Covenant CONNECTIONS:
"The building is closed, but the church is open!"
All in-person activities at Covenant have been canceled until further notice.
PLEASE STAY AT HOME as much as possible.
Greetings!
"When is church going to re-open?"

I've been asked that question several times lately, and I have politely replied: "The building is closed; the church is open!"

Like many others I deeply long for the time when we can safely gather together in person for worship on Sunday mornings, and when we can gather in person for classes, meetings, mission, music, and fellowship. I miss being with the good people of Covenant!
But we are moving cautiously, listening to medical experts. The Wisconsin Council of Churches compiled a helpful resource called "Returning to Church." I shared this with our Elders, and you can read it here: Returning to Church.
Until that time when we can safely be physically together, church is still open!
  • Worship is happening online (see below) and hard copies of sermons are available if you contact the church office
  • Adult ed and small groups are meeting via zoom
  • Youth groups are meeting via zoom; email Steve R for more info
  • Children's ministry packets are are mailed out, and there are videos and other activities available through our Mobile Ministry Or email Donna M
  • We continue to support and pray for our mission partners, like Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, The Road Home, Porchlight, and more
  • Covenant people are caring for each other, with emails, phone calls, notes, and prayers
Church also happens when YOU make it happen, by connecting with activities, by reflecting on God's word, by praying for one another, by sharing time and treasure, by caring for people in need, by being patient and kind with loved ones.
COMMUNION SUNDAY
On Sunday, May 3 in our online worship, we are sharing Holy Communion together. We invite you to join with us, wherever you are, to share the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Please have some bread and juice ready as worship begins. Even a cracker and water would be OK.
So while the building is sadly closed, we are still the church. We are still called to be learning and living God's love. What can you do today to learn? What can you do today to live as a faithful Christian?
On the journey, apart-but-together,
Charlie
PS--Our theme in the season of Easter is "Do not be afraid--God is with us." I have compiled 10 Bible verses that teach this theme. Click on the image above to read and learn the ten verses. You can save and print the document.
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

We are collecting a special offering to benefit our partners in the Madison community. All offerings collected will be divided between the Lussier Community Education Center and Glenn Stephens Elementary School. The Lussier Community Education Center will use these funds to purchase items from their wish list to help families in need and to provide support to struggling families. These are items such as diapers, shelf-stable foods, and activities for kids and families. Glenn Stephens Elementary School will use these funds to support children and families in need. Funds sent to Stephens will help with rent, utility bills, and groceries for hungry families in partnership with Luna’s Groceries in the Allied Neighborhood. 

To support this offering please indicate “Covid Relief” in the memo line of your check, or go to https://www.covenantmadison.org/give, click on “Give Online” and write “Covid Relief” where appropriate.

The pandemic has helped shine a light on where our treasure truly is; in the lives of our neighbors. We open our arms to those among us who are particularly vulnerable to this crisis, because our hearts and our treasure are with them.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Join us for apart-but-together video worship. Check your email Sunday morning for the link. Or check the Covenant website.
If you want to interact with other people as you worship, you can join with a Facebook Watch Party. Just go to Covenant's Facebook page 10:30 on Sunday morning to watch the pre-recorded worship as a community. 

Worship this week features

  • Commuion! Please have bread and juice (or something similar) ready as we together receive the bread of life and the cup of salvation
  • Sermon by Charlie Berthoud, "Giving Thanks in a Pandemic"
  • Vocalist Melissa Hinz and several congregation singers
  • Organist Doug McNeel, Pianist Ben Welch
  • Pastors Jeff and Sue offer prayers
  • Cindy Lovell has a message for the children
  • Several Covenant members lead us in an excerpt from "A Brief Statement of Faith"
Do You Need a Mask?
Public health officials continue to advise masks in public places.

Covenant member Laurie Jones has made hundreds of masks for friends, Covenant members, and local agencies.

If you need one, please email Laurie or contact the church office.
THIS SUNDAY via ZOOM at 11:30!
Join us via Zoom for a brief study and discussion of the first beatitude, "blessed are the poor in spirit." Covenant member Steve Whayland, will lead us as we read member Bette Duff's Lenten message on Matthew 5:3, followed by a reflection from Steve. We will then conclude with a discussion on what this beatitude and Bette's sermon means to participants.

If you would like to read Bette's message ahead of time, you can click here .
Join this Adult Education class via Zoom at 11:30 on Sunday, May 3.

Click here:
Meeting ID: 878 5417 2699  
ZOOM Bible Study
Psalm 139
Wed, May 6 at 7:00 pm
Grow in faith, and stay connected with Covenant people! Pastor Jeff will share some insights on Psalm 139, to help us be more prayerful and grow closer to God. No experience or expertise necessary.

Click here on Wednesday evening: