MIDWINTER 2024
At Midwinter 2024, our theme of “immeasurably more” will invite us to embody the words of the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians when he says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” We serve a God who is actively transforming our calling, churches, communities, and so much more as only He can. Our worship services, workshops, and speaker lineup are all designed to offer a glimpse of what God might have for us as we continue to serve faithfully. We hope to see you there.
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
– Ephesians 3:17-21 (NIV)
I pray that you would feel how deep the Chosen One’s great love is. It is a love that goes beyond our small and weak ways of thinking. This love fills us with the Great Spirit, the one who fills all things. I am praying to the Maker of Life, who, by his great power working in us, can do far more than what we ask for, more than our small minds can imagine. May his sacred family and the Chosen One bring honor to him across all generations, to the time beyond the end of all days. Aho! May it be so!
– Ephesians 3:17-21 (Indigenous Translation)
The Midwinter Conference is an incredible opportunity to connect with our colleagues in Covenant ministry, discover new ideas, experience restoration, and get re-energized. Come to share interests, encourage and be encouraged, reflect and be inspired, laugh and have fun! Together with your colleagues in ministry, join us to reaffirm God’s call on your life.
Main Worship Sessions
In our general sessions, you’ll worship, learn from, and be inspired by thought leaders, and be renewed in your passion for continuing the mission God has placed before you.
Breakouts
Breakouts are midsized sessions that offer in-depth dialogue and content from pace-setting leaders across various fields. These spaces are designed to give attendees personal access to these leaders and prepare you to return to your ministry context equipped and restored.
Relational Connection
If you have never been to a Midwinter, this will be a time to meet colleagues and develop vital relationships. We know we need one another because we are better together. We look to build connections and faith in each other as we work side by side in ministry together.
Local Experiences
In addition to the Midwinter conference programming, explore our host city Chicago, and all that it has to offer.
Accommodations
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago
9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue
Rosemont, Illinois 60018
(847) 696-1234
Guest rooms (king and/or double queen) are available for as low as $169/night plus taxes. Make your reservation online or call (847) 696-1234 and request a double or king within the ECC Midwinter block. Rooms will sell out quickly, so please make your reservations in advance.
Travel
United Airlines is offering special discounts for Midwinter. To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZNUW218262. You may also call the United meeting reservation desk Monday through Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance.
To / From O’Hare International Airport:
Complimentary Shuttle Service: Chicago airport transportation is easy when you take advantage of the 24-hour, complimentary shuttle service, which runs every 15 minutes from the hotel near O’Hare airport. Follow the red shuttle signs at the airport to the designated pickup area, O’Hare bus / Shuttle Center Door One. Shuttle buses have signage that reads “Hyatt Regency O’Hare.” For airport transportation from the international terminal, guests must call the hotel directly.
Airport Express: Shuttles operate seven days a week, 365 days a year. Go Airport Express is a door-to-door transportation service. They offer shared ride airport shuttles, private van charters, Chicago limousine and car services, and group transportation charters. Telephone: (888) 284-3826.
Local Transportation:
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is also conveniently located close to the ‘L’ train. With the Rosemont station less than a mile away, guests can be in downtown Chicago in just 45 minutes. Stop by the concierge desk for train maps and schedules. Complimentary Shuttle drops off at the Rosemont L station by request.
Free Pace buses are also available and provide circulating service around Rosemont to restaurants, the MB Financial Entertainment District, including the Fashion Outlets of Chicago.
Registration
2024 Registration Rates
Early registration through November 19 / Regular registration after November 19, 2023
| Midwinter 2024 | Early | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Registrant | $395 | $440 |
| Additional Registrant | $365 | $410 |
| Retiree, Spouse, Bivocational | $225 | $275 |
| NPTS/CHET Student | $225 | $275 |
Using your 2024 budget? A nonrefundable $100 deposit can be made by November 19, to lock in early bird rates. Balance due in full by January 8, 2024. Accounts not paid in full by the deadline will be charged regular rates (less deposit). For help with registration, please call Jill Ulven at (773) 299-7274.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for credentialed, active Covenant pastors, global personnel, and chaplains (military and institutional) in good standing, as well as retired Covenant pastors who are not actively serving in a paid ministry position.
All scholarship applicants will be responsible for paying the $100 non-refundable deposit. Apply for a scholarship and register by November 19, pay only the $100 deposit. Apply and register after November 19, pay the full amount, and if your scholarship is approved, receive reimbursement minus $100.
Please read the application for complete instructions. Scholarship applications need to be submitted to your conference no later than December 7, 2023, and will be reviewed by conference superintendents prior to approval. Full-time military chaplains need to submit the application to Ordered Ministry by December 14, 2023. Scholarships cover the remaining balance of your Midwinter registration. Any additional monies (varying in amount) will be mailed after Midwinter. Contact the Ordered Ministry with questions.
Policies
Cancellation Policy
Please email events@covchurch.org to submit any cancellation requests. Cancellations cannot be accepted over the phone. Registrations that have only paid the $100 deposit will not be refunded. Cancelled registrations with a balance paid in full and received prior to January 15, will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. After January 15, a $100 fee applies for all cancellations. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis.
