1

June-July 2019 | Vol. 32, No. 6-7

6 Meet young people who will

serve with us

3 Sneak peek inside

new buildingSPECIAL ISSUE 5 Happening

this summer at Covenant

A monthly publication of Covenant Presbyterian Church Charlotte, North Carolina

2

Dear friends,Summer months often provide a bit of a respite, opening time to read and renew. I’m compiling a list of summer reading and hope you will enjoy doing the same. This year’s summer library includes: A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of

the Quick Fix by Edwin FriedmanThe Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way you Lead Forever by Michael Stanier;Silence: A Novel by Shusaku Endo; and The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided on Politics by Jonathan Haidt. I’ll probably slip in a few novels as well, and I would love to hear recommendations from you.In addition to reading this summer, I invite you to pray for a few matters of high importance:1. We are presently engaging in two pastoral searches. Please pray for clarity for the search teams and candidates, and ask that the Spirit would – even now – be preparing the way for vibrant future ministries for those who will serve here.

Message from Bob Henderson

Financial UpdatePledge Receipts (Year to date through April 30, 2019)

2019 Budgeted: ...............................................................$1,113,4002019 Actual: ......................................................................$1,144,912

100.2% of Goal

• Helen Richards and Mary Nell McPherson will serve as chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the Child Development Center Advisory Council. They will work with Director Chris Callaway on policies and procedures.

• Covenant will host the Charlotte Master Chorale's performance of Considering Matthew Shepard, a three-part oratorio that remembers Shepard, a gay college student who was kidnapped and murdered in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. The concert will be Sunday, Sept. 22.

Session Digest

Thanks VolunteersVolunteers took part in a spring cleaning during the last week of March. The group, led by Pat Burgess, polished wood, cleaned cushions, switched light bulbs and repaired tiles in preparation for Easter.

If you have an interest in volunteering for campus spruce-up projects, contact Pat at PatBurgess@mdsci.com or Property Manager Zeno Wall at Zeno.Wall@covenantpresby.org.

2. Construction madness! The coming months will experience a higher degree of activity (and interruption) with our on-campus construction. Pray for safety for workers, for ongoing ministries, and the many adaptations that must be made.3. Generous giving: Because of the rapid implementation of Mezzanine at Freedom (the Covenant-supported affordable housing development) and our Welcome Center/Child Development Center, we will front-end load our costs. Every early pledge fulfillment and additional contribution will help us avoid potential borrowing costs. Please consider what you might do.We are extraordinarily blessed to be part of this dynamic faith community, and I find myself thankful every day.

Warmly,

3

Big things are happening behind the construction fence. Rusty Williams, a Covenant member and professional photographer, donned a hard hat to provide a glimpse inside the building. See a slideshow at CovenantPresby.org/forawholecommunity.

Due to an especially rainy season, the new space is now scheduled to receive a certificate of occupancy by mid-October. The building will house seven Child Development Center classrooms, an indoor rainy-day play room, receiving kitchen, lactation room, offices, a teacher resource room, lounge and parent lobby. The main floor will include a reception desk, meeting space, conference rooms and bathrooms.

We hope to begin accepting interest forms for the CDC on June 17 and open in early November. Find details at CovenantPresby.org/childdevelopmentcenter. All requests to enroll children must be submitted electronically.

Hard hat tour gives peek of what's to comeGo inside new building with photographer Rusty Williams

Children led the way as Covenant celebrated the newly renovated Morehead Street playground, serving the CDC and preschool.

The brief ceremony was conducted by Hannah and Zach Leitner, who led the playground planning and implementation team, and their teammates Rosie Elrahal, Lisa Lindvall and Wendy Neisler, who were instrumental in envisioning what the space could be, ensuring it adheres to safety requirements and seeing it through to completion.

The renovated space, built by Creative Playscapes, LLC, provides an environment that will engage and nurture growth for all the children in our community.

Over the summer, the two playgrounds on the campus side of the Education Building will also be updated with new equipment and changes that better align the space with CDC licensing requirements. An outdoor infant play space will be added once the new building is closer to completion.

Questions? Email CovenantCapitalCampaign@gmail.com and a team member will get back to you.

Morehead Street playground: A place for children to learn, grow

4

Contact me at Mary.Mattiacci@covenantpresby.org.

