Hello Bailey-

Last week and last Sunday, I encouraged you to make a commitment to reflect on a verse or two of scripture every day. “A verse a day for the month of May” is the invitation. I shared that I will be doing this BEFORE playing WORDLE. (Word before WORDLE for me.)

On Monday, May 1, the daily verse from YouVersion reminded us of the centrality of loving neighbors. “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal 5.14)

After prayerfully pondering that verse, I solved WORDLE in just two turns. How about that!



Yesterday’s verse reminds us of the importance of supporting each other.

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I

know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.

-1 Thessalonians 5:11 (The Message)

Christian life is about journeying together, and that is as important as ever now.

The worst of Covid seems to be behind us, thank goodness. We still need to be careful but thanks to vaccinations and caution, we are safer now.

But there is a new danger, an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. A new report from the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, details these dangers, noting “Social connection is as fundamental to our mental and physical health as food, water, and sleep.” Click below to watch the two-minute report.

Dr. Murthy encourages us to:

• Answer a phone call from a friend
• Invite someone over for a meal
• Listen and be present in conversation
• Seek out opportunities to serve

Here at Covenant, we’re encouraging each other to do all these things and more, to help our spiritual health, along with our mental and physical health. Together, we are learning about the wonderful love of God, and then living that love, as we care for each other, as we share meals, and as we serve a hurting world.

This Sunday, May 7 is CELEBRATION SUNDAY, when we are re-celebrating connections made through membership and baptism over the past three years. We’re having cake at 10:00 and lunch at 12:00 for everyone. Come join the fun! Your presence will be a blessing to other people, and it’s good for your health!

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
• Celebration Sunday! (It's a beach party wear beach clothes if you like!)
• Holy Communion
• Music at 9:00 - New Day Ensemble, Ben Welch
• Music at 11:00 - Doug McNeel, Melissa Hinz
• Preaching: Charlie Berthoud | Sermon: "This is the Day!" | Text: Psalm 118:24
• Children's Time with Kathy Mohs
• Nursery Care (8:45am-12:15pm)
• Sunday School (10:00-10:55am)
• Kaleidoscope Kids (during 9:00 service)
• NO Adult Education
• 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!

Celebration Sunday!

On Sunday, we celebrate all who have joined or been baptized in the last three years. Covid prevented us from properly celebrating and we wanted a second chance to welcome these individuals! Here’s what the morning will look like:

9:00  New Day Worship

10:00 Beach Party with cake!

11:00 Traditional Worship

12:00 Beach Party and Lunch! (provided)

New Members and Families (of baptized little ones): We have a special gift for you and leis to mark the occasion!

We are now accepting applications for both the Associate Pastor and Children & Youth Ministries Coordinator positions. Our Employment page is now live! Help us spread the word! If you have any questions, contact one of the nominating committees: Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) or Children & Youth Ministries Coordinator Search Committee (CYMCSC).

"Go Therefore and Coffee!"

"There is a unique and unmatchable energy to a coffeeshop. It is literally buzzing."

Derek is this week's muser. In this week's Midweek Musings, he professes his love for coffee, coffeeshops, and how coffee brings us together. Read HERE or by clicking the image above. Midweek Musings is a weekly Covenant blog with a variety of authors and a variety of topics.

Loving God, in your mercy hear our prayers for. . .

Judy Strikwerda, sister of John Strikwerda

(this week's white rose commemorates the life of Judy)

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)

You are invited to join the end-of-year Soul Sisters potluck at the home of Nan Schaefer. Please bring a dish to share and ideas for next year's gatherings! To find out more about Soul Sisters, click HERE, or send your email and phone number to Barb Eikenberry.

Covenant, Bethany United Methodist, and Madison Mennonite Church invite you for a week of Bible stories, activities, songs, snacks and more! VBC will take place here at Covenant this year. On Thursday, families are invited to stay for a meal from 5-6pm. VBC is designed for children in preschool through 5th grade. Children who attend VBC will also have the opportunity to be part of the worship service on June 18!

Sunday morning opportunities

We are in need of some help on Sunday mornings!

Bradfield Cafe Volunteer:

“Latte Lynn” and “Cruller Chris” (pictured) encourage you to help serve coffee and donuts some Sunday morning. Sign up info is HERE!

Greeter & Welcome Center Volunteer:

Click HERE to sign up!