GUATEMALA AUCTION continues through Saturday. Opening prices REDUCED on many items as of Friday, December 3. Support education in Guatemala and find good gifts for loved ones. More info below.
Greetings!

Watch. Wait. Hope.

During Advent, we light candles and hear the promises that God will make things right in the future, in "those days," as the light of Jesus continues to shine. Jesus encourages his followers to watch and wait and hope, to be alert and awake.
The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness. 
--Jeremiah 33.14-16
In a very practical way, we are watching, waiting, and hoping, as Covid continues to challenge us. For Christmas Eve, December 24, we are planning on THREE in-person services this year, at 4:00, 6:00, and 8:00.

The 4:00 pm service is more family-friendly with a special story for children, and the latter two are more traditional, with a short sermon. All three will conclude with "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World."

We usually have two services, and the sanctuary gets very crowded. With three, we hope to allow more physical distancing. We are also planning an overflow space in Bradfield. If you want to participate in worship from elsewhere, the 4:00 and 8:00 services will be livestreamed.
If the Grinch of Covid makes gathering in person not feasible, we’ll use technology and creativity to remember the birth of Jesus and share God’s light on Christmas Eve.

We are watching and waiting and hoping—and one way or another, we will celebrate the good news of great joy on Christmas Eve. And one way or another we will get through this Covid situation, with God's light shining. Life is hard now. Hang in there. We're in this together, and God is with us, Emmanuel.

Grace and peace,
Charlie
Worship
  • In-person services at 9:00 (band) and 11:00 (organ), with a livestream at 11:00. (click)
  • Pastor Charlie Berthoud preaches on Luke 1:67-79, with a sermon called "The Path of Peace"
  • Children's Time with Pastor Jeff Fox-Kline
  • Follow our BLOG (click) to read Pastor Jeff's weekly reflections.
  • There will be NO Sunday School classes this week. Classes resume next week!
  • There will be NO Adult Ed this Sunday
JOIN US SUNDAY between services for our Advent Event! We’ll have crafts, music, and some treats for everyone! This event is a wonderful opportunity to welcome Advent with the church community. We rejoice in the opportunity to gather in this way and look forward to spending this time together at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday!
Advent Vespers - December 1, 2021
Fall Generosity Campaign Continues

The Fall Generosity Campaign asks people to support Covenant’s ministry with their time, talents, and treasures. Please contact the church office if you have not received an informational packet yet.

Here is a quick snapshot of where we currently stand financially as of 11/24/2021:
2022 Campaign: 194 pledges = $873,847.00
2021 Campaign: 182 pledges = $783,213.00
2020 Campaign: 203 pledges = $876,.160.00
One More Day!

Bidding for the Guatemala Mission Auction will continue through the day SATURDAY (Dec 4). Click on the image to visit our auction site and place your bid! Thank you for your support of the Guatemala Mission Auction this year. Starting bid prices REDUCED on many items as of Friday, December 3!

There will be information re: when and where to pick up items for winning bidders in the Sunday bulletin.
Matthew 25 in Action!

In the spirit of fulfilling our commitment as a Matthew 25 Church, the Covenant women have been busy sharing their talents and time. Though we will not be “eradicating systemic poverty”, we hope to give some comfort to those who are less fortunate. On short notice, Fiber Friends (our fiber arts group) gathered and donated yarn, needles, and crochet hooks to the Afghan women at Fort McCoy. Also, 15 Mercy Mats (crocheted from plastic bags), and 32 hand-knit hats were donated recently to Friends of the State Street Family. We continue to hold these groups in prayer.  
COVID Safety
We continue to have in-person worship. To be as safe as possible, the entire left side of the sanctuary is now socially distanced seating, with every other pew taped off. We are also asking people to sing quietly to limit germ spread.

Masks required for all people, regardless of vaccination status.