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Friends,
I can't believe I'm writing these words already - but summer is almost here!
It has been another fantastic year in Young Adult ministries: we've studied some tough topics together in the Millennials class, met for wonderful devotions and fellowship on Tuesdays, eaten really terrific brunches, and much more.
I hope you've enjoyed this year, met new friends, learned something, and been encouraged in your own journey of faith. While many of our main programs wind down during this time, we'll still gather for several summer events - and gear up for another great season this fall!
I hope you'll join us!
Yours,
Jen
Pastoral Resident, Adult Discipleship, Young Adult Ministries
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SUMMER KICK-OFF PARTY
End-of-Year Celebration
Thursday, May 18; 6:30-8:30pm; Noda Brewing, 2921 N. Tryon Street
Hosted by: Jen Christianson
Join us as we celebrate a great year of Young Adult programs, and kick off the summer! We'll have the side room reserved next to the bar with some nonalcoholic drinks and dessert, and information about summer events. Noda has other beverages available for purchase, and food trucks. Join in one of the free brewery tours at 6 or 7! Contact Jen with any questions, and check our Facebook page for updates!
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COMING UP
First Sunday Brunch
Sunday, June 4; 12:00pm
Mayobird, 1531 East Boulevard
Hosted by: Allison Platte
Join us for our final brunch of the spring season! We'll resume in October. Check out our Facebook page for updates!
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LATER IN JUNE
A Night at the Knights
Thursday, June 29; 1st Pitch 7:05pm
BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St.
Hosted by: Covenant YA Ministry
We've got tickets for the roof-top party zone, which includes a buffet dinner for two hours (starting at 6 PM), non-alcoholic beverages, and seats below where we can go after dinner. Tickets are only $15 a person! Reservations need to be made by May 28th; contact
Andrew Boyd for more information or to save your spot. Space is limited, so reserve early! Check out our Facebook page for updates!
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THIS SUMMER
Sundays, starting May 28;
9:30am; FH203
Join us for a series exploring Disunity in the Church. We'll read scripture, watch a series of short films including "To Become One" from Duke Divinity professor Christena Cleveland, and spend time in discussion and prayer together. Lessons will tackle topics such as racism, privilege, exploring healing as a community, and hope for the future.
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COLLABORATIVE SMALL GROUPS
7-Week Summer Small Group with The Park
Thursdays Starting June 1; 6:45pm
Locations: The Park, Independence Campus - June 1, 8, 15;
Covenant Fellowship Hall June 22, 29, July 6, and 13
Contact: Ariel Gritter
Join this short-term small group for a multi-racial, interdenominational experience focused on friendship, scripture and prayer, and conversation about the book,
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.
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FRONT PORCH BOOK CHATS
June 11th, 6:30-8:30pm at the home of Nancy Sutton
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The book version of a 2017 Oscar-nominated foreign film, this bittersweet story centers on a grumpy old man and the neighbors who look past their first impressions of him. In a time when many communities are divided, and misunderstanding is widespread, this story invites readers to look past the surface for understanding and friendship - as there is always more than meets the eye.
July 9th, 6:30-8:30pm at the home of Michelle Nebrig
It Happened on the Way to War by Rye Barcott
The story of a UNC student and Marine who founded the non-profit Carolina for Kibera (CFK) after visiting the famous Kibera slum in Nairobi. Follows Rye's personal story of juggling concern for others with a burgeoning military career, and traces the "participatory development" model of CFK, which empowers community members for sustainable, positive change. We'll discuss the book and its ideas together with members from the June mission team traveling to Kenya.
 August 20th, 6:30-8:30pm at the home of Cheryl Hoover
Faith Unraveled by Rachel Held Evans
The 2017 Montreat Women's Connection keynote speaker, Rachel Held Evans writes with humor and honesty about her faith journey. We'll discuss together this revised version of her first book, which tackles issues of faith and doubt, and shows that the periodic "unraveling" of certainty leads to a stronger, enduring faith.
Covenant women are also invited to attend the Women's Connection (August 11-13) with Rev. Joan Watson.
Contact Jen Christianson for details on how to participate.
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SUMMER READING
Books Available for Check-Out
Are you a Small Group Leader (or interested in becoming one)? Are you interested in getting a head start on themes Adult Education will discuss and study this Fall? Check out some of the recommended reading below to explore. Copies are available in the small group library in the Education Wing.
Rebuilding the Foundations: Social Relationships in Ancient Scripture
, Walter Brueggemann and John Brueggemann
Why did Jesus, Moses, Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?
, Brian McLaren
Reflections on the Psalms
, C.S. Lewis
Making All Things New
, Henri Nouwen
Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love
, Will Willimon*
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Sunday, September 10th; 9:30am
*Meet the Author! Will Willimon joins us as our Convocation Speaker this Fall.
Rev. Willimon's book, "Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love", is rooted in the New Testament understanding of Gentile outsiders grafted into the covenant community. He invites readers to an on-the-ground faith that remembers the God who comes to us again and again through so-called outsiders, strangers, immigrants, and those without status. Beyond welcome, Christians must become "other" to the world, shaking off the dominant culture's identity and privilege through practices of listening, humility, and understanding.
A bishop in the United Methodist Church, Professor Willimon served as the dean of Duke Chapel and professor of Christian ministry at Duke University for 20 years. He returned to Duke after serving as the bishop of the North Alabama Conference from 2004 to 2012. Willimon is the author of 70 books. His Worship as Pastoral Care was selected as one of the 10 most useful books for pastors in 1979 by the Academy of Parish Clergy. More than a million copies of his books have been sold. His articles have appeared in many publications including Theology Today, Interpretation, Liturgy, and Christianity Today. He is editor-at-large for The Christian Century. His book Pastor: the Theology and Practice of Ordained Leadership is used in dozens of seminaries in the United States and Asia. His He has taught in Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia in various seminaries. He is a trustee of Wofford College, Emory University, and serves on the Dean's Committee of Yale Divinity School. In early 2017 he will publish Who Lynched Willie Earle? Confronting Racism through Preaching.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CHILDREN'S, YOUTH MINISTRIES
Sundays and Wednesdays
Our children's and youth ministries rely on a team of volunteers to make everything run smoothly each week. As we look to the coming weeks, we'll need greeters to welcome newcomers, shepherds to accompany teachers with large (fabulous!) classes, and hall assistants to help when we run out of goldfish or need to find another pair of scissors. If you would like to participate in Covenant's children's and youth ministries, please click here for more information and learn how you can sign up using VolunteerSpot.
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