The Central Conference of Evangelical Covenant Churches unites, plants, and strengthens more than one hundred churches of all shapes and sizes in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, eastern Missouri, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
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Save the date! "Day at the Lake IV" - our annual picnic for our African-American churches at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp in Lake Geneva, WI - will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 AM - 6 PM. This event is free, and this year our pastors will be doing baptisms on the lakefront for the first time! Come spend the day, enjoy a lunch by the lakeshore and an afternoon of praise and worship - complete with church choirs and live music. All ages are welcome. Click here to download the flyer in PDF format. If you have additional questions, please contact Debbie Griffith at dgriffith@centralconf.org
Pray for Our Churches
In 2009, the Central Conference is starting a new effort to focus on praying for our churches and organizations. Each week a new group of 5 of our churches or organizations will be listed -- we ask that you keep these churches or organizations, their pastors, and their ministries in your prayers:
Regional news from around the conference shares God's mission through local churches, special events as submitted by readers and the staff team. Share your story with us! You can call us at 773-267-3060 or email us at info@centralconf.org
Save the Date! -- "Day at the Lake," our annual African American church picnic, will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp in Lake Geneva, WI. The festitivies start at 10:30 AM and are free. For more information contact Rev. Debbie Griffith at 773-267-3060 or at dgriffith@centralconf.org
New Community Covenant Church to Sponsor Series on the Gospel and Culture
Chicago, IL (June 24, 2009) -- New Community Covenant Church is sponsoring a free series on the Gospel and culture July 17-19, 2009. Author Skye Jethani, managing editor of Leadership Journal and author of The Divine Commodity: Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity, will be the featured speaker. Topics include: Consumerism and Christianity, Consumerism and Community, and Three Ways to Worship. The series will be held at the Central Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church at 2840 W. Logan Blvd. in Chicago. For more details, check New Community's website for the event, or email office@thenewcom.com with any questions.
Pastors Respond to Need for Worship in Senior Communities
Wheaton, IL (June 10, 2009) -- Since 2005, Grace and Peace Chaplaincy has ministered to some 8,700 older adults in more than 30 senior residences. Started by Rev. Rita Kay Lochner and Ruth Comfield with a Churches Planting Ministries grant from the Central Conference, the service provides regular worship services, hymn sings, Bible studies, funerals, baptisms and even weddings. The Grace and Peace Chaplaincy also receives support from the Covenant Ministries of Benevolence and three Covenant Churches -- Villa Park Covenant, Naperville Covenant, and Parkwood Community Covenant. Click here to read the full article about this important ministry.
Church Reaches Out to Abused Women
West Lafayette, IN (June 9, 2009) -- Riverside Covenant Church's ministry to women who are victims of abuse and abandonment was featured in the local Journal and Courier newspaper. Member Katie Taylor leads the faith-based support group ministering to 20 women who meet each week, sharing a message of hope and healing. Pastor Dan Teefey says that scripture tells us we should minister to widows, and "these women are the modern widows of our day." Click here for a link to the exciting story.
Pastor to Provide "Word of the Day"
Orland Park, IL (June 8, 2009) -- Emmanuel Covenant Church pastor Jocelyn Thornton will provide the inspirational "Word of the Day" on radio station Inspiration 1390 AM for the week of June 8-12, 2009 at 9:15 AM and 6:15 PM CST. Check in and be inspired!
Church Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Its Food Pantry
Stillman Valley, IL (June 8, 2009) -- Valley Covenant Church celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Bread for Life food pantry and soup kitchen on Sunday, June 7. Bread for Life serves more than 300 people each month. Click here to read the complete article about its history and outreach.
Federal Funds to Aid Church's Lunch Program for Homeless
Sheboygan, WI (June 4, 2009) -- Zion Covenant Church has been awarded a $500 grant for its "Lunch Brigade" program, which provides sack lunches to the homeless and other needy people in the community. The grant will enable the church to provide 40 sack lunches tw times each month for the rest of year. Click here to read the complete story about this exciting outreach ministry, and to see some great photos of the volunteers in action.
Sunday School Teacher 'Retires' After 50 Years
Paxton, IL (June 1, 2009) -- The Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton, IL honored Elaine Gustafson on Sunday, May 24, for her more than 50 years of service in some kind of educational role for her beloved church. Click here to read more about this remarkable servant of God.
Day-at-the-Lake-flyer-2009.pdf
