A Note from the Pastor

Holy Covenant,

Last Sunday, on Transfiguration Sunday, we had the joy of welcoming nine new members into our church family. It was a sacred and celebratory moment, one that reflects the growing, vibrant spirit of our community. Every new member is a reminder that God is still at work, drawing people from all walks of life together through love, justice, and radical welcome.

For those who were unable to join us in person, we regret that technical difficulties interrupted our live stream. However, we are grateful to share that the full service is now available for viewing here: https://vimeo.com/1061827252?share=copy.

As we continue this journey together, may we rejoice in the ways God is moving among us, and may we always be a church where all are truly welcome.

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Christopher Czarnecki

Holy Covenant UCC

Senior Pastor

Ash Wednesday Service - March 5th

Ash Wednesday is considered to be the first day of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar, a time that spans 40 days leading up to Easter. It is a day of repentance, reflection, and fasting in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. On Ash Wednesday Christians across the world participated in a service in which they received ashes on their foreheads. The ashes are typically made from the burned palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday and are applied in the shape of a cross. The act of receiving ashes symbolizes human mortality and repentance, reflecting the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return" (Genesis 3:19).

April 6

On the 5th Sunday in Lent, join us for “Mix-it-up” Sunday,

with a Spring Brunch Potluck following worship.

Pastries, Muffins, Casseroles and Salads

April 13

Palm & Passion Sunday:

Let’s celebrate our Confirmands together!

April 20

Easter Worship 10:55am

Bring fresh flowers

for the cross

April 27

Celebrate Earth Sunday with the Creation Justice Team

Lenten Devotionals

“YOUNG VOICES: STEPPING OUT OF THE WILDERNESS”

This 47-day devotion walks you through Lent and concludes with the good news of Easter Sunday. All entries were written by UCC youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 35.

See these daily devotions on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCUCC.Church

https://www.facebook.com/groups/61370940062

We will have a limited number of printed copies available.

Faith Communities Unite in Historic Declaration to Defend Refugees at Critical Crossroads for U.S. Policy

In an unprecedented moment of moral reckoning, earlier this week Church World Service (CWS) today issued The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, a bold and urgent call to action from faith communities across the nation. With 45 initial signers—including CWS’ Covenant Members (which includes the United Church of Christ)—this declaration is more than a statement, it is a solemn and unshakable commitment by religious leaders and organizations to stand against policies that endanger refugees and immigrants.

At a time when the United States faces defining choices about its treatment of the displaced and persecuted, this powerful declaration is a collective stand for justice. It calls on all people of faith to root their advocacy in scripture and directly challenges political leaders to remember that America’s identity is inseparable from its immigrant history. The way the nation treats its most vulnerable will not only shape communities at home but will define the country’s moral standing in the global arena.

Following the administration’s executive orders that oppose the proud American tradition of welcome, directives to abdicate our leadership around the world, and enactment of policies that keep families separated, the Declaration says:

Together in faith and rooted in love, we resolve to continue in the centuries-old practice of Christian communities walking alongside refugees and immigrants in their pursuit of safety and dignity. We pledge to restore and promote hospitality and welcome to those seeking refuge – regardless of where they are from, how they pray or what language they speak.

Pastor Chris has signed this declaration. If you would like to sign it as well and read more about it click here.

In Our Community

Sing for the Cure Concert, March 29

This will be a very special, life affirming concert, on March 29, 7:30 at CPCC Halton Theater. Several choruses and choirs will be part of the large 90 member chorus, including 3 HC choir members.

This code will save you $5.00 - SFTC25, good through 3/14. For more info and tickets, use this link: SFTC Tickets

Proceeds of this concert will benefit local organizations that provide critical financial assistance to individuals and families who are battling breast cancer.

Thanks,

Tina Dickens, Meg Houlihan and D Evans

HCUCC members / Women's Chorus of Charlotte

Faithful Witness Wednesdays Call for Congressional Courage

Sojourners Magazine and the Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC) are co-organizing a series of faithful witness vigils at the nation's Capitol every Wednesday in March at 12 noon, beginning March 5. These multi-faith vigils will "call on Congress to exercise greater moral courage in upholding its Article 1 powers and preventing executive overreach." As they shared, "Together we can provide a faithful witness by speaking truth to power about this mounting crisis, what is at stake, the people and communities who are already being harmed - and what we can do to make a difference!" To register to attend these vigils virtually click here.

