Outreach & Mission
Covenant Presbyterian Church children and families are involved in outreach and mission opportunities. Some are listed below.
Heifer International fundraising has been a part of Children's Ministry at Covenant since 1993 and is always a highlight for Covenant children and youth. The children and youth learn about world hunger and Heifer International's mission to alleviate it by providing needy families food and income-producing animals (such as cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chicks, llamas and goats) and training. Each February, preschool and elementary Sunday School classes are assigned a Heifer animal to study, while the middle schoolers study world hunger. The culminating event is the popular intergenerational Sunday morning Heifer Mini-Market when children and youth dress in animal costumes and creatively display all they have learned about their animals and world hunger. Covenant children have collected over $5,000 for Heifer International to purchase a Gift Ark for two years in a row.
Project Linus Blanket Making Day is an intergenerational event which happens in November when congregation members of all ages gather to make no-sew fleece blankets. Project Linus is a national organization which provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children and youth who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gift of new, handmade blankets lovingly created by voluneteer "blanketeers" of all ages.
One Great Hour of Sharing fish banks are given out during the Lenten season and are collected on Palm Sunday. For over 50 years One Great Hour of Sharing, in partnership with many denominations, has provided immediate relief in times of crisis and also helps with long term development in many countries. Some examples are helping refugee families find shelter, food, and hope; helping communities rebuild after hurricanes; and teaching families in Chicago to grow their own food. The money children collect in their fish banks are an important part of this mission.
Food Drives: Non-perishable food is collected two times a year for local Madison food pantries.
CROP Hunger Walk and Bike: On the second Sunday in October, families can walk a 1.5 or 3.5 mile route or bike 14 miles on the Lake Mendota Trail. Money raised provides food, medical care, and disaster relief for needy people around the world.
Homeless Meal Preparation for Grace Episcopal Homeless Shelter: Families are invited to help prepare a meal for a local homeless shelter in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Watch the church newsletter for more information.
The Road Home (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network): During four weeks of the year, Covenant families can spend after-dinner time with homeless families playing games, helping with homework, and doing crafts.
Sock Donation during the Advent season and Toilet Tissue Collection during the Lenten season for the Allied Drive Wellness Center are other outreach opportunities for families.
Please explore this website for information about Covenant's Children's Ministries Programs or contact Donna Monson, Children's Ministries Coordinator at 233-6297 x25.