Rev. Chris Weichman

“Room for All”

December 24, 2019

The Caring Church in the Heart of the City!

Our mission at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant is:

To awaken all people to our need for a life-changing encounter

with the living Lord Jesus Christ,

and to encourage and equip each one to become His fully-devoted follower.

The Congregation, in ministry We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation

“Christmas Eve Candlelight Service”

Gathering Music Fantasia on Forest Green Lloyd Larson Covenant Bells Alleluia! O Praise Ye the Lord (Finale from Cantata No 142) JS Bach Brass & Organ

Welcome Rev. Chris Weichman

Prelude Gesu Bambino Pietro Yon

Soloist, Sophie Mintsiveris

Call to Worship (responsive) Karen Weichman

Let us go, in heart and mind, to see what has come to pass.

Let us go with the shepherds:

Let us go to find the Savior!

Let us go with the wise ones:

Let us go to find God’s promise, born for us!

Let us go with the poor and humble:

Let us go to find our King, born in a lowly manger.

Let us go with all the world, with all the peoples of the nations.

Come, let us worship; come, let us adore him:

Christ the Lord!

*Hymn #133 O Come All Ye Faithful Adeste Fideles

Prayer Adoration (responsive) Karen Weichman Good Christian friends, rejoice!

Today your Lord comes

in love and power,

in grace and truth,

offering hope and peace.

Christ is born today! Alleluia!

This promised one,

mighty, though small,

is our hope, our strength, and our life.

Christ is born to save! Alleluia!

In hope, let us worship God. Alleluia! Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Candle Mary Jen Bussier

Anthem Star Carol John Rutter Covenant Choir,

Greater than the Sum & Children of FPCC

Guest Singers

Story Telling Rev. Chris Weichman

Special Music Ding Dong Merrily on High Cynthia Dobrinski

Covenant Bells

6:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship Service

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

~ Christmas Eve ~

L I S T E N I N G

G A T H E R I N G

P R A Y I N G

Scripture Reading Luke 1.46-53 Karen Weichman

Page 832, Pew Bible

Hymn #119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Mendelssohn

Scripture Luke 2:1-20 Rev. Chris Weichman

Page 832, Pew Bible

Sermon “Room for All” Rev. Chris Weichman

Giving of Our Tithes & Offerings

Offertory Anthem ~ Holy Night, Silent Night arr. Ruth Elaine Schram

Covenant Choir & Guest Singers

The Light of Christmas

*Hymn Silent Night

*Hymn #134 Joy to the World Antioch

Covenant Bells, Brass, Choir & Congregation

*Benediction Rev. Chris Weichman

*Postlude Fanfare Nicolas Jacques Lemmens

*Please rise in body or spirit.

Liturgist: Karen Weichman

Sound Tech: Jason Irwin

R E S P O N D I N G

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright,

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!

Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight!

Glories stream from Heaven afar,

Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth! Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!

Silent Night, Holy Night Here at last, healing light

From the heavenly kingdom sent,

Abundant grace for our intent.

Jesus, salvation for all. Jesus, salvation for all.

F I R S T C O V E N A N T L I F E

It’s Never Too Late to Commit to the Church’s 2020 Budget… If you have not

indicated what you might be able to contribute, pledge cards are available &

can be submitted in the church office. Thank you!

We have two openings for Memorial Flowers or Mission Giving on January 12th

& February 2nd, 2020. If you would like to donate flowers for the Lectern in

memory or honor of a loved one, please call Mary Concoby at 864-0027.

The 7 DeSanctis Crèches are on display in the Community Gallery near the of-

fice. This year's is a replica of a Peruvian "retable". For Dr. Michael DeSanc-

tis, constructing a new crèche during the year is not just a hobby or an art.

Celebrating & sharing the hope & joy of "God with Us"--Emmanuel-- is his

passion. And it shows!

Our Neighbors’ Place… will return Jan. 2- 14. Please take tags from the giving

trees located at the “T” in the hallway & the parlor, then return the items to

the bin in the hall now – Jan. 1. Mark items requiring refrigeration with

“ONP” & place them in the refrigerator in the Knox Hall kitchen. Volunteers

are needed for all shifts. Please sign up with Dale Sweet to volunteer. Cloth-

ing items that are needed are men’s winter coats, men’s winter boots & men’s

jeans sizes 32 & 34. Your generosity helps those in need this season.

Meet MLK’s son ~ in Erie! Martin Luther King III will be in Erie on Saturday,

Jan. 11th as the featured speaker at the MLK Center’s annual dinner at the

Convention Center. Want to be part of a First Covenant table of diners?

Contact Seph Kumer at 814.566.0287 asap. Tickets are $50 with potential

partial sponsorship by the Mission Committee.

NEW: Prayers & Potato Soup in the Park! Yes, you read that right! If you

haven't heard, on February 9 there will be one worship service (11:00 a.m.)--

offsite--at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle. Similar to our summer "Prayer

& Pancakes" at Frontier Park, this special service will feature the Praise Band

& a soup and sandwich lunch. Bring a folding camp chair, dress in layers, &

come prepared to worship God in the beauty of winter. More details to come

from the Worship & Music and Fellowship Committees.

