Christmas Play Practice - Dec. 19th..

There will be a dress rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 19th @ 11 AM. Join the cast and crew as we get ready for this awesome event. Remember, practice your lines and listen to your music CD so that you will be prepared – the play is only a few days away! For more information please contact the church office at (919) 481-4715.

Christmas Play IS COMING!

Join us for Covenant’s annual Christmas Play & Tasting Party. This year’s play, “Matt & Lucy’s Version Births”, written and produced through “Living The Questions” curriculum, proves to be something special and something you and your family DO NOT want to miss. Our play will be directed by our resident drama expert Mrs. Tracy Brown & her musical director Mrs. Robin Miller. The Christmas play is slated for Dec. 20th at Covenant Christian Church @ 5 PM. For more information or if you have any questions please contact the church office at (919) 481-4715 or e-mail Randy at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net.

Christmas Caroling - TOMORROW!!

Just a reminder tomorrow from 4 to 6 PM we will be going Christmas Caroling. We have 3 homes lined up to visit. We can definitely fill a few more slots. If you have any family or friends who could use some Christmas cheer let me know in the AM so that we can add them to the list. Remember we will need several chaperons due the traveling, so families ARE welcome!

See you tomorrow!

Peace,

Randy Holste
Covenant Christian Church

Tomorrow's Chi Rho/CYF Event...

Any adult(s) interested in taking over the responsibility of tomorrow's Chi Rho trip to Morehead Planetarium's "Star of Bethlehem", please contact Randy Holste as soon as possible! If there are no takers, the event scheduled for 1:30 PM will be cancelled due to personal reasons. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Peace,

Randy
(919) 368-2428
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Trip This Sunday for Chi Rho & CYF!!!

Chi Rho/CYF & leaders...

My thoughts on this coming Sunday's afternoon activities have changed and I wanted to get your opinion. How about we meet at the church around 1:30 (or just after Christmas Play Practice/Congregational Meeting), head up to the food court @ South Hills Mall in Durham for a bite to eat and proceed to the Morehead Planetarium for a 3:30 PM showing of "Star of Bethlehem" in their domed theater.

It is a great display and I think you will really love it. It takes a scientific and religious look at the infamous star that is claimed to have marked the birth of our Christ Child. University professors and researchers from our area and around the world discuss the celestial event and its meaning.

Tickets for youth/students (college students included) are $5 and adults are $6. You will need $$$ for food as well. The showing is about 40 minutes long putting us back in Cary no later than 5 PM.

We will need drivers to help with the Caravan, so if you are interested in driving or attending, please contact Randy as soon as possible. Bring your friends and family it will be an event you will all love.

For more information check out their website at: Moreheadplanetarium.org

Let me know by tomorrow afternoon (Thursday Dec. 3rd) if you plan on attending this event!!!

Peace,

Randy Holste
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net
(919) 481-4715

Chi Rho/CYF - This Sunday...Hanging of the Greens

Just a reminder for all you Chi Rho/CYF folk out there.

We need your help THIS Sunday (11/29). Covenant's annual Hanging of the Greens will take place @ 3 PM. We will will be decorating the sanctuary for the Advent Season. Our work with focus on hanging the peace cranes we made during our last meeting. So if you've made any more, please bring them with you. Chili & chips will be provided. Bring your family and friends - ALL ARE WELCOME! Activities should conclude by 5 PM.

For more information regarding this event please contact Randy at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Happy Thanksgiving & see you on Sunday!

Barton College Day for ALL CYF & Chi Rho...THIS SUNDAY

For all CYF & CHI RHO members & Friends,

Just a friendly reminder, if you are interested in meeting youth from around the region and would like to tour a college campus, now's your chance. This Sunday Covenant has been invited to attend a partial day event at Barton College in Wilson, NC. We would leave the church around 1:30 or so and return home sometime after 7 PM. Dinner is provided on campus. I know this is late notice, but if you are interested please contact the church office immediately so that we can reserve our spot for this event!

For more information or questions please contact the church office at (919) 481-4715 or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net before noon tomorrow (Friday 20th)

Peace,

Randy

Chi Rho - THIS SUNDAY!!!

Just a quick reminder. Chi Rho will be meeting this Sunday afternoon. Meet at the church @ 5:30. Bring $3 for dinner and help us make Peace Cranes. Andrew's mother and sister will teach us origami so that we can help decorate the church during the Advent Season! We will need all the help we can get so bring your family and friends as helpers!!!

See you all there.

