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Dear friends:
Among my favorite poems is Robert Burns’ “To a Louse.” Written in 1786, the poem cleverly captures how helpful it would be "O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us / To see oursels as ithers see us!" (Oh, would some Power the gift give us / To see ourselves as others see us!). Burns wrote this after observing a louse on a stylish lady’s bonnet in church, reflecting on the irony of her vanity versus the reality of her appearance.
The painful truth is we all have blind spots, important truths we often miss, and it would be a great gift to see ourselves with greater clarity.
The Easter story speaks repeatedly about “seeing,” specifically what Jesus’ followers were able to see as well as the important truths to which they were blind. The women who ran to the tomb didn’t recognize the gardener; Thomas doubted his own eyes and needed more tactile evidence; others walked all the way from Jerusalem to Emmaus while talking to Jesus yet unable to recognize him.
This issue of what we see and what we don’t is important, essential actually, to our well-being. One way to read the Easter story is as an invitation to see the world differently, better, more clearly. To allow resurrection power to so shape our sight that in addition to seeing alarming headlines of war, conflict and threat, to see also a world in which love is on the loose, life conquers death, reconciliation is possible, and the future is filled with hope.
I’ve long believed that what we see depends on where we stand. Easter is an invitation to plant both our feet firmly in a world where love and life are the victors, resurrection is possible, and hope is a reasonable strategy.
We’ll explore the whole story, from betrayal to resurrection, at a variety of worship services over the next four days. I invite you to join us as frequently as you can. It promises to be a rich season with services starting tomorrow night. You can see the full schedule below.
Warmly,
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Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday
6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Contemporary worship with a dramatic interpretation of the events leading to Jesus’s death. Childcare provided.
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Friday, April 3: Good Friday
6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
The last words of Christ from the cross are relayed in scripture and music with a traditional Tenebrae service led by the Covenant Choir with guest instrumentalists. Childcare provided.
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Saturday, April 4: Children's Easter Service
10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Kindergarten class performs the Easter story followed by Easter Egg hunts on our playground. Easter activities for children ages toddler-5th grade. After the service, pet the animals on the Circle and enjoy a sweet treat!
*Volunteers needed to help with the Children's Easter Service! Sign up here.
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Sunday, April 5: Easter Service
8:45 a.m. Traditional Service in the Chapel
9:30 a.m. Contemporary Service in the Sanctuary with the Contemporary Worship Team
*NO SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN; CHILDCARE AVAILABLE FOR AGES 0-4*
11:00 a.m. Traditional Service in the Sanctuary with the Covenant Choir, brass, timpani, and organ.
| On Sunday morning, you are invited to bring a favorite flower from your garden or elsewhere to help flower the cross outside our Sanctuary. | | |
Young Adult Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 5, 12:00 p.m., FH 205
Young Adults, you’re invited to gather around the table this Easter! We’ll share good food, good conversation, and the joy of the day together. This is a potluck-style brunch, so feel free to bring a dish to share if you’d like—but come as you are, whether or not you bring anything. There will be plenty of food and a seat saved for you. Come celebrate, connect, and linger a little longer in the light of Easter morning. Sign up for a dish here.
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YA Work from Church Home
Thursday, April 2 - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Young adults are invited to work from (church) home alongside their community at Covenant on the first Thursday of the month. Rooms are reserved in the Fellowship Hall (205 and 201), where breakfast and coffee will be provided. Space will be provided for private phone calls or online meetings. The morning will conclude with a brief service of prayer. Let us know you'll be joining us by signing up here.
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Save the Date! Youth Sunday is April 19
Support our youth as they lead worship across all services and seniors share sermons. You don't want to miss it!
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Sandwich Club: Care for Caregivers
Lunch on Sunday, April 19 at 12:00 p.m. in FH 107 A&B
Anyone who provides care to a loved one knows the feeling of being “sandwiched” – whether between generations or responsibilities, the pressure is real. All caregivers are invited to join us for a special lunch gathering created just for those who give so much to others.
This is a time to relax, enjoy good food and fellowship as you connect with fellow caregivers in a supportive and welcoming space. Whether you provide care for a family member or dear friend, locally or from a distance, we want to care for you. Come be refreshed, encouraged, and reminded that you are not alone.
There is no charge for lunch, but space is limited, and reservations required. Please sign up here.
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TLC Trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway
Wednesday, April 22
The day will begin with a guided tour of the speedway, including the thrilling experience of a ride around the track. After the tour, we will enjoy lunch together at the renowned The Speedway Club, featuring a delicious Italian buffet. To reserve your spot, please sign up with Aisha by April 13.
