Covenant CONNECTIONS:
Daily bread, daily routines,
and daily prayer
Greetings!

Greek yogurt with strawberries and a cup of coffee. Later, a half a bagel with cream cheese and another cup of coffee. My breakfast today was similar to what I have most days.

I have my routines--things I do every day. We all do. We get out of bed, we clean up, we put on clothes, we eat, and so on.

If you don't already do so, I invite you to include prayer in your daily routine. Specifically in September, we are focusing on the Lord's Prayer. My invitation is for everyone at Covenant to say the Lord's Prayer at least once during the day.

I've compiled a resource with a few variations of the Lord's Prayer. Pick up a copy on Sunday as we begin our five weeks series, or click on the gold bar below.
And I invite your to join one of the eleven small groups that are meeting at various times and locations (mostly in member homes). Some groups have childcare. Some have food. All have good people trying to grow as Christians. More info below and at church.

Many of us struggle with bad habits. Many of us often out of the routine of doing what we know we should do--from exercise, to healthy eating, to not wasting time on our phones, to avoiding cynicism, to not going to church!

Prayer sets a good path for the day, opening us to God's love--love that heals us, comforts us, and calls us into new purpose.

When I pray I feel like I'm being given my daily bread --a sense of connection with God. With so much negativity in the world, we need to feed ourselves with God's love through prayer.

So I encourage you to make a commitment to pray the Lord's Prayer, slowly and intentionally every day in September. There are many possible regular times to pray:
  • As you look in the mirror in the morning
  • Together before a meal
  • As school or work begins
  • Before turning on your phone/computer/TV or checking your email
  • While walking outside or exercising
  • With your kids or loved ones before bed

As you pray listen for what God might be saying back to you. May God's will be done and God's kingdom come. Amen.
On the journey together,
Charlie

PS--Remember: we have worship at 9:30 on September 1 and 8, and on September 15 we resume our 9:00 and 11:00 worship schedule.
The Lord's Prayer Small Groups
Make friends and grow spiritually!
Our small groups will meet for six sessions, with many options for dates and locations--most at homes, with some at church and local restaurants. Some have childcare and most have food! We will have more information and sign ups available in the gathering space outside of the sanctuary this Sunday, or click the photo below to sign up online.
Over 75 people have already signed up and one group is already full. Don't miss out! Questions about the small groups? Contact Pastor Jeff at jfoxkline@covenantmadison.org .
Sunday, September 8
Happy 65th Anniversary
to Covenant!
After 9:30 worship with special music and recognition of longtime members, we will gather for a group photo (wear your Covenant t-shirt to worship, or any other colorful shirt) and then we’ll head to Bradfield Hall to party and celebrate! Sloppy joes, birthday cake, and lots of fun activities!

Bring the whole family or come on your own, but don’t miss out … it’s a celebration to remember! This free special event is sponsored by the Deacon’s Fellowship Committee and the Children’s Ministries Team.
Welcome Chelsea!
Welcome Back Clara!

On Sunday, September 1, Chelsea Cornelius joins the Covenant staff for the year, with a five hour/week internship position. She'll be involved with worship, education, mission, and pastoral care. We also welcome back Parish Associate Clara Thompson, who works 20 hours/week in pastoral care, worship, education, and fellowship, from September through May. This past week, Clara celebrated the 40th anniversary of her ordination as a pastor! Congrats to Clara!
Chelsea Cornelius is a Wisconsin native who earned her Master of Divinity degree at the University of Chicago Divinity School in June 2019, and now returns to Madison as a full-time Chaplain Resident at Meriter Hospital, where she will specialize in Neonatal Intensive Care and Adult Psychiatric Care. She is also in the ordination process in the Presbyterian Church, USA. She lives on the east side of Madison with her partner Bonnie. 
Clara Thompson became a Parish Associate at Covenant in September 2015. She served as Pastor of the First Presbyterian in Oregon, WI for 30 years, retiring in June 2009. Clara is happily married to Paul Thompson. They enjoy traveling to visit their 5 children and 6 grandchildren who are scattered throughout the country, autumn bike rides, walking on frozen lakes in the winter, planting the gardens in the spring, and spending their summers in northern Michigan.
New Windows!
Thanks to the generosity of Covenant people with our Capital Campaign, we're continuing to do long-deferred maintenance. This week, we're getting new windows in the C wing of the building, on the north side.
Sunday Worship
9:30 Single Service
Sunday, September 1
Holy Communion
Sermon: "Teach Us to Pray--Persistently"
Scripture: Luke 11:1-4
Preacher: Charlie Berthoud
Piano: Ben Welch
Sunday, September 8
65th Anniversary Celebration!
Commissioned Anthem
Handbells, Chancel Choir
Sermon: "Teach Us to Pray--Thy Kingdom Come"
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15
Preacher: Charlie Berthoud
On Sunday, September 15 , we resume our school year schedule:
9:00 New Day Contemporary Worship
10:00 Sunday School
11:00 Traditional Worship