Welcome to Windows on Covenant, your weekly guide to the life of the church. | |
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | |
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TOMORROW: Thursday, November 17: Christian Hope in the Holy Land:
A Story of Resilience
Join us on November 17 for an inspiring evening of music and conversation between theologian, author, and social entrepreneur Dr. Mitri Raheb, Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, and Covenant's Bob Henderson. Dr. Raheb is the most widely published Palestinian theologian to date and a co-founder of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a nonprofit 501c3 in the USA. Dar al-Kalima is one of our long-standing mission partners. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
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Elementary-aged children will be invited to participate by sharing a musical offering in Arabic and making friendship bracelets for students in Palestine from 6-7 p.m. | |
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TONIGHT: Open Table Dinner and Programs
Covenant friends are invited to Open Table with dinner prepared by Chef Johnny from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $9 for adults, and $6 for children 2-12, with a family max of $36. Make your dinner reservations and pay here.
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Dinner will be served in the serving line in the kitchen. Check in at the cashier's table when you arrive. Tonight's menu will include chili, chicken noodle soup, cornbread or rolls, salad bar, and lemon bars. Gluten-free options are available every week.
Programming is available for children, youth, and adults.
Note: Open Table will be on pause from November 23-January 4. We will return on January 11, 2023.
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TONIGHT: A Moment of Peace
Tonight is the last night to enjoy A Moment of Peace during Open Table this year. All are invited to pause amid the busyness of life for a time of centering and prayer. The meditation will be in the Fellowship Hall room 201 from 6-6:30 p.m., led by Sandra Boozer. No prior experience or reservation is needed.
For more information, contact Katherine Kerr.
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TONIGHT: Distilling the Gospel of Luke
Join us as we conclude our year-long study of the gospels. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Bob and Grace will lead a thoughtful discussion of this week's scripture. Join in person in Fellowship Hall room 207 or via Zoom.
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TOMORROW: Grief Support Group
Tomorrow, November 17, will be the last Grief Support group meeting of this season. This meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Parlor and will be led by Katherine Kerr. All are welcome.
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Tuesday, November 22: MeckMin Invites Us to Meet our Indigenous Neighbors
On Tuesday, November 22, the MeckMin's annual Community-Wide Interfaith Thanksgiving service will feature Indigenous leaders. Native nonprofits and artisans will have tables in the narthex. Children (and adults!) will be able to view a collection of personal artifacts from local educator Ramona Big Eagle. During the service, we’ll have small groups, poetry, prayer, music, story-telling, and more to help us explore the history and current realities. The offering will support MeckMIN as well as the Indigenous-led organization, MMIWNC. We’ll learn about opportunities to learn more and become a part of a truer, better story. You can register here.
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Tuesday, November 22: Thanksgiving at Moore Place and The Rise
We’re excited to share that we will be expanding our beloved Thanksgiving tradition to include Roof Above’s new permanent supportive housing, The Rise on Clanton. There are many ways to get involved, including making side dishes, donating funds to purchase turkeys, and serving the residents on Tuesday, November 22. Sign up here!
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A Message to the Congregation from tSession
At the November 14, 2022 Session meeting, the Planning and Evaluation Board offered a small number of refinements to the Arts Task Force recommendations, while enthusiastically endorsing the substance of the Task Force’s Report. The essence of the Arts Task Force recommendations remains the same with the following modifications:
- Defer the replacement of the protective window coverings for all of the stained glass and refer that decision to the Property Committee to be considered as part of future maintenance.
- Make a grant to Habitat for Humanity in an amount equal to the estimated cost of removal and replacement of the four stained glass medallions identified in the Arts Task Force recommendations.
- Invite the congregation to contribute to these projects.
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No Children's Sunday School on Thanksgiving
On November 27 (Thanksgiving Weekend) we encourage children to worship with their families at any of the four services. Sunday School will not meet but childcare will be provided for ages 6 weeks-5 years old.
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Save the Date: Alternative Gift Market is December 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.!
Do your holiday shopping this year in a way that supports Covenant’s local and global partners. Covenant’s Alternative Gift Market will be held in the Welcome Center and feature olive oil from Palestine, nativity sets from Kenya, vanilla from Mexico, and many, many more gifts for you to purchase for your loved ones. 100% of proceeds from this market go back to our nonprofit partners to support their various outreach endeavors.
Can you help us make Alternative Gift Market a success? Please volunteer some of your time to help.