Peace,

Randy H
Covenant Christian Church

Just a friendly reminder for those of you who ordered Butter Braids Pastries or cookies from the youth - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. THEY'RE HERE!!!!! Please come by and pick up your order as soon as possible. These pastries must remain frozen!!!

Please contact the church office as soon as possible and designate a time you are available to pick up.

Any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call me at (919) 481-4715 or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

And for those of you who who forgot to order these scrumptious treats earlier, we ordered about 8 extra braids if you are interested.

Peace,

Randy Holste, M. Div.
Associate Minister for Children & Youth
Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

More Information about Lock-In...Tomorrow Night!

Just some final information with regards to tomorrow night's Lock-in. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate contacting me at (919) 368-2428 or e-mailing me at: randy-ccc@bellsouth.net.

Agenda:

-Meet at church @ 6:30 PM.
-Head to the Bowling Alley @ 6:40 (AMF Lanes off of Buck Jones Road)
-Bowl a couple of games
-Head back to the church @ 8:15 for PIZZA & Birthday cake (Tommy)
-Play games/watch movies/eat popcorn & soda until we fall asleep @10 PM - wishful thinking I know.
-Pick up will be by 9 AM.

What to Bring:

-socks (for bowling) - if you plan on wearing sandals
-$10 this pays for everything (bowling, food, snacks, etc...)
-Pillow
-Blankets or sleeping bags
-air mattress
-Proper sleep attire
-A Friend
-Favorite CD(s)
-Favorite Board game
-Necessary medications

What YOU SHOULD NOT Bring:

-No MP3 players or I-Pods
-No portable video devices or video games
(*This is time to spend together, not with your video game)


Again, let me know if you have any questions!!!

Peace,

Randy Holste
Covenant Christian Church
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net
(919) 481-4715

Chi Rho LOCK-IN - THIS FRIDAY!!!

Just a reminder to all Chi Rho and their friends we will have our Lock-In THIS FRIDAY (Nov. 6th). All should meet at the church @ 6:30 PM and we will immediately head off to the bowling alley, where we will bowl a couple of games before we head back to the church and lock ourselves in for a night of movies, Pizza, snacks, & birthday cake!!!! To offset part of the costs of bowling, movies, snacks, drinks each youth should bring $10.

More information with regards to what you should bring and what you SHOULD NOT bring will be sent to you via e-mail. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event feel free to contact Randy at the church office (919) 481-4715 or e-mail him at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net.

Christmas Play Practices...They're Coming!!!!

Hello to all Covenant's Families & Friends. I just wanted to send out a quick reminder noting that all children and youth hoping to be a part of this year's AWESOME Christmas Play should attend practice THIS SUNDAY immediately following 11 AM worship service (12 - 1:30 PM - Nov. 8th)! Please prepare a bag lunch for your student. Participants will have time to eat just before play practice begins.

Christmas Play practices will continue each Sunday from now until Dec. 20th.

Christmas Play Info:

Producer/Writer(s): Carolyn Allen & her mother
Director(s): Tracy Brown & Robin Miller
Date: Dec. 20th, 2009
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Covenant Christian Church

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this event please contact Randy at the church office (919) 481-4715 or e-mail him at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net.

For more information about happenings in/around Covenant's children/youth ministries - check out the church's online newsletter.

Peace,

Randy

TRUNK OR TREAT...

Who’s ready for some Halloween Fun?
On October 25th, 2009 (4-6:30 PM) Covenant Christian Church will be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat Festival for families of elementary aged children. All Are Welcome! There will be food, fun, and fellowship.
Join us and you will experience…
*Food (Hamburgers & Hot Dogs) - $3 per person or $10 per family
*Cake Walk ($$ raffle)
*Pie throwing contest (smash the minister in the face)
*Whack the Piñata
*Treasure Chest
*Costume Parade
*Face painting
*Lots & Lots of CANDY/Prizes
*Other SPOOKY Treats

BRING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY. ALL ARE WELCOME! Wear your costumes and come prepared to have a Frightfully Fun time! For more information please contact the church office @ (919) 481-4715

Blessing of the Animals…

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, or vice versa, the two are creatures of love.

Join Covenant Christian Church on All Saints Sunday (November 1st @ 3 PM) for a special service to recognize and bless all families and households who have pets. *Bring your cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, snake, etc… to the church and we will acknowledge and pay tribute to their undying love and commitment to you and bless them. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

For more information or further questions, please contact the church office at (919) 481-4715 or check out our website (http://www.CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org).

*All animals must be on a leash or restrained at all times. Water & treats will also be available. ALL ARE WELCOME. Finally, this will be an outdoor event.

Chi Rho - FUND RAISER - Next Saturday!!!

