(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
(704) 599-9810 | Worship Sundays @ 10:55 a.m.
Sep 25, 2025
Vocation has not always been equally available to all. For much of U.S. history, systemic racism dictated who could work, how they were treated, and whether their dignity was honored.
One powerful story comes from the Pullman Porters — Black men who worked on luxury railroad sleeping cars in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
While the job was considered prestigious compared to other opportunities available to African Americans at the time, it came with harsh realities: long hours, low pay, and constant discrimination.
Porters were often required to answer to the name “George” — after George Pullman, the company’s founder — a practice that erased their individuality and reinforced subservience.
Refusing to accept these conditions, the Porters organized. In 1925, they formed the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, led by A. Philip Randolph.
After years of struggle, they became the first Black-led labor union to win recognition in the United States — improving wages, reducing hours, and setting a precedent for civil rights organizing.
Their persistence fueled momentum that would later carry into the Civil Rights Movement.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
The Pullman Porters remind us that vocation is not only about personal calling, but also about collective struggle for justice.
Their story teaches us that discrimination does not erase God’s gifts — and that persistence, faith, and solidarity can transform workplaces, communities, and history itself.
#HCUCCEverywhere #LiveWithPurpose #ThrowbackThursday #JusticeInVocation
Sep 23, 2025
“Pixels of Justice” — Using our digital presence as a tool for justice, love, and purpose.
Your social media feed isn’t just entertainment—it’s a ministry tool. Vocation is more than a job; it’s how we carry purpose into daily life, online and off. When we curate and amplify voices that reflect love, justice, and mercy, our pixels preach.
Our vocation online isn’t to win the algorithm—it’s to witness to love. Your feed can be a small liturgy of hope: post by post, share by share, pixel by pixel.
💬 This week’s challenge:
Choose one justice theme (e.g., housing security, creation care, voting access). Follow two credible organizations, share one post with context and a next step, and add alt text. Small, faithful actions—repeated—become a witness.
#TheDigitalDisciple | #PixelsOfJustice | #HCUCCEverywhere
✍️ About the Author:
Eric Miner is Holy Covenant’s resident digital prophet, website wizard, and social media whisperer. He believes purpose-filled pixels can change hearts—and sometimes policies.
Sep 18, 2025
At Holy Covenant, we believe access to ideas matters. Our Banned Book Library is a small, growing collection you can borrow from on Sundays — a practical way to stand for curiosity, compassion, and the freedom to read. Stop by the display, pick up a title, and join the conversation.
Challenged means someone has formally requested a book be removed or restricted in a library or school. A challenge seeks to limit access for others.
Banned means the removal or formal prohibition of a book from a library or school collection. Sometimes a title remains available only with limited or conditional access (for example, in a restricted section).
(Definitions adapted from the American Library Association.)
The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 821 attempts to censor library materials in 2024, targeting 2,452 unique titles. While the volume fluctuates year to year, organized efforts to restrict access continue to affect both school and public libraries nationwide.
Banned Books Week • October 5–11, 2025
An annual nationwide event that highlights the harms of censorship and celebrates the freedom to read. Come browse HCUCC’s Banned Book Library this Sunday, choose a title, and reflect with us on how reading expands empathy, strengthens critical thinking, and supports a just community.
These summaries highlight themes of resilience, justice, compassion, and belonging. Each of these books has been challenged — but all invite deep reflection and dialogue.
#1 — All Boys Aren’t Blue
George M. Johnson
Summary: Memoir-style reflections on family, identity, and the journey of growing up Black and queer.
Why Challenged: LGBTQ+ themes, frank discussions of identity.
#2 — Gender Queer: A Memoir
Maia Kobabe
Summary: A graphic memoir exploring gender identity, belonging, and self-understanding.
Why Challenged: Illustrations, LGBTQ+ themes.
#3 — The Bluest Eye
Toni Morrison
Summary: A novel about a young girl longing to be seen as beautiful in a world that tells her otherwise.
Why Challenged: Depictions of trauma and abuse.
#4 — The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
Summary: A coming-of-age story about friendship, healing, and finding one’s voice in community.
