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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: Brown sugar bourbon pork chops| Yellow rice| Collard greens| Salad bar| Rolls| Mini red velvet cake
Upcoming menus can be found here.
SCHEDULE:
- 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner is served
- 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. Children's choir PreK-Kindergarten (EW 201)
- 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Youth Handbell Ensemble (EW 320)
- 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Children’s choir 1-3 graders (EW 315)/BLAST 4-5 graders (EW 207)
- 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Children’s choir 4-5 graders (EW 315)/BLAST 1-3 graders (EW 207)
- 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Programming for Youth and Adults
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Open Table Reservations
To help Chef Johnny and our kitchen staff plan and prepare, reservations and pre-payment are strongly encouraged. You can reserve and pay for multiple weeks at a time using this link. Online reservations and pre-payment close each Tuesday at noon and will re-open Thursday morning for the following week. After Tuesday at noon, you can simply walk in and pay for your meal. For those who do not reserve and pre-pay by Tuesday at noon, the cost of dinner will be an additional $1. Thank you for helping us plan accordingly and make Wednesday nights a success!
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Centering Prayer Today
Wednesdays in the Parlor from 12:30-1 p.m.
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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Vaccine Clinic
Wednesdays, October 14, 21 and 28, 3:30–6:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 11, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Welcome Center
We are making it easy for you again this fall by offering vaccine clinics at Covenant throughout October. Flu (Flucelvax and mFLUSIVA for those 50+), COVID (Moderna mNexSPIKE), and RSV vaccines will be available, with pneumonia and shingles vaccines available by request. Vaccines are available for ages 7 and older. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. Sign up for a vaccine appointment. For questions or additional information, email Parish Nurse Karen Willis or call 704-804-7561.
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Welcome the Stranger – Put Your Faith into Action on Immigration
Tonight, October 14, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall 207
This fall, we will explore what it means to “welcome the stranger in your land” as scripture calls us to do. We’ll sit down with local nonprofits, including Refugee Resettlement Agency, Carolina Migrant Network, and Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy for conversations about the realities facing our refugee and immigrant neighbors and practical, faithful ways we can respond. Whether you’re new to these issues or looking to deepen your engagement, come with your questions and an open heart.
- 10/14: History and Legal Advocacy
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Hannah’s Heart
Second Wednesday of the month, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall 201
Hannah’s Heart is a support group for women navigating infertility. Join us for a time of connection, encouragement, and prayer. For questions or additional information, email Katherine Kerr.
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Welcome Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet
Sunday, October 18, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Agnes Norfleet is a graduate of Davidson College, Union seminary in Richmond, and earned her Doctor of Ministry in bible and preaching from Columbia seminary. She served the Central and North Decatur Churches in Atlanta; Shandon Presbyterian in Columbia, SC, and retired last year as Senior Pastor at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania. Agnes retired and moved to Montreat with her husband Larry Arney, an architect whose career focused on affordable housing. They are proud parents of young adult sons, James and Winston. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Norfleet to Covenant!
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Mah Jongg After Church
Sundays, October 18 and 25, 12:00–2:00 p.m., Welcome Center
Head over to the Welcome Center after 11:00 a.m. worship for Mah Jongg! All skill levels are welcome to join us. Please bring your 2026 card; we have some extras available. Feel free to bring a snack to share! Sign up here.
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Welcome Doug Brown, Associate Director of Traditional Music
Doug Brown has accepted the position of Associate Director of Traditional Music, beginning January 11, 2027. He will serve as organist, children’s choir director, and accompanist for adults and youth.
Doug brings more than 25 years of church music leadership. He currently serves as Director of Music at Ginter Park Presbyterian and Director of Music and Adjunct Instructor of Music at Union Seminary near Richmond, VA. He holds a degree from Duke University and three master’s degrees from Yale University.
Doug professes to being a big fan of the diversity reflected in the Presbyterian Glory to God hymnal and has long considered it important to represent composers from undersung cultures in his music programming. Doug and his wife Amy Spencer are parents to five adult daughters and one teenage son, a blended family that they sometimes liken to the Brady Bunch. In his spare time Doug enjoys building cabinetry and running. He is very excited to be joining the Covenant staff.
We thank the Search Committee for their diligent work: Katie Coley, Noelle Lewis, John McAlister, Alex McKinnon, Sarah Crowder (chair), and Emily Floyd.
