(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
Oct 16, 2025
by Alix Felsing
We went to Greensboro to learn more about the sit-in that desegregated the Woolworth lunch counter in 1960. We returned with new perspectives, and so much more.
Nearly three dozen people made the Oct. 4 pilgrimage, most by bus, to the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro. Holy Covenant’s Racial Justice and Equity Team sponsored the trip and arranged for a tour of the museum, which includes the original lunch counter and is housed in the former Woolworth building.
“I was deeply moved by the conviction and intentional bravery of the students—especially the freshmen,” RJE member Ann Hooper wrote when asked for her initial reflections. “Would I have had that kind of courage at their age? Do I now? That was the question our small group of four kept returning to on the bus.”
It is one thing to know that the “Greensboro Four”—freshmen at what was then called the Agricultural & Technical College of North Carolina—staged a sit-in that led to desegregated restaurants in Greensboro. It’s another to realize that the women of nearby Bennett College did the planning, the sit-in lasted for months, the sit-in expanded as students took turns spelling each other amid the ugly backlash, and that high-school students stepped in to continue the sit-in during the summer when the college students went home.
The experience “made me think about what all those before us endured and how we should honor them more,” RJE member Terrence Hayes wrote. “But it also made me consider and fear the ground we are losing today, right now, on those gains.”
The museum placed all of this in the turbulent and violent context of the Civil Rights era. One wall was full of mug shots of the people—Black and White, men and women—who were arrested for demonstrating for equal rights. Another wall listed dozens of names of people who were murdered for registering people to vote, and for supporting people who could not speak out.
It meant a lot to RJE member Anne Hayes to be surrounded by people who want to learn and grow, and who want to support one another during this journey.
“The time was troubling as well,” she wrote. “Being reminded of and learning anew the atrocities of our past, and noting that we remain as a society STILL facing ongoing acts of racism and hatred, was scary, angering and filled with waves of sadness.”
From the museum, we visited the campus of N.C. A&T State University to see the February One monument honoring Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond. We stopped at Bennett College to get a glimpse of where the sit-in plans were made. We drove past the Magnolia House as we began our way home. Known as the Magnolia Hotel, it was listed in the Green Book as a safe place for Black travelers to stay and is one of only four remaining Green Book sites in North Carolina.
We returned to Charlotte in awe of the planning, perseverance and bravery that went into Civil Rights actions that made our world more equitable amid horrific cruelty and violence. We returned grateful for the fellowship that strengthened our friendships and our community on this journey. And we returned asking ourselves what’s next, and praying for courage to continue this work.
“What continues to weigh on me is how the daily ‘noise’ often drowns out the ongoing injustices faced by marginalized communities,” Hooper wrote. “So much of our history remains untold or ignored. As white people, we have a responsibility to learn it, honor it, speak it, and fight for full equality. Until prejudice and discrimination are eradicated, true progress will remain out of reach.”
The RJ&E Ministry at Holy Covenant UCC helps our church “seek justice” through learning, dialogue, and action. Grounded in faith and guided by Isaiah 1:17, the team cultivates inclusion, awareness, and advocacy—creating spaces for courageous conversation, anti-racism education, and public witness in Charlotte and beyond.
RJ&E members coordinate learning opportunities (like this Greensboro pilgrimage), host discussions and book studies, uplift community partners, and invite the congregation into concrete steps toward equity and reconciliation. Their work strengthens our church’s call to radical welcome and collective liberation. Do you want to get involved:
New hearts and hands are always welcome as we continue learning, listening, and acting for justice together.
Oct 15, 2025
On this UCC Access Sunday, our children learned about access—and how God’s love makes room for everyone. Guest leader D Evans joined Pastor Chris to show how people move through the world in different ways. Braces, crutches, and walkers became tools of courage and connection, each reminding us that accessibility is another word for welcome.
Our kids’ curiosity filled the Sanctuary. They discovered that when we see what helps others thrive, we begin to understand what community really means.
Then, as the message came to a close, D taught both the children and the congregation a few words in American Sign Language—and together they learned a short, joy-filled signed song. Hands moved, faces lit up, and hearts opened wider to God’s inclusive love.
At Holy Covenant, children are not the future of the church—they are the church right now. Their energy and openness lead us deeper into God’s inclusive story every week.
