December - Covenant Presbyterian Church

December2015 Vol. 28, No.11
A monthly publication of Covenant Presbyterian Church
Charlotte, North Carolina
3 Year-End Giving | 4 Churchwide Retreat | 6-7 Advent at Covenant | 12 Miriam Circle
1
Note from Bob
Dear Covenant family:
Every year I struggle to
find some balance in the
Advent/Christmas season,
a way to acknowledge that
time spent with friends
and family at parties and
gatherings is a gift, so is
time to reflect, pray, and
prepare my spirit for the
coming of the Christ child.
I’m sure this year will be no
different, and I invite you to join me in calibrating activity
with spirituality across the next few weeks. Here are a few
opportunities to help.
In our continued effort to emphasize the centrality of
worship, on Sunday morning, Dec. 6 our 11 a.m. traditional
service will serve as host to one of two Lessons and Carols
services with the other being that same evening at 5 p.m.
Both services will be a traditional Service of Lessons and
Carols and will involve many of our Children, Youth, Bell
and Adult Choirs. If you attended the All Saints Day service,
you know our Choral program is thriving and we anticipate
a rich festival of Advent and Christmas music that day. I
hope you’ll come and invite a friend. That morning through
mid-afternoon will also feature the alternative gift market,
a place you can support our mission partners while giving
gifts to loved ones in this season.
Secondly, our education staff has done a great job putting
together a meaningful Advent Devotional (covenantadvent.
blogspot.com). This year’s theme is Hope, Joy, Love, and
Peace and will feature entries for each day of advent
submitted by people of our congregation. These will be
available as a daily email or as a printed booklet.
On the
I invite you to make this a meaningful part of your Advent
observance.
Finally, I’m quite excited to announce that the Session has
boldly decided to give our entire Christmas Eve offering to
three mission partners that work with vulnerable children.
Highland Renaissance Academy: Funds toward an
overnight trip for 80 fifth graders to Charleston, S.C., to
visit the aquarium, the Slave Market, Capers Island, and
Boone Plantation to learn about eco systems and the
history of slavery. (More on page 5)
Crossnore Elementary in Avery County: A trip on the Polar
Express through the Smoky Mountains, a copy of the book,
"Polar Express," a pair of pajamas and a sleeping bag for 49
children in the school's afterschool program.
Renguti School PCEA: A field trip to the Rothschild’s Giraffe
Centre accompanied by a book bag with school supplies,
a clean set of undergarments and textbooks for each for
each child to begin the school year in January
May I invite -- even challenge -- each of us this Christmas
to consider spending on these children what we spend on
our own. Suzanne and I usually spend a set amount per
child each Christmas (excluding computer years!) and will
bring a corresponding gift on Christmas Eve for children
who actually need things. I think it will be the most joyful
thing we do this year.
Warmly,
Bob Henderson, senior minister
Cover
Left to right: Students at Renguti School in Kenya; students at Highland Renaissance Academy in Charlotte; students at
Crossnore Elementary School in Avery County, N.C.; Covenant children's choir members
2
Stewardship Year-End Giving
Update
Church offices open until 5 p.m. on Dec. 31
We celebrated Commitment Sunday
on Nov. 15 and we want to extend
a huge thank you to the many who
made pledges of time, talent and
resources. Your pledges allow us
properly budget our expenses for
2016 to provide ministry,
programming and campus care that
is so important to life here at
Covenant.
If you have not done so, please
consider completing your pledge for
2016 online (visit our website for
more information). You may also use
the pledge card you received in the
mail last month. Cards are also
located in the Sanctuary/Chapel
pews, narthex and in the church
office.
Financial
Update
Pledge Receipts:
Year to date through Oct. 31
Year-to-Date Budgeted:
$2,019,600
Year-to-Date Actual:
$1,903,552
Variance:($116,048)
Give online at:
www.covenantpresby.org/give
Worship
9:30 a.m. Traditional Chapel 9:30 a.m. Contemporary
Sanctuary
11 a.m. Traditional Sanctuary
11 a.m. Contemporary Fellowship Hall
Or worship online at:
media.covenantpresby.org
Giving in December typically accounts for 15 percent of annual gifts.
