A message from Pastor Megan:

One of my favorite parts about music are the random but very distinct memories and associations I have with the songs. For example, Smash Mouth’s hit song "All Star" will always remind me of the movie "Shrek." And Blue October’s song "Calling You" will always remind me of my high school sweetheart and how I was convinced I would marry him one day.

When I think about music and why I have so many memories connected with various songs, I know part of it is how my brain is wired. But, a lot of it comes from how I choose to engage with music. I find music to be a connection spot, and I often use it to help myself process different parts of life. So, I listen to music A LOT, and oftentimes I’ll listen to the same song on repeat.

As we continue into our third week of the PLAYLIST sermon series, I’m left wondering what associations or connections we might have with scripture as well.

Does a particular scripture remind you of someone you love?

Do you have a scripture you pray on repetitively when you’re going through a rough patch?

For me, I will always associate Psalm 100 (one of our scriptures for this Sunday) with my grandmother. When I was going through Confirmation class, she was encouraging me to memorize some scriptures. I asked her what scriptures she had memorized, and she mentioned some of the "classics," like Psalm 23 and John 3:16. But, she also mentioned Psalm 100. She didn’t share any particular meaning behind these scriptures or a specific reason for these scriptures over others, but my brain will always think of my grandma when I hear Psalm 100.

This Sunday, we’ll hear Psalm 13 and Psalm 100 read by two of our youth, and we’ll dig a little deeper into one of my current repeat songs, "Jump Rope" by Blue October.

Life's like a jump rope. Up. Down.

When it gets hard, remember life's like a jump rope.

"Jump Rope" by Blue October

So, how does music and scripture help you through life’s ups and downs?

What connections have you made with music and scripture over the years?

You can check out some of Blue October’s music from our playlist here:

Peace,

Megan

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:30AM
• "Playlist: Gospel on the Radio" | Blue October
• Holy Communion (scroll down for a communion update!)
• Preaching: Megan Berry | Text: Psalm 13 & 100
• Music: Doug McNeel, organist; Vocal Quartet: Jenn Sauer, Martha Stoner, LeRoy Stoner, Randy Holveck
• Children's Time with Marge Resan
• NO Kaleidoscope Kids (Communion Sunday)
• 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!

Sometimes even secular music hits a grace note. On your favorite radio channel or streaming, which music artists do you connect with spiritually? Below is the lineup of artists picked buy our pastors 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!

We celebrate communion on the 1st Sunday of each month, remembering the Last Supper and being renewed with the bread of life and cup of salvation. On July 7 and August 4 (and possibly beyond), we will share communion by intinction when one is given a piece of bread and invited to dip (“intinct”) the bread in a cup of wine. Our bread will be gluten-free crackers, and our wine will be grape juice. If anyone prefers, we’ll also have small plastic individual cups. Using this style of communion will mean less plastic use and will give us a new way to experience the bread and the cup. The Worship Committee welcomes your feedback: Worship Chair Rhonda Rohn, Elder Skye Doney, or Pastor Charlie Berthoud.

NO KALEIDOSCOPE THIS SUNDAY!

JOIN US in the Lounge on Sunday!

FIRST REHEARSAL ON SUNDAY! Contact Martha Stoner for music.

This week's white roses commemorate the lives of:

Roland Roth, father of Sherry Hershberger

Jim Ruhly, Covenant member

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 $65. So far, the Presbywheelians have raised $3,291.72 of their $7,500 goal. Help them reach their goal!

We are looking for a few more folks interested in traveling to Guatemala (November 9-16), where Covenant has a longtime connection with two Presbyterian communities in Coyolate and Santo Domingo. If you are interested, please contact either Pastors Jess or Charlie ASAP. Learn more in the July issue of The Caravan (Covenant's monthly newsletter).

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. 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 there will be snacks. Feel free to come even if you haven’t finished the book! Visit the event page here.

Racists Anonymous Fellowship is holding a book study (Zoom) on Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts’ book Then They came for Mine. This book is a moving effort by the author to be a truth-teller, including the good, the ugly, the sad and the joyful. To join the email list (and get Zoom link), or if you have questions, contact Jennifer Morgan. The book is available for $12.35 through Westminster John Knox Press.