Name Above All Names: Son of Man
“The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected…”
(Luke 9:22a)
January 25, 2026
11:00 a.m. Worship
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DON ESA:
Covenant Presbyterian friends:
We will not hold Sunday’s worship service or Sunday School on site on January 25, 2026, because of the impending dangerous weather. Instead, we will have a virtual service.
Because it is expected that there will be widespread power outages, the virtual service— complete with this week’s sermon (Name Above All Names: Son of Man) and special music—will be prerecorded Saturday afternoon.
By late Saturday afternoon, we expect to have the virtual service available on our website: www.covepres.com. Thus, you will be able to watch the service late Saturday, Sunday, or whenever you are able. Invite a friend to join us for virtual worship this week!
Stay home. Be safe.
Pastor Don Esa
2025 SERVICES
2024 SERVICES
Covenant Presbyterian Church
2881 Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 422-5130 www.covepres.com
Connecting @ Covenant Presbyterian Church
January 25, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
SERMON
Dr. Don Esa, Pastor
Name Above All Names: Son of Man
“The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected…” (Luke 9:22).
Sunday, January 4, 2026 11:00 a.m.
Sermon: “Name Above All Names: The Alpha and the Omega”
Sunday, January 11, 11:00 a.m.
Sermon: “Name Above All Names: Lord
Sunday, January 18, 11:00 a.m.
Sermon: “Name Above All Names: Son of God
Sunday, January 25, 11:00 a.m.
Sermon: “Name Above All Names: Son of Man
INSTALLATION OF ELDERS
Sunday January 4, our new elders for the Class of 2028 were installed on the session. The Elders and congregation answered Constitutional questions, followed by Laying on of Hands and an Installation Prayer. We welcome Velma Laughlin, Debra Truitt and Bill Boyd for their commitment.
We welcome new elders Velma Laughlin, Debra Truitt and Bill Boyd.
RECOGNIZING FAITHFUL ELDERES
We recognized three faithful elders who have been serving for the last three years of the session, Cathy Farmer, Steve Krueger and Cathy Walker, for their service to Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Church Elders giving the new elders the right hand of fellowship.
Beautiful sanctuary flowers, Sunday December 21, arranged by Won Yun.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers George Taylor, Pam Kapperman, Gail Parks and Brenda Krueger.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON
Sunday, December 14
We enjoyed good food and wonderful fellowship as we celebrated the gift of joy!
DEDICATION OF 2026 PLEDGES
We are at the time in the church year when we typically talk about our roles as stewards in God’s kingdom. By now, you should have received a special mailing from the church about this year’s stewardship efforts. On Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23, in gratitude for God’s blessings upon our lives, we encouraged all our parishioners to bring their 2026 Commitment Cards and dedicate them during the worship service. If you did not receive the special mailing, the same information is available in the narthex of the sanctuary or in the church office.
The Session called a Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, October 12, immediately following the worship service to elect a Pulpit Nominating Committee (PNC) to begin the search for a permanent pastor. The following individuals have been proposed by the Officers Nominating Committee: Pat Burgess, Art Guilfoil, Loretta Inglis, Steve Krueger, and Cathy Walker.
ENJOY OUR SPECIAL MUSIC!
Invite friends and neighbors to join us for these special worship services
with The Chancel Choir under
Director, Joyce Carr.
Thank you to Lynne Sloop, our guest pianist, Sunday January 11.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SEASON AT COVENANT
The Festival of Lessons and Carols
The Festival of Lessons and Carols, The Chancel Choir, directed by Joyce Ketchie Carr.
Festival of Lessons and Carols: Soloist, Ellie Crockett, great granddaughter of Jim and Velma Crockett.
Festival of Lessons and Carols: guest percussionist, Jeff Kershner
Christmas Eve, “Silent Night” candle lighting conclusion, guest instrumentalist, Aleksandra Tevdoska.
Christmas Eve, Linda Streeter, solo on chimes.
Christmas Eve, Cathy Farmer, soprano singing “Oh Holy Night”.
Christmas Eve, Choir Processional, Dan Page and Lou Taylor.
Christmas Eve, congregation candle lighting, singing “Silent Night”.
Christmas Eve, Pastor Don Esa.
Richard Cook, tenor.
The Worship Service on Sunday, October 26, featured Gail Cramer, soprano, singing “The Lord is my Shepherd” from a 1904 hymnal of Gail Cramer’s grandmother.
Sarah Park Chastain on the viola.
Sunday, August 17, featured music composed by the late Ron Swor.
Ron, Linda Swor and daughter, Beth Demars.
Sunday, August 24, featured Dan Page singing and playing guitar "Turn, Turn, Turn".
David Cotey, Sunday mornings October 19 and 26 as our guest musician!
Dan Page and Larry Creswell.
Linda Streeter on flute, Joyce Carr, Chancel Choir Director on organ..
Ken White singing solo.
Won Yun singing solo.
THANK YOU! Many thanks to Won Yun - soprano, Ken White - tenor, Linda Streeter - flute, Larry Creswell - baritone, Dan Page - baritone and guitar player for helping make the music in July special while the choir was "officially" on vacation!