As you consider your year-end giving, please consider a tax-deductible
contribution to your church. There are several ways to contribute:
• During Sunday morning worship services. Contributions made
during services through December 27 will be credited to 2015
unless otherwise noted.
Online through our secure giving website. You can access the
site anytime and can give through debit, credit or an on-line
check. From the home page at CovenantPresby.org, click ‘Give’ in
the upper right corner to be directed to the secure site. Any online contribution must be complete prior to midnight on Dec. 31.
Stock gifts – if you own appreciated stock, it is almost always
to your advantage to contribute stock rather than cash. You will
avoid paying any capital gains on the increase in the value of
the stock, and you may take a charitable deduction for the full
market value of the stock at the time of the gift. Please contact
Virginia Rumbley or Bill Keith for brokerage details and to answer
any questions about donating stock.
•
•
To be deductible in 2015, your gift must be received or postmarked
prior to midnight on Thursday, Dec. 31.
From the Finance Committee
Is your 2015 pledge up-to-date? As you can see by the numbers at
the left, our pledge receipts (through October 31) are running 6 percent
behind our budgeted income. Statements will be mailed to you in early
December that will provide your gifts for the year. We need your gifts
to continue the important work of this church.
Sunday, Dec. 27
One Service, 10 a.m.
Sanctuary
There will be one churchwide service, at 10 a.m. on the
last Sunday of 2015. There will be no Sunday School
classes this day. Sunday School classes will resume
normal schedules on Jan. 17.
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Covenant Impacts Charlotte
On Sunday, Nov. 15, 570 of Covenant's members, families and friends came together to serve
in projects that assisted over 30 of Covenant's
mission partners. Thank you to everyone who
participated to make this day a success for all our
partners.
"We were happy to be a part of 'Covenant Impacts
Charlotte' church-wide, service day. Members from
Covenant Presbyterian Church - Charlotte, NC came
and did some yard-work and fall cleaning around
our office and we could not be more grateful for
their hard work! Thank you for all you do in our community!" - Charlotte Freedom School Partners
"Thank you, Covenant Youth program! We had fun
sharing all about our day at Epiphany!"
-The Epiphany School of Charlotte
"Thank you Covenant Presbyterian Church for
putting together over 100 Grier's Gallery 'Art To
Go' bags for our patients at Novant Health Hemby
Children's Hospital during your Covenant Impacts
Charlotte Sunday" -Grier's Gallery
Churchwide Retreat
For the first time in a number of years Covenant will have a
churchwide retreat Feb. 12-14, 2016 at Ridgecrest
Conference Center in Black Mountain, N.C. It is a winter
getaway planned around the theme of "Being Your Authentic
Self (or discovering new dimensions of yourself) in Christ"
and what that means to live fully and well in body, soul,
mind, vocation and relationships.
Guiding us through the weekend is Kim Moseley, a counselor
at Presbyterian Psychological Services, a certified integrative
health coach, Covenant member and wife of our parish
associate, Reverend Grady Moseley. Kim brings a holistic
view of wellness and wholeness in Christ, one that touches
every aspect of life.
There will be something for all ages and stages:
intergenerational times, aspects of the retreat uniquely
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Feb. 12-14, 2016
planned for youth and children (thanks to our children and
youth staff and others) as well as the adult portions with
Kim. There will also be time to explore the wonders of the
mountains in the winter or explore nearby Black Mountain or
Asheville.
Cost: $99 per room, per night (rooms include two
queen-sized beds
Meals: $31 per adult, $18 per child (6-11), Free for children
under 5. Cost covers Saturday breakfast and dinner and
Sunday breakfast.
Please contact Joan Watson (joan.watson@covenantpresby.
org) or visit our website for more information. Registration is
due by Friday, Jan. 15.
Christmas Eve
Offering
This year, we will give our entire Christmas Eve offering to three
mission partners that work with vulnerable children:
Highland Renaissance Academy: Funds toward an overnight
trip for 80 fifth graders to Charleston, S.C., to visit the
aquarium, the Slave Market, Capers Island, and Boone Plantation to learn about eco systems and the history of slavery.