Why Challenged: Mental health, relationships, language.
#5 — Tricks
Ellen Hopkins
Summary: A verse novel about five teens navigating difficult paths and searching for hope.
Why Challenged: Sexually explicit material, mature themes.
#6 — Looking for Alaska
John Green
Summary: A story about friendship, grief, and searching for meaning in life’s hardest moments.
Why Challenged: Profanity, adult themes.
#7 — Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Jesse Andrews
Summary: A heartfelt, humorous novel about friendship, creativity, and facing illness together.
Why Challenged: Mature themes, illness, language.
#8 — Crank
Ellen Hopkins
Summary: A verse novel exploring choices, addiction, and resilience with honesty and empathy.
Why Challenged: Drug use, explicit content.
#9 — Sold
Patricia McCormick
Summary: A young adult novel telling the story of courage and survival against human trafficking.
Why Challenged: Violence, sexual exploitation themes.
#10 — Flamer
Mike Curato
Summary: Graphic novel about a teen at summer camp, navigating faith, identity, and acceptance.
Why Challenged: LGBTQ+ content, sensitive themes.
In our church communications, we’ll keep language clear and invitational. Rather than quoting others’ characterizations, we’ll stay focused on facts, learning, and pastoral welcome — and invite readers to explore the books themselves.
📖 Take & Read: Visit the Banned Book Library display this Sunday, choose a book, and let us know what you’re reading! We’ll also highlight a new data point each week from ALA’s “Censorship by the Numbers” to keep the conversation grounded.
Sep 17, 2025
Vocation is more than a job title or career path. It is the way we embody our God-given purpose in every corner of our lives—including the digital world. The feeds we scroll, the posts we like, and the words we share shape how our vocation is lived out before others. When we approach our digital presence with intention, even a quick scroll can become an act of faithfulness.
So what does it look like to carry purpose into our online lives? Here are a few practices to try:
Scrolling with intention reminds us that vocation isn’t confined to work hours or Sunday mornings. It is the ongoing invitation to live with purpose, to be a presence of love, justice, and authenticity—whether face to face or screen to screen.
💬 This week’s challenge:
Choose one online habit to shift toward greater purpose. Maybe it’s sharing a story of hope, unfollowing a source of negativity, or pausing before posting. Let your vocation shine—even in your scrolling.
#TheDigitalDisciple | #ScrollingWithPurpose | #HCUCCEverywhere
✍️ About the Author:
Eric Miner is Holy Covenant’s resident digital prophet, website wizard, and social media whisperer. He believes even a scroll can be sacred—when it is done with intention.
Sep 17, 2025
At Holy Covenant, vocation is not simply what we do for a living — it is how we live out God’s call to embody love, justice, and faith in daily life.
In our Year of Wellness theme, Live with Purpose, we are reminded that true vocation aligns us with God’s abundance and draws us into solidarity with those who are most vulnerable.
“Understanding vocation is key to living a meaningful life, to embracing the abundance that Jesus offers.” —
Sojourners: Toward the Fullness of Life
This vision of vocation speaks to us as a congregation: our work is not measured in titles or resumes, but in faithfulness to Christ’s call.
Whether through worship, justice, hospitality, or daily acts of compassion, vocation invites us to embrace the fullness of life God intends.
Further reading: Sojourners — “Toward the Fullness of Life”
#HCUCCEverywhere #LiveWithPurpose #ReadReflectRenew
Sep 16, 2025
September 2025 • Witnessing in Faith • Holy Covenant UCC
In recent weeks, our nation has been shaken again — by gunshots in quiet streets, by hatred masquerading as speech, by the violent fractures of political division that refuse to be silenced.
The killing of Charlie Kirk during a speech, the escalating rhetoric that amplifies fear, the noisy sorrow of yet another life cut short — these are not distant headlines but wounds in our shared life.
As people of faith, we must name the darkness, not with hesitation, but with truth. We mourn because we believe in something better.