Summer brings a lot of fun and a lot of health and safety challenges. Take a few minutes to be safe and healthy. Here are a few quick tips from the Centers for Disease Control:

• Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on the water.

• Put on sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun.

• Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Put on insect repellent.

• Wash your hands often.

Please look for me in my temporary summer home in the music offices in the Sanctuary building. Our Ed Wing offices are being renovated.

Have a wonderful and healthy summer!

Mary

Nurse's Note

Mary Mattiacci Parish Nurse

How letter to the editor led to a business Talent scout Jan Thompson will speak to usYou may not know that our own Jan Thompson ran a talent scout agency here in Charlotte. She produced commercials and worked on shows. Hear from Jan about the difficulties facing women in business in the '60s and '70s and discover how much television has changed. Wednesday, June 12. Join us in the Sanctuary Parlor at 10:30 a.m. for refreshments and 11 a.m. for the talk.

See the Andy Griffith Museum Visit to Mt. Airy, NCWe will travel in rented vans to the Andy Griffith Museum, Floyd’s Barber Shop, Wally’s Service Station and the Courthouse/Jail. Lunch is at Barney’s Café. There will be time to wander on your own after lunch. Wednesday, June19. We will leave from Covenant at 8:30 a.m. and be back around 4:30 p.m. RSVP to Mary by June 12.

Road trip to Flat Rock Playhouse A play with music from Elvis PresleySee a performance of All Shook Up, the story of a small town very set in its ways until a man named Chad comes to shake things up. Music from Elvis Presley accompanies a story with comedy, dreams and romance.Wednesday, Aug. 14. We will leave from Covenant at 9:30 a.m. and be back around 6 p.m. Space is limited. RSVP to Mary by July 24.

TLC Upcoming Events

Travel, Learn, Connect – Covenant's active adults group enjoys learning and travel (and good food). RSVP: Mary.Mattiacci@covenantpresby.org

Bringing Baby HomeWorkshop to prepare for becoming a familyAre you expecting? Did you recently welcome a new baby? Come to a two-day workshop led by Parish Nurse Mary Mattiacci and Susan Ferone to prepare for the normal challenges of becoming a family.

When: Saturday, July 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner Saturday and brunch Sunday are included.

Register: RSVP by June 28 to Mary Mattiacci at 704-804-7561 or Mary.Mattiacci@covenantpresby.org.

5

Summer sermon series with Bob HendersonWhat's on your mind? Pose a question on a theological issue weighing on your mind.

Senior Minister Bob Henderson and Covenant’s pastoral staff will select a query each week and explore possible answers. Funny, serious, cultural, scientific...no topic is off limits. We respect your confidentiality.

Adult Summer Sunday SchoolFaith + Career: Hear from leaders in the fieldAt Covenant, we don't believe that faith is simply something that we do on Sunday mornings. Instead, it permeates our identity and belief system. And it influences the work we do in our professional lives.

This summer, hear from leaders and innovators in the fields of medicine, engineering, law, politics and more. Join us for panel discussions Sundays at 9:30 a.m. beginning June 2 in Fellowship Hall 207. (On June 9, we'll be in FH203 to accommodate Senior Sunday).

Covenant Kids Summer Sunday SchoolWe'll move during Ed Wing renovationsOur summer schedule runs through Sept. 8. Here's a look:

Childcare is available in the Parlor for infants-Kindergarten.

Elementary-age students will go to 9:30 a.m. worship, then depart for the Chapel for a lesson following the time with children. Parent pick-up is in the Chapel.

Middle and high school students will meet in The Landing (bottom floor of Fellowship Hall) from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Fifth grade students are invited to join us.

Parents, not siblings, are responsible for drop-off and pick-up of children from child care and Sunday School.

Nurse's Note

Summer Choir invites you to singOpportunities to make, hear musicSing with us in Summer Choir from June 16 to Sept. 1. Rehearsal is Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Peek Music Room

(located downstairs in Sanctuary building). Come every week or drop in occasionally—you are always welcome with directors Heather and Kenney Potter (left).

Special opportunities:

June 9: Music Outreach Day—We will make a road trip to First Presbyterian Church in Hamlet, NC,

to lead and share in worship. If you love to sing, this is a special opportunity for you to use your gifts. Bring your whole family!

June 23: Staff Day—All present and past staff members are encouraged to join us.

