In this week's One Takes, Grace tackles the topic of routines and discusses how our routines are shifting yet again. As we move forward in this "new normal," Grace encourages us to intentionally reshape our days, prioritizing those things that are most essential to us, rather than returning to how things may have been before. Make time to take stock this week, reflecting on what you've learned about yourself, your family and your rhythm during the pandemic, as you step forward into a summer and fall that look very different than last year.

This Sunday, July 4, we finish our series on "A Thinking Person's Guide to Faith" with one worship service at 11:00 a.m. (no 9:30 a.m. service). Please join us in person in the Sanctuary or live online.

Sunday School takes a pause

There will be no Sunday School for children or adults this week. Both will resume next Sunday, 7/11.

Children are always welcome in worship and childcare is still available in the Education Building this week for children 3 and under.

This past year has challenged our Covenant community - and our nation - to listen, learn, understand and grow as we continue to walk the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable world. As we continue our work, we invite you to participate in our ongoing Summer Racial Justice series, See. Grow. Act. with upcoming opportunities for book studies and a historic excursion.

BOOK STUDIES:

Tonight (6/30), Tomorrow (7/1) and next Thursday, 7/8

Our summer series, focused on better understanding racial and economic injustice, continues this week with book studies on In My Grandmother's House by Yolanda Pierce. The book is available through Covenant at the Welcome Center ($14, cash or check). Sign up for a book study.

SAVE THE DATE:

Visit the Brooklyn Collective

August 27 from 1-3 p.m.

We'll visit the Brooklyn Collective, an organization of members and actions that honor the historic Brooklyn community leaders and the founders of the historic uptown buildings. These buildings represent the cornerstones of the Brooklyn neighborhood since the 1880s through its unjust destruction in the late 1960s with so-called "urban renewal" programs. Enjoy refreshments and fellowship after the tour.

Join friends for Open Picnic Table, a weekly informal Wednesday evening family gathering under Covenant's Magnolia tree. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy time together every Wednesday between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. through the summer. Sweet treats are provided. This is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of inclement weather, we'll meet in the Fellowship Hall.

Covenant's high school youth will attend the Montreat High School Youth Conference the week of July 11 - July 17.

This week will be an opportunity for rest and relaxation, recreation and adventure, and worship and reflection. Attendees will make new friends from all over the country and grow closer as a group. Each day at Montreat features delicious food, an engaging worship service, an approachable keynote speaker, time with small groups, recreation and free time. Sign ups are open now and friends of Covenant youth are welcome.

Learn more and sign up here.

Questions? Contact Martin Pruitt.

Congregational Life is excited to expand Covenant’s Outdoor Ministry to include more practical opportunities for participants to deepen relationships with the church, each other and our natural surroundings and grow in faithful stewardship of the environment. We're looking for leaders and people interested in getting involved. An informational kick-off meeting will be held Wednesday, August 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Covenant. Learn more here.

Interested or have questions? Contact Lauren Sawyers.

Thank you to all who participated in last Sunday's Blood Drive. 25 units of blood were obtained to help those in need. Also, a big thanks to the Health and Wellness team for checking folks in and manning the canteen. Mark your calendar: Our next blood drive is scheduled for September 19. More details will follow.

Slots remain for individuals and families to participate in our July 12 Operation Sandwich effort for Roof Above.

To participate, we ask volunteers to make 25 sandwiches each and bring them to Covenant on the morning of July 12. We will be in the circle drive in front of the Sanctuary building from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to collect and then deliver directly to Roof Above for lunch that day. You may also sign up to provide water bottles and/or help us deliver the sandwiches to Roof Above.

Click here to sign up and review sandwich-making guidelines.

Questions? Contact Lucy Crain.

Our Worship Ministry is seeking new volunteers to join our usher team. This is a wonderful opportunity to help serve as an extension of our hospitality, extending a warm welcome to both Covenant members and guests alike.

Interested in helping? Please contact Ashley Roehrig.

Make plans to join us for our first adult mission trip since the pandemic began. We will visit Avery County from September 26 - October 2 to work on Habitat houses and to partner with other organizations in the area such as the Crossnore School and Children's Home. There will be many opportunities for bonding and fellowship with attendees, helping the group to create memories that will last well beyond the trip.

Learn more and apply here.



Questions? Contact Lucy Crain.

There are still opportunities to help support the Freedom School summer literacy program this summer.

Click here to see how you can help and to sign up.

Welcome back families! We are thrilled to offer our youngest members a time to gather for Bible stories, group activities and fellowship. Please consider volunteering to help shepherd children's Sunday School classes at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Simple lesson plans are provided.

Sign up to volunteer.

The Rec Wing is open for workouts (by reservation) and for personal training. The July schedule is now available and can be accessed here.

Contact Kevin Harper with questions.

Join Covenant friends on Saturday, July 10 at 9:00 a.m. for an easy, 3-mile hike through the woods and along the banks of Lake Wylie.

Learn more and sign up for the hike.