Consulting the Experts: How to think about sexuality, marriage and the Bible Wednesdays and Sundays in January

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2 INTRODUCTION Dear friends: I thank my God every time I remember you, for your partnership in the gospel from the beginning until now writes the Apostle Paul. I begin the New Year echoing his sentiments of gratitude. I am grateful deeply so for your partnership in this great endeavor called Covenant Presbyterian church. Your strong support, generous use of your gifts, and deep love for God and each other has been palpable over the last month and sends us into 2015 with much momentum. As we turn toward the future, we have much to anticipate. First, let me reiterate that a planning team is in place to celebrate Steve and Susan Talley s many years of ministry among us. You will begin to hear plans and requests of the congregation in the coming weeks and months. In addition, the search team charged with filling the music staffing needs at Covenant will soon begin their work in earnest. Every recommendation garnered from our feed-in session has been documented and transmitted to Elizabeth Ignasher and Phil Koonce, who will serve as co-chairs of the search committee. Our newly elected Session will begin 2015 with a retreat with a three-fold purpose: 1) feed our spiritual lives, 2) nourish our relationships, and 3) provide a solid on-ramp for understanding important matters (e.g mission funding, annual budget, worship life, and wedding policy) already in process. I d ask that you pray for our time together. As you know, since August the Planning and Evaluation Board of Session has been carefully considering Covenant s response to the changing legal landscape of marriage in North Carolina and the governing structures of the Presbyterian Church (USA). As these deliberations continue and move closer to conclusion, please note that the Session is responding to the request for more education. The series Consulting the Experts... will include leading biblical scholars, teachers of Presbyterian polity, as well pastoral perspectives from Covenant s clergy. This series is specifically designed to transcend polemical debate and to mine the rich academic and spiritual resources of our community. I hope you will attend. (See below for details.) Finally, we have many programs, mission opportunities and educational events highlighted in this newsletter. I hope you will peruse them all and carefully consider your participation. Gratefully, Bob Henderson, senior minister Consulting the Experts: How to think about sexuality, marriage and the Bible Wednesdays and Sundays in January Our education series in January brings insight and expertise from across the academic and theological community. Come hear thoughtful scholars, including Covenant s pastoral staff, on important topics related to sexuality, marriage and church: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Richard Boyce, academic dean of Union Presbyterian Seminary s Charlotte campus, teaches on polity in the Presbyterian Church (USA), same-gender marriage, where we are and how we got here. Sunday, Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m. Rodney Sadler, professor of Bible at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, offers insight on Sodom s sin and how Genesis 19 plays a part in the larger conversation about homosexuality. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Joel Marcus, professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Duke Divinity School, teaches about human sexuality and the New Testament. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Richard McAnulty, associate professor of psychology at UNC Charlotte, teaches about human identity and sexual orientation. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Covenant s Bob Henderson, Jessica Patchett, Joan Watson and Petra Wahnefried discuss homosexuality, marriage and the church, offering a pastoral perspective. In addition, if you d like to know more about how Presbyterians make decisions and the current landscape of the Presbyterian Church (USA), come hear from Betty Meadows, transitional presbyter of the Charlotte Presbytery, Sunday, Feb. 1 at 9:30 or 10:45 a.m. on What does it mean to be Presbyterian? 2

