Feb. 10, 2021

In today's edition of One Takes, Bob recalls a visit to the Brooklyn Collective, a place where artists and storytellers are keeping alive the memory of a Black neighborhood that once thrived in uptown Charlotte. The fate of Brooklyn reflects a difficult truth about our city's past. But in this space, Bob found reason to be hopeful for the future. "It was humbling for me to go and learn," Bob said. "In fact, it was one of the more uplifting mornings I've spent in a long time."  

Experience the Bible in a new way Tonight at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom Slow down and let Scripture speak to you in a deeper way through a practice called Lectio Divina, or divine reading. Grace Lindvall will show you how to get started. 

Join live tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Pop-up class: What's so special about Jesus? Tonight at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom History is filled with amazing orators, healers and innovators. Why do Christians place Jesus Christ above all others? A class hosted by Ian Clark and Young Adults will explore this question. Join live here. 

Poverty, hunger and housing in Charlotte Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Two of Charlotte's most respected nonprofit leaders will share insights on our city's social challenges - during the pandemic and beyond. Ian Clark and YA member Grace Williams will co-host the conversation. Laura Belcher, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region Tina Postel, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes Grab a cup of coffee and join us live here. 

Two spots open for blood drive Sunday in the Fellowship Hall Your donation is vital as hospitals face shortages of blood due to the COVID-19 crisis. Please adhere to our social distancing efforts. Click here to make an appointment. Click here to contact Covenant member Louise Rogers for questions. 

Pick up your photo directory at church Available in the Welcome Center Pictorial directories are available in the Welcome Center for those who were photographed for the directory. If you did not have a photo taken and would like to purchase a directory for $10, please contact Lora Borrelli. 

Prepare to enter the wilderness Wednesday at noon and 7:30 p.m. Begin the Lenten journey with music, scripture and prayer. Julia Watkins and Bob Henderson invite you to prepare for the service at home with a candle and oil. While we are apart, we are not alone but accompanied by both the Lord and a great cloud of witnesses. 

Subscribe to this year's Lenten devotional Receive a daily reflection A daily devotional series called Room to Grow features candid insights from Covenant members and ministers. You'll gain a new perspective on growth -- and perhaps learn something new about others in our community. Sign up here. 

Preschool will re-open in the fall Welcoming children ages 1 to 5 It has been wonderful to hear from so many families who are excited for the preschool to re-open this fall. A search committee's work has culminated in the hiring of a new director who will begin on March 1. We'll introduce the director on Monday. In the meantime, registration is now open and priority will be given to families who submit their forms on or before March 1. See the brochure here. Complete an enrollment form here. 

Grab-N-Go offers homestyle meals See upcoming menus below The kitchen staff offers prepared meals on Wednesdays to heat in the oven at home. February specials are chicken Caesar salad, pimiento cheese by the pound and sugar cookies. Here's a look at upcoming menus: Feb. 17: Meatloaf, mac & cheese, squash casserole, cornbread muffins, fire roasted vegetable soup, apple pie Feb. 24: Smothered boneless pork chops, risotto, green beans, butternut squash bisque, strawberry shortcake  Click to order online

Next in Open Table: Lenten Bible study Begins Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Covenant ministers will host weekly talks to prepare our hearts and minds for the Lenten journey. There will be time for questions and small group breakouts. Week One: Trust - Leaning into discomfort  Week Two: Expand - Leaning into what we don’t yet know  Week Three: Community - Leaning into others Week Four: Accept - Leaning into change Week Five: Wonder - Leaning into hope Week Six: Leaning into Holy Week 

Deadline is Monday to apply for internship College students - consider People in Mission Through the church's People in Mission program, students work with a local nonprofit and share the journey with peers via weekly guided conversations. Pay is competitive. Apply by Monday. Learn more and apply here. 

CDC Assistant Teacher and Floater Covenant’s Child Development Center is a year-round program for children from six weeks to five years old. Our mission is providing high quality child care and education to children from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more here. 

Congregational Notes births, weddings, in memoriam