Holy Covenant United Church of Christ
A progressive Christian church
Weekly News & Announcements through
Week ending July 24 , 2016

In This Issue
Reflections
HC Happenings
Prayer Concerns
Participant Reminders
Church Information
(Staff details below)

   Office Hours: 8AM-4PM
Monday through Friday
Phone: 704-599-9810

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Reflections
Nancy Ellett Allison
Not only is this physically a long, hot summer, but with the political conventions and the Black, White and Blue tension in our cities, it is an emotionally hot season as well. We've gotten a full dose of Republican rhetoric this week and next week the Democrats will speak equally aggressively.

While I was away this last  week at Conspire 2016, I  was wonderfully reminded that aggression is not the Jesus way. Jesus makes it clear that we are ALL God's beloved and that our humanity is connected. If I am going to find the holy within myself, I must also find the holy in you.

Sunday's gospel lesson is Luke's version of what we call "The Lord's Prayer."  It is simple and direct as it calls us to honor God and renew our relationships with one another. Sunday's worship service will be a day of breathing in God's presence, singing our hope, and lifting prayers together.

~Amen and amen, Nancy
Congratulations to our 2016 HCUCC Graduates
High School
Benjamin Decker , a graduate from the North Carolina School of Science and Math will be attending college at UNC-Charlotte where he will be studying Computer Science.
 
Claire Houlihan , a graduate from Northwest School of the Arts will attend UNC-Chapel Hill to study Environmental Science. Claire is a recipient of the Michael G. Brooks Scholarship toward her education at UNC-CH.
 
Alex Shoop , graduated from Hough High School and will be attending Central Piedmont Community College to study Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanics.  Alex is a Michael G. Brooks Scholarship award recipient for his continuing education at CPCC.
 
Jeremy Shoop has graduated from Hough High School, a nd plans to attend NC State for Aeronautical Engineering and to continue playing keyboard and baritone sax in college.
 
Allison Semands , graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Math and will attend college at Georgetown University in their School of Foreign Service.
 
College
Avery McGuirt graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with distinction and received a BS in Chemistry. Avery continues his studies at Columbia University where he has been accepted to the Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience.
 
We are so very proud of all of you and who you have become. As you continue your work and education in both near and far away places, may you remember always that you are loved and welcome in this place among your family at Holy Covenant UCC. May you have joy, peace, and strength for your journeys ahead!
(Did we miss anyone?  If so, please contact Steven Burleson)
Holy Covenant Happenings
NEW MEMBER & INQUIRERS CLASSES
Would you like to learn more about Holy Covenant and the United Church of Christ? Come to these inquirers classes held in the conference room:
July 24 - 9:30 Who We Are, What We Believe
July 31 - 9:30 UCC/Holy Covenant History
August 7 - 12:30 Elder Lunch and Member Opportunities for Involvement
August 14 - Welcome Sunday
Contact the office for more information or to RSVP. 

SHARON ROAD PROPERTY UPDATE
The work to sell the Sharon Road property continues.  We are still under contract with NVR, parent company to Ryan Homes, who submitted their rezoning petition last week.  Based on two community meetings and feedback from the City Council, the maximum number of units that will be allowed is 24 units on the property. Due to this, the Consistory agreed to extend the study period to allow more community alignment, and to lower our price from $2.1 million to $1.8 million. A final community meeting will take place in the next few weeks and the vote of City Council is expected in coming months.  Questions?  Feel free to reach out to Renee Brown at 704-996-5378. 

LAST CALL FOR INCLUSION IN ALL CHURCH CENTENNIAL COOK BOOK
We KNOW most of you don't cook all that much - but we also KNOW that some of you make great cakes, some of you specialize in all vegetarian dishes and some of you are Crock Pot Queens!  Please submit your favorite recipe, of any food category, NOW Send your recipe to Debbie Davis, debbiekdavisnc@gmail.com Judi Lord, jklord17@gmail.com or Linda Carver, 2547A Stockbridge Drive, Charlotte NC 28210.

GIVING UPDATE
All recorded giving statements ending the 2nd Quarter of 2016 have been now been distributed. If you haven't received one, or have a question about your recorded offerings, please contact Dawn Simmons in the office. 

PLEDGED GIVING UPDATEJune YTD General Fund pledged giving is $75,482.00, or 47%, of the total year pledged, and the Building Fund pledged giving is $53,050, or 47% of total year Building Fund pledges. Each financial gift is vital to the work of the church and we appreciate so much everyone's continued faithful giving, especially while traveling during summer vacation months. 

