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SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8:45 a.m. Traditional in the Chapel.
9:30 a.m. Contemporary in the Sanctuary.
— Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 a.m. —
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Family Service in the Fellowship Hall.
11:00 a.m. Traditional in the Sanctuary.
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Open Table Dinner & Programs
Dinner, prepared by Chef Johnny, is served 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Gluten-free options available. Cost is $10 for adults and youth in the sixth grade and above, $6 for children two years old through the fifth grade, with a family maximum of $38.
Tonight's Menu: Baked Spaghetti |Garlic Bread sticks |Corn on the Cob |Assorted Cookies | Salad Bar Prepay for dinner here*.
SCHEDULE:
- 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner is served
- 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. Children's choir PreK-Kindergarten
- 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Youth Handbell Ensemble
- 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Children’s choir 1-3 graders/BLAST 4-5 graders
- 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Children’s choir 4-5 graders/BLAST 1-3 graders
- 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Programming for Youth and Adults
*Prepaying for your meal helps us plan accurately and keep food costs down. Thank you!
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Open Table Unplugged
In addition, tonight's Open Table will feature special programming to kick off the new year:
5:00 p.m. Write Notes to Nonprofits
6:15 p.m. Loving Kindness Prayer Walk starting in the Chapel Courtyard
6:30 p.m. Silly Still Lives in Welcome Center
6:30 p.m. Group Games in Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Silent Book Club in Library
6:30 p.m. Campfire Sing-Along & Stories in the Circle
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New Open Table Series
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic — And What We Can Do About It
Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 6:30 p.m.
January 7 at 6:30 p.m. in The Chapel
January 14, 21, & 28 in small groups
Join us for a four-week series at our church inspired by Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, exploring the pressures of today’s intense achievement culture and how it shapes our lives and communities. We’ll begin with a panel conversation featuring youth and young adults sharing their lived experiences and reflections. The following three weeks will offer peer-based discussion groups focused on honest conversation, connection, and support. No reading is required, but books will be available for purchase.
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Centering Prayer Today
Wednesdays in the Parlor from 12:30-1 p.m.
Thanks to strong and faithful participation throughout Advent, we’re glad to share that weekly Centering Prayer will continue beyond the Advent season. This quiet practice offers a place to slow down, find peace, and rest in God’s presence amid the noise of daily life. All are welcome! For more information contact Karen Willis.
“Silence is not the absence of words, but the awareness of Presence.” — Richard Rohr
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Farewell and Gratitude for Mark Glaeser
Mark Glaeser has submitted notice of his intention to retire as organist in April of 2026. We are deeply grateful for his faithful service over the past several years and will miss him. Fortunately, Mark has agreed to assist the church with the transition and will continue to serve until April to finish Lent and celebrate Easter.
In writing, Mark expressed his deep gratitude for the privilege of serving alongside this congregation, stating: “This has been everything I could hope for in a part-time job at this point in my life and career."
Covenant will work closely with Mark and other music staff in the next few months to ensure a smooth transition and solicit your prayers and support along the way. We will also plan a celebration of Mark's ministry among us. In the meantime, please join us in offering heartfelt gratitude to this dear friend.
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2026 Stewardship Update
Thank you for supporting the life and mission of this church in 2026. As of January 6, we have received pledges approximately 11%, or $397,000, below our goal for 2026. Pledge income is a significant driver of the budgeting process – your pledges enable us to make important decisions to further the mission of the church.
Click here to pledge online, or pick up a card in the pews on Sundays.
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2025 Giving Update - thank you!
Thank you for your faithful contributions to the life and mission of our community of faith in 2025, which allowed us to meet our 2025 goal.
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TLC Welcomes Emily Floyd
Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m.; The Fellowship Main Hall
Please join TLC for a delightful morning as we welcome Emily Floyd! Emily arrived at Covenant last fall as Director of Traditional Music and has truly hit the ground running. We’re excited to introduce her and learn more about her vision for traditional music at Covenant.
10:30 a.m. – Refreshments & socializing
11:00 a.m. – Meet Emily, get to know her better, and hear her
plans for traditional music
We hope you’ll join us for this special opportunity to connect and celebrate together. RSVP to Aisha Council.
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Father Greg Boyle video replays
On Sunday, we were blessed to spend the morning with Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the world's largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program. If you missed his talk at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, or his sermon in our 11:00 a.m. worship service, visit the homepage of our website, where you'll find video replays of both. In addition, Father Boyle's much loved books are available for purchase at the church. Contact Jacquelyn McAbee to purchase.
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High School Ski Trip
January 23-25
Sign up today for the annual High School Winter Ski Retreat to Winterplace, West Virginia! This year’s trip will be January 23-25. We will leave Charlotte at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, and return at noon on Sunday, January 25. Cost is $300 and includes rentals, lodging, transportation, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. There are options for an additional charge. If you have any questions, please email Martin Pruitt.