Crossnore Elementary in Avery County: A trip on the Polar
Express through the Smoky Mountains, a copy of the book,
Polar Express, a pair of pajamas and a sleeping bag for 49
children in their afterschool program.
Renguti School PCEA: A field trip to the Rothschild’s Giraffe
Centre accompanied by a book bag with school supplies, a
clean set of undergarments and textbooks for each for each
child to begin the school year in January.
Top: Highland Principal Shalan Fry (center) with staff.
Bottom: Highland students participating in Read, Roar, Soar.
Shalan Fry, principal of Highland Renaissance Academy, spoke
about what this will mean to her students. "Giving the kids the
opportunity to go on this trip, we don't know what kind of seed
that's going to plant and allow to flourish. It means so much to
help our students have this opportunity that they wouldn't
otherwise be allowed to have."
12 Ways to
Give
1. Spend an afternoon with your children or friends
making “Texas Hash” (recipe on our website) for men who are
homeless at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte
2. Donate a book to a child at Highland by picking a name from
The Giving Tree
3. Purchase your Christmas gifts at the Alternative Gift
Market where giving makes a difference
4. Deliver meals on a route at Friendship Trays to the elderly who
may be isolated during the holidays
5. Serve at Room in the Inn on a Tuesday night in Dec. 6. Build
community with other Covenant friends by signing
up and serving in 2016 on a mission trip
7. Read with a child at Highland Renaissance Academy in our
Read, Roar, Soar program
8. Bake cookies for the Men’s Shelter
9. Donate 2016 calendars for residents of Hope Haven
10. Bring joy to a child’s life by giving to our Christmas Eve
Offering
11. Celebrate the New Year with our Room in the Inn guests on
Tuesday, Jan. 5.
12. Pray for those who are homeless, hungry, isolated, suffer
from mental illness, children who are at risk or those who are
lonely
Contact Carla Leaf (carla.leaf@covenantpresby.org) or Evan Amo
(evan.amo@covenantpresby.org) for more information
Project Giving Tree
Books for Highland First Graders
This Christmas, in partnership with our friends at
Highland Renaissance Academy, we will be gifting
the entire first grade with age-appropriate
hardbound books for Christmas. Not only will a
child have the joy of a Christmas gift, but he or she
will be supported even further in Highland’s vital
efforts to foster greater literacy among its
students. Look for Christmas trees around
Covenant’s campus in December, where you can
take an ornament with a child’s name, purchase
and wrap a book, and return the gift with the
ornament under a tree. Please contact Evan Amo
or Sally Harriss (sally.tarheel@gmail.com) with any
questions.
Cards and Calendars
Donate through January 2016
Join us once again in collecting new calendars
(2016) and greeting cards to distribute to Hope
Haven residents and Crisis Assistance Ministry
clients. Last year Covenant collected and delivered
nearly 400 calendars and hundreds of cards.
Please bring these items to the Recreation Wing.
5
Advent
Signs of
"There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars ..." (Luke 21:25)
We enter the season of Advent with apocalyptic predictions
and cosmic chaos. The signs of God's coming reign are
painted in the night sky, and yet Jesus tells us to also pay
attention to the small things, to the everyday signs that
might otherwise go unnoticed. "Look at the fig tree and all
the trees," (Luke 21:29) Jesus says. Just as we know summer
is near when they begin to sprout leaves, we will also
recognize glimpses of God's coming kingdom if we stay alert.
The liturgical art banners installed in the Fellowship Hall
incorporate some of the signs and symbols found in our
Advent texts. Inspired by Henri Mattise's cutouts and
stained-glass windows, members of the Worship Arts
Committee collaborated to design and create the banners.
The first banner (below) symbolizes the chaotic, cosmic
signs of Christ's coming. Red waves surge amidst sprouting
fig leaves. Black stars hover above an angled, dark
landscape.
The second banner (below) depicts the peaceful signs of
God’s justice and salvation. In contrast to the first banner,
the lines in the second banner become level and straight,
mirroring Isaiah’s prophecy: "Every valley will be filled, and
every mountain and hill will be leveled. The crooked will be
made straight" (Luke 3:5). Fig tree leaves remind us of John
the Baptist’s admonition to "Produce fruit that shows you
have changed your hearts and minds" (Luke 3:8), and the
flames above them point to the One who is coming, who will
"baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Luke 3:16). The
large, white star shines brightly, leading us all to God’s light.
