The N.C. Baroque Orchestra will accompany a Bach Cantata during 11 a.m. worship with special music extracted for the 8:45 Chapel service. Soloists Sarah Towner, Amy Henion, Jordan Taylor and Ryan Harrison along with the Covenant Choir will share this musical setting.

Hear how mission work with a small group can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships with God and each other.  It's the second part of a 3-week series on the importance of relationships in the Christian life at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Learn more here.

• Tonight's menu: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rice krispy treats

An open-to-all option called Connect Live gathers in the Fellowship Hall for anyone not able to commit to weekly Connect groups. Come once or every time as ministers offer reflections which will be recorded for group use. Pray for newly formed Connect groups as they begin studying the Gospel of John.

What are we talking about when we mention "salvation" or being "saved"? Why do Christian traditions believe so many different things about it?  Everyone is welcome to join our first Deep Dive Questions of the fall season.

The Session heard a report this month on a potential partnership with Plaza Presbyterian Church that would enable our congregation to provide worship and outreach in a diverse area of the city. 

Plaza approached Covenant this year seeking a way to bring new life to its campus in Plaza Midwood, located east of uptown.  A potential partnership would aspire to provide new avenues to proclaim the Gospel in  this neighborhood, home to a racially diverse mix of lower-income families and newcomers wishing to live close to uptown. 

Both churches share a long-standing emphasis on worship, education and service. A partnership would seek to build on this common history.  Many details would need to be resolved and the discussions, coordinated by Planning & Evaluation and Session members, would continue for at least a year before any decisions are made.

Mark Peres, creator of the popular "On Life and Meaning" podcast, will speak on the power of storytelling and his experience curating 100 Charlotteans' stories for a book. A public conversation with Mark kicks off the First Sunday Talks series.

Registration closes soon. Escape to the mountains for a retreat at Camp Grier with hiking, mountain biking and zip-lining across Lake Refuge. On Saturday night, we'll gather for s'mores and campfire singing. Middle and high school youth will have their own programs.  Details here.

A Covenant tradition returns! We welcome boys and girls ages 5 to 18. Applications are due by Oct. 18. Practices begin the week of Nov. 3. First games are Dec. 7 and continue through February. Details and registration here.

Alexis Sherrill joined the staff on Monday as Assistant Director of the Child Development Center, reporting to Chris Callaway, Managing Director of the CDC.

Since June 2016, Alexis has been the Lead Teacher for two-year-olds at the First Presbyterian CDC in Charlotte. Prior to that, she was an assistant teacher at the Cresset Christian Academy in Durham. Alexis holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Relations from NC Central University. In addition, she has completed the Foundations of Leadership and Administration through Child Care Resources in Charlotte.

Alexis brings a deep passion for educating all children as well as the necessary administrative training and experience to be a valuable addition to our CDC staff. Please join us in welcoming Alexis to this new role at Covenant and supporting her ministry among us.

While the Child Development Center is close to full enrollment, a few open spots remain in all classrooms (infant, toddler, 2's, 3's and 4's). These spots are primarily for families who qualify for some level of financial assistance. 

If your family is investing more than 10% of your household income on child care, you may qualify.  Learn more about our program and spread the word to any families who may be interested.

The missions team will provide everything you need to manage a project. It's a great way to m eet folks and make a difference in our city.   Contact Julia Watkins.

• Looking for more ways to serve? You can volunteer for the Alternative Gift Market on Sunday, Nov. 24 and the Mission Festival in late February. Contact Lucy Crain.