Formal Worship
in the Reformed Tradition
11:00 am in the Sanctuary each Sunday morning ------------------------------------
PERSONAL RECEIVERS AVAILABLE
for Hearing Assistance
HANDICAP RAMP & GROUND LEVEL ENTRANCE
in the rear off E. New Castle Street
( the back alley behind Butler Jr. High School)An ELEVATOR indoors
offers access from the ground floor
to the sanctuary level
UPCOMING SUNDAYS 
on hiatus for the summer(resuming on Sept. 12) ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Following Worship each Sunday... Fellowship Hour in the Assembly Room ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ July 25, 2010 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) 10:00 am Worship (Summer Schedule) Scripture Texts Psalm 85:1-13 Hosea 1:2-10 Colossians 2:6-15 Luke 11:1-13
LiturgistTom Davidson Special Music Hazel Eaton, Pipe Organ Sermon " Three Loaves at Midnight" the Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson, preaching ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ We are a PC (USA) congregation of Reformed belief, Caring hearts and Inquiring minds, following where the Spirit of God beckons. Join us on our journey! New Visitors & Guests
Always Welcome !
~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ RECENTLY ADDED WEB LINKS FOR YOU TO INVESTIGATE... 
howjsay.com A free online Talking Dictionary of English Pronunciation _____________________________ 
Go to site Excellent weekly commentaries on the lectionary texts... and more _____________________________ The Trinity College forum for Religion in the News Leonard E. Greenberg Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life _____________________________ _____________________________ Get Religion A blog that critically examines the treatment of spiritual issues in the media--according to its masthead, the media "doesn't get religion." _____________________________ Listen to a Daily Podcast of the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study or Read Today's entry: 
_____________________________ Online Periodicals*
Butler Eagle Online
Presbyterian Outlook* Presbyterians Today The Christian Century* National Catholic Reporter Sojourners
 *If Login is required,
please use:
covenantbutler for user;
member for password
We are pleased to recommend a visit to:  Toward a Church As Generous and Just as God's Grace The Covenant Network of Presbyterians
(click the link above) 
Covenant is not a registered
"More Light" congregation, but
encourages honest inquiry into
issues related to sexuality and faith.
Get More Information
About More Light 
What's Your Personality Type?
Quick links to websites for
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and
Keirsey-Bates Temperament Sorter
Find Out Now...
For Rest, Relaxation & Spiritual Renewal... consider a day's visit to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary 616 N. Highland Ave., Pgh. PA get directions Villa Maria Retreat Center Villa Maria, Pennsylvania get directions
ANY YEAR CALENDAR
an eco-friendly, spiritual resource
Daily Meditations from
Alternatives for Simple Living __________________________________________ QUIK-LINKS
Online Interlinear Greek-English Text Gospel Parallels Bible Study
A wonderful on-line tool to examine the
similarities and differences among the
gospel accounts. You should check this out! Bible Gateway Online
All the popular translations...and you can
even hear the scripture read (streaming
audio icon)
Books of the Bible
All 66 books of the O.T. and N.T. arranged
in order on a "visual bookshelf" Religion-online.org
Full texts by recognized religious
scholars; more than 5,700 articles
 Other Great Links Comics Online
a collection of "funnies" and cartoons Use the Login name: jeswanson and the password: cpcbutler The Names of God
a comprehensive and well-organized survey Weekly Bible Challenge
10 questions with review following results.
(grades will not be recorded :-) Calvin College Lectures
a wonderful archive of audio lectures
from 1997 - 2006 Introductions to Books of the Bible
concise background for every
book in the Old and New Testaments NIV Bible Site
Go here to search, read and hear
the Word of God Calvin Presbyterian Church, Zelienople
Go here to read and hear
sermons by Dr. Graham Standish,
Presbyterian pastor and author of
several fine books on spiritual formation 
Read the Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about the PC (USA) Are you being led by God's Spirit
to reach out to another?
...to a friend, a neighbor, a family member?
SEND AN INSPIRING "E-CARD"
(from the 'Sacred Space' site
created by the Irish Jesuits)
ONLINE MEDITATION...
Make a daily visit to a site called
"Sacred Space"
where you can experience guided prayer
and a quiet time of meditation
at your computer!!