And as Pastor Chris reminded us this Sunday—our prayers have been answered! Families are arriving, our Children’s Church is growing, and now we need more caring adults to help nurture that growth. 🌱
#HCUCCEverywhere
Oct 15, 2025
In a culture obsessed with instant results, perseverance can feel like an old-fashioned word. Yet Jesus told his followers “to pray always and not to lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) He knew that faith, like the soul, grows stronger through endurance — through the long obedience of love and prayer that keeps showing up, even when outcomes are unseen.
Perseverance is not stubborn striving — it’s soulful resilience. It’s the strength that grows in silence, prayer, and faithful action. The early disciples learned that prayer was not about control or outcomes, but about keeping the heart open when life felt closed in. In a world that rewards speed and success, spiritual wellness invites us to honor the sacred rhythm of waiting, breathing, and trusting.
The saints before us — prophets, reformers, caregivers, and quiet pray-ers — practiced a deep and steady faith. They taught us that wholeness is found not in quick fixes but in sustained faithfulness. They kept tending hope when it felt small. They kept believing when the path was long. In their endurance, we find our inheritance — a legacy of prayer that keeps the soul alive.
“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.” — Luke 18:1
Spiritual wellness is not the absence of struggle — it’s the presence of courage, faith, and endurance through it.
To persevere in prayer, in compassion, in justice, and in hope is to live as if God’s promises are true, even when we cannot yet see them.
#HCUCCEverywhere #NourishYourSoul #ThrowbackThursday #NotToLoseHeart #SpiritualWellness #FaithThatEndures
Oct 10, 2025
🪨🌺 October Theme: Spiritual Wellness – Nourish Your Soul. Community is one of God’s great gifts of nourishment.
On World Communion Sunday (October 5, 2025), Holy Covenant celebrated a radiant moment of belonging as nine new members joined our covenant family.
The welcome was deeply personal. Each new member was introduced by a sponsor who shared a brief story of that person’s journey to Holy Covenant—what called them here, how they felt seen, and where they sense God leading next. There was laughter, a few tears, and a chorus of “Thanks be to God.” Each new member received a welcome certificate and a UCC lapel pin, symbols of our shared covenant and a reminder that no one walks alone.
Sponsors shared short bios and blessings—honoring each unique journey to Holy Covenant.
Certificates and lapel pins marked the moment—visible signs of covenant and care.
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27
Belonging is spiritual nourishment. In community we find courage, healing, and purpose.
Together at Christ’s table: a community nourished by grace, ready to serve with joy.
New to Holy Covenant?
#HCUCCEverywhere #NourishYourSoul
Oct 09, 2025
After years of faithful service — and hundreds of paper cuts — our church’s once-disorganized choral library has been reborn into the 21st century!
Thanks to the vision and tireless effort of Eric Miner, nearly 400 pieces of choral music have been catalogued, labeled, and lovingly preserved for generations to come. What began as cabinets of mixed-up folders and missing scores is now a searchable, cloud-based treasure trove of Holy Covenant’s musical heritage.
At the heart of this transformation is MusicLibrarian.net — a web-based system used by choirs, bands, and orchestras around the world to manage their sheet music libraries. With it, Holy Covenant can now:
Each entry in the new system is packed with metadata — digital information that helps bring order and meaning to the collection. Holy Covenant’s choral library now reflects:
This level of detail transforms what was once a filing task into a living, searchable resource — a digital reflection of Holy Covenant’s musical soul.
Old Folder ➜ 🧾 Catalogued Entry ➜ 🔢 Barcode Label ➜ 💻 Digital Library ➜ 🎤 Sunday Worship
From dusty shelves to digital harmony — every piece now has a story, a place, and a purpose.
How to View Our Library:
1️⃣ Select HCUCC from the list
2️⃣ Click Login
3️⃣ View our choral library
A private donation was made to MusicLibrarian.net on behalf of Holy Covenant to thank the developers for providing this valuable — and entirely FREE — service to churches and music ministries everywhere. Their generosity made it possible for us to bring organization and accessibility to our growing library without cost to the congregation.
“This is a monumental leap forward,” said Worship Team Lead Ed Vickery. “Eric’s dedication, organization, and technical expertise have given our music ministry a tool that will serve directors, choirs, and worship leaders for years to come.”
“This is invaluable,” said Minister of Music Jon Weddell. “Eric’s work in organizing the choir room and creating the database have brought much needed attention, harmony, and order to our music ministry!.”
To explore Holy Covenant’s digital music library, visit:
👉 MusicLibrarian.net – Holy Covenant UCC Library
(Use the read-only login provided on the Music Librarian website to browse our collection!)