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Celebrating 30 Years of Service: Tim Ross
This month we celebrate an incredible milestone for longtime Covenant custodian Tim Ross, who has faithfully served our church for 30 years! Throughout his time at Covenant, Tim has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to caring for our campus and the people who call it home. His hard work, dedication, and steady presence have made a lasting impact on our church community. We are deeply grateful for Tim and the many ways he has helped make Covenant a welcoming place for generations of members, visitors, and neighbors. Please join us in thanking Tim for 30 remarkable years of service!
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Join us for Trunk or Treat
Wednesday, October 28
Join us on October 28th for Covenant’s Children’s Halloween Festival! The children’s costume parade begins in the sanctuary at 4:15 p.m., directly followed by Trunk-or-Treat, games, and an Open Table dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m. This is a fun event for our children, and we look forward to celebrating with you!
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Charlotte Uncovered: History, Race & the Stories We Carry
Wednesdays, October 21–November 11, 6:30 p.m., Room 203
Meck Roots and the Committee on Sacred Relationships present Charlotte Uncovered: History, Race & the Stories We Carry, a four-week series exploring the rich and complex history of Mecklenburg County. Through research, storytelling, and conversation, we’ll uncover stories of the people, places, and communities that have shaped our region, bring overlooked histories to light, and consider how our past continues to shape Charlotte today.
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Need Help Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment?
Wednesdays, October 21–December 2, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., FH 105 (except November 25)
The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, unbiased individual counseling to assist you in selecting or updating the best Medicare option for you. Covenant members and SHIIP volunteer counselors Hank Stallings and David Isaacs offer counseling by appointment. Call the Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte at 704-365-1995 to schedule an appointment.
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Covenant Serves Cookbook – Share Your Favorite Soups, Stews, and Chili Recipes!
Covenant Presbyterian’s Health and Wellness Ministry is creating a unique, community-driven cookbook that showcases beloved recipes and stories of food and faith from our church members, provides spiritual nourishment, and supports our mission and outreach food partners.
We’re especially looking for your favorite chili, soup, and stew recipes! Have a family favorite or a comforting dish you love to share? Submit your recipe or story here or contact Karen Willis with questions.
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Ethic of Embrace: Faithful Responses to Immigration
Sundays, October 25 and November 1, 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
This fall, Covenant welcomes two thoughtful Christian voices to help us understand immigration through the lens of faith. Together, we’ll move beyond headlines to listen to scripture, learn from immigrant neighbors, and consider how our faith shapes the way we welcome and respond to one another. Join us for these important conversations and invite friends and neighbors from across the Charlotte community.
October 25 | Rev. Isaac Villegas
A pastor, writer, and theologian whose work explores migration, belonging, and justice. He is the author of Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice, which brings scripture and the stories of immigrant communities into conversation.
November 1 | Matthew Soerens
Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief and National Coordinator of the Evangelical Immigration Table. He is co-author of Welcoming the Stranger and has spent years helping churches understand immigration through scripture, public policy, and the experiences of immigrant neighbors.
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High School Youth Fall Retreat
November 6–8, Montreat, NC
Join us in Montreat to reconnect after a busy start to the year! There will be opportunities for worship and devotion, games, hiking, campfires, and of course, tons of food. You definitely don’t want to miss it! Cost is $275 per person. Register for the retreat here. If you have questions or would like to inquire about scholarship funds, email Jordan Schriefer.
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Men’s Getaway Registration Is Now Open
March 12–14, 2027, Lake Junaluska, NC
Join men from across Covenant and every stage of life for a weekend of golf, hiking, worship, great conversation, and time to relax and connect. Register here. Register by November 2 to receive 10% off with Early Bird pricing.
“If people ask me, what’s the best thing about going to a big church like Covenant, I would easily say, it’s all about building lifelong connections with good people who fill my world with support, inspiration and appreciation. Attending our Men’s Getaway has been a great way for me to make that happen, especially with other men in the church.” — Kerry Hamilton
Questions? Contact Grayson Blair or Doug Bacon.
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Congregational Listening Session
Monday, October 19, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
In an effort to promote healing and understanding following Martin Pruitt's resignation, Covenant’s Personnel Committee invites all members of the congregation to a listening session. This gathering will provide an opportunity to hear directly from church leadership, ask questions, and share thoughts and concerns. We hope to provide helpful context and an opportunity for everyone to be heard. To read the full letter sent to Youth Parents this week, click here.
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Covenant iCode Tech Club
Tuesdays, October 13–November 17, 4:00–5:00 p.m., Education Wing, 200 Floor
Students will thrive through teamwork, creation, and imagination as they work their way through a carefully curated curriculum! Topics include Python 3 and drones, VEX IQ robotics, video editing, networking, and website design. The six-week program is $170, plus a $20 registration fee. Sign up here.
