Hello, Bailey-

Jesus was in Capernaum in a house, and a big crowd gathered. Four friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, but they couldn’t get near the house. So they went on the roof and made a hole and lowered the man to Jesus, who offered the paralyzed man both forgiveness and healing.



The wonderful part of this account in Mark 2, is that Jesus commends the faith of the four friends. The individual is made well because of the faith of his friends. 

Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 

-Mark 2:3-5

Last Saturday about 20 elders, deacons, and staff gathered for a planning retreat.


Our facilitator opened our gathering with the story of the four friends, reminding us of the importance of faith as a communal experience. 

We need each other—for healing, for faith, for life. Sometimes we’re the person on the mat, carried by others; sometimes we are one of the four friends, doing the carrying. 

One priority highlighted at the retreat is the idea of the importance of CONNECTION, how much we need each other.


It’s easy to say “I don’t need church; I can worship God in nature or on my own.” Yes that’s true, but in community, we encourage each other, challenge each other, and grow with each other. 


The paralyzed person needed friends to connect with God's forgiveness and new life. We all need friends in faith, and we can be friends in faith for other people. 

I hope you’ll prioritize ways to CONNECT with other Covenant folks in the coming weeks. Below is info about:

  • Small groups--in person or via Zoom
  • Spiritual stroll in Donald Park
  • A six week Genesis Bible study
  •  In person and online worship
  • Tailgating and watching a UW men's soccer game
  • Youth groups and Sunday school for kids

When you sing, pray, and pass the peace in worship, you are being like the four friends. When you are part of a small group or a Bible study, you’re like the four friends. When you say hello on Facebook or YouTube worship and offer some positive energy, you’re like the four friends. 


Thank you for your faith and your friendliness!


On the journey together,

Charlie 

  • Jo Wiersema preaching: "The Woman Who Named God" (Genesis 16:7-13)
  • In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
  • Music from guest organist Gary Lewis, Covenant Choir, and Ben Welch
  • Mercy Mats Dedication
  • Children's Time with Marge Resan
  • Kaleidoscope Kids during worship following Children's Time (9:00 only)
  • Sunday School10:00-10:55am
  • Nursery Hours: 8:45am-12:15pm
  • 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!

Join us for Adult Ed Sunday at 10:00am in Bradfield and via Zoom. This Fall, we will embark on a 6-week series to learn more about Genesis. Class dates are: Sept. 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, and Nov. 20. We will cover the timeline of the book, key themes, stories, and characters. Classes will blend foundational information with historical context and challenge us to think about stories from a variety of perspectives. Prior knowledge of Genesis is not needed. Please bring a Bible with you to class!


All Adult Education classes take place in Bradfield Hall and are available via Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/89540028471. Please visit covenantmadison.org/adult for more info.

Join us for a special – and sweet - Spiritual Stroll. The stroll is at Donald County Park in Mt. Horeb and we’re meeting a half hour earlier than normal (note time change!). The meeting spot is Pop’s Knoll, which has a parking lot on Hwy 92 between Town Hall Rd and Sutter Drive. After our stroll, we will head over to Sutter’s Ridge Farm 3:00pm for some donuts and cider (provided). What a perfect way to get in the Fall spirit! Sutter’s Ridge Farm is located at 2074 Sutter Dr in Mt. Horeb. 


These Spiritual Strolls are part of a Covenant program called CONNECT, a program of events sponsored by the deacons of Covenant Presbyterian Church with the intention of fostering connection within the congregation and community.

Are you interested in connecting with good people, growing in faith, and having great conversations? If so, consider a short-term small group. We will have another 6-week cycle of groups with a focus on money, choices, and priorities. Money is the source of much stress in families and society. Jesus had a lot to say about money and possessions, with the goal of helping us find a life of meaning, purpose and joy. Sign up for a group HERE! You will be contacted by your group leader with further info.

Glenn Stephens Opportunities!


Apples for Glenn Stephens: Healthy Snacks are back! Covenant’s Mission Committee provides fresh fruit for the students at Glenn Stephens Elementary School once a month. If you would like to help, please bring a bag or two of apples to church on Sunday, October 2 to the collection point set up in the gathering space.

 

School Supply Drive: This is an easy way to support Glenn Stephens! Bring supplies to church on Sundays. Visit covenantmadison.org/missions for a full list of supplies.

 

Pen Pals: Read more about the Pen Pal program in the September Caravan. If interested in becoming a pen pal, email Ann at afathas@mac.com

"Figuring out a call is like falling in love. There’s a 'click' when you figure it out, when you’re exactly where you’re meant to be."


This week, Jo explores a calling. Take a couple minutes right now to muse, and please leave a comment on the blog! Click above for this week's Midweek Musings, "What Is a Calling?" by our own Jo Wiersema.

Racists Anonymous Fellowship has a new book study coming up on the book

How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith. This study lasts 6 weeks and is on Zoom only. Contact Jennifer Morgan to get the link! For more info on RAF, visit covenantmadison.org/raf.

Tailgate - 5:00pm

Game - 7:00pm

Join us for a Covenant tailgate before the UW Men's Big Ten Soccer game against Michigan! For the tailgate, bring a snack to share and your own beverages. We will provide games, tables and service ware, you provide the fun! A great event for ALL ages! And it is FREE - there is no entrance fee for the game or parking. Further details to come!

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