We lament because something has been broken. We resist the easy comfort of silence, because silence in the face of violence is complicity.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
#HCUCCEverywhere
Sep 15, 2025
October Focus: Vocation | Theme: Live with Purpose | Ministry in Focus: Worship & Music Ministry
At Holy Covenant, vocation isn’t just a job title—it’s the steady pulse of calling, gifts, and service that shapes how we show up for God and for one another. This month, as we lean into Live with Purpose, we’re lifting up voices in our community whose daily work and ministry witness to love, excellence, and welcome.
Meet Ed Vickery, a flight attendant and the team lead of our Worship & Music Ministry. Ed’s vocation takes him from 30,000 feet in the air to the heart of our worship life, where hospitality, calm presence, and joyful service are essential—on the plane and in the pews.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
— Colossians 3:23
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.”
— Micah 6:8
What originally brought you to Holy Covenant, and what called you into becoming a flight attendant?
I moved to Charlotte with my husband Eric due to his accepting a new job in this city. We found Holy Covenant by searching for a UCC church online. On our first visit we felt at home and knew we didn’t need to look any further. I had simi retired from Verizon Business as an implementation engineer before moving here, then met Bob Salor at church who was a flight attendant for Mesa Airlines and he told me they were hiring and I should apply. The thought of being a flight attendant had never crossed my mind, but I thought why not, I like to travel and I like to entertain so why not do it in the air. I didn’t really think it would go any further, but they contacted me, set up an interview, and now I’ve been a flight attendant for over 13 years flying under contract for United Airlines. I’m also a part time ground school instructor for flight attendants.
How has your understanding of “vocation” evolved over your life?
I’ve had several different jobs over the course of my life, and at times multiple jobs at the same time. We don’t always get the job of our choice but rather take what becomes available in order to have an income until we can find a better fit. With that said I have to say I’ve learned an occupation should be challenging, a place to grow, give you satisfaction, and a place where you feel you can have an impact and a sense of accomplishment.
What does “Live with Purpose” mean to you—especially in a church setting?
To have goals and to feel I have contributed to myself, others, our community and the world.
How do your day-to-day tasks function as ministry?
I start each day asking God to cleans me and allow others to see Christ in everything I say and do (word and deed). I know it’s easier said than done, so I also ask God to help me remember to think before I speak, react or respond to anything or anyone. If my smile or kind word can change someone’s day then I’ve made a small difference in our world. I meet all kinds of people on a daily basis, and I take it as a challenge when I have someone on a flight who just doesn’t seem to be happy about anything in life. I’ve had many individuals through the years give me notes thanking me for my kindness, or even apologizing as they exit the aircraft for their behavior due to the impact I had on them.
Which parts of your work feel most aligned with your values?
While my job has many roles from being a first responder, medic, security, mediator, babysitter, bar tender, janitor and information center, a big part of it is customer service with a smile. I know what I like and expect when I’m a customer so I strive to give the same to my customers. I must be doing something right because my company has set me as a role model for customers service and has me teaching the customer service courses. It’s service with a smile, showing respect, having empathy and doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
How does your role support Mission & Justice at Holy Covenant?
As chair of the Worship Team, I help craft services that are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of our Open and Affirming identity—creating meaningful, purposeful experiences for all.
What keeps you grounded when life gets busy?
Life gets busy in all areas, and sometimes we have to reevaluate things. I know I was created by God to bring honor and glory to my creator. My life has to include ministry and service to God, however with that said I’ve had to learned it’s ok to say no when life is too busy, and this includes church life as well. If we are overstretched we are unable to give our best and our heart will not be in the task at hand. There should be joy in serving Jesus.
How can churches better support wellness?
Be aware when we see those who may be taking on too much. Some will volunteer to do everything, and while that’s a good intention, it doesn’t work out well for the individual or the church. We need to encourage all to be involved in some way or another and allow folks to use their talents. We say many hands makes the workload lighter.
What future dream do you hold for HC?
It’s hard for me to pinpoint a particular ministry or project as we live in such a changing world who knows what the need or needs will be in the future. I would love to see the day as we grow when we are not struggling to have enough people to take on the volunteer post we have needing to be filled. There are so many opportunities here at Holy Covenant UCC. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if folks had to be on a waiting list to volunteer? Will that ever happen?
Any final thoughts this month?
