The Covenant Companion
Features
Spiritual Lessons: “Children, Go Where I Send Thee”
As part of his series on Negro spirituals, Jelani Greenidge breaks down the spiritual and cultural power of a song that has transcended generations.
Leaders Who See
When the world feels overwhelming, the church should be a place of refuge—but are our leaders truly equipped to guide communities through pain and healing? Dieula Previlon calls faith leaders to reclaim their role as agents of healing by prioritizing emotional well-being, recognizing societal struggles, and embracing trauma-informed ministry.
Welcoming the Stranger: A Covenant Tradition
The Covenant Church began as an immigrant community, shaping our legacy of hospitality. In today’s climate, how can we honor this history and reaffirm our call to welcome?
Spiritual Lessons with Rollo Dilworth
In honor of Black History Month, Jelani interviews Rollo Dilworth on the significance of Negro spirituals.
Following Jesus: A Call to Courage and Commitment
Rev. Sanetta Ponton calls the church to live out true discipleship with courage, sacrifice, and justice every day. Don’t miss this powerful message!
Martha and Mary: Anointing the Anointed One
Through bold faith, deep love, and a profound act of anointing, Martha and Mary helped affirm Jesus’ role as Messiah, shaping his journey toward death, resurrection, and ultimate kingship.
Featured story
Covenant Churches Rally Amid California Wildfire Devastation
News
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.
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.
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.
Announcements
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.
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!
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
The Art of Care: Searching for Healing in Community
Arts & Culture
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.
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.
Weekly Devotions
Home Altar
In Memoriam
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.
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.
Love the Cov
Podcast
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.
Sitting Down with Evelyn Johnson and Debbie Blue
In this season two premiere of Love the Cov, we sit down with Evelyn Johnson and Debbie Blue—visionary leaders whose groundbreaking contributions have profoundly influenced the Covenant Church’s mission and history. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about their enduring friendship, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the transformative impact of their
Season Two Trailer
Season two 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