Holy Covenant’s musical legacy now lives not just in the choir loft, but online — ready to inspire the next song of praise. 🎶
Oct 09, 2025
Three months ago, we introduced the new version of our weekly newsletter,
The Loop. Now we’re gathering feedback to ensure it remains
engaging,
meaningful, and
accessible for everyone in our congregation.
At Holy Covenant, communication is a ministry of connection.
Your voice helps us share stories of faith, celebrate community, and invite one another into
God’s work of justice and love. 💜
💬 How you can help:
With gratitude — The HCUCC Communications Team
Oct 03, 2025
Focus: Vocation | Theme: Live with Purpose | Ministry in Focus: Consistory Leadership
At Holy Covenant, vocation takes many forms. For some, it’s teaching, caregiving, or art. For others, it is the sacred call of leadership — guiding, listening, and discerning for the good of the community.
As we explored Live with Purpose during September, we sat down with Terry Raley-Dennis, President of our Consistory, to learn more about what it means to lead with faith, courage, and purpose.
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… eager to serve.”
— 1 Peter 5:2
“It takes the whole congregation to be involved in supporting the foundation of this church.”
— Terry Raley-Dennis
What first called you into church leadership, and how did you become part of Holy Covenant’s Consistory?
When Jean and I joined Holy Covenant in 2005 I was active in the LGBT and Room In The Inn ministries for several years. I was asked to become a Deacon around 2010 and I was involved for my three-year term. I didn’t become interested in serving again until 2022. Then I approached nominations and submitted my name to become a Deacon again. It is a challenge and a blessing to hold this title. It takes the whole congregation to be involved in supporting the foundation of this church. Consistory members are the foundation that allows our church to thrive by supporting Pastor Chris as he shepherds us forward in this community.
How has your own vocation—your sense of purpose—been shaped by serving as President of the Consistory?
I came into Holy Covenant as a champion of what this church means to the greater Charlotte area. Our mission to Charlotte can be seen by looking at the demographic make up of where our members live in this region. People come to us from a large geographic area around Charlotte. They have looked for and found a church that supports the ministry of how Jesus calls us to be to society. We walk the walk and talk the talk of how Christianity should be to the world.
How do you see church leadership as a form of vocation?
Wow, this is a challenging question. Some folks are comfortable in being the leaders and some are comfortable with being the workers behind the scenes. Our consistory has both types of folks. I’m not a particularly political type of person and that is how I view vocation in this question. But I feel that to be a good Stewart of Holy Covenant we have a responsibility to this church to contribute to its foundation. So, my take on this question is that I feel that it is our responsibly to be a part of this leadership group. No matter how up front or behind the scenes you feel comfortable you are needed to help strengthen the foundation of this church.
What does it mean to you personally to “live with purpose” in the context of guiding the Consistory?
I view my role as President of consistory as a guide to the members serving their duties as Deacons and Elders. This isn’t “my show” I feel it’s my responsibility to look at all the various opinions and concerns and with the help of Pastor Chris and the Vice President direct us in constructive decision-making paths. Ultimately it is the collective decisions of all of us on consistory that propels Holy Covenant and our purpose to this community forward.
How do you discern when the Consistory is aligned with God’s abundance and call?
By paying attention to what God is placing in our path.
For those who may not know: What is the Consistory, and why is it central?
Our Deacons and Elders are the foundation of this church. They are the eyes and hearts of helping Pastor Chris as he leads Holy Covenant forward. Deacons are the caretakers of the physical structure of Holy Covenant. They are responsible for the physical building and grounds of this church and they also have a responsibility to encourage the stewardship that monetarily helps this church grow and thrive.( My take on being a deacon is that we are the worker bees of Holy Covenant.) Our Elders are the spiritual side of Holy Covenant. They help Pastor Chris with pastoral care and spiritual care of both Pastor and our congregation. They are the ones who are spiritually inspired to be they right arm for our ministry team.
Who serves on the Consistory, and how are members selected?
Anyone can be called to serve… Our Nominations Team identifies and invites members into service for a three-year term.
How does the work of the Consistory connect to Mission & Justice?
By having a diverse group of people serving, we remain in tune with Holy Covenant’s ministry and values.
Leadership can be joyful, but also challenging. What practices keep you grounded?
I pray constantly. I am a “Jersey girl” and sometimes my assertiveness flies out before I can temper it. I also have a great support team with Pastor Chris and my VP, Dawn Robinson. They keep me grounded and sane.
How can shared leadership foster a healthier, more balanced life for the congregation?
