Having worked with him on justice issues over the past decade, I have utmost respect for his perspective on such and I would like to share it with ...
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THE CLARION
THE NEWSLETTER OF COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MAY 2021
Greetings,
The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II is the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
Having worked with him on justice issues over the past decade, I have utmost respect for his perspective on such
matters.
Following the jury verdict at the Derek Chauvin trial, Rev. Nelson shared the following statement with our Church,
and I would like to share it with you in this month’s newsletter:
“We do not celebrate, nor do we gloat at this verdict, for there is no joy in what has happened here. But we do hope
this means a new beginning and a movement that begins to dismantle the structures of racism that have festered
for far too long. The reality is George Floyd should still be among us. Instead, he has become a symbol of the need
for change in the process of policing. It is my prayer that this verdict is the first step.
The struggle for justice is far from over. Even as this verdict is handed down, we once again find ourselves in
mourning for those who have lost their lives in recent weeks at the hands of police. Just blocks away from this trial,
Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old man, is shot by a police officer who claims she meant to tase him, not shoot him. The
family of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, shot by police in Chicago, mourn today at his senseless death. Once again in
Louisville, a Black man is wrestled to the ground by police while video clearly shows an officer punching the man
in the face while he is restrained.
Our Lord Jesus Christ calls on us to love the otherness of the other, yet a year after several shootings of unarmed
persons of color, we find ourselves repeating history once again. The cries of victims seem to fall on deaf ears. The
verdict is in, but the trials and tribulations are far from over. Equality is still not within our reach.
It is our prayer that this is the beginning of change — not just a one-off case, but a true change in the very fabric
of society. May God reach into the hearts of every individual in this country and tear away everything that smacks
of racism, bigotry and privilege. May God replace it with the warm embrace of compassion, justice, mercy and
love.”
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
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I am thankful for Dr. Nelson’s important words to the church.
May our prayers be for comfort, strength and peace for those who have suffered great loss as a result of injustice.
May God continue to guide and direct us, our church, our society as a whole in the ways of justice for all people,
especially people of color who feel they are in danger in circumstances about which most of us would not think
twice.
I conclude with this prayer by Franciscan priest and spiritual author, Richard Rohr in light of the recent
circumstances:
“God of Truth, we thank you today for the Justice of this moment and a judgment according to Your will. You have
again inspired action that brought down the arrogant and called the powerful to account. May this give all people
hope for our healing—together. May you free us from our need for vengeance and clear the field to be ready for new
seed. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Session Highlights for April
The Session met virtually on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 with Rev. Jeff DeYoe, moderating the meeting, and eleven
elders participating. Others were: John Anderson, Deacon; Gary Brothers, Facilities Manager; Barbara Heflin,
Clerk of Session.
o Approved Juan Pablo Oliva’s terms of employment to be changed from interim to permanent status as
Director of the Youth Band.
o Approved Gus Bahruth’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, May 23 in Fellowship Hall. All protocols
to be followed.
o Approved Beverly Beardsley as Trustee for Class of 2021, to complete the term of Dave Garrison who has
moved out of town.
o Approved an Ad Hoc Committee be formed to research ways of creating better communications through
the website, social media, etc.
o Senior Recognition Sunday will be held on Mother’s Day, May 9.
March 2021 Financial Information Youth Group for May:
Year to Date May 2, 4:00 Fun Day
Current Month Income $73,798.51 161,297.23 May 9, Graduate Recognition / Mother’s Day
Current Month Expenses $40,037.53 128,060.90
Year-to-date overage or (deficit) $33,760.98 33,236.33 May 16, 11:30 Roberto’s Choice
Loan payoff $75,269.36 75,269.36 May 30, Youth Sunday
Current loan balance $0.00
See you in the Courtyard!
Current loan balance
Thank You for Continued Support of Palestine Olive Oil Sales
Thank you Covenant members and friends for continued support of Palestine olive oil sales at the special sales
event during Holy Week. Sales were 32 bottles of olive oil and 5 packets of Palestine Thyme spice mix. Proceeds
from these sales support planting of olive trees; production, bottling and packaging of olive oil; art based
emotional therapy for Palestinian children traumatized by war and occupation and start-up of new businesses
in Palestine. Our next olive oil special sales event will hopefully be on World Communion Sunday in October,
2021, but in the meantime, we still have a small inventory of olive oil and spice mix which can be purchased by
contacting member Don Berglund (Tel: 239-454-0534 or e-mail: donsharonberg@aol.com.)
