Jan. 6, 2020
On Bob's reading list
In today's One Take, Bob shares a few book recommendations - from an autobiography of Malcolm X to a novel set in North Carolina that appeared on NPR's Best of 2020.


Update on 2021 budget outlook
Stewardship goal within reach
Through your vigorous support, Covenant ended 2020 on positive financial footing. However, the year ahead brings unique challenges.

The Session will finalize a 2021 budget in two weeks. We ask for your pledge so that Covenant may position our ministries for the immense needs at home and beyond.

As of this week, the 2021 campaign stood $477,000 short of our pledge goal of $3,100,000. We need any and all support if we want to maintain the scope of our congregation's work in outreach, education and care.

Click here to watch a video update from Damon Nelson, budget advisory chair.

Please choose an option below to make a pledge. Thank you for your generosity.


Congregational meeting is Sunday, Jan. 24
Via Zoom at 10:30 a.m.
Mark your calendar for a meeting called by the Session to present the annual budget.




See new menus for Grab-N-Go
Curbside pick-up returns next week
Chef Jon Grier and the kitchen staff prepare meals available for curbside pick-up on Wednesday evenings for you to re-heat in the oven at home.

New additions are chicken salad by the pound, chef salads, rolls and cookies.

Jan. 13: Chicken or beef pot pie, tomato bisque soup, brownies

Jan. 20: Garlic herb pork loin, garlic parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts, rosemary roasted potatoes, Tuscan bean & sausage soup, apple crumb cake

Jan. 27: Roast beef with au jus, squash casserole, roasted potatoes, lemon bars

Tending Your Faith, a new Open Table series
Join live next week via Zoom at 7:30 p.m.
It's the season for new year's resolutions. But how do you make them stick? A new series aims to help.

Hear stories from Covenant members that reveal practices to enrich your spiritual life - not just for a few days or weeks but well into the future. Please note a new start time of 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays starting next week.

Jan. 13: Prayer with Martha Isaacs
Jan. 20: Mindfulness and meditation with Katie Estridge
Jan. 27: Gratitude with Lara Grotz
Feb. 3: Service
Feb. 10: Practicing grace and forgiveness


Run with Perseverance, a new health offering
12 weeks to improve your well-being
The Rec Wing invites you to a 12-week, one-on-one coaching program to improve your physical health and wellness in the new year. Here's how it works:

  • You'll receive a heart rate monitor to track real-time data
  • Access to a mobile app for video-on-demand classes
  • Livestream workouts to improve your heart rate
  • Customized nutrition/meal plan
  • Accountability coaching with Kevin Harper, Rec Wing Director
  • Contact Kevin to learn more.



Get outside for fresh air, fellowship
Saturday hike is full; next outing is Feb. 13
All 25 slots are filled for a Saturday morning hike at Steven's Creek Nature Preserve, a wooded locale with a new nature center.

Make plans to join us Saturday, Feb. 13 at McDowell Nature Preserve near the S.C. line. We'll take a 2.5-mile hike through the woods and along Lake Wylie. Learn more and RSVP.



Virtual book club welcomes all
First chat is Thursday, Jan. 14
An acclaimed new book opens up a neglected yet central truth about who Jesus is.

Join Young Adults for a church-wide book club on Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers to consider why Christ’s heart naturally moves toward sinners and sufferers. Contact Ian to learn more.

Box groceries for neighbors in need
Our crew sorts on second Tuesdays every month
Food insecurity will affect nearly 1 in 5 North Carolina residents in 2020. Loaves & Fishes has launched temporary mobile pantries across the city. Covenant folks can sort food once a month on Tuesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m.





Mobile food pantry seeks 12 volunteers
Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.
Join a team to help distribute groceries from Second Harvest to families in the Highland Renaissance Academy area north of uptown. Our group will meet at Highland, located at 125 West Craighead Road.





Sort with Covenant at Second Harvest
Third Wednesdays every month; next up is Jan. 20
A socially distanced volunteer opportunity brings together volunteers age 17 and over to inspect, sort and pack donated products. Second Harvest responds to hunger in our community.





Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
This part-time position provides administrative support to church staff and performs front-office duties that include greeting all visitors and guests arriving in the Welcome Center and managing incoming phone calls. Learn more here.

Congregational Notes
births, weddings, in memoriam