THANK YOU!

To all of the amazing musicians & choirs

that provide us with such beautiful music.

To all liturgists & sound techs

for their hard work & dedication

tonight & every week!

~ Christmas & New Year’s Schedule Changes ~

Church Office Closed ~ December 25th, 26th , 31st & January 1st

Faith Formation Classes Resume ~ Sunday, January 5th

Wednesday Connections Dinner Resume ~ January 8th

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Resumes ~ February 5th

M E M O R I A L F L O W E R S

The poinsettia at the Lectern is given to the glory of God & in

honor of Katie & Nolan Gray & Cody & Justin Concoby, grand-

children of Mary Concoby.

The poinsettia at the Pulpit is in memory of William G. Sesler,

from his loving family.

Thank you for your Poinsettia donations, designated to the Vicary Organ

Maintenance Fund. There are fewer poinsettias on display than donations provid-

ed. But, if you contributed to the fund, you are welcome to take one (while they

last). We ask that you please leave the two large poinsettias in place to be used

through the end of the year.

If you wish to contribute electronically,

please use this QR Code

or go to firstcovenanterie.org

(GIVE NOW button)

W E L C O M E T O W O R S H I P

Welcome to all, especially guests, newcomers to Erie & college students. Please

silence all electronic devices upon entering the Sanctuary & McBrier Chap-

el. Our ushers are available to assist you with large print bulletins & hym-

nals, systems for the hearing impaired & directions to the restrooms.

Families with young children: We always welcome children in worship. Activi-

ties are available in Archive Hall. Please return them at the end of wor-

ship. We have infant up to age 3 years childcare available during both Sunday

services in the Nursery, Room 109.

Would you like to hear today’s sermon again? Today’s & past sermons are

always available on our website www.firstcovenanterie.org

Interested in becoming a member of First Covenant? For information, please

contact Sheila Sweet at (814) 898-3417.

Have a phone, mailing address or email change? Would you like to receive our

monthly newsletter? Contact JoAnn Peters in the church office ~

joann.peters@firstcovenanterie.org or 456.4243 x110.

Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring can

put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus’ love & care to

those who most need it. If you know someone who is going through a diffi-

cult time, contact Leader Diane Ream, 814.899.6762. Our Stephen Minis-

ters are ready to provide focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care ~

to help that person experience the healing power of Christ’s love.

T H E W E E K A H E A D

Saturday, December 28th

~ Office Closed ~

Sunday, December 29th

8:30 a.m. Worship ~ Sanctuary

9:15 a.m. Fellowship ~ Parlor

11:00 a.m. Worship ~ Sanctuary

12:00 p.m. Fellowship ~ Parlor

4:00 p.m. Sunday Supper ~ Knox Hall

Monday, December 30th ~ No Preschool ~

5:00 p.m. Private Party ~ Sr. Lounge

6:30 p.m. NA ~ Knox Hall

Tuesday, December 31st

~ New Year’s Eve ~

~ Office Closed ~

Wednesday, January 1st, 2020

~ New Year’s Day ~

~ Office Closed ~

Tuesday, December 24th ~ Christmas Eve ~

~ No Preschool ~

6:30 p.m. NA ~ Knox Hall

6:30 p.m. Candlelight Service

~ Sanctuary

Wednesday, December 25th

~ Christmas ~

~ Office Closed ~

Thursday, December 26th

~ Office Closed ~

5:30 p.m. Beach / Deeb Wedding

Rehearsal ~ Sanctuary

Friday, December 27th

5:30 p.m. Beach / Deeb Wedding

Rehearsal ~ Sanctuary

Sunday, December 29, 2019

8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services ~ First Sunday after Christmas Day ~

Luke 1:46-55

“Mary’s Song”

Rev. Chris Weichman

AMS

When you wish to contact our Pastor, Rev. Chris Weichman,

he can be reached in the Church office from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,

Tuesday through Friday, at 814-456-4243 ex.103

or anytime by email at chris.weichman@firstcovenanterie.org

Ian Headley, Weeknight Host Lisa Hiegel, Director, Covenant Preschool

Jackie K. Jones, Covenant Cook

Rachel Kennedy, Campus Minister Britney Knight, Director, Youth/Family Ministries

Luba Kovalchuk, Custodian

Seph Kumer, Director, Community Engagement Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster

JoAnn Peters, Finance / Records Administration Anne Sauer, Administrative Assistant

John Scepura, Building & Maintenance Mechanic

Mary Schmidt, Weeknight Hostess Monty Service, Coordinator, Missional Music

Kevin Stevenson, Covenant Cook

Leslie Weber, Organist / Choirmaster Rev. Chris Weichman, Pastor/ Head of Staff

F P C C S T A F F

At the time this bulletin was printed,

the following individuals & families have graciously donated

towards the “Vicary Organ Maintenance Fund”...

