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Tragedy struck Covenant Presbyterian Church school in Nashville, TN this week, with a horrific shooting that left three nine-year olds and three staff dead.
Every school or church shooting is horrific, but this one obviously got our attention. Several people told me they were momentarily terrified that it was “our” Covenant Presbyterian Church.
It wasn’t “ours,” but in a bigger sense it was ours, as we’re all in this together. We weep with the families of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville.
As we grieve yet another tragic slaughter of innocent children with guns, I imagine that future generations will look back on us and ask, “Why did you allow anybody to have access to high powered military-style weapons? Especially in a time with so much mental illness?”
I’m grateful for the prayer offered by Senate chaplain Barry Black shortly after the latest shooting.
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"Lord, when babies die at a church school, it is time for us to move beyond thoughts and prayers...
Remind our lawmakers of the words of the British statesman Edmund Burke: ‘All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing...’
Lord, deliver our senators from the paralysis of analysis that waits for the miraculous. Use them to battle the demonic forces that seek to engulf us. We pray, in your powerful name, amen."
-Senate Chaplain Rear Admiral Barry Black
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For us Christians, this week we celebrate Palm Sunday, when Jesus came into Jerusalem and was acclaimed as king. Jesus came on a donkey representing a peaceful presence, rather than a mighty stallion. The people sang “Hosanna” which means “save us.”
The beloved hymn “All Glory Laud and Honor” focuses on the children, who call out “Hosanna.”
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All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King!
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet Hosannas ring.
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After the senseless murder of more children this week, I will be singing and praying “Hosanna” as sincerely as ever this Sunday—asking the Prince of Peace
- To save us from violence
- To give us courage to make common sense gun laws
- To help us work together for peace, in our hearts, our homes, our neighborhoods, our world
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I hope you’ll join us in person or online for Palm Sunday worship, and I hope you’ll join for at least one of the three Holy Week services next week:
- Maundy Thursday, April 6, 7pm
- Good Friday, April 7, 12 noon
- Good Friday, April 7, 7 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church
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As we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus over the next week, may we find new reverence for life—for everyone. | |
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On the journey together,
Charlie
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In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
- Palm Sunday, Palm Procession
- Holy Communion
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One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering
- Music by New Day Ensemble, Handbell Choir, Celebration Choir, Ben Welch, and Doug McNeel
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Preacher: Charlie Berthoud | Sermon: "Dinner and Denial" | Text: John 11:17-25, 32-44
- Children's Time with Kathy Mohs
- Kaleidoscope Kids class (9:00am only)
- Nursery Care (8:45am-12:15pm)
- Sunday School 10:00-10:55am
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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! | |
Join us on Sunday at 10:00am for the class “Good Grief?!” led by Pastor Clara and Jim Spilburg. Everyone grieves in their own way. What are some commonalities? What is "normal?" Am I okay? What if I'm not?? Pastor Clara Thompson and Jim Spilburg will co-lead this class. Come to learn or come to share… whatever you need! | All Adult Ed classes meet in Bradfield Hall and are available via Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/89540028471. Please visit covenantmadison.org/adult for more info. | |
One Great Hour of Sharing | |
On Palm Sunday, Covenant collects PC(USA)’s One Great Hour of Sharing special offering. Join Presbyterians worldwide by providing relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed. You can give in person on Sunday, via the QR code here, or click HERE. Our Sunday School children are bringing their fish “piggy” banks with spare change for this offering as well! Last year, we collected $3,034.39 as a congregation. | |
It's not too late to donate a lily for Easter Sunday! Each lily is a $15 donation, which you can give in person on Sunday. Contact the office to let us know if there is someone you would like to dedicate your lily to ("in honor of, in memory of, in celebration of...")! Then you get to take a lily home after Easter worship! | |
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Loving God, in your mercy hear our prayers for. . .
We celebrate the birth of Anna Elizabeth McGregor, daughter of James and Emily McGregor and sister of Alex and Kathleen!
New this week: Diane Windsor, mother of Faith Windsor-Leonard; Troy Griswold, nephew of Lori Voss; April Durand, sister of Eileen and Gordy Durand.
We pray for healing, for courage, and for peace, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(click on the image header for full prayer list on Worship HQ)
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Click images for more information | |
All are invited to join in a good ol' fashioned potluck on Wednesday, April 5 at NOON as we enjoy a time of good food and warm fellowship. Feel free to cook or pick up something at the grocery store or your favorite restaurant to share. Beverages, plates, and utensils will be provided. No reservations are necessary, and feel free to bring a friend. All are welcome! These potlucks take place on the first Wednesday of the month. | |
Join Pastors Charlie and Clara to discuss this engaging novel about families, starting over, teenagers, and more. With over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, Mad Honey is a page-turner with courtroom drama and contemporary relevance. Charlie suggests that you do NOT read reviews, as many of them give away a vital part of the story. Attorney Chris Turner (wife of Charlie) was a consultant for the book. We'll enjoy some honey and snacks as we spend an hour talking together about the book. Everyone is welcome! There will be a Zoom option on Wednesday, April 12. Contact Charlie if you are interested. | |
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Sunday morning opportunities:
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Bradfield Cafe Volunteer: Click here to sign up!
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Greeter & Welcome Center Volunteer: Click here to sign up!
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