3 WORSHIP AND MUSIC Westminster College Concert Choir 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4 Offering will be accepted. Taize Service of Wholeness in Christ: Living From a Peaceful Center Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 12 p.m. The Taize model of worship includes sung and spoken prayers, readings from scripture and other writings followed by silent reflections. Each service concludes with the celebration of Holy Communion and the dedication of prayer shawls that go to people during difficult times as a reminder of the love and prayers that surround them. This service is designed to provide sanctuary to our busy lives, sanctuary that offers a safe place to rest from the demands of daily life, a place and time to receive spiritual nourishment and to consider how God is blessing and guiding us. It is a deeply personal and wonderfully communal time. Special Music and Worship Arts Voices of Eden Gospel Choir Sunday, Feb. 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. The Voices of Eden Gospel Choir from UNC Charlotte will offer its gifts during our contemporary worship services. The gospel choir was founded by UNCC alum, Zach Estrada-Petersen, who sought to create an atmosphere where members of the campus community were free to worship the Lord through the gift of music. Voices of Eden hosts four full-length concerts each school year; among them, the choir has hosted an annual charity benefit concert since 2007 that has supported local missions such as Bethlehem Center of Charlotte, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Charlotte, Jacob s Ladder Job Center, Inc., Charlotte Rescue Mission, Project L.I.F.T., Hope Haven, Inc. and Access 2 Success. Worship Arts Retreat, led by Lisle Gwynn Garrity Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14 The Worship Arts Ministry will host a worship arts retreat, where participants will hear how the arts enhance worship experiences and have the opportunity to create visual art that will be used during Lent. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, a 2011 graduate of Davidson College and a recipient of the Church in Vocation/Tate Fellowship, attends Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, where she is completing a master s degree in divinity and a master s degree in practical theology. Her passion is using visual art to help congregations explore and express faith. Lisle was the Arts & Theology Intern at Montreat Conference Center in 2012, and has conducted numerous liturgical art workshops in local congregations. Communion Changes in 11:00 Sanctuary worship services The Worship Ministry has spent several months following up on recommendations and observations from the Alban Institute report. One observation in the report noted, the way in which communion is served has a key impact on the feeling of warmth and welcoming. Following discussion of several ideas for expanding hospitality in worship, Elders will begin serving communion through intinction twice each quarter, beginning with February. Once each quarter, communion will be served with the congregation seated. During services where communion is served by intinction, Elders also will be stationed in the back of the Sanctuary and will be honored to bring communion to anyone unable to come to the front of the Sanctuary. 3

4 MISSION & STEWARDSHIP Room in the Inn hospitality continues after the holidays Tuesday nights through March Once a week throughout the winter, Covenant warmly welcomes 14 homeless neighbors to spend the night on our campus. Here our guests enjoy a safe, dry place to sleep and two meals in Fellowship Hall. Volunteers prepare, serve and eat dinner with our guests and spend the night. Van drivers are needed for pickup and dropoff. If you can provide a meal or particularly your presence on campus overnight, your service would be most appreciated. In February, we ll host Room in the Inn in a different way. One small group (12-15 members) will serve as hosts together through the month. On Jan. 20 the group will meet with Liz Clasen-Kelly of Urban Ministry to talk about this service, to gain a deeper understanding of our guests and to become better prepared to serve and relate to them. In March, the group will gather again to discuss the experience and lessons learned. If you d like more information, contact Jerry Jernigan (jerry@carolina.rr.com). Mission Festival and Auction Sunday, Feb. 22 This annual day of fun and fundraising supports Covenant teams traveling throughout the year to serve and learn and share in our nation and world. This year adults will go to Reynosa and Yucatan in Mexico, to Avery County and other sites. Donate and bid on items including event tickets, special meals, vacation stays, art, services and more. We re collecting donations now in the basement of the Fellowship Hall. Contact Petra Wahnefried if you d like to donate larger items or live-auction items. Please contact Petra Wahnefried if you d like to serve in this meaningful ministry to our neighbors. Stewardship Update Goal $2,700,000 Pledged $2,457,000 Financial Update Support Covenant s ministry in 2015 Thank you to all who have offered financial gifts and pledges to support Covenant in the new year. If you haven t yet made a pledge, it s not too late to contribute to the great work God is doing here. Your pledge and gifts to the church are essential to continuing ministry that serves members in our church, neighbors in our community and brothers and sisters throughout out nation and world. Pledge Receipts Year-to-date through Nov. 30, 2014 Budgeted Actual $2,140,450 $2,198,153 Please consider how you may contribute in You may still make a pledge online or by using a pledge card, which can be found in a pew or in Fellowship Hall. 4