WELCOME BACK!
We welcomed the Chancel Choir's return to the choir loft after their month of vacation in July. Each of these faithful singers practices on Wednesday evenings for an hour and a half as well as on Sunday mornings at 10:00 until just before worship, all year long, with only one month off! Your gifts of your talents and your dedication to rehearsal and consistent attendance are so important to the quality and energy of our worship services. Thank you, each one, for your continued commitment to sing for God in this place!
ADULT SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Loretta Inglis leads the ADULT SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY each week at 9:45 in the conference room (next to the kitchen). As always, everyone is welcome.
Hello everyone,
The Adult Sunday Morning Bible Study will begin the new year with a new bible study. On January 4 we will begin a new study on Matthew, The Sermon on the Mount. We meet Sunday mornings at 9:45 in the conference room and everyone is welcome.
Looking forward to being with you all,
Loretta
Sunday, April 13, the Adult Bible study participated in the Passover Story with a Seder meal lead by Debra Truitt and Carole Brown, who told of the history and explained the symbolism of the special foods served. Thanks to Loretta, Debra and Carole for their hard work and a beautiful presentation. All are truly welcome as we gather to glorify God through fellowship with one another and to study God's Word.
Our sanctuary flowers for Sunday, January 4, were given by Paul and Won Yun to the glory of God. His grace be with you in the New Year!
Our sanctuary flowers for Sunday, December 7, were given by Dave and Toni Rosenberg to the glory of God and in celebration of Advent as we wait for the coming child in Bethlehem.
Our sanctuary flowers for Sunday, November 23, were given by Paul and Won Yun to the glory of God and to wish everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving.
Our sanctuary flowers for Sunday, November 30, were given by Steve and Brenda Krueger to the glory of God in blessed memory of our loved ones, and in celebration of their 15th wedding anniversary. May this time of the year bring joy, love and peace to all in God’s name.
The Flowers in the sanctuary were given by Art Guilfoil to the glory of God and in memory of his wife, Carol, in recognition of her birthday on October 17.
Congratulations to Judy and Bowman Davis who celebrated their 51st Wedding Anniversary.
The flowers in the sanctuary August 31 were given by Ken and Ida Dixon to the glory of God, in the memory of their parents, Augustin and Rowena Murphy of Cedartown, GA and MB and Evelyn Dixon from Buford, GA, and in celebration of Ken and Ida’s 56th wedding anniversary.
Our sanctuary flowers for Sunday, August 10, were given by Louis and Myrall Wiggins to the glory of God in celebration of their 62nd wedding anniversary.
The rose in the sanctuary on Sunday morning, August 24 was in celebration of the birth of Jackson Beckett Wood, the first great-grandchild of Deb & Pat Burgess. Jackson was born on August 20 weighing 7lbs. 3oz and 19 inches long. Jackson's parents are Jesse & Katie Wood of Franklin, TN. Congratulations to all!
The sanctuary flowers for Sunday August 24, were given by Cathy Walker to the glory of God and in memory of her husband, Jimmy, on his birthday.
Our sanctuary flowers for Sunday, August 17, were given by George and Lou Taylor to the glory of God in celebration of their 49th wedding anniversary.
Thanks to the Boy Scouts, who with the leadership of the Handy Helpers, installed new plantings at Covenant. Covenant has two Boy Scout units, Pack 057 and Troop 750 (Troop 750, organized in 1970, has been active at Covenant for 55 years. Pack 057 was organized in 2012. We are thankful for all those who have kept this important youth ministry a vital part of our ministry.
MUST MINISTRIES DONATIONS
We continue to support MUST Ministries by collecting food donations of canned and non-perishable food items. Barrels for your donations can be found in the kitchen.
MUST LUNCH PREPARATION -THURSDAY, JUNE 26 10:00 AM
We prepared 100 lunch bags which each contained 25 items-- breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks. These were distributed to school age children who might not have breakfast or lunch while school is out. Thanks to the many volunteers who joined us.
Volunteers preparing lunches in the kitchen.
PENTECOST SUNDAY was JUNE 8.
We wore something RED that day.
Paving began June 30th.
PARKING LOT PAVING
Paving of our parking lot is now complete! Work began on Monday, June 30. Thank you to those who are were every day overseeing the work, to the pavers who worked in this summer heat, and especially to our congregation for your assistance with these improvements.
Covenant Friends:
The Administrative Committee thanks you for your generosity toward our parking lot project,
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT
At the encouragement of one of our parishioners, Pastor Don Esa has published last summer’s sermon series on the book of Philippians in a softback book. Live Joyfully! is now available for purchase on Amazon.com.
FAMILY PROMISE AT COVENANT
FAMILY PROMISE – FINAL HOSTING WEEK FOR 2025
Our last Family Promise hosting week this year was November 30–December 7. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered:
Provide meals: Casa Conexion, Mary Esa, Pam Kapperman, Steve & Brenda Krueger, Janey Mascara, Gail Parks, Doug & Paula Roberts, St. Peter & St. Paul guys.
