Office Administration
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
Office Administration
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
Office Administration
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
Office Administration
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
Office Administration
GE COV Weekly Newsletter
GE COV Weekly Newsletter

GE COV Weekly Newsletter

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am

SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 5:1-11

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Dear Church,

Do you remember your parents ever telling you, “Don’t boast!”? Boasting is something we have always been told is not a great thing to do. However, Paul encourages boasting, if it is in the right thing! This Sunday we will resume our series in the book of Romans together! What an incredible God we serve who has saved us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We will see that because God saved us while we were still sinners and God’s enemies, we can boast in Him and in the hope of his glory! I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.

Peace,

Pastor Jeff

UPCOMING CELEBRATION DINNER &
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Please mark your calendar for our upcoming celebratory church dinner followed by our Congregational Meeting on Sunday January 26 at 5pm.
Please join us for this important time of prayer, praise, food and fellowship!

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS
BEGINNING THIS WEEK!

Mondays at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Tuesdays at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, childcare provided

Upcoming Dates:
January 13/14, January 27/28; February 10/11, February 24/25;
March 10/11,
Final party on March 25 for WOW and Mom’s Together.

JOIN “MOMS TOGETHER”
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY IN 2025!

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds—beginning January 21st. Allison Borton leads a time of conversation and encouragement for moms of preschoolers and school-aged children.
Please RSVP to allisonmborton@yahoo.com if you need childcare

HIRING COLLEGE STUDENTS

We are looking for willing and able College Students to help with childcare in these women’s ministries. It’s a great opportunity to serve in these important ministries while having tons of fun with the kids!
This is a paid position
All who are interested can call the church office at 630-469-5405

THE ARK PRESCHOOL

January is a big month at The Ark Preschool as we are gearing up for fall enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year.
Open Registration began on Monday, January 6th and classes are formed at the end of January.  If you have family, friends or neighbors with preschool age children, please have them call The Ark office at 630-858-7755 or e-mail me (holly.pelsor@gecovenant.org) for registration information. 
Applications can be found on our website and in higher grounds.

Thank you for remembering to pray for the children, families and staff
at The Ark Preschool.  
Wishing you many blessings in the New Year! 

~Holly Pelsor

FAMILY FUN ON THESE COLD WINTER DAYS!

Cabin fever? Need an idea for fun during these freezing days of winter? Why not join members of your church family in attending any of the following upcoming Wheaton College Men’s Basketball home games: January 15, 18, 22, 29, February 8, 22. Come on your own, invite a friend, bring your family! You can check out the Men’s schedule here. 
If you’d like to attend the Wheaton College Women’s Basketball home games, check out the schedule: Women's Schedule   

AFRICAN STUDY BIBLES PURCHASED

With some financial support provided through our Missions Opportunity Fund, 300 copies of the African Study Bible were able to be acquired recently for distribution via a special project of Makers of Disciple Makers, led by our missions partners Julius and Ivanna in Ghana. The ministry’s purpose is to raise faithful and committed followers of Christ through discipleship. This specific Bible is valuable for aiding in contextual discipleship.

Our church created the Missions Opportunity Fund in 2023 upon learning that some of our partners occasionally have unique ministry opportunities that they would like to pursue if financial support were available.

We have been a ministry partner with Julius and Makers of Disciple Makers since 2020. Julius also serves as a Pastor and Preacher at Legon Interdenominational Church.

FRONT DOOR MINISTRY

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team?
Soon we will need to add parking attendants to this ministry as our parking lot is full every week.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT DINNER IS JANUARY 19 AT 5PM

College students, you are warmly invited to join us for food, fellowship, and conversation.

January 19: Bob and Diane Brown will host.

February 2: Kristin Kreigbaum will host.

February 16: Bruce and Julie Munson will host.

March 2: Jon and Andrea Martin will host.

IF YOU COULD HELP WITH THE SIDE DISHES, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TEXT KRISTIN KRIEGBAUM, AT 630-294-0045. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN
EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

We are almost there! Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office. There’s still some room!
The final date to drop off items is January 26.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS
MONDAYS AT 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30AM IN PERSON IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

LOST & FOUND

Check out the items in the lost and found located near Higher Grounds. We have a variety of “left behind” items that may be yours! An abundance of reading glasses, a pair of children’s shoes, a fleece jacket and some cozy mittens, among other things. Check it out soon as these items will be donated this month.

