The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Deacon Orlando and Rev. Stephanie Clark, pastor, Covenant Community Church; sponsored a day of unity, last Sunday, at the Depot in Covington. “A Time to Gather” was attended by representatives from various churches in the community and was intended “to gather the people together as we celebrate the Christmas season,” said Rev. Clark.
“Virtual invitations were sent to various churches so that we could gather together in a spirit of love and unity,” said Rev. Clark. Representatives from Historic First Baptist Church, Pine Street Baptist Church, Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Good News Church on Main, New Dimensions Christian Fellowship, and Solid Rock Ministries of Covington; Wrightsville Baptist Church, Wrightsville; Greater Prayer Temple, Roanoke; and First and Main Street Baptist Churches of Clifton Forge turned out to sing carols and hymns, accompanied by Elder Milton
Harding, on piano.
In between the fun and fellowship, the group enjoyed refreshments provided by the 42 Deli, Clifton Forge and Let Them Eat Cake, Lexington. Melissa Wooding, owner of LTEC also catered the event.
The CCC was birthed during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, “as a way to keep people united and connected when many church buildings were closed,” said Rev. Clark. The Clarks began conducting services via teleconference, which they dubbed as the Online Church.
As church doors began to reopen, the name of the church was changed to the CCC and became a mobile church. While they continue to meet via telephone, as “many won’t go back into church buildings,” they have started to travel to various communities to host in-person services, to include baptisms, fellowship, and refreshments. The Clarks have traveled to NJ, OH, WV, FL, CA, MD, and various places in Virginia as they “remain steadfast in the focus of keeping people united through church services and fellowship,” said Rev. Clark.
“There was so much love, hugging, and laughter, at last Sunday’s gathering. It was what it was meant to be, “A Time to Gather,” added Rev. Clark. As she closed, she encouraged everyone to “remember to walk in the light this Christmas and shine throughout the season and into 2025.”
The CCC meets on Sundays at 9:00 am; Wednesdays at 6:00 pm for prayers; and on Fridays at 6:00 am for morning prayer. If you are interested, you are invited to join the CCC at the above listed days/times at (563) 999-1428.
