What's your job?
Greetings!

In worship this week, you’ll hear one of my favorite verses: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (NRSV)

I like reflecting on other translations, to help the words take deeper root. Here’s the same verse in other versions: 
  • The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. (GNB)
  • The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. (CEV)
  • Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. (NCV)

So it seems we all have a job to do, a job that benefits others. I met two people recently who have both found a job they seem meant to do, for the benefit of others. 
Michael Johnson is the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. He offered the sermon here at Covenant four years ago, and he continues to be a passionate and productive advocate for children in Madison.

I invited him to Covenant for an interview, part of which will be in the sermon this week. He talked about the new trade school, leadership, family life, and work of the club.
He just started a doctoral program at Harvard Business School, and he shared about a non-profit leader from Kenya. He also reflected with gratitude for connections he made with Covenant people 4 years ago. Click on the photo to watch. Below is info about walking, running, or biking to support the BGC.
Shon Barnes is the new chief of police here in Madison. He spoke at our Rotary meeting this week, sharing his personal background as a veteran and as the son of a small business owner, along with his hopes for Madison.

I was very impressed, as he clearly seems well fit for the job.

Inspired by his vision of neighborhood policing, I put in a request at the Midtown Police Station to do a ride-along. Stay tuned.
Our world is a better place when people use their skills and gifts and experience for the common good. The same is true for the church. The same is true for us.

So what's your job? What can you do for the common good?

In Jesus Christ, God calls us to “fish for people”—to serve the kingdom, to love our neighbors, to make a difference for the common good. We are called to serve the people in our lives.
Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
--Mark 1.14-18
OK, you’ve read this far, so don’t stop. Take a deep breath right now. Think about something you can do in the next 24 hours to make this world a better place, to bring a smile to someone’s face.

Ask God for the strength and courage and humility to do so. And then try it again tomorrow. If you need inspiration, look again at 1 Corinthians 12 in whatever translation you like!

I get inspired to do things like this when I’m around the other good people of Covenant. I really am glad to be together on the journey with you all.

Grace and peace,
Charlie
The sanctuary is open for Sunday worship!
We are no longer asking people to sign up for Sunday worship, but please continue to keep your distance from each other and keep your masks on. Thank you!

NOTE FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 27: The 9:00 service on each 4th Sunday of the month will be held in the parking lot, weather permitting. (We are watching the forecast and realize we might have to move inside.) Please bring a chair if you can, although chairs will be provided. The 10:30 service will be held in the sanctuary.

Online worship videos will continue to be offered. Read our guidelines for in-person worship HERE. A Family Worship Bag will be available for families with children aged 3 years to 5th grade.
Presbywheelians Ride Again on July 17th!
+ Pre-ride 50-mile walk on July 10

Members of Covenant Presbyterian, Pres House, and other Presbyterian denominations have been putting together teams for Bike 4 Boys & Girls Club since 2012. In total we have raised $72,441 for the charity. We will be fielding another team for the ride at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg on July 17th.
 
The Boys & Girls Club is active in our community and making a difference every day. Our local chapter does a lot beyond the great work of providing after-school activities. In 2021 and beyond, BGC is developing a Skilled Trades Training Center to mitigate the opportunity gap and provide long term skills training for youth. Our offering supports a brighter future for youth in our community.
 
Runners and walkers also welcome!
There are many options for participating in this event. You can register for an 8-mile, 20-mile, or 50-mile bike ride, or for a 2-mile walk/run or a 5-mile run. Register HERE (classy.org/team/354312 ) and make sure you're joining the Presbywheelians team.
 
Not comfortable with large groups just yet? Pastor Jeff will lead a smaller group that same day on a more socially-distanced ride or walk through the UW Arboretum. Contact Jeff for more details. (jfoxkline@covenantmadison.org)
 
Feeling MORE adventurous?
To raise awareness for the ride, as well as for issues of racial justice in Madison, there will be a pre-event 50 mile walk on Saturday, July 10th. The walk will start and end at the Sun Prairie club and touch every Boys & Girls Club property in Dane County. Steve Whayland and Eric Girard will be representing the Presbywheelians and Covenant Presbyterian on the walk. Others are welcome to join for all or part of the walk. Contact Steve Whayland (swhayland@tds.net) or Eric Girard (ericdavidgirard@gmail.com) for more information.

Please consider joining the team or supporting a virtual rider. Visit the website or email Eric Girard or Pastor Jeff with questions. You can also search @presbywheelians on Facebook.
School Supplies Needed for
Glenn Stephens School
Help us gather school supplies for our partner school, Glenn Stephens! Donations can be placed in the wagon in the narthex gathering space. The Children’s Ministries Team is sponsoring this outreach project. Thank you!
Summer Sunday Scripture Study (SSSS)

Beginning July 11, meet with Covenant friends from 9:30-10:15 on Sundays for an informal, free-flowing conversation about the Bible text for the day’s sermon. We’ll meet in Bradfield Hall to read the text, share our thoughts, and ask questions….as the Spirit leads!

Masks are suggested even for those who are vaccinated, and BYO coffee. The class will run through August. Scripture comes alive when we read it and share our thoughts together!
Worship for Sunday, June 27

  • 5th Sunday after Pentecost
  • Pastor Charlie Berthoud preaching on 1 Cor. 12, "We Are Better Together"
  • Children's Time with Nick & Brooke Von Bergen
  • Follow our blog to read Pastor Jeff's weekly reflections.

We will premiere the worship service on Facebook at 9:00 am on Sunday.

The Great Unveiling Work Day
POSTPONED (due to inclement weather)

There's a whole lot of shrubs shrouding the view of our church from Mineral Point Road. From 8:00 am until Noon, Saturday, July 10, we are planning a work day at the church to work on removing those shrubs! We are calling this "the great unveiling" because we want our church to be seen in all of its glory.

Anyone able to provide a trailer or chainsaw, they would be much appreciated! Please come on out to help, and contact Rosemary Jones if you have any questions!

Note: The accompanying picture does not show the shrouding shrubs, but another major project we tackled!