Covenant CONNECTIONS:
"Michelle Obama, Psalm 103, and Staff Updates
Greetings!
“How are you?”

We hear that question all the time, but most of the time, our answers are sugar-coated and simple.

"Fine," we say, even when things are far from fine.
Michelle Obama recently had the courage to admit that she is not fine, and is in fact dealing with low-grade depression.

Her admission has opened her to ridicule by some but more importantly, I believe her vulnerability will help millions of people acknowledge their own challenges, try to get back on track, and seek help if necessary.
In an NPR article (click on her image to read it), Obama acknowledges struggling not only with the quarantine, but also with racial and political strife. She has felt “down” and has had trouble sleeping.

The article notes that one in three Americans are feeling anxiety or depression now, compared with one in ten a year ago. I’ve talked with a lot of people in the past few months who are struggling in various ways. This is a hard time.

If you are struggling, you’re not alone. 

According to the CDC (cited in the NPR article) there are several things we can do to manage stress: eat well, exercise, talk with others, and avoid excessive alcohol.

For us as Christians, I would add: prayer, scripture, small groups, and worship. More than ever we need routines in our lives, we need to make good choices, and we need to cultivate inner strength and peace. Reading stories and psalms in the Bible about people who are sad, or angry, or lonely remind me that these feelings are legit.

I had a heartwarming phone call with an elderly member of Covenant this week, someone who lives alone and is struggling with health issues. After chatting a few minutes, this person told me that they had been trying to take God's word to heart. They proceeded to share from memory the opening verses of Psalm 103.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
  and all that is within me,
  bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
  and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity,
  who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
  who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
  so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
--Psalm 103:1-5
We have many tools to help us in this challenging time.

However, I know that a list of “helpful things to do” isn’t very helpful to someone who is really struggling.

For serious mental health issues, we can’t just fix ourselves. Help is available. Check with your doctor or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Whatever your situation may be, remember you are not alone. There are lots of caring people at Covenant. Please reach out. Contact a trusted friend or family member or a medical professional.

And I hope you are inspired by our 90+ year-old member who has taken Psalm 103 to heart. I hope you take to heart the truth of our faith:
  • Jesus came to call us into new life and new hope and new purpose (Mark 1:14-20)
  • God has promised to be with us in the valley of the shadow (Psalm 23)
  • In his final words in Matthew, Jesus promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:18-20)

On the journey, apart-but-together,
Charlie
Staff Updates
Our new Communications and Technology Coordinator begins on Monday, August 17. Alexis (Lexie) Ofe recently graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School with a Masters of Theological Studies, and she is bursting with ideas to enhance the communications and ministry of Covenant through our website, social media, and video.

Lexie has spent the past few years teaching in prisons, advocating at the Nashville legislature for criminal justice reform, and helping formerly incarcerated women with reentry efforts upon release from prison. She has several years of experience writing, editing, and researching for various organizations, including Teaching Tolerance of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Welcome, Lexie!
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, she welcomes any and all advice for surviving Wisconsin winters, as well as any conversations regarding books, cooking, Hamilton, and your family pets. She recently moved to Madison with her fiancee, who is in a UW doctoral program. Welcome Lexie!
CUSTODIAL UPDATE: This summer, we have said farewell to both of our custodians. Jeff Demerath (our FT custodian) has moved to Colorado, as his wife's job changed. And Cortez Mitchell (our PT weekend custodian) stepped down to have more time with his four kids.

With the building remaining closed to most activity in the immediate future, we don't feel the need to hire a FT custodian now. Fortunately our wonderful previous custodian Ken Corbett is interested in a 15 hour/week position, which is exactly what we need. Ken started Monday, August 10. Covenant member Dave Rebholz will be cutting the grass--thank you Dave! Best wishes, Jeff and Cortez! Welcome back Ken!

PARISH ASSOCIATE UPDATE: The last day on staff for Interim Parish Associate Rev Sue Melrose will Monday, August 31, as previously agreed. She has been a blessing to staff and members in her role as Interim Parish Associate, and this fall she will be helping her grandchildren with virtual schooling. The Personnel Committee is working on pastoral care staffing options. Thank you Sue!

