Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Join Hunter Hoover for "Is Marriage Timeless?" 
Sunday, Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m., FH203
The Fellowship Class invites the congregation to join them for a talk by Hunter Hoover.
Covenant Blood Drive - It Feels Good To Give 
Sunday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,
Rec Wing Gymnasium
Blood donors report feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their donation. Why? Because helping others in need just feels good. Walk-ins are welcome, but it helps us stay organized if we know you are coming. Please consider scheduling an appointment with Mary Mattiacci (704-804-7561). We'll have snacks and fellowship after you donate.
Learn More About Our Mission Trips
Sunday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m., Chapel 
This year, Covenant will travel to Kenya and two destinations in Mexico working with children, churches and building homes for families who live in extreme poverty. On Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel, you will hear from people who have traveled to these places and learn more about our upcoming trips. If you are interested in hearing about Covenant's role in global mission please join us!  Sign up for Mission Trips
Charlotte Wins Over Denver in Souper Bowl
A big thanks to everyone from the Youth Ministry team on making the Souper Bowl of Caring a huge success. Despite the Panther's falling short, Charlotte was able to pull out a win over Denver in raising more money and canned food for those in need. Thanks to the congregation's generosity, Covenant added 1032 food items and $2400 to total Charlotte area donations. Final score: Carolinas 636,891 food items, Denver 360,664.
Lenten Taize Service
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 12 p.m., Chapel 
This Lenten Taize and communion service will be a time of spoken and silent prayers, scripture readings, reflections and hymns or musical prayers and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. We also dedicate prayer shawls as part of our ministry to people in time of change, challenge, illness and loss.
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: Taco Bar, Salad Bar, Tres Leches Cake, Ice Cream and Fruit Cups
 
Youth Small Groups: Youth Meet at 6:30 p.m. in EW301 and Creative Catechism begins at 6:30 p.m. in EW218.

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 
* Feb. 17 Jessica Patchett on Prayer
* Feb. 24  Evan Amo on Cultivating Awareness
* March 2  Jen Christianson on Weekly Sabbath-Keeping
* March 9  Joan Watson on Discernment
* March 16 Bob Henderson on Sabbatical and Seasons of Spiritual Refreshment
 
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.
College Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted 
Apply by Monday, April 18
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 2016-2017 academic year are asked to complete and submit the appropriate application form found on the Covenant website or contact the church office.

Forward completed applications to the attention of Bill Keith in the church office or via email.
Applications are due no later than Monday, April 18.
Navigating Social Media
Workshop for Youth and Parents
Sunday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Covenant is pleased to welcome two FBI agents who will do a presentation on social media for all youth and parents. For more information, email Chaz Snider.
Youth Sunday Worship Services
March 6, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sanctuary
Youth Sunday is a highlight of our year in worship. Middle and high school youth offer their gifts leading worship through music, dance, art and reflections in both the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services. (Rehearsal for Youth Sunday will take place Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Volunteers Needed For Children's and Youth Ministries
Sundays and Wednesdays
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.
Covenant's Contemporary Worship Team, with guest artist Cameron Moore, will join teams from Myers Park United Methodist and Myers Park Presbyterian for Music to Mission 2016 in Jubilee Hall at Myers Park Methodist Church (1501 Queens Rd.). Our mission partner this year is Charlotte Family Housing whose mission is "to empower homeless families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency through shelter, housing, support services and advocacy." For more information, please contact Daniel Heath (704-804-7584). 
Lunch & Learn - Conversational Spanish
Wednesdays, Beginning Feb. 17
11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall 
Want to brush up on your Spanish? Join other Covenant members who want to practice their Spanish speaking skills every Wednesday beginning Feb. 17 in the Fellowship Hall.  For those who have minimal skills to the more experienced, people will encourage each other talking about simple things such as food, the weather and our family life. Contact Louise Ripple for more information and helpful resources. Lunch will be available for $7.
Belmont Abbey Tour
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m.  
Join TLC on tour of Belmont Abbey, one of North Carolina's must-see sites. We will depart from Covenant at 10:30 a.m. in order to attend midday prayers. We will have lunch in the cafeteria style dining hall and then enjoy a basilica tour and talk about the history of the Abbey. A check for $5, to be donated to Belmont Abbey, will reserve your space. Lunch will cost in the area of $8-9.
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7 a.m. Fellowship Hall 
Join the men of Covenant for a monthly breakfast filled with fellowship. This month, Alan Atwell, Joe Pool and James Huffman will talk about how you can get involved in Covenant's recreation ministry. Email Michelle.Williamson if you'd like to attend.
Women's Fellowship Breakfast 
Tuesday, March 8, 7-8 a.m.
All women of Covenant are invited and welcome for fellowship and education. Emily Fitchpatrick, Founder and Executive Director of On Eagles Wings Ministries, will be our guest for "Engaging the Church in the Fight Against Human Trafficking." Charlotte serves as a primary artery for human trafficking as our city is located at the junction of major interstates and a direct route from shipping ports. It is estimated that more than 1,700 young women are trafficked in North Carolina each year with Charlotte being the top destination. Cost is $5. Please contact Michelle Williamson (704-804-7560) if you'd like to attend.
Director of Communications - Apply by Feb. 27
The role of the Director of Communications is to lead a comprehensive internal and external communications plan for Covenant Presbyterian Church.  The Director of Communications will work with the church staff to effectively and appropriately communicate about church activities using a variety of communication methods to reach members of the congregation, prospective members and those outside of the church community in a relevant, timely and welcoming manner. View full job description. To apply, send resume, references and any supporting materials to jobs@covenantpresby.org by February 27, 2016.
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, please visit the website or contact Carla Leaf (704-804-7578).
Annual Covenant Preschool Consignment Sale  
Saturday, March 12, 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rec Wing Gymnasium
The annual Preschool Consignment Sale, supporting our Scholarship Fund and local children's charities, will include baby & children's clothing, shoes, gear, strollers, furniture, toys and even Women's Maternity and Boutique clothing! We are still accepting consignors and are in need of volunteers. Volunteers and consignors get to shop a day early on Friday, March 11, volunteers from 3-7 p.m. and consignors from 4-7 p.m.
 
Consignors make 70 percent! Drop off items March 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. or March 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register to volunteer or consign. For more information, contact Sarah Gaither.
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.
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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