Chi Rho members - Just a reminder... We will be supervising a booth next Saturday (10/17/09) at the church's Craft Fair/Yard Sale. All proceeds from this sale will be set aside for our Spring mission trip. Please contact Randy at the church office to schedule your time at the booth. (919) 481-4715 or randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

This Saturday....W & W Training

Just a reminder, for those of you who are interested in being a part of the newest program at Covenant - Children Worship & Wonder - there is another Greeter Training THIS SATURDAY. From 9 AM till 11 AM - we'll show you everything you need to know about the program. We'll introduce you to the songs, the stories, & the worship experience. Please contact the church office to RSVP to this orientation. ALL ARE WELCOME!

CROP WALK INFO...

This message is for all who showed interest in walking in this Sunday's CROP Walk. I think it will be a great day! Just wanted to give you -some last minute information. If this reaches others who have not signed up, please see Randy at church on Sunday

-A group of us will be meeting at the church around 1 PM to caravan/carpool to Christ The King Lutheran Church in Cary (the starting/ending point for the event). All are welcome to join us at the church or you can meet us there. Make sure you bring your sponsorship form/money with you as it will need to be turned in before the event.

-The walk begins at 2 PM. It looks to be a 2 mile loop - you have the option of walking it 1, 2, or 3 times (3x being roughly 10 km). Please arrange for pick-up according to your mileage preference/time frame.

-Work diligently to obtain as many sponsorships as possible, we are trying to beat last year's total of $810.

-Invite your friends, neighbors, & family.

-If you cannot make the event, please prayerfully consider sponsoring one of the walkers or finding others to sponsor one of the walkers.

I will be walking all 10 kms and will be happy to drive back to the church if necessary, simply let me know before Sunday if you need a ride back to the church after the event.


Thanks to all of you & see you on Sunday!

Randy Holste
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net
(Church) 919-481-4715

Trunk or Treat... Help!

Hello Covenant! Many of you may already know Covenant’s annual Trunk or Treat is coming up and we want to “spruce it up” a little bit so as to keep things fresh & exciting. We are looking for a dunking booth, popcorn machine, inflatable slide or bouncer, or cotton candy machine to add to our already stellar line-up. We are also open to other suggestions and new ideas – so if you have any contact Randy at the church (919) 368-2428 or e-mail him at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net. Trunk Or Treat has been, for a couple of years, a big event that draws quite a crowd. We would like build it up even more and really show the Covenant family and its surrounding community that we are here to serve & love others by offering fun, fellowship, & food.

CROP WALK - This Sunday (10/4)

On October 4th @ 2 PM, the annual Cary CROP Walk will begin and end at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Registration begins at 1 PM, the walk/run begins at 2 PM. Last year we had a nice turnout and tons of support. I would like to see us surpass our giving from last year. Covenant raised just over $800 last year which is a wonderful feat, however, our goal this year is to surpass the $900 mark. All who are able please join. Those who cannot, please sponsor one of our walkers/runners. A little support goes a long way! For more information about participating or supporting please contact Randy Holste at the church office (919)481-4715 or randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Chi Rho/CYF...THIS SUNDAY

Calling All Chi Rho... (5th - 8th graders) & CYF (9th - 12th graders).

This Sunday marks our first Chi Rho & CYF meetings for the new year! The plan is to meet every other week in the fall and potentially move them to weekly meetings in the Spring. There are so many things to discuss, please join us or you will miss out on planning the year's events!

Meet in the NEW Youth Lounge @ 5 PM so that we can discuss the events and activities happening this year! We'll be looking at fund raisers, CROP Walk, Lock-in, educational events, service projects, etc... If you want a say in this you had better join us.

Food will be provided (Bring $3 to offset the cost of food!)

Agenda:

5 PM - Gathering/Dinner/Fellowship (CYF & Chi Rho together)
5:30 - Program - Ice Breaker/Discussion of year's events/activities (CYF & Chi Rho separate)
6:20 - Closing Prayer/Worship (CYF & Chi Rho together)
6:30 - Ready for pick-up!

Please, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns!

Randy Holste
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net
(919) 481-4715

Reminder...

For those of you (parents & children) who missed Orientation #1 for Children Worship & Wonder this past Sunday - we are offering it again at 10 AM THIS SUNDAY! Orientation #2 (children only) will be held during the 11 AM hour. Also, we will have a Children Worship & Wonder Open House during the Talent/Untalent Night festivities.

Join Us.

Talent/Un-Talent Night???

Calling all Middle Schoolers.... Just a thought - who wants to participate in a skit or two for Talent/Untalent Night??? Let me know - randy-ccc@bellsouth.net sometime tomorrow. I've got a few in my back pocket, we can practice them on Sunday.