Donor In Loving Memory of

Cathy & Jim Anderson .........................Our Parents ~ Jack & Lorma Steckroth

.................................................................................. Jim & Minerva Anderson

Robert W. Armes ................................................................ Sharon Ann Armes

Peter & Amanda Austin .............................................................. Ellie Prischak

............................................................................................... and Martha Roth

Carol & Jeff Beach ..........................................................................Our Parents

Pat Bieber ............................................................. Husband ~ Allen C. Bieber,

......................................................................... Parents ~ Irma & John Payerle,

............................................................... Grandparents ~ Irene & John Payerle

............................................................. and Grandparents ~ Irma & Nick Gere

Dave Briggs ..............................................................Mother ~ Edith A. Briggs

Jan Brydon ................................................................. James & Marion Brydon

The Campbell’s ...................................................................... Howard Lefever,

............................................................................................... Harold Campbell

........................................................................... and Sarah Campbell Knudsen

Robert W. Chambers ............................................. Mother ~ Jean D. Chambers

............................................................................ Father ~ Robert C. Chambers

Julie R. Copen ..................................................................Howard K. Copen Jr.

Don & Betty Cornman .................................................................... Our Parents

Tim & Bob Cross ................................................ Mr. & Mrs. M. Robert Cross

Diane Engelskirger-Firman ..................................................... John A. Firman

...................................................................... and Dr. & Mrs. Roland E. Miller

Bonnie W. Ginader ................................................................ Berndt A. Widell

.......................................................................................... and Helen E. Widell

Ginnie Hey ........................................ My Beloved Husband ~ John C. Hey Sr.

........................................................... and My Beloved Son ~ John C. Hey Jr.

Margery Kibler ............................................................ Charles E. Kibler, M.D.

George Klapthor……………………………………….. ..... Carlson Klapthor,

................................................................................................ Louise Klapthor

………………………………………………………… . and William Klapthor

Mike & Deb Loney .................................................... Bernie & Loretta Loney

.............................................................................................. and Karen Briggs

John & Linda Majewski ............................................. Linda’s Dad ~ Al Bieber

....................................................................................... and Our Grandparents

Tom R. Miller II M.D. ................................................................ Ruth P. Miller

Nancy Nardo ............................. Adeline Nardo, Guy Nardo and Tess Hopkins

Mary Lou Neithamer ............................................ Harold & Elizabeth Reslink,

......................................................................................... Calvin D. Neithamer

............................................................................................. and Sharon Armes

Susan & Dennis Packard………………………………...Dorothea J. Higgins,

........................................................................... Attorney William H. Higgins,

....................................................... Winifred Blass Burger, George T. Burger,

................................................................ Dorothy Koser Dick, Marshall Dick,

........................................... Phil Busche, Alice Merry Busche & Otto Busche,

............................................................................................. Joseph T. Higgins,

.......................................................................... Jesse Packard, Harold Packard

.......................................................................................... and Louise Klapthor

2019 Christmas Gift Giving

Donor In Honor of

Carol, James & Jennifer Amann……………Our Airman ~ Michael J. Amann

Cathy & Jim Anderson………………..Our Family ~ sisters, brother, children

………………………………………………………………..& grandchildren

Austin……………………………………………Neal Wurst & Steve Osborn

Peter & Amanda Austin…………………………………………Deb Midgley

Carol & Jeff Beach………………………………………..Jackie Kemp Jones

Dave Briggs……………………………………..Daughters ~ Deborah Loney

………………………………………………………………and Diane Sutton

Robert W. Chambers……………………………..Reverend Chris Weichman

Ginnie Hey……………………………………….My Sister ~ Helen Kraemer

Andrea & Jon Katz……………………………………Linda Althof & Family

Mike & Deb Loney ………………………………………………Dave Briggs

………………………………………………………………and Our Children

Ann, Steve, Austin Reichert & Families..…………………….Trudy Reichert

Jan Sesler………………………………………………….Jackie Kemp Jones

Andrew & Beth Spriegel……………Our Church Family ~ Merry Christmas!

Ron & Diane Sutton……………………………………………...Dave Briggs

…………………………………………………………….and Mary Concoby

Peter & Nancy van den Honert………………………Dorothy van den Honert

Donor In Loving Memory of

Sue Pease…………………………………………Mr. & Mrs. Doug Mentley

……………………………………………………………….Herbert Pease Jr.

…………………………………………………………………..Amy DeSane

Trudy, Ann, Steve, Austin Reichert & Families..……………….Bill Reichert

Jan Sesler …………………………………………………………Tom Sesler,

…………………………………………………………..Tom & Jan’s Parents

The Stoczynski Family……………………………..Howard & Jane Edwards,

……………………………………………………………..Gloria Stoczynski,

……………………………………………………. Bob & Mary Lou Zimmer

……………………………………………………………...and Lynn Finegan

Ron & Diane Sutton……………………………………………..Karen Briggs

The Tauber’s ……………………………………………………. Our Parents

Peter & Nancy van den Honert……………………………...John L. Sherwin,

…………………………………………………………...Marjorie E. Sherwin

…………………………………………………..and Leonard van den Honert

Chad & Amy Vilushis………Vilushis, Young & Swiderski Family Members

…………………………………………………………..~ Already in Heaven

2019 Christmas Gift Giving