CLICK HERE
a helpful guide to
Television, Movies, Music and the Internet
Theology Matters
Quarterly Presbyterian theological journal,
published by Faith, Family and Ministry,
"a group of Presbyterian women and men,
clergy and laity who believe that theology
does matter. All articles of all issues posted,
from its beginning in 1995 to present.
- Have you ever read
"The Cotton Patch Version"
of the New Testament? Author and
biblical scholar, activist and founder of Koinonia Community, Clarence Jordan,
offers a mind-opening reinterpreptation
of Paul's epistles set in our own time
and culture. To begin your journey....
click here.
- Read the full text of
The Cotton Patch Gospels
- Read more about
Clarence Jordan at the
Koinonia Partners website or
read a biography at Wikipedia.
- Read about Millard Fuller's
vision for a changed world and
the work of Habitat for Humanity
International, which he founded
in 1976 in Americus, Georgia.
 Covenant Picture Gallery
Click here
for interactive slide show /photo display ___________________________________ QUESTION:
Have you ever wondered why
"bad things" often happen to
"good people" ? 
QUESTION:
Are you struggling to find some
bit of comfort or to make some
sense out of all the pain
and suffering in the world today? QUESTION:
Do you ever wonder what, if anything,
you yourself have done to deserve
the "bad things" that have come
your way lately?
SUGGESTION:
Click Here ______________________________ 
Download video clip (mpeg)
PRESCHOOLER RECITATION OF
The 23rd Psalm
A PRAYER FOR BUSY PEOPLE:
Oh Lord, I am so tired. It seems like my to-do list gets longer each day, and the frenzy in my home each night gets wilder. Help me, dear Jesus. Let me feel your loving arms wrap me tightly in the warm embrace of your endless love. Teach me to make wiser choices about my time, to remember what is more important, and to say "NO" whenever my "Yes" would take me away from your presence and your peace. Fill me with patience, a desire for simple pleasures, and a sense of humor and mirth. Remind me of your deep love for those who are lost, and let your sweet gift of non-judgmental love encourage me to face life with courage and hope instead of fear. Amen.
_______________________________ Quick links to Heart-warming
Devotional Stories:
1. Three Red Marbles
2. A Simple White Envelope
3. The Power of Music
Other Stories to read and share!
click here for a complete list _________________________________ The Blessing in "No!" I asked God to take away my pride.
God said, "No.
"It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give up."
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, "No.
"Her spirit is whole-- her body is only temporary."
I asked God to give me patience.
God said, "No.
"Patience is a by-product of tribulations.
It isn't granted, it's earned."
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, "No.
"I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you."
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, "No.
"Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and draws you closer to me."
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, "No.
"You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you productive."
I asked God for all things t hat I might enjoy life.
God said, "No.
"I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things."
I asked God to help me love others,
as much as He loves me.
God said, "AAAhhhhhhhhh!
Finally, you have the idea!"
Author Unknown __________________________________ 
A Treasury of Links
Click Here HUNGRY HEARTS newsletter . . .
Check It Out ! Reformed Spirituality, Spiritual Practices,
Daily Office, Electronic Libraries,
Sourcebooks, Benedictine Spirituality,
Calvin texts, Art & Music,
Thomas Merton,
and many many other topics!!!
The American Colonist's Library 
A Treasury of Primary Source Documents Pertaining to Early American History:
An invaluable collection of literature and historical writings relevant to the colonists and arranged in chronological sequence from 500 B.C. to 1800 A.D. ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ReligiousTolerance.org
"Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong."
| 
THANKS FOR VISITING
OUR WEBSITE !
please visit us in person Even as the world seeks to divide us according to our economic, racial, and ethnic groups, ages, gender, abilities, preferences, politics and theological positions, we believe that in Christ there is no such division. Our congregation is strengthened through difference and diversity.
We welcome all to our church community and its activities, especially those who are seeking peace and a respite from the stress and anxieties of daily life. Our programs, services and pastoral care are available to members and non-members alike. The right and privilege to vote and hold office is extended to all active church members. 