Partners in Health & Wholeness

Abundant Life Webinar Series

North Carolina Council of Churches, ncchurches.org, celebrates it's 90th Anniversary, Rooted in Faith, and offers a webinar series for anyone wishing to participate.

Join us from January to April for the Abundant Life Webinar Series, a collection of engaging and thought-provoking sessions exploring the intersection of faith and mental health. Designed for faith leaders, community advocates, and individuals passionate about holistic well-being, this series will provide practical tools, insights, and resources to foster healthier, more resilient communities.

Topics and Dates:

Faith Communities and the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Thursday, March 20, 12 p.m.

Overdose Response and Harm Reduction for Faith Communities

Thursday, April 10, 7–8 p.m.

Healthy Aging and Mental Wellbeing

Thursday, April 24, 12–1 p.m.

Missed the event? Watch the recording here:

Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA): Accessing & Utilizing Local Behavioral Health Data

Faith & Mental Health Summit

Sanford Faith and Mental Health Summit

Thursday, March 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saint Luke UMC Davenport Christian Life Center

2916 Wicker Street, Sanford

Join the North Carolina Council of Churches' Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative for our Sanford Faith and Mental Health Summit, which will be led by guest clinician, Tonya D. Armstrong, Ph.D., M.T.S., LP, HSP-P. Designed for faith leaders, lay members, and mental health professionals, this summit will raise awareness and deepen understanding of mental health and trauma-informed care in faith communities.

Faith Communities and the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Thursday, March 20, 12 noon- 1 p.m. via Zoom

The mental health crisis affecting today's youth is urgent, and faith communities have a critical role to play in addressing this challenge. Joining us for our next webinar of our Abundant Life Webinar Series: Faith Communities and the Youth Mental Health Crisis will be Dr. Trevor Eppehimer, PhD, who will offer insights on the recently published book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which highlights alarming trends in anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles among young people in relation to social media, smartphones, and more.

During the webinar, participants will have an opportunity to hear practical strategies for how faith communities can respond. Faith leaders, youth ministers, and congregations can be powerful sources of support, offering safe spaces for healing and hope. Learn actionable ways to help youth build resilience, hear about healthy coping mechanisms, and foster a culture of emotional well-being. This portion of the webinar will provide tangible tools and insights to empower faith communities to make a meaningful difference in the mental health of young people.

Join us to learn how your faith community can become part of the solution, supporting the next generation in navigating the complexities of mental health with strength and hope.

Holy Covenant Connections

Sojourners Class, March 9

On Sunday, March 9, we begin a book study of The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem by Marcus Borg and John Crossan. Amazon has only an "acceptable" paperback plus hardback copies. Another good source is thriftbooks.com where you will find "good: and "very good" paperback copies as well as less expensive hardback copies.

Hope you can join us either in person or via Zoom—no preparation necessary.

We gather Sundays at 9:45am

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89561758099?pwd=d1gvUmh3K2hCNmdidm1QdjllNkF5QT09

Meeting ID: 895 6175 8099 Passcode: 986788

Daytimer's Covenant Group Luncheon Moved to March 12

Because of the threat of inclement weather, the luncheon was moved from last Wednesday, to next Wednesday, March 12 at noon. All are welcomed, and no need to bring anything! Join us for food and fellowship, with some prayers mixed in amongst the conversations.

Bagged Lunch Build,

*Moved to March 30*

No experience needed! We are making 100 bagged lunches for the Giles Center on March 30, and again on April 27. This center is affiliated with A Roof Above and provides overnight shelter (and bags lunches) for homeless men. Stay after the worship service and join us!

Cares Team Brainstorming Session, March 30

On March 30th, following our worship service at 12:30pm in the conference room we will have a brainstorming session around the idea of forming a Cares Team Ministry at the church. This idea rose out of the proposed Year of Wellness Plan for 2025. The idea of the “Cares Team” was a ministry that would initially work to gather information about the needs and gifts within the congregation and find ways to coordinate and sustainably match those needs and resources. This is an idea in development. If you have a passion for wanting to be part of this ministry please join us. All are welcome!

