Advent event calendar 2024
November 15 – December 8
Highland Giving Tree in the Welcome Center
Covenant's Giving Tree for Highland students will be available in the Welcome Center where you can choose an ornament (or two) and shop for family gifts to be dropped back off at the Welcome Center by Sunday, December 8 and delivered to the school that week. Questions? Contact Sally Harriss.
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November 15 - December 11
Christmas Present Drive for The Mezzanine
The Christmas party at the Mezzanine has become a beloved tradition for the residents as well as for our Covenant community. Each December, we throw a big party at the Mezzanine, inviting kiddos who live at the Mezzanine to take a professional photo with Santa, enjoy some holiday cookies, and much, much more. Just as we have in years past, we invite your participation through donating Christmas gifts—Panthers gear, candles, jewelry, etc. These gifts will be put together in a “shop,” a room in the Mezzanine leasing office where kiddos can come choose a gift (or two!) for the adults in their lives. Donations of gifts should be dropped off in designated plastic "tubs" located in the Welcome Center by Wednesday, December 11.
December 13
Holiday Party at The Mezzanine
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Covenant volunteers are invited to enjoy a celebration with children and families who live at The Mezzanine. Children can have their photos taken with Santa and "shop" for presents for their loved ones. Volunteer to help with the Holiday Party!
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December 1 – 24
Advent Devotionals
This advent season, we invite you to tend to your soul through our devotional, “Soul Keeping: Training Our Hearts for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.” Reflections include stories of each of these virtues, reflections from scholar-in-residence, Brennan Breed, prayers, and opportunities for your personal engagement. Sign up to receive the devotions emailed to your inbox each day or pick up a paper copy of the devotional at church beginning November 27. Daily emails are available by subscribing online.
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Starting December 2: Room in the Inn (RITI)
Everyone in the congregation is invited to help host Room in the Inn at Covenant. We need van drivers, overnight hosts and other volunteers to serve and visit with our guests. Contact Lynn Morrow for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 4
TLC Christmas Bingo Party in Fellowship Hall
10:30 a.m.
The TLC Christmas Extravaganza will begin at 10:30 a.m. for refreshments and social time. At 11:00 a.m., join the elves to play Bingo and Christmas Games. There will be lots of prizes and goodies to hand out! Heather Potter will lead us in singing Christmas Carols. Dress in your festive Christmas attire and have your picture taken at our Christmas photo booth. TLC stands for "Travel, Learn, Connect," a group of adults who meet monthly for fellowship and engagement. Please RSVP with Michelle Williamson.
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December 4
Christmas Crafts in Fellowship Hall
5:00 -7:00 p.m.
Children of all ages are invited to embrace the spirit of the season at this beloved Covenant tradition. We'll have card making, cookie decorating, and ornament making available for everyone. Adults are invited to sign up to help children with crafts. Don't forget to bring a bag to take home your crafts! Open Table dinner is not being served for craft night. Dinners will return in January. Sign up to have your picture made with Santa.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 8
Alternative Gift Market in the Welcome Center
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and again at 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Do your holiday shopping this year in a way that supports Covenant’s local and global partners. Covenant’s Alternative Gift Market will be held in the Welcome Center and feature olive oil from Palestine, nativity sets from Kenya and many more unique and special gifts options. Sending Christmas cards this year? Buy "Honor Cards" from the church in honor of a loved one and we will donate 100% of your purchase to a mission partner of your choosing. We have a special holiday card crafted by a Covenant artists. Minimum purchase $20 per card. All proceeds from this market go to our nonprofit partners to support their outreach endeavors. Volunteer your time here.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 8
Handbells on the Circle
10:20 - 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy the sounds of Christmas provided by Covenant Ringers as they play handbells between services on the Circle in front of the sanctuary and Welcome Center.
Lessons and Carols Service in the Sanctuary
5:00 p.m.
Join us for this service of scripture and song as Covenant Choir, Youth Singers, Children’s Choirs and Covenant Ringers lead the congregation in favorite carols and new songs of the season. Music will be interspersed with scripture readings telling the story of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. Contact Heather Potter for more details.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 10
Prime Timers Holiday Gathering and Luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Lovely holiday music and program for those 80 years old and older. RSVP to Michelle Williamson
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 11
Wholeness and Healing Service in the Chapel
6:30 p.m.
