1. Art and Diseño

Caravan
The
February 2015
Events & Highlights
Sunday, February 1
• Heifer International Mini-Market
between services
Sunday, February 8
• Annual Meeting,10:00am
Sunday, February 15
• New series of Adult Education classes begins
Ash Wednesday, February 18
• Wednesday Lenten Supper Series Begins
Supper at 5:30pm, Worship at 6:15pm
Growing Together
Lent begins February 18, on Ash Wednesday, and I hope that it is a season
of renewal and growth for our church.
On Wednesday evenings, we’ll be gathering for dinner at 5:30pm and worship at 6:15pm. The worship will focus on “Praying The Psalms” with different speakers each week, reflecting on various psalms. In the worship,
we’ll have time for silence and for prayer. The food and fellowship are
always good, and gathering for worship nourishes our souls.
On Sundays, we will be reflecting on the “I Am” statements of Jesus, to help
us get to know God better, and to help us get to know ourselves and our calling
better. See page 10 for a listing of the worship and adult education themes.
A study book will be available for $5.00, and The Upper Room devotional
will also help us ponder these statements of Jesus.
Look for more info on this series at church and on our website. I’m excited
about what we can learn and how we can grow.
Warmly, in Christ,
Charlie
“Getting to know God means getting to know ourselves. The more we know who God is the more we
know who we are.” Rob Fuquay
1st Sunday of Lent, February 22
• Trash & Treasure Donations Begin
• Mid-Winter Potluck, Noon
Sunday Schedule
Bradfield Cafe................8:30am-11:00am
New Day ContemporaryWorship.......9:00am
Sunday School..............10:00am-10:50am
Adult Education............10:00am-10:50am
TraditionalWorship....................11:00am
Nursery care is provided for children under three years.
In This Issue
At A Glance.......................................2
Worship........................................3-4
Church News..................................5-6
Small Groups.....................................7
Adult Ministries..............................8-10
Youth Ministries................................11
Children’s Ministries...........................12
Health &Wellness..............................13
Mission..........................................14
February Calendar.............................15
At a Glance...................................................................................2
2015 Session Members:
Christopher Barden, Judy Brannstrom,
Kurt Brink, Marie Crist, Anne Gustafson,
Ann Hutchison, Barbara McCall, Marge
Resan, Bob Roden, Mary-Beth Rolland, Jim
Ruhly, Jim Spilburg, John Strikwerda, Chris
Verhaeghe, Eric Wendorff; Laurie Jones,
Clerk of Session
2015 Deacons:
Pat Aune, Kris & Tom Bauer, Donna & George
Beestman, Bob Cole, Linda & John Daly, Barb
Eikenberry, Gina Fritz, Gretchen Girard, Nancy
Gunder, Susan Hanauer, Raleigh Jones, Ken
Joosse, Susan Kau, Karen Knetter, Susan Larson,
Faith Windsor-Leonard, Alicia Mundy, Noel
Pearson, Jim Peterman, Joan Petersen, Barb
Rewey, Carol Ruhly, Rick Salt, Kathy Schlimgen,
Jean Spilburg, Chris Taber, Lynn Vande Sande
Covenant Staff:
The Rev. Dr. Charles Berthoud, Pastor/Head of [email protected]
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Nylund Salt, Parish [email protected]
The Rev. Nancy Enderle, Parish [email protected]
Melissa Hinz, Music Coordinator/Adult Choir [email protected]
Mary Kieta, Office Administrator...................................mkieta@covenantmadison.org
Molly H. MacVenn, Communications [email protected]
Douglas McNeel, Organist..............................................dmcneel@covenantmadison.org
Donna Monson, Children’s Ministries [email protected]
Molly Peterson, Children’s Music [email protected]
Steve Royalton,Youth Ministries [email protected]
Stephen E.Webster,Admin.Asst./Financial [email protected]
BenWelch, ContemporaryWorship Music [email protected]
Dave Johnson & Jim Williams, Custodians
Mission Statement
Claimed and humbled by God’s grace, we
are disciples journeying in covenant with
God and one another. Our disciple-forming
community is called to worship and pray
together; to cultivate deep and nurturing reciprocal relationships; to minister
faithfully in our daily lives; and to warmly
welcome all into our fellowship as we seek
a Christ-centered life. We cannot journey
alone; we need one another. Together,
with hearts, minds, and arms wide open,
we reach out to others in love.
Church Office
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: (608)233-6297
Fax: (608)233-6489
326 South Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53705
www.covenantmadison.org
Questions? [email protected]
Newsletter Deadline
March 2015 Issue:
Due on Sunday, February 15, 2015
Caravan articles can be e-mailed to Molly,
[email protected]
or dropped off in the church office.
Covenant Prayers (Parish numbers indicated next to the name of each member)
Covenant members: Jean Steffen
(8), Ginger McIntosh (20), Linda
Dolan (9), Dee Fussell (6) Phil Stark
(9), Rod Anderson (4), Jacquie Ross
(4), Bill and Joy West (11).
