What's Happening @ Covenant During Christmas...

The following is a listing of events happening @ Covenant this Christmas season...

*Saturday (Dec. 18th) - Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant (2-4 PM) - With Pizza party immediately following the rehearsal @ 4 PM!!

*Sunday (Dec. 19th) - Love Sunday (IV Sunday in Advent - 9 AM & 11 AM worship)

*Sunday (Dec. 19th) - CHRISTMAS PAGEANT & Holiday Tasting Party! Come ready to be amazed & bring your favorite holiday treat to share. (5 PM)

*Wednesday (Dec. 22nd) - Youth assistance needed to prepare luminaries & candles for Christmas Eve Service (3 PM) - 45 minutes MAX!

*Friday (Dec. 24th) - Christmas Eve Service! (6:30 PM)

*Sunday (Dec. 26th) - NO 9 AM Worship OR 10 AM Sunday School. 11 AM Christmas Worship FOR EVERYONE!!!!

THIS WEEKEND @ COVENANT!!!

Hello to all children & families of Covenant, just wanting to fill you in on a few things happening this weekend @ Covenant!

*Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Kids 2 Kids trip to the Islamic Center has been postponed to a later date (probably January - info coming your way so keep your eyes peeled).

*Youth is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Sunday evening - bring $3 for dinner & a friend. We are discussing "bullying in schools", how to identify it and what to do.

**WE NEED YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN THIS SUNDAY'S HANGING OF THE GREENS SERVICE DURING 11 AM WORSHIP. Please let Randy know at the church office if you are able to be there or not (randy-ccc@bellsouth.net)! NO SPEAKING REQUIRED, JUST HANGING GREENERY to decorate the church for Advent/Christmas season!

Peace to all!

Kids To Kids - DECEMBER!!!

Kids 2 Kids…Islamic Center Tour/Prayer Service

On December 4^th, our children are trekking to the Islamic Socieity of Raleigh (meet @ the church around 12:40 PM to caravan) to participate in a mid-day prayer service and tour the society’s facilities. We hope you can join us as we take the time to learn about the Islamic faith! All are welcome! If you want more information or have any questions with regards to this trip, don’t hesitate to contact Jody Barish (jodylb23@yahoo.com) or Randy Holste (randy-ccc@bellsouth.net) at the church office for more details.

Christmas Pageant Practice Schedule

*Sunday, Nov. 21st: (12: 15 - 1 PM) - Information Session*

Saturday, Dec. 4^th: (3:00 -4:30pm)- (Immediately following K2K event)

Sunday, Dec. 5^th: (12:15-1:15) - (Immediately following Congregational Meeting)

Saturday, Dec. 11^th: (2:00 - 3:30pm)

Sunday, Dec. 12^th: (12:15-1:15pm)

Saturday, Dec. 18^th: (2:00-4:00pm) - Dress Rehearsal

Sunday, Dec. 19^th: (5 PM) - Christmas Play!

DISCIPLES DAY - Barton College

Just a simple reminder that THIS SUNDAY (Nov. 21st) all 5th - 12th graders are invited to join us as we trek east to visit our friends & neighbors @ Barton College! It is "Disciples Day" and all Disciples youth from around North Carolina are invited to experience life on a college campus.

We will be meeting @ Covenant around 1:45 PM so that we can hit the campus by 3 PM. Dinner is provided on campus and the food & fellowship are free, so bring yourself and your friends to experience Barton College & the Disciples.

For more information or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net or call the church office at (919) 481-4715.

Wet 'N' Wild Youth...

All youth (up-coming 5th graders through 12th graders) are invited to join us on a trip to Wet & Wild in Greensboro, NC on Saturday August 14th! If we can get over 15 people interested in joining us admission would be $25 per person! We’ll be leaving the church around 8 AM – arriving at the park about 9:45 AM. Your children will need to bring $$$ for drinks & food for the time spent in the park & an extra $5 for a stop for Pizza on the way home! We should be home by 8:30 PM. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, & NEIGHBORS!

RSVP to the church office (919) 481-4715 by Wednesday August 11th to reserve your spot on this trip.

Youth BEACH TRIP 2010!!!