Overnight hosts: Bob Foster, Karen Humphreys, Steve & Brenda Krueger, Doug & Paula Roberts, Dave & Toni Rosenberg, Jim Royal, Lou Taylor, Cathy Walker.
Covenant hosts Family Promise with newly remodeled Family Promise rooms. A special heartfelt thanks goes to our Handy Helpers and Brenda Krueger for her tireless, loving commitment to this mission. Yay, Brenda!
Thank you to volunteers unloading and making beds, Toni Rosenberg, Pam Kapperman, Brenda Krueger and Andrew Travis.
Thank you to Ken Dixon, Art Guilfoil, Stewart Holt, Bruce Kapperman, Thomas Kapperman, Steve & Brenda Krueger, Dave & Toni Rosenberg, and Cathy Walker.
A TIME OF REMEMBRANCE
Our sanctuary flowers for Sunday November 2, were given for all Saints Sunday and for those who had died this past year.
-Rebecca Virginia Long Evatt, May 30, 1927 – July 17, 2025
-Joan Rebecca Delzangle, June 18, 1933 – September 2, 2025
Richard Cook, handbell
We continue to welcome our Pastor, Dr. Don Esa and his wife, Mary as they join us at Covenant. We are delighted and grateful that you are with us at Covenant Presbyterian Church!
Covenant's Annual Meeting of the Congregation was held on April 14, 2024 at the end of the worship service. In case you weren't able to join us on that day, we wanted to make you aware of very exciting news.
The Session has executed a contract with Don Esa as our pastor effective May 1, 2024. This contract will be renewed annually and it is our hope that Don will be with us for many years.
Faith Circle will meet on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your ODB and lunch to enjoy after our meeting.
Joy Circle will will meet on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at 10:00 in the lower room.
We enjoy wonderful fellowship as we study “Women of the Bible”.
Ladies Bible Study is led by Judy Davis and has a 42 year history at Covenant as a study, prayer, and fellowship group. Our regular meeting time is the third Wednesday of each month. All women are welcome, both members and visitors. Please bring your Bible and join us for a time of sharing our blessings, prayer concerns, and Bible study as we grow in Christ.
LADIES BIBLE STUDY
“Ladies Bible Study met on Wednesday, January 21 at 10:00-12:00 in Room 1. We continued our “Series III, Unnamed Women” in our “Women of the Bible” lesson theme. Our January lesson covered “The Two Prostitutes” and “The Slave Girl from Israel.” Judy provided a handout on the unnamed women we studied. All women are always invited, whether members or visitors. We enjoy a time of Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.”
Stay safe and well. May the Lord enfold you with His love.
Blessings to all,
Judy
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing our delicious cookies!
We are so thankful Pastor Don joined us and ate some of our delicious cookies!
HANDY HELPERS ARE HERE TO HELP!
Be thinking about cleanups, other household chores and repairs. Covenant’s Handy Helpers can tackle most any job around your home and if you have a big job, we can help you find a Contractor and make sure it gets done. Call Robyn at the Church Office, or Steve Krueger 770-591-3852.
THANK YOU TO THE HANDY HELPERS!
We want to thank the Handy Helpers, and especially Steve Krueger, for assisting us with some maintenance issues around our home. We're truly grateful that Steve took the time to lend us a hand! Eric & Sarah Zenor
I can’t say thank you enough to Bruce Kapperman and Art Guilfoil for helping me. What should have been an easy installation turned into an almost impossible one, but they persevered and got the job done. Our church is so blessed to have willing men giving of their time and skills to help those of us in need. Many, many thanks! Carole Brown
My thanks to Art Guilfoil who recently helped me with a couple of home plumbing issues. Art, Bruce, Steve and Dave have helped me with several other problems this past year and I am so grateful to them. Our church is truly blessed to have these nice men who are willing to help those of us who need it. My thanks to all the Handy Helpers!!
Carole Brown
Thanks to our Handy Helpers for helping for moving Alice Schaefer into her beautiful new home!
A note of thanks to Steve Krueger and the Handy Helpers for all the care, kindness, advice and help they have given me over the past few years. No job has been too big or too small for their consideration! Not only do they offer great peace of mind to a rather “unskilled” homeowner, but the money they have saved me has been a true Godsend! We are so blessed to have such a team in our church! (They should be considered for sainthood).
Kathy Miller
Aloha to Aging:
January 2026: Family Caregiver Support Group
Are you a caregiver for family, partner or a friend? We offer a healthy, safe space to process and discuss the myriad mix of emotions and decisions we experience as either a local or long distance caregiver.
Care provided while we meet, must RSVP in advance for care www.alohatoaging.org
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
THE SHEPHERDING COMMITTEE has made available an informal pictorial directory of our congregation. Thank you to Pat Burgess and The Shepherding Committee for undertaking this project. We are excited to get our new directories!
Pentecost Sunday
Bringing a relevant message to the world
Growing the body of Christ
Proclaiming God’s love through mission and outreach.
