I miss being face-to-face on Sunday mornings.

But I'm very encouraged by the update from the CDC yesterday saying that vaccinated people can safely remove masks in many circumstances. Plus, I’m glad to see in the Covenant survey results a very high number of respondents (over 95%!) report being fully vaccinated. 

I’ve already had a few unmasked meetings with people and it’s WONDERFUL to see peoples' faces! 

We continue to have discussions and make plans for a return to in-person worship at Covenant. The Session spent much of our April meeting on this topic, and our Re-Opening the Building Task Force meets next week.

You should get an email within a week, with an updated plan. Please keep in mind, whenever we do open for in-person worship, we will continue to have video worship.

While I’m hopeful that we can find a way to safely open for those who want to come to in-person worship, we need to be mindful of many things. Not everyone is vaccinated, including children. Vaccinated people can still get the virus, though apparently not as severely. And there are still variants out there.

 

So for now, we are cautious but hopeful. Stay tuned. 

The Christian faith celebrates a God who became flesh and dwelt among us. God became human in Jesus Christ.

God has a face in the person of Jesus. And we are created in God’s image, so God has many more faces—all of us. When it’s safe, I look forward to seeing you face to face sometime in the not too distant future. 

Grace and peace,

Charlie

Covenant children and youth have been supporting Heifer International for 28 years! For this year's celebration, come out to the Covenant Heifer Farmyard (our parking lot) on May 16 to hear silly animal jokes; see adults and children dressed like cows, pigs, sheep, llamas, rabbits, and chicks; grab a donut and contribute! Donations welcome but not required for drive-thru attendance. Come out to celebrate this awesome organization!

Watch this family-friendly video to learn more about Heifer International, or visit their website. Donations of coins, cash, checks (made payable to Covenant) accepted. Donations can also be made online here.

May 22^nd is Grounds Clean-Up Day at Covenant! Please bring your gardening and pruning equipment and help us to make the grounds look beautiful again, from 9:00am-12:00pm. Donuts and water provided.

Email Rosemary Jones if you have questions.

Join us for in-person worship on Pentecost Sunday, rain or shine! Covenant member Craig Wilson will be flying kites. Please wear red!

Use this link to learn more and to sign up.

Learn about the PC(USA) Pentecost Special Offering on our website: covenantmadison.org/pcusaoffering.

Use this link to order a Covenant t-shirt by Sunday, June 6.

Payment is to be made when you receive your order.

The Middle School Youth Connection is gathering at Vitense Golfland this evening at 6:30 for “foot golf!” It’s played on the par-3 course with soccer balls! Contact Youth Ministries Coordinator Steve Royalton right away if interested.

The High School Youth Connection is having their “Senior Dinner” this Sunday evening from 6:30-7:45 at Covenant. We will honor our graduating seniors after a dinner featuring Gino’s lasagna. All high school youth are welcome to attend.

These thank you cards are addressed to all of Covenant, so it's only right that we share them so you can see the wonderful work that is able to be done across the world with your generous support!

Through the generosity of the congregation we were able to send $200 to help a family in crisis. Lussier sent this thank you note to the congregation and we are happy to share it with you all here!

"Your gift to the Family Crisis Fund is easing worry and granting peace. We appreciate your quick response and generous care. With love, AB & the LCEC Team"

Covenant has faithfully supported the ministry of Village Partners International, a group that works to improve health outcomes of Haitians by fighting malnutrition and providing health care through clinics. We are blessed to be able to support our partners in their service of God's children.

"Dear Laurie, Janet, and everyone at Covenant Presbyterian Church,

Thank you so much for your continued support of the programs in Mombin Crochu, Haiti. The work there is so critical and your support means so very much. Your recent check of $500 is greatly appreciated, and your continued belief in us means more than we can say.

God bless you always,

Sylvia Campbell"

Doug McNeel played "It Is Well With My Soul" on the organ for our May 9 service. Watch here.

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