July 28: College and Young Adult Day—College students and young adults are welcome all summer, and especially on this day. We hope you’ll bring your friends and sing together

August 4: Covenant Choir Alumni Day—Calling all former Covenant Choir singers. Sing all summer if you’re able, but make a special effort to be here on this day.

Covenant WILDlife with Grady MoseleyFly fishing and a day at whitewater centerFly fishing with Grady Moseley: Friday to Sunday, June 14-16, near Boone for two full days of wade fishing. We will stay at Valle Crucis Conference Center and fish nearby rivers, guided by Due South Outfitters. Fishing gear is provided.

A day at U.S. National Whitewater Center: On Saturday, June 22, join Covenant folks for biking, hiking and organized activities throughout the day. We'll have a reserved tent from 4 to 8 p.m. for music and fellowship.

Contact Grady.Moseley@covenantpresby.org or 704-804-7580.

Contemporary Worship at 9:30 • Traditional Worship at 11 • Child care availableUnified worship at 11 a.m. on July 7 • CovenantPresby.org/summer

6

We are a Teaching ChurchGet to know our 2019 interns as they explore their gifts for ministryDavidson/Stapleton InternsFor almost 30 years, Covenant has partnered with Davidson College on this internship created by the late Anne and Don Davidson. Students encounter poverty and struggle with issues of faith and social justice. These students live with Covenant families for the summer.

Ramona Davis will serve at UrbanPromise. She is under care of First Presbyterian Church, co-sponsor of the Stapleton/Davidson internship program.

A rising junior, Ramona is passionate about teaching youth of color the value of environmental stewardship. She serves as a Mental Health Ambassador and a Student Equity Advisor, helping identify faculty who are committed to the college’s stated goals of diverse and inclusive teaching.

Nathan Jordan will serve at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. His host parents are Drew and Sally Harriss.

Nathan is a rising sophomore who is an ordained Presbyterian Ruling Elder and Eagle Scout. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and with neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Katie Macturk will serve at both Crisis Assistance Ministry and the Salvation Army Shelter for Women and Children. Her host parents are Cheryl and Hunter Hoover. A rising senior, Katie has led mission trips to Johns Island, SC, and is committed to supporting refugees, especially in the Middle East.

Jack Swinson will serve at the Urban Ministry Center. He is under the care of First Presbyterian Church. Jack is a rising junior who is an Eagle Scout and enjoys tutoring local students in Spanish.

Cole Thorton will serve at QC Family Tree. His host parents are Jerry and Susie Jernigan. Cole is a rising junior who leads weekly on-campus discussions and political action around issues of gun control. He is particularly passionate about art, agriculture, and food justice.

Left to right: Jack Swinson, Nathan Jordan, Katie Macturk, Cole Thorton, Ramona Davis

The Charleston church shooting is the subject of a new film. Covenant and The Park Church will reserve seats for a screening of EMANUEL when it appears in movie theaters across the country in June. Date, time and location TBA.

The film—from executive producers Stephen Curry and Viola Davis, co-producer Mariska Hargitay, and director Brian Ivie (The Drop Box)—is a story of justice and faith, love and hate, examining the healing power of forgiveness following the tragedy at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Presbyterian Women awarded an unprecedented five local mission grants at the annual PW dinner on May 6. Circle nominators and recipients include (from left to right):Meredith Murchison representing Sedgefield Middle School PTO; Stowe Demarest with Kristy Davis from Faith, Hope & Love Mentoring, Suzanne and Carolyn Goins with Molly Zalweski from Foster Village Charlotte; Karen Parker, CEO of Safe Alliance (nominated by Ann Ayers- not pictured); Kristy Sweeney, representing Mitchell's Fund.

