Let's Talk About It
Greetings!

We need to keep talking, working, and praying. 
After the conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin, I confess that I was ready to move on. I was weary of the horrific video of George Floyd’s death and the complicated questions about race relations and police reform, which have been front and center for weeks. 

But then on the day of the conviction, a 16 year-old Black girl was shot and killed in a confrontation with a police officer in Columbus, Ohio. Details are still emerging. The complex and divisive issues remain. 
While I and other relatively comfortable white people may be tired of these issues, the reality is very different for people who are living with them. As uncomfortable and exhausting as it may be, we need to keep talking, working, and praying—especially if we take Jesus’ command to love our neighbors seriously. 

Maybe art can help. 

Initiated by American Family Insurance, with over 250 pages of color prints, reflections by artists, and a forward by Rev. Everett Mitchell, the book invites us to keep talking, working, and praying about these issues. Click on the cover to learn more.
If you want to come by the church library to see the book, contact the church office to schedule a time. The photos are spectacular.

Last June, I got some photos of the first artwork on State Street. Click on the LOVE photo to see some of these photos. Most of the art in the book is more detailed and really inspiring.
I know many of us are tired. Tired from Covid, tired from politics, tired from sadness and suffering. But we need to persevere and support each other.

I continue to encourage you to take care of yourself, with good food, plenty of rest, healthy habits, and staying connected to God, so that we can keep learning, and together, we can make this world a better place.
"Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity...."
--Galatians 6.9-10 (CEB)
At Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and we try to welcome the second chances and new life that God offers the world. So we keep talking, learning, and praying together.

On the journey together,
Charlie
Worship and Picnic!
Sunday May 2, 11:00-2:00
Rennebohm Park
You are invited to a time of faith, fellowship, fun, and food!

We'll have a short worship service with communion, music, and a mini sermon at 11:15.

Afterward, we're going to picnic and play (frisbee, soccer, etc.).

Please sign up so we can plan (but you’re welcome to come even if you don’t get a chance to sign up!). Learn more and sign up HERE.
Calling all lovers of food!

Covenant is compiling a COVID Quarantine Cookbook.
Visit covenantmadison.org/cookbook to learn more and to use the Google Form link for recipe submissions!

Deadline for Recipes: Sunday, May 2, 2021
Drive-Thru Donuts + Heifer International Celebration
Sunday, May 16
10:30-11:30am

Covenant children and youth have been supporting Heifer International for 28 years! For this year's celebration, come out to the Covenant Heifer Farmyard (our parking lot) on May 16 to hear silly animal jokes; see adults and children dressed like cows, pigs, sheep, llamas, rabbits, and chicks; grab a donut and contribute! Donations welcome but not required for drive-thru attendance. Come out to celebrate this awesome organization!

Watch this video to learn more about Heifer International, or visit their website. Donations of coins, cash, checks (made payable to Covenant) accepted. Donations can also be made online here.
In case you missed it or would like to listen again, click the photo for a video of our Easter postlude "Toccata" by Widor, with Doug McNeel on the Organ and a Brass Quintet.
Youth Connection

Our Youth Connection groups will be meeting live and in-person at Covenant this Sunday! Grab a mask and check ‘em out!

Middle School Youth Connection 4:00-5:00
High School Youth Connection 6:30-7:45
Adult Education April 25: Carol Hay of UW Health

In our recent classes, we have heard many ways others live our theme of “Compassion: Giving of Ourselves.” Carol Hay will present another vital way to go one step farther and save someone’s life. She is the Community Outreach Coordinator for UW Heath for UW Organ and Tissue Donation here in Madison.
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She will provide an overview of the importance of making the decision to register to donate, facts on the current need for organ transplants, and the various ways one can be a living donor. Come and hear her discuss one of the most precious donations you can make.
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This class will meet at 10:00 am via Zoom.
Memorial High School to Host Blood Drive at Covenant on Thursday, April 29

Click HERE to schedule an appointment.
Virtual Worship for Sunday, April 25

  • 4th Sunday of Easter
  • Charlie Berthoud preaching on Acts 20:7-12, "Sleeping in Church"
  • Children's Time with Nick Von Bergen
  • Follow our blog to read Pastor Jeff's weekly reflections.

We will premiere the worship service on Facebook at 9:00 am on Sunday.

COVID Relief Offering

Our Covid offering helps meet urgent needs in our community throughout the pandemic. Offerings shared in 2021 will benefit Porchlight, Friends of the State Street Family, and Cook It Forward Madison. More info here.