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Order Holiday Pies
Need a holiday dessert? Order a delicious Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie for your Thanksgiving Meal! Pies are $12 each. Pick up on Monday, November 21, or Tuesday, November 22 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Kitchen. Sign up here!
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Sing with Covenant for Advent
Is Christmas music your favorite? Come and sing! Join Covenant Choir in preparations for the Christmas season, including Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve, beginning November 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Adult Choir Room. Sing for all services or choose your favorite. You are welcome to add your “Gloria in excelsis Deo!"
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Young Adults Coffeehouse
This informal gathering meets on the third Sunday of every month in the Welcome Center at 9:30 a.m. to discuss “Unlikely Heroes of the Bible". What do these unlikely heroes teach us about the important roles we can play even when navigating our roles?
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Sign Up Today for Covenant Impacts Charlotte! | This year, we will celebrate Covenant Impacts Charlotte from November 10-20, with at least one small-group outreach endeavor each day. On November 20, we’ll gather together for Commitment Sunday with service projects available after both the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. The entire community will celebrate Covenant Impacts Charlotte at noon with a cookout lunch between morning and afternoon service projects. Click here to sign up for a project and here to reserve your lunch today! | |
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Room in the Inn: All Hands on Deck!
Room in the Inn kicks off this season on December 6. Everyone in the congregation is invited to help host Room in the Inn at Covenant. We need van drivers, overnight hosts and other volunteers to serve and visit with our guests. Click here to learn more.
While our homeless neighbors staying with us from December through March are not required to be vaccinated, masking will be required for all guests and volunteers regardless of vaccination status at all times while inside, except while eating, showering or sleeping. Social distancing of at least six feet will be used in all sleeping areas to the maximum extent practical.
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Help Care for Our Youngest Disciples
We’ve had an abundance of children enter the Covenant family and we need your help nurturing them all! Any congregants 16 and older are invited to volunteer (all volunteers must take our Child Protection training). High schoolers are also eligible to earn community service hours. We are also seeking to hire multiple candidates for childcare positions on Sunday mornings. Sign up to volunteer or apply for a paid position.
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Read Roar Soar
Join Covenant friends to read with Highland Renaissance Academy students every third Tuesday of the month throughout the year! Volunteers introduce new books to the children, which they get to take home. This is a wonderful opportunity to build a sense of community with friends at our partner school and foster a love of reading among these young scholars! Sign up today!
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Friday, November 18: Highland Teacher Appreciation Snack Cart
Covenant members are invited to contribute goodies and drinks for this month's teacher appreciation snack cart. Drop off your contribution in the bin in the Welcome Center by noon on Thursday, November 17. Sign up here!
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Tuesday, November 29: Texas Hash for Roof Above
Roof Above needs Texas Hash casseroles, desserts, and fresh fruit for each meal, and people (older than 16) are invited to come to serve the meal at the shelter. Please make the dishes at home and drop them off in the Fellowship Hall freezer.
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Give a Special Gift this Holiday Season
Looking for something special to give a special someone in your life this holiday season? Consider making a donation to one of Covenant's mission partners in honor of your loved one and receive a beautiful card designed by Covenant artists for them to open on Christmas morning. 100% of your donation will go to support our mission partner's needs. You can feel as good about giving honor cards as your family members or friends will feel about receiving them! Finish your shopping today!
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Advent Devotionals
Beginning on November 27, journey through advent with Covenant by taking on a spiritual practice of daily devotional readings. Covenant members and ministers will provide stories, reflections, and scripture on the theme of “Sacred and Surprising.” Throughout the season of advent, we see that God works both in surprising ways and in our surprising circumstances. Print copies will be available at church and daily emails are available when you subscribe here.
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Starting Point: December 4 from 6-7:30 p.m.
New to Covenant? Please join us for Starting Point, a casual BBQ dinner hosted by senior minister, Bob Henderson. Children are welcome.RSVP to Lora Borrelli here.
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Christmas Crafts & Santa Visit
Join us on Wednesday, December 7, at 5 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall for DIY craft making and a visit from Santa with opportunities for photos. There will be craft stations around the Hall and pictures with Santa will take place outside. Reserve your spot today. We look forward to a wonderful event.
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Young Adults Bible Study
Young Adult Bible Study is coming back in person! Meet at the church every other Wednesday night at 7 p.m. for a Bible Study, especially for Young Adults. Leaders Steven Howell and Shannon Brennan will guide the conversation. Sign up here.
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