🙌 Extravagant Volunteering: Be a Part of Worship Leadership

Every Sunday, Holy Covenant’s worship experience is brought to life by the faithful gifts of our volunteers — greeters, ushers, liturgists, readers, and Fellowship Hour hosts. Whether you’ve served before or are trying something new, your presence matters.

We invite you to step into a role that fits your schedule and helps create a welcoming, Spirit-filled Sunday morning.

• 👋 Greeters & Ushers: Arrive at 10:30am to welcome worshipers
• 📖 Liturgists & Readers: Lead scripture and prayers during service
• ☕ Fellowship Hosts: Provide light refreshments and hospitality after worship

Have questions or need help signing up? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you connected.

🕊️ July Focus: Christian Nationalism & Its Harmful Impact

Why Holy Covenant Stands Firm — and How You Can Join Us

Christian nationalism—the merging of Christian identity with state power—poses a serious threat to democracy, pluralism, and the Gospel. As Sojourners reminds us, it’s not enough to dismiss it; we must actively engage and unmask its dangers.

In the U.S., Christian nationalism often claims our nation was founded as a Christian God-state, a narrative contradicted by historians and theologians. This fusion elevates Christianity above all other faiths, erodes church-state separation, and fosters exclusion—especially toward LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and racial minorities. Scholars at the Public Religion Research Institute and other watchdog groups have documented this growing threat to democratic institutions.

It’s not just a theological misstep—it’s dangerous. As TIME warns, Christian nationalism fuels authoritarian impulses, agitates for political violence, and undermines public trust in science and democracy. The January 6 Capitol attack stands as chilling evidence of its real-world impact.

Holy Covenant stands firmly against this. Our Open & Affirming witness proclaims a Gospel of radical inclusion—not exclusion. We affirm the sacred dignity of every person, and we reject any ideology that says “only my vision of faith” belongs in public life.

This July, we invite our congregation to help shape a meaningful digital response:

• 💬 Suggest a social media post, graphic, or scripture reflection we should share
• 🔗 Offer names of organizations or events to spotlight
• 🧠 Submit articles, videos, or sermon themes that help unpack the issue

Please send your ideas directly to [email protected]. Your voice matters. Together, we can be a witness to a faithful, just democracy.

*Let’s talk back to Christian nationalism—not with anger, but with grounded truth, prayer, and shared resources.*

#FaithfulResistance | #HCUCCEverywhere | #ChristianNationalism

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Indivisible CLT: A regional hub for civic activism and grassroots justice work in Charlotte.

Faith in Action: Responding to Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

A Justice-Minded Opportunity from Indivisible Charlotte

Holy Covenant believes in living our faith beyond the walls of our sanctuary. We are recommending a meaningful way to put our commitments into action: by engaging with the advocacy tools and events offered by Indivisible Charlotte, a local grassroots network mobilizing people to speak out against harmful, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in North Carolina.

This is not about partisan politics — it is about being the Church in the world. It’s about protecting the sacred worth of LGBTQ+ youth, challenging injustice, and showing up for human dignity.

Indivisible Charlotte is offering practical ways to live our values through:

• 🚨 Resisting legislation that targets trans and queer youth
• 🗳️ Advocating for voting rights and fair representation
• 📬 Participating in letter-writing campaigns and direct action
• 📣 Attending events that raise awareness and build solidarity

Explore resources and upcoming actions:
🔗 Indivisible CLT Website
📣 Indivisible CLT on Facebook

At Holy Covenant, we are building a church where inclusion is not just a statement — it is a practice. This is one way to be part of that practice. Show up, speak out, and help create the world we pray for every week.

#FaithInAction | #HCUCCEverywhere | #ProtectTransYouth

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✨ Sometimes It Takes a Genius

It takes a village to make Sundays at Holy Covenant as meaningful, joyful, and welcoming as they are—and sometimes, it takes a genius. A SignUpGenius, that is. Whether you’re lighting candles, pouring juice, or offering a warm welcome, your presence in our worship life matters deeply.

We’ve made it easy for you to say “yes” to sacred service. Below are links to each of our current SignUpGenius opportunities. Each one is a small but mighty way to contribute to our shared ministry—and every role is open to all ages and stages. Explore them all and pick one (or more!) that speaks to you.

