Covenant Connections:
Handshaking, handwashing, and prayer
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME is this weekend. "Spring forward" one hour before Sunday morning, so you're not late to church!
Greetings!
In response to concerns about the coronavirus situation, with the hope of promoting good health and peace of mind, we're trying something new at Covenant.

Starting this Sunday, we ask that you not shake hands (or even fist- or elbow-bump) with other folks at church.

With the virus continuing to spread and with so much still unknown, we have decided to take this step.

The following info will be in the bulletin:
To promote good health and peace of mind, we encourage you to greet one another and pass the peace without handshakes, hugs, or fist- or elbow-bumps for now. Alternatives include bowing, placing your hands on your heart, clasping your hands together, or whatever you think is best. Be creative! After worship, the pastors will be greeting people but will not be shaking hands or fist- or elbow-bumping. We continue to encourage you to wash your hands regularly and stay home if you have a cough or fever. 
The message from public health officials continues to be essentially the same: KEEP CALM and WASH YOUR HANDS.

And if you're going to wash your hands do it right. (Don't forget your thumbs!) Everyone seems to recommend at least 20 seconds of washing.

Some suggest singing the Happy Birthday song to ensure a thorough 20 second wash.

Maybe we as Christians do something else?
How about we pray for about 20 seconds, as we wash our hands? You could:

  • Say the Lord's Prayer (which took me 21 seconds at a moderate pace)
  • Learn and recite Psalm 23 (which took me 25 seconds at a brisk pace)
  • Offer a simple prayer of gratitude or for 3 things or people ("Thank you God for ____ and ___ and ___.")
  • Offer a simple prayer of intercession for 3 people or situations ("Loving God hear my prayer for ____ and ___ and ___.")
  • During Lent, when we're mindful of sin, pray that God would cleanse your heart, your mind, your hands, your life.

Get creative. Make good use of the time. Be smart, be safe, be faithful.

Together let's do what we can to stay healthy and to "love our neighbors" as we encourage and support each other.

On the journey together,
Charlie

PS--We had a long discussion at staff meeting about health issues, and I've compiled a Covid-19 Advisory Team to help us be ready with the developing situation. For now
  • we have tightened up health and and safety in the kitchen
  • we are cleaning nursery and lounge toys more thoroughly
  • we have plenty of hand sanitizer and tissues at church
  • we encourage you to stay home if you are not well, especially if you have a cough or a fever
And if you do stay home, remember you can listen to or read Covenant sermons on our website. Click here: Covenant sermons. And don't forget our Facebook page!
Wednesdays in Lent
Dinner at 5:30
Worship at 6:15
Everyone is welcome for a simple dinner and a 40-minute worship service at 6:15. Our worship focus is the beatitudes, the blessings that Jesus offers his followers in Matthew 5:1-12 .

Sandy Nuernberg is leading worship on Wed March 11, and CHILI is on the menu. Dinner is $5/person ($10 family max) and it's FREE if it's your first one. Please sign up on the "Coming Events" bulletin board, or email the church office if you want to come, so we can plan accordingly. Click above for more info.
Through the season of Lent we are reading the Gospel of Matthew and want you to join along! Members and friends of Covenant have written devotional reflections to help you with your reading. Hard copies of the devotional are available at the church.Click to download the Lenten devotional.

Or click on the image above and enter your email address to receive a daily email from Covenant with the day's reading and devotional.
Adult Education
Sunday at 10:00
Click on images for more info
Matthew Bible Study
Barbara Eikenberry leads a discussion of Matthew Chapters 1-8 and the Lenten devotionals written by Covenant members on these texts. Come gain deeper insights into Matthew’s Gospel during Lent with the help of your Covenant friends. Class meets downstairs in room A101.
Beyond White Fragility
Doug Poland leads a class on race relations and Christian discipleship, with reference to on White Fragility  by Robin DiAngelo, along with Ibram X. Kendi’s How to be an Antiracist , and Richard Rohr's The Universal Christ. This class meets in Bradfield South.
INQUIRERS' CLASS: If you want to meet some great people, learn more about Covenant Presbyterian Church and the Christian life, while considering membership, please join Pastor Charlie in the Lounge, on Sundays March 8 and/or 15. Questions? Email Pastor Charlie
Sunday Worship
9:00 New Day Contemporary
11:00 Traditional
"Jesus the Teacher" series
Click on graphic for more info
Sunday , March 8
Second Sunday of Lent
Sermon: "Called and Sent"
Text: Matthew 9:35-38, 10:1-16
Preaching: Charlie Berthoud
New Day Band (9:00)
Chancel Choir (11:00)


Sunday, March 15
Third Sunday of Lent
Sermon: "Weeds in the Kingdom"
Text: Matthew 13:24-32
Preaching: Sue Melrose
New Day Band (9:00)
Chancel Choir (11:00)
Liturgical Dancers ( 9 & 11)