The Covenant Companion
Features
Spiritual Lessons: “Were You There?”
Jelani Greenidge concludes our series on Negro spirituals with a powerful reflection on “Were You There?” and its haunting invitation to enter the story of Good Friday.
The Good Shepherd
Covenant pastor Bronwyn Murphy explores the grace and pursuit of the Good Shepherd, highlighting Jesus’s relentless love for people who are lost and broken.
Presence and Peace
Covenant chaplain Deb O’Neil Lewis brings compassion and spiritual care to law enforcement, offering presence and peace on the front lines of trauma and public service.
The Gifts of Weakness
From a marathon runner to being bedridden, Rebekah Eklund reflects on her journey with long COVID—and the unexpected graces she encountered along the way.
Called and Gifted by Her Community
Sally Carlson’s ministry journey reveals how the affirmation and encouragement from her community helped her recognize her pastoral gifts and calling.
Five Minutes with Ancy Post
Missional storyteller Jelani Greenidge spoke with Ancy Post, the new president of the Covenant Asian Pastors Association (CAPA). They discussed how she came into her role, the significance of her South Asian heritage, and her dreams for CAPA.
Featured story
The Good Shepherd
News
Conflict Portends Instability for DRC Covenant Work
Covenanters are concerned about a resurgence in fighting in the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
More Cov Doings: Anniversary Edition
We love in-depth storytelling, but for brief stories that we want to share with our Covenant family, we’re bringing back a familiar format from the blogging age: the roundup post.
Curtis Ivanoff Honored as North Park Distinguished Alumnus
Last week Rev. Curtis Ivanoff was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) at the Midwinter Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Covenant Churches Rally Amid California Wildfire Devastation
As California fires devastate communities, Covenant churches unite to bring hope, aid, and Christ’s love amidst tragedy.
Following Christ Together with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kenya
The ECCK’s vibrant discipleship empowers women, welcomes refugees, and embodies Christ’s call to follow him in unity and transformation.
Quilting a Tapestry of Hope
Pastor Leonid Regheta, working with Hillside Covenant Church and other Covenant churches, builds bridges of reconciliation, supporting Ukrainian refugees and uniting diverse immigrant communities.
Announcements
Rob Peterson Nominated to Lead the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada
The Canada Conference Leadership Board has named Rob Peterson as the nominee to serve as president/superintendent of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada.
Dany Flores Joins Serve Clergy
Serve Clergy is delighted to announce that Reverend Dany Flores has accepted the invitation to join the team as the director of clergy support with a Latino emphasis.
President’s Letter to Church Annual Meetings
Local Covenant churches may download the Congregational Annual Meeting Letter from President Tammy Swanson-Draheim.
Seeking Candidates for Vice President of Mission Priorities
Covenant Offices is seeking candidates for the role of vice president of mission priorities.
Paul Lessard to Resign as Vice President of Mission Priorities
Paul Lessard announced he will resign from his position as vice president of mission priorities effective January 1, 2025. He leaves the role to become vice president of business development with Covenant Trust Company.
Canada Conference Announces Search for President/Superintendent
The Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada has begun the process of nominating its next president/superintendent.
Commentary
Confession as Formation and Proclamation
Could authentic confession be the key to effective evangelism? Discover how embracing vulnerability and truth-telling can transform the church’s witness to the world.
This Little Light of Mine
A small act of kindness, like greeting a stranger, can shine Christ’s light and transform ordinary encounters into moments of grace.
I’m Pretty Sure the Church Isn’t Allergic to Turkey
A childhood belief about being allergic to turkey leads to a deeper reflection on healing within the church.
Do What You Can
Preach the gospel by doing what you can and trust God to make it sufficient and maybe even extraordinary.
Olympic Controversy: Exploring Art, Faith, and Reaction
The 2024 Olympics sparked controversy with a scene resembling Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Cheryl Lynn Cain and Jelani Greenidge discuss its impact on faith and culture.
Is It the Church’s Job to Teach History?
Considering how the past shapes the structures of our society can be an act of spiritual formation.
Featured story
Spiritual Lessons: “Were You There?”
Arts & Culture
Lessons from a Journey Through Green and Gold
Brothers Anders and Davin Lindwall share how their Midwest roots, creative passion, and faith shaped their debut feature film Green and Gold, now streaming.
Don’t Be Afraid of the “Brave New World”
Captain America: Brave New World wrestles with identity, justice, and leadership. What does true bravery look like in a divided world? This film—and faith—offer insights.
To Offer Care and Counseling
When families face life’s hardest moments, ministry leaders have a unique opportunity to offer comfort and guidance. Ministering to Families in Crisis is a compassionate and practical resource, equipping pastors and caregivers to walk alongside those in need with grace, understanding, and hope.
Anticipation and Wonder in a Fresh Advent Story for Children
“The Deliverer Has Come,” by Sarah Shin and illustrated by Shin Maeng, features captivating storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and a thoughtful exploration of Advent themes.
Sacred Jazz: A Joyful Noise Unto the Lord
Sacred jazz blends faith with jazz’s rich rhythms, tracing roots from African American spirituals to Duke Ellington’s transformative Sacred Concerts.
Divine Comedy in Your Toolbox
Jelani Greenidge’s Undercover Prophets equips readers to integrate stand-up comedy into ministry, emphasizing storytelling, laughter, and impactful communication.
In Memoriam
Clara Mae Adamson
Clara Mae Adamson died March 13, 2025, in Trimont, Minnesota. She was 86.
Albert A. Damrose
Retired Covenant pastor Albert A. Damrose passed away September 20, 2024. He was 95.
LeRoy M. Johnson
Covenant minister and president emeritus of Covenant Trust Company LeRoy M. Johnson died February 8, 2025. He was 92.
Donald Logue
Retired Covenant minister Donald E. Logue passed away on November 1, 2024, in Grand Island, Florida. He was 90.
Joanne Peterson
Joanne Lea Peterson, wife of retired Covenant minister Paul Peterson, died on December 11, 2024, at Sterling Park Senior Living in Waite Park, Minnesota. She was 87.
Sharon Gradin
Retired Covenant minister Sharon Gradin died on November 19, 2024, in Gresham, Oregon. She was 85.
Rebecca Holmlund
Becky Holmlund, wife of retired Covenant minister Bill Holmlund, died December 11, 2024, after a six-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 81.
Donald Ostrom
Retired Covenant minister Donald Ostrum died on December 22,2024, in Brownsburg, Indiana. He was 80.
Love the Cov
Podcast
Sitting Down with Dany Flores and Metzli Doles
In this episode of Love the Cov, Dany Flores and her daughter Metzli share their intergenerational partnership in ministry, reflecting on how their shared commitment to faith, family, and justice shapes their lives and work.
Sitting Down with Harold Spooner and Peter Sjoblom
In episode 4, Harold Spooner and Peter Sjoblom share their journeys in urban ministry and racial reconciliation within the Covenant, reflecting on leadership, justice, and the legacy they hope to leave for future generations.
Sitting Down with Henry and Jelani Greenidge
In episode 3, Jim Sequeira speaks with Henry and Jelani Greenidge about Henry’s pioneering work in planting a truly multiethnic church back in 1988, Jelani’s experiences growing up in that diverse congregation, and their reflections on the state of the multiethnic church today.
Sitting Down with Lenore Three Stars and Jim Sequiera
In episode two of Love the Cov season two, Lenore Three Stars and Jim Sequeira share their journeys within the Covenant, leaning into their Indigenous wisdom and identity. Their work includes repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery and guiding the Covenant toward deeper understanding and healing.
