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Dear Friends,
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land of Israel and Palestine. It was a tremendous experience. Along with Presbyterian clergy from around the country, we heard the stories of people impacted by the conflict in that region. We visited settlements and refugee camps. We heard from farmers, from parents, and from educators.
Along the way we also got to see a number of the historic sites where Jesus' ministry likely took place.
The contrast was striking and unavoidable. As I stood in places where our Lord called us to love our neighbors and care for the vulnerable, the stories of mothers who feared for their children rang in my ears. As I gazed upon the magnificence of the Sea of Galilee, I couldn't shake the images of people living in crowded refugee camps just a few miles away.
Ours is a world of contrast. As Christians, we are called to see both the beautiful and the horrific. We mustn't shield our eyes from either.
This is why our young adult ministry is structured as it is. I want you to experience the goodness of fellowship in our social offerings. But I also want you to bear witness to the pain in our community: I want you to be with us when we meet the homeless, the hungry, the sick, the lonely.
I want you to experience the tension of feeling the good and bad of this world - because I fervently believe that it is in this tension where you will come to know Christ.
This fall I want to challenge you to diversify how you engage with our ministry. If you typically attend our social offerings, join us for some of our service offerings. If you typically serve with us, join us for some of our fellowship opportunities.
I know that you have a lot on your plate. I know that there is a lot competing for your time. But I also believe that there is one thing that gives ultimate meaning to your life: and that is the love of Christ. This fall, I want to invite you to experience that love anew.
Faithfully yours,
Ian
ian.clark@covenantpresby.org
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Coffeehouse: A New Ministry Community
Sunday, October 20th
9:30am in "The Landing" (under Fellowship Hall)
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 grapple with. Any young adult is welcome and encouraged to be a part of it! This month we will be looking at
Desiring God:
why do we desire to know and experience God? What motivates our faith?
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Deep Dive Questions
Last Sunday of Each Month
7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall 205
Deep Dive Questions is an opportunity to explore the Church's beliefs on important aspects of our faith. Each gathering includes a short talk which helps us to understand the topic at hand, followed by a time of discussion. Those who attend leave with a deeper and richer understanding of our theology. These events are open to anyone, regardless of age.
- September 29: What is Salvation? What do we mean when we talk about salvation? What are we referring to when we speak of being "saved"? Does this just refer to heaven - or is it something more? Join us as we explore this topic.
- October 27: The Sacraments, Explained What do we believe about baptism and the Lord's Supper? Why do we baptize infants? Why are things like marriage, confirmation, or ordination not considered sacramental? Come and learn with us!
- November 24: Is Violence Ever Justified? We know Christianity as a religion of peace. But is there ever any justification for violence or war? Would Jesus condone the use of violence to achieve some goals? How should we think about war? Join us as we consider these important questions.
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Covenant Welcomes Mark Peres
Sunday, October 6th
9:30 am in Fellowship Hall
Join Covenant as we welcome Mark Peres, the host of the popular podcast "On Life and Meaning". Mark will speak on the power of storytelling and help us to launch a monthly series where we, too, will explore the stories that exist within our own church. All are welcome.
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Uptown Bible Study
Do you work in uptown? If so, consider taking part in Covenant's uptown Bible Study. Join us on either Tuesdays or Thursday from 12-1 at the Foundation for the Carolinas. Both meetings cover the same material, so pick the one that works best for you! To learn more
email Grace Lindvall.
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Join a Small Group!
Small groups are probably the best way to develop deep, trusting, and faith-centered relationships with other young adults. If you're interested in a small group,
contact Ian today
. We have options for women, men, couples, newlyweds/engaged partners, and more. We even have opportunities for intergenerational connections.
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Covenant Impacts Charlotte
Sunday, November 10th
In lieu of a standalone young adults service project in November, we will be joining the wider church for Covenant Impacts Charlotte: our annual congregational day of service. There will be multiple opportunities for service at various locations around the city. We encourage you to sign up for the one that interests you the most! Keep an eye out for signup details. Note that on November 10 there will be one worship service (11am), after which we will serve together.
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Intergenerational Christmas Luncheon
Sunday, December 8th
Noon
Covenant Presbyterian Church
The Christmas season is about sharing God's love with others. In that spirit, we will be hosting our first Intergenerational Christmas Luncheon. At this luncheon you will be able to meet, talk, and laugh with our older members. They are eager to hear about your experiences, and we have much to learn from theirs! Join us as we break down some of the barriers of age and enjoy the season together. Mark your calendar!
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October First Sunday Brunch: Noble Smoke
October 6, 12:30
2216 Freedom Drive
Join us as we break bread (or pork) at Charlotte's exciting new BBQ spot, Noble Smoke. This is a time of un-programmed fellowship and is a great chance to meet our community if you're new to Charlotte/Covenant or are looking for an opportunity to connect. Simply meet at the restaurant!
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November First Sunday Brunch: Panthers Watch Party
November 3, 12:30
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
Join us for a special edition of First Sunday Brunch as we gather to watch the Panthers take on the Tennessee Titans! Open to everyone (even non Panthers fans!), this is a fun time to meet new people and have fun on a Sunday afternoon!
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Friendsgiving Potluck!
November 17th, 5:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company
The annual tradition continues! Mark your calendar for our Friendsgiving gathering at Catawba Brewing Company. We'll provide the space and the turkey, but we invite you to bring along your favorite side dish or dessert to share! Look for an invite in October, but mark your calendar today!
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We Welcome Children
With very limited exception (such as
some
service projects), Covenant Young Adults welcomes parents to bring their children to our events. If you are a parent, please know that you are welcome to bring your children to our offerings. With advance notice, we may be able to provide childcare for some events.
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Follow Us On Instagram
Covenant Young Adults' Instagram is one of the easiest and most direct ways to learn about what is going on in our community. Follow us at @covenantya.
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