Covenant friends and extended
family: David Bjorn, uncle of Marit
Sathrum (20); Jonathan Howe, brother of Melissa Schmidt (24); the Ryan
family, friends of the Girards (21);
Pat Wall, friend of the Poland and
Enderle families (22); Brodie Clark,
grandson of Covenant friends Terry
& Jan Hoffman; Gary and Shirley
Frank, friends of Helen and Ernie
Madsen (15); Kate Sheehan, grandniece of Kris and Tom Bauer (7); the
Kroll family, friends of Nancy and
Peter Gunder (2); Floyd Piper, uncle
of Janice Walden (12); Rich Nilles,
nephew of Sue Munson (22); Steven
Fox, son of Laurie Fox (18); Jackie
Von Bergen Whitley, daughter of
Mick and Judy Von Bergen (7); Lynn
Kepper, sister of Bob Graebner (10);
Liza Gabrek, friend of Tom and Kris
Bauer (7), Arvilla Wendorff, mother
of Eric Wendorff (5); Linda Holmes,
cousin of Kathy Wendorff (5); Jennifer Hancock Murray, niece of Rick
and Sandy Nuernberg (11).
Your continuing prayers are appreciated for Tom Arbogast (21), Jorge
Asencion, Covenant friend; Miriam
Cerveny (16), Steve Coons (5), Jane
Holveck (21), Stretch Jaeger (6),
Elaine Leight (1), Phil Lewis (14),
Lila Lightfoot (14), Dorothy Logan
(14), Esther McIntosh (20), Mike
Morgan (6), Kit Nordeen (21), Jean
Schaeffer (7), Sally and Ben Washburn (14); Jim and Donna Lewallen,
friends of Kate Sebastian (24); Tom
McCampbell, friend of the Swartz
family (24); Klaus Jugenheimer, father of Jacky Jugenheimer (19); The
Rev. Eric Miller, missionary and
Covenant friend serving in Kenya;
Craig Schuff and family, friends of
Nan & Bob Schaefer (19); Gary Van
Ess and John Van Ess, brothers of
Vicki Alexander (8).
Worship...................................................................................3
February Worship Schedule
Communion Sunday (Ecumenical),February 1
9:00am New Day Contemporary Worship
with New Day Ensemble
11:00am Traditional Worship with Chancel Choir
Sermon: “What Has Gotten Into You?”
Charlie Berthoud preaching on Mark 1:21-28
Sunday, February 8
9:00am New Day Contemporary Worship
with New Day Ensemble & Melodic Angels
11:00am Traditional Worship with Chancel Choir,
Middle School Hand Bells & Celebration Choir
Sermon: “Taking A Time Out”
Jessica Salt preaching on Mark 1:29-39 & Isaiah 40:21-31
Transfiguration Sunday, February 15
9:00am New Day Contemporary Worship
with New Day Ensemble
11:00am Traditional Worship with Chancel Choir
Charlie Berthoud preaching on Mark 9:2-9
Ash Wednesday, February 18 at 6:15pm
“Praying the Psalms: Psalm 51
Reflection by Charlie Berthoud
Imposition of Ashes
(Supper will precede worship at 5:30pm)
First Sunday of Lent, February 22
9:00am New Day Contemporary Worship
with Exodus Band
11:00am Traditional Worship with Chancel Choir
Sermon: “Knowing God”
Charlie Berthoud preaching on Exodus 3:1-14
Worship...................................................................................4
Lenten Fellowship & Worship: Praying The Psalms
Mid-week Lenten fellowship and worship starts on Ash
Wednesday, February 18, and continues on successive
Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, March 11, March
18 and March 25. Worship will also be held on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday evenings.
The theme of this year’s midweek Lenten worship is,
“Praying the Psalms.” Charlie Berthoud, Bette Duff,
Donald McCall, Bill King, Sandy Nuernberg and Scott
Anderson will focus our meditation on a different Psalm
each week.
Suppers will include the ever popular Sue Wood’s soups,
Peter Hughes’ chili, and the Soul Sisters’ lasagna.
Lenten devotionals will be available for adults, middle
school and elementary children on the Coming Events
bulletin board in the narthex, outside the lounge.
DateSpeaker
Psalm
February 18 Rev. Dr. Charlie Berthoud Psalm 51
February 25 Rev. Bette Duff
Psalm 102
March 4
Rev. Dr. Donald McCall
Psalm 145
March 11
Rev. Bill King
Psalm 130
March 18
Rev. Sandy Nuernberg
Psalm 32
March 25
Rev. Scott Anderson
Psalm 133
Supper begins at 5:30pm,
Worship is from 6:15pm-7:00pm
Cost: Adults $5.00, Kids eat FREE
Please sign-up on the Coming Events Bulletin Board.
Church News............................................................................5
Session Update:
At their meeting on January 27th, Covenant’s Session
• Elected church officers for 2015; Sally Lorenz
will serve as President of the Corporation, Gordon
Enderle as Church Treasurer, and Laurie Jones as
Clerk of Session.
• Reviewed plans for Covenant’s annual meeting to
be held on Sunday, February 8th.
• Noted that public access to Covenant’s Wi-Fi network has been temporarily discontinued. Service
will resume after an upgrade to the system is completed in the early spring.
• Approved the Gifts, Memorials and Bequests Committee’s allocation of the recent Smythe-Baxter Bequest to Covenant. This generous bequest will be
allocated in compliance with Covenant’s GMB protocol, and with the endorsement of Marion’s family, to the Building Maintenance Fund, Children’s
Ministries at Covenant, Haiti Nursing Scholarships
through Medical Benevolence Foundation, and the
Covenant Endowment fund.
