Learn about Covenant's peace-building work in the Middle East with Bright Stars of Bethlehem, educating the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine. Make a dinner reservation.

• Tonight - Bob Henderson and Holy Land travelers will share powerful stories from their recent pilgrimage.
• Next week - Hear the latest news and analysis on the Holy Land from Rev. Ron Shive of First Presbyterian Church in Burlington (a Bright Stars board member) and Nathan Stock, a scholar at the Middle East Institute, formerly of the Carter Center.
• Oct. 30 - Enjoy a festive dinner catered by a local Palestinian restaurant and a short film produced by students at Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem.

Check your mailbox this week for a stewardship packet and hear an inspiring message on Sunday from Jessica and Ben Mallicote, our campaign co-chairs.

Please make your financial pledge for the 2020 operating budget on or before Commitment Sunday (Nov. 10). Your commitment enables the church to produce an accurate budget and position our ministries for the broadest impact.

• Covenant Impacts Charlotte: Consider signing up for a project as we serve our Charlotte neighbors on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Greg joins with vocalist Dawn Anthony and a team of musicians to bring to life stories from his book, A Riff of Love, which explores building community among those on the margins. Greg is with QC Family Tree in Enderly Park. This event is in partnership with Myers Park Presbyterian. Details here.

• Sunday in worship: Greg and his team of musicians will also offer music in worship at 9:30 and 11 a.m. 

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. 

Highland Heroes Appreciation Brunches are the third Monday of each month. You can contribute food, drinks, flowers or notes of encouragement. Simply drop off your contribution at the church and we'll deliver. You can sign up here.

New this fall, Coffeehouse is a place for conversation and sharing. It's not a Sunday School class or a lecture. Instead, it's a place where we can think and talk together about the issues of faith that we all confront. Details here.

The Covenant College Council invites parents to a brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the home of Tricia and Kevin Smith. Meet Covenant members who are at a similar stage of life. Don't bring anything except yourself!  RSVP here.

Michelle Alexander, best-selling author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age  of Colorblindness, will speak on racial injustice in the modern legal system on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at Belk Theater. Click here to be part of our Covenant seating block. Tickets are $35.

Perrin Tribble, our Director of Christian Education and Middle School Youth Ministry, will be become the Director of Church Relations at her alma mater, Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. Perrin's last day is Nov. 3.

Perrin writes, "This community of faith has played a significant role in my life since 2011, when I first graduated college. Covenant helped me hear a call to youth ministry and positioned me to succeed and excel in many ways. Thank you to the Covenant community for your grace, guidance, and friendship."

Plans are already underway to ensure continued programming throughout the fall. In the meantime, we will be thankful for Perrin's valuable ministry with us. We will also work with Grace Lindvall, our Temporary Associate Minister of Education, and Allyson Easterling, chair of Christian Education Ministry, as we navigate a successful way forward. Please be assured the vitality and health of the Youth Ministry has our full attention.

The building will be open for walk-throughs and new staff members will be on hand to greet you. Light bites will be served on the Green. Make plans to be part of a historic day in the life of our congregation.

Covenant is producing a new church photo directory -- and you're invited. Photo sessions begin on Wednesday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 9. To schedule a session online, click here Monday through Friday. You can also schedule an appointment at church on Sundays.

We are in need of Texas Hash and desserts. Please place items in the Fellowship Hall freezer at your convenience. You can find the recipe here. This is a great service opportunity for groups and families. Contact Terry Horne to let us know you made a drop-off,