Greetings!
We’re four weeks into our six week “Let’s Talk About Sex” series, and I have been surprised and saddened at how many people have shared stories of hurt and abuse. 

 Last Sunday our guest preacher mentioned her story, and in our zoom gatherings, several people have shared theirs. We’ve heard statistics about the prevalence of abuse, and thanks to some people sharing their stories, we have space for more sharing and the hope of healing. 

Jesus calls us to love one another and the apostle Paul encourages us listen to each other and care for each other. 
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor…. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
--Romans 12:9,10,15
As the end of the series approaches, I’m realizing there is a lot we haven’t talked about yet. Last week in the talkback zoom, someone asked about orgasms. Someone else asked me about masturbation. 

If those topics may come up in the last two weeks, great, but they might not. Either way, I’m hopeful that the conversations will continue. I’m hopeful that we’ll keep talking about sex--learning, listening, growing, and caring for each other.

On the journey together,
Charlie 

PS—On February 4, 2013, I became your pastor. Nine years later, I remain grateful to be here and enthused to serve this great church where we can have faithful conversations on topics like sexuality and so much more. I’m excited about 2022 and beyond. 
Worship
  • 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: Week 5
  • Jeff Fox-Kline preaching: "Belonging" (Song of Solomon 1:15-2:2, 14-16)
  • Children's Time with Jo Wiersema
  • Final Sermon Talk-Back at 12:00pm on Zoom
  • Children's At-Home Sunday School Lessons available HERE!
Also, sign up for a Parents Talk-Back on Feb 20/27 HERE!
Adult Education
Join us Sunday at 10:00am on Zoom for Week 5 of a 6-week series Let’s Talk About Sex: Theological Reflection on Sex, Sexuality, Gender Identity and More. This week, Brad Brown leads us with "What’s Love Got to Do With (Doing) It? Youth’s Perspectives”. Bradford Brown is a Professor of Educational Psychology at U.W.-Madison, researching various aspects of adolescent social relationships. He and his wife, both long-time Covenant members, raised three sons in the church (two were married by current Covenant pastors). Here's what he has to say about this Adult Ed class:
 
God told humans to "be fruitful and multiply"- so, have sex. Were there any conditions? They say sex should occur in the context of a loving relationship. Is that really necessary, advisable? Why? God didn't say so, did God? Is love important for sexual relationships at all ages? Even young people? Even old folks? We will grapple with these questions.
 
Click on the image for the Facebook event and INVITE your friends! For more info on this series or Adult Ed at Covenant, visit covenantmadison.org/adult-ed-classes. All Adult Ed classes will be recorded and shared on our website and YouTube page.
The 2021 Annual Report is now available here (also on the website). The 2022 Financials will also be available on our website on Monday.