WINDOWS ON COVENANT January 7, 2014
COVENANT CONNECTION

Returns Tonight

Epiphany Celebration and Chili Cookoff 

 

Our Wednesday night meal and programs resume tonight with an Epiphany Celebration and Chili Cook-off.

The evening will include the chili cook-off, music, and children's activities. Standing reservations for Wednesday night need to be resubmitted for the Winter/Spring term; you can make one-time or standing reservations here. Dinner costs are $5 for children and $7 for adults, with a family maximum of $25.

 

Classes Beginning Jan. 14 

Identity, Gifts and Callings

One of the central affirmations of the Reformed tradition is that of the uniqueness of each life and the call to be stewards of the gifts and talents we have. Trained professionals will guide us through this exploration, beginning with counselor Tammie Lesesne. To register, email Joan Watson.

 

Navigating Depression

Depression is part of everybody's life in some form or another at one time or another. We will discover together the role depression can play in our lives as we come to understand it through spiritual, biological, psychological and social lenses. This 5-week class will also incorporate tools to navigate darker days. To register, email Joan Watson.

STARTING POINT
Learn More
January 11, 6-7:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall

 

Are you looking for a way to learn more and begin taking part in the life of faith at Covenant? You're invited to Starting Point, an informal dinner with senior minister Bob Henderson. Please come, or invite a friend who may have visited Covenant, to a relaxed time of fellowship and an opportunity to learn more about our congregation. Contact Lora Borrelli for more information. 

ADULT EDUCATION
Consulting the Experts
Wednesdays and Sundays in January

 

Consulting the Experts: How to think about sexuality, marriage and the Bible on Wednesdays and Sundays in January. Our education series in January brings insight and expertise from across the academic and theological community. Come hear thoughtful scholars, including Covenant's pastoral staff, on important topics related to sexuality, marriage and church:

 

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Richard Boyce, academic dean of Union Presbyterian Seminary's Charlotte campus, teaches on polity in the Presbyterian Church (USA), same-gender marriage, where we are and how we got here.

 

Sunday, Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m. (only) Rodney Sadler, professor of Bible at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, offers insight on Sodom's sin and how Genesis 19 plays a part in the larger conversation about homosexuality.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Joel Marcus, professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Duke Divinity School, teaches about human sexuality and the New Testament.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Richard McAnulty, associate professor of psychology at UNC Charlotte, teaches about human identity and sexual orientation.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Covenant's Bob Henderson, Jessica Patchett, Joan Watson and Petra Wahnefried discuss homosexuality, marriage and the church, offering a pastoral perspective. 

 

In addition, if you'd like to know more about how Presbyterians make decisions and the current landscape of the Presbyterian Church (USA), come hear from Betty Meadows, transitional presbyter of the Charlotte Presbytery, Sunday, Feb. 1 at 9:30 or 10:45 a.m. on "What does it mean to be Presbyterian?"

UPTOWN BIBLE STUDY
Selections from Proverbs
Tuesdays at noon (Jan. 20-Feb. 17)

 

Selections from Proverbs: Words of wisdom for the new year. Tuesdays at 12 p.m. (Jan. 20-Feb. 17) at the Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N. Tryon St. Jessica Patchett leads this study to start off the new year with a look at an Old Testament book of wisdom. If you'd like to join, please email Michelle Williamson.

 

WORLD CHANGING
Guest Artist, David LaMotte
Sunday, Jan. 25

 

On Sunday, Jan. 25, David LaMotte, a musician, writer, preacher, selection-committee member for the Nobel Peace Prize, world-changer, joins us to discuss his new book, Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness. Activities will include a class at 9:30 a.m., a service project, and special music at the 11:00 worship service. In addition, we'll have a Wednesday evening study of his book each week at 6:30 p.m. Books are available outside the church office. 

MISSION & OUTREACH

Room in the Inn

Tuesdays through March

 

Covenant warmly welcomes homeless neighbors to enjoy a warm place to sleep and two meals in Fellowship Hall. Volunteers prepare, serve and eat dinner with our guests and spend the night. Van drivers are needed for pickup and dropoff.  Contact Petra Wahnefried for more information. 

 

In February, we'll host Room in the Inn in a different way. One small group (12-15 members) will serve as hosts together through the month. On Jan. 20 the group will meet with Liz Clasen-Kelly of Urban Ministry to talk about this service, to gain a deeper understanding of our guests and to become better prepared to serve and relate to them. In March, the group will gather again to discuss the experience and lessons learned. If you'd like more information, contact Jerry Jernigan.

Reynosa, Mexico Mission Trip

One Open Spot Available

Deadline: Thursday

 

We have one unexpected opening for this incredible mission trip to the border town of  Reynosa, Mexico. We will explore "telling the stories" of our own faith and lives, and experience the stories of the people we serve. We will learn more about the people who make up this melting pot of cultures as we build a home for a severely impoverished family. Trip dates are March 1-7 and the cost is $675. Please contact Carla Leaf by Thursday, Jan. 8 with questions or interest.  

CHILDREN & YOUTH

5th-grade Faith & Sexuality Workshop

Saturday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Registration deadline, Jan.15

 

Fifth-graders and their parents are invited to this engaging discussion of boys and girls, men and women, and sex in a context of faithfulness. Contact Anne Lowrance to register or for more information. 

 

Camp Grier
Early Registration Has Begun

 

The early registration enrollment period for 2015 has begun! Register before January 31, 2015 and receive the 2015 program at 2014 prices. Learn More. 

 

Preschool Open House/Tours
Thursday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

 

Come learn more about Covenant Preschool during our Open House for Prospective Parents and tours on Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. If that doesn't work in your schedule, you may schedule a tour anytime by calling the preschool office at 704-333-8658. Registration for the 2015-2016 school year will begin on Feb. 2 and continue until Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m. (Priority registration ends on Feb. 12.)

MEMBERSHIP

Directory Addendum Available

 

An addendum to the congregational directory that includes new members has been published and is ready for pickup in the narthex on Sunday. These sheets can easily be added to the directory you received last year. 

 

WORSHIP & ENGAGEMENT MINISTRY

Changes to Communion and Hospitality

 

In 2014, Covenant engaged the Alban Institute to review our 11:00 a.m. traditional service and make recommendations to enhance our worship life. Elders and lay leaders have spent much time considering the report and have thoughtfully made a series of changes, including plans to serve communion by intinction twice each quarter. Read more.

 

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Make Your Pledge Online

 

Your pledges are crucial in allowing us to reach out through our missions and to provide meaningful, spiritual experiences at Covenant in 2015. We have reached pledges totaling 95 percent of our goal of $2,700,000. Thank you to all who have made commitments to ministry in 2015. If you have not yet made a pledge, please do so online or by returning a pledge card (available in pews). 

 

JOB OPENING

Afternoon and Friday Receptionist

 

This person will serve in the front office as the welcoming face of the church to visitors in person and by phone. She or he also will perform other administrative duties, including light accounting support. Learn more. Please submit application materials to Bill Keith, church administrator. 

 

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