 |
Friends,
One of the more intriguing elements of modern culture is our use of emojis, GIFs, and other images as a means of communication. These modern hieroglyphics are capable of expressing ideas, feelings, and even humor in a way that transcends written - or even verbal - language.
Simultaneously, though, study after study has demonstrated that people's attention spans are shrinking. As we seek quick, visual, means of communication our willingness to engage in detailed work is declining.
This is bad news for religion. Our faith seeks to put substance over image, and urges people to spend careful time in prayer, reflection, and Bible study. Building relationships takes time and long-term work. All of this seems at odds with today's fast-paced, image-driven world.
I don't have any fancy solutions for this discrepancy, nor any particularly hopeful words to say in response to it. But I can say this:
image only gets us so far. Ultimately, we find our most complete self when we take the time to grow in our faith and relationships.
So, my offer isn't exactly a sexy one, but it is a vitally important one: be deliberate in stepping out of the normal pattern of habits that so often characterize our world. Be intentional about growing in your faith, about building community, and about forming the world in a more equitable way.
Helping you to do these things is the church's specialty. Do yourself a favor and take a look at the opportunities contained in this newsletter and pursue some of them. It may be counter-cultural...but it will lead you to spiritual abundance.
Yours in Christ,
Ian
Ian.clark@covenantpresby.org
Pastoral Resident, Adult Discipleship & Young Adult Ministries
|
This Sunday: Lowcountry Boil
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Home of Christie and Ryan Collins
3929 Kitley Place
Join us for our Spring Social - a Lowcountry Boil at the home of Christie and Ryan Collins! We will have live music from Ellie Morgan - a Charlotte favorite! There will also be fun games, delicious food, and good people. Come meet new and old friends. All are welcome, including friends and children. RSVP by clicking
HERE.
|
Young Adults Joining Day
May 5, 10:30 in the Parlor (under the chapel)
Many of our young adults are not officially members of the congregation, and many more are searching for a church home. If this describes you, we would love for you to join us this Sunday for our joining day. The process is easy: no classes, tests, or elaborate ceremonies. Simply stop by and we would be happy to welcome you. The process literally takes a few minutes. Covenant also offers Affiliate Membership if you wish to simultaneously retain membership at another home church.
|
First Sunday Talk: Faith, Compassion and The LGBTQ+ Community
Sunday, May 5th at 9:30am in FH207
Amid difficult debates among churches and LGBTQ+ communities, we can find beautiful stories of love, compassion and acceptance. Hear from a panel of Covenant members whose faith journeys have been shaped by LGBTQ+ issues in various ways. No RSVP needed. This is part of our year-long Walk a Mile of Faith in My Shoes series.
|
Deep Dive Question:
What is the Trinity?
Sunday, May 12th 7:00 pm
Fellowship Hall Room 105
What's the deal with the trinity? How can God be three different things? How can Jesus be his own father? How can we believe in the trinity and also be monotheistic? How can something so foundational to our beliefs be so confusing? Join us as we find out. All are welcome.
|
Deep Dive in June: Are Science and Religion Compatible?
June 9, 7 pm, Fellowship Hall Rm. 105
Join us for our last Deep Dive Questions event before we pause for July/August. We'll take an honest look at the prickly relationship between science and religion. Are they compatible? Do people of faith need to choose? Are they necessarily in conflict? The answers might surprise you. Join us, and bring a friend!
|
Drinks Ministry at Urban Ministry Center
May 18th and June 1st
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
We have two options for you to serve our
neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. This short and simple task makes a big impact in the lives of others. Please consider joining us.
Email Ian
if you are interested or want to learn more.
|
Charlotte Housing Justice Bus Tour
June 2, 12:15 - 3:00 pm
As Christians, we are called to see the world as Christ saw it: that is to say, we are not to avert our eyes from the poor, the marginalized, and the hurting. Join us for a remarkable bus tour led by Greg Jarrell of QC Family Tree - you'll see your city in a new light and be exposed to ever-present realities which are easy to miss. Lunch will be served, and along the way you'll hear first-hand stories from people across Charlotte. Few events across the church will be as eye-opening, informative, and impactful as this one. The cost is just $12 and space is very limited. Reserve your spot today by clicking
HERE.
|
Freedom Schools Parent Meeting
July 15th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Freedom Schools supports students from low-income families and communities by providing high-quality summer educational opportunities. On July 15, Freedom Schools will be hosting a parent meeting at Highland Renaissance Academy. Our Young Adult community will be providing and serving dinner to around 100 parents! Would you like to join or contribute?
Email Ian to confirm a spot!
|
Night at the Knights
July 28th
5:00 pm
Mark your calendar for our Summer Social. We will be gathering to watch the Charlotte Knights take on the Pawtucket Red Sox! The game starts at 5:00PM and your ticket includes an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner. Cost is just $20 - a steep discount from face value! Come spend a warm summer night with us and your local baseball team!
Reserve a ticket by emailing Ian
.
|
Save the Date
Fall Kick-Off Event
August 18th at VBGB
While the details will be shared soon, we want to invite you to save the date for the afternoon/evening of August 18
th
. We'll be hosting our annual kickoff for our new year of programming. We'll share some great time of fellowship, and share exciting details about the months ahead and how you can be involved in it all!
.
|
Secret Saint Reveal Brunch
Sunday, May 19th
10:00
Fellowship Hall Room 207
Are you a college student? Or have you served as a Secret Saint this year? If so, join us for a special brunch on May 19
th
! You'll meet your Saint, hear about ways you can get involved at Covenant this summer, and meet some of our young adult leaders!
RSVP by letting Sally Jackson know you can make it!
|
We Welcome 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!
|
Follow Us On Instagram
Covenant Young Adults' Instagram is one of the easiest and most direct ways to learn about what is going on in our community. Follow us at @covenantya.
|
|
|
|
|
|
