(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
Keeping Everybody in the Loop!
Jul 10, 2025
At Holy Covenant UCC, we believe that faithful giving extends far beyond our walls. Each year, we participate in the United Church of Christ’s “Five for Five” initiative, a powerful expression of shared ministry through five denominational offerings that change lives and bring hope nationwide and around the world.
These offerings support everything from disaster relief to pastoral care, community justice efforts to sustaining our beloved denomination. When Holy Covenant contributes to all five, we join with hundreds of UCC congregations across the country to embody covenantal love in action.
Each offering has its own mission and focus — here’s what your gifts support:
OCWM is the foundational offering that supports the daily work of the wider church — from conferences to national ministries. It funds leadership training, youth events, justice work, and the calling of new pastors. HC’s regular budget includes support for OCWM, affirming our ongoing covenant with the UCC and its mission in the world.
This special offering provides emergency relief and long-term development in over 100 countries. From hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico to hunger relief in sub-Saharan Africa, OGHS responds to disasters both natural and human-made, bringing hope where it’s needed most. This offering is typically collected during Lent.
Collected on Pentecost Sunday, this offering invests in the vision and vitality of the UCC by supporting new church starts, youth ministries, and innovative local initiatives. When you give, you help plant new seeds of hope and equip the next generation of faith leaders.
For over a century, the Christmas Fund has supported retired and active clergy and lay church employees who face financial difficulties. It provides pension supplements, emergency grants, and holiday “thank you” gift checks. This offering is a sacred opportunity to honor the people who have walked with congregations through baptisms, weddings, funerals, and decades of ministry.
Let’s be honest — December is a hectic and often financially draining time of year. But July can be the perfect moment to support this fund. Making our Christmas Fund gifts now ensures that faithful servants of the church will feel our love and support when it matters most.
This offering directly supports UCC ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. A portion of the funds goes to the Council for American Indian Ministry, and the rest supports grassroots justice efforts led by UCC churches and partners. From immigration to economic justice, NIN empowers real change.
Participating in all five offerings makes us a “5 for 5 Church.” It’s a distinction we’re proud to hold — not for the label, but for the ministry it represents. When we show up with our gifts, we stand in solidarity with the hurting, the hopeful, and the healing. We keep our covenant strong.
Whether it’s $5 or $50, your gift becomes part of a holy story — one that spans churches, cultures, and communities. Together, we give with hearts full of purpose and hands ready to serve.
🌎 Support UCC Ministries – Give Now
Five offerings. One covenant. Countless lives touched. #HCUCCEverywhere
Jul 10, 2025
There’s a sacred act that happens every time you click “Share.”
Not dramatic, not loud. Just a quiet yes—a decision to put something meaningful into someone else’s feed, inbox, or group chat. When you forward a Holy Covenant post, article, video, or event, you’re doing more than spreading information. You’re building the sanctuary. Brick by digital brick.
In today’s landscape of noise and division, sharing something grounded in welcome, justice, or love is a small revolution. It tells the algorithm, “This matters.” It tells your friends, “This is my community.” And it tells a weary world, “There’s still a place where all are truly welcome.”
Here’s the thing: we put heart and time into every post we make. A photo from Pride. A sermon recap. A book recommendation. Each one is crafted with love—but it only travels if you send it.
Go forward boldly. Screenshot the weekly worship post and drop it in your group chat. Share one of our book recommendations from “Read. Reflect. Renew”. Email the livestream link to your cousin who stopped going to church but still hums the hymns. Post one of our many Pride Posts or stories from June with, “This is my church.”
In a way, you become the usher—guiding people in, helping them find their seat, reminding them they’re not alone.
Jesus said to go out two by two. We say: click it, copy it, send it. That’s modern ministry, y’all.
✉️ This week’s challenge:
Choose one Holy Covenant post that speaks to you. Share it with one person who needs to see it.
Let the Spirit guide your clicks.
#TheDigitalDisciple | #HCUCCEverywhere | #ClickForwardBuildTheSanctuary
✍️ About the Author:
Eric Miner is Holy Covenant’s resident digital prophet, website wizard, and producer of sacred short films. He once made an entire congregation laugh and leave five-star Google reviews—on purpose. He believes in pixels with purpose and clicks that carry compassion.
Jul 07, 2025
Imprisoned people are underserved in nearly every way imaginable. The Prison Books Collective is one powerful way we can help counteract that injustice with compassion, dignity, and meaningful connection.
This North Carolina–based organization sends over 1,000 books and educational resources each year—completely free of charge—to people who are incarcerated and cannot afford them. These resources provide more than information; they offer joy, relief, and a critical sense of connection to the outside world. They support both personal growth and reentry preparation.
Holy Covenant’s Missions & Justice Team is now collecting gently used paperbacks for this important cause. A collection shelf is available in the Gathering Room.
📌 Please Note:
📝
Click here for a printable book donation list
Thank you for helping us bring light, learning, and dignity to our neighbors behind bars. At Holy Covenant, we believe that justice includes education, restoration, and the sacred act of remembering those the world often forgets.
Jul 07, 2025
The United Church of Christ is part of something much bigger than itself — a body of Christ that spans cultures, traditions, and theological perspectives. That expansive vision is at the heart of our Full Communion agreements, formal partnerships with other Christian denominations grounded in unity, respect, and shared mission.
