WINDOWS ON COVENANT April 15, 2015
DISCOVER MODERN-DAY JERUSALEM
Guests: Daniel Seidemann, Fahed Abu-Akel
Sunday, April 26 

 

Daniel Seidemann, a widely recognized leading expert on contemporary Jerusalem, will be speaking on Sunday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall with a lecture titled, "Why You Should Bring Your Religion to Jerusalem." Later that evening from 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary, Seidemann will take part in the panel discussion, "Narratives from Jersusalem," with former moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Fahed Abu-Akel.

Seidemann is the founder of Terrestrial Jerusalem, a non-governmental organization that works to document developments in Jerusalem that could send the city into humanitarian and/or political crisis. He has been involved in Israeli/Palestinian Track II talks in Jerusalem, served as an informal advisor to the final status negotiations, and worked to design and enforce political understandings with Palestinians.

Abu-Akel was born in Galilee, Israel to Christian Palestinian-Arab parents and is the founder and executive director of Atlanta Ministry with International Students, Inc.
 
CHILDREN'S MUSICAL
Wednesday Night Dinner at 5:30 p.m. 
Program at 6:30 p.m.
 
At 5:30 p.m. we will gather together as a church body to enjoy dinner and conversation on last time until fall. All are welcome and while reservations are appreciated, they are not necessary. Dinner is followed at 6:30 p.m. by a special presentation:

100% Chance of Rain
Our production of Walter Horsley's "100% Chance of Rain" will tell the story of Noah and the flood. Noah will be played by Ben Moore, and his wife by Mary Ellis Stevens. Choristers and Angelus Choirs will be joined by the children's choirs of First Presbyterian Church, led by Kelly Potts. Our production will be directed by Stephen and Susan Talley. 
WORLD CAFE
Thursday, April 16 

 

The Presbytery of Charlotte's Emmaus Team is sponsoring an evening at Covenant to gather input regarding the future direction of the Presbytery and potential ways for congregations to collaborate on vital ministries. The event will be held in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, April 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. and is open to all. If you cannot attend this meeting but would like to offer input, other event times can be found at www.presbyofcharlotte.org.  
YOUNG ADULTS SOCIAL 
Heist Brewery  

Saturday, April 18    

 

Join us Saturday, April 18 from 3-5 p.m. at Heist Brewery for a low-key afternoon social. You don't have to tell us you're coming in advance, but if you'd like more information or want to introduce yourself ahead of time so we can look for you, please RSVP..

BOB HENDERSON'S SABBATICAL 

Covenant's personnel policy provides that ministers earn one period of paid sabbatical leave (up to 3 months) for every six years of service to Covenant Presbyterian Church. (A sabbatical leave is a period of time provided for clergy to disengage from their regular tasks and the related stress. It is a time for rest, reflection and re-creation; a time for personal spiritual growth; an opportunity for renewed vision and commitment to ministry; and a period in which uninterrupted study and meditation can occur.)
 
Recognizing the tremendous value of sabbatical leave, and Bob Henderson's seven years of service, the Personnel Committee approved a sabbatical leave for him from June 1 - Aug. 14. During his time away, Bob will engage in silent retreat in Utah; study in Rome, Assisi and the Chautauqua Institute; and fulfill a lifelong dream of hiking in the Dolomites. He will return to the pulpit on Sunday, Aug. 16.  

During his time away, Covenant will be privileged to hear from several guest preachers including Richard Boyce, Dean of Union Presbyterian Seminary; Jessica Tate, Director of NEXT Church; and Art Ross, retired Sr. Pastor of White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. In addition,  Joan Watson, Jessica Patchett, Petra Wahnefried, Grady Moseley, and Julia Watkins (Covenant's summer intern) will ably preach and lead worship in the Sanctuary services.
 
Bob promises to blog his reflections on occasion and expresses his gratitude for the privilege of this time..  
JOSHUA BECKER
The Life-Giving Benefits of Owning Less  
Wednesday, April 22 
 
Join us on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, to hear Joshua Becker, author and founder of Becoming Minimalist, speak. Becker has made it a personal mission to live differently when he realized that his "belongings were not adding value to my life." Becker has written books entitled Simplify Clutterfree with Kids and Living with Less: An Unexpected Key to Happiness. Becker has appeared on CBS Evening News and NPR and in the Boston Globe and Wall Street Journal.

While reservations are not required, they are helpful. Please contact Michelle Williamson to RSVP.  
MEN'S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST 
Guest Speaker: Carson Dean 

Tuesday, April 28  

 

Join us Tuesday, April 28 at 7 a.m. for breakfast and fellowship as we welcome guest speaker Carson Dean, executive director of the Men's Shelter of Charlotte. Dean has worked throughout the state for more than a decade to bring about an end to homelessness. Dean is a past board chair of the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness and Charlotte-Mecklenburg's Homeless Services Network and in 2014, he served as the partner agency representative on the United Way Central Carolinas board of directors.  


Please contact Michelle Williamson or call the church office to RSVP.   

 

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
To Honor Susan and Steve Talley 
 

As of today, The Susan F. and Stephen J. Talley Music Scholarship fund has received contributions totaling $44,500. This scholarship will honor the extraordinary skill and faithful spirit Susan and Steve Talley have brought to Covenant's music ministry, by providing funds for the study of traditional church music through a seminary or college, organ study at an intermediate or higher level, and/or church music conference participation by high school Covenant youth interested in learning more about traditional church music.   

 

Contributions to fund the Susan F. and Stephen J. Talley Music Scholarship may be made payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church with Talley Scholarship noted in the memo line.

BEACH BASH  
Live Music, Games, Food Trucks!  

Sunday, May 3   

 

Join Covenant and community friends and family in front of the sanctuary on the circle from 5-7 p.m. for live beach music from Leslie & Friends, play a variety of games and enjoy Hawaiian-themed food from The Spice Truck food truck and BBQ from J&K's BBQ food truck! (Note: J&K's BBQ food truck will only accept cash). Please contact James Huffman for more information.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
Mission on the Move 

June 22-26 

 

"Mission on the Move" will be held at Covenant June 22-26, from 9 a.m. to noon, for children ages 3 (as of 8/31/14) through completed 5th grade. Registration forms are available to download and in the Education Wing office. Cost: $20 plus a canned good each day (or more) for Loaves & Fishes. Deadline to register is May 1. Adult and Youth volunteers are needed. Contact Anne Lowrance for more information.   

 

STAFF NEWS 
Job Opening

Middle School Youth Director

 

The Director of Middle School Youth Ministries oversees and implements all aspects of education and programming for youth in grades six through eight. This includes, but is not limited to planning, conducting, and evaluating all aspects of programming.  The Director of Middle School Youth Ministries will be the voice for both the needs and the faith development of youth. Learn more. Please submit resume to [email protected]. Deadline to submit applications is Monday, April 20.  

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Attention: High School Seniors 

Deadline is Monday, April 20  

 

For many years, Covenant has awarded scholarships to deserving students for undergraduate and graduate studies. The Douglas E. Matthias Scholarship Program provides need-based support for rising freshmen and sophomores. Scholarships are also available for study at Union Seminary and any graduate study that leads to a life of Christian service. Students who are interested in being considered for the 2015-2016 academic year are asked to complete and submit the appropriate application form found on the Covenant website or by contacting the church office. Forward completed applications to the attention of Bill Keith in the church office or via email to [email protected]. Undergraduate applications are due no later than Monday, April 20, 2015. Applications for seminary or graduate study are due by Monday, June 15, 2015. 

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