAYER, one of our chief sources of POWER that enables us to connect to God.* The Power of Prayer is not dependent on the person praying; rather,
it resides in the One who is being addressed in prayer. Scripture reveals that God hears and answers prayer.
In Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus assures us that our prayers will be answered;“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for
you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the
door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone?
Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give
good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” The power of our
prayers is not dependent of the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or even the purpose of the prayer, for God
answers prayers that are in accord with God’s will. Sometimes God’s answers are hard to discover and even harder
for us to accept. But if we listen carefully, we will eventually discern what God is saying to us. We pray in the third petition of the Lord’s
Prayer, “Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.” Martin Luther explains in the Small Catechism,
“What does it mean when we pray that God’s will be done?” His explanation: “In
fact God’s good and gracious will comes about without our prayer, but we ask in this prayer that it may also come about
in and among us.”
For August let us be persistent, as we wait with patience and hope, depending on the One to whom we pray fervently
to hear and answer our prayers according to His will. Our Father, enable the Covenant congregation to be faithful in fervent
prayer as we wait for your plan and purposes to be revealed for future mission and ministry. Sustain the
Transition Team, Church Council and Pastor Terry as together we wait with patience and hope for our coming transformation.
In Jesus’ name. Amen *Important points made in the Lutheran Woman Today
Summer Bible study. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Serenity Prayer God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be
changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus
did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right, if I surrender to Your
will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.
-Reinhold Neibuhr-
Mother’s Day Out. We wrapped up the Summer session
on July 29th with a water day. We will have an Open House on August 26th; 5:30 to 6:30 P.M. Come meet and greet your
teachers. The fall classes will start on August 31st. __________________________________________________________________________________________ C.T.L.C.Churches Touching Lives for Christ702 W. Ave. G, TempleDistribution
DaysTuesday’s 12:30 P.M.Saturday’s 8:30 A.M. How you can help: Fifty to seventy client families are generally served on Tues.
afternoons and Sat. mornings. Wed. volunteers unload trucks, restock food and clothing areas, and fill
grocery sacks for clients. CTLC
is requesting Covenant bring fruit juice – any kind, any size. Donations can be brought to Covenant
and put in the basket in the Narthex. Churches Touching Lives
for Christ Covenant
Lutheran is on Team 2 Days to Help Tuesday August 10th 12:30 P.M. Wednesday August 4th 9:00 A.M. Saturday August 7th 10:30 A.M.
August 28th 10:30 A.M. _________________________________________________________________________________________ August Eternal Candle Tributes 1st 8th
In Honor of Charlotte & Adam Reemts Anniversary 15th 22nd 29th ________________________________________________________________________________________ Sarah Brown 4th
Kenny Yauk 4th
Brenda Sladek 5th
Gretchen Oliver 7th
Connie Obr 12th
Paula Krause 18th
Brian
Baker 18th
Sasha Foraker 22nd
John Hendricks 22nd
Pastor Terry Atkins 24th
Luke Oliver 30th
Marco Rubich 31st ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howard
& Brenda Sladek 8/5/83
Adam & Charlotte Reemts 8/09/03
Lester & Paula Krause 8/14/76
Rick & Pam Low 8/15/71
Tom & Carol Webb 8/20/71
Gary & Julia Wendlandt 8/30/75
___________________________________________________________________________
Remember in Prayer THOSE WHO ARE ILL IN BODY OR SPIRIT:
THOSE DEPLOYED
MILITARY PERSONNEL:
Karen Cox | Chaplain Paul Dirksmeyer | Mary Francis Wahlberg | Capt Floyd Estes Jr | Pam Hendricks | Joshua Haynes | | Alton Buland | Jason Warren | Jane Dick Joe Polk Gage, Ashely & David Keith Oltman Ernie North | SPC Lawanda McErvin SFC Marilyn Hoyett Chaplain
Kerstin Hedlund Chaplain Michael Lembke | Khim Buland Kjellen | | Caroline Brown | | Karen Kjelland | Ian, Katie, Julie | Colin Shey (Lisa Mannick’s
son in law) | Melvin
Boehme | | | | | Sympathy extended to the family of | Judy Renker | April 27th 1940 to July 10, 2010 | | | | Ellen
Adams | | JH
Frasier |
Lord, we lift up our prayers for all those who are
sick, that are waiting for test results or that
have had surgery. We also pray for the families whose loved ones have passed from their presence to Your heavenly home. Give them peace and comfort.
Lord, we ask Your blessings on all military personnel and their families. Protect them all and give
them peace. We pray for your strength and your blessings on these, your faithful people. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Coffee Hostess
Needed Sunday
mornings; sign up to assist in this hospitality service by making the coffee. Training will be provided. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Today’s Readings | .
|
Prayer of the Day
|
First Reading
|
Psalm
|
Second
Reading
|
Gospel
| August 1 | Benevolent God, you are the source, the guide, and the goal of our lives.
