The Covenant Companion
Features
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.
Showing God’s Love in a Santa Suit
Ralph Hammersborg and Joe Losacco bring joy as department store Santas, spreading Christmas cheer while pointing children and families to the deeper meaning of the season—the hope and love of Christ.
Advent: Hope in All Circumstances
Benny Rios DonJuan reflects on renewed hope in God’s mercy, even amidst physical and emotional captivity.
A Mother’s Grief and Lucia’s Faith
Amid unimaginable loss, Rebecca Rosengren shares how St. Lucia’s story—and her new children’s book—brought light to the darkness.
When Church Dreams Go Long Deferred
From affordable housing to addiction recovery, Covenant churches from east to west offer lessons in perseverance.
Scripture Matters—So Does Our Approach to It
Scott Rice shares how a Spirit-led approach to Scripture fosters deeper connection, authenticity, and theological growth.
Featured story
This Little Light of Mine
News
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.
Lessons from Jimmy
Jimmy Carter’s life exemplified humility, integrity, and compassion. His dedication to truth, service, and faith offers inspiring lessons for living out virtuous, Christ-centered lives today.
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.
ACC Scores with Miraculous Project
The twisty-turny tale of Alaska Christian College’s new athletic facility.
Paul Carlson Partnership Celebrates Lasting Legacy
Paul Carlson Partnership celebrated 60 years of ministry, highlighting healthcare advancements, training, and partnerships with the Congo Covenant Church.
A Testimony from the Ground in Florida
Recently retired global personnel Pete Ekstrand traveled to Sarasota, Florida, to help Covenanters with the hurricane recovery.
Announcements
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.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for the 2025 T.W. Anderson Award
For over 40 years, the T.W. Anderson Award has honored lay leaders’ commitment to Christ. Nominate inspiring Covenant members today!
Heather Hernandez to Serve as Vice President of Mission Services
Heather Hernandez will join the Covenant denominational team as vice president of mission services.
Commentary
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.
The Nutritional Value of Beef: Lessons from a Hip-Hop Feud
A hip-hop feud and a Netflix drama illustrate the value of working through conflict to win a greater sense of peace.
Featured story
Following Christ Together with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kenya
Arts & Culture
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.
Becoming Conscious of Our Political Formation
A review of “The Liturgy of Politics”, by Kaitlyn Schiess, examining how spiritual formation influences our political views and community engagement in voting.
Life-Giving Entanglements
Unpacking economic disparity, “Ecosystems of Jubilee” inspires communities to rethink justice and interconnectedness through faith.
“Sing Sing” Sings Redemption’s Song
Jelani Greenidge offers a compelling review of Sing Sing, a powerful film about incarcerated men finding redemption, echoing Christian themes of restoration and beloved community.
Weekly Devotions
Home Altar
In Memoriam
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.
Andrew Frederiksen
Former Global Personnel, Andrew Frederiksen passed away on November 12, 2024, in Spring Valley, California. He was 85 years old.
Esther Stenberg
Esther Stenberg, widow of former Canada Conference superintendent Gerald Stenberg, passed away on November 28, 2024. She was 99.
Tom Collins
Retired Covenant pastor Tom W. Collins passed away on November 10, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was 79.
Eldon Toll
Retired Covenant pastor Eldon Toll passed away on August 25, 2024. He was 93.
Love the Cov
Podcast
Season Two Trailer
Season 2 of the Love the Cov podcast launches next week! Featuring diverse leaders and honoring the wisdom of elders, we’ll explore the rich history and unique identity of the Evangelical Covenant Church while celebrating our ongoing journey as mission friends.
Sankofa: Join Us on the Bus
Hear from leaders and participants, as well as Sankofa veteran Nilwona Nowlin, who walks us through the journey—and shares her reflections after years of getting on the bus. For more information visit covchurch.org/sankofa
We Are a Multiethnic Mosaic
Mary Chung March outlines our history of becoming a multiethnic mosaic, growing from our roots as a Swedish immigrant church. And Steve Wong, pastor of the first Asian American church plant in the Covenant, reflects on his journey into the Covenant, how he has seen the denomination change, and our
We Seek Racial Righteousness
Covenant historian Hauna Ondrey and Dominique Gilliard join us to talk about the end of the 1960s, the Black Manifesto, the Covenant’s unique response to this call to white churches and synagogues—and where we witness similar themes in our culture today.
JANUARY 20 - 24 | DENVER
Midwinter 2025
Five Questions with Job Gonzalez
Job Gonzalez is the worship pastor at Champion Forest Espanol in Texas.
Five Questions with John Dickson
John Dickson is the Jean Kvamme Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Public Christianity at Wheaton College, where he teaches the history of Christianity.
Five Questions with Jason Brown
Jason Brown, a former NFL lineman, founded First Fruit Farms, which aims to share the love of Christ and assist with hunger relief in eastern North Carolina.
Five Questions with Greg Jao
Greg is senior assistant to the president and director of diversity and external partnerships at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. He is also a member of the Covenant Executive Board.
Five Questions with Sanetta Ponton
Sanetta Ponton is the associate pastor of justice, advocacy, and compassion at Metro Community Church and executive director of Metro Community Center, both in Englewood, New Jersey.
Five Questions with Tony McNeill
Tony McNeill, affectionately known as “Dr. T,” serves as an affiliate professor of worship and seminary musician at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He is a sought-after workshop clinician, lecturer, consultant, mentor, and choral conductor.
Five Questions with Shirley Yang
Rev. Shirley Yang serves as an associate pastor at Metro Community Church in Englewood, New Jersey, focusing on Special Needs and Women’s Ministries.
Five Questions with Matt Markins
Matt serves as the President and CEO of Awana, a global leader in child discipleship. Matt and his wife Katie have been involved in children’s ministry for more than 25 years and spend their time in Nashville with their two sons.