Covenant Presbyterian is
a Welcoming Church
for all people
---a place for you to: Grow in your knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ Enjoy the fellowship of others who are also seeking spiritual strength and loving encouragement to meet the demands of stressful life Open your mind to better understand and appreciate other persons, cultures, religions and lifestyles Experience uplifting worship with traditional, classical music and insightful contemporary preaching Find respite from weariness, release from guilt, and mentors to guide you on your spiritual journey Feel the unconditional acceptance of a community of believers who welcome the stranger, the needy, the lonely and "the different"
 BIBLE STUDY
Joint leadership by Pastor Jim Swanson & Pastor Merry Meloy -- Summer Schedule - to be announced Take a few moments to visit
 Visit ExploreFaith.org Spiritual guidance for anyone seeking
a path to God. Lots to explore here! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Our Presbyterian Denomination
has a wonderful Office of Spiritual Formation directed by Tammy Wiens-Sorge
GO HERE TO BEGIN
at their home page for PC(USA) resources on spiritual formation OR 
SUBSCRIBE TO SPIRITUAL FORMATIONE-NEWS from the PC(USA) _____________________________________ 
download or view the Current Issue  
Access Full Archive of
past HungryHearts Issues
______________________________________ Also Be sure to Visit 
PC(USA) OFFICE OF THEOLOGY & WORSHIP Theological Issues, Worship,
Confessional Resources,
Conferences and Events,
Science and Faith, Christology,
Publications and more...
_____________________________________  Covenant Cupboard
Community Food Bank
HOURS FOR DISTRIBUTION 9 AM - 11 AM 2 0 10 Dates Patrons A - K
Monday, March 15 Thursday, March 18 Patrons L - Z
Monday, March 22 Thursday, March 25 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
DONATION SUGGESTIONS
Toilet Paper / Paper Towels
Toothpaste / Toothbrushes / Shampoo Baby Products / Disposable Diapers Cash Donations Gladly Accepted Baskets for your food donations are
located at the E. Jefferson St. entrance.Community food donations welcomed!
Call 724-287-7731 before delivery.
Quote of the Day
Get the Belhar Confession
Study Guide The General Assembly has commended the Belhar Confession to the church as a “resource for reflection, study, and response, as a means of deepening the commitment of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to dealing with racism and a means of strengthening its unity, bearing in mind that the Belhar Confession emerged from the context of racism in South Africa.” Download the study guide
The Pastor's Picks Liberal Christian Commentary
an online blog (weblog) of challenging
theological viewpoints
hosted by Sea Raven, D.Min. Speaking of Faith
2-thumbs up ! ! National Public Media's
superb series on faith and values, hosted by
Krista Tippet. Streaming audio and podcasts.
Pilgrim Preaching
Mary Hinkle Shore keeps company
with biblical texts and the people
who hear and preach them. Sermons Online at "Day 1"
a Ministry of the Alliance of Christian Media. Preached by a variety
of fine homileticians from
many denominations.
Includes a podcast. Theolog
The blog site of The Christian Century Hunger Notes
many resources and links
on the topics of poverty and hunger. Vital Theology Newsletter
a thought-provoking periodical
"helping people to think theologically" 12 Myths About Hunger
What are the "real problems"
and what are the myths? Scouting Prayers
a pdf file of classic prayers in the
Scouting tradition. Congressional Prayers
An archive of prayers offered
by the chaplain of the U.S.
House of Representatives Daily Prayers
at the Belief-Net website,
something for all occasions. Creeds & Confessions
A complete collection of
Presbyterian and Reformed
Confessional Statements with
historical backgrounds
This I Believe
One of NPR's most popular offerings...
Based on a 1950's radio show of
the same name, Americans from
all walks of life share personal
philosophies and core values that
guide their daily lives. Full archive
and current posts.
Prairie Home Companion
Enjoy the weekly news from
Garrison Keillor's "hometown,"
Lake Wobegon, Minnesota,
where "all the woman are strong,
all the men are good looking,
and all the children are
above average." A true delight!!