As we worship together this Advent, we hope these banners
serve as visual meditations of the texts we will read and
hear. May they help us all stay alert and pay attention to the
(unexpected) places God might be present.
6
Advent Star
Wood, willow branches, bamboo, vine
The star installed in the Sanctuary was designed and created
by members of the Worship Arts Committee. Using
non-traditional materials to construct the art piece,
Worship Arts members hope the star symbolizes the totality
of the Christmas story. The rugged and harsh aspects of the
star remind us that Christ’s birth was darkened by
political unrest, genocide, and homelessness. And yet, the
green branches attest to the new life Christ brings. Like the
advent wreath, the star serves as a visual reminder of God’s
light that shines in a world of darkness.
Advent
Events
Alternative Gift Market
Sunday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Recreation Wing
A Covenant favorite! At this event you can shop
for presents that will continue to give back to our
community, our country and the world! We have gift
items from Kenya, the Holy Lands, Appalachia, Mexico,
coffees and food items from the bakeries and food
programs of local nonprofits. And, as always, we have
the very popular honor cards that enable you to give
a gift that keeps on giving long after the holidays are
over. We invite you to come shop with us knowing
you are helping to actually change someone’s life by
your purchase. The last two years we have raised over
$20,000 and 100 percent of the proceeds went back to
our local and global partners.
Lessons & Carols
Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
Sanctuary
This traditional service is a highlight of the holiday
season at Covenant, with choirs of all ages and
Scripture readings.
Open Table Christmas Celebration
Wednesday, Dec. 9
For the final Wednesday evening dinner and program of
the year, we'll celebrate the season with dinner, games,
singing and a visit from St. Nick. Don't stand in line at
the mall -- take pictures with Santa at Covenant!
Children's Christmas Eve Service
Thursday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.
Sanctuary
Children in the 5s/Kindergarten Sunday School class
present the Nativity story at the annual Children’s
Christmas Eve Service. An offering of diapers and
wipes will be collected for Crisis Assistance. Following
the service, enjoy nativity animals on the Green and
birthday cake for Jesus in Fellowship Hall.
Christmas Eve Services
Thursday, Dec. 24, 3 p.m., 5 p.m.
Sanctuary
Our distinct services feature a preschool Nativity in the
morning (11 a.m.), contemporary music in the afternoon
(3 p.m.), and traditional music and candlelight in the
evening (5 p.m.). Communion will be served at the
afternoon and evening services.
For Covenant's complete Advent Calendar of events
visit our website at:
www.covenantpresby.org/advent2015
Advent Devotional
Take a few moments each day to receive the gifts and good
news of God, as we prepare our hearts and lives for Christmas. Sign up to receive Covenant's homegrown, handwritten
devotional by visiting covenantadvent.blogspot.com. Or, if
you don't have daily access to a computer or mobile device,
pick up a hard copy of this year's devotional in the narthex,
church office or library any day in December. Miss the first
few days? Here’s our entry from Nov. 30:
HOPE: Uncovering Sacred Dreams
By Mary Lynne Calhoun
"...May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one
another and to all people..." (1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13)
This summer, I became that
woman. You know, the one
with the goofy grin who notso-secretly hopes you’ll ask
to see pictures. On July 26,
Isabel was born and
Lawrence and I became
first-time grandparents.
Not only are we awash with
love but the presence of this
little child has reignited an
investment in and hope for
the future.
As Edmond McDonald wrote: “The great events of this
world are not battles and elections and earthquakes and
thunderbolts. The great events are babies, for each child
comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged
with humanity but is still expecting goodwill to become
incarnate in each human life.”
The late anthropologist Margaret Mead once advised
that for happiness and optimism in old age, one should
develop a personal relationship with at least one child
who needs a caring adult. Such a relationship provides
the older person with a clear, direct investment in the
future.
To live out this investment, we must see each child -those known to us and those unknown -- as a beloved
child of God. We must act collectively and individually
on the behalf of children so that they too have the gift of
hope. In Advent, we await the birth of One who invited
the little children to come to him. Let us join in this
invitation.