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

SCRIPTURE: JOHN 1:1-18

SERMON SERIES

Dear Church,

As we begin the New Year of 2025, I don’t believe there is a better place to start than John 1, “In the beginning was the Word.” What a wonderful truth for us to reflect on this Sunday as we gather together to worship that Word that is above all earthly powers: Jesus Christ! As we commit this next year to him, may we remember that all things were made through Him, that He has given us the right to become children of God, and that we have received grace upon grace! What a great way to start the year! I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

Peace,
Pastor Jeff

FRONT DOOR MINISTRY

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team?
Soon we will need to add parking attendants to this ministry as our parking lot is full every week.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

THE ARK PRESCHOOL
OPEN HOUSE

January is a big month at The Ark Preschool as we are gearing up for fall enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year.
We will be hosting a Prospective Parent Open House
for families new to The Ark Preschool on
Thursday, January 9 from 6:00– 7:00pm.
Families will have the opportunity to tour the classrooms,
meet our teachers and learn more about our program.
Can you help us to spread the word? 
Open Registration begins on Monday, January 6th and classes are formed at the end of January.  If you have family, friends or neighbors with preschool age children, please have them call The Ark office at 630-858-7755 or e-mail me (holly.pelsor@gecovenant.org) for registration information. 
Applications can be found on our website and in higher grounds.

Thank you for remembering to pray for the children, families and staff
at The Ark Preschool.  
Wishing you many blessings in the New Year! 

~Holly Pelsor

BOOK CLUB THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

On Wednesday, January 8th at 7:00pm we'll be discussing Wish You Well by David Baldacci. We are meeting at the home of Laurel Tedesco 773 Farnham Lane in Wheaton. Copies of the book have been reserved for us at the Glen Ellyn Library. 

All are welcome to join us and feel free to attend even if you haven't read the book! Please RSVP to laurels.lyre.psalm71.22@gmail.com or 331 232 9695
so she can plan accordingly. 

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS
BEGINNING JANUARY 2025

Mondays at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Tuesdays at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, chilcare provided

Upcoming Dates:
January 13/14, January 27/28; February 10/11, February 24/25;
March 10/11, March 24/25

JOIN “MOMS TOGETHER”
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY IN 2025!

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds.—beginning January 21st. Allison Borton leads a time of conversation and encouragement for moms of preschoolers and school-aged children.
Please RSVP to allisonmborton@yahoo.com if you need childcare

HIRING COLLEGE STUDENTS

We are looking for willing and able College Students to help with childcare in these women’s ministries. It’s a great opportunity to serve in these important ministries while having tons of fun with the kids!
This is a paid position
All who are interested can call the church office at 630-469-5405

PASTOR DAWN’S OFFICE IS FILLING UP!
EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office. There’s still some room!
A final drop-off date will be after the New Year.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Book Collection for Tarcisio
We continue collecting books for our partner Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira. The theology-based books will help the Evangelical Theological College’s Bachelor of Theology program achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA). The children’s Christian education books will be useful in the district and national camps. Place books for donation in the coat room near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer at the ETC and is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry
If interested in serving on the Board of Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry, contact Diane Brown at dgraceb05@gmail.com. Supported by 13 area churches including ours, this faith-based organization provides emergency help with expenses such as utilities, food and gas vouchers, and auto repairs and insurance.

Repeat Boutique
Children’s winter coats, adult coats, men’s sweaters, and jeans are needed. Linens (bed sheets and towels) are in short supply as well. Additional volunteers on Thursday and Friday mornings would be helpful. Repeat Boutique provides clothing and household goods to refugees, low-income families, and Christian workers. Contact Rosie Gardner (RosieGardner@sbcglobal.net) for assistance in responding.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS
MONDAYS AT 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30AM IN PERSON IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

LOST & FOUND

Check out the items in the lost and found located near Higher Grounds. We have a variety of “left behind” items that may be yours! An abundance of reading glasses, a pair of children’s shoes, a fleece jacket and some cozy mittens, among other things. Check it out soon as these items will be donated this month.

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:39-45

SERMON SERIES

ADVENT

Dear Church Family,

Welcome to the 4th Sunday in Advent! We hope that you will join us in worship this week.

During Advent, Pastor Jeff and I were delighted to welcome two guest preachers to the pulpit. For the first Sunday of Advent, Pastor Tarcisio preached from Thessalonians and admonished us to pray, pray, pray for the work of the Kingdom of God.

Last Sunday for the third week in Advent, Pastor Tammy preached from Philippians, encouraging us to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances even in our suffering because God is with us.

For the two Sundays in Advent Pastor Jeff and I are preaching, we have chosen the lectionary passages which herald the testimonies of Zechariah and Elizabeth. The story of this exemplary couple testifies to what God has done, not in their personal lives, but for the whole world in sending to us a Savior.

