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Mary Kate McAlister is a seminarian at Columbia Theological Seminary and a long-time Covenant member. She is currently serving as an intern at Covenant where, among other tasks, she is helping Covenant Young Adults.
Friends,
I recently listened to an interview where a man compared the church to an interstate rest stop. My first thought was... "Ugh." I was immediately flooded with memories of making emergency bathroom break stops during long road trips (doing that waddle-walk-run from the car), and of pitstops on field trips with 50 4th graders where for once in my life I understood why some parents keep their kids on leashes. "I counted 50, did you count 50? Shoot. You got 49? I'll count again."
His point was not that church is a place for emergency bathroom breaks or for sudden-onset-anxiety. Rather, he meant to share that our mindset on Sunday mornings can, at times, be likened to that moment when you pass by the sign for a rest stop along the interstate.
I can't say for sure what goes through your mind, but I often find myself thinking, mmm...not right now. Eh, I'll stop when I need to but I think I'm good. Maybe next time. I can always stop later.
Summer throws a wrench in routine. At least, it does in mine. I eat out more frequently, hit snooze a few more times than necessary, and can be tempted to attend "Church on the Porch" (read: watch Covenant online from home) rather than show up in person. I'll be honest, I can be tempted to look at Sunday morning and think, mmm...not today. Eh, I'll go when I need to but I think I'm good. Maybe next time. I can always go next week. I can be tempted to treat Sunday morning like an interstate rest stop.
But what I miss in doing so is the fellowship that comes during and after worship. The chance to hug dear friends and family and to receive an update on their summer shenanigans. I miss the vibrations of music that fill our sanctuary and sometimes bring goosebumps to the surface of my skin. I miss the deep breath that finally fills my lungs after hearing, in person, a word of hope and compassion.
So in these final weeks of summer, before we situate back into the full routine and rhythm of life, I encourage you to recognize the moments when you find yourself approaching Sunday as if it were an interstate rest stop. Consider stopping... rest stops are there for a reason, and so is the church.
Blessings,
Mary Kate McAlister
marykate.mcalister@gmail.com
Education Intern through the
Jeffrey D. Sanders Summer Internship Scholarship Fund.
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Environmental Justice Forum
Sunday, August 11th, 7:00 pm
Fellowship Hall
Learn about God's call to environmental stewardship and how you can be a proactive advocate for environmental justice. The forum will feature scientists, theologians, and advocates.
Global warming is perhaps the greatest threat to our world today. How can one person confront an issue of such magnitude? On August 11th at 7PM, Covenant will host an Environmental Justice Forum in order to learn about God's call upon us to be good stewards of the environment, even as its issues overwhelm us. During this panel discussion, we'll hear from an acclaimed climate scientist from UNCC, local advocates and clergy. You'll leave with a better understanding of climate change as a scientific, social, and ethical issue - and most importantly, better equipped to respond faithfully.
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Adult Sunday School This Summer
Every Sunday, 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall
Ever wonder what a day in the life of a ______ is like? Our Adult Sunday School Series, "Faith and Career," is a great time to get this question answered. Over the next four Sundays, we'll chat with Covenant members working within a variety of industries: Government and Public Service, Healthcare, Students, and Not-for-Profits. During the 9:30-10:30 hour, we'll hear about the ways in which faith informs work, as well as how space is made for faith outside of work. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming Topics include:
7/7: No Sunday School Offered
7/14: Healthcare
7/21: Students
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Serving Covenant Youth
Fall 2019
As you consider your involvement this fall, please consider volunteering to teach either Middle or High School Youth Sunday School. Classes meet from 9:30 - 10:30. All curriculum is provided. This is a great way to connect in a meaningful way to Covenant, the youth of the Church and also other members of the Church. Contact Perrin Tribble for more information.
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Serving Dinner to Freedom School Families
July 15th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Covenant has long partnered with Freedom Schools, who provide an opportunity for continued education and community engagement for students of economically and disadvantaged neighborhoods. The first Freedom School was held in 2007 and Covenant's financial support goes back even further. Join us on the evening of July 15th as we continue investing in this partnership by serving dinner to parents and students participating in Freedom Schools this summer. Let us know by July 10th
if you're available and interested.
Contact Ian for more information!
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Serving Dinner at Charlotte Family Housing
Thursday, September 5th
Charlotte Family Housing believes in the empowerment that comes with shelter as does Covenant. Knowing that shelter, food and a sense of belonging are all essential to humanity, please consider serving dinner this fall. Mark your calendars for September 5th!
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First Sunday Brunch
August 4th, 12:30 pm
Mayobird on East Boulevard
We know you missed it last month... First Sunday Brunch is back! Mark your calendars for August 4th at 12:30. We'll meet at Mayobird (1531 East Blvd.), where all your chicken salad dreams come true.
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Save the Date
Fall Kick-Off Event
August 18th at VBGB
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
This past year has seen tremendous growth in our Young Adult community. We have welcomed lots of new people, started new educational offerings, offered more opportunities for service, and hosted a number of great events. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Join us on August 18th as we kick off our new year of programming. You'll reconnect with friends and make new ones, as well as hear about the exciting things that are in store for the fall. Join the celebration at VBGB, where we will have great food, drinks, games, and fellowship. Can't wait to see you there.
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Covenant Comedy Club featuring Susan Sparks
Wednesday, September 11th
6:30 pm
You read that correctly. On Wednesday, September 11
th
, Covenant will welcome Susan Sparks - a trial lawyer turned Baptist Minister and Standup Comedian. You may have heard her name tossed around in the TED Talk world. She's also published numerous books and contributes to nationally syndicated media outlets. For one night (and hopefully not one-night-only), the Fellowship Hall will transform into a Comedy Club. You don't want to miss it!
Click Here for a link to Susan Sparks on You Tube!
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Young Adults at NASCAR!
September 29th, 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
As a Charlotte Native, I see the pain it brings Ian when I share that I have never attended a NASCAR race. If you happen to be in the same
boat
car, be sure to secure a spot with Covenant for the race on September 29
th
. We'll tailgate, hear from Covenant members who work for NASCAR, watch the race, and even get access to pit road and the garages. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Contact Ian to express your interest. Details, including cost, will be confirmed soon.
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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.
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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.
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