A message from Pastor Jess:

Being With Those in the Margins

"I couldn’t finish it – it was too hard to read because it left me feeling so discouraged."

"Having read this, I am full of hope."

Same book, two different reactions. This is how our discussion of The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy by Jim Wallis began this past Sunday. Wallis’ book is a thoughtful and scriptural look at some of the challenges facing our country with the rise of Christian Nationalism, an ideology that runs counter to the values of authentic Christianity – a desire to follow Jesus in a way that Jesus himself calls us to as given in Matthew 25: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."

Part of Wallis’ work as an author and professor is to help people practice what Jesus is calling us to do. In his chapter on Matthew 25, titled "Jesus’ Final Test of Discipleship," he reflects on Matthew 26:11 when – in reaction to the disciples being appalled at the woman anointing Jesus in Bethany – Jesus says, "For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me."

What if, instead of seeing it as a problem that might be hopeless to solve, it is a mandate from Jesus – to seek out to always have the poor among us; as Wallis reflects, to live in proximity to those in need: "But when Jesus' followers are not proximate to the poor and oppressed, they completely misunderstand this text and actually use it to further ignore them." (FWG, p.135)

We talked on Sunday morning of the ways we live in proximity to those in need – being with people instead of simply doing for people. Because this can be a challenge for churches, we named some spaces where we can foster compassion and relationship rather than simply feeling good about charity. Here are some ideas:

• Volunteering at local schools, being present to students and teachers - like Glenn Stephens School, our local mission partner! (scroll down for more info)
• Serving at the Extended Hands Food Pantry – it’s some "do for" but it’s also a way to connect to our immigrant community here in Madison (Extending Hands specifically provides international staples like beans, rice, and fresh vegetables
• Going to Guatemala – there’s still room for our November 9–16 trip, which is more about being with people than a "work trip" – the "work" is being present, listening, and caring for people in very trying circumstances.
• Serving meals at Triangle Ministry – yes, half your time is dishing up food, but half your time is spent breaking bread with the community, having conversations around the table about favorite meals and what’s saving our lives this day. Sign up in the narthex to serve with a group from Covenant!

What are ways you are in solidarity with those on the margins?

See you Sunday,

Jess

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:30AM
• Holy Communion
• Preaching: Melissa Schmidt | Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
• Music: Doug McNeel, organist; Jenn Sauer, vocalist
• Children's Time with Cindy Lovell
• NO Kaleidoscope Kids
• Nursery Care: 9:15-11:15AM
• Bradfield Cafe: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!

We just wrapped up a 6-week long sermon series, "Playlist: Gospel on the Radio," and we don't know about you - but we've got the post PLAYLIST blues... Let's keep the playlist going! What "secular" songs does God speak to you through? We invite you to be a Spotify collaborator – add a song to our "Post PLAYLIST Playlist," as we continue to listen for how God speaks to us through music. Click on the button below to get started!

Note: There is NO Kaleidoscope Kids this Sunday.

Another note: For Children's Time, we are returning to inviting the kids up on the chancel steps instead of having them sit in the front pews. If you are uncomfortable with this change, please reach out to Pastor Megan or the Children's & Youth Committee.

Families with young kids, come join us as we gather in Bradfield Hall for fellowship. Childcare will be provided from 4:00-5:00, and then we’ll all have potluck at 5:00. Main dish will be provided. Bring a dish to share! Contact Pastor Jess with any questions.

Are you interested in serving Covenant in an impactful and meaningful way?

New this week

This week's white rose commemorates the life of:

Linda Dolan, Covenant member

This week's red rose celebrates the birth of:

Elizabeth "Ellie" Lynn VanKirkland, daughter of Megan Vande Sande & Taylor Kirkland and granddaughter of Lynn & Matt Vande Sande

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

As part of our ongoing partnership with Glenn Stephens School, the Mission Committee is holding a school supply drive from August 11–30. School supplies have become increasingly expensive and difficult for many families to purchase. If you would like to help with this effort, please bring school supplies to the narthex beginning August 11. Look for the wagon! CLICK HERE for a list of supplies or see the August Caravan, where you can read more about our mission partnership with Glenn Stephens.

The next American Red Cross Blood Drive at Covenant is on Wednesday, August 28 from 12-5pm in Bradfield Hall. Sign up to donate online or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.