God Bless.

Info about Children Worship & Wonder!

Children Worship & Wonder is here! We are very excited to bring this ministry to Covenant Christian Church! In so many ways we expect this offering to bring our children closer to God and gain a better understanding of what it means to Worship! Bible stories come to life and those who participate find God in new and exciting ways!
If you want more information please look in September’s Newsletter – in the children/youth section (available online at CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org) or contact Randy at the church office (919) 481-4715 / randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Kick-Off Sunday Is COMING...

Remember September 13th will be our church wide kick-off Sunday! This is where our new programs begin. For example, we will be implementing of our new Children Worship & Wonder program and the reinstatement of our bi-weekly CYF & Chi Rho meetings as well. So join us as we start another chapter in Covenant’s history books! I know it will be an awesome experience had by all! Join us.

Plant Sale/Pancake Breakfast This Saturday!!!

Just a simple reminder for all of you lovely Covenant members/fans - This Saturday from 8 - 11 AM, there is a Pancake Breakfast for all of you PANCAKE LOVERS!!!! Pancake Breakfast pre-sale tickets are $6 or if you plan to pay at the door they will be $7. Also, if you ordered some of the BEAUTIFUL mums or pansies that were for sale - they will be ready for pick up as well! For more information don't hesitate to contact the church office @ 919 -481-4715 or email Randy at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Youth Lounge - MOVING!!!!

Calling all Chi Rho - For several reasons Covenant's Youth Room is MOVING! This Saturday (8/29) @ 10:30 AM we will be decorating our NEW ROOM (i.e. the former Kids 2 Kids room next door). If you want input on what the room looks like and how it is arranged it would be great if you showed up this weekend.

This will be the room you all can call your own! You will have Sunday School in this room, we'll have evening meetings in this room, we'll be painting this room at a later date, but we will try and pick out some colors this weekend.

We should be done by noon. After we have moved all of the furniture and decorations we'll discuss some of the Chi Rho happenings for the fall! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this event.

I hope you can join us! See you there.

THIS SUNDAY!!!!

Just a reminder for all of you children who are attending this Sunday (8/23)! BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS will held during children's moment at the 11 AM hour. Be sure to bring your school backpack!

Also, during this service, we will be taking up a donation of school supplies for area schools so any of you who are willing and/or able please bring some items with you so that we can support our schools. The following is a simple list of items that are always welcome: paper, pencils, color folders, glue sticks, crayons, scissors,composition books, color pencils, dry erase markers, tissues, zip lock bags, hand sanitizer, etc...

Please contact the church office if you have any questions or concerns regarding these events! Thanks!

Summertime Kids...This Sunday (8/23)

Dear Covenant children and families...

Just a reminder... This Sunday we will be ending the summer with a BANG! Join us as we travel to Pullen Park and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship! This event is open to ALL Covenant families, friends, & guests! It will be a simple - stress free afternoon where we can just sit, relax, and enjoy the final days of summer break.

Place: Pullen Park (Shelter #4 - just past the aquatics center on the left)

Time: 1 PM to 3 PM

What to bring:
*Family-sized picnic - this is a do-it-yourself meal - bring enough food/drink for your family.
*Folding chairs (optional - picnic tables w/shade will be available)
*Outdoor games - frisbee, baseball, soccer, etc...)
*Sunscreen
*Friends, neighbors, family members, etc...
*$$$ if you want to ride the train, boats, paddle boats, and/or carousel. (Tickets are $1 a piece - paddle boats $6 per 1/2 hour).

Weather Info...
Due to the outdoor necessity of this event, it WILL BE POSTPONED if the weather does not cooperate (i.e. raining). If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact my cell phone @: 919-368-2428 for further clarification.

For more information about park amenities or directions please visit their website or contact them at at: 919-831-6468. You may also call or e-mail me at the church (919) 481-4715 or randy-ccc@bellsouth.net with any further questions.

Peace,

Randy Holste
Covenant Christian Church
919-481-4715
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Durham Bulls Game...

Just a reminder... All are welcome to attend a Durham Bulls game with Covenant Christian Church! On July 26th, we are going to caravan from Covenant to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to watch our very own Durham Bulls take on the Richmond Tide! The first pitch will be at 5:05 PM and all members, friends, families of Covenant are welcome to join us. Tickets are $9 and children under 3 are free! The church has several tickets remaining and we can always purchase more!

Happenings going on that night! Come and meet Wool E. Bull and his friend "Diego" the Animal Rescuer and stick around after the game to "run the bases"!