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Health & Wellness
Nurse’s Note
When my son Jody was
about four years old,
one of my brothers
gave him a mechanical
Godzilla for Christmas.
It was large and green.
It waved its arms and
walked. It had flashing
red eyes and made a
noise that penetrated to
the very core of the mom
who heard it over and
over. Jody loved it and
delighted in making that noise along with the toy.
I guess every kid should have a few annoying toys, but
you have the opportunity to make wise choices when
shopping for children for the holidays. Consider the wide
array of items that lend themselves to helping children
be safe and physically active. Ask yourself, "Is the child's
imagination involved? Are batteries needed? Will they
be active or just sit and watch this toy?" Look for good
design and quality construction. Be a label reader and
consider the appropriate age range. Some great ones to
consider include puppets, housekeeping toys and dressup items. Personally, I am fighting the urge to buy my
niece a singing fish for Christmas. I hope you and yours
have a blessed and healthy Christmas and a Happy New
Year!
Take care,
Candlelight Taize Service
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Morrison Chapel
During this season of Advent we are invited to receive -- in
ever deeper ways -- the presence of God with us, as we
wait, watch and prepare to celebrate the birth of the child of
Bethlehem.
This Taize service offers an opportunity to do so through reflecting on the words of scripture, through offering personal
prayers, and through singing the words and hearing the
warm melodies of the season with the music of flute, cello
and piano.
This typically busy season begs us to pause, and to listen for
the word of God to us, to sense the Spirit of God with us; to
notice the longings of our own hearts as we become more
present to the One who is present to us, the One whose
advent quietly, but surely, changed the world.
Holy Yoga
Sundays, 5 p.m., Recreation Wing
The four weeks before Christmas, Advent, is a reflective
season of preparation. During Holy Yoga classes this month,
we will slow the pace way down, taking a break from the
holiday hustle and bustle, to create space for contemplative
engagement with the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.
This series is great for beginners and advanced yoga
practitioners alike.
Mary
Mary Mattiacci, Parish Nurse
Small Groups
We Make the Road By Walking
Yearlong journey through Scripture
Several small groups are studying Brian
McLaren’s “We Make the Road By
Walking” this year.
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Men’s Bible Study – Sundays at 8:30
a.m in FH207; convened by Andy Ball
and Neal Emmons.
Sharon Towers Bible Study – Thursdays
from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Sharon Towers;
convened by Jen Christianson.
Young Adult Women’s Bible Study
and Fellowship – 2nd & 4th Sundays
from 6-7:30 p.m. in members’ homes;
convened by Jessica Patchett.
Women’s Bible Study – Fridays from
9:30-11 a.m. in the Covenant Parlor;
convened by Lucy Crain.
Uptown Bible Study – Tuesdays at 12
p.m. at the Foundation for the Carolinas;
convened by Jessica Patchett.
If you would like to join one of these
groups, please contact Anna Caldwell at
anna.caldwell@covenantpresby.org.
Mission and Outreach
Kenya
We are excited about new energy at the
Renguti School, a small rural school outside
Nairobi that serves orphaned and vulnerable
children. We began our partnership in 2009
and are working with teachers to expand their
resources, to help provide for the many needs
of the children and build deeper relationships
with the community. If you would like to help
with building repairs, have a love for teaching
and education, experience in music and the
arts or just a simple love of working with children please consider joining us as we serve
the children at Renguti.
Room In The Inn
Tuesday Nights through March
Trip Leader
Carla Leaf
(15 participants)
Dates
April 29-May 7
(tentative)
Application deadline
Feb. 1, 2016
Cost: $1800
Yucatan, Mexico
For over 25 years, Covenant has been involved with our global partner, Accion Ministries. Next summer, we will return to this
culturally rich destination to build a roof with
the Mayan people who are members of Sinanche Church near the village of Yobain, which
is close to the historic city of Merida. While
working alongside the children in the village
during Bible School, to sitting with women
during Women’s Crafts, to slinging concrete
as we pour and build a roof, these trips forge
friendships and community that last decades.