BANK AUTO DRAFT Simplify your giving and utilize your bank's auto draft process for easy, and most often free, giving options. When signing up, you may use our secure post office address for the check to be mailed to at: Holy Covenant UCC, PO Box 481285, Charlotte NC 28269.  Questions, please let Dawn or Diane Neese, Treasurer at  dianeneese@gmail.com  know.

YOGA WEDNESDAYS 7:30 PM
David Smith is leading yoga classes for all levels. For more information, contact David at  prizmsongs@gmail.com or 704-533-2142.

JOHNS RIVER VALLEY CAMP- DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR END OF SUMMER EXPERIENCES
Johns River Valley Camp needs a few more campers in the last week of its summer schedule (July 24) to enable campers a viable community experience. Campers enjoy a half-week of traditional camp activities (crafts, aquatics, hikes, stories, games, vespers, campfires) under the direction of two superb leaders, Sue Howell (Warwick UCC) and Rev. Jim Humphrey (retired/Charlotte). In addition to above highlighted activities, campers will explore implications of "Fearless Faith:  Courage in Community."  On-line Registration available for all JRVC summer camps.

SOJOURNERS CLASS
The Sojourners continues its discussion of the book, Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help. We hope you can join the Sojourners to continue the journey. Come as you are-no preparation necessary!

BOOK CLUB
We will meet again on Monday, August 22, at 1:30 pm at the Sharon campus. Sue Pascucci will be selected the title for August, and she will notify the book club members and you as soon as she has made a choice.
  HCUCC Pride logo 2012

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.  There will be a sign up sheet beginning July 10 in the Gathering Room.


SPECIAL OFFERING, CHRISTMAS IN JULY
On July 31, 2016, we will receive the UCC Christmas Fund offering to show appreciation for the many pastors who have helped carry our burdens. Many of these aging and retired pastors have served small churches in rural areas that simply do not have the means to financially support them once they retire. These dedicated men and women served selflessly, and we have a chance to give them the thanks they deserve.  This is the one time we are asked to match our appreciation with our resources for those who have retired from faithful service to the church. Please memo your offering "UCC Christmas Fund".

INTERESTED IN CUBA?
This summer at our SOC Annual Meeting, we passed a resolution affirming work and relationships with Cuba.  If you have some thoughts and ideas in connection with this work Please provide your feedback to Rev Jerry Rhyne at:   jerry@wnca-soc.org .  
3 5 interesting facts about Cuba and it's US relations UCC Cuba Resolution
Charlotte Pride's Annual Interfaith Service, August 14

Where all are welcome. 
An interfaith experience celebrating the
dignity, value and worth of all people.
Sunday, August 14, 4 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
Refreshments following the Service
For more information: charlottepride.org
Prayer Concerns
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Members
Paul Bomely, Gail Bushman, Leanne Bushman,  Ginny & Bob Fisher, Marianne Gannon, Karen Griffin, Laura Hankins,  Chuck Johnson, Joy Johnson, Helen Lambert,  Irene Mikkelson,  Deb & Yvette Ross, Dave Stoimenoff & Jim Germann,  Mamie Stokes, Sheryl Stogner, Jean Washburn
 
Friends & Family Members
McKenzie (Sue Godfrey), Rose Bouchonville (John Maze),  Charlotte Carbone, Matthew Christian, (Beth Sharp),  Bill Funderburk, Jonathan 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), Urban Linn (Julie McLelland),  Pat & JoAnn Murphey (Laura Murphey),  Luz Soto (Aida Marcial), Charles Weaver (Susan Rettberg)
Participant Reminders For Sunday
Greeters: Suzanne Lamorey, Judi Lord
Ushers: Joe Craig, Peter Jawidzik, Suzanne Lamorey, Alice Phelan
Media: Brian Hankins, Joe Craig
Tabulators: Tina Dickens, Sally Duffy
ELDER FOR JULY: Michael Baldonado , michaelbaldonado@hotmail.com or 502-541-5957
Holy Covenant United Church of Christ
3501 West W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28269
 704 599-9810
 
Dawn Simmons, Executive Assistant:  office@holycovenantucc.org
Nancy Ellett Allison, Pastor: Pastor@holycovenantucc.org  704-621-0235
Steven Burleson, Youth Pastor: YouthMin@holycovenantucc.org  704-706-4170
Jared Fischer, Director of Music: music@holycovenantucc.org 423-443-1676

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey,

you are welcome here.