Come and join your friends/family @ Covenant for fun and fellowship at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham! If you want to caravan to the ballpark we will be leaving around 3:30 PM (*A new time) so that we can see the first pitch! Or if you would like to meet us there - no worries. All are welcome!!!

For more information please contact Randy at the church office (919) 481-4715 or e-mail him at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

To all VBS Volunteers...

Attention all VBS Volunteers... We need your help this Sunday immediately following the 11 AM worship. There is a lot of decorating to do and only a short window to get it done. Lunch will be provided for all who stay and pitch in!!!

Also, remember our theme is "Camp Edge" and we need you to wear your camping gear and your "extreme" personality to match!!! We are going to have an AWESOME time and I think the kids are going to love it! If you have any last minute questions please feel free to contact me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net or (919) 368-2428. I'm always available to answer any questions. Randy

CYF - This Sunday...

We will be meeting once again at the church this Sunday for CYF Experience! All are welcome and we hope you can join us as we discuss further "faith" in a teenager's world!

Help! Several Items Needed for VBS

We are currently looking for a few items to complete our decorating for Camp Edge! We are looking for 2 medium sized and a few smaller artificial Christmas trees that are NOT decorated (“lights only” okay). Also we are looking for an assortment of canteens and lanterns as well. All items should have your name clearly displayed and branded. We could also use a use a 2 person tent as well! Please contact Randy @ the church office if you have something you would like to loan us for VBS! Items may be dropped off at any time!

VBS T-Shirts - Last Call!!!

We are ready to order our Covenant Christian Church - Camp Edge T-shirts!!! They will be $ 10 a piece and will be available to you Sunday afternoon (July 12th) upon registration!

Please respond to:
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net on or before July 2nd, 2009! Please notify me of the number of t-shirts you are requesting and the size(s) (including Youth/Adult). Payment will be graciously accepted on Sunday evening July 12th - the first day of VBS!

Pool Party!!!! - Summertime Kids...

“Summertime Kids” –Pool Party Anyone??? The Barish’s are hosting a pool party @ the Scottish Hills Recreational Facility in Cary on July 9th, 2009! There will be fun for everyone – parents and children! They have 2 slides & 2 diving boards. Festivities begin at 6:15 PM. For directions contact Scottish Hills Club directly at (469-8109)! There will be desserts and all the fixin’s to make a scrumptious ICE CREAM Sundae!!! Bring your friends/family and enjoy an evening by the pool – eating ice cream and desserts! Pool admission is $3 per person and we would like to have a head count by Tuesday afternoon so please send RSVPs to Randy via phone (919-481-4715) or e-mail (randy-ccc@bellsouth.net) ASAP! See you there!

Reminder... This Sunday VBS Training!

There will be an *OPTIONAL training/orientation for all volunteers for this year’s VBS on Sunday July 5^th immediately following the 11 AM worship. It will be geared toward those of you who need/want to know more! It will be designed to explain the layout of the program and what it will look like at Covenant! I am very excited about the group of individuals we have signed up this year, I know it will be an awesome experience for all participants.

*Those of you who are unable to attend, but want more information/guidance may come by the church at any time (Monday-Thursday, July 6^th – 9^th) to obtain basic information about VBS! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

CYF Experience...This Sunday

Hey guys and gals, I wanted to let you know that we WILL have our CYF Experience this Sunday (6/28/09). However, we will be meeting at the church instead of McDonald's! If you have any questions, feel free to call me!

Beach Anyone???

June 29th - July 1st - CYF Lite (Monday - Wednesday)

Beach Trip/Orientation for New Orleans Mission Trip 2009

All CYF participants are invited - even those who are ineligible (due to age) for New Orleans Mission Trip!

We will be meeting at Covenant Christian Church at 10 AM on Monday morning. We will be staying at the Johnston's condo just north of N. Myrtle Beach!!

For all who are interested - please contact the church office (919 481-4715) by 12 noon on Wednesday June 24th to reserve your spot!!! You may even e-mail Randy at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net as well.

Reminder...

June 27th - (Recent Membership Class Participants & Chi Rho Lite):

Help Covenant Go GREEN - Literally! Want to help paint "The Ark"? Here's your chance!

Meeting Place: Covenant Christian Church

Meeting Time: 10 AM to 12 PM

Who's Invited: All students from recent membership class and Chi Rho Lite participants/families)

What to wear: Wear clothes/shoes you don't mind throwing away (just in case)!

Questions: Please contact the church office at (919) 481-4715 or e-mail Randy @ randy-ccc@bellsouth.net to ask any questions