Teach us to love what is worth loving,
to reject what is offensive to you, and to treasure what is precious in your sight, through Jesus Christ,
our
Savior and Lord. |
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23
|
Psalm
49: 1-12 |
Colossians 3:1-11
|
Luke 12:13-21
| August 8 | Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to
the riches of your grace, that we may be ready to receive you wherever you appear, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. |
Genesis 15:1-6
|
Psalm
33:12-22
|
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
|
Luke 12:32-40
|
August 15
| O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share your zeal for
truth. Give us courage to take our stand with all victims of bloodshed and greed, and, following your servants and prophets,
to look to the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. |
Jeremiah 23:23-29
|
Psalm
82
|
Hebrews 11:29--12:2
|
Luke 12:49-56
|
August 22
| O God, mighty and immortal, you know that as fragile creatures surrounded by great dangers, we cannot
by ourselves stand upright. Give us strength of mind and body, so that even when we suffer because of human sin, we may rise
victorious through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Isaiah 58:9b-14 | Psalm 103:1-8 | Hebrews 12:18-29 | Luke 13:10-17 |
August
29
|
O God, you resist those who are proud and give grace to those who are humble. Give
us the humility of your Son, that we may embody the generosity of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
| Proverbs 25:6-7
| Psalm
112
| Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
| Luke 14:1, 7-14 |
|
Covenant Council Meeting Sunday, July 18, 2010 Pastor Terry Atkins opened the meeting with prayer. The meeting was called to order by President Jennifer
Jones at 12:25 pm. Attending were members Jennifer (Jen) Jones, Pastor Terry Atkins, Mack Freeman, Adam Reemts, Jane
Snodgrass, and Linda Domelsmith. Absent member: Jean Eggert. Treasurer position is vacant. Jennifer Jones led a devotion
based on selections from James 1 and 2. During this time of transition, it is important for us to be there for each
other. Lutherans find James challenging because he makes us do a lot of things: a faith without right actions
is useless and dead. God chose poor men to carry out his missions. The devotion concluded with the Council hearing
a song about faith without works being about as useless as a screen door on a submarine. Jen asked for consideration of the minutes of the previous
meeting. Mack moved and Adam seconded acceptance of the minutes. The motion passed. Jen asked for the financial report. Mack
distributed copies of reports showing profit and loss, comparisons of actual vs. budgeted income and expenses, and asset/liability
balances. He reported that income was below budget but expenditures had been trimmed. With giving down, we will
be hard pressed to get a fulltime pastor. Jen stated that is was important to keep the congregation informed.
Adam suggested that Mack give the congregation a quick temple talk following the council meetings so the congregation’s
financial situation is refreshed in people’s minds. Mack and Jen discussed the new mowing contract. Myron Mesecke has been working on
a contract that will pay $300 per month for twice monthly mowing, trimming, and edging. Donors have stepped forward
to cover the $100 per month increase in price for this service. Linda moved and Mack seconded acceptance of the contract.
The motion passed. Jen
is working on securing a new treasurer. Gary Lamb resigned in June but agreed to continue helping with the work of this
position until it is filled. Adam
Reemts delivered the Worship and Music report. The church will hold a combined service on July 25 that will be led by
Vacation Bible School attendees. A potluck dinner will be held after the service. The one-day Vacation Bible School
session will be held the previous day, Saturday, July 24. Miriam Yauk is leading the effort. The next church picnic
is planned for Reformation (Sunday, October 31, 2010). Church secretary Donna will be asked to send out reminders regarding
the combined service and the potluck dinner. Pastor
Atkins will start a one-week vacation on Sunday, July 25. Jane Snodgrass reported that planning for Vacation Bible School (VBS) was going well.
The men will be bringing hot dogs. Jane will ask Jean to put something in the section of the Temple Daily Telegram that
lists free announcements of church activities to publicize the VBS program. Jen reported that someone suggested that Covenant have a FaceBook
page. A short discussion ensured. No decision was made. Jen asked Mack to provide an update on the work of the Transition Team. Mack serves
as the chair of the Transition Team. Mack stated that meetings with congregational members and other interested parties
are in progress and going well. Pastor Atkins said the Transition Team is working hard and doing good work. Jen stated that we should start
thinking about a Call Committee of 5-7 members. No members of the Council or previous Call Committee should be on this
committee. However, a member of the Transition Team should serve on it. The Call Committee will have 30 days to
develop a profile of the congregation for use in the call process. Pastor Atkins offered and the Council accepted training in non-anxious leadership as a regular
part of Council meetings. Jen
asked the Council to set the date for its next meeting: Sunday, August 15 after the late service. Mack volunteered
to lead the devotion. All
joined hands and with one voice prayed the Lord’s Prayer. The meeting adjourned around 2:30 PM.
COVENANT LUTHERAN CHURCH 4202 HICKORY ROAD TEMPLE, TEXAS 76502 CHURCH PHONE NUMBER: (254) 773-7718 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., M-F STAFFPastor
Terry Atkins Office Administrator: Donna Blaszczyk CHURCH COUNCIL President:
Jennifer Jones VP/Treasurer: Financial
Secretary: Mack Freeman Recording Secretary: Linda Domelsmith Worship & Music:
Adam Reemts Programs:
Jane Snodgrass Caregiving:
Jean Eggert
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