In this in-depth UCC article, you’ll discover how Full Communion relationships are formed, how they differ from mergers, and what they mean for clergy, congregations, and justice ministries. These agreements affirm that while differences in worship and doctrine remain, we recognize the authenticity of one another’s sacraments, ordination, and shared call to gospel service.
Through Full Communion, we gain partners in disaster response, advocacy, chaplaincy, and church planting. We also open pathways for clergy to serve across denominational lines — a vital asset in today’s spiritual landscape.
One of the most visible examples of Full Communion is our relationship with the United Church of Canada, as pictured above during a shared moment of worship. These commitments are more than symbolic — they are rooted in accountability, trust, and a shared desire to follow Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one.”
Holy Covenant celebrates our denomination’s ecumenical spirit — and we look forward to the energy and discernment of General Synod 35. These conversations and covenants are a vital part of who we are as a united and uniting church.
Two historic resolutions will be up for vote by the delegates of the 35th General Synod — to formally recognize full communion with both the
Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) and the Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico (IEUPR). These proposals deepen our global connections and further embody our call to be a united and uniting church.
Pastor Chris will be attending General Synod 35 as a voting member from our conference. Please keep him and all Synod delegates in your prayers as they discern the Spirit’s guidance in this important work.
Learn more and read the full article here:
What Does It Mean to Be in Full Communion?
Called to unity. Rooted in justice. Living out the gospel together. #HCUCCEverywhere
Jul 02, 2025
Every two years, the United Church of Christ gathers for a major denominational event—General Synod. This summer, thousands will meet July 11–15 in Kansas City to worship, discern resolutions, and shape the future of our church. The theme, “Into the Deep” (Luke 5:4), calls us to risk bold action rooted in faith. Learn more at the official site: generalsynod.org.
Pastor Chris Czarnecki will be attending as a voting delegate, representing our Southern Conference and bringing Holy Covenant’s voice into the national conversation. He’ll return with insight, stories, and resources to strengthen our local ministry and justice witness.
Highlights to watch:
Why it matters: Synod is where the wider church listens, prays, and commits itself to action. The choices made there ripple outward—through conferences, congregations, and into communities. Pastor Chris’s participation ensures that Holy Covenant’s values of inclusion, welcome, and prophetic love are part of the national witness.
📌 How to stay connected:
This is one more way HCUCC Everywhere becomes real—not just as a website, but as a spirit of connection across our denomination and into the world. Let’s be proud that our pastor is helping shape the UCC’s future in faithful, loving ways.
#GeneralSynod35 | #IntoTheDeep | #HCUCCEverywhere
Jul 01, 2025
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:
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
Jul 01, 2025
You’ve told your friends. You’ve brought your kids. You’ve baked the muffins. But have you told Google about Holy Covenant?
We’re launching our very first Digital Disciple call to action: write a review about Holy Covenant UCC on Google. Just scroll to the bottom of our home page and click the button labeled “Leave a Review on Google”. (Go on. It’s right there in the footer. We’ll wait.)
Here’s why it matters: Google reviews are one of the most important factors in how people find our church online. Search engines take your words — the ones about welcome, warmth, preaching, music, justice, and handbells — and use them to decide whether we show up when someone types “progressive church near me” or “open and affirming churches in Charlotte.”
More reviews = higher rankings = more seekers finding us = more chances for us to say “you are already loved.”
It’s evangelism, but make it tech-savvy. Your voice helps extend our extravagant welcome beyond Sunday morning and into the digital wilderness where people are quietly searching for a place like this. And yes — even a short, kind sentence makes a difference.
Now, we’re not trying to guilt you into it… except we kind of are. But in that “if-you-love-your-church-so-much-why-don’t-you-marry-it-and-leave-a-review” kind of way. 💍📲
Let’s use our clicks for good. Be a Digital Disciple. It’s easier than some of our hymns.
📍Click the “Leave a Review on Google” button at the bottom of our homepage:
👉 holycovenantucc.org
#TheDigitalDisciple | #HCUCCEverywhere | #5StarsForJesus
✍️ About the Author:
Eric Miner is Holy Covenant’s resident digital prophet, website wizard, and producer of sacred short films. When he’s not fixing footers or writing code that makes the Spirit sing, he’s out here gently encouraging people to write five-star reviews like their church depends on it — because it kind of does. And yes, he will ask if you’ve submitted yours. 😉
Jul 01, 2025
Indivisible CLT: A regional hub for civic activism and grassroots justice work in 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:
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
Jul 01, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jun 29, 2025
“To be the Church everywhere means we are called to embody the Christ, both his life and teachings, as we go about our everyday lives.
We find ourselves serving the world and our communities in a myriad of ways… yet in each place we find ourselves, we possess the ability
to be a living example of Christ’s peace, love, and justice in every place we are.”
– The Reverend Christopher Czarnecki
This short film marks the launch of Holy Covenant’s bold new digital presence and the next step in our mission to “be the Church, everywhere.”
Directed by Eric Miner and grounded in our values of inclusion, beauty, and justice, this film is an invitation to step into a sacred space — one not bound by walls, but alive in every screen, sanctuary, sidewalk, and soul.
Watch — and let it speak to your spirit.
Whether you’re in the pews or at your desk, on a walk or with a friend, may this film remind you that you are part of something sacred — right where you are.
#HCUCCEverywhere | #DigitalSanctuary | #BeTheChurch
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