5 MISSION TRIPS IN 2015 Consider a journey to serve, grow in mission this year Each year adults are invited to travel to amazing places that offer special opportunities to connect with others in our city, our nation and in our world. On these journeys, we meet remarkable people and return with our faith strengthened, our horizons broadened and our lives changed. Consider how you can take part - either by traveling with us on one of these trips next year or by supporting a team through the Mission Festival and Auction. Reynosa, Mexico March participants, cost: $675 Participants will travel to the border of Mexico and the United States. Working with our longtime partner, Faith Ministries, we will live alongside people who will come to be our friends. With them, we will build a home that will move a family from substandard housing to a place of hope. Participants are expected to attend four pre-trip group meetings and one Saturday retreat, all in February, to prepare for our journey and to build community within our group. In addition, there will be one post-trip gathering for reflection and sharing. Yucatan, Mexico July participants, cost: $775 Celebrating our 25th year working with Accion Ministries, we return to this culturally rich destination to help build a small Presbyterian church in rural Mexico. The Mayan culture is fascinating, its people hospitable, and the opportunities to strengthen our own church community are moving. It will be a week to develop long-lasting relationships as we serve alongside our Mayan brothers and sisters. Avery County, North Carolina Sept participants, cost: $400 This trip has become an important experience for our participants, who have become aware of the needs of people living in our own state. Working with partners in Avery County Crossnore Presbyterian and other Presbyterian churches in the area, Crossnore School and Habitat for Humanity our church has begun to make a difference in the lives of Avery County residents. Urban Plunge Mission Trip March 19 March participants, cost: $100 Join us for a 3-day young adult mission experience exploring the most prevalent needs in Charlotte and how we can answer the call to love our neighbors. We will learn from various leaders in our community, participate in the work of non-profits, and discuss how we can make a meaningful difference in the pursuit of justice. Holy Land Mission Trip Early fall 18 participants, cost: $2,000 Explore with other church members how we are called to understand human justice in a world that struggles with peace. Participants will meet with Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders who work bravely and boldly for peace. Trip participants will be expected to plan to attend preparatory classes in the spring so that all can enter the trip with deeper understanding about what we will encounter. The trip will be challenging, physically and spiritually, as we seek to understand the burdens and joy of people living in this region of the world. 5

6 YOUTH & CHILDREN Youth Sunday Feb. 1 at 9: 30 and 11 a.m. services Youth Sunday is a highlight of our year in worship. Don t miss this Sunday, when middle and high school youth offer their gifts leading worship through music, dance, art and reflections. Weekday Preschool Open House and Registration Jan. 22, 10 a.m and 7 p.m. Covenant Presbyterian Church extends its ministry to young children and their families through its preschool. At the Preschool, we believe that each child is unique and endowed with gifts from God, that children share their thoughts and ideas through creative expression and that children learn best in an interesting and loving environment. Come learn more about Covenant Preschool during our Open House for Prospective Parents. If that doesn t work in your schedule, you may schedule a tour anytime by calling the preschool office at Registration for the school year will begin on Feb. 2 and continue until Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m. (Priority registration ends on Feb. 12.) REGISTER NOW 5th-grade Faith & Sexuality Workshop Saturday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Registration deadline, Jan. 15 Middle and high school youth Fellowship and Activities in January Middle and high school youth resume Sunday evening fellowship activities and Wednesday evening programs in the new year. Here are a few upcoming events for each age group. Find weekly updates on our website. BASE (grade 6-7) Sunday, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25: Fellowship, 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan 7, 14, 21 and 28: Guys and Girls groups meet 6:30-7:30 p.m. BASE hosts Room in the Inn on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Please sign up online to help with food and serving our neighbors. QUEST (grade 8) Sunday, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25: Fellowship, 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan 7, 14, 21 and 28: Guys and Girls groups meet 6:30-7:30 p.m. PEAK (grades 9-12) Sunday, Jan. 4: Back home dinners at 5 p.m. 9th grade - Roehrigs, 3734 School House Lane 10th grade - Hamels, 3829 Silver Bell Drive 11th grade - Goodsons, 1023 Sumac Drive 12th grade - Spiveys, 215 King Owen Court Fifth-graders and their parents are invited to this engaging discussion of boys and girls, men and women, and sex in a context of faithfulness. Contact Anne Lowrance to register or for more information. 6

