Greetings!
Lent is a good time for listening.
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As we journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter, we remember the voice of God on the mountain of transfiguration (from Mark 9), “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”
LISTEN is my star-word for 2021, so I've been trying extra hard to listen.
To continue my list-making of late, here's a list of ways I try to listen to God.
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In creation (and away from technology). I spend too much of my life with screens and noise, so I try to walk and bike (with no screens or earbuds). |
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I was glad to get out for a ten mile ride last Saturday, and I look forward to more. Photo here is from Pleasant View Road.
The sun is getting warmer and the birds are singing—signs of spring, which gives me energy and hope. If I can't get outside, sometimes I just sit in silence and look out the window.
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"to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace."
This reflects what Jesus did in his life and ministry; so I try to listen more to Black people, Native Americans, women, and poor people. I’ve also been trying to listen to voices across the political spectrum—to really listen to the variety and not judge “them” based on the headline-grabbing extremists.
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The Bible. For our DISCIPLE class, I’m reading the New Testament with a newer translation, the Common English Bible, and I’m hearing God’s word afresh. Here is Mathew 5 in the CEB. And thanks to our scribes, I’m hearing (and seeing!) Matthew’s gospel anew. Click on the image above from Matthew 5 to access all 28 chapters, handwritten by Covenant people (using the New Revised Standard Version).
Worship. I know many of us are really tired of looking at screens, so having worship via screens is hard. But I really believe God speaks through faithful use of technology in our songs, prayers, sermons and more. If you're tired of looking at screens, you can listen to podcasts of our sermons. And you can listen to spirituals on our Facebook page (posted every Thursday through Lent).
God continues to speak to us—calling us to repent, inviting us to new life. Let those with ears (and hearts!) listen.
On the journey, apart but together,
Charlie
PS--I look forward to seeing (and listening to!) lots of people this Sunday, at DRIVE THRU DONUTS. Info below.
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Drive-Thru Donuts and Devotions this Sunday, March 7
Drive, walk, run, or bike thru the Covenant church parking lot this Sunday, March 7 to pick up individually packaged Greenbush Bakery donuts, receive a devotional prayer, and wave to your Covenant community! We’ll have treats for your pups, too, so feel free to bring them along.
Enter on Mineral Point Road; exit on Segoe Road.
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The Gospel According to Matthew Scribe Series Continues Through March 28
Covenant scribes have been writing the Gospel of Matthew in their own handwriting. To read their version of Matthew throughout March, you can sign up for a daily email or you can find the readings for Matthew 1-28 HERE. If desired, we can print and mail a copy, although we ask for a $5 donation to cover color printing and postage.
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Virtual Lenten Suppers
Our next supper is Wed., March 10!
6:00-6:45pm
Join your church family for Virtual Lenten Suppers on Wednesdays during Lent (Wed. Feb.24 through Wed. March 31). These Zoom suppers meet from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. and include a short devotion and sharing time.
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Of course, it’s bring-your-own-supper! If you’d like to stick with tradition and follow previous Lenten Supper menus, click on the image to the right to see recipe ideas compiled by Covenant Kitchen Manager Mandy Bocanegra! You can click the PDF for links to both "Kid Friendly" and "Something Different" recipe options. |
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Presbyterian Disaster Relief for Texas
You are invited to share directly with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s work in providing relief to Texas as they recover from the winter storms. Click here.
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Youth Connection Updates
Some of our high school youth and adults served at The River Food Pantry on February 26. They put together meals to go and loaded cars with groceries. Click the photo to see more pictures! We will do it again on Tuesday, March 30, when many are on spring break. Contact Youth Ministries Coordinator Steve Royalton for more information.
Our Youth Connection groups will be meeting in person this Sunday, March 7. Masks are required. We will stay upstairs in the bigger and better ventilated areas. Doors lock 6 minutes after our starting times due to security reasons.
Middle School Youth Connection 4:00-5:00
High School Youth Connection 6:30-7:45
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Adult Ed Sunday, March 7:
Bill McConnell Presentation on Matthew 25
William McConnell is the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Mission Engagement Advisor for congregations and mid councils in the Synods of Living Waters, Mid-America, and Lakes & Prairies. He has served in this position since December 2016. Previously, Bill was Executive Director of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM). He is a life-long Presbyterian, Ruling Elder, and church musician, having served on the Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song that developed Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal and on the editorial steering committee for the revised Book of Common Worship published in 2018. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He currently serves on Session at Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville and is a member of the Mid Kentucky Presbytery Commission on Ministry.
This class will meet at 10:00 am via Zoom.
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Worship Sunday, March 7
We hope to see you at Drive-Thru Donuts this Sunday! (Details above)
- Third Sunday of our Lenten series "How Then Shall We Live?"
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Chelsea Cornelius preaching on the 5th and 7th Commandments: "Right Relationships," Exodus 20 v. 12, 14; 1 Cor. 13:4-6
- Children's Time with Cindy Lovell
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Follow our blog to read Pastor Jeff's weekly reflections.
We'd love to see you at the Sunday morning
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Let's keep growing the COVID 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:
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Vaccines are happening!
We are grateful for the COVID vaccine and we're compiling a photo album of Covenant members getting their vaccines to celebrate!
Click the blue box below to view pictures or add your own. For the safety of your personal information, please do not add or submit a photo of your vaccination card (or hide the personal info). Thank you!
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The NCAA men's basketball tournament is coming, and you're invited to make your picks along with other Covenant folks. The bracket will be announced on Sunday, March 14, and you can make your picks then.
Join our group: CovPresMadison. Our password is "Learning"
Two years ago, we had 29 participants. Maybe we'll have more this year! The top ten finishers from 2019 were:
- Steve Veazie
- Carol Philipps
- Randy Zirk
- David Fields
- Ken Corbett
- Bret Larget
- Julie Sadowsky
- Karen Nelson
- Ben Welch
- John Hutchison
Pastor Jeff was #11 and Pastor Charlie was #23. Join the fun this year and see who wins bragging rights (no money involved). Click on the image above to sign up, through ESPN.com
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