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Around the Table: Women’s Fellowship Brunch
Sunday, April 26th, 12:15 PM, Capishe: Real Italian Kitchen (Dilworth)
Join us for a relaxed afternoon of great food, laughter, and connection. It’s a simple way to slow down, share stories, and enjoy good company around the table. Bring a friend and come ready for real conversation and rich fellowship! To reserve your seat, click here.
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Surviving Our Spouses (SOS) Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 121 Cabell Way in Charlotte
Bring a little appetizer, a bottle of wine, or a sweet bite to share and join the festivities on Kandy Cosper's back porch. Derby attire is optional but welcome. (We have extras!) RSVP to Debbie Taylor Hunter by Wednesday, April 29.
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HSY Reynosa Mission Trip - Registration deadline is today
June 21 - 27
The high school youth will travel to Reynosa and will be working with Faith Ministry. The cost is $1,200 for the week and includes travel, lodging and meals. Register here or email Martin Pruitt for more information.
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YOUTH SUMMER TRIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Middle School Youth Summer Mission Trip: Global Gateway
June 14-19; for more information and to sign up, click here.
High School Youth Montreat Youth Conference
July 12-18; for more information and to sign up, click here.
Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference
July 14-17; for more information and to sign up, click here.
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All Aboard for Highland Teacher Appreciation Week!
May 4-8, 2026
Help us celebrate the faculty and staff at Highland Renaissance Academy with this year’s fun “All Aboard! Our Teachers Bring the Energy!” theme. Teachers will be treated like VIP passengers on the Highland Party Bus with fun surprises, meals and appreciation along the way. Sign up here to help with the following:
- Donate $10 gift cards for faculty and staff (80 total needed)
- Help with our Friday Snack Cart
- Provide food to complement our Moe’s lunch
- Volunteer to serve breakfast on Monday or lunch on Thursday
- Contribute gift cards for daily prize drawings
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UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Serve Breakfast at Roof Above
Wednesday, April 22; 5:00 - 9:00 a.m., 3406 Statesville Avenue
Volunteers cook breakfast and offer fellowship to our neighbors. Sign up here.
Time to Make Sandwiches! Operation Sandwich for Roof Above
Drop off: Monday, April 13 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. at The Welcome Center (*2nd monday due to Easter holiday)
Learn more and sign up by clicking on this link.
Read, Roar, Soar at Highland Renaissance Academy
Tuesday, April 14 from 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
Teacher Breakfast
Tuesday, April 14
Help us celebrate our teachers by providing breakfast items for Highland Renaissance Academy. You’re welcome to bring homemade or store-bought contributions. Please drop off your items in the bins in the Welcome Center by noon the day before delivery. Sign up here.
Mobile Food Pantry at Highland Renaissance Academy
Wednesday, April 15 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
Avery County Work Days
April 15 (First Monday and third Wednesday of each month)
Join a team of Covenant members for a workday in Avery County. We will be doing a variety of work projects with our partners. All experience levels are welcome. We will share more details with you ahead of your workday. Sign up here.
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Avery County Mission Trip: July 28 – August 1 Register here.
We're heading to the North Carolina Mountains to spend a week with our mission partners in Avery County immersed in mission work and fellowship. We will do a variety of projects including hurricane relief home repair, volunteering with Reaching Avery Ministry (RAM), and spending time at Crossnore Communities for Children.
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
2026 Preschool Summer Fun Days
June 1-5, June 22-26, July 13-17, July 27-31
Register now for Preschool Summer Fun Days! Additional details can be found on the registration page. If you have questions, please email Sarah Askins.
Vacation Bible School 2026
August 3-7
VBS Registration is now open - register here!
We have "Aftercare Camp" available after VBS: Register here.
We need volunteers to make VBS as fun as possible! Sign up here.
Weekday Preschool 2026-27
Visit our website to learn more and register.
HSY Spring Beach Retreat
April 24 - 26
The cost of the trip is $275.00 and covers travel, lodging and meals. Sign up here.
Quest Retreat
April 24 - 26
The registration fee is $275 per person, covering accommodations, meals (except Friday night), and all scheduled activities. Register here.
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Summer Internship in Christian Education and Discipleship
This internship is ideal for college or seminary students who are curious about working with youth and eager to explore ministry, education, or leadership in a supportive, purpose-driven environment. Learn more in the job description and email inquiries to Grace Lindvall.
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Recreation Wing Class Offerings
- Gentle Yoga: Sundays at 3:45 p.m. in the yoga room, $5.
- Pickleball: Sunday 1:30-3:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00-3:00 p.m., and Friday 1:30-3 p.m. Free to Rec Wing members, or $5 drop in fee.
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