See you on Sunday!
Pastor Dawn

IMPORTANT CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Mark your calendars for some special services at Glen Ellyn Covenant
this holiday season.

Christmas Eve Worship Service : Tuesday December 24 at 5pm.
Please join us for a candlelight Worship Service.

Worship & Breakfast Potluck December 29: Join us (come in your PJ’s) on Sunday morning as we gather together for worship and fellowship. Following this shorter Worship Service, we will enjoy a Potluck Breakfast in the Family Life Center. Bring your favorite Christmas breakfast dish to share!

“THAT TIME OF YEAR”

…means different things to different people.  To the Financial Management Team, it means budget season amidst uncertainty about year-end giving.  From our various communications, you should know that giving has been much lower than our expenses this year.  While this creates challenges for financial management and planning, the great reality is that we are a healthy and growing church. 

We ask that you prayerfully consider how you might help in our challenge to close the fiscal year with giving that meets our General and Missions expenses.  All donations for 2024 must be received or postmarked by December 31.  Giving online can be done at https://gecovenant.breezechms.com/give/online

Thank you again for being part of our family at Glen Ellyn Covenant!

 Eric Fowler

Chair of the Leadership Team

REBECCA ROSENGREN’S ARTICLE WHICH APPEARED IN THE DECEMBER EDITION OF
THE “COVCHURCH NOW” NEWSLETTER:

“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 darkness.

My earliest memories of celebrating St. Lucia Day involve tables full of Swedish coffee cake and cookies, night church where one of the girls in high school walked down the aisle with a wreath of burning candles on her head, and finally, my mom’s historical reading to the family during which I’d frequently lose focus. St. Lucia Day, rooted in Swedish traditions, honors St. Lucy, a third-century Christian martyr known for her faith and generosity. Celebrated on December 13, it symbolizes light in the darkness, with processions featuring girls wearing white gowns and candlelit wreaths. I remember wishing for a storybook with pictures that would help my imagination as I listened.

As I grew older, the tale of this brave young girl who lived out her faith in complete surrender amazed me. Her conviction and heart burned brighter than the fear of losing comfort and safety. She lived out her short life filled with the grace and beauty of Christ’s presence amidst cruelty and darkness. This faith sparked a light in countless others across continents and over thousands of years. My heart has grown to treasure her profound faith and heartbreaking story as well as all the traditions that grew from its retelling.

A few years ago, I watched my daughter’s face fill with wonder as she took in the magic of our church’s annual Lucia evening service. The sanctuary was lit by candlelight, filled with the nostalgic sounds of Christmas hymns and the stories of old retold. The children watched with excitement as the lights dimmed and one of the high school girls walked down the sanctuary aisle with a wreath of burning candles adorning her head and carrying a tray with treats. She turned to face the congregation and shared a few verses of Scripture, speaking of God’s light and the fellowship we share as we walk together.

In that moment of celebrating the light we carry in the darkness, I felt compelled to find a children’s book about Lucia that I could share with my daughter. However, after searching for a book that didn’t yet exist, I was inspired to write and illustrate the book myself.

With encouragement from friends and family, I was finally ready to publish at the end of August 2023. My plan was to finalize the book proposal over Labor Day weekend and send it off to potential publishers by that Monday.

But on Friday, September 1, 2023, the unimaginable happened. Our kids went up to our family cottage early that day with their grandparents while my husband and I finished out the work day. In the afternoon we received a phone call. There had been an accident. Our three-year-old son, Elijah, was found in the lake and unresponsive. Within a few hours, our family had a new reality. Eli was in heaven and the life we had together was shattered.

Two days later I was on a walk with a friend. She was encouraging me to use my writing and painting as an outlet for my grief. While explaining how close I was to publishing The Legend of Lucia, I also remembered a new children’s book idea that had randomly popped into my head a couple of years earlier while I was sitting by the water. The plot is essentially an allegory for faith. After two brothers are lost at sea, the younger brother bravely dives into the water to find food, eventually growing gills to breathe underwater, experiencing adventures as he helps his older brother dive in as well.

Overcome by emotions, I wondered why I had even thought of this plot years ago. I had filed it away for later—only to share it at this very moment for the first time. There were too many parallels between this new book idea and Eli’s story for me to ignore. Eli was the youngest brother to McKenna (seven years old) and Bruce (age ten). At the same time, the realization that I had just finished a story of a girl who surrendered her life to follow her faith gripped me. Regardless of all my unanswered “whys?” I know God is with me, giving me what I need to survive or surrender each day. Lucia’s story of faith and all the legends that stir up a deeper, living faith has been a light in the darkness.

