With everything going on right now, we need hope. Kids and music give me hope.
Three years ago, I learned a new song, thanks to our liturgical dancers at Covenant. In May 2017, they danced to the song "One Day" by Matisyahu (a Jewish American reggae singer). My favorite part of the song feels like a variation on "thy Kingdom come, thy will be done."
|
|
Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around
Because
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
They'll be no more wars
And our children will play
One day
—Matisyahu
|
|
After dancing to this song, the kids held up signs with their hopes for "one day": peace, equality, love, etc. Click on the photo to hear the original version of the song. And to hear/see a version with a diverse group singing in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, click here: One Day.
|
|
Kids and music bring me hope. So do our world mission partners.
At Covenant we are blessed with partners around the globe—good people doing great things. As World Communion Sunday approaches, it's a good time to remember and celebrate and pray for some of our global mission partners.
|
|
KENYA
Eric Miller
For decades, Covenant has had a connection with Eric Miller and Intervarsity. He helps with leader training and Bible study. Click on his photo to read a recent update.
|
|
SOUTH SUDAN
Leisa Wagstaff
Leisa supports education and church work in the fragile young country. Click on her photo to see a slide show about South Sudan and the Presbyterian Church.
|
|
PERU
Jed and Jenny Koball
Presbyterian Church Mission Co-workers Jed and Jenny work in Peru, and they hosted a group from Covenant in 2019. Look for a video from Jed in worship this Sunday. Click on their photo to learn about their ministry.
|
|
GUATEMALA
Flor de Maria Alvarez
Covenant has a 20 year history of
partnership in Guatemala, helping with education, health, and church leadership development. Click on the image for a video from Pastor Flor (in Spanish) in which she hopes that we are strengthened by the grace of God and that we can be together again soon.
|
|
I am grateful for the ministry of these good people, and I'm glad our church can support them. I'm glad we have so many good things happening at our church as well. See below.
God encourages us to be hopeful through the words of Scripture.
|
|
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
—Jeremiah 29:11
|
|
These good people and these good things and the love of God give me hope.
On the journey, apart but together,
Charlie
|
|
|
|
Hymn of the Week: A Weekly Series Celebrating Covenant Members' Most Beloved Hymns
Each week throughout October and November, a Covenant member will choose their favorite hymn to share with us through video. This week's hymn was chosen by Pastor Charlie. Read his reflection on "God of Grace and God of Glory" here, and click here to listen along with the lyrics!
|
|
2021 Generosity Campaign
Look for an exciting invitation to make a difference out in the mail soon!
|
|
|
|
|
In case you missed it, our October edition of the Caravan is packed full of opportunities for us to learn and make a difference. Click on the image to get started planning for the month ahead!
|
|
Middle School Youth Connection |
|
Our Middle School Youth Connection spent a couple of hours this past Saturday working in the Forward Garden on Old Sauk Road. They harvested cabbage, broccoli, and potatoes that will be shipped to area food pantries. So far this year, the gardens have produced over 17,000 pounds of food to help feed folks in Dane County! Check out more Youth Connection photos on the Covenant Presbyterian Youth Facebook page.
|
|
“Justified Journey”
October 4 & 11 at 10:00 am
Adult Ed will be watching and discussing the 40-minute video “Justified Journey” in which the Reverend Dr. Alex Gee of Madison, a Black man, takes an amazing journey to the US South to meet his white relatives after a DNA test revealed his surprising family genealogy. If you're unable to join the class, you can view the 40 minute video here.
|
|
|
Racists Anonymous
Information Session Oct. 8 // 7 pm
Sessions begin Oct. 15 // 7 pm
Covenant is offering a chance to address the sin of racism as a personal addiction through a Racists Anonymous (RA) educational session based on the AA 12-step program. RA is a fellowship of individuals seeking to achieve personal recovery from racist habits and the effects of racism. Its purpose is to help individuals address their own role in the sin and addiction of racism.
|
|
Boy Scouts Troop 122 Donation Collection
They are in need of the following:
- baby wipes
- feminine hygiene products
- white rice (1 lb. bags)
- canned black beans
- laundry detergent
- toothpaste
- liquid hand soap
- canned tuna
- gluten-free pasta
- gluten-free crackers
If you are able to contribute, please drop donations off at Covenant between 9-12, Monday-Friday next week (Oct. 5-9). Thanks so much for your help!
|
|
Virtual Guatemala Mission Auction Updates
Donation Drop-Off Times:
Sunday, Oct. 4—10:30-12:30
Monday, Oct. 5—2:00-6:00
Thursday, Oct. 8—2:00-6:00
Sunday, Oct. 11—1:00-3:00
Contact Sally Lorenz (608-273-3272;
If you prefer working with a hard copy, paper forms will be available during drop-off periods. Contact Chan Sommers with questions about the form.
See this flyer for donation ideas.
The auction site will go live for previewing items on Oct. 11!
|
|
|
|
Click on the video to watch Pastor Charlie deliver a brief intro for our worship service on Sunday.
Share the link to invite a friend to join us for worship!
|
|
October 4th is World Communion Sunday, when we collect the Peace & Global Witness Offering in support of peacemaking and reconciliation ministries, both local and around the world. 25% of Covenant's collection will benefit the YWCA of Madison.
Please give as you are able by visiting here and using the designation "Peace & Global Witness Offering."
|
|
|
|
|
How about a donut and a blessing?
Come by Covenant this Sunday for a Greenbush Bakery donut and a chance to say hello to Covenant staff and members. We have some devotional material for you and we'll say a short prayer for you. And bring your dog, as we have some dog treats.
We had to cancel in September because of stormy weather, but we had a great time with DDD in August; click on the photo below to see more. See you Sunday!
|
|
Worship for Sunday, October 4
- Sermon by Rev. Charlie Berthoud on the practice of including: "A Bigger Table," Luke 14:7-14
- Video update from Peru, and the Apostles Creed from around the world
- Donna Monson with the Children's Time
- Music with Arlene, Callum, and Declan and the Covenant COVID Choir
- Holy Communion (please have bread and juice ready)
We'd love to see you at the Sunday morning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