PW Dinner supports local partners Film screening with The Park Church

7

When the dining room doors opened at Men's Shelter of Charlotte, Covenant folks stood ready to offer smiles and big helpings of Texas Hash to the arriving guests.Just the way Joe Pool would have wanted it to be.Joe was not in his usual spot on the serving line. On this night, his apron was worn by Sandra Pool, a fitting tribute to her husband's many years of faithful service. Joe died in March after a bout with melanoma, and the occasion marked Covenant's first shelter dinner since his passing.Servers and shelter staff gathered a few minutes before the meal to remember a gentle soul with a distinctive chuckle and a

kind word for everyone he encountered.Then it was time to go to work. Sandra took on the job of handing out silverware at the front of the line, carrying forward with a spirit that surely made Joe proud."One of the men who came through the line said, ‘Everybody here has such a smile

on their face. This group looks so happy,'" Sandra recalled a few days later. "That’s the way Joe wanted it. He wanted us to make sure to speak to the men and give them the feeling they have worth."In the obituary, Joe's family asked for people to make gifts to the Men's Shelter in lieu of flowers. The tally has grown to more than 50, and Sandra plans to send handwritten thank you notes for each one - another way to pass on the gratitude for which Joe was so well known.

Freedom School tackles summer reading loss You can be a reader, gift giver or chaperone

If lower income children can’t continue to learn through the summer, they fall behind their higher income peers. Only 10 percent of low-income CMS students have access to quality summer learning programs.

That's the rationale behind Freedom School, a six-week, literacy-based program with 17 locations around Charlotte.

Covenant supports a Freedom School site at Highland Renaissance Academy serving 60 children in grades K-8. The session is June 17 to July 25.

Visit CovenantPresby.org/freedomschool to see volunteer opportunities for adults and high school students.

• Chaperone a field trip• Read to children at morning pep rally• Lead an afternoon art project, sing-along or other fun activity. Your creativity is welcomed.

'This group looks so happy'How friends remembered Joe Pool at Men's Shelter dinner

See how these agencies are changing lives Site visits to our partner nonprofitsJoin Covenant folks for visits to three partner nonprofits. We'll meet at the church 15 minutes prior to the visit. Lunch is included. RSVP to Lucy.Crain@covenantpresby.org.Tuesday, June 18 at noon– The Relatives: Learn about On Ramp, a resource center for young adults who are working toward employment, education and housing opportunities. Coming upSamaritan House: See recuperative care for people who are homeless and in need of short-term care following a hospital or emergency room stay.QC Family Tree: Learn about neighboring for good through ministry of presence in Enderly Park while working for more affordable housing across Charlotte.

Film screening with The Park Church

8

Baptisms Congratulations to the following families who presented their children for baptism on Sunday, May 12:

Emily and Zack Hull (and big sister Libby and big brother Zack) who presented their son, Robert (Robbie) Harrison Hull;

Megan and Pablo Aycinena (and big brother Nicholas) who presented their daughter, Gabriella (Gabi) Rose Aycinena;

Erin and Nick Nixon who presented their son, Seth Harrison Nixon;

Katie and Barrett Brown who presented their son, Everett Hugh Brown;

Erin and Thomas Farmer (and big sister Maddie Grace) who presented their son, Luke Thompson Farmer; and to

Lauren and Thomas McCormick who presented their twin sons, John McDavid (Mack) and Walker Yates McCormick, on Sunday, May 19.

Weddings Congratulations to Deborah Gray and Nathan Walsh, who celebrated their wedding in the Chapel on May 4; and to

Ashley Bonomo and Jeff Grubbs, who celebrated their wedding in the Sanctuary on May 11.

Deaths in the Church The congregation extends its sincere sympathy and love to Bev Rotert and her family on the death of her son, Brooks Campbell Rotert, on April 2;

the family of Martha Mitchell, who died on April 30;

the family of Isabel Starr, who died on April 30;

friends of Dona Burroughs, who died on May 4;

Anne and Tom Fehring and their family on the death of her mother, Marian Johnson York, on May 14;

Judy and Dan Hays and their family on the death of her mother, Jane Clark, on May 15;

and rejoices with them in the assurance of the resurrection.

Congregational NotesLet Covenant know by contacting: Michelle.Williamson@covenantpresby.org.

WelcomeNew Membersthrough May 25

Mary Beirne Taylor

Trey Galarde and Callie SpainhourSam Seabrook

Mark LautensackKelly Harris

David Daniels

Ken Forester

Interested in Joining Covenant? Contact Lora Borrelli, membership and engagement director, at Lora.Borrelli@covenantpresby.org or 704-804-7562.

9

Elder Nomination Form - Deadline is June 30Covenant's Elder Nominating Committee is seeking nominees for Elder and Youth Elder. The church will elect 10 adults and two youths for terms beginning in

January 2020. Please mail nominations to: Covenant Presbyterian Church, c/o Elder Nominations, 1000 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28204

Elder Nominee: Youth Elder Nominee: (Must be a rising sophomore or junior in high school)

Your name: Your phone or email:

Please describe in writing your nominee(s)’ qualifications for service as Elder; attach extra sheets if necessary.

