Hello, Bailey-

It’s an exciting week for Covenant! At the congregational meeting last week, Rev. Megan Berry was approved by a vote of 137-0 (with four abstentions) to become our Associate Pastor for children, youth, and families. 

Congrats to Megan, and congrats to Covenant!

Her first day is next Tuesday, July 25, and she’ll be jumping right in to start planning children and youth ministries for the fall.  

She preached an excellent sermon about healing. Click on her photo to watch, read, or listen to the sermon. 

The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee continues its work, seeking our second AP, who will focus on adult education, mission, and pastoral care.  

This coming Sunday, we resume our “Good News From the Pews” series, with Brenda Moten offering a sermon called “Redeeming Jezebel.”  

In my 32 years as a pastor, I have never preached on Jezebel, so I look forward to Brenda’s sermon. I encourage you to spend some time reading the biblical account, which you can find in 1 Kings 16-21. Brenda’s focus is 1 Kings 16:29-33 and 21:25-26.  

Last week, Brenda and I were among the 20 people who spent five mornings at Upper House with an in-depth Bible study called The Ethics of Power, Leadership and Mentoring, with focus on 1 Samuel and the transition from judges to monarchy. I enjoyed the chance to learn more about Hannah, Samuel, and Saul, and to reflect on effective leadership.

Reading about Jezebel and Samuel reminds me that the Bible is overflowing with stories, teaching, and poetry to help us learn God’s love, so that we can live as new people.  

If you haven’t picked up your Bible in a while, today is as good a time as any. Read about Jezebel to be ready for Sunday. Or check out Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. Or Psalm 23. Or the book of James.  



One of the big box home stores has a slogan: “Never stop improving.” For us as Christians, our slogan could be “Never stop learning” or “Never stop growing.” 

On the journey together,

Charlie

P.S. - The Presbywheelian Team raised over $8,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County last Saturday, at the Move 'N' Groove event, where people biked, ran, and walked. Thank you to the 25 participants and to all the people who donated! Click on the group photo to see more. See our team page here:

Presbywheelians

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:30am
• "Good News from the Pews" Sermon Series - Brenda Moten preaching
• Sermon: "Redeeming Jezebel" | Text: 1 Kings 16:29-33;21:25-26
• Music: New Day Ensemble; Ben Welch, leading
• Children's Time with Kathy Mohs
• Nursery Care (9:15-10:45 am)
• Kaleidoscope Kids (during worship)
• Bradfield Café (10:30-11:15am)
• 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!

During the summer on Sundays, we will have an arts or crafts display in the gathering space, all original art made by Covenant members. This Sunday's artist is Nancy McCulley, who will display her paper and stamped cards. Stop by and check it out following the 9:30 service!

Our July Spiritual Stroll will take place on Sunday, July 23 at Aldo Leopold Nature Center! We will meet at the entrance at 2:00pm. 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.

RAF is sponsoring a book study weekly on Zoom! The book is "What Kind of Christianity: A History of Slavery and Anti-Black Racism in the Presbyterian Church" by William Woo, a book that can lead us to understand that, in order to promote racial justice, we need first to learn how much racial injustice has been a part of the denomination’s history and identity. This book is available in our library or pcusa.org. Email Jennifer Morgan to be put on the mailing list and get the meeting link.

Are you an active-duty service member or veteran? At Covenant, we would like to honor and support you, and let you know that we appreciate your service. Fill out our online informational form. Any info collected here will not be shared outside of staff without your permission. We thank you for your service!

Traveling this summer? Take a picture (maybe even with your Covenant t-shirt on!) and add it to our map in the narthex. Contact the office if you want to purchase one of the new t-shirts! We ask for $10 just to cover the cost of production, and are available in Covenant mauve, burnt orange, ocean blue, and leaf green.

This week's white roses commemorate the lives of Jim Lenz, friend of Laverne Joosse; Bill Laubenheimer, brother of Ann Larget.



New this week: Linda Johnson, friend of Margie Coons

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)

Join us at the Duck Pond (Warner Park) to see a Mallards game versus the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders on Sunday, August 6 (12:35pm first pitch). We’ll get to hear the skillful organ music of Ben Welch, our Contemporary Music Coordinator, who is their new organist! Scan the QR code for more information and to order tickets. SIGN UP BY JULY 26TH! This is a CONNECT event, sponsored by the Deacons at Covenant.

Join your Covenant family at the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus for some ice cream and conversation on Saturday, July 29 at 2:00pm! We will meet at the Bucky statue in the grassy area by the lake. If it rains, this event will take place inside. This event is sponsored by the Deacons and is a part of the CONNECT events.

Feel free to bring a friend as we enjoy a time of good food and warm fellowship! Cook something at home, pick up something at your favorite grocery store, or favorite restaurant for a carry-out dish to share. Beverages, plates, and utensils will be provided. This mid-week potluck takes place on the first Wednesday of the month.

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!