Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018
This week! Advent happenings at Covenant
  • Pre-ordered wreaths are available today on the Green from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
     
  • Advent devotional series: Sign up here for daily reflections from Covenant ministers, staff, members and friends beginning Sunday.
     
  • Alternative Gift Market: Visit the Rec Wing on Sunday for pottery, art, food items, jewelry and crafts from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We need volunteers!
Open Table returns tonight
An evening of music from worship team
Taco bar is in the Fellowship Hall from 5 to 6:30 p.m. followed by programs for all ages.  Make a reservation for meals and/or child care.
  • Tonight: Worship team takes over Open Table for a night! Jason Graffis and Covenant musicians will talk about the evolution of worship and what Bob Henderson calls "baptizing the secular."
First Sunday Talk: Raising children of color
Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in FH207
A panel conversation welcomes Ariel and Brad Gritter, Diane and Ben Powell, AnaRosa and Jose Covaria and LaVita and Ricko Hill to speak about their joys and challenges. Mollie and Philip James will moderate.
Share input on associate pastor search
Listening sessions are Sunday in FH203
Joan  Watson retired Oct. 31 following 15 years of faithful service. Prior to a search for staff leadership, the Personnel Committee invites you to share your thoughts on qualities needed in Covenant's next associate pastor. We also welcome suggestions for people to serve on a search committee.
   
The Personnel Committee will host listening sessions on the following dates. If you prefer to give comments in writing, please send an email to CovenantAssociatePastorSearch@gmail.com.
  • Sunday, Dec. 2 after 9:30 and 11 a.m. services
  • Sunday, Dec. 9 after 9:30 and 11 a.m. services 
Young Adults host First Sunday Brunch
Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Superica 
Whether you're single, married, new to Charlotte or a longtime Covenant member, Covenant YA is your place to land. Meet us in the Fellowship Hall following worship - or you can just meet us there. Get connected here.
Campaign is at 63 percent of goal
Your pledge is needed for 2019 operating budget
This year's stewardship campaign is entitled "A Time to Build Up" because we intend to  invest heavily in music, children, youth and local outreach. 
  • Did you know that each year, Covenant receives 16 percent of annual contributions in December? Please consider a tax-deductible contribution in these ways:
     
  • During Sunday worship. Contributions made during services through Sunday, Dec. 30, will be credited to 2018 unless otherwise noted.
     
  • Online via our secure giving site at covenantpresby.org/give. Any contribution must be complete before midnight Dec. 31.
     
  • To be deductible in 2018, your gift must be received or postmarked prior to midnight on Dec. 31. Church offices will be open until 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28. For information on stock gifts, please contact Virginia Rumbley.
Community book read: The Color of Law
Small group will begin soon 
Covenant will host a small group on The Color of Law, a book that explores "the forgotten history of how our government segregated America."  Many other churches and organizations are hosting groups, too. Here's what is planned:
  • A kickoff panel discussion is Monday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Myers Park United Methodist Church
  • Author Richard Rothstein will speak on Monday, Jan. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at First Baptist Church - West.
  • Contact Lucy Crain to join our group. You can also see the website.
A very merry Bible study: 3 weeks, 3 songs of hope
Join us for lunch uptown
Drop in to a Bible study once a week and receive the gifts of God with us (Emmanuel!). We'll read the songs of Mary, Zechariah, angels and shepherds from the gospel of Luke. No prior Bible study experience needed.

Jessica Patchett, Ian Clark and Ben Mallicote invite you to a lunch hour gathering at Foundation for the Carolinas on Tryon Street. We offer two options: Tuesdays or Thursdays, both from noon to 1 p.m., beginning next week. Get connected here.

Volunteers needed for Room in the Inn
Covenant welcomes guests on Tuesday nights
On Tuesday nights from December to March, Covenant welcomes neighbors experiencing homelessness. You can drive the van, serve dinner, stay overnight or fill other roles. We encourage groups to serve together, and there's space for individuals, too. Contact Julia Watkins to get involved.

Grady Moseley joins staff on interim basis
Grady is a familiar face
Grady Moseley will join the Covenant staff on Sunday, Dec. 9 as Interim Minister for Congregational Life and Pastoral Care.

Grady is well known to the congregation (along with his wife, Kim), having served as Parish Associate for five years. He graduated from Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash., with degrees in history and sociology. Answering God's call to ministry, Grady earned Master's degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary-Richmond (Christian Education, Divinity) and the New College at University of Edinburgh in Scotland (Theology in Church History). 

In his own words, "As I continue to practice pastoral leadership enthusiastically and relationally, God willing, I understand my calling is to be an anamchara (A Celtic word for "soul friend") and to sit with all those who have questions, helping answer some of the questions. But mostly just being a companion... and never letting the questions, or the answers, get in the way of friendship."

Campus construction update
Circle remains open 
The door at the Sanctuary end of the Education Wing will be closed for at least two weeks (maybe longer, depending on weather) to begin work on the foundation for the new building.

Crews re-routed the Circle on a temporary basis to create room for a retaining wall for the hospitality center. The drive remains open. With  dry weather, foundation work may start soon.

Director of operations
Full-time position 
This position is responsible for the coordination of the church's general operations including oversight of technology services and operations, property management, recreation ministries and facilities, and food service. Learn more here.
 
Front desk receptionist
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon-Thurs and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Based at the front desk in the Sanctuary building, join the team to greet visitors, receive phone calls and help with office-related tasks. Learn more here.
 
FITNESS at COVENANT
classes, hours
COVENANT NEWS
november issue 
CONGREGATIONAL NOTES
memorials, celebrations