Greetings!

For most of our married life, we have had an artificial Christmas tree. With our store-bought tree starting to wither, last year we decided to cut one down, and we did that again last week. We found a nice tree and it was a fun experience--but I realized driving home that I was sad, and I wasn't sure why.

It wasn't until later in the day that I realized I had been thinking about my childhood experiences of cutting down trees with my parents and two brothers. My parents and one brother are gone and I always think about them around Christmas.
We all have loved ones that we remember, and while the pain diminishes, it never really goes away. Christmas can be a sad time, and we can't just fa-la-la our way to happiness.

I found a very helpful reflection on social media about acknowledging and including grief in our holidays gatherings. (Click the image for the full post; it's worth a minute of your time.)

This Sunday at 2:00 pm we have our "Blue Christmas" gathering, for anyone who is missing a loved one or just sad this time of year. Come join us for a time of music, reflection, prayer, and encouragement.
On Christmas Eve, I often get choked up with tears of sadness and happiness all mixed together. As I remember loved ones no longer physically present, I am grateful for the blessings of today--and for the birth of a baby who brings new life, for the light that continues to shine, leading us forward.

On the journey together,
Charlie
PS--On Sunday at 10, Rev Mark Elsdon will be talking about church resources and impact investing, while sharing the story of Pres House. Mark and his wife, Rev Erica Liu, have served as pastors at Pres House on the UW campus since 2004.

He is author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry. Click on the image to learn more about the book. We have a copy in the church library.

I found the book fascinating and helpful, as we think about our building, our mission, and our potential impact in the world. I hope you can join us.
Worship
  • In-person services at 9:00 (band) and 11:00 (organ), with a livestream at 11:00. (click)
  • Chelsea Cornelius preaches on Isaiah 12:2-6, with a sermon called "Joy to the World"
  • Children's Time with Jo Wiersema, Interim Children's Ministry Coordinator
  • Follow our BLOG (click) to read Pastor Jeff's weekly reflections.
  • Sunday School classes from 10:00-10:50am
  • Adult Education led by Rev. Mark Elsdon, Executive Director of Pres House, on his book We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry
Advent Vespers - December 8, 2021
Fall Generosity Campaign Continues

The Fall Generosity Campaign asks people to support Covenant’s ministry with their time, talents, and treasures. If you have not yet gotten your pledge in, please do so soon.

Here is a quick snapshot of where we currently stand financially as of 12/8/2021:
2022 Campaign: 199 pledges = $896,851
2021 Campaign: 184 pledges = $834,681
2020 Campaign: 212 pledges = $911,967
Join us for
Candlelight Worship
on Christmas Eve
at 4:00, 6:00, or 8:00 pm

Matthew 25 in Action - Again!

Another example of Matthew 25 in action… On Wednesday, Covenant member Ginger McIntosh and her sister Jyl delivered Christmas gifts for children purchased by Covenant members to the Lussier Community Education Center. Lussier is a fantastic organization that does so much for the community and we are blessed to share a history of partnership.

Covenant is a Matthew 25 church, which means that we (with many other PCUSA churches) strive to fulfill what Matthew chapter 25 calls us to do – actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and act boldly to serve people who are hungry, imprisoned or poor.
COVID Safety
We continue to have in-person worship. To be as safe as possible, the entire left side of the sanctuary is now socially distanced seating, with every other pew taped off. We are also asking people to sing quietly to limit germ spread.

Masks required for all people, regardless of vaccination status.