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During our Creation Care series, I’ve encouraged you to go outside and appreciate the natural world. That’s hard to do when it’s cold, snowy, and icy, as it is in Madison right now.
Another option to is to read. I’ve read several books about creation, so if you’re looking for a good read, here are some suggestions:
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Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World, by Douglas Moo
If you want a thorough and readable biblical and theological justification for why Christians should care about the environment, this is your book.
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Green Faith: Mobilizing God’s People to Save the Earth, by Fletcher Harper
Another good biblical and theological overview of creation care, including world religions and with a call to action. Fletcher Harper, the author is our guest preacher this Sunday, February 12.
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Fen, Bog, and Swamp: A Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis, by Annie Proulx
A lyrical musing on these “unattractive” but vital places in the ecosystem. The section on bog bodies was a bit gruesome, but fascinating.
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Gun Island, by Amitav Ghosh
A fascinating novel involving climate refugees and Bengali folklore, which moves from the swampland and typhoons in southeast India, to the wildfires of Los Angeles, and to the rising tides in Venice.
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Under the Sky We Make: How to Be Human in a Warming World, by Kimberly Nichols
A readable and encouraging account of the climate change crisis, with ideas to move forward. We had a great discussion of this book last summer.
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Two books I haven’t read, that I’d like to read:
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A Sand County Almanac, by Aldo Leopold. I’ve had a copy of this for several months but haven’t gotten to it yet. After being here in Wisconsin for ten years, I’m a bit embarrassed that I haven’t read this yet!
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Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, by Katharine Hayhoe. She is an evangelical Christian and a climate scientist, and a compelling speaker. I should read her book. She has several videos available, including this TED talk, with over 4 million views.
So when the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can read a good book or watch a good video, or just look outside. But when we get the chance, it’s good to be outside and explore this big beautiful world that God has entrusted to our care.
On the journey together,
Charlie
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What a great 30th Heifer Celebration we had last Sunday! We are very happy to report that between cash/check and online donations, so far we raised $4,492.42! (You can still donate; contact the church office.) Thank you to all who donated and attended the celebration, and congratulations to our Sunday School kids and staff for another successful Heifer Celebration! | |
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is organizing a relief effort for the people of Turkey and Syria after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in the early hours of February 6, 2023. This earthquake is estimated to affect more than 23 million people. Solidarity grants to meet immediate needs are being processed and ACT partner GOPA-DERD is distributing winterization items (blankets, mattresses), food items and medicines. To give, click HERE. | |
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In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
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Guest Preacher Rev. Fletcher Harper
- "Out of the Pews, into the Streets for the Earth" Psalm 24
- Music from New Day Ensemble, Ben Welch, Covenant Celebration Choir, Covenant Handbell Choir, and Doug McNeel
- Children's Time with Jo Wiersema
- Kaleidoscope Kids worship education (9:00am only)
- Nursery Care (8:45am-12:15pm)
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Sunday School 10:00-10:40am
- Celebration for Jo! (see below)
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Visit our Worship HQ for everything you need to worship with us online!
| If you missed a service or would like to watch a service again, all livestreamed services are saved to our YouTube channel. Or you can give the sermons another listen on our sermon podcast! | |
Come offer your best wishes to Jo Wiersema in Bradfield Hall and have a piece of cake! She has been a huge blessing in her time at Covenant as Children’s Ministries Coordinator (and now Ministry Associate for Children, Family & Youth), and we will miss her. She will remain a member of Covenant, under care of John Knox Presbytery in the process leading to ordination. | |
Join us Sunday at 10:00am as guest preacher and Executive Director of GreenFaith Rev. Fletcher Harper leads us in a class called “Love Now: Public Action to Keep Fossil Fuels in the Ground.” More and more people of different religious backgrounds are deeply concerned about climate change, overwhelmed, or uncertain what they should do in response. Fletcher will share stories about how GreenFaith works with diverse religious communities around the world, helping them put their belief into action for the Earth. He'll also offer ideas about how Covenant might get involved. | |
We have news for those of you who have been looking forward to our next Racist Anonymous Fellowship Book Study! Beginning Thursday March 2nd at 7:00pm via Zoom, we will spend 6 weeks discussing The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. A New York Times Bestseller, published in 2021, this thoughtful book discusses how racism has a cost for everyone, and emphasizes the importance of multiracial solidarity. If you are interested, please contact Jennifer Morgan with any questions or to be added to the email list. | |
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See You Next Time
"Being known by a community who knows me as I am, loves me as I am, is an eternal reminder that the Kingdom is right here."
You're that community! Midweek Musings takes on a somber tone this week, as this is Jo's final blog with us... Just a couple-of-minutes-read. Leave a comment as a way to thank her (also come to church on Sunday!). Click on the image above to read this week's blog.
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Loving God, in your mercy hear our prayers for. . .
New this week: Judy Stevenson,; Pat Thielbar; Sheryl Rocke, sister of Jan Swartz.
We pray for healing, for courage, and for peace, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(click on the image header for full prayer list)
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Register to give blood at our upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drive! Visit redcrossblood.org, and on the top right enter the sponsor code Covenantpresmadison. Or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. All donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card from the Red Cross. Thank you for considering a blood donation. | |
Next Sunday is our Annual Congregational Meeting between services in Bradfield Hall. Agenda includes: 1) Approval of the 2022 Annual Report, 2) Approval of the terms of call for Pastor Charlie, 3) Presentation of the 2023 Budget. Financial reports will be available for viewing by Sunday, February 12 at covenantmadison.org. | |
An event for all ages! Bring your sleds and saucers to Garner Park. Hot cider, cocoa, and cookies will be provided, and you can bring cookies to share if you want. In case of inclement weather (or no snow), we’ll meet in Bradfield for board games, cookies and beverages. Contact Chris Turner with any questions. | |
Everyone is invited to a family-friendly supper and worship service in Bradfield Hall. Savor a Baked Potato Bar (with yummy toppings!) for supper and enjoy the fellowship as we begin our Lenten Journey. No reservations needed, and it's free! | | | | |