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Mother’s Day and Graduate Recognition Sunday
On Sunday, May 9, during worship, we will be honoring our
mothers and our graduating seniors. Come join us as we hear from
our graduating seniors, present scholarships and show them our
love. What greater gift for a mother than to see their child honored!
When you’re a child she walks before you
To set an example.
When you’re a teenager she walks behind you
To be there should you need her.
When you’re an adult she walks beside you
So that as two friends you can enjoy life together.
Cedarkirk Family Retreat
has been tentatively for
October 15-17, 2021.
All are welcome!
a SENSE of the RESURRECTION:
AN EASTER EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES
This wonderful book by Amanda White was experienced by our elementary families
during Lent. Through their senses, the children were given the opportunity to make
reminders of Christ’s journey toward resurrection. Each family received bags each week
with the materials to study the scriptures, in all for gospels, and to create the reminders.
Parents even took pictures to share the excitement of the children. May this be a lasting
memory of the season!
Elementary children will continue Illustrated’s Invitation this month by “Accepting God’s
Invitation”.
Peacemaking Commitment
“A truly just peace is one hidden from the eyes of many and abhorred by not a few, for it calls upon us to
make our lives ‘a living sacrifice.’ A living sacrifice! We need not die, as did Mohandas and Martin and a
myriad of blessed peacemakers of all faiths who followed the Prince of Peace. Rather we need only live in
such a way that we lose ourselves in the love-force/soul-force and live for the whole of the beloved
community, putting aside our own striving and agendas to find divine justice in working for peace and
mercy.”
à James Schwarzlose, ordained minister, United Church of Christ, and his wife live simply so that
others might simply live.
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MAY’S MONDAY EVENING ZOOM GATHERINGS BEGIN MAY 3
—Use the ZOOM Link below EACH WEEK to join—
Mondays, 6:45-8 p.m.
A Bigger Table:
Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community
Based on the book of the same title by Reverend John Pavlovitz
No, this is not a misprint! Due to some important L.I.F.E. rally and gathering events held on Monday evenings in
April, the decision was made to delay the start of this gathering discussion until May… and it is open to all!
The journey to a bigger table is one practiced in community. How does the church community welcome God’s
people in the name of that barrier-breaking, table-expanding Jesus? How can we extend unconditional welcome
and acceptance in a world increasingly marked by bigotry, fear, and exclusion? How can we create spiritual
communities that are big enough for everyone? What is the path forward in days that seem more hostile to
diversity? These are the types of questions that will help foster engaging discussion in this upcoming Monday
evenings’ Zoom gatherings beginning on April 12th. Together we will explore the following themes, based Rev.
John Pavlovitz’ book (and title of our spring series):
May 3 – “Finding Our Place”
May 10 – “The Problem with Religion”
May 17 – “Real Community”
May 24 – “Beyond Theology”
May 31 – No Gathering/Memorial Holiday
Book Purchase is optional, but can be purchased through
www.amazon.com or our denominational bookstore: www.pcusastore.com
Join us for a hopeful time of storytelling, encouragement, and honest conversation about setting the table for a
new, more loving expression of faith and community.
Please note: ALL are welcome to join one or more of these Zoom gatherings on Monday evenings! This is an
open gathering that is very !check it out/visitor” friendly! Use the link below each week to join.
Join Monday evening Zoom Gatherings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89637088932
Presbyterian Women of Covenant and “The End of Lament”
As with all Covenant activities, this past year has been a challenge for PWC. Our 2020-2021
Horizon’s timely bible study, Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament by Lynn
Miller, has given us much to think about. We have lamented that the pandemic has changed our
routine of study and fellowship each month. We have been grateful each meeting as our Circles
faithfully met by zoom or in person with masks in the covered courtyard area on our church
campus. We have lamented how difficult it has been to connect with our regular members and to reach out to
potential new members. We give thanks to God for walking beside each of us through this year and for the hope
that God gives us every step in the journey ahead.
May Circle Meeting Dates (meeting locations will be confirmed by Circle leaders)
• Naomi Circle will meet in the courtyard on Mon, May 10, 12:30pm. Co-Leaders: Mary McKenzie (239)246-
4754 and Jane Kaserman (239)823-7824
• Deborah Circle will meet in the courtyard (simultaneously with zoom) on Tues, May 11, 10am. Leader:
Ellen Moore (401)474-6593
• Lydia Circle will meet in the in the courtyard on Thurs, May 13, 9:30am. Leader: Jef Farlow (217)493-9263
Our PWC Coordinating Team will meet by Zoom on Monday, May 3 at 9:30AM. Pastor Jeff DeYoe will be sending
the zoom link to the Team and to the May Study Leaders who will join the zoom at 10:30AM to look together
with Pastor Jeff at Lesson Nine, “The End of Lament.”