Hello all Covenant Youth -just a friendly reminder that we are headed to the BEACH in a couple of weeks! I've heard from most of you about your intentions to join us, however, I want a final head count by Friday (July 16th). Simply contact the church office or email Randy at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

I've had several requests to shorten this event to only 1 night instead of 2, are there any objections to this move? We can head out fairly early on Saturday and find our way back to the church sometime on Sunday afternoon. Tell me what your thoughts are regarding this potential change in plans. Costs are dependent upon how many nights we choose.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Frankies Fun Park -- This Saturday!!!!

Just a simple reminder... THIS SATURDAY (June 19th) we are headed to Frankies Fun Park! To accommodate a few folks, let's move the time back to 11:30 AM. We will meet at the church and head on over there together! We should find our way back to the church by 3:30 PM.

Be sure to bring:
-A friend
-$20 which pays for food, 1 round of putt-putt, & $6 worth of arcade credits (or 1 game of laser tag)!

*For more information check out their website. If you want to bring extra $$$ for arcade credits that is okay, but please know that you cannot get cash back for any unused credits placed on your card!


Also, I am looking for adults who are interested in attending this activity & who can assist with transportation, please let me know if you can help!

Kids 2 Kids - THIS WEEKEND!!!

It’s not a stretch to say that at Covenant, we strive to be active participants in our community and world. We encourage our families to look at the “BIG picture” and fully understand what it means to be Christian and what it means to ACT like a Christian. As Disciples we don’t stop at a textbook definition of what it means to believe – we ask the hard questions and strive to find the answers.
At Covenant we believe our children benefit from similar practices. Therefore our Kids 2 Kids (elementary aged children) service-oriented program dedicated several months to focusing on Religions of the World.

It’s goal was simple; 1) to educate Covenant’s children to the truly diverse nature of this world & 2) to expound upon their understanding of their own faith/Christian beliefs.

Our adventure concludes this month, (June 5th @ 12:30) as the children venture to the Islamic Socieity of Raleigh and participate in a mid-day prayer service and tour the society’s facilities. We hope you can join us as our journey comes to a close! All are welcome! If you want more information or have any questions with regards to this trip, don’t hesitate to contact Jody Barish (jodylb23@yahoo.com) or Randy Holste (randy-ccc@bellsouth.net) at the church office for more details.

Covenant Youth!!!

Hello Covenant Youth! Reminder - We have FUN NIGHT this Sunday (May 5/23 -5:30 PM to 7 PM)! Bring your friends & $3 for dinner! Come ready to have some FUN!

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you!

Peace,

Randy

This Sunday @ Covenant...

Hello to all Covenant Families & Friends,

As many of you may know...THIS SUNDAY is a very special day in the life of our church! During our 11 AM worship service we will be recognizing & celebrating families. Our children, youth, & families are leading the charge by "Stepping Out In Faith" and leading worship. Prepare yourself for singing, dancing, praise, and LOTS & LOTS of energy! Family Sunday is something special. It is a Sunday where our children become teachers and we transform into pupils. It is a time where parents, individuals, &/or adults take a step back, observe, & listen to God's "still small voice" resonating through the hearts and voices of our very own children/youth. It is truly amazing how God speaks to us & through us.

It seems only fitting that our children & youth are the ones setting the pace and taking the first steps this Sunday. It is their energy, physical and emotional drive, enthusiasm, & overall confidence that will forge our path. As capital campaign pledge cards are distributed this week, it is natural we start questioning a building project. As a church family we find ourselves at a crossroads in our communal journey of faith. As we struggle with the HARD questions (to open the door or shy away from it), I believe we must observe the passion, love, & commitment of our children. As parents/family members, we must foster and encourage such traits as well as share in their passion & commitment if we are to take those proverbial 1st steps. Let's follow their lead - let's find that confidence, let's passionately define ourselves and our mission, & let's believe in ourselves and take that leap of faith TOGETHER! If we are honest & have faith that God is with us on this journey, no matter the outcome, we will not fail!

I challenge each and every one of you to be in attendance this Sunday so that you can experience this beautiful occasion with your Covenant family.

Peace,

Randy Holste
Associate Minister for Children & Youth
Covenant Christian Church
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net
(919) 481-4715

Family Day Info...

