Praying for and Supporting Haiti
Greetings!

Haiti faces yet another tragedy after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise this past week.

Already the poorest country in the western hemisphere, still recuperating from a devastating 2010 hurricane, Haiti now faces major political turmoil.
Early this morning at the gym, I listened to a 30 minute podcast on the complex and disturbing situation, which you can listen to by clicking on the photo of President Moise.

This is today's podcast from "The Daily" of the New York Times. I find their podcasts to be detailed, balanced, and nuanced. If you've never done a podcast before, this would be a good place to start.

As we grieve with Haiti, we remember Paul's words, that we are one body called to work for the common good, and that when one part of the body suffers the whole body suffers (from 1 Corinthians 12).

The Presbyterian Church (USA) knows these words. Cindy Corell has been a mission co-worker in Haiti for eight years, working with Joining Hands with education, nutrition, and spiritual nurture--journeying with the Haitian people.

PCUSA Stated Clerk Rev. Dr J. Herbert Nelson II has called on us to pray for Haiti.
A prayer for Haiti

Loving God, Your children in Haiti have known so much pain and anxiety, and this news tightens throats and brings more fear. Be with the family of President Jovenel Moïse, slain in his home early July 7, and First Lady Martine Moïse, who remains hospitalized with injuries. May his soul be at rest and her recovery swift. This violence is an ominous sign of more unrest for an already volatile island nation. How long, O Lord?  

Give wisdom to leaders to care for the weak and ill, to lift up the poor and powerless, to seek justice for all. Make room in the hearts of those with power to seek your wisdom in all their actions. And above all, hold each of your children in the palm of your hand. We pray all of this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
--From the Presbyterian Church (USA)
(entire prayer is here: Let us pray for Haiti
At a time like this, I'm particularly grateful for our congregation's commitment to global mission and in particular to Haiti.
One of my predecessors, Rev. Bill King, helped lead a trip to Haiti many years ago, and since that time we have been financially supporting health care in Haiti, especially through the Medical Benevolence Foundation.

Learn more here: Covenant Mission Partners. Click on the photo to learn about MBF Lifesaver Clinics in remote areas.
Some of the money you put in the offering plate or donate online is going to help the people in Haiti. Thank you!

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers for Haiti, and help us to keep growing in our love for our neighbors--near and far.

On the journey together,
Charlie

PS--On Saturday, July 10 Covenant members Steve Whayland and Eric Girard are walking 50 miles (that is not a typo... FIFTY miles!!!) to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. See below. Other Covenant people are walking, running, and biking on Saturday, July 17.
Presbywheelians Ride Again on July 17th!
+ Pre-ride 50-mile walk tomorrow, July 10

Members of Covenant Presbyterian, Pres House, and other Presbyterian denominations have been putting together teams for Bike 4 Boys & Girls Club since 2012. In total we have raised $72,441 for the charity. We will be fielding another team for the ride at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg on July 17th.
 
The Boys & Girls Club is active in our community and making a difference every day. Our local chapter does a lot beyond the great work of providing after-school activities. In 2021 and beyond, BGC is developing a Skilled Trades Training Center to mitigate the opportunity gap and provide long term skills training for youth. Our offering supports a brighter future for youth in our community.
 
Runners and walkers also welcome!
There are many options for participating in this event. You can register for an 8-mile, 20-mile, or 50-mile bike ride, or for a 2-mile walk/run or a 5-mile run. Register HERE (classy.org/team/354312 ) and make sure you're joining the Presbywheelians team.
 
Not comfortable with large groups just yet? Pastor Jeff will lead a smaller group that same day on a more socially-distanced ride or walk through the UW Arboretum. Contact Jeff for more details. (jfoxkline@covenantmadison.org)
 
Feeling MORE adventurous?
To raise awareness for the ride, as well as for issues of racial justice in Madison, there will be a pre-event 50 mile walk tomorrow, Saturday, July 10th. The walk will start and end at the Sun Prairie club and touch every Boys & Girls Club property in Dane County. Steve Whayland and Eric Girard will be representing the Presbywheelians and Covenant Presbyterian on the walk. Others are welcome to join for all or part of the walk. Contact Steve Whayland (swhayland@tds.net) or Eric Girard (ericdavidgirard@gmail.com) for more information.

Please consider joining the team or supporting a virtual rider. Visit the website or email Eric Girard or Pastor Jeff with questions. You can also search @presbywheelians on Facebook.
School Supplies Needed for
Glenn Stephens School
Help us gather school supplies for our partner school, Glenn Stephens! Donations can be placed in the wagon in the narthex gathering space or outside the front door. The Children’s Ministries Team is sponsoring this outreach project. Thank you!
Summer Sunday Scripture Study (SSSS)

Beginning this Sunday, July 11, meet with Covenant friends from 9:30-10:15 on Sundays for an informal, free-flowing conversation about the Bible text for the day’s sermon. We’ll meet in Bradfield Hall to read the text, share our thoughts, and ask questions….as the Spirit leads! The class will run through August. BYO coffee.
Empathetic Listening Training with the Wisconsin Council of Churches
The Great Unveiling Work Day
TOMORROW, July 10

There's a whole lot of shrubs shrouding the view of our church from Mineral Point Road. From 8:00 am until Noon TOMORROW, July 10, we are planning a work day at the church to work on removing those shrubs! We are calling this "the great unveiling" because we want our church to be seen in all of its glory.

Anyone able to provide a trailer or chainsaw, they would be much appreciated! Please come on out to help, and contact Rosemary Jones if you have any questions!

Note: The accompanying picture does not show the shrouding shrubs, but another major project we tackled!
Worship for Sunday, July 11

  • 7th Sunday after Pentecost
  • Chelsea Cornelius preaching on 1 Cor. 9:24-27, "Failing Forward"
  • Children's Time with Katie Mace & Family
  • Follow our blog to read Pastor Jeff's weekly reflections.

We will premiere the worship service on Facebook at 9:00 am on Sunday.

Mask Update
Last week, the Session unanimously passed a motion from the Reopening the Church Task Force:

Make the wearing of masks optional for those who are vaccinated, but require them of people who are not yet vaccinated (including children under age 12). This will pertain to the whole building, not just during worship.

The Session and the Task Force also authorized open seating in most of the sanctuary. The pews on the piano side and in the balcony will still be distanced seating, with tape blocking every other pew.

Online worship videos will continue to be offered.
Read our UPDATED (as of July 2, 2021) guidelines for in-person worship HERE.
A Family Worship Bag will be available for families with children aged 3 years to 5th grade.