|
Are there things you do every day? Puzzles? Social media? Exercise? TV? As Christians, every day we need to make space for God.
A few weeks ago, I invited you and the people of Covenant to ponder a Bible verse every day. I use the YouVersion bible app for my verse. The verse on Wednesday from James 1:5 reminds us that God gives us wisdom. Click on the image to read James 1.
| | |
|
|
With Ascension upon us and with Pentecost coming, I have another invitation: now through the end of June, make a commitment to spend five minutes a day in prayer. Five minutes. You can do it!
Five minutes to intentionally reconnect with God—to listen, to reflect, to perhaps offer a few words. Five minutes to receive a blessing, a comfort, a challenge, a direction from God. Five minutes to say “You are the potter, I am the clay.”
| |
Many people are intimidated by prayer or unsure how to pray, so I have ten suggestions for prayer. Please don’t try to do all ten every day! Pick one and try it. If it works keep going. If it doesn’t try something new the next day. | |
- Slowly repeat the Lord’s Prayer. Very slowly.
- Choose one Bible verse—like the verse of the day from an app—and make that your prayer, repeating it over and over, slowly.
- Use a verse or a few words from a hymn or favorite song for your prayer. I like “grant us wisdom, grant us courage” from “God of Grace, God of Glory.”
- Sit in silence, beginning with the prayer: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” If your mind wanders, come back gently and pray again “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
-
Use a daily prayer resource; one of my favorites is A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie.
-
Write a word or a name on a coloring sheet and pray as you color or draw. Here’s a good one: Pray in Color
- Pray with the news; read or listen to a story, then pause and pray for God’s wisdom and healing and resurrection power.
- Use the prayer feature on YouVersion Bible app, or a different app.
- Slowly read the names on the church prayer list, pausing after each and praying: “Lord please bless ________.”
- Use the Pentecost Prayers which will be on the church prayer list this week and next
| |
I like to block off time for silent prayer, so I often set the timer on my phone, so I don’t have to keep looking at the clock. | |
|
Ascension is when Jesus physically departed from the earth, after his resurrection, leaving the disciples to carry on his ministry. We remember the Ascension this Sunday, May 21 in worship.
Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit came, giving strength and wisdom to those disciples, so that they could carry on the ministry.We remember Pentecost next Sunday, May 28.
Scripture and prayer are two simple “holy habits” to help us stay on track, to help us carry on as Christians.
| |
|
On the journey together,
Charlie
| |
PS - In just over a week on May 28, don’t forget to wear something RED for Pentecost. And remember that’s when we go to a single 9:30 service for the summer. This Sunday, May 21, we have worship at 9:00 and 11:00. | |
-
In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
- Music at 9:00 - Ben Welch, New Day Ensemble
- Music at 11:00 - Doug McNeel, Melissa Hinz, Covenant Chancel Choir
- Preaching: Charlie Berthoud | Sermon: "Carry On!" | Text: Luke 24:44-53
- Children's Time with Marge Resan
- Nursery Care (8:45am-12:15pm)
- Mission Update on Legacy Giving
- Sunday School Festival at 10:00am!
- Kaleidoscope Kids (during 9:00 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! | |
This Sunday is Will Emphasis Sunday, when we are gently reminded to get our personal affairs in order through the creation of a will or estate plan. This includes considering how God is calling each of us to contribute to the world beyond our own lifetimes. A legacy gift to Covenant through your will or estate plan ensures the vitality of Covenant’s mission for future generations. You will hear more on Sunday, but for now you can visit the Legacy Page on our website. | |
You are invited to join the end-of-year Soul Sisters potluck at the home of Nan Schaefer. Please bring a dish to share and ideas for next year's gatherings! To find out more about Soul Sisters, click HERE, or send your email and phone number to Barb Eikenberry. | |
|
This week’s white roses commemorate the lives of Barb Lindwall, Covenant friend; Tom Lytton, friend of Mary-Beth Rolland
New this week: Mary Lind, friend of Mary-Beth Rolland; Amber Mae, Covenant friend; Joyce Millner, mother of Mary Kieta; Randy Holvek, Covenant member; Pat Kelk, sister of Gordon and Eileen Durand; Melody and Fred, and their children, friends of the Perry family; Ken and Kelle Adams, friends of Eric and 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.
Click HERE for daily Pentecost prayers you can start this week and/or next.
(click on the image header for full prayer list on Worship HQ)
| |
MACH Spring Concerts - May 20 & 21 | | |
|
|
Saturday, May 20, 7:00pm
Location: Good Shepherd Verona
Sunday, May 21, 3:00pm
Location: Christ Presbyterian Church
Our own Melissa & Greg Hinz play in Madison Area Concert Handbells and they'd love to see you there! Tickets available HERE. Enter code MACHFRIEND20 for discounted tickets!
| |
The May Spiritual Stroll has been relocated to Owen Conservation Park. Join us next week as we reconnect with God in nature! These strolls are part of CONNECT, a program of events sponsored by the deacons of Covenant with the intention of fostering connection within the congregation and community. | |
This year, we’re holding our annual church picnic here at Covenant immediately following 9:30 summer worship. Main dish and beverages will be provided! Bring a side or dessert. Veggie and gluten free options will also be available. This is a CONNECT event (sponsored by the deacons). | |
Click HERE to learn more about VBS and to register! | |
|
Sunday morning opportunities
We are in need of some help on Sunday mornings!
Bradfield Cafe Volunteer:
Click HERE to sign up!
Greeter & Welcome Center Volunteer:
Click HERE to sign up!
| | | | |