Just wanted to send out a reminder that Family Sunday @ Covenant is May 16th. Our children, youth, & families will be leading worship on this day! Rehearsal for this event is THIS Saturday (May 8th) at 10 AM. We want all children who participate in Children Worship & Wonder, children's choir, & youth to join us this Saturday so that we can prepare ourselves. This will be a great event! Bring your family, friends, & extended families for this very special day! They'll LOVE it.

FYI: There will be another rehearsal on May 16th @ 10 AM! For more information or questions regarding this event or it's rehearsals, please contact Randy at the church office (919-481-4715) or email him at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net.

Peace,

Randy Holste

Covenant Youth – THIS WEEKEND!!!

Join us THIS SUNDAY (May 2nd) for our Chi Rho program. (5:30 – 7 PM). THIS IS A CHANGE ON YOUR CALENDAR DUE TO “MOTHER’S DAY” – next week. Because of this change there will not be any youth activities on May 9th. The calendar will resume as scheduled after Mother’s Day. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Randy at the church office or email him at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Covenant Youth - THIS SATURDAY

Just a reminder. This Saturday our event with SPCA of Wake County has been canceled, however, we have another AWESOME opportunity to help! As many of you know Covenant runs a booth at Cary's "Spring Daze" @ Bond Park. THIS SATURDAY (4/24/10) we can help! The work is simple and you get to spend time with each other @ the park! We need all of you to help out with this event. I've told the powers that be that we can help during the 10 AM to 1 PM time slot (their busiest time slot)! If you can only come for part of the time, no problem, we just need your help for as long as we can get it. Bring your friends, bring your family and help Covenant with this church-wide fund raiser! For more information don't hesitate to call me. DO NOT COME BY THE CHURCH - just bring the youth by the park. I'll send an email with directions to our booth!

* ALSO - PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL IF YOU OR YOUR YOUTH ARE PLANNING ON HELPING OR IF HE/SHE CANNOT MAKE THIS EVENT! WE NEED A HEAD COUNT BY FRIDAY.*

Peace,

Randy Holste

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY IS HERE!!!!

We are headed to Wilmington (April 16th-18th) for this year’s Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Get ready for Food, Fellowship, & Fun!
This will be my first trip and I am stoked about it – I hope you are too! We’ll meet Disciples youth from all over North Carolina. We’ll play games, worship, and eat together all weekend long. There will be a Keynote speaker for the weekend and plenty of songs and skits for all. If you looking to try something new and are tired of the same-old, same-old THIS IS THE TRIP FOR YOU. You’ll see friends you met at St. Paul’s during our January Lock-In and make new ones as well! Send in your information AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!

For more information contact Randy @ 481-4715 or randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Covenant Youth... REMINDER!

Just a reminder that THIS Sunday (4/11/10) we have a youth program @ the church. Be here at 5:30 PM and bring $3 for dinner and a friend to share in the fun and excitement of Covenant Youth! The festivities will be over by 7 PM. Come prepared to learn something new about our world! Peace. For more information please contact Randy Holste @ the church office or email him @ randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Youth Program - 5:30 PM (3/28)

Just a reminder. Tomorrow night @ 5:30 PM we have a youth program to discuss the Easter story and how it relates to us today. Be sure to bring a friend and $3 for dinner. We'll not only have a great discussion, but also great food and Easter activities to bring it all together! I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night!

Youth Lock-In - THIS FRIDAY (3/12/10)

Hello all Covenant Youth... Just a reminder this Friday night (3/12/10) we have a Covenant ONLY youth Lock-In! We'll eat - watch movies - play games - & fellowship! Be sure to bring your friends, and come prepared to have a good time!

What to Bring:
*YOUR FRIENDS
*$5 to cover food costs (Pizza & Breakfast)
*snacks to share.
*sleeping bags
*pillows
*YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE
*PJs
*Air mattress (optional)

What NOT to Bring:
*I-pod
*video gaming device
*anything that will separate you from the group

PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS EVENT. I NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH FOOD WE WILL NEED!
Meet at the church around 7 PM on Friday. We will have a late dinner for all youth & breakfast on Saturday! If you have any further questions or concerns please contact me at the church office (919) 481-4715 or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

Covenant Youth & "Week of Compassion"

Just a reminder to all Covenant youth - this weekend we have a day trip to St. Paul's Christian Church planned. We will fellowship with their youth and hear a word from Rev. Brandon Gilvin - the Associate Director of the Disciples led organization - "Week of Compassion". We will discuss the Haiti relief efforts. The new relief efforts directed toward Chile and how "Week of Compassion" is working hard to make a difference in the world.

