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Friends,
If marketing studies are correct, most of you will delete this email - or move on to something else - within about 20 seconds.
That's no surprise. Studies have shown that we begin to (often unfairly) form opinions about people within the first few seconds of meeting them. And we all know that we are prone to form opinions about the world around us based on quick headlines or soundbites. Just look at the rise of social media: we often want to see, share and react to content without taking the time to really research it.
I'll admit that I loathe this. Ours is a faith which believes God wove
rest into the very pattern of creation, and we profess that God is not just present in the dramatic moments of life but - more often than not - God shows up as a
"still small voice" that we must carefully listen to and for (1 Kings 19:12).
Yet, simultaneously, I also believe that there is an upside to our fast-paced world. And that upside is this:
people will quickly take notice of the role faith plays in our life.
As the old hymn goes,
"they will know we are Christians by our love". When we live lives of compassion and service, people notice. When we show gentleness, care, and honesty, people see it. Certainly, we don't do these things for self-promotion. But we do absolutely do them for the promotion of God's kingdom.
So, give it some thought this month. Ask yourself, "
are people seeing God at work in my life from the very first time they meet me?" Or,
"is God's love clearly visible in the words I say and things I do?"
One of the surest ways to make sure that the answer to both of those questions is
"yes" is by becoming a part of a community of faith that serves, learns, and grows together. So...I invite you to pause for a moment. Read through what is happening in this community, and make some time to be a part of it.
Yours in Christ,
Ian
Ian.clark@covenantpresby.org
Pastoral Resident, Adult Discipleship & Young Adult Ministries
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Deep Dive Questions!
February 10: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
At one point or another, you have asked this question. How could a good and loving God allow so much pain in the world? How can we believe in a good God and simultaneously experience natural disasters, illness, war, and racism? Join us as we explore this question together. Bring a friend. Everyone is welcome. We will meet at 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 10th in FH207.
March 3: Do We Still Believe in Predestination?
Predestination (the idea that God "elects" who will be saved in advance) is a component of our historic identity as Reformed Christians. But is it something we still believe? And, if so, why would God operate in this way? Join pastors Jessica Patchett and Ian Clark as they lead you through this thorny theological issue.
We will meet at
7:00 pm on Sunday, March 3rd in FH207
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"Culture Care: Consider The Lillies - a Discussion With Makoto Fujimura"
February 17th, 9:30 am - 10:30 am, Chapel
Join us for a discussion with renowned artist Makoto Fujimura on the intersection of faith and art, and how we can imagine a world which better reflects God's compassionate care. Moderated by Hannah Blanton, owner of Sozo Gallery, and Chip Cash, the National Vice President of Communications for Search Ministries, this talk is a profound opportunity for Covenant to hear from an individual who serves God and the world through art. Fujimura was aPresidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009, and in 2014 the American Academy of Religion named him as its Religion and the Arts award recipient. In addition to his work in the visual arts, he is the author of the acclaimed book "
Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art and Culture"
, a collection of essays bringing together people of all backgrounds in a conversation and meditation on culture, art, and humanity. Watch a video
HERE
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First Sunday: A Conversation with Covenant Widows
This Sunday, February 3rd
9:30 am, FH 207
For many young adults who are in a romantic relationship, the concept of losing a spouse or partner seems unimaginable or exceptionally distant. But, sadly, many relationships do experience the death of one partner - sometimes much earlier than ever anticipated. How do we, as a church, respond to this? How can you support someone who is experiencing it? What resources can you draw upon if you experience it? Join us for this special First Sunday Panel featuring widows of all ages. You will be glad that you did. All are welcome.
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Join a Small Group in 2019!
One of the best ways to grow in faith and build life-long friendships is by participating in a small group. We have groups for women, men, couples, newlyweds, and engaged couples. There are also groups built around interest areas, such as Bible studies, fitness groups, and much more! Contact Ian to learn more and to discern where your best fit might be!
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Crisis Assistance Ministry
Saturday, February 9th
9:00 am - 11:00 am
We are in need of volunteers to help us sort donations for the Free Store at Crisis. The Free Store helps individuals and families rebound from homelessness, eviction, and other struggles. We will be gathering on
Saturday February 9
from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
It's a quick way to make big impact in our community!
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Sunday, February 24th
Seeking Mission Festival Volunteers! The mission festival is seeking young adults to serve as cashiers. Can you help? This is a great way to meet a wide cross section of the congregation and help Covenant's global mission efforts!
Volunteer shifts are available Thursday through Sunday.
Contact Lucy Crain
to get involved!
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Mark Your Calendar!
Know Your Craft 5K Benefiting Urban Ministry Center
April 6, 2019: 9:00 am
Join Covenant Young Adults for a 5k run benefiting Urban Ministry Center - one of our great ministry partners! We will run together, and then enjoy some social time at the post-race party hosted by Triple C Brewing Company. To join us, simply register online by clicking HERE, and then let Ian know you'd like to be on the Covenant team!
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Room In The Inn
While the Young Adult specific evening has come and gone, Covenant continues to host Room In The Inn each Tuesday night. Young Adult volunteers are always welcome! Contact Julia Watkins (
Julia.watkins@covenantpresby.org) to sign up or learn more!
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First Sunday Brunch
This Sunday: February 3rd
The Waterman Fish Bar
Join us for a time of unprogrammed fellowship this Sunday at 12:30 at The Waterman in South End! This is a great chance to connect with old friends, make new ones, and have fun! All are welcome, especially guests and prospective members!
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Calling All Young Adult Parents!
Young Adult Parents Social
April 14th at 3pm at Covenant
Mark your calendar and bring the whole family to our upcoming Young Adult Parents Social! There will be space for children to play, great food, music, and fellowship. Build friendships, relax, and enjoy some social time. We are glad that you're a part of our community!
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New Website! Covenant Young Adults has a redesigned page on the Covenant website. We hope that it is a helpful and consolidated resource for you. We also hope that you'll help us to grow by sharing it with those who may be looking for a church home. Check it out HERE.
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Interested in Joining Covenant?
Covenant Young Adults is - and always will be - open to all young adults who are seeking a community of faith. However, if you feel led to join the church officially we are ready to support you in that. Becoming a member of Covenant is one way you can express your commitment to the wider Church, as well as this particular congregation. Joining is easy! Simply come to the church parlor (under the chapel!) any Sunday at 10:30am.
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Children!
With very limited exception (such as some
service projects), Covenant Young Adults welcomes parents to bring their children to our events. If you are a parent, please know that you are welcome to bring your children to our offerings. With advance notice, we may be able to provide childcare for some events. Let us know!
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Sign Up for Covenant Young Adult Text Messages
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Follow us on Social Media
We'd love to have you follow us on our social media channels! These are great ways to stay in the loop about what is going on in the Young Adult Community. You can find us on Facebook at "Covenant Presbyterian - Young Adults" or on Instagram @covenantya. One of the easiest ways to help our ministry grow is by sharing, liking, and engaging with our content: It's a simple way to spread the word about what we're up to!
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