Covenant CONNECTIONS:
July 4, Bikes, Hamilton, and Words with Friends!
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Happy 244th birthday, USA! I am grateful to be a citizen of the USA--with our strong democratic institutions, our traditional standing as a world leader, and our natural beauty "from sea to shining sea."
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We who are citizens are fortunate to be here, with all the opportunities and material blessings. But we have a responsibility to use these blessings for the common good. As recent events have reminded us, we have work to do before there is "liberty and justice for all."
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Here in Madison, while I am dismayed by vandalism and despair, I'm grateful for progress toward liberty and justice, toward healing and a new future, and I'm grateful for leaders in the community helping us move in the right direction.
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Michael Johnson is the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, and in addition to helping kids with education, nutrition, and activities, he is a strong and wise voice on controversial issues. He has a gift for bringing diverse people together to listen and learn from each other. His
open letter to Madison offers ten steps to take action on racism and current tensions. We may not agree with all ten, but I'm grateful for the ongoing discussion.
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Covenant has supported The Boys and Girls Club of Dane County for several years on the annual bike ride, with our "Presbywheelians" team. With the pandemic, the bike ride has transformed into
MOVE for BGC, where participants are encouraged to walk, run, bike or whatever and raise money for BGC.
Our small but mighty
"Presbywheelian" team has already raised over $6000.
- Steve Whayland walked 50 miles in a day (yes, that's right, FIFTY miles in one day) and has raised over $3000
- Eric Girard has raised $1400 with his bike rides and pickle connections
- I set a goal of riding 1000 miles and raising $1000, and thanks to some very generous family and friends, I've passed my dollar goal, with a few hundred miles still to go on the bike. (Maybe I should raise my fundraising goal...?)
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As I ride, I've enjoy the natural beauty and as my tired legs finish a 40 or 50 mile ride, I've thought about the perseverance that struggling families need to survive. I'm glad to support BGC to help those families.
If you want to make a pledge to the BGC through Steve, Eric, me, or another team member, just go to the
Presbywheelian Team Page
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Click on the bike photo to see a bunch of photos from my rides, which include a circuit of the six Presbyterian congregations in Madison, lots of time on local trails (Military Ridge, Capital City, and my new favorite, Glacial Drumlin).
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My wife and I watched "Justified Journey" this week, a 40-minute documentary that tells the story of Alex meeting some of his white relatives, all of whom are descendants of the same slave-owner.
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As we celebrate our country this weekend, we certainly can be thankful. But we also have to be honest. We have ongoing problems that need our attention. We are an "unfinished symphony" as Lin Manuel Miranda put it in the final scene of the musical Hamilton.
As Christians our fundamental ethic is loving our neighbors, as Jesus taught us. As citizens, we are called to work for the common good. As Christians and citizens of the USA in 2020, we have work to do.
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On the journey, apart-but-together,
Charlie
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PS--On a lighter note, speaking of "Hamilton" perhaps you'll enjoy this short video from the Holderness family which combines three things I appreciate: the musical Hamilton, loving our neighbors, and science. Please stay at home as much as possible, wash your hands, and wear a mask.
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STAFF UPDATE
and JOB OPENING
We are seeking a new Communications and Technology Coordinator, as Melissa Arnston is no longer in that role. We are seeking someone with tech savvy and creativity to promote the mission and ministry of Covenant. The job posting is here:
Communication and Technology Coordinator job posting. Contact Pastor Charlie Berthoud or Personnel Chair Julie Sadowsky if you have questions.
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SUNDAY WORSHIP
Join us for apart-but-together video worship on Sunday. Check your email Sunday morning for the link. Or check the
Covenant website.
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If you want to interact with other people as you worship, you can join with a Facebook Watch Party. Just go to
Covenant's Facebook page
9:30 on Sunday morning
to watch the pre-recorded worship as a community.
Worship this week features
- Communion. Please have some bread and juice (or something close to bread and juice) available.
- Sermon by Rev. Charlie Berthoud on Micah, "Justice and Humility"
- A delightful scripture reading by two Covenant kids
- Wonderful music led by Pianist Ben Welch, Organist Doug McNeel, and Music Coordinator Melissa Hinz
- A message for the children from Jeremy Schroeder
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THREE QUESTIONS ABOUT READING
In case you need more inspiration on reading good books and the Good Book, several Covenant folks have responded to these three questions:
- What is a favorite book of yours? (fiction, non-fiction, whatever)
- What is a favorite verse or book of the Bible?
- What are your reasons for reading and reflecting on the Bible?
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Coffee Hour and Bible Study!
Sundays 10:30 via Zoom
Grab some coffee and connect with your Covenant friends! Click on the Zoom link above at 10:30 this Sunday. Pastor Charlie will share about Micah and then we'll have time for zoom fellowship.
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The online GA concluded earlier this week. Click on the PCUSA logo to read a two page summary, highlighting:
- responding to racism
- inspiring worship
- election of new leaders
- concerns about the status of San Francisco Seminary
- procedural issues about Black girls and women
- budget issues
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Who is My Neighbor?
Reflections on Stained Glass
of the Chartres Cathedral
July 15
th
at 7:00 via Zoom
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Using the book,
Who is My Neighbor?, Stuart Stotts and Nancy Enderle are offering a 50 minute class for adult learners that explores the Parable of the Good Samaritan through photographs of the stained glass windows of Chartes Cathedral, in France. In addition to the history of stained glass windows and how they educated and illuminated the believers who worshiped in grand cathedrals, the class will employ the spiritual contemplative practice of Viseo Divina to open up the timely and important story of loving kindness and hospitality to strangers. The class will held using zoom, and includes the use of breakout rooms and graphics and discussion, as well as time for contemplation and reflection.
The Leaders:
Stuart Stotts is an author, songwriter, storyteller, and educational consultant. For over thirty years he has traveled to schools, trainings, and conferences around the world, performing, presenting, and working to nurture the arts in people’s lives. Stuart is the author of over ten books and has released many recordings of songs and stories. He lives with his wife Heather in Deforest, Wisconsin.
Nancy Enderle is a teaching elder (pastor) in the PC (USA). For over thirty years, her ministry has unfolded in large and small congregations, in rural and urban settings, and in a couple of non-profit organizations. Nancy is currently serving at an ecumenical monastery co-directing a center for clergy spiritual renewal. She lives with her husband Gordon in Madison, and they have been part of Covenant for a long time.
If you're interested in purchasing their new book
click here!
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Do you like words? Do you like friends? If you like those things, then you’ll love Words With Friends, a mobile game that plays a lot like Scrabble!
Just download the Words With Friends app on your cell phone or tablet and sign up. Folks from Covenant have been playing against each other this past week, and you are more than welcome to join in on the fun.
Click here for a google doc
with people’s Words With Friends usernames and enter your own name and username and start a new game with your Covenant family!
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