In the past month, I’ve been reminded of the importance of having open and frank conversations about sex and sexuality, and I’m grateful that the people of Covenant have been so open to these conversations. Sadly we live in an age where many political and religious leaders don’t want to have these conversations, as if not talking about a situation will make it go away.
Given the ways that we have not had healthy conversations, and the ways we have marginalized LGBTQ people in church and culture, and the ways that we hurt one another, it’s vital to re-affirm a central message of our series: We are all beloved children of God. You are loved.
|
|
If we were meeting in person for worship, everyone would be given one of these stickers (4 inches wide) produced by our friends at Illustrated Ministry. We have 100 here at church; read more about the design here.
If you want a sticker, or if you want to give one to someone, contact me or the church office.
Our “Let’s Talk About Sex” series began with the promise in our baptismal liturgy from 1 John 3, which reads: "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are."
While there are certainly challenging verses in scripture, the overall message of the Bible is love.
|
|
This Sunday, on the day before Valentine’s Day, we conclude our series, and the message is essentially the same: that we are beloved children of God—all of us—and that love is our primary ethic, just as Jesus teaches us, and as Paul reminds us (above).
Maybe this Bible verse can become a prayer for you:
|
|
Let's keep learning, listening, praying, and loving.
On the journey together,
Charlie
|
|
PS--We had a GREAT time with sledding and cookies last Sunday afternoon--our first "CONNECT" event planned by the Deacons.
Big thanks to Michael Carlson and others. Click on the photo for more pix and video!
|
|
|
-
Livestream services at 9:00 & 11:00am
-
Visit our Worship Headquarters website for everything you need to worship with us online!
-
Let's Talk About Sex Sermon/Adult Ed: Final Week
- Charlie Berthoud preaching: "It's All About Love" (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
- Children's Time with Arlene Kennedy
-
Children's At-Home Sunday School Lessons available HERE!
|
|
Also, sign up for a Parents Talk-Back on Feb 20/27 HERE!
|
|
Join us Sunday at 10:00am on Zoom for the final week of our series Let’s Talk About Sex. This week, we wrap things up with a drop-in session and discuss what we've learned. Questions addressed will include:
What have you learned? Did anything change your mind? What emotions did this series bring up? How will this affect how you live? What do you see as next steps?
If you missed a class or simply would like to watch one of the classes from this series, all Adult Ed classes are recorded and shared on our Adult Ed page and YouTube page.
|
|
The Session has called for the Annual Congregational Meeting this Sunday via Zoom (link below). The agenda includes:
- Approval of the 2021 Annual Report
- Approval of the terms of call for both pastors
- Presentation of the 2022 Budget
Documents for the meeting are below and are available on our website homepage under Announcements.
|
|
Starting the week of March 6, we will offer small groups at various days and times throughout the week. For six weeks in Lent, your group will meet to discuss the scripture passage from worship to accompany our sermon series "Let's Talk About Jesus". You are not required to be at all six gatherings, but the hope is that you will come to as many as you are able. Most groups meet over Zoom, but meetings could potentially take place outside or indoors (masked and socially distanced). Sign up HERE or contact Pastor Jeff if you have any questions.
|
|
Good news! We are at full capacity for registrants! Thank you to all you generous donors. More good news is that they will still accept walk-ins on Thursday if you still want to give. Anyone that donates will receive a $10 Amazon gift card!
From the Red Cross:
Please help combat the lowest blood supply levels at the Red Cross in 10+ years. Our current supply has forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery like organ transplants. Some patients requiring transfusions may not receive the blood products they need. Patients are counting on YOU to help reach our blood drive goal to ensure the Red Cross has the blood needed. Donors of all blood types are needed, however O donors are strongly encouraged to donate as the supply of Type O is at dangerously low levels.
|
|
As Charlie mentioned, we had a great turnout and a ton of fun at the Sledding & Cookie Party (click for pics/videos) last week! This was the first in a series of events sponsored by the Covenant deacons.
There will be several Spiritual Strolls on the horizon, beginning at Owen Conservation Park on Sunday, February 27 at 2:00pm. Join together with your Covenant family for this holy hike! CONNECT is a series of events intended to help those in the Covenant community connect with one another. For more information, contact Jess Salmonowicz or any of the deacons.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
