Be part of a historic day in the life of the congregation as Covenant officially opens the new Welcome Center and Child Development Center. The building will be open and teachers will be on hand to greet visitors.

• Special music: Henry Trexler on the Viol de Gambe at 8:45 a.m.; flute choir with cello and harpsichord at 11 a.m.

A number of designated special gifts have been made to the CDC scholarship fund that will allow us to increase our financial assistance offerings for the next few years. The CDC leadership is now able to offer financial aid packages for some students of up to 50 percent of tuition.

• Click here for a letter to the Session from Bob Henderson.
   
• Click here to watch a WBTV report, including interviews with Bob Henderson, Chris Callaway, Helen Richards and Alexis Sherrill.

God is doing breathtaking things in and through this congregation. But the unfortunate irony is that, the more involved you are, the easier it can become to get used to what's happening here - to begin to see the life of this congregation as something other than the awe-inspiring work of a living God.

• Watch a video of remarks from Jessica and Ben Mallicote.
   
• Please click here to make your financial pledge on or before Commitment Sunday (Nov. 10). Your commitment enables the church to produce an accurate budget and position our ministries for the broadest impact.

• Covenant Impacts Charlotte: Consider signing up for a volunteer project as we serve our Charlotte neighbors on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Learn about Covenant's peace-building work in the Middle East with Bright Stars of Bethlehem, educating the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine. Make a dinner reservation.

• Tonight - Hear the latest analysis on the Middle East from a pair of experts. Nathan Stock is a scholar at the Middle East Institute, formerly of the Carter Center. Rev. Ron Shive of First Presbyterian Church in Burlington is a Bright Stars board member.
   
• Dinner and Movie Night on Oct. 30 - Enjoy authentic Palestinian cuisine and a powerful 20-minute film by students at Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. Dinner this week is $10 for adults and $5 for children with a family max of $28.

Julia Watkins, pastoral resident for mission and outreach, will be ordained in a service led by many clergy guests. Rev. Rob Spach of Davidson College will offer the sermon. Music includes Bach's Toccata and Handel's The Rejoicing.

An open-to-all option called Connect Live gathers in the Fellowship Hall for anyone not able to commit to weekly Connect groups. Come once or every time as ministers offer reflections which will be recorded for group use. 

What do we believe about baptism and the Lord's Supper? How important are these things? Why are other important events (weddings, confirmation, ordination, etc.) not sacraments? Join us to find out.  Details here.

Covenant is producing a new church photo directory -- and you're invited. Photo sessions begin today and continue through Saturday, Nov. 9. To schedule a session online, click here. Please note the site closes on the weekends to allow for in-person Sunday registration.

Join us to continue important work on exploring the power of storytelling in faith. Covenant pastors Grace Lindvall and Ian Clark will speak about storytelling as a vehicle for growing in faith and as a spiritual practice. Along the way, they will share some of their own stories. 

Join Covenant friends for a Fresh Air and Fellowship outing to explore a section of the Ridgeline Trail in the NC foothills. A potluck picnic lunch afterward features the legendary Red Bridges BBQ at the home of Jeff and Shana Hartman in nearby Shelby. We'll carpool from the church at 8 a.m.  Click here for details and RSVP. 

We are in need of Texas Hash and desserts. Please place items in the Fellowship Hall freezer at your convenience. You can find the recipe here. This is a great service opportunity for groups and families. Contact Terry Horne to let us know you made a drop-off.

Come read aloud books to Pre-K through 5th grade students. Bring your favorite book or choose from a basket of books. Guest readers will read for 15 minutes in one or more classes. You can even choose the grade level. Sign up here.

The annual wreath sale supports Covenant children's ministries. Click here to place your order and learn more. Wreaths are available in two sizes and will be available for pick-up on the Green beginning Sunday, Dec. 1.