If you’ve been reading my Substack blog, you’ll know that I’ve recently rekindled my love of watching NFL football. I’ve been in Charlotte for two years now, so I surely must have permission to proclaim that I’m now officially a Carolina Panthers fan.

Let’s talk hashtags.
Yes, those little phrases that start with a pound sign and end with the hope that someone, somewhere, might see your post.

You’ve seen them—
#blessed
#SundayFunday
#JesusTookTheWheel
#HCUCCEverywhere

But what are hashtags, really?

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.

✝️ God Knows Your Name

The call of God shows up in the most ordinary places:

Do you have a favorite mug, bowl, or vase at home that you just adore because of the way it looks or what it says? When was the last time you held it and thought about the hands that shaped it or the work that went into it to make it what it is?

Social media is where we post prayer vigils and potluck photos… and sometimes, where we get hit with drive-by opinions, armchair theology, or just plain snark.

We’ve all seen it: you share something meaningful—an invitation to worship, a justice event, a devotional—and suddenly someone you haven’t spoken to since 2011 pops up with, “Actually…”

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.

This September, Holy Covenant’s theme is Live with Purpose—and we’re asking the sacred question: What’s your why? Whether it’s caregiving, advocacy, teaching, parenting, creating, praying, protesting, or healing, our purpose connects us to God’s movement in the world.

Your “why” is more than a job or a role—it’s the reason your heart beats for justice and joy. And it’s worth listening to.

This week didn’t exactly start out the way I had hoped. Our two youngest started school again, which has meant less sleep and getting up an hour and a half earlier. To throw a wrench in things, our middle child was mistakenly enrolled in a school she didn’t get into. Which means she’s already missed her entire first week while we try to get her enrolled somewhere else.

As if this weren’t enough, I had early morning doctor’s appointments on both Monday and Tuesday, one of which required a trip into the city, and I hate driving in the city. By the time I finally sat down at my desk in the earlier afternoon, it already felt like the day was starting to slip away. Tuesday ended with me still at church around 7:00pm, trying to claw my way back to something that resembled “caught up.”

I headed home shortly afterward when I got the dreaded call from my wife no husband or partner wants to hear: “Hey, I’m not cooking tonight, you’re on your own.”

The truth is, I wasn’t even that hungry. . . .

Many members of Holy Covenant have long expressed concern about the dangerous traffic pattern on West W.T. Harris Boulevard in front of our church. The lack of a traffic signal and the prevalence of risky U-turns have led to frequent accidents and near misses. Now is the time to make our voices heard.

NCDOT is accepting public input on transportation project priorities…

As part of our ongoing commitment to justice and compassion, Holy Covenant’s Mission & Justice Ministry invites you to join our 2025 Back to School Supplies Drive. We’re partnering with the Classroom Central to collect much-needed items that will support local students and educators as they prepare for a new school year.