Substitutions will be accepted from the same church or institution, provided the registration and fee paid are the same for the new registrant as the original registrant. To make any substitutions, email events@covchurch.org Make sure to include the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the substitute.
Image Policy
Your participation at Midwinter implies permission for the Evangelical Covenant Church to reproduce your image, likeness, or voice in connection with any recorded display or reproduction of Midwinter in post-event publicity and publicity for other such events sponsored by the Evangelical Covenant Church. Thank you!
Schedule
All times listed in Central Standard Time
| Monday, January 22 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am – 10:00 pm | Registration Open |
| 8:00 am | Covenant Orientation / Ignite / Equip Classes Begin |
| 9:45 – 11:00 am | BIWoC Gathering |
| 11:15 am – 12:45 pm | Advocates of Covenant Clergy Women Programming & Lunch |
| 1:00 - 4:00 pm | Women in Leadership |
| 1:00 - 4:00 pm | Covenant Benefits Update |
| 4:00 – 8:00 pm | Meal Stations |
| 7:00 pm | Opening Worship Session |
| 8:30 pm | NPTS Distinguished Alumni Award Reception |
| 9:00 pm | Conference Receptions |
| Tuesday, January 23 | |
| 7:00 am | Hosted Breakfast |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship Session – Presidential Update |
| 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Lunch Break/Hosted Meals |
| 2:00 - 4:00 pm | Large Workshop |
| 5:00 - 6:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Worship Session - Communion |
| 9:00 pm | Antiracism Discipleship Pathways Reception |
| Wednesday, January 24 | |
| 7:00 am | Hosted Breakfast |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship Session |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Lunch Break/Hosted Meals |
| 1:30 – 3:00 pm | Breakout Session 1 |
| 3:30 – 5:00 pm | Breakout Session 2 |
| 5:00 - 6:30 pm | Dinner (Ethnic Associations) |
| 7:00 pm | ALIPE Service/Reception |
| Thursday, January 25 | |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship Session |
| 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Lunch Break/Hosted Meals |
| 2:00 – 4:00 pm | All Midwinter Breakout |
| 5:00 – 6:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Worship Session |
| Friday, January 26 | |
| 9:30 – 11:30 am | Morning Worship Session |
Additional Events
NextGen Conference
Saturday, January 20 – Monday, January 22
The NextGen Conference is designed for all children, youth, and young adult ministry leaders to find connections, develop leadership skills, be inspired, and be empowered to continue investing in the next generation.
Covenant Living Communities & Services Chaplains Meeting
Sunday, January 21, 1:30 pm – Monday, January 22, noon
A meeting of education and inspiration specifically designed to support the work of Covenant Living Communities & Services chaplains and to update them on current initiatives. Registration information will be sent to all Covenant Living chaplains separately. Please contact Cameron Wu-Cardona at CWuCardona@covliving.org with any questions.
Spiritual Directors Retreat
Sunday, January 21, 4 pm – Monday, January 22, 4 pm
More information coming soon!
Association of Covenant Camps & Conference Centers Annual Meeting
Tuesday, January 23, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
ACCCC staff and leaders will hear President Tammy Swanson-Draheim’s presidential update, followed by the ACCCC annual meeting and professional development. Option to add Monday evening’s meal and programming, when registering. Cost is $99.
Midwinter Class Options
Monday, January 22 – Friday, January 26
Students taking Covenant Orientation, Ignite, or Equip cohort courses at the conference do not need to register separately for Midwinter. Follow the links provided for your class registration. If students are attending the NextGen Conference, separate registration is required. Please use the Midwinter registration form.
NPTS/Ignite/Equip Classes:
- New Testament 1
- Old Testament 1
- Christian Education and Formation
- Ministry Identity and Practice
Covenant Orientation Classes:
- History of the Evangelical Covenant Church
- Theology of the Evangelical Covenant Church
- Mission and Ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church (meeting in person Friday afternoon only)
To register, contact lrpalmerlee@northpark.edu at the North Park Theological Seminary.
Financial Conversations
Monday, January 22 | 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Tuesday, January 23 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Wednesday & Thursday, January 24 & 25 | 3:45 – 5:45 pm
Come with financial questions, concerns, and goals. Bring any statements or documents pertinent to this confidential conversation with a financial professional from Covenant Trust Company. You will receive tools and new ideas to help you move forward with confidence and a clearer vision for the present and your future.
Meet with Superintendents and Conference Staff
If you would like to make an appointment with a conference superintendent or staff during the Midwinter Conference, please contact them prior to the event.
Meet with Ministerium Leadership
If you would like to make an appointment with an officer from the denominational Ministerium during the Midwinter Conference, please contact them prior to the event at eccministerium@gmail.org. There will be limited times available at a designated location at the hotel to meet.
Spiritual Direction
Tuesday – Thursday
Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. Trained spiritual directors are available at Midwinter for a 50-minute session. Capacity is limited, however. Please indicate interest when registering, and you will be contacted with scheduling information at a later date. For details, contact Christina Burrows.