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Surviving Our Spouses Fall Picnic
Saturday, October 24, 12:30 p.m., outside Fellowship Hall
Say goodbye to summer’s heat and hello to fall’s fellowship! The Surviving Our Spouses annual Fall Picnic will take place under the magnolia tree outside Fellowship Hall, weather permitting. Inside or out, Chef Johnny’s taco bar and Walter Coley’s desserts are an unbeatable lunch combo! RSVP to Kandy Cosper by October 20.
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Save the Date! Covenant Impacts Charlotte
November 13-15
Join us for our annual churchwide day of service! We’ll gather for worship and lunch, then spread out across the city for volunteer projects that fit every age and interest. Various service opportunities will occur November 13-15. Look for signup links in your weekly emails, Sunday bulletins, and on the website starting October 28.
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Room in the Inn: There’s Room for You
This winter, Covenant will again open our doors on Tuesday nights to welcome our neighbors experiencing homelessness for dinner, fellowship, and a safe night’s rest, in partnership with Roof Above. This season, we’re eating family-style, making dedicated space for families with children, and offering a place for everyone to serve. Learn more on our new Room in the Inn webpage, where you’ll find information about volunteer opportunities and roles, sign-up links, coloring pages for children to help welcome our guests, and a RITI blog that we’ll update throughout the season with stories of hope and friendship. You can sign up for Tuesday night volunteer opportunities or join the Behind the Scenes team. You can also support the ministry by purchasing needed items from our Room in the Inn Amazon Wish List. Questions? Email Courtney Shudak.
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Kenya Student Sponsorship: Mountain Park Academy
As students graduate from PCEA Renguti Learning Centre, our partner primary school in Kenya, many continue their secondary education at Mountain Park Academy in Nakuru. For $500, you can help sponsor a student for an entire year, covering tuition, room, and board. Interested in sponsoring a student for 2027? Email Mandy Keith to learn more.
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Highland Renaissance Academy Read-a-Thon
Thursday, October 29
Highland Renaissance Academy is hosting its annual Read-a-Thon, and you’re invited to join in the fun! Morning and afternoon reading sessions are available, and times can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Sign up to read.
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Volunteer at Highland’s New Student Incentive Store!
October 29 and 30, 8:00–8:30 a.m., Highland Renaissance Academy
Highland Renaissance Academy is launching a new Student Incentive Store, where students can use points they’ve earned to choose special prizes and rewards—and we need Covenant volunteers to help make it a success! Volunteers are needed to help set up the store beforehand and assist students with shopping on one or both mornings. Interested in helping? Email Jacquelyn McAbee to volunteer.
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Calendar Collection
Through Thanksgiving, Welcome Center
It's time for Covenant's annual collection of new calendars for residents of Moore Place and The Rise on Clanton. Calendars of all sizes and styles are welcome. Please place your donations in the marked bin in the Welcome Center up until Thanksgiving.
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UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Teacher Snack Cart/Breakfast
Wednesday, October 21
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.
Serve Breakfast at Roof Above
Wednesday, October 28, 5:00–9:00 a.m., 3406 Statesville Avenue
Volunteers cook breakfast and offer fellowship to our neighbors. Sign up here.
Operation Sandwich for Roof Above
Monday, November 2
Help provide sandwiches for our neighbors experiencing homelessness through Roof Above. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Highland Mobile Food Pantry
Monday, November 2
Help distribute food to neighbors in need through the Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry at Highland. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Volunteer with Nourish Up
Tuesday, October 20, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Join us at Nourish Up to pack food boxes for neighbors in need. The minimum age to volunteer is 14, and closed-toe shoes are required. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Avery County Work Days
October 21 (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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Covenant Youth Basketball Registration is Open
Get ready for another season of Covenant Youth Basketball! Open to players ages 5–18, Covenant’s basketball program offers young athletes a chance to build their skills, practice teamwork, and enjoy being part of a team in a fun and supportive community. Whether your player is returning for another season or joining us for the first time, we’d love to have them on the court. Sign up for Covenant Youth Basketball.
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OPEN POSITIONS
Director of Operations
Covenant is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead the day-to-day operations of our vibrant and growing congregation. This role oversees the management of our five-acre campus, ensuring our facilities, systems, and staff support excellent worship, ministry, and hospitality experiences. The position description and application instructions can be found here.
Food Services Assistant
The Food Services Assistant prepares daily breakfast and lunch for the Child Development Center (CDC) and supports the Food Services Manager in providing meals for church and outside groups. This position serves as the primary point of contact for food services in the Food Services Manager's absence. The position description and application instructions can be found here.
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