Wednesday, February 24, 2016
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.

Preparation continues this Sunday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. during Youth Fellowship in EW307. Youth are still needed to usher/greet and for offering at both Sanctuary services. Please contact Nancy Falls to sign up or for more information. An all-hands rehearsal for Youth Sunday will take place Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Upcoming Holy Week Services at Covenant  
Maundy Thursday Service, March 24, 7 p.m. at Covenant 
We enter the story of the final three days in the central saga of God's saving love in Jesus Christ, called, "The Triduum." It is a story of gathering darkness which begins with a plot and a betrayal, and is followed by Last Supper among friends and a fierce human struggle in a garden called Gethsemane. All this leads to an arrest and the mockery of a trial, ending in a cruel execution and the silence of death. Thursday evening, we will hear the story read and sung and share in the Lord's supper as light is slowly extinguished. The music of choir, organ, piano, cello and more will make this a most memorable experience of the last three days of Holy Week.

Good Friday Service, March 25, 12 p.m. at The Park Church
Covenant Presbyterian Church and The Park Church are teaming up to raise awareness of global suffering. These two dynamic congregations will come together to raise consciousness about the suffering church in the Middle East, to honor the centrality of Christ's suffering on the cross on Good Friday, and to bear witness of reconciliation to the world.

The service will be held at The Park Church (6029 Beatties Ford Road) and will consist of sermons from our own Bob Henderson, Bishop Claude Richard Alexander, Jr of The Park Church, and a live-streamed sermon from a pastor on the ground in the Middle East. Music and worship arts will be provided by both churches.

Good Friday Service Child Care Reservations

Parents of first and second floor children who are interested in child care during the Good Friday service should contact Anne Lowrance (704-804-7593). Parents are encouraged to meet at Covenant, drop their children (ages Crib-Grade 5) with a lunch to caregivers on the first floor, and carpool to The Park Church for the service. Remember that Good Friday is a CMS holiday.

Holy Week Worship Service Schedule
Palm Sunday: Covenant Sanctuary, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.; Chapel, 9:30 a.m.; FH, 11 a.m.
Maundy Thursday: Covenant Sanctuary, 7 p.m.
Good Friday, March 25: The Park Church, 12 p.m.
Children's Easter Service: Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Covenant Sanctuary/Green
Easter Sunday, March 27: Covenant Sanctuary, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.; Chapel, 9:30 a.m.; FH, 11 a.m.
Elementary Education Sunday School Open House
Sunday, Feb., 28, 9:30 a.m., Second Floor, Ed Wing 
Parents, you are invited to join us this Sunday for our Sunday School open house. Play the games, join the challenges, get energized in "Power Up" and grow a little closer to your kid,his/her peers, other parents and God!        
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.
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.
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 aneven 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.
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). 
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: Chili bar, fresh-baked cornbread, salad bar, cookies, 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 through March 16, 6:30 p.m., Parlor
Reflecting on the stories of wilderness - Jesus' and the children of Israel's - this series 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. Lead by Joan Watson. 

Clearing a Path for New Life: Practical Wisdom For the Spiritual Jo
urney
Wednesdays through March 16, 6:30 p.m., FH203 
* 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
 
