Hello, Bailey-

If you were following along, this week (this past Sunday) we wrapped up reading through the book of Acts. It’s basically a travel log with preaching and prison thrown in. What we see again and again in the narrative, healings, and sharing the story of Jesus is transformation.

Sure, Paul has the growing edge on it with the whole blinded by the light situation, but Peter, the people of Corinth and Ephesus, Lydia, the jailer, the Ethiopian court official and Philip – these people are no less changed or converted. They are walking in a new life as well.

I wonder how you are walking in new life? What old life have you left behind in order to live into new ways God is moving in you?

This past Sunday, we also welcomed ten new members: our confirmands. At the Session meeting, as part of the discussion, they were asked why they wanted to officially join the church. One student responded: “When I went to confirmation, I left happier and feeling loved, so now I want to join the church.”

The church may have been born in Acts, but it is being born anew at Covenant and in each one of us. Practicing resurrection means seeing hope, experiencing belonging, finding freedom, knowing grace – ways the Holy Spirit is blooming in each of us.

Keep awake,

Jess

Want to come help pull some weeds and make the church grounds look pretty? Anyone is welcome (no experience necessary). Come meet new people, learn about native plants, and enjoy being part of the crew! Donuts and drinks will be provided. Please bring your own tools.

• In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00AM & 11:00AM
• "Transformative Community" Sermon Series
• Guest Preacher: Rev. Paul Melrose | "Broken Open" | Text: Acts 16: 20-40
• Holy Communion
• Music (9:00): New Day Ensemble (Melissa Hinz, directing); Doug McNeel, organist
• Music (11:00): Covenant Chancel Choir (Melissa Hinz, directing); Doug McNeel, organist
• Children's Time with Marge Resan
• Nursery Care: 8:45AM-12:15PM
• Bradfield Café: 10:00-10:45AM
• 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!

Rev. Paul Melrose is the husband, for 50 years this year, of former part-time Covenant staff member Rev. Sue Melrose. Paul is United Methodist, having retired from the Michigan Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Paul shares two things in common with Covenant Pastor, Charlie Berthoud. Paul is a graduate of both Wesleyan University and Union Theological Seminary. 

He continued his education with a Certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy from Blanton-Peale Institute in New York City and a Doctor of Ministry from Andover-Newton Theological School. Paul’s active ministry included two pastoral appointments, therapist and administrator of pastoral counseling centers in New Jersey and Michigan, a part time pastoral care position, and two interims.

In retirement here in Madison he was briefly on the staff of the Samaritan Counseling Center, did professional coaching and served First United Methodist Church of Madison as Assisting Pastor of Pastoral Care. Besides volunteering at the weekly breakfast for folks living in marginal living and on the street here in Madison at First Church he delivers food for the River, enjoys time with son and family, as he and Sue attend concerts, travel and celebrate the recent marriage of their daughter.

Who put our Bible together and when did they do It? Explore these questions as John Strikwerda gives an overview of how our sacred writings were preserved, modified, and passed on to us. Sunday's class will focus on the New Testament.

Please note: Next week (May 12) will be the final Adult Education class for the program year (a listening session).

PLEASE NOTE: On May 5 and 12, Arlene Kennedy will be rehearsing our kiddos for the "Faith News" Musical on May 19. May 12 is the final Sunday School of the school year. CLICK HERE for more information on the year-end schedule.

You can drop off your bag(s) of apples in the gathering space. This will be our last fruit collection for the school year and the Mission Committee sends a big thank you to everyone who has helped make our healthy snack program so successful! Thanks also go out to Ann & Dave Athas, who lead this mission effort.

You are invited to join Soul Sisters Year-End Potluck! Bring a dish to share and ideas for next year’s gatherings (beginning in September). Soul Sisters is a group for women, members and nonmembers, to share fellowship and faith. To join Soul Sisters, send your email and phone number to coordinator Barb Eikenberry.

Families with young kids, come join us as we gather in Bradfield Hall for fellowship. Childcare will be provided from 4:00-5:00, and then we’ll all have pizza together at 5:00. Contact Pastor Jess with any questions.

We are receiving the Pentecost Offering from May 5-19. This special offering is one of the four special offerings of the PC(USA), and is a church-wide effort to support and inspire young people. Covenant’s Mission Committee has chosen Bikes for Kids Wisconsin (formerly Free Bikes 4 Kidz) to receive 40% gifts received. Visit covenantmadison.org/pcusaoffering for more info or to give.

Covenant member Don Wright joined Boy Scouts at 16, over 80 years ago. He has served in many capacities over the years in his home area of northern New Jersey. Don and his wife moved to Madison several years ago to be closer to their sons. He joined Covenant after arriving and quickly became involved with Covenant's Boy Scout Troop. Don will be receiving (or has already received) awards recognizing his 80 years of service including the Hiawatha Award from the local Council on Sunday, April 7. Please refer to this article written for his 70th anniversary for more information about Don and his Boy Scout career.

New this week:

Susie Conner-Dieter, friend of the Girard family; Michael Girard, father of Eric Girard.

This week's white rose commemorates the life of Gigi Thompson, Covenant member.

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.

Bradfield Café Volunteer

Greeter & Welcome Center Volunteer

Join our Children & Youth Ministries for a special musical during worship on May 19! Tune in to Faith News Network for this Heavenly news broadcast inside the Pearly Gates, hosted by Cameron Flowers and Summer Showers. They will interview some of your favorite Bible heroes along the way. See you on May 19! Note: there is only one service this Sunday, and going forward through the summer.

"Come on, children, to the Gospel Feast!" Children ages 4-11 are invited to this year's Vacation Bible Camp, hosted by Covenant Presbyterian Church and Bethany United Methodist Church. This year's theme is BREAD. Register below!

In August, we are planning another outing to American Players Theater. They will be putting on a production of "Ring Around the Moon." Spots are filling up fast, so sign up soon! We hope you can join us!