Holy Covenant,

This Sunday, we welcome Barbara Thomas to the pulpit.

Barbara Thomas, is the Director of The Forum at Hope Haven, a new training center whose mission is to equip, train and support the staff who are working with the most vulnerable populations in our community.  She creates the curriculum, engages with community partners and is one of the primary trainers at The Forum. Barbara comes to this position with years of experience in non-profits as Director of Dove’s Nest, at Charlotte Rescue Mission, Director of Services at Urban Ministry Center (now Roof Above) and in private practice at the Counseling Center at Charlotte.

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.

🌟 What Are the Five for Five Offerings?

Each offering has its own mission and focus — here’s what your gifts support:

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.

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.

Last Sunday during our worship service, we revealed our new church logo and slogan. Since then, some of you may have found yourselves wondering: What do our new logo and slogan stand for? I’d like to share with you how I see it, both the meaning and significance that I believe this design holds for our faith community.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.