Hello, Bailey-

As Covenant’s Guatemala Mission Team is in Guatemala this week my thoughts go back to when I was on a Presbyterian Church (USA) sponsored mission trip to Ethiopia in the early 1990’s. Moving out of our normal comfort zones, visiting another country, getting to know the hopes and dreams of people you hadn’t known before, eating unfamiliar foods, hearing different languages, viewing new kinds of scenery… it’s all very exciting, and sometimes a little bit unsettling. I remember getting homesick when I was in Ethiopia. 

My husband and three young children were back in Madison, and I was on the other side of the world. But I also still remember some of the people from church who said to me before I left on that mission trip, “I’ll be praying for you.” In the unsettling times, in the lonely times, I remembered that I was being held in prayer by Jo, and Wendy, and Sharon. By a bunch of other people, I’m sure, but those are the names that still stick with me. Jo and Sharon have since then entered their eternal rest, and Wendy I haven’t seen in over 10 years, but their prayers still sustain me to this day. 

We talk about CONNECTIONS here at Covenant. For me, the connections of prayer are among the most important. I say this in worship each time it is my turn to share the Prayer List and lead in the prayers at Covenant, “Your prayers make a difference!” Last Sunday, I asked you to pray each day for the Guatemala Mission Team members by name. If you’ve lost the list of names, here they are again: Charlie Berthoud, Sarah Day, Nancy Gunder, Melissa Hinz, Carolyn Lorenz-Greenberg, Sally Lorenz, Jennifer Morgan, Jane Pearson, Carrie Sanders, Bob Schaefer, Martha Stoner, and Jo Wiersema. 

And while you’re at it, please pray for their families, ‘cuz they’re missing the mission team members a lot. Click HERE or below to see some photos that the mission team has uploaded this week from Guatemala. 

Get connected; stay connected!

Grateful to be connected to Covenant,

Clara Thompson, Parish Associate

• Clara Thompson preaching "Collection or Offering?" (Deuteronomy 12:5-7, Mark 12:38-44)
• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
• Music from New Day Ensemble, Ben Welch, Covenant Chancel Choir, and Doug McNeel
• Church Matters sharing time by Nancy McCulley
• Children's Time with Cindy Lovell
• Nursery Hours: 8:45am-12:15pm
• 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!

Join us for Adult Ed Sunday at 10:00am in Bradfield Hall or via Zoom. We will be offering two classes (note the two separate Zoom links if joining online):

1) “Dear White Peacemakers” (Week 2 of 4), led by Brenda Moten and Doug Poland. This class will be a discussion on the book Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace by Osheta Moore. Join on Zoom HERE.

2) “Genesis” (Week 3 of 6), led by Melissa Hardy. This is an ongoing class on the book of Genesis. No prior knowledge of Genesis needed. Bring a Bible! Join on Zoom HERE.

All Adult Education classes take place in Bradfield Hall and are available via Zoom. Please visit covenantmadison.org/adult for more info.

JOIN US SUNDAY at Owen Conservation Park, a 97-acre property of hiking trails nestled just south of Crestwood Elementary School. These Spiritual Strolls are part of a Covenant program called CONNECT, a program of events sponsored by the deacons of Covenant Presbyterian Church with the intention of fostering connection within the congregation and community. The Caravan lists this on the 30th, which is incorrect.

The Generosity Campaign this year falls right in line with the matters theme, and the verse Genesis 12:2 the focus (“blessed to be a blessing”). Packets were sent out recently. If you haven’t received one, contact the office – we’d be happy to send you one. Visit covenantmadison.org/generosity for more info and for all materials including fillable versions of all forms sent in the packets. The hope is to have commitment cards returned by or on Commitment Sunday (October 30), which is next Sunday!

"Life is complicated. You have to work, you have to make dinner, you have to clean, and even put out proverbial fires set by the very individuals you are supposed to be cutting out this 'special time' for."

This blog is about identity, parenting, and intentionality. Click above to muse with Derek in this week's Midweek Musings "Special Time". It is a quick 3-minute read. 

The Children’s and Youth Ministries at Covenant are throwing a Halloween Party for kids ages 3-11! There will be a haunted house (oooooh). There will be games. Hope to see you there! This will be in place of the normal Youth Connection Sunday gatherings. If you are interested in helping out with set-up and clean-up, please contact Bailey or Jo!

Covenant is a polling place on November 8. Let’s provide coffee and treats for all those who vote! Sign up in the gathering space on Sunday if you can help provide homemade TREATS (cookies, bars, etc.) and/or if you can HOST (2-hour shift) on Election Day. Questions? Contact Pastor Clara or Chris Turner. 

Gobble, gobble! Mark your calendars and join us after the 11:00 service. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy are provided. Bring a favorite dish to share! Sign up in the gathering space on Sunday and RSVP by November 6. If you’d like to volunteer, contact Pastor Clara.