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MAY UPDATES:
1. Collections: The mission is still not able to receive clothing or household items. Please take them directly to
a thrift store of your choosing. The focus for this month continues to be collecting food that will go directly into
the food boxes delivered by the mission to households under quarantine while recovering from COVID-19. Please
bring any quantity and variety of the following (or complete the list and bring it in a box that is ready to deliver):
1 lb bag of white rice Canned corn Mac and Cheese
1 lb bag of dried pinto beans Canned green beans Spaghetti pasta
Non-perishable milk Canned fruit Small jar of pasta sauce
Chicken noodle soup Small box of cereal (Cheerios or
Canned chicken generic brands are best)
Fresh vegetables, fruit, bread and eggs are added to the boxes on day of delivery.
All food donations can be brought to the church and placed in shopping cart located in the courtyard on Sunday
mornings or to the office during the week. Thank you for your help with this spring food drive!
2. Volunteers for work from home opportunities: The mission is in need of individuals who are fluent in
Spanish or French (or Creole) to help with our COVID Relief Funds assistance program for May and June. This
would involve making follow up phone calls to individuals who have submitted the first steps in their application
for assistance. It involves initiating a phone call with a “scripted” list of questions to ask them and then entering
that information to a simple online intake form. Training provided! 1-5 hours a week, depending on volunteer’s
weekly schedule/desire. Contact Ruth DeYoe: ruth@peaceriverpresbytery.org for additional information.
3. Vaccination Efforts in Immokalee: Misión Peniel has been hosting weekly Johnson & Johnson vaccination
events for the farmworkers throughout April, until the recent CDC pause. The average daily vaccination rate prior
to the pause has been 400 vaccinations each event! Vaccines at the mission have once again resumed, with both
Pfizer and J&J being offered to the community. We thank God for all the advocacy efforts of the Coalition of
Immokalee Workers, Partners in Health, Health Care Network, FEMA and individual voices making it possible to
provide vaccines for these essential workers in Immokalee!
Farmworkers preparing for Part of the Covenant Team that has been serving So thankful that these essential workers
vaccinations at Misión Peniel. every Friday throughout this pandemic. have access to Covid-19 vaccinations!
“Leasure” Time Book Club Invites You to Join our Zoom Each Thursday in May at 2pm!
We are sharing the books that we are enjoying. If you like to receive the email with the Thursday, 2pm zoom link,
please contact Beverly Campbell at campbell.beverly@gmail.com or call 631-457-9661. We have appreciated and
passed along the suggestions from our Covenant library regulars that cannot attend! Keep on reading!!
Books that we were reading this past month:
à America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie (2016)
à The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019)
à The Guest List by Lucy Foley (2020)
à The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (2019) – For all ages! Kid & grandparent approved!
6 Libby Jones Libby is graduating from Cypress Lake High School and a student in their Center for the Arts theatre program. She has been attending Covenant with her mother since 2017, and recently became a member. She feels blessed to have found this church! She will be working at Dayspring Episcopal Conference Center as a camp counselor this summer, and then will go on to attend Florida State University. She will be pursuing a career in Special Education. Haley Nicole Sprung Haley Spring is the daughter of Megan Siemen Sprung and granddaughter of Anna Smith Sieman. Haley was active in the Covenant Youth Group and served last year on the Session as Youth Elder. A graduate of North Fort Myers, High School she was active in the theatre arts program and plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University with concentration on English and writing.
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Gus Bahruth
Gus is the son of Maria and Gus Bahruth, and the
grandson of the late Richard and Sonia Wagner. He
graduates with a grade point average of 3.87 from
Cypress Lake High School and has been accepted at
Florida Gulf Coast University where he plans to major
in Real Estate Management. He has been active in
Covenant’s youth group and music programs and his
hobbies include music and motorsports.
Kennedy Violet Mann
Kennedy Violet Mann is the daughter of Ian Mann and
Sheila Jerome and granddaughter of Franklin and
Mary Lee Mann. She maintained a 4.63 grade point
average at Cypress Lake High School while enjoying
outdoor hobbies, cooking and theatre. She will be
enrolled at The New School, a private research
university in New York city.
Scholarship Recipients:
Gus Bahruth was awarded the David G. Robinson
Scholarship.
Haley Sprung was awarded the Alice Allen
Scholarship and the Robert Shafer Scholarship.
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Covenant Presbyterian Church
2439 McGregorBlvd.
Ft. Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-334-8937
Website: www.covpcfm.com
Email: info@covpcfm.com
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