(Streaming audio of current
and archived shows)
All "Bible Exploration" Articles
posted online by Presbyterians Today
Our DenominationAt present, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has 2.9 million members in 10,820 particular churches across 173 presbyteries and 16 synods. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage and our history began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that had come before him. Other great thinkers and theologians who influenced our faith and practice include: John Knox, William Tenet, and others. READ A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES
Our Own Church History The Covenant Presbyterian Church holds the distinction of being the first church established in Butler, Pennsylvania. When the city fathers met in 1803 to plot the county seat, the current site was set aside as "the church lot" and since its clearing the ground has served no other purpose. On April 7, 1813, The Rev. John McPherrin was installed as the first minister of "Butler Presbyterian Church." The congregation held services in the courthouse until the first stone meeting house was built in 1815. The Covenant Congregation has played a part in national historic events. In the 1860's while the young nation was torn apart by the Civil War, members of Covenant Church showed their compassion by establishing a stop on the famous underground railroad helping runaway slaves to escape to freedom in Canada. Covenant has for many years been a welcoming venue for community groups, providing meeting space for the Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and others. Most recently, since 2006, the church has joined in support of the Butler Emergency Relief Initiative to coordinate assistance for many unmet community needs, including utility bills, housing, prescription medication and transportation.
Through its 194 years of sacred worship and dedicated work, the Covenant Church community of believers has valued outstanding preaching, excellent music, Christian education for all ages, and service to the wider community. From its historic beginnings in 1813 to today, our mission has been to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to minister to our neighbors with energy, intelligence, imagination and love.
Get the rest of our local history...
Click Here
VISIT THE "WAYMARK" SITE
featuring Covenant Church
Do you know Jesus as your
Personal Lord and Savior?
Are you looking for a website to explain the Gospel Message
or
seeking a discipleship tool to
share the Good News with another?
 GO HERE TO
FIND
WHAT YOU SEEK! A BLESSING PRAYER FOR OTHERS
WHO ARE ABOUT TO LEAVE ON A JOURNEY: O Lord our God, you have created a wide and wonderful world in which to travel. I ask your blessing upon [names] as they are about to leave on a trip. May you, Holy Guide of all travelers, be their ever-present companion, spreading the road before them with beauty and adventure. Free that road from harm and threat, and send your Holy Spirit as escort and protector. On this journey may [names] take with them a heart wrapped in wonder and a mystical map to see the invisible meanings of the events to unfold. Abide with them, Lord, and grant unto them your patience through disappointments and delays, possible breakdowns and rainy days, that they might interpret all that will happen in light of your love. Now let [names] depart in your peace and grant them your traveling mercies in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen. ADAPTED FROM PRAYERS FOR THE DOMESTIC CHURCH: A HANDBOOK FOR WORSHIP IN THE HOME by Edward Hays __________________________________ Prayers for Milestones
and Moments in Life CLASSIC PRAYERS - JOHN CALVIN As you read these prayers, catch a glimpse into Calvin's heart of loving devotion towards God. These were uttered at the end of each of his lectures to his students on the book of Hosea. 1. Grant, Almighty God, that as thou hast once adopted us, and continue to confirm this thy favour by calling us unceasingly to thyself, and dost not only severely chastise us, but also gently and paternally invite us to thyself, and exhort us at the same time to repentance, -- O grant that we may not be so hardened as to resist thy goodness, nor abuse this thine incredible forbearance, but submit ourselves in obedience to thee; that whenever thou mayest severely chastise us, we may bear thy corrections with genuine submission of faith, and not continue untameable and obstinate to the last, but return to thee the only fountain of life and salvation, that as thou has once begun in us a good work, so thou mayest perfect it to the day of our Lord. Amen. 2.Grant, Almighty God, that as thou hast not only of late adopted us as thy children, but before we were born, and as thou hast been pleased to sign us, as soon as we came forth from our mother's womb, with the symbol of that holy redemption, which has been obtained for us by the blood of thy only begotten Son, though we have by our ingratitude renounced so great a benefit, -- O grant, that being mindful of our defection and unfaithfulness, of which we are all guilty, and for which thou hast justly rejected us, we may now with true humility and obedience of faith embrace the grace of thy gospel now again offered to us, by which thou reconciles thyself to us; and grant that we may steadfastly persevere in pure faith, so as never to turn aside from the true obedience of faith, but to advance more and more in the knowledge of thy mercy, that having strong and deep roots, and being firmly grounded in the confidence of sure faith, we may never fall away from the true worship of thee, until thou at length receives us in to that eternal kingdom, which has been procured for us by the blood of thy only Son. Amen. To read more of John Calvin's prayers,
click HERE.
THE SERENITY PRAYER God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.
--- Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) |
Covenant Presbyterian Church 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Daily news of and for the PC(USA) 
