On Friday afternoon, we have a memorial service. On Saturday, we have a wedding. On Sunday in worship, we celebrate a baptism (of a four week-old baby!) along with a couple of big anniversaries. It's a big weekend for our church community.

At times like these, I’m reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." (If you want to read one of the best chapters in the Bible, check out all of Romans 12.) 

I encourage you to take a minute today to think of someone in your life who is rejoicing or weeping. Then reach out to them with a call, a note, an email, a text. It doesn’t have to be profound. You could try:

• "Hey, I’m thinking about you today."
• "I’m sorry for your loss."
• "I’m happy for your celebration."
• "If you want to meet for coffee or lunch, let me know."

Then, pray for that person. And however you can rejoice with them or weep with them. We need each other. If you can't think of anyone who is weeping or rejoicing right now, maybe just reach out to an old friend and say hello.

And if you are rejoicing or weeping and feeling alone, please reach out to someone, including the church staff. Jesus said "I am with you always" and one way that happens is through each other.

Note: If you or a loved one are in the hospital your pastoral care staff (me, Jess, Melissa, and Megan) would be glad to come visit. Just call or email the church office to let us know you’re there. 

We mean it when we say that we are "On the journey together,"

Charlie 

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:30AM
• Sermon: "You're Doing It Wrong"
• Preaching: Covenant member Brenda Moten
• Text: Matthew 11:28-30
• Baptism of Elizabeth Lynn VanKirkland
• Guest Musicians: Natalie Handley (pianist/vocalist), Derek Handley (cellist)
• Blessing of the Backpacks - bring your work/school bag!
• Children's Time with Megan Berry
• Kaleidoscope Kids during worship
• 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!

Join us on Sunday at the UW Arboretum! We will meet at the main entrance near the McKay Center. These strolls are part of CONNECT, a program of deacon-sponsored events with the intention of fostering connection between Covenant and the community. Visit covenantmadison.org/connect for more information.

Help us sell the remaining 9 tickets we have!

Invite a friend for a wonderful evening at American Players Theater. If you have any questions, contact Melissa Hinz.

As part of our ongoing partnership with Glenn Stephens School, the Mission Committee is holding a school supply drive beginning this Sunday! 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.

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

We are beginning preparation for our congregation-wide devotional on the book of Luke in January and February. Each person submitting a devotion will be asked to also include a short prayer at the end, and a title. Sign up below! Contact Pastor Jess if you have any questions or need guidance. Thank you!

New this week:

William Lape, friend of Peter & Nancy Gunder

Andrew Clarke, grandfather of James McGregor

Prayer of Celebration:

Don & Mary Harkness celebrated their 70th anniversary on August 22

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

The next American Red Cross Blood Drive at Covenant is on Wednesday, August 28 from 12-5pm in Bradfield Hall. Sign up to donate below or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Anyone who donates blood at this drive will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Fall Kick-Off is around the corner! On this special Sunday, here's what you have to look forward to:

• Sunday School year begins: 10:00-10:50AM weekly
• Annual Ministry Fair: 10:00AM in Bradfield Hall
• Return to regular worship schedule: 9:00AM & 11:00AM services
• 70th Anniversary Celebration Concert: 2:00PM

We are looking for volunteers to bake cookies or bars for the reception following the 70th Anniversary Celebration Concert! If you would like to volunteer, please sign up on the bulletin outside of the lounge.

Click on the graphic to RSVP!