Annual Meeting: Sunday, February 8
The meeting will convene on Sunday, February 8th at
10:00am in the sanctuary.
The agenda will include:
• Receipt of the 2014 Annual Report
• Presentation of the 2015 Budget
• Election of five members at-large to the
2015 Nominating Committee
With respect for Covenant’s commitment to environmentalism, the Annual Report will be posted on Covenant’s website. For those who do not have access, a
limited number of copies will be available for review.
Thank You
Thank you to Joe Hanauer and his landscape company
for the wonderful Christmas lights outside our main
entrance in December and early January!
Need Help? Call The Care Team
Finding it difficult caring for a spouse, parent, friend or
other relative? Remember, asking for help is not a sign of
weakness, but a sign of strength and wisdom. The women
and men of our 16-member, trained Care Team can provide visitation, respite care, or other assistance. To learn
more call team leader, Mary Zoroufy at 608-277-8190.
February Birthdays
Happy birthday wishes to these Covenant folks on their
special day!
1st – 2nd -
3rd -
4th -
5th -
6th - 7th- 9th -
10th -
11th -
12th -
13th -
15th - 16th - Michael Hoesly
Corinne Hollar
Dave Athas
Peggy Bugg
Audrey Hindman
Dorothy Weigle
Dan Danahy
Patricia Herrling
Kathy Wendorff
Gretchen Bauer
Estella Peterson
Elaine Leight
Lisa Davis
Bob Roden
Nathan Sorensen
Barb Danahy
Jim Peterman
Danielle Durand
Melissa Schmidt
Lesley Galway
Ruth Hutchison
Andrew Qastin
Jan Schuster
Ellen Sperling
Joy West
Bill West
Fran Erney
Dave Griffith
Ellen Houston
Gwen Long
Chuck Mueller
Danealle Parchment
17th - Rick Nuernberg
18th - Emily Lanphear
Beth Sanders
Brook Temme
20th - Lauren Kures
21st - Laurie Jones
22nd - Muriel Curry
Jim Goetz
Donna Jean Phenix
23rd - Valencia BennettParchment
Greta Larget
Jacob Larget
Heidi Schalch
Tom Schuster
24th - Davis Hardy
Bob Pearson
Floyd Stautz
25th - Jessica Salt
26th – Mary Mueller
Mary Zoroufy
27th - Matthew Gilles
Pauline Sparks
28th - Jaime Goetz
Ken Joosse
Virgil Landry
Melissa Olmsted
29th - Kyla Harry
If we missed your birthday, we apologize! Please
contact the church office and we’ll add yours for next
year. Thank you for your understanding.
Directories & Offering Envelopes Available in the Narthex
Both the pictorial directories and the “usual directory
style” for 2015 are available for pick-up at tables in the
narthex. For those who had a picture taken for the photo
directory you’ll find your copy in an envelope labeled
with your household’s name. If you did not have your
picture taken, but would like a photo directory, there are
extra copies available in the church office.
Church News............................................................................6
Projection System Team Help Needed
We are in need of people to join the “Projection System Team”
(PST). This group serves on Sunday mornings to operate the projection system during worship at 9:00am and 11:00am.
What is expected of me?
The projectionist must arrive 15 minutes prior to worship to get
the computer and projector set-up. No need to know how to create presentations or learn Microsoft PowerPoint. The presentation
is already loaded on the computer prior to your arrival. All that is
required of you is that you have basic computer knowledge in a PC
environment. Step-by-step directions are always close at hand and
you will receive training before you’re ready to fly solo.
Who can sign up for this opportunity?
Young adults, parents of young children, empty nesters, and others
that wish to serve.
Contact Steve Royalton at [email protected] or 608233-6297 x24 to sign up or more information.
Mid-Winter Potluck
Sunday, February 22nd
Dust off your Crockpots and share your
favorite casserole, salad or dessert with
Covenant friends on Sunday, February
22nd. We will gather in Bradfield Hall
immediately following the 11:00am
worship service. Child-friendly foods
and beverages will be provided. Enjoy
delicious food and warm fellowship.
Everyone is welcome!
Joys, Cares & Concerns
Thoughts and prayers are with Betsy Wilson
and family on the recent death of her father,
Roger Moon.
Congratulations to member Kathy Mohs and
Omar Lopez on the birth of a son, Micah
Mohs Lopez. Congratulations, too, to Micah’s maternal grandparents, Covenant members Jan & Bruce Mohs.
“Wishing to express my thanks to Covenant
members for prayers and support his past
year, regarding health issues. To date, broken bones continue to heal and I am involved
in a knee surgery recovery program.”
- Ellen Sperling
Small Groups...................................................................................7
Women’s Groups:
Mindfulness Meditation Practice Group
Meets Sundays from 10:00 to 10:50am in the Genesis Room. Members and friends interested in practicing mindfulness meditation in a small group are invited to participate. Facilitators: Nola Walker and Betsy Erickson
Covenant’s Prayer Group
Meets Wednesdays from 11:00am to 11:45am in Covenant’s Lounge.
