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Friends,
Towards the end of our recent Friendsgiving event, we saw that we had an issue:
there was an enormous amount of food left over. What should we do with it? Should we throw it away? Should we encourage attendees to take some home?
Here is what we chose to do: first, we invited others to join us. People who happened to be at Catawba Brewing Company that night were offered a warm meal and hospitality, as were the hard-working venue staff.
With still plenty of food remaining, we boxed up about thirty pre-made meals and a team of young adults brought them to a location where many homeless individuals spend the night. The food was distributed there, as was conversation and prayer.
None of this was pre-planned. But it does precisely demonstrate what makes this community of young adults so special: we build friendships with one another, and use those friendships to welcome and serve others. That's an ethos that we are going to continue to live in to, especially over the Advent and Christmas period.
I hope you'll join us this month for some of our opportunities for fellowship, service, and learning. Doing so will not only enliven your holiday season, but it will ensure that others are better able to share in the joy of it all.
May you have a hope-filled Advent and joyous Christmas,
Ian Clark
Ian.clark@covenantpresby.org
Pastoral Resident, Adult Discipleship & Young Adult Ministries
PS: Check out our newly refreshed website
www.covenantpresby.org/youngadults. It is now more user friendly and provides clearer access to key information. Feel free to share it with others who might be looking for a church community.
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Deep Dive Questions: Do Presbyterians Still Believe in Predestination?
December 9th, 7 pm
Fellowship Hall Room 203
It's well known that "predestination" (the idea that God determines someone's salvation in advance) has a place in Presbyterian theology. But what actually is it? How important is it? What does it tell us about God? Join Jessica Patchett and Ian Clark as they explore this issue of theology and discuss its implications for the contemporary church. Afterwards, join us at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille for conversation and questions on the topic.
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Advent Lunchtime Bible Studies
Songs of Hope for a Weary World
12:00 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Stop by the Foundation for the Carolinas at 220 N. Tryon Street
either Tuesday or Thursdays at noon for a lunchtime Bible Study focusing on some of the Bible's hopeful songs. This is a wonderful way to pause during the middle of your work day and dedicate some time to your spiritual walk.
- Week of Dec 3: Luke 1.46-56 (Mary)
- Week of Dec 10: Luke 1.67-80 (Zechariah)
- Week of Dec 17: Luke 2.8-20 (Shepherds and Angels)
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Deep Dive Questions
New Years Resolutions: Making Positive Faith Commitments and Sticking to Them
Sunday, January 6th, 7 pm
Fellowship Hall
Studies show that a majority of Americans make resolutions at the beginning of the new year...yet only a small percentage actually stick to it throughout the year. Mark your calendar for this special Deep Dive Questions event with Covenant's senior pastor, Bob Henderson. We'll learn how to make commitments that enrich our faith life, and how to actually keep them! Mark your calendar now. You won't want to miss this!
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Engaged and Newlywed Couples
Beginning in 2019, we will be launching a small group designed to support you and help you to build relationships with those in a similar place in their relationships. Join us as we work together to strengthen our foundation of faith and prepare for a bright, loving, and enduring life of love. Interested? Let Ian know!
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Interested in International Mission?
Covenant is sending a team to Reynosa, Mexico from March 10-16 to assist with construction and medical needs in the area. If you've ever been curious about participating in an international mission opportunity - this would be a great trip to start with. Join us for coffee and discussion this Sunday (12/9) at 10:30am in the Fellowship Hall Library where all your questions will be answered!
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Room In The Inn
December 11th at Covenant
5:00 pm
Covenant Young Adults is sponsoring a night of service by hosting Room In The Inn. This ministry provides safe and warm shelter - as well as food and fellowship - to those experiencing homelessness around the holidays. We are looking for between 6-8 volunteers: can you be one of them? If not, can you contribute towards the food cost? Let Ian know ASAP to be added to our volunteer and support list! This is a great way to share the love of God during the Christmas season!
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Mark Your Calendar!
Drinks Ministry at Urban Ministry Center
Saturday, January 26th
10:45 am - 12:30 pm
Urban Ministry Center supports the Charlotte homeless community in many profound ways. On January 26th, we'll be kicking off 2019 by serving drinks at lunchtime to between 200 and 300 guests! We need 3-5 more volunteers! Let Ian know now if you want to be one of them!
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Young Adults Tacky Sweater Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 18th
6:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Home of Susan and Mike Ferone
2800 Wamath Drive
This casual gathering is a chance to celebrate the Christmas season together! We will share delicious food, talk around the fire pits, and create Christmas cards for our elderly neighbors at Sharon Towers. If you'd like, wear your favorite tacky Christmas sweater! BYOB! While an RSVP is not required, it does help with our planning, you can do so by clicking HERE.
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First Sunday Brunch
Sunday, January 6th
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
At 12:30pm on the first Sunday of each month we gather for an unprogrammed time of fellowship - and some great food! It's an opportunity to get to know new friends - everyone is welcome, especially those who are new to Covenant! Join us on January 6 at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (1626 East Blvd) for our next gathering!
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Winter Retreat
January 18th - 20th
Interested in the Young Adult Winter Retreat?
Planned for January 18-21, the Winter Retreat is a chance to build friendships, learn, and have fun! We'll be heading to the mountains of western NC. If you are interested, let us know (without any commitment) by the end of December! We'll be in touch about the details with those who are interested! Contact Ian at
Ian.clark@covenantpresby.org.
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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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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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