Greetings!
"Never stop improving" is the slogan of a certain home supply chain store.
It could also be a theme for the Reformation.
In our Book of Order (part of the Presbyterian constitution) we read:
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The church affirms Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda secundum verbum Dei, that is, “The church reformed, always to be reformed according to the Word of God.”
Book of Order, F-2.03
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We are called to continual reformation, continual improvement, continual growth in faith, hope, and love.
The last Sunday of October is Reformation Sunday. In worship this week, we'll sing Martin Luther's classic Reformation hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is our God" which affirms the sovereignty of God. (See info below.)
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Just a couple years after Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the church door in 1517, fellow reformer Ulrich Zwingli got sick from a plague which devastated Europe. In his home of Zurich, 25-50% of the population died from the plague, including Zwingli's brother.
In response to the plague, Zwingli wrote a hymn. Click on his image to read about "'Lord God, Help in this Trouble': The Plague Song of Ulrich Zwingli" from the Presbyterian Historical Society.
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In the midst of our current COVID plague or anytime, we are called as a church and as a people to love our neighbors and to continual reformation, change, improvement--according to the word of God.
We need to keep reading our Bibles, saying our prayers, staying open to new things, caring for each other, and listening for God's call.
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On the journey, apart but together,
Charlie
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Commitment Sunday, October 25 |
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We have high hopes for the ministry of Covenant in 2021!
Making a financial pledge to support Covenant helps us to continue making a difference together. Click on the logo to make a pledge and/or fill out the Serving Survey now.
If you have questions about your giving or about Covenant finances, please contact the church office. Thank you for your generosity with Covenant and beyond. You are making a difference.
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A Weekly Series Celebrating Covenant Members' Most Beloved Hymns
In honor of Reformation Sunday this Sunday, October 25, the hymn of the week is "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Read Ben Welch's reflection here, and listen along with the accompanying video here!
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Get to Know Covenant's Organ!
Click on the photo to watch a 15 minute video in which our organist Doug McNeel provides an orientation to the Covenant organ as well as his personal organ at home!
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Mobile Ministry for Families Web Page |
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Are you looking for ways to include a religious component to your weekday routines? Check out the ideas and resources on the Covenant Mobile Ministry for Families web page. Resources include weekly Sunday School lessons for November, anti-racism resources, games, crafts, ways to "exercise faith," coloring pages, and videos featuring Covenant members and staff.
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Upcoming Youth Connection Events |
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Working through the NewBridge nonprofit of Dane County, we’ll be raking yards for some of the older members of our community.
Middle schoolers will rake on Saturday, October 24 from 1:00-3:00.
High schoolers will rake on Saturday, October 31 from 1:00-3:00. Please sign up by the 29th, and wear a costume, if you'd like!
View photos from the HSYC Shop & Bake last Sunday here! |
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“How to Read the Bible”
October 25, November 1 & 22 at 10:00 am
Adult Ed is using the BibleProject for a series called "How to Read the Bible" that will last throughout the 2020-2021 program year. Join us this Sunday, Oct. 25 as we learn about characters, settings, narratives, and poetry in the Bible.
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Peace & Global Witness Offering
Thank you Covenant! So far we have raised $1,025 for the Peace & Global Witness Offering collected on Sunday, October 4. There's still time to contribute to the offering! Click on the image to contribute to the special offering and enter "Peace and Global Witness" where appropriate.
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This is the last weekend to place your bids for the virtual Guatemala Auction!
The auction site is live for bidding until this Sunday, Oct. 25 at noon! The Auction team has decided to lower the minimum bids on the remaining items.
Click here for helpful info. |
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Boy Scouts Wood Drive Fundraiser
Boy Scout Troop 122, chartered by Covenant, is having their annual Wood Drive fundraiser Saturday, October 24 in Covenant’s parking lot. While most of the supply on hand is based on annual orders, there’s typically a bit left over for those interested. You can also request being added to their mailing list for next year’s drive. For further information contact the church office. Best wishes for this year’s Drive, Scouts!
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Coming up on Sunday, November 1 |
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Communion Elements
Please use this link to sign up to have Communion elements, made and assembled with love by fellow Covenant members, delivered to your home. |
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Honoring Loved Ones on
All Saints' Day
On All Saints’ Sunday, we will read aloud the names of loved ones we’ve remembered with a white rose this past year. You are welcome to submit a name to be included to the church office by October 25.
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Drive-Thru, Donuts, & Devotions
We hope you join us for DDD on November 1! As usual, we'll be passing out donuts from Greenbush Bakery and dog treats for any pups driving through. You are also welcome to pick up your Guatemala Auction items during this time.
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Worship
Sunday, October 25
- It's Generosity Commitment Sunday and Reformation Sunday!
- Sermon by Pastor Charlie on Jeremiah 29:11: "Making a Difference"
- Choir anthem, "Christ is Made the Sure Foundation"
- Children's Time with Nick Von Bergen and Puppet Guy
- At the conclusion of worship, Organist Doug McNeel shares a 15 minute reflection on the organ (see info above)
We'd love to see you at the Sunday morning
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Subscribe to Covenant's YouTube Channel and Prioritize Covenant on Facebook! |
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May you help our Covenant YouTube channel reach 100 subscribers?
If 54 more people subscribe to our channel, we can change from having this wacky URL:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnIvgIUfnJOwWSpz6Rd96QQ to having this nice, easy-to-share URL:
www.youtube.com/covenantmadison.
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And did you know that you can prioritize whose posts you see first on your Facebook news feed? We'd love for you to prioritize Covenant's posts so that you can stay connected and informed!
From your browser, click your profile photo on the top right (when you hover over this, it will say "Account"). Then choose "Settings and Privacy"
> “News Feed Preferences.” The "See First" area will allow you to individually select friends and pages whose stories you’d like to see at the top of your news feed.
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