|
Way back in the 1970s, I remember getting in the car every month or two with my mom, and driving to a sort of industrial part of town. As I recall, there were some large cinder block bins (about the size of a one car garage) for recycling of glass bottles.
My brothers and I then had the joyful task of taking our empty jars and firing them into the bins, with same-colored glass. We actually were encouraged to throw the bottles and make them shatter--great fun for kids!
| | |
|
So, we got to be destructive in a productive way far from our house, and at the same time learn about recycling and caring for the planet. My mom was a genius. And please note that this was long before recycling was popular or easy. It definitely planted a seed in me. | |
|
Along with the recycling efforts, I’m grateful for my parents’ love of birds and summer trips to the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, I’m grateful hiking and camping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire through summer camp.
As we continue with our Creation Care series this week, I invite you to reflect on the following questions:
- How did you learn about the goodness of creation?
- What is your favorite outdoor place?
- Who, if anyone, taught you about creation care?
- Who have you encouraged to enjoy creation and to care for creation?
The opening chapter of the Bible tells us all about the GOODNESS of creation. In Genesis 1, God creates light, the seas, the birds, the fish, the "cattle and creeping things and wild animals", and humanity. At every stage, we hear that creation is good, and the final assessment is "very good."
| |
|
God saw everything that he had made,
and indeed, it was very good.
--Genesis 1.31
| |
Caring for creation starts with appreciation and gratitude. Look back on the people who taught you the beauty of creation and the importance of caring for creation, and give thanks to God for them. Then take a look outside wherever you are, and marvel at the gift of snow, sun, or whatever you see! Thanks be to God for the goodness of today and the goodness of creation! | |
|
On the journey together,
Charlie
| |
|
Jo Wiersema has been a blessing to our church, working with children’s ministry over the past year, and in recent months helping with youth ministry and mission work. Sadly for us and happily for her, she is growing in her sense of God’s call, and she wants to explore being a student pastor at a nearby small congregation. So Sunday, February 19 will be her last Sunday on staff. She will continue as a member of Covenant, under care of John Knox Presbytery on the journey toward ordination, while she gets the chance to preach regularly and lead a small congregation. Please thank Jo as you get the chance. The Personnel Committee is working on staffing for children and youth.
Here is a note from Jo:
It is with both great sadness and great joy that I will be leaving my position as Ministry Associate for Children, Youth and Mission on February 19. As many of you know, I am in my second year at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and currently working towards ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA). It’s with this call to serve God, that I am leaving Covenant to gain experience as a pastor in a smaller congregation. I am so grateful for every person who has shared their children, their talents, and their stories with me in the last year. I have been blessed by so many of you and I am grateful to be a member of Covenant. I ask for your prayers for peace and the support of the Holy Spirit through this transition.
| |
-
In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
- Charlie Berthoud preaching: "Faithful Gardening" (Isaiah 65:17-25)
- Music from New Day Ensemble, Ben Welch, Covenant Chancel Choir, and Doug McNeel
- Children's Time with Marge Resan
- Kaleidoscope Kids worship education (9:00am only)
- Sunday School from 10:00-10:55am
- Nursery Care (8:45am-12:15pm)
-
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 Sunday at 10:00am for the class “Creation Care: What does it mean and how do I get involved?” led by Covenant member Steve Whayland. Steve will share his journey from many personal and career perspectives (including his experience as President at Sustain Dane and as a Covenant Green Team member). Steve will also share his story for why - as a person of faith - this is important to him. Those attending will have the opportunity to share their 'sustainability stories.' You can also learn more about how to get involved with projects headed by the Covenant Green Team. More info at HERE. | |
Join the Adult Ed Committee! | |
The Adult Education Committee is looking for new members! The Committee meets virtually once per month on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. We work to brainstorm adult education opportunities and topics; plan and schedule classes; and coordinate with speakers both within and outside of the congregation, all with the aim of engaging Covenant and the community in learning God’s love. If you are potentially interested in joining, please reach out to the Adult Education chairperson Melissa Hardy for more details. | |
Join us for a Spiritual Stroll at Picnic Point, led by Melissa Hinz! We will meet at the entrance to the Picnic Point trail. These strolls happen on the 4th Sunday each month, and are part of a Covenant program called CONNECT. CONNECT is a program of events sponsored by the deacons of Covenant Presbyterian Church with the intention of fostering connection within the congregation and community. | |
The deadline is soon approaching to join a group from Covenant participating in the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development’s Black History for a New Day course. This class will be offered on Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00pm via Zoom February 6-April 17. We were donated scholarships, so a reduced fee of $125 and full scholarships are available for those who need one. Sign up HERE, and contact Jenny Von Bergen with any questions. DEADLINE IS THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 22. | |
|
What's the Big Deal about Bananas?
"To love our enemies is to challenge them to also acknowledge and respect creation..."
We are underway with our "Creation Care" sermon series. You will be hearing a lot from us on creation care in the next month, including this Midweek Musings. Take a few moments to reflect, ponder, and maybe grow. Click on the image above to read this week's blog by Jo Wiersema.
| |
|
Read Matthew in January!
We invite you to read the gospel according to Matthew in January, and to help reflect on the gospel, we have a devotional, written by church members, staff, and friends, called “Hungry.” SUBSCRIBE NOW to receive daily devotions by email! Hard copies are available at church.
| |
Join us for our annual Heifer Celebration at Covenant Presbyterian Church! Help the children of Covenant raise money for Heifer International by gathering spare change around the house, write a check, or give online. There will also be treats and games! | | | | |