Trip Leaders
Nik Van Nort, Tim
and Cathy Kendrick
Dates
June 12-18, 2016
Application Deadline
Feb. 1, 2016
Cost: $760
Reynosa, Mexico
How do we deepen our faith through service?
What does it mean to be called into commuTrip Leaders
nity? What does it mean to serve our neighKay Wheeler,
bors who live at the border of our own country in abject poverty? Explore these and other Sandra Boozer
Dates
questions as we seek to understand our faith
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1,
through acts of service. An intentionally different mission trip designed to deepen faith
2016
through service, we will prepare ourselves for
Application deadline
this trip by building community through study, March 1, 2016
a day-long retreat and the constant asking of
Cost: $675
the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Partnering with Faith Ministry, we will build a home
for two families that will move them from substandard housing into a place
of hope. Participants are expected to take part in the retreat and preparatory
classes. To prepare for the journey and to build community with in our group
before we even leave Charlotte.
Looking for an easy' yet meaningful way to
serve others with family or friends? Every
Tuesday night through March, we will open
our doors to welcome 14 neighbors who are
experiencing homelessness where they can
enjoy a meal and find a restful and renewing
space in a night of warmth and shelter on
our campus. We need a host group for every
week, including: driving a van to pick up our
group from Urban Ministry Center Tuesday
evening and drop them off early
Wednesday morning, welcoming our
neighbors into our space and helping them
settle in for the evening, and preparing or
bringing dinner to serve and share. We will
also need volunteers (two each week) to
spend the night and assist with getting
our neighbors up and ready to go early on
Wednesday morning. Please contact Evan
Amo if you are interested in serving in any
way with this vital ministry to our neighbors
who too often go without shelter, warmth,
and food.
Texas Hash
Provide Men's Shelter Meals
At least once every month we serve dinner
for our neighbors living at Men's Shelter of
Charlotte on Statesville Ave. (every Monday)
or Tryon St. (only fifth Tuesdays). Not only
would we love for you to join in serving, but
we need prepared Texas Hash to bring and
serve! Making a batch of Texas Hash is an
easy and fun thing to do at home, with
family or friends. You can make a batch
(recipe on Covenant's website) and bring it to
the designated Men's Shelter freezer in
Fellowship Hall.
For more information on Room in the Inn
or Men's Shelter of Charlotte, please
contact Evan Amo:
evan.amo@covenantpresby.org.
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Welcome New Members
Meredith Brantley and Brad Loveland
Catherine Horne
Mary Catherine Horne
Heather and Jeff Naper (Alex, Thomas
and Matthew)
Kaitlin Powers and Michael Coletta
Joy Tindal
Rachel Westra
Linsey and Nick Zalecki (Stella)
Congregational Notes
BIRTHS/ADOPTIONS
James Calvin Rissler, son of Caitlin
and Austin Rissler, on Oct. 21
Clara Jane Gritter, daughter of Ariel
and Brad Gritter, adopted on Oct. 26
Landry Powers Brown, daughter of
Amber and Tony Brown, on Nov. 3
WEDDINGS
Mary Ripple and Gray Visco on Nov. 7
Allison Hardaway and John Sigmon
on Nov. 14
Brooke Patterson and Adam Hensley
on Nov. 21
SYMPATHY
10
The congregation extends its sincere
sympathy and love to:
Family of Audrey Gatewood, former
member of Covenant, who died on
Oct. 25
Jane Cunningham and her family
on the death of her husband W. Ray
Cunningham, on Oct. 27
Harriett and Marshall Sealey on
the death of her mother and to
Clayton Sealey on the death of his
grandmother, Juanita McInnes,
on Oct. 28
Edward Jenkins on the death of his
wife, Isabel and Sven Bader on the
death of her mother, Emily and Iain
Jenkins on the death of his mother,
and to Aubrey, Niklas and Keegan
Bader and Colin and Anna Jenkins
on the death of their grandmother,
Leslie Jenkins on Nov. 1
Maggie and Ben Baldwin on the
death of her father and to Miller and
Blythe Baldwin on the death of their
grandfather, Harold Henry Jaus,
on Nov. 1
Megan and Kirk Young on the death
of his mother and to Alexander, Austin
and Brooklyn Young on the death of
their grandmother, Kathryn Young
on Nov. 1
Catherine and Stan Bracey on the
death of his brother and Mary Clare
Bracey on the death of her uncle,
James Stephen Bracey, on Nov. 2
Tricia and Kevin Smith on the
death of her mother and to Alyssa
and Kara Smith on the death of their
grandmother, Judith Ann Howell of
Denver, Colo., on Nov. 11
Walter Brzozowicz and Kathleen
Cap on the death of his mother, and to
Caroline and Emily Brzozowicz on the
death of their grandmother, Danuta
Brzozowicz of Toronoto, on Nov. 13
and rejoices with them in the
assurance of the resurrection.