It takes all types of leaders to keep our church moving forward. My view of this leadership collective is that this church can’t be anyone’s proprietary responsibility. We need people to be collectively working together to make sure all concerns are addressed and resolved. From my viewpoint there isn’t room for someone who feels that they are solely responsible for the leadership of Holy Covenant. It has to be a collective responsibility.
What advice would you give to someone discerning a call to leadership?
Let someone on the current Consistory know. They can forward your name to the Nominations Team.
What dream or hope do you carry for the future of Holy Covenant?
From my vantage point right now we have a strong, developing group of people serving as Deacons and Elders for both Pastor Chris and Holy Covenant. It is my prayer that this group has vision and courage to enable Holy Covenant to be a beacon to the Christian community of Charlotte.
Any final reflections?
We have many new faces joining us as members and I encourage you to find a team here in Holy Covenant that nourishes your soul, get to know the congregation of Holy Covent and eventually decide to contribute to stepping into the foundation of Deacons and Elders to help Holy Covenant and Pastor Chris grow and succeed.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10
Ready to Live with Purpose?
Consider how your gifts might strengthen Holy Covenant’s foundation through leadership, care, or spiritual support. Your voice matters here.
#HCUCCEverywhere
Oct 01, 2025
🪨🌺 Spiritual Wellness — when mind, body, and soul are nourished together, we discover harmony and wholeness in God’s presence.
This October, Holy Covenant invites you to pause, breathe, and tend to the deepest part of your being.
Our Year of Wellness 2025 journey now turns to Spiritual Wellness: the practice of nurturing inner peace, grounding in sacred values, and opening ourselves to God’s presence. This month’s theme is led by our Worship & Music Ministry Team, who will help us weave nourishment for the soul into worship, song, and community life.
According to our Year of Wellness plan, spiritual wellness means seeking meaning and purpose with an open mind, allowing core beliefs to guide us into harmony and peace. It is about more than belief—it is about how faith is lived and embodied. It calls us to prayer, reflection, worship, creativity, and rest in God.
“Is your mind at peace? A set of core beliefs or values that shape you and how you live your life often creates harmony. If you’re willing to seek meaning and purpose with an open mind, you will likely find inner peace.” — Year of Wellness 2025 Guide
This October, may your soul be nourished by God’s love, renewed in worship, and strengthened in community.
Sep 29, 2025
This week Pastor Chris invited our children into the message with a backpack full of surprises—an alarm clock, toy cars, tennis balls, even a reading light. One by one, he pulled out the items and asked the kids to think about how things can begin to weigh us down. When a few children tried to lift the backpack themselves, the whole congregation laughed at their wide-eyed reactions!
Through their questions and energy, our children helped us see the sermon’s truth in real time: that life isn’t about carrying more, but about living with less—so we have room for God’s love, joy, and grace.
At Holy Covenant, children are not the future of the church—they are the church right now. Their curiosity and joy lead us deeper into God’s story every week.
#HCUCCEverywhere
Sep 28, 2025
No more excuses—now you really can volunteer from anywhere.
Holy Covenant UCC has launched a brand-new, visually engaging Volunteer Station in the Gathering Room, making it easier than ever for you to share your gifts, your time, and your heart. With a quick scan of a QR code, you can sign up for any of our key ministries—whether you’re heading out the door, checking your phone after coffee hour, or simply passing through.
This centralized station includes direct sign-up links for many of our most essential ministries:
Each role includes a short description and a QR code that connects you directly to its **SignUpGenius** form—available anytime from your phone or device.
This is more than a clever slogan—it’s a call to embody our church’s mission beyond the walls of the sanctuary. With this new system, you don’t need to wait for clipboard sign-ups or email reminders. You can step into service with just one tap, anytime, anywhere.
The United Church of Christ teaches that every person is a minister. That means each of us has a role to play in building up the Body of Christ—through music, through prayer, through hospitality, through action. This new station empowers that belief.
“Volunteering isn’t just about filling a need—it’s about living our faith out loud. The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs participation.”
Whether you’ve been with Holy Covenant for decades or you’re brand new, this is a great time to jump in. Try something once. Learn a new skill. Show your support for the ministries that make Sundays (and every day) happen. You’ll be guided by friendly team leads and surrounded by a community that cheers each other on.
If you need help getting started or have questions about a particular role, please reach out to:
Eric Miner
(620) 636-1171
[email protected]
Stop by the Gathering Room on Sunday, find the board with our signature ❤️🤝💛💙 icons, and scan your way into service. You are needed. You are called. You are already equipped.
Come as you are. Give what you can. Be part of something sacred.
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