Life is short so it’s important to have a vocation that brings you joy or at least a sense of satisfaction. I would suggest before making any drastic changes to take a look at yourself and see if maybe it’s your outlook that could use a tuning to make things run smoother. Either way ask God to either provide an opening or to bring that sense of joy.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
— 1 Peter 4:10
Ready to Live with Purpose?
#HCUCCEverywhere
Sep 13, 2025
“Caring for ourselves is one of the ways we love others better.”
At Holy Covenant UCC, we believe that God’s love surrounds us in every part of our journey—including times when our health brings challenges. Many in our community live with chronic illnesses or conditions, and we want to create a safe and supportive space for sharing, encouragement, and connection.
We’re inviting those who are interested to join us for an initial weekday luncheon gathering at the church. This will be a time to meet one another, share our stories, and talk about what kind of support or resources might be most meaningful.
The group might decide to meet regularly, invite speakers, read a book together, or simply create space for ongoing conversation and care. The first step is simply—to gather and then decide from there.
If you are interested in this initial meeting, please sign-up by clicking below. After we have gathered the names of those interested, we will reach out soon about potential dates the group can meet.
For more information, please reach out to Pastor Chris or contact the church office.
#LivingWellTogether | #HCUCCEverywhere | #ChronicIllnessSupport
Sep 10, 2025
The call to live with purpose is not a job description—it’s a holy invitation.
This September, as we reflect on vocation and calling, we’re reminded that in the United Church of Christ, **every person is a minister.** Yes, every one of us. Not just pastors or public speakers, but caregivers, workers, teachers, retirees, students, artists, organizers, and quiet companions.
The call of God shows up in the most ordinary places:
God’s call is not limited to what you do for a paycheck. It’s how you show up for love, justice, and healing in the world.
The United Church of Christ believes that God is still speaking—and still calling. We are a priesthood of all believers. That means your gifts, your story, your purpose matter. We’re not spectators. We’re participants in God’s unfolding work of justice and love.
And we believe vocation is *not just individual*. It’s communal.
God calls us to ministry not just in church buildings, but in board rooms, classrooms, courtrooms, gardens, grocery stores, and voting booths. Your whole life is holy ground.
This month’s book selections can help you explore the intersection of faith and calling:
These authors remind us that **purpose isn’t something we chase—it’s something we uncover** by listening deeply to God, to others, and to ourselves.
God of quiet nudges and burning bushes,
Awaken within us the courage to live with purpose.
Let our work be rooted in compassion,
Our presence grounded in justice,
And our lives reflect your hope.
Amen.
Is God nudging you toward a new chapter of purpose? Do you feel a calling that doesn’t fit in a box? This month, we invite you to journal, pray, speak aloud, or share with someone you trust.
📝 We’d love to hear your reflections: [email protected]
God is still speaking. You are still called.
Sep 04, 2025
“Grace meets us in every sunrise—reminding us that each day is a chance to begin again.”
Sometimes life asks us to begin again. That beginning might come after a setback, a season of struggle, or a moment we wish had gone differently. It may not feel easy, but it can be holy. Each sunrise carries the invitation to take a fresh step forward, to choose peace, to walk with clarity.
For those of us in recovery—or any path of healing—we know that relapse is not failure. It is part of the journey. To stumble is human; to begin again is grace. Each return to the path is not defeat, but courage. And every milestone, whether thirty days or thirty years, is worth honoring.
At Holy Covenant, we believe that God’s love meets us not only at the mountaintop but also in the valley. Grace doesn’t vanish when we fall. Grace whispers to us, “You are still beloved. You are still welcome.”
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey—you are welcome here. If you are beginning again, know that you do not walk alone. You are part of a community that holds you in prayer, celebrates your courage, and welcomes your story as sacred.
#GraceForTheJourney | #HCUCCEverywhere | #RecoveryIsSacred
✍️ About the Author:
Eric Miner is a grateful and hopeful recovering alcoholic who believes in sharing his story with others who may be suffering. He trusts in the power of honesty, grace, and community to help carry one another forward. As the AA tradition reminds us: “We are not alone on this road. We will walk together in honesty, humility, and hope.”
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