Hello Bailey,

I was in Connecticut last weekend for my 40^th high school reunion, and it was wonderful. Over a long weekend, I was reminded of three things:

Lifelong learning: While back "home," I visited the street where I grew up and spent some time with our neighbor Mr. Frank, who is still in his house at age 102! He is still the same kind and gracious person I remember, and he asked me lots of questions about my family, work, etc. 

At one point he paused and asked me, “What are you learning these days?”

He was sincerely interested in my understanding of God and the purpose of the church. We had a great conversation. What a great example of lifelong learning! 

The word “disciple” means learner. What are you learning today about God and life and loving one another? 

Perseverance and hope: I am a lifelong fan of the woeful New York Jets. With high hopes for a brand new season, I talked my two friends, Bob and Rick--pictured below, into going to the first game of the season on Sunday, after the reunion on Saturday.

We sat in light rain for three hours and watched the Jets lose 24-9. [Sigh...]

But I remain ever hopeful that things will improve, especially when injured quarterback Zach Wilson returns in a few weeks. They have lots of young players with potential.

Maybe the Jets will win a few games this year, and a few more next year…!

Friendships: I really enjoyed reconnecting with Bob and Rick and dozens of other people. Friendship and relationships are vital, especially now, as we emerge from Covid-19 and in the midst of all sorts of stress. Friendships and genuine connections with other people are hard to make these days. Lots of people are lonely. 

I came back from the weekend with gratitude for Covenant Presbyterian Church—a place where we value learning, hope, and friendship. 

Starting next Sunday, we are launching another round of small groups. Small groups help us with learning, hope, and friendship. I encourage you to sign up; the group lasts for just six weeks. See info below. 

If you get the chance to go to a school reunion, I encourage you to go. And I encourage you to stay connected to God and other good people through the ministries of Covenant. 

On the journey together,

Charlie 

PS--In the spirit of learning, I encourage you to read Genesis 34 before Sunday worship. This is the account of Dinah, one of the "Women of Genesis" in our sermon series. It is a troubling narrative. The Dinah page on Wikipedia also has good background. 

• Charlie Berthoud preaching: "What Would Dinah Say?" (Genesis 34:1-30)
• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
• Music from guest organist Harrison Catoe and Ben Welch
• Bible Presentation for 1st and 4th graders
• Baptism of Nova Imani Becerra Songolo (11:00)
• Children's Time with Jo Wiersema
• Kaleidoscope Kids during worship following Children's Time (9:00 only)
• Sunday School: 10:00-10:55am
• 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!

Adult Ed is back! Adult Education kicks off the year today at 10:00am in Bradfield and via Zoom. Today’s class is called Matthew 25, led by Monica Mark. Not long ago, Covenant became a Matthew 25 church. Join us as we read and reflect on the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 25), which is the inspiration for the PC(USA) Matthew 25 vision. With that scriptural grounding, we will also consider and discuss what it means for Covenant to be a Matthew 25 church.

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.

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. Small groups begin the week of September 25.

Glenn Stephens School Supplies

It's that time of year when our mission partnership with Glenn Stephens Elementary School really picks up speed! This is an easy way that you can help support our friends at Stephens Elementary School, by donating to our Glenn Stephens School Supply Drive. Click HERE for a list of supplies, and start bringing them to church on Sunday! Thank you for your continued support of this great school.

"God is big enough to trust in a pregnant mother, a weeping barren woman, a slave."

More fangirling on our sermon series "Women of Genesis" by Jo this week! Take about 3 minutes to take a break from your Fall busy-ness and muse with us! Midweek Musings is our weekly blog on a variety of topics with a variety of contributors. Click on the image above to read this week's blog "Girls Just Wanna Talk to God," by our own Jo Wiersema.

Join us for a special – and sweet - Spiritual Stroll! We will meet at Donald County Park in Mt. Horeb for our stroll a half hour earlier than normal (note time change!). After our stroll, we will head over to Sutter’s Ridge Farm at 3:00pm for some donuts and cider (provided). What a perfect way to get in the Fall spirit!

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.