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My friend Peter and I had lots of fun together in seminary, back in the early 1990s. We shared deep theological reflections, bantered about sports, caught lots of bluefish, played pool every so often, and more.
We recently reconnected and now share almost daily texts, with jokes and memories and, in the past week, lots about football. He’s a Giants fan, and I’m a Jets fan. (But that’s all I’m gonna say about the Jets…)
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Friendship is a rare and wonderful thing. In our world today it’s hard to have friends and to genuinely connect with people. This was true even before the isolation of Covid. Multiple studies reflect the reality that many of us have few friends and less social interaction than even a few years ago.
Even Jesus recognized the importance of human connection and friendship.
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Jesus said, "I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends...."
--John 15.15
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So I’m really grateful to see all the ways people are connecting here at Covenant.
Last Sunday, we launched Sunday School and had a Ministry Fair. We had lots of good energy and conversations in the building. Click on the photo above to see more.
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In recent days, we’ve also had delightful gatherings at Oakwood and Attic Angel, to help residents get to know Megan, our new Associate Pastor. We ate cookies, shared stories, and sang “Deep and Wide” with hand motions! It was wonderful to be together. Click on the photo to see more. | |
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Sunday evening our Youth Connection resumed, with 15 teenagers gathering. This coming Sunday, Confirmation starts for any youth 9th grade and up. Contact Megan if you have any questions. More info below. It's great to see kids getting connected.
If you’re looking for a good way to connect and make some friends, I encourage you consider a small group. We have a new cycle beginning next week, with groups of 6 to 12 people meeting together for six gatherings. There is no homework and no preparation for participants. The focus is on getting to know each other. In week one, the topic is food!
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If you want to sign up, click here, or check out the list on Sunday, or contact the leader.
We need each other. Jesus calls us as disciples and calls us into community as spiritual friends. I’m glad to be part of a church that values connecting with each other and connecting with God.
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On the journey together,
Charlie
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In-Person and Livestream worship - 9:00AM & 11:00AM
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Building Blocks Sermon Series - IMAGINATION
- Preaching: Megan Berry | Sermon: "The Power of Hope in New Things" | Text: Isaiah 43:15-19
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Music 9AM: New Day Ensemble, Ben Welch leading
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Music 11AM: Doug McNeel (organ), Covenant Chancel Choir (Melissa Hinz leading)
- Music Commissioning
- Children's Time with Cindy Lovell
- Bradfield Café - 10:00-10:45AM
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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! | |
Adult Education kicks off SUNDAY! Join us at 10:00AM for one of two classes: | | |
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"Who Are We As PC(USA)?"
Come learn all about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), led by Laurie Jones - Covenant member and former Moderator for the John Knox Presbytery. This class meets in Bradfield Hall.
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Sunday Scripture Study
Join us for a chance to dig deeper into the scripture for the week. This class meets in the Library.
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Groups begin meeting September 17! | |
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We invite you to join a small group for six weeks this Fall!. Groups of 6-12 people will meet at church, at at Oakwood, and via Zoom, focusing on topics like: food, travel, family, hobbies, and more. Each group will meet for 60-90 minutes and will include some biblical, with some biblical reflection and time to share joys and concerns in prayer. No reading or preparation required between meetings.
Sign up to join a group below or in person on Sunday!
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Our search is officially on for a second Associate Pastor to join this wonderful Covenant staff! CLICK HERE for more information on this position and please share far and wide! | |
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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!
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New this week: Nina Davis, mother of Lisa Davis
This week's white rose commemorates the life of Gordon Byrd, father of Winfred Byrd.
This week's red rose celebrates the birth of Damien Chain Singh, son of Emily and Dill Singh and grandson of Doug and Rhonda Rohn.
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 on the image header for full prayer list on Worship HQ)
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Covenant is hosting the Madison Learning Community's course titled "Introduction to the Old Testament" this Fall! The Madison Learning Community is an initiative of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary offering seminary-level courses to Madison-area Christians eager to deepen ministry skills and join a diverse community committed to the local Church. This class provides an introduction to the content, historical background, canon, and theological and critical issues of the Old Testament. There is an optional dinner available beforehand. Contact Lief Erickson for more information. Register below! | |
NAMIWalks Dane County is a day of support, connection, inspiration, celebration and hope, to raise awareness and funds for mental health. It will be on October 7 from 10:30am-2:30pm at Olin-Turville Park. This year, Jane and Gary Bertram lead a team from Covenant and are available in the gathering space Sundays September 17, September 24, and October 1 with info on the event and how to sign up or support the Covenant team. For more info or to sign up, click HERE! | |
Our September Spiritual Stroll will be held at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Join us for a one-hour guided tour at 2:00pm with an optional additional stroll through the gardens to follow. These strolls are part of CONNECT, a program of deacon-sponsored events with the intention of fostering connection between Covenant and the community. We visit a different park/green space every month. | |
On World Communion Sunday, Dr. William Yoo will preach and teach the Adult Education class for the day. He is the author of the book What Kind of Christianity: A History of Slavery and Anti-Black Racism in the Presbyterian Church and on faculty at Columbia Theological Seminary. Click HERE for more info! | | | | |
