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ISSUE #3, OCTOBER 2012 |
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Fall Beginnings
The fall season is the “other January” – the start of a new year, at least for school and church rhythms.
My prayers are with each of you for a faithful and fruitful season ahead in your churches. As you have geared up through planning, recruiting teams, and initiating programs, may you sense the wind of the Spirit filling your sails.
A compelling new venture gearing up right now throughout the Covenant is Covenant Kids Congo, powered by World Vision. This is an opportunity for every congregation to play a direct role in turning around the most overlooked province in the neediest country of the world through child sponsorships. My specific request is that you would jump right into this movement by scheduling a Hope Sunday for your church. I am confident it will bless your members through the difference they will make in the lives of the children of Congo, their families, and communities.
And, to be reminded of the importance of investing in the lives of the children of your own congregation, read my most recent column in theCovenant Companion.
As you reset the rhythms of your own life this fall, remember the simple two-step cadence to our faith: may you live with God and for God; may you pursue Christ and pursue Christ’s priorities in the world; may you go deeper in Christ and further in mission. That’s who we are at our best. |
CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT
Pacific Southwest
Conference
The Pacific Southwest Conference was founded by six Covenant churches in 1902 to advance Christ’s mission together. Today, it is home to 163 Covenant churches, three retirement communities, a hospital, and a theological school for Spanish-speaking Covenanters. Efrem Smith is the conference superintendent.
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FEATURED RESOURCE
Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, and Truth in the Immigration Debate
by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Hwang – World Relief staffers Soerens and Hwang point to immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible, and just, suggesting ways for churches to minister to immigrant neighbors.
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Half of Congregation Commits to Congo Kids Project
HINSDALE, IL – Nearly half the families at Hinsdale Covenant Church signed up to sponsor children through the Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision project on Sunday, when the church became the first Covenant congregation to conduct a Hope Sunday … Continue Reading |
Social Justice Issues Open CHIC Students’ Eyes and Hearts
KNOXVILLE, TN – Students at CHIC 2012 have impressed workshop and seminar leaders with their passion to serve the poor and broken next door and around the world. Throughout the week, activities and seminars have opened the eyes of the teens … Continue Reading |
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CWR Sending Funds to Aid Fleeing Congolese Refugees
CHICAGO, IL – Covenant World Relief is sending aid to long-time partner Medical Teams International to help them respond to a growing crisis as 20,000 refugees flee a breakout of violence in the eastern portion of the Democratic Republic of Congo … Continue Reading |
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Know a good ministry story? There is always interest in what is happening in local churches, conferences, and other Covenant institutions and associations, as well as reports from missionaries and others serving around the world. You don’t need to be a polished writer. Please provide quotes and photos if available. To submit stories by using the story submission form, click here. |
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Hope Sundays
FALL 2012 – Beginning in October, Covenant congregations across North America will host events to present the unprecedented need in the DR Congo and invite individuals and families to sponsor a child through Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision.
More Information |
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Midwinter 2013
FEBRUARY 4-8 (San Diego, CA) – The Midwinter Conference is an annual retreat for pastors, staff ministers, missionaries, students, and other Covenant leaders and their spouses. Experience fellowship and spiritual renewal with Covenanters from around the world.
More Information |
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October 1-3
Canada, Northwest, and Great Lakes (1) Conferences |
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October 8-10
North Pacific Conference |
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October 10-12
Great Lakes (2) and Pacific Southwest Conferences |
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October 15-17
Central Conference and Midwest Conference (1) |
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October 22-24
Midwest
Conference (2) |
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October 23-25
Midsouth Conference and ECC of Alaska (ends the 26th) |
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October 29-31
East Coast Conference |
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November 13-15
Southeast Conference |
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Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution through Serving
By Dino Rizzo — Servolution is both inspirational and practical reading. It is especially helpful for leaders unsure of where to start in initiating love mercy, do justice ministries. The author shares stories of seeking to bless the lost, poor, and hurting people of a local community in Jesus’ name. The emphasis of the book is on developing a culture of service within the church rather than creating events or programs … Order Now. |
Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible
By M. Daniel Carroll R. — This book provides an overview of an exceedingly complex issue in our nation. The author calls Christians to think biblically rather than politically about immigration. Your viewpoints may be challenged. This alone is reason to read it – to reflect on why you think as you do in relation to this topic. Dr. Carroll, currently at Denver Seminary, will be one of our speakers at the upcoming Midwinter 2013 …Order Now |
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WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Show and Tell
The life and ministry of Jesus was absolutely transformational. His incarnational ministry was made manifest through word and deed. He would both show and tell: his words clarified his deeds, while his deeds clarified the truth of his words. When Jesus was asked if he was “the one” by the disciples of John the Baptist, he responded: “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard” (Luke 7:22).
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