Compassion Closet

Compassion Closet is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes clothing and linens to asylum-seeking migrant families here in Charlotte. Please donate new or gently used (& laundered) men’s, women’s and children's shoes and clothing, as well as towels and sheets. You'll find the collection box in the gathering room. Thank you!

Please consider these invaluable ministries, which play a big part in our extravagant welcome to newcomers, as well as a meaningful part of our congregational family!

Worship Volunteer Sign-up

Greeters and ushers are needed starting at 10:30am every Sunday. Liturgists and readers roles are also available. Please sign up in the Gathering Room or at

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACAD23A2FE3-ushers.

Fellowship Hour Hosts Needed

Please sign up in the gathering room for light refreshments after worship on Sundays, plus set-up and clean-up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACAD23A2FE3-sunday1#/

We welcome all in our congregation to participate in worship leadership. Download the app to make signing up even easier!

https://www.signupgenius.com/mobileapp

UCC, National and Conference

WNCA Spring Education Event, March 22

The Western North Carolina Association's (WNCA) Spring Education Event will be held on March 22nd from 10am to 12pm. This year's presenter is Callie Swanlund is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual companion, and coach who helps others know their belovedness and find their Spark. Her new book, From Weary to Wholehearted, is a restorative resource for overcoming ministry burnout. To register click here.

Retired Servants Retreat, April 14-16

The retired servants retreat will be held on April 14-16, 2025 at Blowing Rock Conference Center. This retreat is open to anyone who has served and is now retired from ministry. This year's presenter will be Rachel Hackenberg is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, working in the National Setting as the publisher for The Pilgrim Press. Rachel is the author of several books, including Writing to God and Denial Is My Spiritual Practice. Click here for the retreat brochure and email Jaredd@brccenter.org to register.

Summer Camps at JRVC!

Hey, kids! (And adults!) Interested in summer camp? The Johns River Valley Camps in Collettsville, NC, run by the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ, offers a variety of camps for a variety of ages.

A grant for youth development from the Western North Carolina Association of the UCC has provided us with funds to be used for full or partial “camperships”. A few posters are scattered around the gathering room or ask Jo Ann Jellison about it. Or go to www.jrvc.org.

New Blog: What's On Karen Georgia Thompsons' Mind

The United Church of Christ's General Minister and President Karen Georgia Thompson will be sharing her thoughts and concerns in a new blog, "On My Mind Today." Each blog will address an issue of the day that is on Thompson's mind and will also talk about signs of hope she sees in the progress towards "A Just World for All." The blogs will appear every Tuesday in UCC News Digest. https://www.ucc.org/on-my-mind-today/

Prayers

Please Remember in Prayer

Members

Mel & Christine Andersen, Linda Carver, Liz Colton, Kevin Decker, Laura Hankins, Jim & Faye Humphrey, Sharon Landis, Sue & Bill Pascucci, Isabelle Reedy Powell, Beth Sharp, Anita Taylor, Darline Warren, Sally Young

Friends & Family Members

Sandra (Carl & Phyllis Johnson), Beth, Michael & Julian Bliss (Robert Shepherd), Melissa Brown, Reva Dixon, Kim Dixon VanFleet (Diane Neese), Jeanne Hord (Diane Neese), Pam McGill & Pam Culp (Melissa Noll), Deby Gumpper (Dawn Simmons), Cindy Hedrick (Barb Schneller), Henry Hildebrand (Bill & Connie Hildebrand), Charles Jernigan (Lee Parrish), Dave Johnson, Richard Lease (Barb Schneller), Earl & Susie Morgan (Ed Vickery), Larry & Karen Roark (Ed Vickery), Michelle Sharp (Beth Sharp), Janet Wakefield (Linda Burby), Brian Weddell (Jon Weddell), Kim Wiggs-Gamblin, Scott Whitley (Jay Whitley), John Zastrow (Barb Schneller)

If you wish to add someone to the list, please send a note to

prayers@holycovenantucc.org.