Covenant Presbyterian Church - Charlotte, NC

Mission & Outreach Update:  

Standing With Our Immigrant Neighbors 

In the wake of recent Customs and Border Patrol activity in Charlotte, Covenant elders and staff have prayerfully worked to discern faithful next steps. Guided by Scripture’s persistent drumbeat—welcome the stranger, for you were once a stranger—we are focusing our energy on the work that protects the most vulnerable and strengthens our shared community.
This week, M&O named five priority workstreams to help our congregation respond with clarity, courage, and care:

1. Support for Local Partners

We will focus on heightened support of our ongoing relationships with some of our most vulnerable local partners: Highland Renaissance Academy and the Refugee Support Services. 
Highland Renaissance Academy (HRA):
  • Ongoing: You can support the most vulnerable families by purchasing a gift card to Compare Foods, a local Hispanic grocer who is waiving delivery fees in response to this crisis. You may drop gift cards off at Covenant and they will be shared with the HRA social worker to support the most vulnerable families. Sign up here! 
  • Sunday, 11/16: Covenant Children’s Ministry put together Thanksgiving meal kits for 25 families at HRA.
  • Tuesday 11/18: Covenant members supported HRA students through the Read, Roar, Soar program, learn more about how you can participate in this program here.
  • Wednesday 11/19: Covenant will host a mobile food pantry at HRA. Learn more and sign up here:  Covenant Members: Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry 
  • Ongoing: Highland is creating an on-campus food pantry that families can access at any time. You’re invited to support this effort by bringing donated food items to the bins in the Welcome Center. The most needed items are canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, as well as pasta and cereal. 

Refugee Support Services:
M&O committee is actively working with our partners at Refugee Support Services to confirm the highest value support. In the meantime, you can visit their website here.  

2. Education Opportunities for Action

We are committed to connecting members with reputable city-wide training programs, workshops, and practical resources that help us navigate these moments with wisdom and moral clarity. Here are some upcoming training that provide grounding and empowerment: 

3. Building Relationships with Reputable Advocacy Partners

Covenant is actively deepening communication with trusted organizations such as Siembra NC and the Carolina Migrant Network, ensuring our actions are informed, aligned, and responsible. You can check out the websites of these organizations to be connected with resources and trainings.  

4. Cross-Congregational Solidarity

We are reaching across the city to collaborate with other congregations for peaceful vigils, prayer gatherings, and forms of faithful and non-violent public witness. 
  • Protest: In this season when peaceful protests are arising quickly and often with little notice, we want to ensure that Covenant members who wish to participate can stay connected. If you would like to be contacted and invited when these opportunities arise, sign up here to opt in. This list will allow us to gather safely, faithfully, and together as a community committed to justice and peace. 

As a church, we hold fast to the truth that God draws near to those most at risk—and calls us to do the same. May our hearts stay open, our steps steady, and our courage rooted in the One who shelters us all. For questions about resources and response, please contact Courtney Shudak.