Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Rediscovering joy at Presbyterian Women's retreat

A weekend retreat in Pinehurst brought together 35 women to "tap into our inner children and reclaim spaces of divine joy in our adult routines," in the words of retreat leader Claire Tomkinson.

When we call someone child-like, we mean it in a negative way. But think of it differently: isn't it a virtue to be able to experience joy as easily as a child?

Participants recalled their fondest memories as 7-year-olds, what psychologists call the purest age because we don't yet feel pressure to conform.

"Whenever we encounter joy, we're encountering a sense of the divine," said pastoral resident Jen Christianson, reflecting on the trip. "We need to find ways to connect to that sense in our adult lives."
Knights game with Covenant is Sunday
Sunday, July 31, 5 p.m. first pitch
A few days are left to sign up! Meet at the park and sit in our seating area. Tickets include $2 off concessions. Drop by the Rec Wing or email James.

Church-wide adult summer Sunday School continues
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. FH203
Hunter Hoover will lead a discussion on Feeding Sheep, part of a series on meeting Jesus in the land where he lived. Details here.
Bring school supplies for a child in need
Local missions needs your help
Help support children at our partner schools - Highland Renaissance Academy in Charlotte and Crossnore Elementary in Avery County.
  • We need pencils, erasers, wide rule composition notebooks, Crayola markers, crayons, safety scissors and glue sticks 
  • Please bring to church office or Rec Wing. Contact Carla Leaf for details.
Interim team to lead middle school program
New season begins Sunday, Sept. 11
Three talented young adults will lead Covenant's middle school program on an interim basis as the church seeks a successor for Chaz Snider.
  • Mary Kate McAlister, a teacher at Trinity Episcopal School and a lifelong Covenant member. Most recently, Mary Kate has led the Wednesday night high school girls group. This fall, she will anchor the Quest (Confirmation) program Sunday mornings and middle school fellowship Sunday evenings.
  • Matt Dees, a graphic designer who has been part of Covenant since his time at Queens University. Matt is a Quest mentor, middle school youth adviser and co-leader of the Wednesday night middle school guys group. This fall, he'll continue leading the Wednesday night group and will co-anchor Sunday evening fellowship.
  • Jordan Schriefer, a new teacher at Montclaire Elementary and a graduate of the Covenant youth ministry program. She is currently an intern in youth ministries at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. This fall, she'll anchor Sunday School for 6th and 7th graders and lead the Wednesday night middle school girls group.
Save the date for Sunday, September 11 at 9:30 a.m. as we'll kick off 6th and 7th grade Sunday School and Confirmation (adult classes kick off this day, too!). That evening, we'll have our kickoff event for youth and a parent meeting with lots of information about the coming year. 

As we prepare for the new year, a committee chaired by Courtney St. Onge will lead our search for the next Director of Middle School Youth Ministries.
Seminary offers courses on church history, mission
Go back to 'virtual' school this fall

Union Presbyterian Seminary offers online learning classes designed for Commissioned Ruling Elders and church members. The five-week courses begin in September. Details here.

Sing with Covenant Choir this summer    
No commitment; just show up Sunday mornings 
Come to the Choir Room before worship to rehearse an easy anthem. Dates are (10 a.m.): July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28, Sept. 4. Contact John Richardson for details.
Assistant will support Education, Parish Nurse offices
Welcome Erin Williams to the staff     
Erin Williams is our new administrative assistant for Education and the Parish Nurse offices. She will join us beginning Monday. Most recently, Erin held a similar role at The John Crosland School, where she assisted the admissions and finance offices.
Director of middle school youth ministries
Covenant is hiring for a full-time director to oversee education and programming for youth in grades six through eight. The director will work closely with our children and high school ministries and serve with energy, imagination, intelligence and love. Details here.
Coordinator of care teams and support groups
Covenant is hiring for a new, part-time staff position to help the church family respond in a focused way when members experience life events such as cancer diagnoses, grief and divorce as well as transitions such as job changes, retirements, new parenting roles and caregiving duties. Details here.

Part time children's ministry assistant job opening

Covenant is hiring a part-time assistant to support the children's ministry director in providing a sound, faithful and loving environment for children 20 hours per week. Details here. Apply to Anne Lowrance.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
Contemporary: 
9:30 a.m. Sanctuary 
11 a.m. Fellowship Hall

Traditional: 
11 a.m. Sanctuary 
weekly podcasts
mind, spirit, body
memorials, celebrations

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