!

Deep Dive Questions Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m. in FH105 Are science and religion compatible? Are they necessarily at odds, or do they complement one another? How do miracles fit into the equation? Open to all.

Night at the Knights Sunday, July 28 at 5 p.m. We have a reserved block of seats in the left field picnic area and access to an all-you-can eat BBQ dinner. The discounted cost is $20. RSVP to Ian by June 25. Provide dinner for Freedom School Monday, July 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We'll serve a meal to parents and families as they attend a special night at Highland, our CMS partner school.

Join us at any time. Get connected: Ian.Clark@covenantpresby.org

I believe that our Young Adults ministry is most successful when it does three things well: serving, learning and building relationships.

Over the past few months, we have achieved success on each of these fronts. From a service perspective, teams of young adults

have supported our ministry partners, including Urban Ministry Center and Crisis Assistance Ministry. We also worked together to offer a Habitat for Humanity day to contribute to the construction of Covenant’s full house build.

On the learning side, our diverse collection of small groups continue to be a place where young adults are challenged to think critically about what it means to

be a Christian in today’s world.

We recently hosted a Lowcountry Boil and a social for young adult parents. Both offered connection points to build strong, faith-cen-tered friendships. We have welcomed a number of new young adult members to our congregation.

We are excited for what the summer has in store and look forward to you being part of it.

Ian Clark Pastoral Resident

YoungAdultsHow Young Adults ministry is moving people to step forward in faith

10

News and notes: What's ahead for youth ministriesCombined Youth Summer Sunday School • Due to renovations, we will move out of the Education Wing for the summer. Come to the The Landing on the lower floor of the Fellowship Hall on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Fifth- grade students are invited to join us.Celebrate graduates on Senior Sunday • On Sunday, June 9, Covenant will recognize graduates during worship at 9:30 and 11 a.m. A breakfast for seniors and families is at 9:30 a.m. in FH207.Mary Kate McAlister will serve as education intern • Mary Kate McAlister will serve with the Covenant staff this summer as our education intern through the Jeffrey D. Sanders Summer Internship scholarship fund. In addition to assisting the education staff, she will accompany high school youth to Washington, DC in June for a mission trip to learn about poverty and justice. Welcome back, Mary Kate!Summer middle school retreats and mission trips • Mission experience to Heifer International Ranch, June 22-29. We'll experience a global poverty simulation and lay the foundation for lives of mission and service. Registration is complete. Summer high school retreats and mission trips • Senior trip to Yucatan, June 16-22. Our week is filled with character-building work and fellowship. Registration is complete. • Mission trip to Washington D.C., June 23-29. We'll serve the poor and integrate those experiences through discussion as a way of getting justice "under our skin." • Montreat Youth Conference, July 7-13. We'll spend a week in the mountains with 1,000 youth.

Reach Director of Christian Education Perrin Tribble at Perrin.Tribble@covenantpresby.org or 704-804-7569.

In preparation for Senior Sunday, we asked two high school seniors to reflect on their experiences in the youth program.

Zane Shockley plans to study industrial engineering at NC State.

My Quest confirmation mentor was Matt Dees (now age 29). I have older siblings in college, so it was cool to have an older brother type of situation. Middle school was tough for me, but I felt really connected at Covenant and it became almost like a safe haven.

Attending the summer youth conference in Montreat introduced me to Presbyterians from all over the east coast. We would talk in small groups for three hours a day about things happening in the world and how they affect youth.

In freshman year, I was biking on Roswell Avenue, going to a babysitting job. I was going a little too fast and hit a bump in the road. I tried to hit the brakes and flew over my handle bars. I ruptured my spleen. Within a couple of hours, I was in surgery. Bob and Jessica, and so many people from Covenant, visited me in the hospital.

Caroline Wise plans to study political science or business at Washington & Lee University, where she will walk onto the lacrosse team.My earliest memories are of Vacation Bible School. We would ride party buses to Lake Norman, and Miss Pat

(former children's ministry director) would take us to swim and play Bible games with kids from Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church. Growing up, I was one of the only girls in my grade at Covenant. Getting to be with another church allowed me to bond with girls

who now go to my high school.