“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is not always so wonderful. As the days lengthen and the holidays approach, many of us face grief and sorrow for a variety of reasons. Join us for a worship service that seeks to acknowledge the reality of hardship in our lives while reaching out in trust to the God who holds us through all things. This candlelight service, featuring music, prayer, scripture, and meditation is open to all.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 15
Young Adult Christmas Party at Auto Pour
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Dig up those tacky Christmas sweaters! We look forward to celebrating Christmas together at Auto Pour with fellowship and an ornament exchange. Contact Mary Kate Sykes for more information
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 23
The Annual Covenant College Christmas Party
7:00 p.m. in The Landing
All Covenant college students are invited to celebrate the season, reconnect with their Covenant friends, and eat some pizza. Contact Martin Pruitt for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 20
Winter Solstice Hike at James Boyce Park Pavillion
4:35 p.m.
Join Outdoor Ministry’s Winter Solstice Contemplative Hike. We gather at James Boyce Park Pavilion, 300 Boyce Road to mark seasonal change from Autumn to Winter. December 21 is Earth’s Longest Night also, an occasion for celebrating the light of God’s love in creation, the light of Christ which is never extinguished. Sign up for the hike here.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Tree Service and Ribbon-Tying
Monday, December 23 between the Chapel and Fellowship Hall
1:00 p.m.
The Memory Tree is an annual gift to the congregation from Covenant's "Surviving Our Spouses" group. All those who have lost a life partner are invited to a brief ceremony with Katherine Kerr and others in SOS to tie on the first ribbons. (Gold, white, and silver ribbons will be provided.) On Christmas Eve, the congregation is invited to tie a ribbon on the tree in remembrance of loved ones we miss -- those who are with us in spirit but no longer in person. Contact Kandy Cosper for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highland Giving Tree in the Welcome Center
Covenant's Giving Tree for Highland students will be available in the Welcome Center where you can choose an ornament (or two) and shop for family gifts to be dropped back off at the Welcome Center by Sunday, December 8 and delivered to the school that week. Questions? Contact Sally Harriss.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 15 - December 11
Christmas Present Drive for The Mezzanine
The Christmas party at the Mezzanine has become a beloved tradition for the residents as well as for our Covenant community. Each December, we throw a big party at the Mezzanine, inviting kiddos who live at the Mezzanine to take a professional photo with Santa, enjoy some holiday cookies, and much, much more. Just as we have in years past, we invite your participation through donating Christmas gifts—Panthers gear, candles, jewelry, etc. These gifts will be put together in a “shop,” a room in the Mezzanine leasing office where kiddos can come choose a gift (or two!) for the adults in their lives. Donations of gifts should be dropped off in designated plastic "tubs" located in the Welcome Center by Wednesday, December 11.
December 13
Holiday Party at The Mezzanine
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Covenant volunteers are invited to enjoy a celebration with children and families who live at The Mezzanine. Children can have their photos taken with Santa and "shop" for presents for their loved ones. Volunteer to help with the Holiday Party!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 1 – 24
Advent Devotionals
This advent season, we invite you to tend to your soul through our devotional, “Soul Keeping: Training Our Hearts for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.” Reflections include stories of each of these virtues, reflections from scholar-in-residence, Brennan Breed, prayers, and opportunities for your personal engagement. Sign up to receive the devotions emailed to your inbox each day or pick up a paper copy of the devotional at church beginning November 27. Daily emails are available by subscribing online.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting December 2: Room in the Inn (RITI)
Everyone in the congregation is invited to help host Room in the Inn at Covenant. We need van drivers, overnight hosts and other volunteers to serve and visit with our guests. Contact Lynn Morrow for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 4
TLC Christmas Bingo Party in Fellowship Hall
10:30 a.m.
The TLC Christmas Extravaganza will begin at 10:30 a.m. for refreshments and social time. At 11:00 a.m., join the elves to play Bingo and Christmas Games. There will be lots of prizes and goodies to hand out! Heather Potter will lead us in singing Christmas Carols. Dress in your festive Christmas attire and have your picture taken at our Christmas photo booth. TLC stands for "Travel, Learn, Connect," a group of adults who meet monthly for fellowship and engagement. Please RSVP with Michelle Williamson.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 4
Christmas Crafts in Fellowship Hall
5:00 -7:00 p.m.
