Reflections from Guatemala

Hello, Bailey-

Twelve Covenant people spent a week in Guatemala last month, where we helped with a church construction project, staffed a four-hour medical clinic, shared worship in Spanish and English, listened to heartbreaking stories, played with kids, and more. (click on picture below for more pics of the trip!)

This Sunday in worship, you’ll hear reflections on the trip from the group. I hope you can join us in person or online. Our aim is not simply to tell you about our trip, but to mutually encourage each other to grow in Christian faith and to be transformed, better able to love our neighbors and live with purpose.

I was particularly impressed with the staff and work of CEDEPCA, the Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America. CEDEPCA is guided by a paraphrase of one of my favorite Bible verses.

We recognize that living toward God's new creation requires a transformation of our minds.

Romans 12:2 (paraphrased)

Rev. Betsey Moe (a Presbyterian mission co-worker) and Esvin Sirin both work with CEDEPCA, and they spent the week with us. We were blessed with their wisdom, warmth, and Christian commitment to making this world a better place.

They lined up speakers to help us understand the deep rooted poverty, violence, and despair in Central America and the immigration crisis of today. Sadly the US helped set the stage for these conditions with the CIA-led coup of democratically elected president Jacobo Arbenz, which led to decades of brutal authoritarian regimes and destabilized the region.

Romans 12.2 invites us to the continual process of transformation—of our minds, our hearts, and our lives, so that we can learn and live God’s will and God’s love.

On the journey together,

Charlie

PS - Unfortunately, I won't be in the sanctuary for worship on Sunday, as my wife and I have tested positive for Covid. So, we're staying at home for five days. But I will be with you online!

THANK YOU so much to those that volunteered your time and culinary gifts for Election Day!! Your warm greetings, treats, and coffee made a difference! (click on the pic above for more pics!)

• "Reflections from Guatemala" (Stories from Sarah Day, Nancy Gunder, Jennifer Morgan, Jane Pearson, Carrie Sanders)
• Scripture: Romans 12:2
• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00am & 11:00am
• Music from Natalie & Derek Handley, Covenant Handbell Choir, and Doug McNeel
• Children's Time with Melissa Hinz
• Kaleidoscope Worship Education (9:00 only)
• Sunday School: 10:00-10:55am
• 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 person or via Zoom. We will offer two classes (note the two separate Zoom links if joining online):

1) “Dear White Peacemakers” (Final Week), 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 us in Bradfield Hall or on Zoom at HERE.

2) “Genesis” (Week 5 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 us in room C206 or on Zoom at HERE.

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

Join your Covenant friends at a delicious Turkey Dinner Potluck in Bradfield Hall immediately following the 11:00 service. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy will be provided. Please bring a potluck dish to share. Bring your family and friends, or come on your own and make new friends! Let us gather together and enjoy a wonderful meal as we give thanks for the bounty we have each received from God.

Yes, Youth Connection is still meeting this Sunday! Many YC folks are heading to Stronghold Retreat Center this weekend for some laughter, games, singing, and worship. However, we will still be having our regular gatherings as well.

Women of Covenant, you are invited to Soul Sisters this Sunday! We will meet in the Choir Room. Soul Sisters is a group for women, members and nonmembers that shares fellowship and faith, meeting the 2nd Sunday of the month. If you want to learn more, please contact Barb Eikenberry.

We are accepting donations for the annual Guatemala Mission Auction through Tuesday, November 22. Donations range from handmade items/homemade goods to vacation rentals. Visit the Guatemala Page for a full list of donation ideas. We highly recommend creative and new donations this year, as these items tend to gain the most interest at the auction. On Sundays, you can drop off your donations in the gathering space at church. On other days, just bring them to the office.

On Christmas, we adorn the chancel with beautiful red poinsettias – with your help! To place an order, email us and let us know: 1) how many you would like -AND- 2) how to list in the bulletin (in memory/honor/celebration of…). Poinsettias are $12.95 for 1 and $22.95 for 2. Checks can be made out to Covenant Presbyterian Church. Please place orders by November 30th.

The Face of Jesus Drinking a Beer



"I’m not here to bring the Kingdom, the Kingdom is already here. I’m here to sit next to my neighbor where they are at."

We got a good one for ya this week from Jo. A good reminder for us that ministry is everywhere. Click on the image above to read this week's Midweek Musings, our weekly blog!

Thank you for your commitment to “be a blessing” to Covenant in 2023 financially or through your time/talents. You can still fill out a commitment card if you haven’t had a chance. They are available in the office. You can also fill out your commitment card/form as well as serving survey on our Generosity Page. The serving survey indicates your gifts/talents which helps us know how you want to get involved at Covenant. Thank you again for your commitment! Here is a snapshot of where we currently stand financially:

Join us for a near-west Madison Thanksgiving Eve service at Covenant. We will gather with several neighborhood churches for a brief service of prayer and thanksgiving, and then share a time of fellowship with pie! Sign up on Sunday in the gathering space to bring a pie! All are welcome. We encourage you to invite a friend.

Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service

Sunday, November 20, 7:00pm @ Temple Beth El

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. The Temple Beth El community shares this solemn day of remembrance with many interfaith partners. Prior to the service, there will be a community resource fair at 6:00pm. This service will also be livestreamed. Visit tbemadison.org for more info.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

Monday, November 21, 6:30pm @ Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish

Covenant is one of several churches co-sponsoring this ecumenical worship service. Refreshments will follow. Nonperishable items and cash contributions will be accepted for area food pantries. Not to be confused with the ecumenical service we are hosting here at Covenant! Visit qopc.org for more info.