Do you wonder who prays for all the people on the Covenant prayer list? Do you like to pray for others? Would
you appreciate praying with a small group? Are you looking to grow your faith? Then, come to Covenant’s new
prayer small group. Everyone is welcome. Contact Joann Pivotto at [email protected] or 608-833-6422
if you have any questions.
Soul Sisters February Meeting
Soul Sisters will meet on Sunday, February 8 at 7:00pm at the home of Nan Schaefer, 418 Mineau Parkway,
Madison. Sandy Nuernberg will lead the discussion on the theme, “Sharing Inspirations received from the 3 C’s:
Compassion, Contemplation, along with Complication!” All Covenant women who are interested in sharing fellowship and discussion are welcome to participate in this group. Please RSVP to Nan at [email protected]
or 608-233-3778 if you plan to attend.
Eat, Pray, Laugh! Winter Gathering
The Covenant ladies meet quarterly in the comfort of our homes to promote deepening spiritual friendships with
one another over dinner, finishing in time to return home to tuck the kids in, help with homework, and get ready
for work. Our next gathering will be Sunday, February 8th, 4:00-6:30pm, at Jenn Sauer’s home (6102 Quetico
Drive, Madison). Please bring a seasonal dish to share. Kindly RSVP to Jenn Sauer by February 1st ([email protected]; 608-233-2459). All Covenant ladies and their friends are invited. If you need further
information about the group or would like to host a gathering, please contact Group Coordinator, Heather Potter
([email protected]).
Covenant Women’s Friday Book Club
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 9:30am to 11:00am. Current discussion is of Anne Lamott’s
new book, Small Victories, Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace. This collection of new and selected pieces
“offers a message of hope that celebrates the triumph of light over the darkness in our lives.” Newcomers are
always welcome! We’ll gather in Covenant’s library at 9:15am with discussion beginning at 9:30am. For more
information, or to add your name to our e-mail list, contact Ann Athas at [email protected].
Men’s Groups:
Tuesday Noon Men’s Group
Meets Tuesdays, Noon-1:00pm in the Lounge
All men are welcome to attend this time of fellowship and study. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish. Coffee will
be provided. E-mail Jim Spilburg with any questions or call 608-845-2111.
Thursday Morning Men’s Group
Meets Thursdays, 7:30am in the Lounge
Join us for coffee and conversation. Contact John Strikwerda with any questions.
Adult Education.......................................................................8
Barbara McCall, Elder & Chair
Illuminating the Word:
The Saint John’s Bible
Caring for Someone Who Has
Alzheimer’s Disease
On February 8th, join Friedemarie Farrar, Covenant
member and museum docent, for a guided tour of the
Saint John’s Bible, a handwritten and illuminated bible
commissioned by the monks of the St. John’s Abbey in
Collegeville, Minnesota. Celebrated calligrapher Donald Jackson and a team of scribes and illuminators completed the bible over a fifteen-year period employing
techniques and materials that countless scribes before
them used prior to the invention of the printing press.
Are you a caregiver for a family member or a friend who has
Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia? Or, are you simply
interested in learning how to better communicate with someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia?
Exhibition in the Chazen Museum of Art
Sunday, February 8 at 1:30pm
The St. John’s Bible is the first handwritten bible that interprets and illustrates scripture from a contemporary perspective, reflecting a multicultural world and humanity’s
enormous strides in science, technology, and space travel.
In the Benedictine tradition of inclusion, The St. John’s
Bible incorporates elements from the world religions,
including Judaism and Islam, as well as influences from
the Native American cultures in the Minnesota area. It
also documents Minnesota as the birthplace of the St.
John’s Bible through illustrations of flora and fauna indigenous to the region.
The Wired Word
Sunday, February 15
10:00am to 10:50am in South Bradfield
Facilitators: Rosemary Jones & Barbara McCall
Life comes at us so fast that it is often difficult to thoughtfully respond. Take time to pause with us to consider
two news articles in light of our shared faith.
On February 15th at 10:00am, Rosemary Jones and Barbara McCall will lead a discussion on two recent events:
“Site of Jesus’ Trial Found” and “Drunken Bishop Kills
Cyclist in Hit-and-Run Collision.”
This is a new program for our church. It is produced by,
The Wired Word on a weekly basis. If there is interest,
we can present more of these discussions in the future.
Materials are available on-line at www.covenantmadison.org. Come, join the conversation!
Sundays, February 15 & 22
10:00 to 10:50am in Room C206
Facilitator: Susan Rutter, Alzheimer’s and
Dementia Specialist
The Covenant Care Team is sponsoring a two-part video
presentation. Each session will be one-hour. The first part,
Caring for Someone Who has Early to Mid Stage Alzheimer’s Disease, will be shown on Sunday, February 15th. The
second part, Caring for Someone Who has Mid to Late Stage
Alzheimer’s Disease, will be offered on Sunday, February
22nd. The thirty minute videos define the disease and its effects. They teach communication techniques that can bring
an improved quality of life to the person who has dementia
and to family and friends.
Susan Rutter, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Specialist from
Catholic Charities Aging Services, will introduce each video
and will be available to address your questions. Handouts
and resources will be available. Please join us.
Recently in an Adult Education Class that I was presenting for Advent, I asked a question that caused everyone in the class to pause and to think for a moment.