Children of all ages are invited to embrace the spirit of the season at this beloved Covenant tradition. We'll have card making, cookie decorating, and ornament making available for everyone. Adults are invited to sign up to help children with crafts. Don't forget to bring a bag to take home your crafts! Open Table dinner is not being served for craft night. Dinners will return in January. Sign up to have your picture made with Santa.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 8
Alternative Gift Market in the Welcome Center
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and again at 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Do your holiday shopping this year in a way that supports Covenant’s local and global partners. Covenant’s Alternative Gift Market will be held in the Welcome Center and feature olive oil from Palestine, nativity sets from Kenya and many more unique and special gifts options. Sending Christmas cards this year? Buy "Honor Cards" from the church in honor of a loved one and we will donate 100% of your purchase to a mission partner of your choosing. We have a special holiday card crafted by a Covenant artists. Minimum purchase $20 per card. All proceeds from this market go to our nonprofit partners to support their outreach endeavors. Volunteer your time here.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 8
Handbells on the Circle
10:20 - 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy the sounds of Christmas provided by Covenant Ringers as they play handbells between services on the Circle in front of the sanctuary and Welcome Center.
Lessons and Carols Service in the Sanctuary
5:00 p.m.
Join us for this service of scripture and song as Covenant Choir, Youth Singers, Children’s Choirs and Covenant Ringers lead the congregation in favorite carols and new songs of the season. Music will be interspersed with scripture readings telling the story of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. Contact Heather Potter for more details.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 10
Prime Timers Holiday Gathering and Luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Lovely holiday music and program for those 80 years old and older. RSVP to Michelle Williamson
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 11
Wholeness and Healing Service in the Chapel
6:30 p.m.
“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is not always so wonderful. As the days lengthen and the holidays approach, many of us face grief and sorrow for a variety of reasons. Join us for a worship service that seeks to acknowledge the reality of hardship in our lives while reaching out in trust to the God who holds us through all things. This candlelight service, featuring music, prayer, scripture, and meditation is open to all.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 15
Young Adult Christmas Party at Auto Pour
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Dig up those tacky Christmas sweaters! We look forward to celebrating Christmas together at Auto Pour with fellowship and an ornament exchange. Contact Mary Kate Sykes for more information
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 23
The Annual Covenant College Christmas Party
7:00 p.m. in The Landing
All Covenant college students are invited to celebrate the season, reconnect with their Covenant friends, and eat some pizza. Contact Martin Pruitt for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 20
Winter Solstice Hike at James Boyce Park Pavillion
4:35 p.m.
Join Outdoor Ministry’s Winter Solstice Contemplative Hike. We gather at James Boyce Park Pavilion, 300 Boyce Road to mark seasonal change from Autumn to Winter. December 21 is Earth’s Longest Night also, an occasion for celebrating the light of God’s love in creation, the light of Christ which is never extinguished. Sign up for the hike here.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Tree Service and Ribbon-Tying
Monday, December 23 between the Chapel and Fellowship Hall
1:00 p.m.
The Memory Tree is an annual gift to the congregation from Covenant's "Surviving Our Spouses" group. All those who have lost a life partner are invited to a brief ceremony with Katherine Kerr and others in SOS to tie on the first ribbons. (Gold, white, and silver ribbons will be provided.) On Christmas Eve, the congregation is invited to tie a ribbon on the tree in remembrance of loved ones we miss -- those who are with us in spirit but no longer in person. Contact Kandy Cosper for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Christmas Eve Schedule
Tuesday, December 24
10:00 a.m. Children’s Service in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Live Nativity Animals & Petting Zoo
Our program will kick off with our Kindergarten class performing the Nativity story in the sanctuary. Then, the celebration will continue with a live nativity petting zoo and birthday cake for Jesus outside.
3:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Service in the Sanctuary
A wintery, candlelight mix of classic Christmas carols with a few contemporary songs. We will feature many voices, brass and string instruments, and a cappella music, as well as our Christmas communion.
5:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Service in the Sanctuary and the Chapel
Two candlelight services of traditional carols, Christmas communion, and Angel Ornaments. Both services will be led by Covenant Ministers, as well as live musicians and a choir.
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Sunday, December 29
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service in the Sanctuary
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10:00 a.m. Children’s Service in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Live Nativity Animals & Petting Zoo
Our program will kick off with our Kindergarten class performing the Nativity story in the sanctuary. Then, the celebration will continue with a live nativity petting zoo and birthday cake for Jesus outside.
3:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Service in the Sanctuary
A wintery, candlelight mix of classic Christmas carols with a few contemporary songs. We will feature many voices, brass and string instruments, and a cappella music, as well as our Christmas communion.
5:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Service in the Sanctuary and the Chapel
Two candlelight services of traditional carols, Christmas communion, and Angel Ornaments. Both services will be led by Covenant Ministers, as well as live musicians and a choir.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunday, December 29
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service in the Sanctuary
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