I don’t want to be pessimistic, but things are hard now, and they might get harder--with coronavirus continuing, with the political chaos, with racial strife, with economic hardship for many.

In the spirit of trying to help us get through this challenging time, I have one scripture verse and three requests. 

Every election has hyperbole, but this really does feel like the most important election of my 56 years. I joined a webinar last night with Brian McLaren and Diana Butler Bass (two of the most respected church leaders today) and in addition to encouraging people to vote, they are asking people of faith to pray—for our leaders, for our country, for a fair election, for no voter suppression, and for results to be clear and respected. Click on the image below to watch their one-hour presentation. Please pray. And vote.

Jesus calls us to love each other. This love manifests in many ways. Pray for each other. Send notes or emails of encouragement to each other. Can you make the effort to reach out to someone today?

As for the church in particular, be involved in worship, education, and mission to keep your spirit strong and to encourage others. (We have a baptism in worship this coming Sunday!) And you can support each other through our Generosity Campaign to keep Covenant strong in 2021. As you’re able, please make a generous financial pledge and fill out our Serving Survey. More info below.

Our church is making a difference. Two of our mission partners tell us how, below:

We have to be very intentional about self-care these days. Rest and good nutrition are vital. Avoiding excesses of alcohol, internet, junk food, and sloth is vital. Finding healthy habits (walking, exercise, music, books, etc) is vital. Remembering that God loves you is vital.

Can you pick ONE WAY to care for yourself in the next 24 hours?

One way I do self-care is with books. I’m working on three right now:

I'm glad to be part of this wonderful church community. Together we help each other to keep alert, be courageous, and live in love.

We have high hopes for the ministry of Covenant in 2021!

Making a financial pledge to support Covenant helps us to continue making a difference together. Click on the logo to make a pledge and/or fill out the Serving Survey now.

If you have questions about your giving or about Covenant finances, please contact the church office. Thank you for your generosity with Covenant and beyond. You are making a difference.

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 Ben Welch. Read his reflection on "Let Us Build a House (All are Welcome)" here, and listen along with the accompanying video here!

If you missed last week's video, hear Pastor Jeff sing one of his favorite hymns here!

Working through the NewBridge nonprofit of Dane County, we’ll be raking yards for some of the older members of our community.

Middle schoolers will rake on Saturday, October 24 from 1:00-3:00. Please sign up by the 22nd.

High schoolers will rake on Saturday, October 31 from 1:00-3:00. Please sign up by the 29th, and wear a costume, if you'd like!

For our annual Shop & Bake, some youth will be baking cookies at Covenant for last year's grads now in college, while other youth will shop for food for the River Food Pantry. We hope you join us for this important work that feeds hungry bellies and builds community!

On Friday, October 23 from 10:45-1:30, high schoolers will be serving at the River Food Pantry. Sign up by Oct. 21.

This fall, Adult Ed begins a new video series that will last throughout the 2020-2021 program year. Using the BibleProject, a nonprofit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, we will explore the literary art of the Scriptures and trace the themes found in them from beginning to end. Click the image to watch a short teaser! 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83189424277

The auction site is live for previewing items, and bidding begins this Sunday, Oct. 18 at 8:00 am! Bidding will last until the Sunday, Oct. 25 at NOON. You will be notified with the results of your bids.

Select and bid on items of interest on the site, and be sure to check the website often, as new items could be added. Invite your friends and family members to bid as well! To lessen physical contact, please pay by credit card on the website rather than in-person. Click here for more in-depth instructions on how to bid.

On All Saints’ Sunday, we will read aloud the names of loved ones we’ve remembered with a white rose this past year. You are welcome to submit a name to be included to the church office by October 25.

Please use this link to sign up to have Communion elements, made and assembled with love by fellow Covenant members, delivered to your home.