7 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating a year of service, grace, hope and love From Appalachia to the Holy Lands, and from Mexico to Moore Place, the Covenant community shared light and love, struggle and hope with one another and neighbors around the world in We look toward 2015 with thanks for what has been and hope for what s to come. 7

8 ADULTS SUNDAYS Men s Bible Study 8:30 a.m. in FH 207 The group is intended to provide a forum for fellowship, Bible study, and faithful discipleship. PEOPLE 9:30 a.m. in FH 105 Lively conversation on topics of faith and life for adults of all ages. The Open Door 9:30 a.m. in FH 205 Drop in any week to explore a variety of topics in scripture and in our own lives. All are welcome. Fellowship (largely adults 60+ but all ages are welcome) 9:30 a.m. in FH 203 Discuss a variety of subjects with BIble study and guest speakers. Foundations (young adults) 10:30 a.m. (gathering), begins at 10:45 a.m. in FH 205 A supportive network for parents nurturing families in faith. What Does it Mean to Be Presbyterian? Sunday, Feb. 1, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. The Golden Rule (love one another) stands at the place where the gospel and the Christian life intersect, helping Christians to find discernment for life, community, and a unique fellowship with God. YOUNG ADULTS Small Groups Young Adult Men s Group Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. at Dilworth Grille. The PATH - Young Women Tuesdays, 7 p.m., EW 307 ADULT OFFERINGS IN JANUARY WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 6:30 P.M. Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness We ll read David Lamotte s book as the new year dawns and consider how we can be a bigger part of changing the world than we might think. David Lamotte will join us on Sunday, Jan. 25, to speak on his book and participate in worship. Identity, Gifts and Callings Jan. 14-Feb. 11, 6;30 p.m. Led by Tammie Lesesne and others One of the central affirmations of the Reformed tradition is that of the intentionality and uniqueness of each life and the call to be stewards of the gifts and talents we have been given. Such a calling beckons us into deeper understanding of ourselves and into a clearer realization of those gifts, talents and callings. Guiding us through this exploration will be a number of trained professionals beginning with counselor Tammie Lesesne, who will lead the class on Jan.14 and 21. Participation in the group will involve registration and some preparation. Navigating Depression Jan. 14-Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. Led by Michelle Askew Depression is part of everybody s life in some form or another...at one time or another. We will discover together the role depression can play in our lives as we come to understand it through spiritual, biological, psychological and social lenses. This 5-week discussion-based class will also incorporate tools and spiritual help as we work through strengthening practices to navigate darker days. Learning to Walk in the Dark Meets in the church parlor, beginning Jan. 7 During the six weeks before Lent, we ll discuss Barbara Brown Taylor s latest book, Learning to Walk in the Dark. If you were present at any of her presentations at Myers Park Baptist Church; if you read it alone and wished you had had someone with whom you could share ideas or questions; if you want a reason to read it now for the first time, this is the gathering for you. Uptown Bible Study Selections from Proverbs: Words of wisdom for the new year Tuesdays, 12 p.m. (Jan 20-Feb. 17) Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N. Tryon St. Jessica Patchett leads this study to start off the new year with a look at an Old Testament book of wisdom. If you d like to join this group meeting uptown at lunchtime, please contact Meredith Thomas (meredith.thomas@covenantpresby. org). 8