So I suggested that we break up into small groups and
discuss the question further among ourselves. Later every group reported insightful responses that caused us
all to think even more deeply about the matter. Profitable conversations continued even after class was over
and a flurry of e-mails the next day proved helpful to
many. That experience reminded me of St. Paul’s exhortation to the young church in Philippi, “Whatever
is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is
any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise
think about these things.” (4:8) It is that opportunity
to gather and to think together about our faith that the
Adult Education Committee is offering you a variety of
classes in February.
Barbara McCall,
Chair of Adult Education Committee
Adult Education.......................................................................9
Barbara McCall, Elder & Chair
Exploring Strategies for Effective,
Compassionate Parenting
Sundays, February 15, 22 and March 1, 8
From 10:00am to 10:50am in Room A111
Facilitator: Linda Nylund, M.S.
Retired Speech & Language Therapist
A 4-week class for parents, grandparents and teachers.
In these classes we will focus on claiming our strengths
as ‘parents’ by exploring the following topics:
Understanding children
• A discussion of typical behaviors characteristic of
normal developmental stages using the work of
Jean Illsley Clark.
• A discussion of temperament, using a model developed by Jean Illsley Clark and based on the work
of Helen Neville in her book, Temperament Tools,
Working with Your Child’s Inborn Traits.
Connecting with children
• An exploration of strategies that move a child from
reactivity to connectivity, and build the child’s brain
while deepening your relationship with the child.
Re-directing children
• An exploration of positive ways to re-direct misbehavior using Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline
strategies and Dan Siegel’s brain based strategies for
re-direction. The primary goal is to give many options
for working with children to teach children how to take
responsibility, learn from mistakes, solve problems,
cooperate, and succeed. What is true is that every child
is different, and no parenting approach or strategy will
work every time. Having a variety of strategies helps
parents to pick and choose and experiment to discover
what works best for each individual child.
Inquirers’ Class Scheduled for March
An Inquirers’ Class will be offered for those who
are interested in learning more about Covenant
and becoming a member. The 3-Sunday class
begins Sunday, March 1st at 10:00am and continues through March 15th. If you have questions,
please contact the church office at 608-233-6297
or [email protected].
PRACTICE GROUP:
Exploring Strategies for Effective,
Compassionate Parenting
Thursdays, Feb. 19, 26 & March 5, 12
6:30pm-8:30pm in Room A111
Facilitator: Linda Nylund
A follow-up “practice group” will meet on Thursday evenings following the Sunday morning presentations in order to implement parenting ideas
and strategies presented on Sundays. Participants
are encouraged to bring questions, engage in further dialogue and find support in one another as the
previous weeks topics are put into practice.
Advanced Care Planning:
Starting The Conversation
Co-sponsored by Covenant’s Health Cabinet
Sunday, March 1, 10:00-10:50am in Room C206
Facilitators: The Rev. Sandra J. Nuernberg &
The Rev. James Jaeger
What if a sudden illness or injury left you unable to
speak for yourself? Who would you want to speak for
you? What would you want them to know about your
values and wishes?
Advance care planning is a process that helps you:
• Think about your health care values and goals
• Consider health care choices you may have to make
in the future
• Talk about your choices with your doctor and your
loved ones
• Make a written plan for the future (advance directive)
Join The Rev. Sandra J. Nuernberg, PC(USA) and The
Rev. James Jaeger, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship,
in thought provoking conversation in helping to make
your wishes known to those you love. This class is presented in conjunction with Honoring Choices of the
WI Medical Society and the Association of Spiritual
CareGivers of Meriter Hospital. Learn the vocabulary,
reflect on your values, choose a health care agent, and
take the steps necessary with a facilitator in this class
in completing an advance care directive.
SundayTheme
Scripture
Facilitator
February 22
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
Exodus 3.1-14
John 6.27-59
John 7.2, 14; 8.12
John 10.1-10
John 15.1-8
John 14.1-7
Rev. Dr. Charlie Berthoud
Susan Wood
Rev. Bette Duff
Dr. Don Woolston
Rev. Sandy Nuernberg
Rev. William King
Introduction Knowing the Great “I Am”
I Am the Bread of Life – Knowing God’s Satisfaction
I Am the Light of the World – Knowing God’s Guidance
I Am the Good Shepherd – Knowing God’s Care
I Am the True Vine – Knowing God’s Power
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life – Knowing God’s Way
Be inspired!
Join the church-wide Bible
study on Exploring the “I
Am” statements of Jesus,
held during the 10:00am
education hour. This class
coordinates with the Lenten
sermon series based upon,
The God We Can Know by
Rob Fuquay. Study guides
are available for $5.00
each. Coffee will be available downstairs for classes
held in Room A101.
At Covenant we will have:
• Sunday Sermon Series
• Adult Education class
• Children’s activities in
Sunday School
• Upper Room Devotional
For additional information,
contact Barbara McCall,
[email protected].
The God We Can Know is a new churchwide series focusing on knowing God and,
more specifically, knowing God through Jesus. In many ways the Bible is a story of humanity’s attempt to know God. Sometimes
this effort is as obvious as the tower of Babel (Genesis 11.1-9). Other times the story
describes people working hard to avoid
God. Many passages in the Old Testament
describe people’s fear of what would happen if they saw God’s face. It’s as if we want
to know God, but then we’re not so sure.
