Greetings!
One of the things that I miss most about being in worship together is the passing of the peace.
After we hear the good news of God's forgiveness and love, we greet each other saying "May the peace of Christ be with you" or "Peace be with you" or "How about those Packers?"
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Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."
--John 14:27
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Sharing words of peace, looking each other in the eye, and shaking hands, or fist-bumping, or simply bowing gives us a sense of togetherness, a sense that God is with us, a sense of peace.
Since we cannot share the peace of Christ in person, I believe we have to be very intentional in making sure we are connected to this peace.
I have three suggestions for welcoming and sharing God's peace.
1.) Get outside, or at the least open a window.
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I was blessed with a few days at a Dominican retreat center on Lake Michigan last week. While I was glad to have time to read, plan, bike, pray at the Kenosha Police Department, and even paint some rocks (!), my favorite time was just sitting at the lakeshore, doing nothing except soaking my feet in the water and watching the sunrise. Click above to see some of my pix. God seems more present in the beauty of nature.
2.) Spend less time watching the news and on social media.
Yes we need to be informed and stay connected, but too many of us are "doomscrolling" just looking for more bad news. In a recent email, Richard Rohr wrote: |
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I recommend for your spiritual practice for the next four months that you impose a moratorium on exactly how much news you are subject to—hopefully not more than an hour a day of television, social media, internet news, magazine and newspaper commentary, and/or political discussions. It will only tear you apart and pull you into the dualistic world of opinion and counter-opinion, not Divine Truth, which is always found in a bigger place. Instead, I suggest that you use this time for some form of public service, volunteerism, mystical reading from the masters, prayer—or, preferably, all of the above.
--Richard Rohr
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3.) Cultivate a devotional routine
You can make time to sit for 5-15 minutes every day, to read and pray, to reconnect with God.
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Maybe pick a word (love, hope, peace) and just prayerfully repeat it for five minutes. Use the church prayer list, and really pray for other people. Think about one person and simply repeat: "God I pray for ___. Please bless them."
Or use a devotional. We get hard copies of "The Upper Room" and because of the pandemic, they sent us a digital version, with daily reflections for September and October. Click on the cover image of Elijah to get your daily bread. Many other spiritual nurture resources here:
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God loves us. God forgives us. God offers us new and abundant life.
God gives us peace. Are we ready to receive it?
On the journey together,
Charlie
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Racists Anonymous
Informational Session Oct. 8 // 7 pm
On Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 pm, Covenant will be hosting an informational session on an important opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
Covenant is offering a chance to address the sin of racism as a personal addiction through a Racists Anonymous (RA) educational session based on the AA 12-step program. RA is a fellowship of individuals seeking to achieve personal recovery from racist habits and the effects of racism. Its purpose is to help individuals address their own role in the sin and addiction of racism.
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Virtual Guatemala Mission Auction Updates
Donation Drop-Off Times:
Sunday, Oct. 4—10:30-12:30
Monday, Oct. 5—2:00-6:00
Thursday, Oct. 8—2:00-6:00
Sunday, Oct. 11—1:00-3:00
Contact Sally Lorenz (608-273-3272;
If you prefer working with a hard copy, paper forms will be available during drop-off periods. Contact Chan Sommers if you have any questions about the form.
See this flyer for donation ideas.
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Coming up on Sunday, October 4th... |
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October 4th is World Communion Sunday, when the Presbyterian Church concludes a season meant to deepen the pursuit of peace. On this day, we collect the Peace & Global Witness Offering, which supports peacemaking and reconciliation ministries locally and around the world. 25% of Covenant's collection will benefit the YWCA of Madison.
Please give as you are able by visiting covenantmadison.org/give with the designation "Peace & Global Witness Offering."
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Worship for Sunday, September 27
- Sermon by Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline on the practice of advocating: "With You," Luke 4:16-21; John 14:15-17
- Children's Time with Nick, Claire, and Guy
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Beautiful aerial photography by Craig Wilson
- Special music by Melissa Hinz
Anyone can call 608-237-1739 to hear our latest worship service over the phone--no internet required!
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