find your pew

Daniel and Bob

Introducing
Daniel Heath

Daniel began his musical journey as his late grandfather handed him a pair of lemon-colored drumsticks at the age of three. He watched instrumentalists at church at a young age and joined them at seven.

In the fifth grade, he picked up the string bass and began to play the trombone in the school band. While in high school, Daniel picked up the tuba, played in the orchestra, wind ensemble, and sang in the chamber choir. As a freshman he started and directed the school’s first gospel choir and went on to become the second African-American in the school’s history to hold the title of drum major. Morehouse College marked the next step on Daniel’s musical quest. Daniel graduated with honors from the department of music studying composition. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. While at Morehouse College, Daniel sang with the Morehouse College Glee Club serving as President/Business Manager and Baritone Section Leader.

His A Mark On My Heart composition (A Tribute to September Eleventh) was featured on the popular Clark Atlanta University FM radio station and his men’s chorus piece, A Prayer For Our Brethren, was recently debuted by the Morehouse College Glee Club.  Daniel also offered free piano lessons to the housing projects surrounding Morehouse during his junior year. During two summers, Daniel worked in Charlotte with Jocelyn Thompson and Carolina Voices.

In the spring of 2006, Daniel graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law but has recognized God's call for him is in other places.  He currently is the Director of A&R for gospel music at Lamon Records based in Nashville and is the choral director at the historic West Charlotte Senior High School.

Daniel will be enrolling at Winthrop this fall to begin his Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting.

Daniel is married to his wife Katrina Jones-Heath, a doctor of physical therapy. They have a six-month-old son, Jackson.

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

We are thrilled for the opportunity to expand our worship life at Covenant Church and trust God will do great things as we step out in faith. We are particularly fortunate to have Daniel Heath who will be leading the music for our new contemporary service, and trust God will use his considerable gifts. We invite your prayers as we begin, that this service will fulfill its potential in strengthening faith and reaching people with God’s word of hope and grace.

Warmly,

Bob Henderson

 

Here are some questions and answers about our new 9:30 service:

What is the contemporary worship service?

The contemporary style worship service is intended to blend Covenant’s traditional worship elements (format, sermon, sacraments) with more contemporary music (mostly acoustic) and casual attire. The contemporary style service, like all of our services, will reflect Presbyterian theology and is meant to give members of all ages an option to worship in a different way.

 

Why is Covenant starting this new service?

Covenant has been considering a new contemporary style worship service for several years. The idea has been raised in surveys and focus groups with church members and is part of the church’s long-range plan. We realize that Covenant needs to continue to expand its offerings to provide choice and meet the needs of the diverse community it serves. 

What about the traditional services?
The traditional services will continue to be held Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 11. The contemporary service adds to our Sunday morning worship experience. We anticipate that our traditional services will continue to experience strong growth. The contemporary service offers variety and choice for people looking for something a little different. 

How will the contemporary style service different from Covenant’s traditional style services?
While the sermon and messaging at the contemporary style service will be similar to the traditional style services, the main differences will be the contemporary music and casual dress.

When will the new service begin?
We plan to begin the service May 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

When and where will Covenant’s Sunday morning worship services be held?
The traditional worship services will continue to be held at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel and at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The new contemporary service will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Who will lead the contemporary style worship service?
All of Covenant’s ministers will rotate through this service on a regular basis, and the minister preaching in the other Sunday services will preach in the contemporary service as well. Also, Daniel Heath has joined the church staff as music leader for this service.

Why did you choose to have the contemporary service at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday?
A couple of factors went into this decision. First, we wanted to offer additional choice in our Sunday morning worship experience. Second, research shows that contemporary worship services are most successful when held on Sunday mornings. And finally, we felt this would be the best way to maintain consistency with our traditional services. 


Will the new service impact Sunday school attendance?
We believe that, over time, the service will enhance the Sunday school experience by attracting more people to the church. We realize that contemporary service is not for everyone, just like traditional service is not for everyone. By offering different opportunities, including Sunday school, we believe that everyone can experience spiritual growth. Some classes may choose to meet at an alternative time, which is perfectly fine. However, it’s just as OK for classes to continue meeting as they do today. 

Why did you decide to hold the contemporary service in the Sanctuary?
We believe the Sanctuary is the best location on Covenant’s campus for the most meaningful worship experience. Keep in mind that this service will be very similar to our other worship services, with the exception of its music and more casual dress. 

 

How are you planning to market this service?
A number of communications and marketing efforts are planned, including fliers, banner signs and notifications in area newsletters and publications. We also will rely on Covenant members to help spread the word in the community. The marketing will focus on all three of Covenant’s Sunday morning worship services and include a tag line, “Find Your Pew” to emphasize variety and choice.

How did you select the “Find Your Pew” theme?
After studying several options, we felt that the “Find Your Pew” theme best illustrates the variety and choice that Covenant’s traditional and contemporary services will offer.Worship is important enough to transcend particular style. Therefore, we are emphasizing participation in either of the styles offered at Covenant and affirming the centrality of worship in the life of God’s people regardless of personal preference.

What is contemporary music?
Contemporary includes piano, keyboards, guitars, percussion and other instruments to provide an accompaniment for our voices raised in worship. The musical selections will be intentionally varied and decidedly contemporary with an emphasis on congregational participation in worship.

What is the appropriate dress? What do you mean by “casual?”
Worship leaders will be without robes and other vestments, and congregants are invited to “come as they are.” Participants are welcome to wear anything from shorts and t-shirts to suits and ties. Casual dress is optional but is not required.

Will communion be served on the Sundays it is served during the traditional services?
Yes. Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month in all services.

Can children participate/attend?
Yes! Children are invited to join their parents in this worship experience.

Will there be child care?
Child care and Sunday school hour will be simultaneous to this service, providing full options for children, youth, and adults at the 9:30 hour.

Are there opportunities for me to get involved with/participate in the service?
A variety of opportunities exist for lay persons to participate in worship. From playing in the worship ensemble to ushering, all gifts of time and talent are welcome.

How Do I Find Parking?
Parking lots are located off Dilworth Road and Arosa Avenue. On-street parking is available on Dilworth Road, Morehead Street and other nearby neighborhood streets.

Have more questions? Contact us

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