9 RECREATION & HEALTH FROM THE PARISH NURSE Happy New Year! I hope the newsletter finds you rested and healthy after the holidays. However, I know many of you have been busy since Thanksgiving and are probably heading into the new year exhausted. Here are a few easy ways to boost your immune system and try to stay well: Stay hydrated. Drinking green tea is especially helpful, because it s full of special anti-oxidants called catechins which are anti-viral agents. Staying hydrated will help flush toxins through your systems. Exercise. Exercise helps your immune system stay strong, as well as helping you sleep. Being rested is critical for your immune system to function properly. Eat orange and red vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes and squash are full of Vitamin A, which boosts immunity in your digestive tract, where the battle with illness often begins. Mushrooms and asparagus are also good immunity boosters. It s not too late to get your flu shot. If you get the flu at least two weeks after your flu shot, at least it will be milder than it would have been. As always, wash your hands before meals, in the bathroom, and when you come inside. Stay away from sick people. Sneeze into your elbow. And if you end up sick anyway, call the parish nurse, and she will bring you some soup. Take care! Recreation Ministry January is free when you register for an annual recreation & fitness membership at Covenant s Recreation Wing. For Church Members * Optional Drop-In Fee $1 per visit For Affiliate Members * Student $140.25/ year * Student $23/year * Senior Adults (55+) $140.25/ year * Senior Adults (55+) $23 /year * Individual (ages 12-54) $187/ year * Individual (ages 12-54) $45/ year * Household $280.50/ year * Household $68/ year Personal Training We offer many different packages to help maximize your workout success! One-on-one and small group training are offered by experienced trainers. Hourly rates vary. Contact the Recreation Wing desk to learn more. Group Exercise Classes Did you know Covenant Recreation offers the following group exercise classes? Body Back Boot Camps Circuit Training Senior Functional Fitness Stroller Strides Total Body Training Running and Walking Groups Hip-Hop Fitness A variety of types of yoga Classes are offered at various times on weekdays and weekend. Contact the Recreation Wing desk to learn more about these and other opportunities. Art & Music with Ms. Holly Thursdays, 12:35 p.m. - 1:35 p.m. Ages 3-5 Runs Jan. 15 May 21 Continue the learning with Ms. Holly from preschool, after preschool. Creativity with art and music awaits! For more information or to register contact Holly Johnson at dearhollylorette@gmail.com Daisy Dance Mondays 4:45-5:15 p.m. (for ages 2 1/2-3 years) 5:30-6:15 p.m. (for ages 3 1/2-5 years) in RW3A 12-week session begins in January Cost: $ Daisy Dance class is a combination of ballet, tap, and creative movement. We use music, props and encourage creativity, sharing, and fun. Soccer Shots Fridays, 12:30-1 p.m. 7-week session, begining Jan. 23 Soccer Shots is the leader in youth soccer development for children ages 3-5. The program offers a high energy, fun, age-appropriate introduction to the wonderful game of soccer that emphasizes both soccer skills and character development. Register at http: /charlotte.ssreg.org/ Little Aces Tennis 6-week sessions for ages 4-5 Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Our Little Aces clinic is designed to introduce the little ones to the skills necessary to play tennis. The class is made up of games designed to promote eye-hand coordination, footwork, and racquet skills using a 36-foot Quickstart court along with the other proper equipment. Fun and ensuring each child s success are the top priorities. To register, visit http: /www. charlottecitytennis.com/register/tennis/ tennis.html Mary Mattiacci 9

10 NEW MEMBERS Welcome New Members Photos courtesy of Kathy Pickard Amanda Abrahm Kate Fitzmaurice Heather and Marty Burch Jennifer and Brad Moore and Kendall Kim Moseley Michael Welsh Starting Point January 11, 6-7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Are you looking for a way to learn more and begin taking part in the life of faith at Covenant? You re invited to Starting Point, an informal dinner with senior minister Bob Henderson. Please come, or invite a friend who may have visited Covenant, to a relaxed time of fellowship and an opportunity to learn more about our congregation. Contact Lora Borrelli for more information. The DiBiase-Harris family: (L-R) Sophie, Ellen, Marco, Christine 10

