Think of four friends, or four neighbors, or four co-workers. It’s quite possible that one or more of you is experiencing mental illness. One in five adults in the US is. | |
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Here are some other statistics on mental illness, from the National Alliance for Mental Illness:
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
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You probably don’t need statistics to know that we have a mental health crisis in our country today. Some have called it another pandemic. Many of us have mental health issues ourselves and/or in our family. Probably most of us. Maybe all of us.
Mental illness varies among different groups of people, with especially high numbers in the LGBTQIA demographic.
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If you are struggling right now, please know that you’re not alone. You have many options:
- Mental health professionals
- The suicide hotline at 988
- Family and friends
- The good people of Covenant Presbyterian Church
October 1-7 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. I invite you to check out the resources and information from the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
On Saturday morning, I’m walking with a team of Covenant people to raise money and awareness for mental illness and NAMI. Our team page is HERE.
One big factor in mental health is loneliness. Part of the mental health crisis is the friendship crisis. Even before Covid, friendship was getting harder and harder.
In a passionate essay about friendship, David French writes about the time he wasn’t there for a friend, and about how men are especially lonely. Click on the image below to read the reflection called “Being There.”
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Jesus came to the world so that we might have abundant life (John 10:10). Jesus calls us to love one another (John 13:34). We need to take care of our physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health. And we need to help each other as well. | |
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On the journey together,
Charlie
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PS--ICYMI, Rev. Dr. William Yoo was at Covenant last Sunday to preach and teach about biblical justice and the history of racism in the Presbyterian Church. Click on the photo to watch his sermon (unfortunately we don't have a text version).
To watch his engaging Sunday School class, click here: "A History of the Gospel in Paradox in American Christianity." To see photos of him in his brand new Covenant t-shirt along with his visit to Madison, click here: William Yoo visit to Madison.
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Join us at the Badger Men’s Soccer game against the Michigan State Spartans! Entry to the game is FREE. We will meet in Parking Lot 60 at 5:30pm for the tailgate. Hot dogs will be provided! Bring your own beverages and a snack to share. This is a CONNECT event, a program of deacon-sponsored events that fosters connection between Covenant and the community. | |
NAMIWalks Dane County is a day of support, connection, inspiration, celebration and hope, to raise awareness and funds for mental health. It will be on October 7 from 10:30am-2:30pm at Olin-Turville Park. This year, Jane and Gary Bertram lead a team from Covenant and are available in the gathering space Sundays September 24, and October 1 with info on the event and how to sign up or support the Covenant team. For more info or to sign up, click HERE! | |
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In-Person and Livestream worship - 9:00AM & 11:00AM
- Preaching: Charlie Berthoud | Sermon: "Where is the Offering Plate?" | Text: 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 4:10
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Music 9AM: New Day Ensemble; Ben Welch, pianist
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Music 11AM: Covenant Handbell Choir (Melissa Hinz, director); Doug McNeel, organist
- Children's Time with Megan Berry
- Kaleidoscope Kids (during worship)
- Nursey Care: 8:45am-12:15PM
- Bradfield Café: 10:00-10:45AM
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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! | |
Children's & Youth Education | |
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Kaleidoscope Kids
during Sunday worship (9am only)
Sunday School & Children's Choir
10:00-10:50am
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Confirmation (9th/10th graders)
10:00-10:50am
Youth Connection
6:00-7:30pm
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Join us Sunday at 10:00am for the class “Generosity: Encouraging and Building Each Other Up” led by Generosity Committee members Ann Perry and Colleen Gullickson. The Generosity Committee will present information on the Generosity Campaign and take questions as well. | |
Want to learn more about Covenant and the possibility of membership? Come join the Inquirer’s Classes! Topics will include what it means to be a Christian, Covenant programs, and membership. Contact Pastor Charlie with questions. | |
Women of Covenant - you are invited to Soul Sisters today in room A111! Soul Sisters is a group of women who gather once a month for fellowship, interesting discussions and Bible study, always in loving support of each other. They meet the 2nd Sunday each month (Sept-May). Outings and weekend retreats are a possibility. For more info, contact Barb Eikenberry. | |
Last week on World Communion Sunday, we collected the PC(USA) Peace & Global Witness Offering - which enables the church to promote the peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice in our own communities and across the world. 25% of this offering will go to RIP Medical Debt, an organization that eliminates medical debt for those in need. So far, we have collected $965. You can still donate! Click on the graphic above. | |
Covenant members have been pen pals with the 5th grade classes at Glenn Stephens for a number of years. This year, there are 56 kiddos in two classrooms in need of a writing pal. We need 22 more people who enjoy connecting with children to join the fun. Please email Lori Conley at loricconley@hotmail.com if you are open to making a new friend! | |
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Sunday morning opportunities
We are in need of some help on Sunday mornings!
Bradfield Café Volunteer:
Click HERE to sign up!
Greeter & Welcome Center Volunteer:
Click HERE to sign up!
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New this week: Tom Hershberger, Covenant member; Dale Myrland, Covenant member.
This week's white rose commemorates the life of Jim Davis, Covenant member.
This week's red rose celebrates the birth of Quinn Madison Thordarson, daughter of Dustin and Ellen (Bugg) Thordarson and granddaughter of Chris and Peggy Bugg.
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.)
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Our October Spiritual Stroll will be held at Pope Farm Conservancy 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. | | | | |
