Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Children of the Covenant Celebration Sunday
Sunday, April 10, RSVP by April 7     
We will celebrate babies born or adopted into Covenant homes during 2015. Parents may participate in either 9:30 or 11 a.m. service and all are invited to meet in the Parlor at 10 a.m. for a reception and group photo. This is a wonderful time to meet other parents and leaders in children's ministry. RSVP by April 7 to Anne Lowrance.
Christian Hope & Longing for Racial Reconciliation
Sunday, April 10, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. FH207
How can it be that so many of us long for racial reconciliation and yet find ourselves so racially separated? How can we in the church make sense of where we find ourselves racially today and where do we go from here? Join Jennifer Harvey for this Sunday morning forum in which we will seek to constructively explore these urgent questions together. Jennifer Harvey is Professor of Religion at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She is ordained in the American Baptist Churches (U.S.A.) and travels the country speaking with students and educators, faith communities, and activist groups about the challenges to be faced and frameworks needed to create robust multi-racial solidarity for justice.
Mission Auction, Worship Team CD Debut, Sunday, April 17, Noon  
Art and Bake Sale Auction Items Needed. RSVP for Lunch
Join us for A Celebration of Mission, Art and Music and More! Our favorite "Party with a Purpose" returns this year but with a different look -  designed to be more interactive, we will offer art activities for children to benefit our teachers at Highland Renaissance Academy, music by our contemporary worship team musicians, our Artists' Market, Bake Sale and Black Box & Live Auction items. JD DuPuy and Chris Lam will entertain us during the Auction while we enjoy delicious boxed lunches from Garden Fresh Deli for $7, $25 per household (kids under six eat free). RSVP for lunch here by April 13. Lots of fun surprises are being planned! All proceeds go towards high school and adult mission trips as well as our mission partners.

Also available for a $20 donation towards efforts at Highland and Renguti School will be the new Contemporary Worship Team music CD, titled RebuildClick to hear the title track.

We are currently accepting donations of art, handmade crafts, bake sale an
d items for our Black Box and Live Auctions. Contact Carla Leaf for more information. 
Sign Up for Covenant Health, April 4-15! 
Covenant Health is a ten week healthy lifestyle program designed to start an active life. Meet with Mary Mattiacci, check your blood pressure and get cleared for physical activity. Then, meet with James Huffman to test flexibility, muscular & cardiovascular strength and more!

The program includes an individualized fitness program with weekly checkups to keep you motivated and moving. At the end of the ten weeks your fitness is retested. There is no cost but Recreation membership is required. Contact James Huffman to get started!  You will also be able to meet with a licensed nutritionist to discuss your eating habits. Contact Jacy Shaffer to schedule your appointment for Wednesday, April 6th.
Open Table @ Covenant - Wednesday Evenings   
Dinner: 5:30-7 p.m., Programs 6:30 p.m.

"Rekindling Intimacy, Deepening Connection, Growing Together: A Practical Course for Couples" with Wendy Balconi & Allan Bacon in the Parlor

Learn how to cultivate deeper intimacy, how to dissolve unhelpful communication patterns, how to handle pressures from life transitions, and how to envision a future together that honors each of your dreams.
 
"A Spiritual Practice: The Role of Dreams in Our Lives" with Sandra Boozer in FH203
 The role of dreams, their unique language and what our own dreams might be telling us. We will include an exploration of dreams in the Bible, often as a means of God's guidance.

"Prayer in Our Sacred Pastimes" with Claire Tomkinson in FH205
Discover how God speaks through your daily enjoyment and habits by exploring the sacred voice in art, music, writing, exercising and cooking/eating. Learn how to open your heart to the Spirit within our daily pastimes and delight in God's divine encounters.

View full program details here.
 
Tonight's Menu: Potato Bar, including Chicken, Chili, Cheese & Sour Cream. Dessert: Cookies, Ice Cream & Fruit
Youth Small Groups: Youth Meet at 6:30 p.m. in EW301 and Creative Catechism begins at 6:30 p.m. in EW218.