Friends helped me finish publishing The Legend of Lucia by December 13, 2023, and I read the final copy to the children during the Lucia service at our church. Just a year earlier, Eli had been on stage next to me as I read the rough draft, and my daughter held up the watercolor paintings for the other kids. The memory of his sweet smile, as I read the story, is crystallized in my mind and heart.

In prayer, God has whispered (or stated very clearly) many reminders, promises, and help. In one instance, he reassured me that no matter how self-conscious or silly I may feel, I need to keep writing, especially the stories of the power and beauty of living faith.

FRONT DOOR MINISTRY

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team? We especially need Door Greeters and Connectors for December 22.
Soon we will need to add parking attendants to this ministry as our parking lot is full every week.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS
BEGINNING JANUARY 2025

Mondays at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Tuesdays at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, chilcare provided

Upcoming Dates:
January 13/14, January 27/28; February 10/11, February 24/25;
March 10/11, March 24/25

JOIN “MOMS TOGETHER”
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY IN 2025!

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds.—beginning January 21st. Allison Borton leads a time of conversation and encouragement for moms of preschoolers and school-aged children.
Please RSVP to allisonmborton@yahoo.com if you need childcare

HIRING COLLEGE STUDENTS

We are looking for willing and able College Students to help with childcare in these women’s ministries. It’s a great opportunity to serve in these important ministries while having tons of fun with the kids!
This is a paid position
All who are interested can call the church office at 630-469-5405

PASTOR DAWN’S OFFICE IS FILLING UP!
EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office. There’s still some room!
A final drop-off date will be after the New Year.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Book Collection for Tarcisio
We continue collecting books for our partner Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira. The theology-based books will help the Evangelical Theological College’s Bachelor of Theology program achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA). The children’s Christian education books will be useful in the district and national camps. Place books for donation in the coat room near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer at the ETC and is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry
If interested in serving on the Board of Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry, contact Diane Brown at dgraceb05@gmail.com. Supported by 13 area churches including ours, this faith-based organization provides emergency help with expenses such as utilities, food and gas vouchers, and auto repairs and insurance.

Repeat Boutique
Children’s winter coats, adult coats, men’s sweaters, and jeans are needed. Linens (bed sheets and towels) are in short supply as well. Additional volunteers on Thursday and Friday mornings would be helpful. Repeat Boutique provides clothing and household goods to refugees, low-income families, and Christian workers. Contact Rosie Gardner (RosieGardner@sbcglobal.net) for assistance in responding.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS
MONDAYS AT 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30AM IN PERSON IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

SCRIPTURE:PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

WE WELCOME PRESIDENT TAMMY SWANSON-DRAHEIM
THIS SUNDAY

Tammy Swanson-Draheim serves as the first female president in the denomination’s history. She has held a variety of roles within the denomination for more than 23 years and most recently has served as superintendent of the Midwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church since 2011.
Join us on Sunday December 15th as President Swanson-Draheim preaches in our Worship Service and teaches Adult Sunday school.

THE ARK PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER

Cooks, take the day off and join our friends from The Ark Preschool for a Monday meal!
The event runs from Noon until 6pm on Monday December 16.
15% of the net sales will benefit The Ark.

eNJOY READING PASTOR DAWN’S ARTICLE WHICH APPEARED IN THE NOVEMBER EDITION OF
tHE “COVCHURCH NOW” nEWSLETTER

“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. The jazz trumpeter steps to the microphone. Light outlines his horn. With closed eyes, he begins. The crowd settles, quiet and reflective, as the tune hangs in the air. A saxophone bellows, the bass moans, and the pinpricks of the piano join in with the steady rhythm of the drums. It’s Sunday, the song is “Amazing Grace,” and I am ready to sing. It’s time for church.

Sacred jazz (also known as church jazz or gospel jazz) gained visibility in the 1950s, though its roots are found much earlier in African American spirituals and hymnody, gospel music, jazz standards, and the blues. The first significant sacred jazz work was created as a response to grief. In 1958, Ed Summerlin, a jazz clarinetist, composed a piece for his church using Methodist liturgy to cope with the loss of his infant daughter.

The interweaving of jazz music with sacred text grew in popularity with Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts in the ’60s and ’70s. Three sacred concerts premiered successively at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, and Westminister Abbey in London. Ellington himself regarded these concerts as his best.

My first exposure to sacred jazz was at The Riverside Church of New York City, where I performed for several years as a soloist and in their professional choir. The music we sang each week—the great oratorio works of Bach, Handel, and Mozart—and the inspiring preaching by the Rev. Dr. James Forbes in that magnificent space built by the Rockefellers made for a dream job.

