Check out what we are up to this season.
We have more gatherings, activities and events planned, so be sure to check out what’s going on within each of our ministries. Look for additional listings, that are grouped specifically for children, youth, women, seniors and men.
February 2019 Covenant News (Announcements) (PDF Download)
Explore God is a movement that has united over 600 Chicago-area churches; encouraging us to open our doors wide to the spiritually curious, non-believers and skeptics.
Each week of the series, we’ll explore the seven biggest questions people have about life, faith, God and the Christian story. Then we’ll invite friends to share their thoughts in discussion groups that will meet in area homes and public spaces.
Because everyone has questions, and we all wonder. Join us Sundays, beginning January 13.
Jan 13 Does Life Have a Purpose?
Jan 20 Is there a God?
Jan 27 Why Does God Allow Pain & Suffering?
Feb 3 Is Christianity Too Narrow?
Feb 10 Is Jesus Really God?
Feb 17 Is the Bible Reliable?
Feb 24 Can I Know God Personally?
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. Through this ministry one discerns the presence and work of God’s Spirit with a companion who sets aside the concerns of their own life to attend to the experience of God in the life of another. We are fortunate to have two Spiritual Directors that sets aside one day each month to meet with members of our church family. As a gift to you, church will pay for your first session so you can try it out (made possible by a generous gift to the church Memorial Fund). After your complimentary session, we ask that you pay at least half the cost of the session fee as you are able (full cost is $50, half is $25). We hope you are deeply blessed by your time in Spiritual Direction.
Intercessory Prayer
January 13 – February 24
9:00 & 10:30
During the Explore God Series, join us for intercessory prayer for our church, our community, and the world. Prayer sessions will be held each Sunday morning during worship (9:00 and 10:30 AM) in the Upper Room beginning Jan. 13. Prayer will be guided and will include time of praying the scriptures, giving thanks, and intercession. “Our very praying reflects a confidence that God will act. But even as we pray, in our praying, we are changed.” (Gordon T. Smith).
Senior Lunch
February 19, 11 AM, Lunch at noon ($10)
The next Senior Lunch is scheduled for February 19th. The special program will be an historic portrayal by entertainer Terry Lynch.
A Day At The Fair with Daniel Burnham
Experience the majesty of the 1893 Columbian Exhibition. Relax for a day at the fair with Chicago architect and Director of Works for the Columbia Exposition Daniel Burnham. Audience members will learn about the origins of the fair as well as the exhibits, people and politics involved with the creation of Burnham’s White City .
NEW! WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, 9:30-11 AM | Upper Room
Women of all ages, stages and backgrounds are invited to a new weekly intergenerational Bible study for women. Join us Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11am as we set aside time each week to dig into God’s Word, encourage one another and pray
together. Bring a friend and your Bible. Childcare available. RSVP to Marie Roesler at marie_roesler@hotmail.com. We are studying the book of Matthew.
Thirty Below
Spring 2019 Meetings:
Mar. 6 (Soup at 5:30 pm before Ash Wednesday service)
March 17 (After the Covenant Conversation, a potluck in the Upper Room)
May 6 (Family Conversation using Mary Hulst video at 7 PM)
Stories From the Upper Room
February 20, 7-9 PM | Upper Room
Stories are powerful. One of the best ways to flourish in community is through the sharing of our stories. Women’s Ministry brings you Stories From The Upper Room–an evening designed to learn from one another through the sharing of our stories. Women, join us for stories you won’t want to miss!
Trivia Night
Sunday February 24
5-7 PM
Last Year’s inaugural Trivia Night was such a success, we just had to have a return engagement! More details to follow including how to sign up for this fun event!
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
WEEKS AVAILABLE
Each Sunday morning, one or more families takes a turn hosting coffee. If you are new to hosting, you may request to have someone show you the ropes on Sunday morning.
Sign up online or in the Garden Court.
The Problem with our Frantic Families
March 20
Our families are busy today, often frantically running from one thing to the next. Have you ever wondered what God might say about our pace of family life? This Family Conversation will seek God’s wisdom on our busyness and help us find a way to a less frantic family life.
Taught by Pastor Lars.
Girls, Body Image and The Bible
April 3
Scripture teaches that a person’s beauty should not come from “outward adornment” but from one’s heart. How do we live with this truth in a world that surrounds us with idolized images of youth and beauty? How do we live as Jesus-followers, and model a different lifestyle to our daughters? Parents and women of all ages (whether they’re mothers or not!) are invited to this Family Conversation, as this is a topic that affects us all.
Taught by Pastor Joy with Pastor Cortney.
Bible Reading is Broken
…and it’s not your Fault
March 17
3-4:30 PM
What if there was a fresh invitation to read the Bible instead of the relentless “try harder” message? What if barriers to good reading were removed? We’ll discuss the challenges of reading and understanding the Bible—and some very good news: Bible reading doesn’t have to be so hard!
Featuring the Institute for Bible Reading.
Prison Ministry:
Unlocking Our Inheritance
April 28
3 PM
Jesus said: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” (Matthew 25:34-36)
The people we lock up in the U.S. are disproportionately people of color. They come from economically distressed neighborhoods. The majority have substance use in their history and suffer from some form of mental illness. Many are non-citizens. And the vast majority are less educated than the general population. In other words, we lock up Matthew 25 people. Our culture needs Christians willing to engage mass incarceration! Those who engage it learn that prison ministry is not only good for those in prison, it is also good for those outside prison. Taught by Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom.
Talk to your Kids About Death
May 15
“What happens when we die?” is a question adults and children ask. Join us as we explore biblical answers to this question and are reminded that when we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord. This Family Conversation is both for parents of young children asking this question as well as others who would like to learn more of the biblical understanding of death and resurrection.
Taught by Pastor Joy.
Faith, Doubt and the Space Between
May 1
Did you know that your upbringing plays a key role in how you approach the topics of God and faith? Learn about the valuable role of doubt as a key building block to faith and that you can’t have one without the other! This co-taught session will emphasize some key psychological, theological, and biblical perspectives on faith and doubt. Taught by Dr. Keith Bard with Pastor Joy.