The trees finally blooming, this past weekend marked the return of the farmers’ market to the square, all the sailboats are on the lake again, and I’m plotting this year’s herb garden – it has me very grateful for creation and the rhythms of new life in spring. I wonder what the shift in weather means for you as well – where are you seeing resurrection in your yard, in your life, in your heart? | |
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This coming week is Earth Day, which gives us even more reason to celebrate and care for creation. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has an abundance of resources to help us think about Earth Day and Earth Care. This year, the Presbyterian Mission Agency has created a resource: Plastic Jesus – Real Faith in a Synthetic World. It’s full of helpful information and ways to reduce our unfortunate abundant use of plastics, stories, and action items. Read more here.
Below are a few other resources that might come in handy with Earth Day on the 22nd and as you practice creation care and justice in your life:
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We also hope you'll join us for Adult Ed this Sunday as we have Hedi Rudd from Rooted here at Covenant to teach us more about this organization and its mission of creating sustainable programs that serve the community and preserve creation.
Happy (almost) Earth Day!
Jess
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With sadness, we share the news that Ben Welch has submitted his resignation from his position as our Contemporary Music Coordinator at the end of April. His last Sunday with us will be April 28, 2024, and we’ll have a send-off celebration for Ben in Bradfield Hall after the 9 am service. We will miss Ben, but we are also excited and hopeful for him as he follows a new path after decades in music ministry. Ben affirms his love and respect for everyone at Covenant. Thank you, Ben, for the many loving and wonderful years of service! | | |
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In-Person and Livestream worship: 9:00AM & 11:00AM
- "Transformative Community" Sermon Series
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Guest Preacher: Rev. Phil Haslanger | "Love Overcomes Hate" | Text: Acts 9:1-22
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Music (9:00): New Day Ensemble (Ben Welch, leading)
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Music (11:00): Covenant Chancel Choir (Melissa Hinz, directing); Doug McNeel, organist
- Children's Time with Cindy Lovell
- Nursery Care: 8:45AM-12:15PM
- Kaleidoscope Kids: during 9:00AM worship
- 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!
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Guest Preacher - Rev. Phil Haslanger | |
Phil Haslanger has had careers in journalism and ministry. He worked for The Capital Times for 34 years and was ordained as a United Church of Christ minister in 2007. He retired (sort of) as pastor of Memorial UCC in 2017. In the last few years, he has been serving as a parish associate at Christ Presbyterian Church. He finished up there on April 7. In addition to his work at church, he serves on the boards of JustDane, Pres House, and the UW-Madison Center for Journalism Ethics. | |
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Phil has lived in Madison since 1969, when he came here from Marinette WI to attend UW-Madison. He earned a BA in sociology and an MA in journalism. During his transition to ministry, he earned an MA in theology from Lakeland University and served as a chaplain for six months at Meriter Hospital. He is married to Ellen Reuter, has four children and seven grandchildren. | |
We honor Earth Day (April 22) on Sunday by welcoming Hedi Rudd, co-executive director of Rooted, an urban agriculture nonprofit committed to collaborations rooted in food, land, and enabling people to grow and thrive in healthy, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods. Hedi will share Rooted’s initiatives, including community gardens, one of Madison’s oldest organic urban farms, and farm-to-school initiatives. For more information on Rooted, visit rootedwi.org. | |
Children & Youth Ministries | |
If you ordered subs for our summer youth trip fundraiser, you can pick them up THIS SUNDAY (April 21) beginning at 10AM. |
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There will be no regular YC gathering this Sunday because of the Youth Lock-In (April 20-21). | |
In August, we are planning another outing to American Players Theater! They will be putting on a production of "Ring Around the Moon." We hope you can join us! | |
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New this week:
Monica Mark, Covenant member
Caleb Sanders, Covenant member
Sherry Hershberger, Covenant member
Dianne Nachtigal, cousin of Rhonda Rohn
We celebrate the birth of Tom & Cindy Blewett's grandson and son of Erik & Angela Eliason!
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.
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Greeter & Welcome Center Volunteer | | |
Our April Spiritual Stroll will be held at the UW Arboretum! Meeting spot will be the McKay Center. These strolls are part of CONNECT, a program of deacon-sponsored events with the intention of fostering connection between Covenant and the community. We meet at a different greenspace on the 4th Sunday each month. | |
Wednesday, May 1, 12:00pm | |
Join us as we enjoy a time of good food and warm fellowship! Cook something at home or pick up something at your favorite grocery store or restaurant to share. Beverages, plates, and utensils will be provided. Our guest speaker will be Peggy Bugg, who will be sharing her experience on the El Camino pilgrimage. Bring a friend! These potlucks take place on the 1st Wednesday of the month. | |
It’s (probably) Spring and the native plants in front of church are already coming up! Unfortunately, so are the weeds… Anyone willing to come help clean up a bit 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. | |
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. | | | | |
