Words and Books for a New Year
Greetings!

Happy 2021! We are focusing on WORDS as the new year begins! Sign up for our daily devotional on a word of the day—see info below. If you need an Epiphany star to ponder all year, contact the church office.

As the new year begins with the emphasis on words, I’m thinking about three books right now.
1.) Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey, 2nd edition, by Mark Allan Powell.

Not only does this book have accessible and helpful background info on each NT book, but it’s like a walk through a contemporary art gallery. Worth the $33 just for the art! We just got a copy at the church library, and I will use this as a resource in the upcoming NT Disciple class. Click on image to learn more.
2.) The Power of One, by Bryce Courtenay. A Covenant family got a dog recently, and when they told me the dog’s name is Peekay, I thought of P.K.—“Preacher’s Kid.” Haha.

The family graciously corrected me and kindly sent me a copy of this novel set in mid 20th century South Africa. What a hopeful and powerful story! A great novel to end the year.

Click on the image to learn about the book. And if you want to see my book awards (including one Covenant author!) and the list of the 42 books I read in 2020, click here: Charlie's book awards and list
3.) The Bible. I’m looking forward to a 12-week deep dive into the New Testament with the DISCIPLE class, and to help me hear God’s words anew, I got a new Study Bible, with The Common English Bible translation.

I’m more familiar with the New Revised Standard Version and The Message, so I hope some variations in translations will give me a fresh perspective on the scriptures and inspiration for faithful living.
In the beginning was the Word
    and the Word was with God
    and the Word was God.
The Word was with God in the beginning.
Everything came into being through the Word...
The Word became flesh
    and made his home among us.
--From John 1 (Common English Bible)
I hope you get to experience some good books and the Good Book in 2021. May God's word take deeper root in your heart and your home and our world. Blessings for the new year!

On the journey, apart-but-together,
Charlie
Covenant members have been reflecting on words of our faith for the "Words of Wisdom, Words of Faith" congregational devotional. From January 1-February 14, we'd love for you to start the new year reading this special devotional with us.

  • Click HERE for the devotional.
  • Email Mary Kieta if you'd like a hard copy mailed to you.
  • Click HERE to sign up to receive daily devotional emails (no need to do this if you have received daily devos in the past--you're still on the list!)
Get the new year started right, with a stronger foundation in God's word. Join the 12-week DISCIPLE Bible study course led by Pastor Charlie, beginning on Wednesday, January 13 at 7pm for one hour, via Zoom.

Daily reading and reflections, with a one hour zoom gathering every week, Wednesdays at 7pm. Sign up HERE. Visit covenantmadison.org/disciple or contact Pastor Charlie for more info.
Despite this turbulent year, Covenant members have once again poured their generosity into the vision we have for our church in 2021! Together, we make a huge difference in the life of our community.

As the graphic above shows, we are a bit behind where we were last year in terms of commitments made to the Generosity Campaign. If you haven't made a commitment yet, please visit our "Give" page to access the pledge card, which you can then email to the church office. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Lussier Center Household Goods Collection

Throughout January we are collecting toiletries and household items for our friends at the Lussier Community Education Center! All month from 9:00-12:00 AM Monday-Friday you can bring household goods to Covenant and leave them in a bin outside the front door. If you can’t come during that time, contact Associate Pastor Jeff Fox-Kline to set up a special drop-off. Thank you for your generosity!
 
Need some ideas for what kinds of items to donate? See below for a top ten list from Lussier:

  • Paper Towels
  • Size 2-4 feminine pads
  • Toilet Paper                  
  • Toothpaste & toothbrushes
  • Body Wash                   
  • All purpose cleaner (disinfectant)
  • Baby wipes                   
  • Laundry detergent (at least 50 oz)
  • Liquid hand soap       
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
Ongoing Offering Opportunities
We have TWO opportunities for offering right now: the Christmas Eve Mission Offering and the PC(USA) Christmas Joy Offering. If you want to contribute to one of them, please use the designations listed below. Thank you!
You can support local families with food and rent assistance through Covenant's Christmas Eve Mission Offering, which will benefit the Madison West High Area Collaborative.

Donate here with the designation "Christmas Eve Mission Offering."
You can support PC(USA) church leaders and communities of color through the PC(USA)'s Christmas Joy Offering (click here to learn more).

The Christmas Joy Offering is one of four special offerings of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The others are:

Donate here with the designation "Christmas Joy Offering."
Always make time for some fun...
Get started reflecting on your hopes, dreams, goals, and intentions for the new year with this coloring sheet from Illustrated Ministry! (Click the image for PDF)
And don't forget about Covenant's puzzle exchange! A world of fun (and possibly some neck/back pain) awaits you in the grey chest under the overhang by the picnic tables.
2021 Trash & Treasure Canceled

Our Youth Ministries Committee, High School Youth Connection Advisors, and Youth Ministries Coordinator Steve Royalton have decided that due to the pandemic, there is no way to safely conduct the beloved Trash & Treasure sale in early 2021. We look forward to the sale of the century in 2022!
HSYC at The River

Some of our high school youth, one college student, and several of our adults served at The River Food Pantry on Dec. 29. They put together hot meals to-go and grocery carts full of food (one per family that came through the drive-thru service). Time well-spent during the Christmas vacation!
Women's Friday Morning Book Group

The Friday morning women’s book group is still meeting on Zoom the first and third Friday mornings, 9:30 - 11:00, each month (except for January when they will meet the second and fourth Friday mornings, January 8 and January 22, due to New Years Day being on the first Friday). 

Please contact Kris Anderson or the church office for more info or to be added to the email list. They will be starting a new book on January 8th.
Pastor Charlie in the Wisconsin State Journal

Click HERE to read an excerpt from Pastor Charlie's Christmas message (along with reflections from many more local clergy) in the Wisconsin State Journal!
Worship
Sunday, January 3

  • Epiphany Sunday and Communion Sunday (please have bread & juice ready)
  • Children's Time with Donna Monson
  • Words of Wisdom, Words of Faith Sermon Series begins
  • Charlie Berthoud preaching on the word "WORD"; John 1:14
  • Adult Ed will resume on Sunday, January 10.


We'd love to see you at the Sunday morning