11 FEBRUARY 1 YOUTH SUNDAY 9:30 and 11 a.m. Youth lead us in worship at all services, offering their gifts of music and special reflections. 18 ASH WEDNESDAY An evening worship service will begin our observation of Lent. COMING UP MISSION FESTIVAL AND 22 AUCTION Donate and bid on items at this fun fundrasier to support Covenant s mission teams. We re collecting donations now in the basement of Fellowship Hall. Contact Petra Wahnefried if you d like to donate larger items or live-auction items. CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Weddings Kackie Jackson and Earl Riddle, Dec. 13 Agnes and Bud Smith on the death of her brother, Raymond L. Horne of Shelby, on Dec. 10 ; and to Sympathy The congregation extends its sincere sympathy and love to: Julie and Paul Steffens on the death of her father, and to Henry, Helen and Amelia on the death of their grandfather, Cress E. Goodnight, Jr. of Salisbury, on Nov. 29; and to Jane and Ray Cunningham on the death of his brother, William Clay Cunningham, on Oct. 23; and to Berma Jean Kincaid on the death of her husband; Katie Kincaid Coley and Tom Coley on the death of her father; Caroline Kincaid Godfrey and Richard Godfrey on the death of her father; and Sarah and Grace Godfrey on the death of their grandfather, James Brandon Kincaid, III, on Dec. 6; and to Shannon and Brad Brown on the death of his father, and to Dani and Cole Brown on the death of their grandfather, the Rev. Dr. Coleman B. Brown of Hamilton, N.Y., on Dec. 14; and to Mike and Mary Lou Daly on the death of her mother, and to Michael and Tyler Daly on the death of their grandmother, Julia Hampton of Huntington, W.Va., on Dec. 15 and rejoices with them in the assurance of the resurrection. In Memoriam James Brandon Kincaid, III Elder Emeritus June 2, December 6, 2014 Covenant News USPS Number Published monthly by Covenant Presbyterian Church 1000 East Morehead Street Charlotte, NC Periodicals Postage Paid Charlotte, North Carolina Postmaster: Send address changes to Covenant News Covenant Presbyterian Church 1000 East Morehead Street Charlotte, NC You can keep up with news and events in a variety of ways: In your mailbox: Covenant News is delivered monthly, with stories, photos, upcoming events and special announcements. In your inbox: Our weekly e-newsletter, Windows on Covenant, is published on Wednesdays. If you d like to be added to the distribution list, please call the church office or contact Adam Kortekaas. In your pew: Each week, announcements are printed in the worship bulletins. At our website: Find announcements, bulletins and an ical-compatible calendar and more at On Facebook and Twitter: for posts or like our church s Facebook page to be part of the social media community. 11

12 PERIODICALS Postage Paid Charlotte, NC 1000 East Morehead Street Charlotte, NC Address Service Requested COVENANT STAFF AND DIRECT DIAL PHONE NUMBERS Lora Borrelli Membership and Engagement Coordinator Steve Carriker Property Manager Lucy Crain Executive Assistant Sibyl Durant Food Service Manager Alannah Fitzgerald Afternoon/Friday Receptionist Kathleen Grabert Preschool Director Daniel Heath Contemporary Worship and Arts Director Bob Henderson Senior Minister and Head of Staff James Huffman Recreation Ministries Director Martha Isaacs Women s Ministries Director Bill Keith Business Administrator Adam Kortekaas Media/Communications Assistant Neeley Lane High School Ministry Director Carla Leaf Mission and Outreach Director Anne Lowrance Early Childhood and Elementary Ministry Director Mary Mattiacci Parish Nurse Grady Moseley Parish Associate Jessica Patchett Associate Minister of Education Virginia Rumbley Accounting Manager Courtney St. Onge Communications Director Stephen Talley Music Ministry Director Susan Talley Organist and Associate Music Ministry Director Meredith Thomas Administrative Assistant-Education Debbie Tyson Morning Receptionist Petra Wahnefried Pastoral Resident Joan Watson Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Discipleship Michelle Williamson Executive Assistant *Staff addresses are firstname.lastname@covenantpresby.org Front desk Fax Number Preschool Education Wing Recreation Wing Custodian on duty