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Weekday Preschool 2026-27
Registration open January 1 - 31
Our early childhood education program provides an attentive learning environment that encourages your child to develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. We also encourage the development of your child’s faith with monthly chapel services and age-appropriate Bible stories. Visit our website to learn more and register.
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Reynosa Mission Trip
Registration Closes January 11
March 1–7, 2026 | Trip Cost: $1,200.
Join Covenant in Reynosa, Mexico, as we partner with Faith Ministry to serve families in need along the U.S. – Mexico border. For questions, contact trip leaders Kim Moseley and Kerr Collins. Learn more about Faith Ministry at www.faithministry.org. Contact Mandy Rencher about scholarships.
Click here to sign up for the trip.
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Upcoming Open Table Series – Covenant’s Global Mission Partners: One Table, Many Nations
January 14, 21, and 28, 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall 205
Come hear stories of hope from our partners in Kenya (Jan. 14), Mexico (Jan. 21) and the Holy Land (Jan. 28). Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall 205
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Kindergarten Tutoring at Highland
February and March, either Tuesdays or Thursdays from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Volunteer to work with kindergarteners at Highland Renaissance Academy on developing literacy skills. Tutors work one-on-one with students and spend time reading books to them as well as reviewing and practicing basic literacy concepts. No experience needed – the curriculum and all materials are provided. The tutoring program runs for 8 weeks during February and March, and each volunteer tutor may choose either Tuesday or Thursday afternoons from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Please contact Steve Larson with any questions or to sign up.
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Volunteers Needed for Room in the Inn
Monday, January 12
On January 12, the congregation has an opportunity to work together to ensure our neighbors have a warm tasty meal and breakfast the next morning. Our sign-up includes items for burrito bowls, dessert, breakfast items and bagged lunches. Families are encouraged to participate by preparing food in advance and/or serving our neighbors. All cold food should be brought to the Fellowship Hall kitchen on Sunday from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. or by 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Hot food should be delivered from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Please bring food donations in disposable containers. Sign up here.
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Sign-up for the Kinship Project
This March, on Tuesday evenings, Covenant invites you into more than service… into kinship. Step into the Kinship Project, where stories unfold, walls soften, and friendship with our neighbors come to life. Through short readings, shared reflection, and meaningful connection, we’ll walk with one another and with those on the margins in a rhythm of fellowship and purpose. Grow in compassion, stretch your faith, and build community one Tuesday at a time. Sign up today and let your Tuesday nights become a tapestry of welcome and belonging. Sign up here.
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UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Volunteer with Nourish Up
Tuesday, January 13 & 27, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Click here to learn more and sign up. Questions? Email Courtney Shudak.
Read, Roar, Soar
Highland Renaissance Academy; Tuesday, January 13, 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
Volunteers Needed: Teacher Snack Cart/Breakfast
Friday, January 16
Stock the snack cart at Highland Renaissance Academy with homemade or store-bought treats. Bring your contributions to the bins in the Welcome Center by noon the day before delivery. Sign up here.
Avery County Work Days
January 21, February 2 and 18 (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.
New Year Book Drive for Highland Renaissance Academy - Help support Highland students by donating gently used or new children’s books for Pre-K–5th grade students—anything from picture books to nonfiction and chapter books is welcome. Drop off donations at the Welcome Center at Covenant by Sunday, January 25.
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Men's and Women's Retreat Registration is Live!
Women's Retreat
February 6-8
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown RiverPlace, Greenville, SC
Join Covenant friends for a rejuvenating weekend of self-discovery. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in nature, spiritual practice, and fellowship. We will be joined by Grace Lindvall as our retreat leader. Register here.
Men's Getaway
March 27-29
Location: Kanuga Inn & Lodging, Hendersonville, NC
Whether you're a father, brother, husband, or a single man, you're invited to step back from daily demands to enjoy a weekend of fellowship, conversation, good food in the beautiful city of Henderson. Register here.
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Mark Your Calendar – Mission Remarkable, February 22, 2026
Join us for a morning of joy, creativity, and generosity! From artwork and vacation homes to services, lessons, experiences, and a delicious bake sale — all proceeds support Covenant’s mission work locally and globally. We hope you’ll join us!
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Apply to be a People In Mission summer intern!
This summer, come practice faith with your feet on the ground.
Covenant’s People in Mission summer program invites college students to step into the life of the city partnering with mission organizations across Charlotte, learning alongside neighbors, and working closely with members of Covenant’s Mission & Outreach team. It’s shared work, honest questions, and the slow, sacred work of showing up. If you’re curious about ministry, justice, community, or how faith takes shape beyond the classroom…. this might be for you!
Express your interest here. Come learn. Come listen. Come belong.
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