FINANCIAL COORDINATOR UPDATE: As of this week, Steve Webster is no longer employed as our Financial Secretary. We wish him all the best. Church finances are in good shape, and we have a transition plan in motion to keep things running smoothly. Our hope going forward is to provide more timely financial updates for everyone to strengthen our common ministry.

* * * * * *
With all of these situations, the Personnel Committee has been busy lately. We are grateful for their wisdom, faith, and hard work. Please keep them and the church in your prayers. Members are: Julie Sadowsky (chair), Melissa Hardy, Raleigh Jones, Sally Lorenz, Steve Veazie, and Charlie Berthoud (staff).
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Join us for apart-but-together video worship on Sunday, as we continue our "little books" series, focusing on PHILEMON. Check your email Sunday morning for the link. Or check the Covenant website. Or visit our YouTube page
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 9:30 on Sunday morning to watch the pre-recorded 40 minute worship as a community. 

Worship this week features
  • Sermon by Chelsea Cornelius on Philemon, "Kin-dom"
  • A special song by Kim and Elma Huff
  • A message for the children from Kate and Theo Sargent
  • Singing led by Melissa Hinz, Doug McNeel, Ben Welch, and members of the Covenant music ministry

WORSHIP by PHONE: If you know someone who does not have internet access but wants to join us for worship, please ask them to call (608) 237-1739, where anyone can listen to the most recent worship service.

DEVOTIONAL: Read and pray with biblical reflections written by Covenant members and staff: Philemon Devotional
Coffee and Conversation
Sunday 10:30 via Zoom

Grab some coffee and connect with your Covenant friends! Chelsea Cornelius is leading a brief Bible study on Philemon and then we'll break out for some coffee hour conversation. Click on the Zoom link above at 10:30 this Sunday!
Donate Blood
Save a Life--Love your Neighbor
Wednesday August 19, 2020
1:00 – 6:00 PM

The Blood Drive is this Wednesday! While slots are filling fast, there are still 7 times available for you to donate. Sign up fast, so you don't miss out!

During this pandemic safe guards will be in place to insure that your health is protected. They include a temperature check as you enter, face masks on you and the phlebotomists (please bring a mask or they will have one for you), hand sanitizer, and pre-packaged snacks and juice for you after your donation. For more information about safety protocols feel free to contact Jeff Fox-Kline. Because of the pandemic walk-ins will not be allowed, so it is extra important that you sign up ahead of time. Please add your name to the Sign-Up Genius linked right here or email Jeff at jfoxkline@covenantmadison.org to select an appointment time.
Supplies for Glenn Stephens!
While schools are ramping up for distance learning, there is still a need in our community for school supplies. Our partners at Glenn Stephens Elementary School have asked if we can support them in helping their students start their school year strong.

Below are the supplies the school has indicated will be most needed for their students:
  • Dry erase markers
  • Craft materials (construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, markers)
  • Pencil cases
  • pens 
  • pencils
  • notebooks (spiral - one subject- wide ruled)

Stop by the church starting Monday, August 17 through Monday, August 31 between 9:00-12:00 to find a bin to add school supplies to, and help our neighbors! Take a picture of yourself or of your supplies and send them to jfoxkline@covenantmadison.org so we can inspire others to support Stephens as well! If you cannot make the dropoff times, contact Pastor Jeff (jfoxkline@covenantmadison.org) to arrange an alternate way to get the supplies to the church.
Let's Do Lunch!
On Wednesday, August 19 join Pastor Jeff for lunch on Zoom! The Zoom meeting will open at 12:30 and close at 1:30 and anyone can stop in to say hey and spend some time together. You don't need to stay the whole time, and you don't need to show up right at 12:30.

For this first time we meet (hopefully the first of many!) bring something that gives you joy to share!

Follow this Zoom link at 12:30 on August 19:
Desks Needed!
Big Oak Childcare Center, an East Side Preschool attended by some children of Covenant, is looking for child-sized desks for the upcoming year as they adapt to the challenges of in person education during a pandemic. Donations can be dropped off at the church, or a pickup can be arranged if necessary. The desks can be of any kind, just make sure they're small enough for a pre-school!