🍞 Communion Preparers

Help prepare the table where all are welcome. Volunteers set up bread, juice, and liturgical elements before worship. Quiet, reverent, and deeply sacred—this behind-the-scenes task makes visible our theology of inclusion and grace.

🕊️ Deacon of the Month

Our Deacons support the worship experience each Sunday—unlocking the doors, lighting candles, assisting with communion, and offering gentle guidance wherever needed. Each month needs one or two faithful volunteers to serve in this role.

📖 Liturgists & Readers

If you enjoy reading aloud or feel called to proclaim the Word, sign up to be a liturgist! Read prayers, scripture, or other elements of worship. All ages are welcome, and no prior experience is needed—we’ll support you every step of the way.

🤝 Greeters & Ushers

Be the first smile someone sees on Sunday morning. Greeters and ushers offer hospitality, hand out bulletins, assist with seating, and help new folks feel at home. It’s a perfect role for friendly faces who want to help build our beloved community.

🧁 Refreshment Angels

This heavenly crew provides sweet treats and beverages after worship. Whether it’s a tray of cookies or a surprise batch of cupcakes, you’ll be part of nurturing our post-worship connections. Bonus: it’s a great way to sneak in some holy mischief.

👉 Sign up to be a Refreshment Angel

All other sign-up links can be found on our Worship & Music Ministry Team page. We’ve centralized everything to make volunteering easy and accessible. Whether you’re new or a long-time member, there’s a place for you to shine.

🙌 Your presence is a gift. Your participation is a blessing. Your “yes” keeps our ministry alive. Join us.

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🩺 Oppose the “One Big Evil Bill” and Save Rural Healthcare

A Justice-Centered Call to Action from Holy Covenant UCC

Congress is considering a sweeping budget reconciliation bill that would slash Medicaid by over $700 billion—with devastating consequences for rural hospitals, clinics, and emergency care across the country. Without Medicaid, many rural providers will shut their doors, forcing millions to go without lifesaving treatment.

As people of faith, we cannot remain silent. Our values—rooted in Jesus’ ministry of healing and justice—call us to protect the vulnerable, not punish them.

💔 What’s at stake?

• 🚑 Rural hospitals face mass closures, leaving emergency rooms hours away for many communities.
• 👶 Maternity wards and pediatric services are often the first to disappear.
• 🧠 Mental health and substance use programs would collapse in already underserved regions.

This isn’t just about budgets. It’s about who we’re willing to let fall through the cracks.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

Now is the time to speak up. Let our senators and representatives know that faith calls us to compassion, not cruelty.

📣 Tell them: “Vote NO on the One Big Evil Bill. Protect Medicaid and the future of rural healthcare.”

Let our faith be more than words. As the prophet Micah reminds us:

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8

Brought to you by the Racial Justice & Equity Team of Holy Covenant UCC

🕊️ Protect Mothers and Children – A Call to Justice and Action 🕊️

A Faithful Response to the UCC’s Call for Advocacy this Mother’s Day

As we approach Mother’s Day—a sacred time to honor those who nurture life, faith, and love—we are also faced with a moral crisis. Congress is preparing to vote on a sweeping budget bill that would slash Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC: programs that form the very backbone of support for women, children, and families in need.

At Holy Covenant, we believe our faith compels us to act. To speak out. To love not just with words, but with courage.

📜 What’s at risk?

• 🩺 Medicaid covers 2 in 5 children and nearly half of all U.S. births. Cuts would remove care from children with disabilities, pregnant mothers, and low-income women.
• 🍎 SNAP (Food Stamps) feeds 1 in 5 U.S. children. Cuts and added red tape could strip away school meals and food assistance from millions.
• 🥣 WIC supports nutrition for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would ripple into WIC losses too.

This is not just about budgets—it’s about bodies. It’s about babies. It’s about whether we choose compassion or cruelty, justice or greed.

Throughout scripture, God identifies with the poor, the sick, and the hungry. Jesus welcomed the children, healed the sick, and fed the multitudes. This is our tradition. This is our calling.

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

Now is the time to act. The House Speaker has set May 26 as the deadline. We must lift our voices and call our representatives to protect what truly matters.

📣 Tell them: Do not sacrifice moms and kids to protect tax cuts for the wealthy. Protect Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC.

Let us live out our faith in action. The prophet Micah reminds us:

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8