My parents have a piece of driftwood on which is decoratively painted with 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Faith Hope Love

...and the greatest of these is Love.

Only, when you’re a kid, hope is definitely the greatest of these. I remember hoping for all kinds of things, and I would walk past that sign by our door and thinking about how wrong that sign was, because I was so strongly hoping for something.

And while I’ll concede that love is the greatest, I wasn’t entirely wrong. Hope is so important. Depression is a symptom of when our hopes and our reality mis-align, and we know the statistics on mental health these days. We’re a culture that is losing hope.

The glittering future people my generation (Gen X) and older had before us doesn’t feel as shiny for younger generations. It’s fraught with problems previous generations didn’t have or ignored such as environmental injustices and gun violence. Add to that a more accurate understanding of the past and why we have such structural racism and systemic poverty, hope seems in unfortunate short supply some days.

Which is why I love so much our current campaign for kindness. It fosters in us a sense of hope – that small things like a little bit of compassion or some friendly kindness or big things like showing up at protests calling out injustices and casting our votes for creating a brighter future can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Every age has fallen on difficulties and joys, but God is always present, making things new, and calling us to observe and share the goodness around us. Keep an eye out for where God is at work in the world and a spirit ready to share kindness and generosity, tending to and sharing hope.

Can't wait to see you on Sunday,

Jess

Now Hiring! Church Administrative Assistant

We are looking for a warm and friendly person to serve as first contact for visitors and callers to Covenant Presbyterian Church, while executing a wide variety of secretarial and administrative functions that support the church's ministries. This is a Monday to Thursday position for 28 hours/week. We are seeking a kind and capable person to join our awesome staff team, where they will greet folks (in person, phone, and email) facilitate our ministry. If you know a good candidate, please contact Personnel co-chairs Barb Eikenberry or Raleigh Jones or Pastor/Head of Staff Charlie Berthoud.

Our Communications Coordinator Derek will be moving to Michigan with his family, where his wife will be serving as a pastor. Bailey will continue in her position as Church Administrator, taking on many of the communications roles.

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00AM & 11:00AM
• Do Unto Others Kindness Campaign: JUSTICE
• Sermon: "Do Justice" | Preaching: Jess Scholten
• Text: Luke 6:31-36, Micah 6:6-8
• Music: (9:00) Megan Angriawan, pianist (11:00) Hazel Holden, organist; Covenant Handbell Choir (Melissa Hinz, directing)
• Children's Time with Megan Berry
• Kaleidoscope Kids (during 9AM worship)
• Nursery Care: 8:45AM-12:15PM
• Bradfield Café: 10:00-10:45AM
• 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!

If you would like one of these signs that Pastor Charlie is holding, they are available for $15 each (one per household please). Contact the office if you want one. You can pay cash/check or online (make sure to put "DUO yard sign" in the fund designation field).

Laurie Jones leads this class on the PC(USA) General Assembly, a conference that takes place bi-annually. As Moderator for the John Knox Presbytery, Laurie has been involved heavily and spoke at the GA226 in Salt Lake City this summer. Come learn all about the General Assembly and how it fits in with Covenant.

For more information on Adult Education at Covenant, visit covenantmadison.org/adult.

Want to learn more about Covenant and about the possibility of membership? Come join the Inquirer’s Class in the Lounge these three Sundays! Contact Pastor Charlie if you are interested or have any questions.

New this week:

Sharon Baldwin, friend of Gretchen Girard

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

Cook something at home or pick something up at your favorite restaurant to share, and join us for good food and warm fellowship! Beverages, plates, and utensils will be provided. This month’s guest speaker is Bailey Green (our Church Administrator) with the topic "Sustaining Scandinavian Folk Arts in the Upper Midwest." This is a CONNECT event.

Join us as UW Men’s Soccer takes on Rutgers! At 5:30pm, we’ll tailgate in Lot 60. Hot dogs will be provided, but bring snacks to share and a beverage. The game is at 7:00pm. This is a CONNECT event. For more information, visit covenantmadison.org/connect.

Join the Covenant team participating in this year’s NAMIWalk. NAMIWalks’ mission is to provide "mental health for all." These walks raise awareness of mental health and support NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Click below to join the team or support financially.

We will formally be receiving this special offering of The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Sunday, October 6 (World Communion Sunday). For more information on this offering, visit covenantmadison.org/pcusaoffering. You can give in person on October 6, or give online by clicking below.