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Holy Covenant United Church of Christ
A progressive Christian church
Weekly News & Announcements through
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Week ending June 5
, 2016
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Church Information
(Staff details below)
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Office Hours: 8AM-4PM
Monday through Friday
Phone: 704-599-9810
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Reflections
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It is always interesting to note how the passage of time, coupled with greater understanding and increased wisdom, affects long-held practices and traditions. This past weekend was a prime example.
For generations, Memorial Day was devoted to honoring those who had lost their lives in combat. As part of that annual observance, my wife and I have watched the Memorial Concert broadcast annually from Washington, D.C. Each has been a moving tribute to our fallen soldiers. But this year there was a very new and noticeable emphasis: planners took into consideration the fact that a soldier can "lose" his or her life and still be among the living. The reference is to the emotional devastation that combat can have upon the psyche. Psychological trauma can rob life of its meaning and purpose and destroy any sense of enjoyment one might have.
Those hosting the concert made repeated reference to those suffering from post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD). There were numerous appeals to those burdened and worn down by PTSD to reach out to qualified helpers. Repeatedly, victims of PTSD were offered visions of hope and the promise that with help, life could get better. The role that such appeals played in the concert pointed to a very deliberate decision to expand the purpose of Memorial remembrances. To be sure, the abiding purpose of the day is to recall those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. But it was also good to see that the awareness level regarding those suffering from PTSD had risen to such heights that publicizing the resources for help became part of the remembrance.
"I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly," said Jesus. The word "abundant" in New Testament Greek does not refer to life's necessities (food, shelter, clothing) but to things that could be added to life to make it happier. Certainly well-trained professionals who can help those with PTSD constitute an essential add-on. As we recall those who died in defense of freedom, let us also pray for those whose spirits were sorely wounded and who lost the will to live. May they may find the help they need.
~Steve Garvey
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Holy Covenant Happenings
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 JUNE 5, CELEBRATE OUR YOUTH!
Please plan to be a part of our Sunday June 5 Youth-led worship service! Following worship, our Youth, and Hospitality team, will host a picnic lunch, including ice cream for dessert, to celebrate our Youth and the start of summer. Please bring a lawn chair and a big appetite for our outdoor picnic lunch.
ALL CHURCH COOK BOOK
In honor of our Centennial, your Hospitality Team will be coordinating a printed version of a cook book, compiled of the favorite recipes from Holy Covenant and Pilgrim Congregational UCC members!
Please submit any tried and true favorite recipe, of any food category, by July 15. Send your recipe to Judi Lord,
[email protected] or Linda Carver, 2547A Stockbridge Drive, Charlotte NC 28210. This is a fundraiser for benefit of outreach missions. Details are in progress and more, including date and cost, will be announced in the near future.
SOJOURNERS CLASS
Next Sunday, June 5, Rich Midkiff will continue presenting a talk and discussion entitled "Is There (Significant) Religious Discrimination in the U.S. Military?" Rich draws on his own extensive military service plus research he has done on this topic. In addition, several class members who have served in the military are adding their own unique experiences and perspectives. Join us this Sunday at 9:45--all are welcome.
BOOK CLUB
The Book Club will be meeting on Monday, June 13, at 1:30 pm at the Sharon campus to discuss Annie Dillard's Pulitzer Prize winning title,
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
. Diane Burleson will be leading our discussion of this work.
Our next meeting is tentatively set for July 18, at 1:30 pm at the Sharon campus.
We are considering Matthew Desmond's
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
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2016 PRIDE FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
Charlotte PRIDE, the third-largest LGBTQ Pride organization in the American Southeast, will hold its annual festival August 19, 20 & 21. We need all members of Holy Covenant to volunteer in helping Holy Covenant be present throughout the weekend. Please contact
Phil Kaveler to let him know when you can volunteer.
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The United Church of Christ has a weekly electronic newsletter, ongoing blog, and website to share information about where we've been and were we are going as a collective church.
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topics today include "White Privilege, Let's Talk"; and "Assisting a Bold Step into the Future". How do you be the church in an ever-changing religious climate?
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Prayer Concerns
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PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Members
Paul Bomely, Gail Bushman, Leanne Bushman,
Ginny & Bob Fisher, Marianne Gannon, Karen Griffin,
Chuck Johnson, Helen Lambert,
Irene Mikkelson,
Deb & Yvette Ross, Dave Stoimenoff & Jim Germann,
Mamie Stokes, Jean Washburn
Friends & Family Members
Rose Bouchonville (John Maze),
Charlotte Carbone, Matthew Christian, (Beth Sharp),
Bill Funderburk (Donna Collins), Frances Helms (Lynn Helms),
Mike Hinson (Kathi Smith), CD & Alice Huskins (Jared Fischer),
John Jacobsen (Holly Middleton), Aaron Johnson (Joy Johnson),
Barbara Lees (Donna Collins), Pat & JoAnn Murphey (Laura Murphey),
Candy Propes (Sue Rettberg), Luz Soto (Aida Marcial)
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Participant Reminders For Sunday
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Greeters: Bill Hildebrand, Connie Hildebrand
Ushers: Kelly Gimlin, Jill Gregg, Barb Schneller, Moses Taylor
Media: Brian Hankins, Joe Craig
Tabulators: Kelly Gimlin, Julie Klever
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Holy Covenant United Church of Christ
3501 West W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28269
704 599-9810
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| No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. |
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