We will be meeting at the church around 3:20 PM on Sunday March 7th and carpool to St. Paul's. Mr. Gilvin's presentation will begin promptly at 4 PM. We should be back at the church no later than 6:30. Bring your friends and family members, it will be a great event that you won't want to miss!

FYI Parents: We will need drivers for this event so if there are any of you interested in hearing what Rev. Gilvin has to say please join us, I sure could use some help with transporting our kids to and from St. Paul's.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the church office at (919) 481-4715 or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net. I will e-mail you this week with information pertaining to food and supplies for the event (if necessary)

Peace - Randy

Easter Extravaganza and Egg Hunt!!!

Covenant’s annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Extravaganza is fast approaching! Go ahead and prepare yourself for lots of Easter crafts, egg hunting, and a special program for all children (members and guests) of Covenant Christian Church. Bring your friends, bring your neighbors, and your family to celebrate the Easter season with us! Festivities begin at 10 AM on April 3rd and will conclude by 11:30 AM. Parents wanting to know more about this event or want to inquire about volunteer opportunities don’t hesitate to contact Randy Holste @ 481-4715 for further details.

Chi Rho - This Sunday - MOVIE NIGHT

Just a reminder… there is a Chi Rho meeting this Sunday @ 4 PM (TIME CHANGE). We will meet in the youth lounge to watch the movie “Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs”. This is just one more time where we can all come together and have fun!!! The movie is only 90 minutes long so the festivities will be over by 6 PM. We will take some time at the end to discuss the tentative Chi Rho calendar (Feb – August) as well. We’ve got a full line up for the coming months and you need to know what is going on!
Come on out, bring a friend & $3 for dinner!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the church office or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net – See you SUNDAY!!!

World Religions - Kids 2 Kids

We are excited to kick-off our "Religions of the World" on Sunday, February 28, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. We will begin at the Hindu Temple, which is located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560. Please plan to be at the temple, which is the first building on the left, a little before 2:00 p.m. and we can all go in together. Please share with your children that they are entering a place of worship and everyone will remove their shoes once inside.

Activities for the afternoon are a tour of the Temple, brief discussion of the Hindu faith and practices, a service project (Project Linus blankets), a brief discussion of the similarities of the Christian faith and Hindu faiths and a light snack!

Bring your friends, neighbors, & family members – the more the merrier!

For more information or if you have questions regarding this event please call the church office or email Randy @ randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

CHI RHO - Upcoming events... This Spring & Summer!

So this past Sunday a few of us met and dictated what will be happening for the rest of the school year & Summer. I have to admit – IT’S A GREAT LINE-UP! We’ve got mission moments, trips, overnighters, & just plain FUN THINGS happening this year. Remember to check out the Children/Youth Calendar each month to see what is in store for you! If FUN & FELLOWSHIP are not on your list of things to do this year – simply disregard, but if you are up for some ADVENTURE – check us out!

Our next meeting is NEXT SUNDAY (Feb. 21st) @ 5 PM . We’re having a MOVIE NIGHT @ the church! Come ready to have some fun!

For more information please contact the church office or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net (Covenant Christian Church)

Chi Rho & Football??? This Sunday!!!

Hello Chi Rho members and families - just wanted to let you know that there seems to be a few conflicts with Chi Rho this weekend (2/7/10) and some football game!?!? (wink-wink). I want to take an on-line poll and see who wants to move the time for Chi Rho up to 3:30 instead of the scheduled 5:30 slot? This would put our meeting ending @ 5 PM instead of the scheduled 7 PM. Simply reply - by e-mail if it is (or is not) okay to move Chi Rho times for this week. Let me know!!!

See you all Sunday AM for Souper Bowl of Caring!!! Call or e-mail with any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Randy Holste
Covenant Christian Church

NO CHI RHO...

Due to the weather, the Chi Rho meeting scheduled for tomorrow night (1/31/10) has been CANCELLED. Our next meeting is scheduled for 2/7/10 @ 5:30 pm. Stay tuned for more information regarding "Souper Bowl of Caring" happening on 2/7/10 during worship! An e-mail will be coming your way with more information. Please be prepared to be at the church NEXT Sunday AM for this very important mission opportunity.