In high school, there is lots of tension over political beliefs. People often repeat what their parents say, and they get offended when someone says something different. Covenant taught me how to listen to other views critically. Accepting everyone and keeping an open mind has served me well.

The spring beach retreat has always been my favorite. My freshman year, we got lost in a state park. Another year, we restored an oyster habitat. It’s fun to get together for one weekend, put away everything else we have going on, and put our relationships first.

The long, winding road: A look back with Caroline and Zane

Congratulations, Confirmation Class of 2019!

11

Claire Brown begins as interim director Claire Brown, a Covenant member and first-grade teacher at Windsor Park Elementary School, will join the staff as interim director of children's ministry. Claire starts on July 15 and will spend her first six weeks working alongside Anne Lowrance, who has announced her retirement effective Aug. 31. "There is no greater joy than sharing God's love with children," Claire said. "I'm so blessed for the opportunity to serve alongside the amazing staff at Covenant who have so faithfully shared God's love with me the past five years."Claire graduated in 2009 from Clemson University with a degree in elementary education. Now in her fifth year at Windsor Park, Claire takes pride in cultivating an inclusive, multi-cultural environment and collaborating with parents to empower young learners.

Seeking 2019-20 Sunday School Teachers Children’s Ministry is now recruiting teachers and leaders for the fall. Please consider volunteering to love and nurture Covenant children during the 9:30 a.m. hour. For more information, contact Anne.Lowrance@covenantpresby.org.

Open Picnic Table welcomes you The table is still open this spring and summer! Bring your own picnic dinner and join Covenant friends for Open Picnic Table. Trikes, bikes and scooters are welcomed. Chalk art, games and frozen dessert are provided by the Early Childhood Education Committee.

Dates are June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21. No RSVP needed. For questions, contact Sarah Gaston at sarahmcleod9@gmail.com.

Covenant Kids Education

God’s children are united by the language of laughter and the deep-down desire to play. We can find proof far beyond the borders of our campus.

When I asked children at Covenant to name their favorite playground activities, they hurried to cite everything from the monkey bars to the swing set, as they remembered all the times they had laughed and learned while using them.

There's a larger, related story I want to tell you about.

Not only did Covenant recently dedicate a new playground on Morehead Street, but thanks to your generous response, students at two of our partner schools have also received expanded access to playtime.

At Renguti School in Kenya, new playground equipment provides a safe, welcoming place for the community’s children, even outside regular class hours.

Meanwhile, Highland Renaissance Academy has become the only school in its league with not one, but two soccer teams who sport new jerseys with pride.

Additionally, Highland students are enjoying a new Fit Lab and basketball hoops. The smiles decorating the faces of children from Charlotte to Kenya remind us of our common identity, even across our differences.

Kids share a common languageFrom Covenant to Kenya to Highland

Julia Watkins Pastoral Resident

1000 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204

PERIODICALSU.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 005405

CHARLOTTE, NC 28204

USPS 005-405 is published monthly by: Covenant Presbyterian Church 1000 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte NC POSTMASTER ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Kathie announced her retirement in April after 15 years with Covenant Preschool, including the last 12 years as director. Her last day is June 30.

I am filled with gratitude when I think about my

time with all the amazing children and wonderful families over the years.

When I first entered Covenant Preschool fifteen years ago, I immediately felt a sense of belonging.

Over the years, Covenant has become "home" for me. I feel immensely blessed to have spent so many joy-filled days here. I will cherish all the laughter and, yes, sometimes the tears and worries that I have shared with you.

I have learned so much from you and the children and will carry you always in my heart as I move on to a new chapter in my life.

Be assured that the Preschool mission and philosophy will be carried on by the new director and our wonderful staff. They are very lucky to continue on with you, the Covenant Preschool family.

I'll close with wise words from Winnie the Pooh, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

Goodbye, friends, and I wish you well.

'Carry you always in my heart as I move on'Preschool director Kathie Grabert reflects on her retirement

This summer at Covenant

Covenant ContactsMain Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-333-9071News/Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-804-7565Recreation Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-334-7491Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-333-8658

Covenant Email Addresses firstname.lastname@covenantpresby.org

Covenant Web Site: www.covenantpresby.orgWorship Online: media.covenantpresby.org