Thirteen chapters before Jesus is betrayed, Luke tells us, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).
Determined to fulfill the mission, Jesus walks with his disciples into a history-changing week. Propelled by the Spirit, Jesus demonstrates a staggering self-awareness as one loved and sent by his Abba Father. The Father’s love defines Jesus.
The Father’s love, expressed through the mission and message of Jesus, defines us too. As we walk together in this most holy of weeks, please know that I am praying for you and your congregation. Whether you are gathering onsite, online, or a mixture of both, may the Spirit of the living God encourage you and give you resurrection hope.
As you preach the gospel, may it be “not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). May thousands upon thousands of people hear and receive the good news of Jesus. I pray for many to cross the threshold of faith into God’s enduring kingdom by saying yes to Jesus.
I have been praying this prayer every weekend this year for all our Covenant churches. But this week is especially significant, knowing all that we experienced in 2020, which continues today. May our ears, hearts, and minds be receptive to the moving of the Holy Spirit! Rise up, Church, to proclaim and demonstrate the whole gospel! Jesus is alive!
Crescendo began as a pilot project in 2016 to help people sixty and older keep living fully with God and each other. For its tenth anniversary, its founders look back at how the ministry has grown and changed.
Debbie Blue, Alan Forsman, and Evelyn Johnson
October 28, 2026
Tammy Swanson-Draheim, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, has been elected president of the International Federation of Free Evangelical Churches (IFFEC).
In a small California town with no senior center, Cathy LaManna started a weekly game afternoon at church. Three years in, the people who come are treated like family, and some of them have started coming on Sundays, too.
Stories from Covenant youth ministry about a student-led worship night, a paid summer service program, and a forty-year-old gathering for middle schoolers.
Commentary
President John Wenrich Shares Easter Blessing
Thirteen chapters before Jesus is betrayed, Luke tells us, “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).
Determined to fulfill the mission, Jesus walks with his disciples into a history-changing week. Propelled by the Spirit, Jesus demonstrates a staggering self-awareness as one loved and sent by his Abba Father. The Father’s love defines Jesus.
The Father’s love, expressed through the mission and message of Jesus, defines us too. As we walk together in this most holy of weeks, please know that I am praying for you and your congregation. Whether you are gathering onsite, online, or a mixture of both, may the Spirit of the living God encourage you and give you resurrection hope.
As you preach the gospel, may it be “not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). May thousands upon thousands of people hear and receive the good news of Jesus. I pray for many to cross the threshold of faith into God’s enduring kingdom by saying yes to Jesus.
I have been praying this prayer every weekend this year for all our Covenant churches. But this week is especially significant, knowing all that we experienced in 2020, which continues today. May our ears, hearts, and minds be receptive to the moving of the Holy Spirit! Rise up, Church, to proclaim and demonstrate the whole gospel! Jesus is alive!
John Wenrich
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