High School Youth Missions Meeting
Sunday, Feb. 28, 12:15 p.m., EW307 
We are having our first preparatory meeting for our missions teams. Youth traveling to Miami and the Yucatan are to meet together at 12:15 on Sunday as we begin to get ready for a phenomenal summer of service together!
High School Back Home Dinners
Saturday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.  
High school youth are invited to dinner and fellowship in the homes of their peers.
QUEST Visit to Warehouse 242
Sunday, Feb. 28, 8:15 a.m., Meet in Rec Wing Lobby  
Quest youth are invited to visit and experience a Warehouse 242 Church service. Meet at 8:15 a.m. in the Rec Wing lobby to travel off-campus together. BASE youth will meet as regularly scheduled in EX307.
First Sunday Talks on the Christian Life
March 6, 9:30 a.m.  FH 203  
Rev. Tim Beach-Verhey will explore stories of how Jesus responded to plots against his life, as well as what we can learn about how to navigate things that threaten to undo us and our trust in God's vision for our lives. Tim Beach-Verhey is a professor for religious studies at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C. He has also served as a professor in the religion department of Davidson College.
Spiritual Labyrinth Walking
Wednesday, March 9, 10:30 a.m. EW201  
On March 9th, TLC will look at the spiritual practice of Labyrinth Walking with our own spiritual tour guide, Martha Isaacs. Labyrinths can be viewed as symbols for many journeys such as a holy pilgrimage toward enlightenment or the long and winding path that leads us to God. Join us in room EW201 for fellowship and snacks at 10:30 a.m. and learn more about labyrinths at 11 a.m. No reservations needed. This will also help to prepare you for our trip to the Sacred Garden.

Avondale Presbyterian Church's Sacred Garden
Wednesday, March 16, 10:45 a.m. RSVP by March 9 
TLC will take a journey to Avondale Presbyterian Church to explore their Sacred Garden. The garden features an outdoor labyrinth which we will walk as a symbol of our faith journey during Lent. The trip is free but reservations are required to ensure your seat on the van. We'll be having lunch (at your own expense) at Fiamma which features northern Italian cuisine. Vans depart Covenant parking lot at 10:45 a.m. for 11 a.m. arrival. RSVP by March 9 to Mary Mattiacci (704-804-7561).
Lunch & Learn - Conversational Spanish
Wednesdays, 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.
Churchwide Spring Retreat - Black Mountain, N.C. 
May 6-8, 2016 * Register by April 15  
The Congregational Retreat has been rescheduled for the weekend of May 6-8, 2016. Our hope is that this weekend will allow us to take advantage of the beautiful late Spring mountain weather. We are looking forward to a great weekend with Kim Moseley and additional guests. Register online or by contacting Michelle Williamson (704-804-7560) by April 15
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.
Servers and Cooks Needed for The Men's Shelter
Serving 400 men who are experiencing homelessness every night, the Men's Shelter of Charlotte is a vital part of the fabric of our city. There are simple ways to aid our neighbors whom we may not often encounter: Serving dinner at the Statesville Ave. shelter every first Monday (March 7), and every 5th Tuesday (March 29). You can also make Texas Hash for our group to take to the Tryon St. location. It is easy and fun to make with family or friends, and can be made any time and placed in the Local Outreach freezer at Covenant. Recipes can be found on our website
Help Needed for Highland Renaissance Academy Teachers
Contribute Supplies Sunday, March 6  
Could you imagine if a firefighter had to pay with his own card to fill up the massive gas tank in one of the fire engines? Or if a surgeon was expected to equip a state-of-the-art operating room out of her pocket? Unfortunately, most teachers will typically pay $500-$1000 out of pocket each year to obtain basic, necessary classroom supplies to enable their students to succeed, compounding the financial burden and life stress that teachers face. This spring, we will do this by assembling care packages for the teachers with some important supplies for their classrooms, that will ultimately aid the success of the children. On March 6, in the March Madness spirit of cheering on our schools, you are invited to join in solidarity with our teachers and students at Highland by bringing Crayola Washable Markers and/or Crayons to contribute to our teacher supply packages. These items will be collected on the Green after worship.       

Assemble Teacher Supply Packets
Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. FH105
Looking for an easy yet meaningful service opportunity with your children? Please come support our local partner school in Charlotte and join us on Saturday morning for a brief time of assembling teacher supply packages for teachers at Highland that will support their vital, and often challenging, work in the classroom with their students! Please contact Evan Amo if you are interested or would like more information.
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 
weekly podcasts
mind, spirit, body
memorials, celebrations

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Covenant Presbyterian Church | 1000 E. Morehead Street | Charlotte | NC | 28204