Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015


Join us this Christmas Eve in any of our three distinct services. Our 11 a.m. children's service features a preschool Nativity. We will offer contemporary music at 3 p.m. and traditional music and candlelight at 5 p.m. Communion will be served at the afternoon and evening services.
Christmas Eve Offering 
Christmas Eve Offering

Christmas Eve Offering
Offerings collected during all three services will go entirely to three of our mission partners working with vulnerable children: Highland Renaissance Academy (Charlotte, N.C.), Crossnore Elementary School (Avery County, N.C.) and Renguti School PCEA (Kenya). Diapers and wipes for Crisis Assistance will also be collected during the 11 a.m. children's service.

For more information, please visit our website.
   
YEAR-END GIVING
Through Dec. 31, 2015    
 
Giving in December typically accounts for 16 percent of annual gifts. As you consider your year-end giving, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to your church. There are several ways to contribute: 
  • During Sunday morning worship services. Contributions made during services through Sunday, Dec. 27, will be credited to 2015 unless otherwise noted.
  • Online through our secure giving website. You can access the site anytime and can give through debit, credit or an on-line check. Any on-line contribution must be complete prior to midnight on Dec. 31.
To be deductible in 2015, your gift must be received or postmarked prior to midnight on Thursday, Dec. 31. Please visit our website or contact Bill Keith for more information.

Note on stock gifts: In order to get timely, proper credit, please let us know what stock we'll be receiving from you. Brokers send stock electronically to our brokerage accounts without donor identification. If your broker has already made a transfer, please call Virginia Rumbley at 704-804-7576 to confirm.
 
WALK WITH US
Stewardship Update


Your pledges are crucial in allowing us to reach out through our missions and to provide meaningful, spiritual experiences at Covenant in the coming year. We have reached pledges totaling 90 percent of our goal of $2,700,000. Thank you to all who have made commitments to ministry in 2016. If you have not yet made a pledge, please do so online or by returning a pledge card (available in pews, narthex and the church office).

If you need any assistance in making a pledge for 2016 by phone please contact Virginia Rumbley or Bill Keith in the church office.
 
OPEN TABLE AT COVENANT
Wednesday Evenings 
Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m., Programs: 6:30 p.m. 
Join us Wednesdays for food, faith and fellowship. Dine anytime between 5:30-7 p.m. (Adults: $7; Kids: $5; Family maximum: $25). Please contact Debbie Tyson if you plan to attend.
 
With All Our Prayers: Walking with God Through the Christian Year 
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall 
Reverend Dr. John B. Rogers, Jr., author and former senior minister of Covenant Presbyterian Church, will be talking about the life of prayer and his book published last year on prayer. Copies of Dr. Roger's books are available for purchase at $10 each.

Where Do Christians Come From?  
Wednesdays, Jan. 13 - Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall 
This four-part educational series takes a look at Christianity's roots and features speakers who will offer lessons on peace and hope from the Holy Land.
 
Body Matters: Resolutions to Health 2016 
Wednesdays, Jan. 13 - Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m., FH207  
Scripture reminds us that we are incarnate beings; and, as such, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be stewards of these gifts of body and mind, as well as of our resources; all of which means living intentionally. Join us for three nights with outstanding leaders in the field of medicine and mind/body health who will lead us in an exploration into health, including discoveries in the field of medicine that advance our chances at a healthy life.  
FIND YOUR PATH AT COVENANT
Walk With Us in 2016   
Sunday, Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.
Fellowship Hall

Begin 2016 by finding your path here at Covenant. Join us on Sunday, Jan. 3 to learn more about the many small group and fellowship opportunities on campus and how you can be a part of them. For more information, please contact Lora Borrelli: lora.borrelli@covenantpresby.org or 704-804-7562. 
FIRST SUNDAY TALKS ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Rev. Sarah Kromer   
Sunday, Jan. 3, 9:30 a.m., FH203

Rev. Sarah Kromer, Director of In Christ Supporting Ministries, will speak on the "Enduring Gift of Christmas: Rediscovering God in the manger and in the ordinary moments of our lives."
CHURCHWIDE CONVOCATION
Human Rights Speaker Ruby Sales  
Sunday, Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Ruby Sales, Human-rights Activist and Founder and Director of the SpiritHouse Project, will speak. For more information, visit: www.spirithouseproject.org 
CELEBRATE THE EPIPHANY SCHOOL
Enjoy Cake on the Green
Sunday, Jan. 3

This month, we celebrate our partnership with the Epiphany School. Join us on the Green for a slice of King Cake and learn more about this amazing school and how its staff works with children with Asperger's Syndrome. This year, we hope to highlight the many ways you can be part of the life of the Epiphany School of Charlotte.