IN MEMORIAM
W. Ray Cunningham
Elder Emeritus
January 25, 1929 - October 27, 2015
Juanita McLeod McInnes
November 27, 1919 - October 28,
2015
Leslie M. Blyth Jenkins
Elder Emerita
June 27, 1939 - November 1, 2015
Upcoming Events
Typical jobs that the Crew tackles include
difficult to reach light bulbs, replacing smoke
detector batteries or flipping mattresses.
WINTER KICKOFF
Sunday, Jan. 3
Between and Following Services
Fellowship Hall
Begin 2016 by finding your path at
Covenant. Explore the many smallgroup and educational opportunities
available on campus.
ADULT EDUCATION
First Sunday Talks
Sunday, Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m.
Blaine Sanders, a Covenant member and elder,
will speak on 'Remembering the Forgotten
Ones' and the birth of Jesus as a hope-filled
sign of God's continued and unwavering care
for us and our world -- especially for those
who have felt forgotten or overlooked. Sanders
will be joined by Myra Clark and Erik Ortega
from the Center for Community Transitions, an
organization that supports formerly incarcerated people as they seek to re-enter society
and build new lives.
Sunday, Jan. 3, 9:30 a.m.
The Christian Life: Finding life in the good news
of Jesus.
Churchwide Convocation: Ruby Sales
Sunday, Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m.
Ruby Sales, Human-rights Activist and Founder
and Director of the SpiritHouse Project, will
speak. For more information, visit:
www.spirithouseproject.org
CARE
Covenant Crew Workday
Saturday, Dec. 5
If you have a minor home repair or maintenance issue that is difficult for you to manage
on your own, please contact Mary Mattiacci.
InChrist Supporting Ministries: The Well
Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Parlor
Monthly meeting for caregivers, family members and church leaders who provide care and
advocacy for those navigating mental illness.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Men's 4th Annual Getaway
March 11-13, 2016
The men of Covenant will enjoy a weekend of
golfing, hiking and other activities at Etowah
Valley Golf Club and Lodge. For more information contact Paul Steffens (paul.steffens@
troutmansanders.com) or visit the website.
RECREATION
Soccer Shots Winter Session
Dec. 7-Jan. 25
Mondays and Thursdays, 12:45-1:15 p.m.
To register or lear more, contact Jacob at jcoggins20@soccershots.org
Yes I Can Christmas Basketball Camp
Monday, Dec. 21-Wednesday, Dec. 23
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (ages 7-11)
Call 704-804-2266 for more information.
Ricky Price's Holiday Basketball Camp
Ages 9-12, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ages 12-15, 2-5 p.m.
Session 1: Dec. 28, 29; Session 2: Dec. 30, 31
$80 per camper; Call 704-804-2266 for more
information.
Christmas Camp
Monday, Dec. 21-Wednesday, Dec. 23
9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $90/$10 registration fee.
Ages 3-5. For more information, contact Jenny
Sutton: msmoak552@yahoo.com.
Winter Wonderdland Camp
Monday, Dec. 28 - Wednesday, Dec. 30
9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $90/$10 registration fee.
Ages 3-5. For more information, contact Jenny
Sutton: msmoak552@yahoo.com.
TLC
Originally built in 1795, Blandwood in Greensboro, N.C., is the former home of Governor John
Motley Morehead.. Your $7 check reserves your
spot and is due to Mary Mattiacci by Friday,
Dec. 11. We will enjoy lunch at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Women’s Fellowship Breakfast
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 a.m.
