Wednesday, June 24 , 2020
A conversation on race with Lucy Bush Carter
"I've learned, every single day, something my whiteness gives me that people of color don't have. From a faith perspective, there is nothing right about that." 

In today's edition of One Takes, Bob interviews Lucy Bush Carter, a longtime Covenant member and community leader. Lucy grew up in the small town of Goldsboro and has spent a lifetime working toward racial reconciliation. 
Tonight: Bob kicks off church-wide book read
Opening reflections, breakout groups  
We'll bravely work toward a whole and just world by working on systemic and episodic realities that are far from just. And we'll passionately nurture faithful discipleship that fosters growth in all of us around important issues such as race, inequality and justice. 

Tonight at 6:30 p.m., Bob will kick off a three-week study on White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Breakout groups will be facilitated by church members. You can sign up here. 



Covenant yard signs are available
An expression of support for racial justice   
Covenant yard signs stating our church's commitment to a whole and just world are available for pick-up at the Welcome Center weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Please click here to see the signs and reserve one for $12 to help defray the cost. The signs are 18x24 and include metal stakes. 



Share images of light for worship montage
Your photos will appear in livestream   
Share a favorite photo that involves the presence of light - a sunrise or sunset, a beautiful view or perhaps a drawing of your own.

We'll create a montage for the opening hymn on Sunday, July 5 to enhance our worship during this time of physical separation. Click here to submit.



Three ways to worship

Zoom interactive worship
Watch 9:30 worship with opportunities to say hello and chat in breakout rooms. 
 

Covenant media page
Worship at 9:30 and 11, follow along with an order of worship and interact with online host.
 

Facebook Live
Worship at 9:30 and 11 and interact with online host.
See faces, say hello in Zoom worship
Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
For those who yearn to see faces and say hello to friends, a new worship experience is designed to feel like old times.  Try Zoom worship this Sunday and enjoy the chance to chat in small group breakout rooms. A moderator will guide us.


Discover places that shaped Christianity 
Summer Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom
Our goal is to understand and apply Scripture by taking a look at influential places, people and practices. You'll feel more confident using the Bible and embodying your faith in today's world.  Click here to access the weekly Zoom meeting.

June: Places of Faith 
  • Discover the political and economic landscapes of ancient cities. What lessons can we draw to better understand today's climate?
Deadline to nominate an elder is coming up
Please submit nominations by July 2
An Elder Nominating Committee is seeking recommendations for Elder and Youth Elder. The congregation will elect 10 adults and two youths for terms beginning in January 2021.

Members of the ENC are: Amy Capitano,  Bill Cathey,  Kerry Hamilton,  Jessica Mallicote,  Brad Moore,  Scott Roehrig,  Jordan Schriefer,  Anne White,  Joe Taylor (co-chair) and  Mary Delk (chair).

Make a recommendation: Please describe your nominee(s)' qualifications, including areas of involvement and personal gifts/skills. Click here for the online form.


Join us in thanking Betsy Ragone
A welcoming presence at the front desk
Betsy Ragone has resigned her position as receptionist as she and her husband, Mike, prepare to move to Clemmons, NC to be near her daughter. 

Betsy stated, "I have so enjoyed my time at Covenant: the staff, the members and more recently the CDC and Epiphany kids. I mentioned to you when I first arrived that it was a "God thing" I would be working at Covenant and I still believe that I have been exactly where God wanted me for the last 18 months! As I move to this next chapter of my life my prayers will be with you all as you continue to do God's work in the community."

Please join us in wishing Betsy much success and happiness and in giving thanks for her excellent service among us.


Contribute baked goods, notes for our seniors
A way to support older members 
Covenant's congregational care ministry is working to support our seniors who remain in quarantine due to COVID-19. We'll deliver gift bags with uplifting notes and baked goods.

We are looking for volunteers to assemble and deliver bags (while respecting socially distancing guidelines). Click here to sign up.




How you can support Freedom School 
We'll provide snack bags for scholars
Responding to COVID-19, Freedom Schools will pivot to outdoor "pop-up" sites in July. As always, the mission is to prevent summer learning loss and inspire a love of learning among children.

Covenant's Freedom School will be held in the parking lot at the Sugar Creek Library. Click here to sign up for a day to provide snack bags.


Be part of next Operation Sandwich     
Meals for our neighbors
The missions team invites you to make 25 sandwiches and bring them to Covenant on Monday, July 6 from 10 to 10:15 a.m. Julia and Lucy will be in front of the Sanctuary building to collect and deliver directly to Urban Ministry Center for lunch that day.  You can sign up here.


Shared struggle of our Palestinian friends
Bright Stars of Bethlehem plan book study
Our partners at Bright Stars of Bethlehem stand in solidarity with those who seek dignity, equality and justice for all people. 

The organization's "relationship by relationship, heart by heart" approach has helped Bright Stars attract friends from around the world, including many at Covenant. Here are three ways to be involved:
  • Pray for our nation, the world and those who work for peace.
     
  • Read Mitri Raheb's free book, co-edited with Dr. Saeb Erakat, The Double Lockdown: Palestine under Occupation and COVID-19. You can download it here.
     
  • Take part in a virtual summer series to accompany Mitri's book on June 29, July 27 and Aug. 24 at noon. Click here to register.

This is last week to 'stash' the freezer   
Dinner at Roof Above (formerly Men's Shelter)
Help the missions team "stash" the freezer with 75 Texas Hash casseroles and 750 desserts for a meal at Roof Above. Please bring frozen items to the church today from 11 a.m. to noon or other times through Friday. Contact Lucy Crain to arrange a time.


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