4TH ANNUAL MEN'S GETAWAY
March 11-13, 2016, Etowah Valley 
Register by Jan. 11  
 
The men of Covenant will enjoy a weekend of golfing, hiking and other activities at Etowah Valley Golf Club and Lodge. For more information, contact Paul Steffens at 704-650-8521 or John Ramsey at 704-365-5882 or visit our website to register.
CHURCHWIDE RETREAT
Feb. 12-14, 2016, Ridgrecrest Conference Center 
Register by Jan. 15
 
Join us for a churchwide retreat at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain, N.C. It is a winter getaway planned around the theme of "Being Your Authentic Self (or discovering new dimensions of yourself) in Christ." and what that means to live fully and well in body, soul, mind, vocation and relationships. Cost is $99 per room, per night. Rooms include two queen-sized beds. Meal plans are available as well. For more information or to register, please visit our website or contact Joan Watson.  
TEXAS HASH CASSEROLES AND DESSERTS NEEDED
For The Men's Shelter  
Tuesday, Dec. 29

We're asking Covenant families to gather in the kitchen again this year to make Texas Hash casseroles and/or desserts as Christmas gifts to those in need. Last year we fed over 300 gentleman with help from Covenant's loving and generous "chefs." Make your culinary gifts when it's convenient, freeze and bring to Covenant when you come to church. Get the recipe on our website
ROOM IN THE INN HOSTS NEEDED
Tuesday Nights Through March 
 
Looking for an easy yet meaningful way to serve others with family or friends? Every Tuesday night through March, we will open our doors to welcome 14 neighbors who are experiencing homelessness where they can enjoy a meal and find a restful and renewing space in a night of warmth and shelter on our campus. We need a host group for every week, including: driving a van to pick up our group from Urban Ministry Center Tuesday evening and drop them off early  Wednesday morning, welcoming our neighbors into our space and helping them settle in for the evening, and preparing or bringing dinner to serve and share. We will also need volunteers (two each week) to spend the night and assist with getting our neighbors up and ready to go early on Wednesday morning. Please contact Evan Amo if you are interested in serving in any way with this vital ministry to our neighbors who too often go without shelter, warmth, and food.  
SOUTH CAROLINA FLOOD RELIEF WORK TRIP
Volunteers Needed for Flood Cleanup and Repair Work  
Jan. 11-15, Sumter, S.C.

 If you would like to be a part of this work trip to help those in Sumter, S.C. following October's floods, we will leave from the church on Monday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. and we will return the evening of Friday, Jan. 15. We will travel in the church van, or you may drive. We will stay in a private home, and meals will be provided. As there may be some mold clean-up, Joe Pool and Steve Helms will be receiving some mold remediation training to assure we all remain safe, and that we do effective work.If you would like to be a part of this trip or if you have any questions, please contact Steve Helms. 
CARDS AND CALENDARS
For Hope Haven, Crisis Assistance Ministry 
Donate through January 2016

Join us once again in collecting new calendars (2016) and greeting cards to distribute to Hope Haven residents and Crisis Assistance Ministry clients. Last year Covenant collected and delivered nearly 400 calendars and hundreds of cards. Please bring these items to the Recreation Wing.
 
GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTHY LIVING
Recreation Center Gift Certificates Available 

This Christmas give your loved one the gift of healthy living with a gift certificate for personal training, group fitness or a Covenant Recreation Center membership.

Treat yourself to health in the New Year with a Covenant Recreation Center membership. All
members who join in January will receive that month free!

For more information on gift certificates or memberships, please contact James Huffman
CUB SCOUTS COMING TO COVENANT
In Need of a Cubmaster  
Join Pack No. 777

Cub Scouts Pack No. 777 is coming to Covenant and is in need of a Cubmaster. If you are interested, please contact James Huffman.

Qualifications from Boy Scouts of America: Is at least 21 years old and is registered as an adult leader of the BSA. Should be a leader who is able to communicate well with adults as well as boys. Should be able to delegate responsibilities and set a good example through behavior, attitude, and uniform. 
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
Contemporary: 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary & 11 a.m. Fellowship Hall
Traditional: 9:30 a.m. Chapel & 11 a.m. Sanctuary 
weekly podcasts
mind, spirit, body
memorials, celebrations
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