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). You can make standing or one-time reservations here or contact Michelle Williamson to let us know you'll be coming.
Women's Fellowship Breakfast with Paula BroadwellChurchwideRetreat  
April 12, 7-8 a.m. in Fellowship Hall   
Paula Broadwell, co-founder and co-director of Think Broader, will be our guest for "With Influence Comes Responsibility: Addressing Unconscious Bias in the News for the Greater Good." With 24/7 access to news through print, online content, live streaming, and on-demand programming, the news media are a constant influence in our lives. Whether we acknowledge it or not, it is conditioning us to think and behave in certain ways. Cost is $5. Reservations are not required, but are helpful. Contact Michelle Williamson. Come dressed ready for work or for working out - bring a friend - start your day with your Sisters in Spirit!
Epiphany School of Charlotte's Erin Morris
Wednesday, April 13, 10:30 a.m., EW201 
Erin Morris, head of school for Epiphany School of Charlotte will tell us about the good work being done on our campus for students with social communications differences. Erin says, "As a life-long educator, my passion has been grounded in educating the whole child. The right social and experiential education environment coupled with supportive curriculum creates an amazing place for children to learn and succeed!"  View upcoming TLC events here.
Annual Children's Art Gallery Opening Reception! 
Thursday, April 14, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Education Wing 
The Preschool will celebrate the children's creative expressions during the Week of the Young Child at our Annual Children's Art Gallery Grand Opening. The celebration will include music, light refreshments and lots of fun! The art work will remain on display until mid May.
Asperger's For The Win: Creating Unlikely Successes at
School, Work, and Home
Saturday, April 16, 9:30 a.m., Education Wing   
At Covenant's Epiphany School of Charlotte, David Finch shares his personal journey with Asperger's and provides insight on what helped and what hindered him throughout his life. Filled with humor and surprising wisdom, David's story will inspire and entertain parents, educators, fellow "Aspies" and all those who support and celebrate Asperger's! Free and open to all.
Churchwide Spring Retreat - Black Mountain, N.C. ChurchwideRetreat  
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. More details and register here or contact Michelle Williamson (704-804-7560) by April 15
Weekly Lunch and Fellowship at Covenant  
Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.     
Enjoy lunch and fellowship with friends or colleagues. We offer a
nutritious and delicious lunch in our Fellowship Hall, open to all. Lunch includes soup, salad bar, entree, dessert and drink for $7. Visit "Lunch & Dinner Menus" at the bottom of the Covenant web site for the latest updates or subscribe to our weekly menu email
Highland "Summer Camp Parents" Needed
Meet with Camp Families Tuesday, April 12
Many of us can still recall the feelings of sheer joy from the fun-filled days of summer camp - whether as a child 50 years ago or witnessed in our own children's stories. Volunteering as "Summer Camp Parents" to coordinate with the families and make sure the kids get to camp, we have the opportunity to help our children at Highland Renaissance Academy, who may not have the chance to explore outside the Charlotte city limits and experience new, exciting environments and the beauties of creation. Our weeks of camp will be June 19-25, and June 26-July 2. We will meet with camp families on Tuesday, April 12, 5:30 p.m. at Highland. If you would like more information or would like to be involved as a Camp Parent, to make sack lunches for the campers, or as a bus driver, please contact Evan Amo.
Servers Needed for The Men's Shelter 
Tuesday, May 31, Statesville Ave.
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, and every 5th Tuesday (May 31). 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.
Trip To Crossnore Presbyterian Church & School
Thursday, April 21, 8 a.m. RSVP by April 13, Noon  
We'll be heading out on the buses at 8 a.m. sharp, and enjoy muffins and coffee at Crossnore Presbyterian upon our arrival. We will have guides on our buses for a tour of Crossnore School in the morning followed by visits to the Sloop Chapel and Crossnore Weavers. After lunch at the Hendersons' cottage, we will return to Crossnore Presbyterian to view the sanctuary and hear about the church's history from Pastor Kathy Campbell. RSVP to Mary Mattiacci by noon on April 13.
Spring Foundations Workshops
April 15-17 and April 29-May 1 
The next Foundations in Christ Workshop will be held on April 15-17 and April 29-May 1, 2016 (Fri. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at ICSM's new location, 7615 Colony Road, in Charlotte. This interactive two-weekend workshop is a safe space to explore core issues of faith and daily life with God. Could the Holy Spirit be calling you to this Foundations? Space is limited, so reserve your spot. To learn more or register, visit ICSM's website, or contact Rev. Sarah Kromer or Melissa Harding (704-554-2490).
Vacation Bible School Registration is Open
VBS at Covenant, Aug. 8-12, 9 a.m. to Noon  
Vacation Bible Study "Animal Crackers" will be held at Covenant Aug. 8-12, from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 3 (as of 8/31/2015) though 5th grade. Register online here or you can pick up a registration form in the Education Wing office. Cost: $25 for members. "Animal Crackers" is a Heifer Project International global education curriculum for rising 4's (preschool) through 5th grade.

Activity leaders and class shepherds are needed! Contact Anne Lowrance to volunteer or for more information.  
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.
Children's Spring Musical: BBQ for Ben!  ChildrensMusical
Sunday, April 24, 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall 
Covenant children's choirs (kindergarten-5th grade) are currently preparing for a Spring Musical that will be held the evening of April 24th. We invite all Kindergarten through 5th grade actors and singers to join us for our production. If you are interested please join us at our rehearsals on Sunday afternoons from 5-5:45 p.m. in EW 207 & 322. If you have any questions please contact our Interim Children's Music Assistant, Ms.Tracie Parker.
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.
Covenant Welcomes New Communications Director
We are very pleased to announce that Matt Garfield has accepted the Director of Communications position and will join the staff on Monday, May 2. 
 
Matt graduated from Davidson where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Davidsonian. Following several years as a news reporter with the Rock Hill Herald and the Raleigh News and Observer, Matt joined South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church as Director of Communications. He is currently the Director of Marketing for the YWCA of the Central Carolinas where he not only handles the messaging, branding and digital outreach, but also leads an advocacy committee that mobilizes support for social justice.

Matt looks forward to joining the team at Covenant and states, "I am excited to begin building relationships and sharing stories about the many ways Covenant helps people grow in their faith journeys. Covenant is a strong voice for social justice in Charlotte and beyond, and I'm looking forward to contributing to its mission." Matt, who grew up at Sharon Presbyterian, is married to Marie, a paralegal at Tin, Fulton, Walker and Owen and they are expecting their first child in June. They are members of Christ Episcopal Church. Please join us in welcoming Matt and assisting him as he begins his work among us. 
Part Time Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Job Opening
Recreation/Education Wing
The Rec Assistant will perform all necessary front-office duties which include  greeting and providing announcements to all guests in the Recreation and Education Wings, maintenance of office equipment and supplies, serving as contact for equipment and supply vendors, processing of all Rec Center use requests, assistance in training and scheduling of volunteers, coordination of affiliate membership and assisting with payroll, payables, and accounting. For a full job description, visit the website. Apply to [email protected].
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
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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Covenant Presbyterian Church | 1000 E. Morehead Street | Charlotte | NC | 28204