For more information, please contact me at the church office or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net

ALL SERVICES & ACTIVITIES FOR THIS WEEKEND HAVE BEEN CANCELLED AS WELL!!

Thanks,

Randy H.

Reminder... This Sunday - Kids 2 Kids - World Religions Service Project

Just a simple reminder to all children (K-5th grade) - This Sunday (January 31st) our Kids to Kids program will be traveling to Kids Together Park @ 10 AM to participate in a joint service project with Beth Shalom's (Cary's Reformed Jewish Center) children's program to help clean up the park! This is the first installment of Covenant's World Religion's experience! Parents are encouraged to come with their children. Bring your friends, bring your neighbors. This will truly be an AMAZING experience, you won't want to miss it.

For more information about this specific event - check out our newsletter or our church's website for more information about our church!

Chi Rho - This weekend!!!!

Hello ladies and gentlemen in Covenant's Chi Rho. Just a reminder, we will be having our initial meeting of 2010 THIS SUNDAY @ 5:30 PM in the youth lounge. We will come together and devise a spring/summer schedule and discuss the year's activities, programs, & mission projects. Please come armed with $3 for dinner and a willingness to help us make 2010 AWESOME!

Also, we will be kicking off our mission's year with participating in "Souper Bowl of Caring", so mark it on your calendars to be available Sunday morning (Feb. 7th) @ 11 AM to help gather donations for Urban Ministries of Wake County.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the church office or e-mail me at randy-ccc@bellsouth.net. I'll see you on Sunday.

One Final Thought for Tomorrow's Lock-In... IMPORTANT!

Hey,
Youth! Let's use our lock in as an opportunity to help the people of
Haiti. Bring items with you that we can use to compile Hygiene kits and
Baby kits for Church World Service. We'll put them together at the lock
in, and send them off so they can be used in the relief efforts.

If you don't have time to shop for items, you could bring a few dollars
to donate, and we'll buy whatever items we don't collect at the
lock-in. Here's what we need for the kits - choose any of these items
to bring:

BABY KITS:
-cloth diapers
-infant-size T-shirts or undershirts (no onesies)
- washcloths
-infant gowns or sleepers
-diaper pins
-infant-size sweater or sweatshirt

HYGIENE KITS:
-hand towel measuring approximately 16" x 28" (no fingertip or bath
towels)
-washcloth
-wide-tooth comb
-nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards)
-bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
-toothbrush (in original packaging)
-Band-Aids

Reminder... Lock-In FRIDAY!!!!

Hello all you Chi Rho and CYFers.

I need to know by this afternoon around 6ish or so if you plan on attending this weekend's Lock-In. It's going to be a blast and you won't want to miss it. I've gotten several confirmations, just wanting to check on the rest of you! Let me know either way!

Peace,

Randy
randy-ccc@bellsouth.net
(919) 481-4715
CovenantChristianChurch-Cary.org

LOCK-IN --- Next Friday!!!

Hello to all...

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that the first ever Raleigh/Cary/Wake Forest Disciples Lock-In will be taking place on Friday night January 15th. Chi Rho and CYF from all over the Raleigh are will be "locked in" at St. Paul's Christian Church in Raleigh. It will be a blast and you won't want to miss it. We're going to have pizza, games, music, movies, snacks, & worship! Come on out and visit with the other youth around our region. You will see these guys and gals again, at Regional events, retreats, ski trips, etc... so you had better get to know them now!

We'll be meeting at the church around 6 PM so that we can trek over there between 6:30 and 7 PM.

The only things you need to bring with you are:
*Friends
*Sleeping Bag
*$5 to cover expenses
*Friends
*Pillows
*PJs
*Friends
*Snacks to share with others
*& more Friends!

What you should not bring with you are:
*electronic gaming devices
*mp3 players
*Anything that will keep you separated from the rest of the group!

WE HAVE TO HAVE A HEAD COUNT BY WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13TH) - PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS EVENT (INCLUDING FRIENDS)!!!!!!!

For more information contact the church office @ (919) 481-4715 or e-mail Randy @ randy-ccc@bellsouth.net. You guys will love it. I promise!

Thanks,

Randy
Covenant Christian Church