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 BEING AUTHENTIC IN CHRIST
Churchwide Retreat, Feb. 12-14, 2016
All ages are invited Feb. 12-14 for a weekend of "Being Authentic in Christ" and discovering what that means to live fully and well in body, soul, mind, vocation and relationships. Duke Certified Integrative Health Coach Kim L. Moseley, MSW, LCSW will be talking about getting to what is authentic about our lives, removing the "shoulds" from our lives and examing places where we might be "stuck." Covenant Parish  Associate Grady Moseley will also be leading centering prayer each morning. Programs are planned for children of all ages on this family getaway weekend.
Cost is $99 per room, per night. Rooms include two queen-sized beds if you would like to share rooms. Meal plans are available as well. For more information or to register, please visit our website or contact Joan Watson.
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OPEN TABLE @ COVENANT
Wednesday Evenings
Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m., Programs: 6:30 p.m.
Join us tonight and each Wednesday for Open Table @ Covenant for food, faith and fellowship. Dine anytime between 5:30-7 p.m. (Adults: $7; Kids: $5; Family maximum: $25). Please contact Debbie Tyson or Michelle Williamson if you plan to attend. Tonight's menu includes roasted chicken, mac and cheese and green beans. Youth small groups will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. and Creative Catechism begins at 6:30 p.m. in EW218.
Rev. Dr. John B. Rogers, Jr.
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Join us tonight to listen to Reverend Dr. John B. Rogers, Jr., author and former senior minister of Covenant, who will be talking about the life of prayer. Copies of his book, "With All Our Prayers: Walking With God Through the Christian Year" will be available to purchase for $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. Please visit our website for more information.
Jan. 13: Sam Jones, Co-Founder of the Heartland Initiative and human rights activist, will share lessons from his experiences working on the ground-level of international conflict resolution in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Iraq and Afghanistan (among other places), with a focus on the unique nature of the 'Holy Lands' as spiritual centers of three major world religions.
Body Matters: Resolutions to Health 2016 
Wednesdays, Jan. 13 - Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m., FH207
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. Please visit our website for more information. Jan. 13: Building Your Health Portfolio. Susan Yaduda, RN MSN, is an Integrative Health Coach (training Duke Integrative Medicine), Coordinator for Integrative Oncology at Levine Cancer Institute; has served as a health care professional 30 years, with a passion for helping others feel empowered to achieve their own optimal health. "Many Americans spend lots of time and energy bolstering their financial portfolio. Yet, we expect our health investments to grow on their own, often with little attention and effort. Learn some quick and easy recommendations to help you get and stay healthier in the New Year, an investment well worth making!"
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School classes begin meeting again on Sunday, Jan. 17.
All adults are welcome to attend our Churchwide Convocation on Jan. 10 with Ruby Nell Sales.
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CHURCHWIDE CONVOCATION
Human Rights Speaker Ruby Nell Sales
Sunday, Jan. 10
9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall; 10:30 a.m., FH203
Ruby Nell Sales, human rights activist and founder and director of the SpiritHouse Project, will speak twice at Covenant on "Why Spirituality Matters and What it Looks Like: The hard work of Hope." To learn more about Ruby Nell Sales and her remarkable journey, please visit: www.spirithouseproject.org.
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TRAVEL, LEARN, CONNECT
Enhance Your Quality of Life
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., EW201
Gather for a brief time of fellowship and healthy snacks followed by a presentation of "Enhance Your Quality of Life" with Kelly Stranburg, M.Ed., CEP, CSCS. This program will highlight the benefits of staying physically active and cognitively engaged as we age. Kelly is the Director of Vitality and Well-being at Sharon Towers and Owner/Operator of Excellence in Wellness, LLC. and has 15 years of experience working with older adults on maintaining and improving their quality of life through exercise, engagement and fun! No reservation needed.
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SHE, HE, WE AND GOD: FAITH & SEXUALITY 
Workshop for Tweens (4th-6th Graders)
Saturday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Register by Jan. 15
Register now for "She, He, We and God: Faith & Sexuality Workshop." Please commit to the whole workshop, Cost is $20 per family. Registration is due by Friday, Jan. 15. For more information, please contact Anne Lowrance: 704-804-7593.
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"BE THE MATCH" REGISTRY EVENT
Register to Become a Bone Marrow Donor
Sunday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EW202
Can you imagine that every four minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia? Many of these patients need a bone marrow transplant to survive but may not have a matching marrow donor in their own family. This is where you can come in. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to fill out a health history and have a cheek swab done to sign up. If you were ever matched to someone, all expenses would be paid and you would donate either by blood donation (similar to donating platelets) or by surgical bone marrow donation. This is a unique opportunity to offer life to someone who will not survive without your gift. For more information, contact Mary Mattiacci, Parish Nurse.
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 4TH ANNUAL MEN'S GETAWAY
March 11-13, 2016, Etowah Valley
Register by Monday, Jan. 11
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 SISTERS IN SPIRIT FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
Guest Speaker: Laurie Martin
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7-8 a.m., Fellowship Hall
All women are invited to our monthly fellowship breakfast. This month we welcome Laurie Martin, owner of Simplicity Organizers, who will speak on "A Fresh Start to the New Year: Finding Peace Through Simplicity." Cost is $5. If you plan to attend, please contact Michelle Willliamson.
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 Stewardship Update
Have You Made Your Pledge?
In the coming days, your Session will finalize the operating budget for 2016. The budget will enable Covenant to provide meaningful, spiritual experiences and continue the strong mission programs through the coming year. As of today, we have received pledges totaling 95 percent of our goal of $2,700,000 and are grateful to all who have made their commitment.
If you have not yet made a pledge, will you please do so online or by returning a pledge card (available in pews, narthex and the church office)? Every pledge counts and allows us to plan appropriately.
If you need any assistance in making a pledge for 2016 by phone please contact Virginia Rumbley or Bill Keith in the church office
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YOUTH PARENTS WORKSHOP 
Parenting in Community
Sunday, Jan. 10th, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. FH 205
All BASE, QUEST and PEAK parents are invited this Sunday evening to this monthly discussion led by Perry Dixon. Join us as we share, discuss and grow from our experiences together.
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CHOIR AND HANDBELL REHEARSALS
Thursdays and Sundays
Covenant Choir, Youth Chorale, Youth Handbell Choir, Chorister and Angelus Choirs rehearse again this week following a winter break.
Thursday, Jan. 7
7-9 p.m.: Covenant Choir rehearsal in the Peek Music Room
Sunday, Jan. 10
4-4:55 p.m.: Youth Handbell Choir Rehearsals Resume (6-12, EW320)
5-5:45 p.m.: Chorister Choir Practice Resume (3-5, EW322)
Angelus Choir Practice Resume (K-2, EW207)
Youth Chorale Practice Resume (6-12, EW315)
If you would like more information about these rehearsals, please contact John Richardson.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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JOIN COVENANT'S RECREATION CENTER
Recreation and Fitness Membership Special
Begin a new thing this year and join Covenant's Recreation Center for group fitness classes and personal training. If you join in January, you will receive your first month's membership for free. For more information, please contact James Huffman.
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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.
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COVENANT RECREATION CENTER JOB OPENING
Part-Time Position, Wednesday - Friday afternoon/evenings
Covenant Recreation Center is in need of a person to work the front desk on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-9:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 3-7 p.m. Duties include: customer service, answering phone calls, helping customers and light cleaning. Please contact James Huffman for more information.
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SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
Contemporary: 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary & 11 a.m. Fellowship Hall
Traditional: 9:30 a.m. Chapel & 11 a.m. Sanctuary
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