This week, I found my microphone — and my soul — quietly unmuted. I attended the 2025 Digital Ministry Summit hosted by Convergence, where pastors, prophets, and pioneers reimagined how faith breathes online. For once, I wasn’t the one speaking or posting — I was listening. And in that listening, something stirred.

As Holy Covenant continues its Year of Wellness journey, we turn this week toward the sacred rhythm of stillness.

Before every sermon is spoken, there is silence.

Before every word is written, there is listening.

Pastor Chris invites us behind the scenes of ministry to discover how silence itself can become a teacher, a healer, and a wellspring of wisdom.

Through the contemplative practice known as Centering Prayer, Pastor Chris grounds his day in quiet awareness of God’s indwelling presence—a discipline that nourishes both body and spirit, anchoring his ministry in peace.

As we head into this weekend, I want to remind you of something that’s really easy to forget these days, especially since our phones take care of it for us, and that is this coming Saturday, Daylight Savings Time ends. So, be sure to turn back your clocks one hour on your microwave, oven, car, and sleeping alarm on Saturday night or come Sunday morning, as you’re lollygagging in your slippers and sipping your latte, you just might find yourself scrambling to arrive just in time for coffee hour instead of worship!

At Holy Covenant UCC, we often say that “we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses”—a beautiful reminder drawn from Scripture (Hebrews 12:1) that those who’ve come before us continue to shape our lives and faith. All Saints Day is the moment we pause to honor them. ✨

Throughout October, we’ve explored ways to digitally nourish our souls — to seek what uplifts, connects, and restores us in an online world that often pulls in the opposite direction. As the month comes to a close, take a moment to notice: What actually fills your soul? Is it a message of hope shared by a friend, a moment of laughter on a video call, or the quiet of setting your phone down for a while?

With toxic theologies like Christian Nationalism on the rise, it’s more important than ever for progressive Christians to be equipped with both compassion and clarity. In our latest Read. Reflect. Renew. selection, author and faith-rooted comedian John Fugelsang offers just that—a timely antitoxin in the form of a book titled Separation of Church and Hate.

Stephen Tarr, a member of Holy Covenant, offers the following review:…

The next two months are always a meaningful time in the life of the church. For those newer to Holy Covenant or those unfamiliar with the changing seasons of the church, these coming weeks ahead of us offer several opportunities to participate in the life of the church, deepen the understanding of our faith, and share in what can be some really meaningful ministry.

Holy Covenant UCC joyfully welcomes guest preacher Rev. Belinda Sledge to the pulpit on Sunday, November 2nd. Known for her deep commitment to financial justice, spiritual leadership, and youth empowerment, Rev. Sledge brings a prophetic and practical voice to the wider church. We are honored to receive her message and ministry in this season of reflection, celebration, and community building.

This Sunday, October 26, Holy Covenant’s youngest members will be joyfully putting their faith into action! During worship, children are invited to create original Christmas card artwork that will be printed and offered at our Craft Fair on November 2 to benefit Time Out Youth, a Charlotte-based nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ youth.