(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
Faith That Grows with You: Lifelong Learning Rooted in Love, Justice, and Inclusion
JoAnn Jellison leads the Christian Education Ministry at Holy Covenant UCC, where she brings dedication and warmth to nurturing spiritual growth across all ages. Her leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing the children’s ministry, especially following the transition to new curriculum materials. JoAnn’s commitment ensures that each Sunday, children receive engaging, lectionary-based lessons that align with the worship service. Beyond her work with children, she also supports the Sojourners adult discussion class and other study groups with the support of the Christian Education team.
JoAnn is a lifelong active member and had been a leader in several United Church of Christ congregations. She has taught childrenâs classes, led youth groups, and participated as a deacon and officer. She has started (or was instrumental in starting) programs for children and youth in three churches.
JoAnn helps nurture a welcoming space where faith is explored with curiosity, compassion, and community. With care and commitment, she supports the conversations that deepen understanding and bring hearts together.
âLet the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.â â Proverbs 1:5
Christian Education at Holy Covenant UCC is rooted in the belief that faith is a lifelong journey â one enriched by curiosity, community, and courage. Led by JoAnn Jellison and a committed team of volunteers, this ministry nurtures spiritual growth across all ages through scripture, storytelling, and open dialogue.
Our educational offerings reflect our identity as a progressive, inclusive church. From playful and meaningful lessons for children to deep theological engagement for adults, every class is an invitation to explore, question, and grow in love.
Our team meets regularly to ensure that learning at Holy Covenant is vibrant, relevant, and rooted in Godâs inclusive love. Their work includes:
Whether youâre a seasoned teacher, a curious learner, or someone with a heart for children â thereâs a place for you in the Christian Education Ministry. Come help us grow a community where faith is formed and transformed through love.
At Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, we believe that children are not just the future of the churchâthey are vital members of the Body of Christ right now. Their voices, questions, creativity, and curiosity are celebrated here. Our Childrenâs Christian Education ministry nurtures spiritual growth in an inclusive, justice-minded, and joy-filled way, providing a foundation in faith while encouraging exploration and discovery.
We affirm that:
Children are always welcome in the church service; however, each Sunday, following Stories for All People, children are invited to Church School. Our trained and background-checked volunteers lead interactive, age-appropriate lessons using the progressive curriculum A Joyful Path and UCC-based resources. Lessons include:
On special Sundays like Palm Sunday and during the summer, children remain in the sanctuary for intergenerational worship. These services are designed with young hearts in mind and include music, visuals, and messages that engage all ages.
Holy Covenant offers a cozy, fully furnished nursery space for infants and young toddlers. If you’d like care during worship, our ushers or Christian Education Team will gladly help arrange a loving volunteer to stay with your little one â so you can be present in the sanctuary with peace of mind.
All volunteers are background-checked and trained in child safety. Our classrooms are clean, welcoming, and inclusive of diverse abilities and learning styles. Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
Our children live out their faith through:
Weâre here to help you nurture faith at home too. We provide seasonal resources, book suggestions, conversation starters, and event updates to support your familyâs spiritual growth every step of the way.
Whether your family is new to church or seasoned in faith, Holy Covenant UCC welcomes you with open hearts and minds. Our childrenâs ministry offers a place where kids are cherished, empowered, and inspired to grow in Godâs love.
Join us this Sunday and experience a place where your childâs spiritual journey begins with wonder, grows with love, and blossoms in community.
At Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, we believe faith is a lifelong journeyâand the path is richer when we walk it together. Our Adult Education ministry, known as Sojourners, invites adults of all ages and backgrounds to explore questions of faith, scripture, justice, and spiritual growth in an open and welcoming environment.
Sojourners is more than just a classâitâs a community of seekers, skeptics, questioners, and believers journeying together. We gather each Sunday morning before worship to engage in thoughtful conversation, spiritual reflection, and deep dives into relevant topics that shape our lives and faith.
Each series or session is selected to challenge, inspire, and connect participants to meaningful aspects of Christian life. Topics include:
Sojourners is a space for honest questions, diverse viewpoints, and compassionate dialogue. Whether youâre deep in your faith or just beginning to re-engage, youâll find a thoughtful and supportive community ready to walk with you. No homework, no judgmentâjust good coffee and great conversation.
The Sojourners class meets every Sunday at 9:45 AM in the Conference Room at Holy Covenant UCC. All are welcomeâno registration required. Come once or come often. Your presence is a gift.
Many Sojourners participants are also involved in the life of the church through mission work, justice advocacy, and leadership. What we learn together in class often inspires actionâfrom organizing educational events to supporting local outreach efforts.
At Holy Covenant, we strive to create a space where everyoneâregardless of theological background, church experience, or life journeyâfeels heard, respected, and valued. Sojourners is an Open and Affirming space that celebrates diversity and welcomes all identities.
If youâre looking for a place to grow spiritually, think deeply, and connect meaningfully, the Sojourners class may be exactly what youâve been seeking. We invite you to come journey with us.
Looking to start your week rooted in reflection and grounded in faith? Weekly Seeds is a thoughtfully crafted devotion from the United Church of Christ designed to inspire, challenge, and nurture your spirit.
Each week offers scriptural reflection, questions for meditation, and encouragement to live out your faith with boldness and compassion. Join us at Holy Covenant UCC in journeying deeperâone seed at a time.
Through words that challenge, comfort, and inspire, our Read Reflect Renew series invites you to deepen your faith journey one page at a time. Each post features a spiritually grounded book with a reflection written in the voice of Holy Covenant â honest, thoughtful, and open-hearted.
JoAnn Jellison, Team Lead
Cheryl Miliam, Consistory Liaison
Kim Buch
Akeera Czarnecki
Kevin Decker
Laura Hankins
Von McQueen-Simmons
Gussie Spencer
Confirmation: Rev. Christopher Czarnecki, Jon & Linda Heaslet, JoAnn Jellison, Lloyd Spencer, Kristin Andes, Terry Parrish
Rev. Christopher Czarnecki
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