NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021  This Sunday is the 13th Sunday of Kingdomtide.  In the assigned gospel text from Mark 13, Jesus is predicting the destruction of the temple which was the center of religious life.  Jesus’ words take on an ominous tone.  While the outcome seems clear, Jesus...

NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2021 Today is the twelfth Sunday of Kingdomtide.  The assigned lectionary gospel text for this Sunday is the very familiar one of “The Widow’s Mite.”  It coincides well with the 2021 Covenant and UCC Stewardship logo and theme, “Rooted in Love.” In the assigned 7...

NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021  This Sunday is the Ninth Sunday of Kingdomtide.  Covenant will also hold our Annual Congregational Meeting at 2 PM by Zoom that afternoon.           Reading the assigned gospel text and reflecting on the privilege and responsibilities we have as members of Covenant,...

NOTE FROM PASTOR JR FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021  This Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide.  The assigned gospel text from Mark 9, and other readings this week challenged my thinking and definitions of inclusion and hospitality. In Rev. Michael Piazza’s Tuesday’s Liberating Word, he shared from Bishop Yvette Flunder’s book “Where the...

NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2021  This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide. It is also the 21st Anniversary of my becoming Covenant’s Pastor. I’m grateful for the blessing it has been for me to serve as Covenant’s pastor these years. I believe and trust that...

NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021  This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide.  The assigned scriptures for this week come from a time when Jesus was living among humanity.  As He travels about, people are getting to hearing Him teach and see Jesus in action with others.  Most are...

NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2021 This Sunday is the Second Sunday IN Lent. It is also the last Sunday of Black History Month. The assigned Hebrew text Genesis 17 reveals a message to an old couple that tis hard to believe; while in the assigned...

NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 Today is the First Sunday “IN Lent.” Counting the days between Ash Wednesday and Easter you will discover there are 46 days, not 40. That’s because Sundays are considered Feast Days and not part “OF” Lent. Thus, the Sundays IN...

NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 This Sunday is “Transfiguration Sunday.” It’s the last Sunday of observing the Sundays after the Epiphany of Our Lord. This Sunday is also Valentine’s Day. It marks the celebration of Valentinus of Rome. We call him today St. Valentine. Valentinus...

NOTE FROM PASTOR JR FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 This Sunday is the 5th Sunday After the Epiphany. It is also the first Sunday of Black History Month in America. And it is the First Sunday in the month in which Covenant celebrates its 40th Anniversary of being “An inclusive...