Nancy Nicholson, an integrative health coach,
will discuss “De-stressing the Holiday Stress.”
Cost is $5. Email michelle.williamson@covenantpresby.org if you'll be attending.
Presbyterian Women's Retreat
Jan. 22-24, 2016, Pinehurst, N.C.
Enjoy two nights with meals and other amenities and listen to guest speaker Sharol Haynor.
Cost is $250 double occupancy or $400 single.
Registration due by Dec. 18.
YOUNG ADULTS
First Sunday Brunch
Sunday, Dec. 6, 12 p.m.
Join us for brunch at Nan & Byron's and some
shopping at the Alternative Gift Market.
YA Trip to McAdenville
Thursday, Dec. 10 , 7 p.m.
Meet in EW202 for cocoa and cookies before
heading to Christmas Town, USA!
YOUTH
Spring Kickoff
Sunday, Jan. 3, 5:30-7 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Reconnect and re-engage for some, and to
restart the New Year for others! All youth and
families are invited. Please RSVP to anna.
caldwell@covenantpresby.org.
Parent Workshop
Sunday, Jan. 10, 6:10-7 p.m.
Join us for a monthly gathering to connect with
youth parents.
SAVE THE DATE
2016 Mission Festival
Weekend of April 16
Tour Historic Blandwood Mansion
Wednesdsay, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Contact Us
Front Desk
704-333-9071
Preschool 704-333-8658
Fax No.704-333-0386
Communications 704-804-7565
Recreation Wing
704-334-7491
Custodian On Duty
704-891-2062
www.covenantpresby.org
@covenantpresby
11
PERIODICALS
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit No. 005405
Charlotte, NC
28204
1000 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
Address Service Requested
Covenant Staff
Evan Amo�����������������������������������������������������������������704-804-7574
Pastoral Resident, Missions and Outreach
Lora Borrelli�������������������������������������������������������������704-804-7562
Membership and Engagement Coordinator
Anna Caldwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7579
Administrative Assistant-Education
Steve Carriker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7592
Property Manager
Jen Christianson���������������������������������������������������704-804-7573
Pastoral Resident, Adult Discipleship, Young Adult Ministries
Lucy Crain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7570
Executive Assistant
Perry Dixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7563
High School Ministry Director
Sibyl Durant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7590
Food Service Manager
Kathleen Grabert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7568
Preschool Director
Craig Harmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7564
Media/Communications Assistant
Daniel Heath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7584
Contemporary Worship and Arts Director
Bob Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-333-9071
Senior Minister and Head of Staff
James Huffman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7566
Recreation Ministries Director
Martha Isaacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7577
Women’s Ministries Director
Bill Keith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7575
Business Administrator
Carla Leaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7578
Mission and Outreach Director
Anne Lowrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7593
Early Childhood and Elementary Ministry Director
Mary Mattiacci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7561
Parish Nurse
Grady Moseley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-333-9071
Parish Associate
Jessica Patchett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7572
Associate Minister of Education
John Richardson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7581
Director of Traditional Music, Organist
Addie Rising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7565
Communications Director
Virginia Rumbley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7576
Accounting Manager
Chaz Snider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7569
Middle School Ministry Director
Debbie Tyson / Ashley Stowe . . . . . . . . . . . 704-333-9071
Receptionists
Joan Watson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7580
Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Discipleship
Michelle Williamson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7560
Executive Assistant
Staff email:
firstname.lastname@covenantpresby.org
12
Where the Road
Has Taken Us
Being a new mother is
one of God's greatest
blessings but it also comes
with a whole new set
of challenges! After the
birth of my son in June, it
has become even more
important to carve out a
time and place to focus on
my own spiritual growth
and create connections
with other moms on the
same journey.
Please join us in Miriam
Circle where we seek to create a place of fellowship and support while exploring our
own faith walks during this extraordinary time.
Our book discussion this year will focus on Barbara Brown Taylor's "An Alter in the
World: A Geography of Faith" - Meredith Thomas
Miriam Circle meets on the fourth Monday of each month, from 9:30-11 a.m.
in the Parlor. For more information, please contact
Meredith Thomas at mdbenning@gmail.com.