The Bible also tells a story of God’s desire
to be known. The scriptures relate an unfolding drama of God’s never-ending desire
to come to us—of God’s revealing. The
highest expression of that desire is the gift
of God’s self in the person of Jesus.
John’s Gospel records a collection of selfrevealing statements by Jesus known as the
“I Am” sayings. These statements, rich in
imagery and steeped in historical meaning,
provide powerful insights into the heart
of God and God’s desire to know and be
known. This series explores those sayings
with a threefold aim:
First, to understand the images Jesus uses
to identify himself: bread, light, good shep-
herd, gate of the sheep, true vine, way of
life, resurrection, and life. Appreciating the
historical Jewish roots behind these images
opens up a myriad of possible meanings.
Second, to discover how those broad meanings connect with our lives today.
Taking these sayings to heart can bring us
into closer connection with Jesus. Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship.
A living relationship requires nurture and
attention. It is deepened with trust and respect. The “I Am” sayings of Jesus invite us
into that kind of abiding relationship.
Think of this series as a journey into the
world where Jesus spoke these sayings. Use
all of your senses, these images are meant
to be experienced. God is in these experiences. They tell us that God can be known.
This study is ideal for use during the season
of Lent, a time set apart for focusing on Jesus and knowing God better. But whether
exploring the book and video with your
entire congregation or simply reading the
book with your imagination in gear, we invite you on this journey not only to know
more about God but to know God yourself.
- excerpt from: The God We Can Know, Introduction
Youth Ministries........................................................................11
Steve Royalton,Youth Ministries Coordinator
Middle School Youth Connection
(MSYC)
High School Youth Connection
(HSYC)
MSYC Movie Night January 31
We will gather together right here at Covenant for
an evening flick on Saturday, January 31, from 6:308:45pm. We will have a couple of movies from which
the youth will choose. The rating will be either “G” or
“PG.” The movie will be shown on the big screen in
our Senior High Room.
We will not be meeting on February 1st,
due to the movie night.
MYSC February 8 & 22
Join us on these two Sundays for lively group cooperative games, fun discussions, thoughtful devotions,
great adult leaders, and lots of cool youth! It’s not too
late to make this the first time a young person comes to
“MSYC” this year!
MSYC Retreat to Milwaukee
February 14-15
We will be hitting the highway on this weekend for
Milwaukee! We depart on the 14th at 1:30pm, and return on the 15th, by 11:28am. We will be seeing a National Geographic Society 3-D movie “Sea Monsters”
on the giant dome screen at the Milwaukee Public
Museum. After supper we’ll be ice skating on the indoor Olympic oval of the Pettit National Ice Center.
Overnight accommodations will be courtesy of Youth
Ministry Coordinator Steve Royalton’s former church.
After an early morning worship, we’ll grab breakfast
and head home. Cost for everything is $60. Sign up by
8:03pm, on Wednesday, February 11.
[email protected]
We will not be having High School Youth
Connection the evening of February 1st.
High School Summer Trip Meeting Feb. 8
There will be a meeting on this night from 6:308:15pm, for all of the high school youth traveling to
the Boundary Waters and the mission field of Lexington this summer. Parents are also required to attend!
We will be covering some of the basics of the trips
and go into detail on the big “Trash & Treasure Sale”
coming up.
HSYC February 15 & 22
We will be gathering on these evenings for cooperative group activities, lively discussion, and a time of
devotions. Our program is open to all youth in grades
9-12, members and non-members alike. Join us from
6:30-8:30pm!
Children’s Ministries...................................................................12
Donna Monson, Children’s Ministries Coordinator
[email protected]
Heifer International Fundraising at
Covenant Presbyterian Church!
What is Heifer International?
Heifer International (HPI) is a non-profit organization that
works to alleviate world hunger and poverty. HPI helps
impoverished families become self-reliant by providing
food and income-producing animals (such as cows, sheep,
pigs, rabbits, chicks, fish, and llamas) and training the
families in how to care for the animals. Families “pass on
the gift” by giving one or more of their animal’s offspring
to another family in need.
• SAVE YOUR COINS for the February 1 Heifer
Mini-Market Sunday School banks!
• $2,500 goal to be given to Heifer in Honduras
Children’s Choirs Rehearsal Schedule
Date
February 1
February 8
February 15
February 22
Melodic Angels Choir for 4K-2nd Grade
Rehearsal from 9:40 to 10:00 a.m.
Sing at 9 am New Day Worship Service
Rehearsal from 9:40 to 10:00 a.m.
Rehearsal from 9:40 to 10:00 a.m.
Celebration Choir for 3rd-8th Grade
Rehearsal from 10:50 to 11:20 a.m.
Sing at 11am Traditional Worship Service
Rehearsal from 10:50 to 11:20 a.m.
Rehearsal from 10:50 to 11:20 a.m.
Children can join the choirs at any time in the year! Stop by the Children’s Choir Room in B103 and talk
to Director, Molly Peterson ([email protected]) to sign your child up.
Vacation Bible School Musical
June 15-19 from 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Lenten Activities for Children & Families
1. Lenten Devotionals for preschool, elementary
children and middle school youth are available outside of Donna’s office. These are Do You See the
Savior: Devotionals, Rhymes, and Puzzles for Lent
and Led by Christ: Action begins in the Heart.
2. Lenten Supper Series: Join your church family
for Wednesday evening supper and worship beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18.
3. One Great Hour of Sharing Fish Banks will be
distributed on Sunday, March 8 and collected on
Palm Sunday, March 29.
• Children will present the musical in worship on
Sunday, June 21 at 9:30am during worship
• Watch for more information in the Sunday bulletins
Grab Bags for Children & Parents
Have you ever wondered what to say to your child
when major life changes happen in your family - the
death of a pet or grandparent, divorce, moving, the birth
of a sibling, or a grandparent with memory loss? The
Children’s Ministries Committee has put together Grab
Bags with books for families about major life changes.
Check out the Grab Bags which are in the church library. Thank you to the Children’s Ministries Committee for their work on putting these bags together.
Health Cabinet.........................................................................13
John Strikwerda, Elder & Health Cabinet Chair
“...Peace be with you.”
Psalm 122:8
Chair Yoga
Flow/Vinyasa Yoga
Chair yoga promotes strength, flexibility and balance
and is for all ages. “It, too, is a healthy work out,”
instructor Gary Spann explains, “a chair is simply used
to assist with balance.”
You will need to wear comfortable clothes and bring
a towel or mat to class. Each yoga session focuses on
vinyasa or flow style of yoga, where breathing and
meditation are incorporated to stretch and stengthen the
body in a relaxing manner.
Wednesdays at 4:00pm
Wednesdays at 5:00pm
Give either class a try with a FREE first visit!
Moment from the Health Cabinet
• Teen dating violence encompasses emotional, verbal, or psychological abuse; physical abuse; or sexual abuse
between two people in a dating relationship. This definition includes stalking, and it occurs in person or
electronically between current or former partners. Youth of any gender, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation,
religion or economic background are victims or perpetrators of adolescent relationship abuse.
• Initial results of a 2013 survey conducted in young people 12 to 18 years of age in dating relationships suggested that 60% of boys and girls reported being a victim and/or engaging in some form of relationship abuse.
• Approximately 60% engaged in and/or were victims of psychological abuse while nearly 20% experienced
physical or sexual abuse within a relationship.
• Unhealthy relationships can result in poorer school performance; increased mental health effects including
anxiety, depression and suicide; risky health behaviors including tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse; and a pattern of violence that will influence future relationships.
• Resources for both teens and parents can be found at www.loveisrespect.org.
• 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Mission Committee....................................................................14
Bob Roden & Marge Resan, Elders & Co-Chairs
Planning On The Honduras Mission
Trip: June 17-26? Then you need to attend this Informational Meeting
on Sunday, February 1st at Noon in the Lounge
Do you want to spend ten days in June learning, serving and growing in this impoverished Central American country? If you have a spirit of adventure and can
handle latrines, mud, loud roosters and cozy sleeping
conditions, this might be the experience for you! After
some orientation in the capital, we’ll spend about five
days in a rural community helping with a construction
project, experiencing daily life and getting to know the
people. Our final two days will be at the Mayan ruins
of Copan. The cost will depend on several factors, but
may be about $1,000 per person. The group is limited
to 14 people, including about five teens. Contact Pastor
Charlie Berthoud soon ([email protected]
or 608-233-6297) if you are interested.
Meals-On-Wheels Volunteers
Needed for February
Covenant is responsible for delivering meals to Home
Health United’s Meals On Wheels (MOW) recipients
Sundays in February. We need lots of volunteers, as
we are responsible for delivery of meals on three Oakwood routes (6201 Mineral Point Road). Pick up is
at 11:00am at the Hebron Oaks Loading area. Delivery time takes a maximum of two hours, usually one
and a half hours. It is doable for one person, but more
fun with a friend or family members! A sign-up sheet
is posted on the Coming Events bulletin board located
in the main hallway. Please sign-up and you will be
contacted with more information by Covenant’s MOW
contact, Kathy Schlimgen ([email protected]).
We continue to support education and health mission work
in Guatemala, and we hope to have a trip there in the future.
Dane County United is Converting To An Affiliate of Milwaukee Common Ground
Dane County United (DCU) has been a local mission working for the public good in our area for the past 11 years.
With Covenant’s support, it helped achieve among others, the successful five-year old kindergarten program and
an increase in culturally relevant education programs in the Madison School District. For the past two years, DCU
was able to hire a full-time experienced organizer, Wendy Cooper, to work on building relationships, doing training, increasing the membership and support base and organizing the local portion of the “Do Not Stand Idly By”
reduction of gun violence campaign. (Under the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) model, working for the public
good can only be successful if the local organization can build broad support with community leaders and members
of various religious, cultural, educational organizations as well as with people of various political persuasions.)
Wendy did excellent training for many profit and nonprofit organizations in Madison and built many relationships
and good will, which will be helpful in future work toward resolving some of the difficult societal issues being
faced in Madison and the State. However, in late December 2014 the Steering Committee had to make a decision,
based upon funding and the advice of the national organization IAF, to become affiliated with Common Ground
(CG). CG is the large and very successful IAF organization in five counties of the Milwaukee area. For information on CG, see its website www.commongroundwi.org.
So DCU is taking a different form. It will exist and will have a new Steering Committee, but be a unit of CG starting
in 2015. Covenant will no longer be a dues paying member, but members of Covenant are welcome to participate.
The plan is for DCU to contract for part-time use of a new regional organizer hired by Common Ground to come
to Madison and organize people and members to work on issues of the public good, which people in Dane County
are interested in, and which may also have regional/statewide interest. The plan is to continue the “Do Not Stand
Idly By” reduction of gun violence campaign, on which some of Covenant’s members attended a local organizing
meeting last summer. This campaign, which has gained support in many large U.S. cities, and from several public
officials in Dane County, is a national and international effort of the IAF. If you would like additional information,
please contact Mission Committee member, Helen Madsen (608-233-1979).
Sunday
Heifer Int’l
Mini-Market
23
Noon
16
9
Noon
2
Women’s Group
Women’s Group
Monday
February 2015
1
Annual Meeting
8:30am-11:00am
Bradfield Cafe
9:00am
New Day Worship
10:15am Heifer Int’l Mini-Market
11:00am
Traditional Worship
Noon Honduras Mission Trip Meeting
8
8:30am-11:00am
Bradfield Cafe
9:00am
New Day Worship
10:00am
Annual Meeting
10:00am
Sunday School
11:00am
Traditional Worship
1:30pm
Chazen Museum Trip
4:00pm
Eat, Pray, Laugh Group
4:00pm
MSYC
6:30pm
HSYC
7:00pm
Soul Sisters
15
Caravan
Newsletter
Deadline
1st Sunday in Lent &
T&T Donations Begin
8:30am-9:00am
Bradfield Cafe
9:00am
New Day Worship
10:00am Sunday School & Adult Ed.
11:00am
Traditional Worship
6:30pm
HSYC
22
8:30am-9:00am
Bradfield Cafe
9:00am
New Day Worship
10:00am Sunday School & Adult Ed.
11:00am
Traditional Worship
Noon
Mid-Winter Potluck
4:00pm
MSYC
6:30pm
HSYC
* Bold indicates morning activities.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7
5
28
Exodus Band
Rehearsal
MSYC Retreat
Saturday
11:00am
21
1:30pm
6
4
3
Men’s Group
Alz. Group
Choir
7:30am
10:00am
7:00pm
Men’s Group
Worship Comm.
10:00am
Knitters
11:00am
Prayer Group
4:00pm
Chair Yoga
5:00pm
Yoga
6:30pm New Day Rehearsal
Noon
7:00pm
12
20
Book Club
14
11
7:30am
7:00pm
7:30am
Men’s Group
6:30pm Parenting Group
7:00pm
Choir
7:15pm Bldg. & Grnds. Comm.
Book Club
13
10
9:30am Adult Ed Comm.
11:00am
Prayer Group
4:00pm
Chair Yoga
4:30pm Cong. Life Comm.
5:00pm
Yoga
6:30pm New Day Rehearsal
7:00pm Health Cabinet
Prayer Group
Chair Yoga
Yoga
Lenten Supper
Worship
9:30am
Noon
Men’s Group
6:30pm Stewardship Comm.
7:00pm
Mission Comm.
18
27
Men’s Group
Choir
17
11:00am
4:00pm
5:00pm
5:30pm
6:15pm
26
19
Noon
Men’s Group
1:30pm
Care Team
5:30pm
Personnel
7:00pm
Deacons
7:00pm Exodus Rehearsal
25
9:30am
Ash Wednesday
24
7:30am
Men’s Group
6:30pm Parenting Group
7:00pm
Choir
Men’s Group
Session
11:00am
Prayer Group
4:00pm
Chair Yoga
5:00pm
Yoga
6:30pm New Day Rehearsal
Noon
7:00pm
The
Caravan
Covenant Presbyterian Church
326 S. Segoe Road
Madison, WI 53705-4987
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Madison, Wisconsin
Permit No. 1718
Start Thinking About “Trash & Treasure”
The Annual “Trash & Treasure Sale” is March 7, from
8:00 am-2:00pm, snow or shine. The sale is the big fundraising activity for our high school youth summer trips.
Starting on Sunday, February 22nd, we will be collecting
in-house donations of furniture, gently used clothing,
sporting goods, housewares, jewelry, books, DVD’s, artwork, hardware, small electronics and more. We do not
accept computers and old tube monitors, old tube TV’s,
baby cribs and car seats, or full-sized appliances. We will
be doing in-home pick-ups on Sunday, March 1, in the afternoon. Questions about a donation? Contact Youth Ministries Coordinator Steve Royalton. The youth will donate
10% of the net earnings from the sale to outside charities.
This event is a massive undertaking. It takes lots of hands
to make it go. Volunteers will be needed 9:00am-Noon,
Monday, March 2-Friday, March 6. We don’t work from
Noon-4:00pm. The youth and their parents typically work
the 4:00-9:00pm shift, but other adults are welcome to lend
a hand. Lots of help is needed for the actual sale on March
7. Details will be in the March issue of The Caravan.
Donations will NOT be accepted after March 4.
Schedule of Trash & Treasure drop-off times
Please take donations directly to Bradfield Hall
Sunday, Feb. 22: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Monday, Feb. 23: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday, Feb. 24: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday, Feb. 25: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday, Feb. 26: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Friday, Feb. 27: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday, Feb. 28: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, March 1: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Monday, March 2: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday, March 3: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday, March 4: 9:00am – 8:00pm