Greetings!
In our divisive political climate, too many issues become shouting matches between the extremes, with name-calling and over-simplification of complex issues. With abortion, one side is seen as women-hating religious zealots and the other side is considered demon-worshipping baby killers.  

The reality of abortion is much more nuanced. The name-calling doesn’t help.  

For decades, the Presbyterian Church General Assembly has made statements that - to me - seem to be both pro-choice and pro-life, recognizing that each situation is different and often complex. A major 1992 statement (which has been reaffirmed through the years) reflects this complexity and moves towards areas of substantial agreement.  
We affirm the ability and responsibility of women, guided by the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, in the context of their communities of faith, to make good moral choices in regard to problem pregnancies. 

We call upon Presbyterians to work for a decrease in the number of problem pregnancies, thereby decreasing the number of abortions. 

The considered decision of a woman to terminate a pregnancy can be a morally acceptable, though certainly not the only or required decision. Possible justifying circumstances would include: medical indications of severe physical or mental deformity, conception as a result of rape or incest, or conditions under which the physical or mental health of either woman or child would be gravely threatened. 

We are disturbed by abortions that seem to be elected only as a convenience or ease embarrassment. We affirm that abortion should not be used as a method of birth control. 

Abortion is not morally acceptable for gender selection only or solely to obtain fetal parts for transplantation. 

We reject the use of violence and/or abusive language either in protest of or in support of abortion. 

The strong Christian presumption is that since all life is precious to God, we are to preserve and protect it. Abortion ought to be an option of last resort. 

The Christian community must be concerned about and address the circumstances that bring a woman to consider abortion as the best available option. Poverty, unjust societal realities, sexism, racism, and inadequate supportive relationships may render a woman virtually powerless to choose freely. 

Read more about Presbyterian perspectives on abortion and reproductive rights HERE
Obviously, the overturning of Roe v Wade is seismic shift, opposed by at least 60% of the population, depending on the polls you check. Many people are despondent, recognizing that abortions will continue but now they will be in unsafe conditions.  

With the ongoing concerns of sexism and poverty, we will need to continue to seek ways to support women and people who are poor with limited options, while also affirming the gift of life. We need to keep working for common ground.  

Jesus made a point of caring for those who were ignored and mistreated and being an advocate for life in all its fullness. As his followers, this is our calling as well.  
On the journey together,  
Charlie  
Steve Royalton Retirement

After 26 years of youth ministry at Covenant, Steve Royalton is retiring as of early August. We are grateful for Steve’s faithful service over the years. In a memo to church leaders, Steve wrote:

As the old saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” I will be retiring from youth ministry in early August of this year. My decision process to retire from youth ministry and think more specifically about the “when” began last August and continued into the fall. My decision is based upon what is best for my wife and I at this time in our lives.

With gratitude for his service, we will hold a celebration on Sunday, August 7 at 10:45am. If you’re interested in helping with this, please contact the church office or Pastor Charlie. The Personnel Committee and the Session are working on short-term and long-term staffing for our youth ministry.
THIS WEEK
Sunday Worship at 9:30
  • Charlie Berthoud preaching "Transferred to the Kingdom" (Colossians 1:13-14)
  • Holy Communion (please have bread/juice or similar available if worshiping from home)
  • Music from Doug McNeel and the Beltline Bones: Cole Bartels, Zachary Bethel, Adam Nissenbaum (trombones), and Jordan DeWester (tuba)
  • Weekly Memory Verse
  • Children's Time with Marge Resan
  • In-Person and Livestream worship at 9:30am (ONE SERVICE)
  • 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!
Please Note: Due to the 4th of July holiday, there will be no Kaleidoscope Kids
or Nursery care available this Sunday.
Thank you all for making the trek out west for Sunday's Spiritual Stroll on the Ice Age Trail! It was a glorious day to spend some time in the beauty of God's creation and learn something about our area and the native (and non-native) species. A special thank you again to Tom Gross for guiding and teaching us. Click HERE or on the above image for a plethora of good shots of the stroll. Stay tuned for info on the July Spiritual Stroll!
"It can be so helpful – and necessary – to slow down, to go easy, to allow God’s peace and light to fill the harried and dark spaces – and then to go from that space ready to shine with God’s love."

Melissa Hinz reflects on Sunday's #SpiritualStroll, and experiencing God in the abundant creation around us with some help from poet Mary Oliver. Take 3 minutes with us today to pause with this week's #MidweekMusings. Click on image above.

Midweek Musings is a weekly Covenant blog with a variety of authors and spiritual topics. Feel free to leave a comment as you are moved. We hope that it blesses you this week and the weeks to come.
COMING UP
Come join us at Rennebohm Park for some fellowship and good food! We will provide brats/hot dogs (and veggie/vegan/gluten-free options), water, and utensils. Bring a side dish or dessert if you are so inclined! If it rains, we will move the picnic to Bradfield Hall at Covenant.

Melissa Hinz is putting together a band for the picnic to provide some live entertainment! If you are interested in participating, email Melissa.
Donate or participate! The Presbywheelians are assembling a bike team as they do every year for the MOVE4BGC fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. Click HERE for our team page. To join, click 'JOIN TEAM' and follow instructions. To donate, click 'DONATE.' On the next page, you have the option to select a specific fundraiser (optional), or just give a general donation.
Mark your calendars for “A Program for Peace”, a benefit concert for Ukraine sponsored by Covenant, Westminster Presbyterian and Christ Presbyterian churches for an afternoon of beautiful music to support our Ukrainian neighbors who are still in dire need of aid. Freewill donations will be accepted for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc.