In the Darkness:
Caring for Each Other
Greetings!

We put up Christmas lights on a big tree in our back yard this week, and we’re keeping them lit every evening now, unlike previous years, when we waited until after Thanksgiving.

I like the lights.

But at the same time, I’m rethinking my understanding of darkness, thanks to Psalm 88 and a wonderful book by preacher and author Barbara Brown Taylor, called Learning to Walk in the Dark.
"I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light, things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness as much as I need light."
--Barbara Brown Taylor in
Learning to Walk in the Dark

Click on the image to learn more about the book.
With Covid and all the other challenges in the world today, a lot of us feel overwhelmed by dark. But rather than trying to turn on every light possible or simply quote Bible verses about God’s light, maybe we can learn something together in the dark. Maybe we need to learn something.

This Sunday is Caregiving Sunday, and I’m reflecting on the darkness and Psalm 88 and how we can care for each other. Come join us in person or online. You are not alone.

On the journey together,
Charlie
THANK YOU!
I am overwhelmed with gratitude after the celebration of the 30th anniversary of my ordination last Sunday. Thank you for your kind words, gracious notes, and generous gifts in support of future pastors (see below).

Thank you to Donna Monson and Melissa Hinz for compiling the fabulous Top Ten list, which you can see HERE.

And thanks to Laurie Jones for the spectacular stole (pictured), which matches the paraments and windows. I am very glad to be here at Covenant.
Columbia Theological Seminary
Decatur, Georgia

I graduated from CTS with a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2012. It's a great school, with a unified focus on
  • Encountering God
  • Cultivating Leaders
  • Transforming Communities
It's one of the nine Presbyterian Church USA seminaries, and I was blessed during my time there. I took in-depth classes on Christian spirituality, wisdom literature, money and faith, religious diversity in America, and more. Learn more about the school here: https://www.ctsnet.edu/
So when I was asked about an appropriate recipient of an anniversary fund, I thought of Columbia.

I've been blessed to be a pastor for thirty years, with almost nine at Covenant, and I hope these funds will help future pastors learn and grow.
THANK YOU to the dozens of you who have contributed. So far we have over $4300 to help the next generation of church leaders. If you'd like to contribute, contact the church office.
-CHB
Farewell, Donna!
After 22 years as Children’s Ministries Coordinator, Donna Monson is retiring. Her last Sunday is November 21. Her ministry has been a blessing to Covenant and to hundreds of people. Her ministry helped form a generation of Christians, teaching them of God’s love for them and for the world, and helping everyone to feel welcome at Covenant.
Donna asked that we not have a big event at her retirement, so we have a low-key celebration planned for next Sunday, November 21 at 10:00 in Bradfield Hall. Baskets are available Sunday and next week for cards you might want to leave for Donna. We thank God for Donna!
Worship
  • In-person services at 9:00 (piano) and 11:00 (organ), with a livestream at 11:00. (click)
  • Pastor Charlie Berthoud preaches on Psalm 88: "Walking in the Dark"
  • Children's Time with the Mace family
  • Follow our blog to read Pastor Jeff's weekly reflections.
  • Click here to learn about Children's Sunday School from 10:00 until 10:50 each Sunday.

Fall Generosity Campaign Continues

The Fall Generosity Campaign asks people to support Covenant’s ministry with their time, talents, and treasures. Please contact the church office if you have not received an informational packet yet.

Here is a quick snapshot of where we currently stand financially as of 11/10/2021:
2022 Campaign: 156 pledges = $685,086.00
2021 Campaign: 150 pledges = $673,301.22
2020 Campaign: 164 pledges = $754,142.00
SUNDAY is the LAST day to drop off your donations for the Guatemala Mission Auction. Let your imagination be your guide! Your creative donations will be welcome additions to the auction. Preview of the auction donations begins Monday November 22. Bidding starts November 29 and goes until December 4.

This annual auction provides scholarships for students of the Monte Hebron Presbyterian Church in Santo Domingo. Visit the Guatemala Auction page for more info!
COVID Safety
We continue to have in-person worship. To be as safe as possible, the entire left side of the sanctuary is now socially distanced seating, with every other pew taped off. We are also asking people to sing quietly to limit germ spread.

Masks required for all people, regardless of vaccination status.