Wilderness Wanderings: Explorations of Identity, Callings, Temptations, Transitions and New Beginnings
Wednesdays, Feb. 17 - March 16, 6:30 p.m., Parlor 

The image of a perfect life (or even a predictable one) - a life set on a straight trajectory with plans set and optimal conditions - sounds great;  experience, and the witness of Scripture declares that is simply is an illusion. None the less, we often live with that kind of life as our plumb line for measuring success, faithfulness and happiness. Reflecting on the stories of wilderness - Jesus' and the children of Israel's - this class will explore how we understand our own identities and purposes in the context of God's gift of life; what our temptations might be and how they manifest themselves ... and how to move faithfully through "the wilderness" toward clarity and new beginnings. Leading this class is Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Discipleship, 

Joan Watson.

Clearing a Path for New Life: Practical Wisdom For the Spiritual Journey
Wednesdays, Feb. 17 - March 16, 6:30 p.m., FH203

College and Seminary Student Summer Internship
Application Deadline: Feb. 14
College and seminary students are invited to apply for a 10-week, paid summer internship with focus in youth and children's ministries. View details here. Resumes and letters of interest may be submitted by February 14th to the Associate Minister for Christian Education, Jessica Patchett (704-804-7572).

People In Mission Internship Opportunity
Application Deadline, March 1
Four Covenant college students will be awarded a $3,000 stipend this summer and an opportunity to explore where faith and poverty meet. Interns will work alongside our neighbors in Charlotte who may be homeless, hungry or perhaps even with children who are at-risk. In doing so these individuals will see another side of our city with which we are not so familiar. This 10-week internship that will shape your life and faith begins May 25 and goes through Aug. 4. You will work with church staff Carla Leaf and Evan Amo as we explore our faith, read fantastic books and create a community that will form lasting strong bonds. If you are or know of a college student who might be interested, please contact Carla Leaf or Evan Amo for more information.

Applications can be found on our website as well as notes from last year's interns Morgan Ferone and Abbey Rogers who highlight their experiences.  Phone interviews will be conducted by March 15.

Experience the joy of traveling with Covenant friends on a trip in 2016 as we serve our neighbors in Mexico or work with children in Kenya.  Join us on one of these offerings this year as we build community both within our own church and with those who we will work alongside. For more information about any of the trips listed below, please contact Carla Leaf (704-804-7578).

Kenya: April 29-May 7.  Application Deadline: Feb. 24, Cost: $1800
Do you have a love for education and children? We are excited about new energy at the Renguti School, a small rural school outside Nairobi that serves orphaned and vulnerable children. If you would like to help with building repairs, have a love for teaching and education, experience in music and the arts or just a simple love of working with children please consider joining us as we serve the children at Renguti.

Yucatan, Mexico: June 12-18. Application Deadline: Feb. 24, Cost: $760
This summer, we will return to this culturally rich destination to build a roof for members of Sinanche Church near the village of Yobain. While working alongside the children in the village during Bible School, to slinging concrete as we pour and build the roof, these trips forge friendships and community that last decades within our own community. View the Yucatan 2013 Mission Trip Video

Reynosa, Mexico: Sept. 25 - Oct. 1. Application Deadline: March 1, Cost: $675, 12 Participants
How do we deepen our faith through service? What does it mean to be called into community? What does it mean to serve our neighbors who live at the border of our own country in abject poverty?  Explore these and other questions as we seek to understand our faith through acts of service. An intentionally different mission trip designed to deepen faith through service, we will prepare ourselves for this trip by the constant asking of the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Partnering with Faith Ministry, we will build a home for two families that will move them from substandard housing into a place of hope.

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.

Our children's and youth ministries rely on a team of volunteers to make everything run smoothly each week. In the coming month, we need hall greeters on each floor, shepherds to assist teachers, and Crib and Toddler room assistants to help our babysitter staff.  You can sign up for the date and activity of your choice using VolunteerSpot.com.