Hello, Bailey-

The other day, when I turned on my car, Pharrell Williams', "Happy," blasted out of the speakers. It was brilliantly perfect for that sunny summer day - I literally drive around in a "room without a roof" as much as possible in the summer - a convertible. 

How often have we hopped in our cars and the radio was on just the right song for the moment or shuffle picked just the right order on the playlist? Music is a huge part of almost all of our lives. Songs can bring up memories of special dances, meaningful moments, or amazing live performances. Certain pieces of music can stir up tears or joy or longing. And they can also point us to God (side-eyes Journey, "Don't Stop Believing," Bon Jovi, and Ariana Grande).

Which is why, on Sunday, we're jumping into our Playlist: Gospel on the Radio Sermon Series. While some of the songs we've chosen are specifically faith-oriented, we've purposefully chosen artists who are generally played on secular stations - some of you might even be raising an eyebrow on some of the bands. Great! Let's get this party started!

Speaking of party, as part of Swiftie Sunday this Sunday, we will have a friendship bracelet making station. Taylor Swift fans have resurrected these one or a few word bracelets - trading wristwear is part of the pre-concert culture. Come to church early at 9 or stay after worship for some Swiftie crafting. No worries if you don't want to use Swiftie-specific wording - use your star word or an intention for summer or part of our calling - Learning God's Love, Living God's Love. 

See you Sunday!

Jess

Melissa Hinz, our Minister of Music & Pastoral Care, will be accompanying a group to the Area 7 Handbell Festival in La Crosse, WI, June 20-23. She will then enjoy a week of family vacation before beginning her 5-week sabbatical. Melissa plans to travel to Monterey, CA, to spend some time with her son, attend a spiritual retreat in San Jose, CA, explore Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, attend a worship conference and visit her daughter in Illinois. She will return on Monday, August 5.

This Saturday, there is a very special 1-mile walk taking place downtown that visits sites in the historic Black neighborhood. Visit the Facebook event page for more info. In addition to this 1-mile walk, there is a 50k walk to support youth that starts here at Covenant at 5:00am. They meet up with the Black History Walk at noon, then finish in Sun Prairie at 8pm. Feel free to come to Covenant at 5am to see off the group of walkers, comprised mostly of Covenant folks!

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:30AM
• Swiftie Sunday!
• "Playlist: Gospel on the Radio" | TAYLOR SWIFT
• Preaching: Jess Scholten | Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
• Guest Musicians: Natalie & Derek Handley
• Commissioning for the General Assembly
• Children's Time with Cindy Lovell
• Kaleidoscope Kids during worship
• Nursery Care: 9:15-11:15AM
• Bradfield Cafe & Friendship Bracelets:10:30AM
• 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!

Sometimes even secular music hits a grace note. We’re excited about our summer sermon series Playlist: Gospel on the Radio! On your favorite radio channel or streaming, which music artists do you connect with spiritually? Below is the lineup of artists for the series. Click on the button for a playlist so you can listen to music by each artist the week before. It should be a fun summer of listening to and reflecting on music together!

Our June Spiritual Stroll will be at Holy Wisdom Monastery - note the location change! These strolls are part of CONNECT, a program of deacon-sponsored events with the intention of fostering connection between Covenant and the community. Spiritual Strolls take place on 4th Sundays, and we visit a different green space every month.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly takes place June 25-July 4 in Salt Lake City. The General Assembly happens every two years, and is a council of the church, a discernment event, and a worshipping body. The council is made up of commissioners, teaching elders, and ruling elders including our Clerk of Session Laurie Jones. The GA226 theme this year is “Live into Hope.” Click here to learn more about the General Assembly.

Questions? Contact Pat Wilker.

New this week:

Evelyn McMillan, Covenant member

Tom Schuster, Covenant member

Mark Fisk, brother-in-law of Jan Schuster

Rosemary, aunt of Tom Blewett

Loving God, in your mercy, hear our prayers for each of these your children. We pray for healing, for courage, and for peace, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Bradfield Café Volunteer

Greeter & Welcome Center Volunteer

Boys & Girls Club holds their annual Move ‘N’ Groove fundraiser on July 20 and Covenant is participating! The Presbywheelians is the team from Covenant that bikes for this fundraiser for BGCDC. You can now sign up to join the team or donate to support the team! Registration is $60 until July 1 ($65 after).

We are looking for a few more folks interested in travelling to Guatemala (November 9-16), where Covenant has a longtime connection with two Presbyterian communities. We’ll visit Coyolate and Santo Domingo to do some good work and reconnect, we’ll learn about immigration issues, and end our time with a visit to scenic colonial town of Antigua. If you are interested, please contact either Pastors Jess or Charlie ASAP. More info will be in the July Caravan.

Join us for a Mallards baseball game! For double the fun, the Madison Night Mares softball team is playing a game before the Mallards that afternoon and your ticket gets you into both events. The softball game starts at 4:05pm and the Mallards first pitch is at 6:35pm.

There are two ticket options: 1) $25 Ticket w/ Pregame Buffet option (5:30-7:00) and 2) $16 Ticket w/ Mallards Hat (no buffet). Click below for more info and to sign up!

Join Pastors Jess and Charlie for conversation about this fascinating new book. Blending personal stories, Bible study, and contemporary issues, Jim Wallis challenges us to learn about our world and stand up for God’s love. The gathering will last for one hour, and snacks will be provided. Feel free to come even if you haven’t finished the book! Visit the event page here.You can buy the book wherever books are sold.  

Click on image or click here to sign up!