Then Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts appeared on our schedule, and my life was changed. Discovering music that combined sacred text with jazz harmonies and syncopated rhythms was transformative. Ellington’s music ignited in me an enduring interest in jazz, both secular and sacred. Come Sunday, which Ellington first performed with the incomparable Mahalia Jackson, remains a favorite song.

Moving with my family to Chicago, I connected with William Russo and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. Russo needed a classical soprano for some of his compositions. It was an opportunity to sing high Ds and challenging contemporary jazz passages, and still swing with Ellington’s sacred tunes. Russo composed his final work, Jubilatum, for soprano soloist and jazz trumpeter, incorporating Gregorian chant with a big band.

Concert opportunities introduced me to the concept of jazz in worship. One particularly meaningful context was the Sunday evening jazz vespers at Fourth Presbyterian Church, where the transcending power of jazz tunes and hymn settings brought people of different generations, socioeconomic situations, and ethnic groups together in worship.

In an article for the Yale Institute of Sacred Music: Colloquium on Music, Worship and the Arts in 2004, Dr. John Sherer, then Fourth Presbyterian’s music director and organist, responded to these services, saying, “With sacred jazz, everyone gets that this is being offered to the glory of God. What better way to show the joy of the resurrection than people dancing and singing in the aisles? Through jazz, one can truly experience the spirit of God in a vibrant and profound way.” 

Other prominent pioneers of sacred jazz include Vince Guaraldi, pianist of the beloved Charlie Brown Christmas album, and pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams. Williams’s first work, Black Christ of the Andes, was in honor of the Peruvian saint, Martin de Porres, and in recognition of sacred jazz used in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. “The ability to play good jazz is a gift from God,” she told Ebony Magazine in 1966. “This music is based on the spirituals—it’s our only original American art form—and should be played everywhere, including church. Those who say it shouldn’t be played in church do not understand they are blocking the manifestations of God’s will.”

Sacred jazz has been inspirational for me not only as a singer but also as a songwriter. I am about to hit the recording studio with jazz settings of the Psalms. The beauty, heartbreak, and hope of the Psalms profoundly match the same in jazz music.

It’s the close of the service, and the band and I rise once more to lead the congregation in a joyful rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” with every musician taking a final solo. Let dancing in the aisles begin! 

Click on the link to see more! Sacred Jazz: A Joyful Noise Unto the Lord - The Evangelical Covenant Church

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT MEETING IS DECEMBER 15 AT 5PM

College students, you are warmly invited to join us for food,
fellowship, and conversation.

December 15: Paul and Jayne Bischoff will host.

IF YOU COULD HELP WITH THE SIDE DISHES ON DECEMBER 15, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TEXT KRISTIN KRIEGBAUM AT 630-294-0045.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

FRONT DOOR MINISTRY

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team? We especially need Door Greeters and Connectors for December 22.
Soon we will need to add parking attendants to this ministry as our parking lot is full every week.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

IMPORTANT CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Mark your calendars for some special services at Glen Ellyn Covenant
this holiday season.

Christmas Eve Worship Service : Tuesday December 24 at 5pm.
Please join us for a candlelight Worship Service.

Worship & Breakfast Potluck December 29: Join us (come in your PJ’s) on Sunday morning as we gather together for worship and fellowship. Following this shorter Worship Service, we will enjoy a Potluck Breakfast in the Family Life Center.

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

jOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS
BEGINNING JANUARY 2025

Mondays at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Tuesdays at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, chilcare provided

Upcoming Dates:
January 13/14, January 27/28; February 10/11, February 24/25;
March 10/11, March 24/25

EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Book Collection for Tarcisio
We continue collecting books for our partner Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira. The theology-based books will help the Evangelical Theological College’s Bachelor of Theology program achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA). The children’s Christian education books will be useful in the district and national camps. Place books for donation in the coat room near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer at the ETC and is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry
If interested in serving on the Board of Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry, contact Diane Brown at dgraceb05@gmail.com. Supported by 13 area churches including ours, this faith-based organization provides emergency help with expenses such as utilities, food and gas vouchers, and auto repairs and insurance.

Repeat Boutique
Children’s winter coats, adult coats, men’s sweaters, and jeans are needed. Linens (bed sheets and towels) are in short supply as well. Additional volunteers on Thursday and Friday mornings would be helpful. Repeat Boutique provides clothing and household goods to refugees, low-income families, and Christian workers. Contact Rosie Gardner (RosieGardner@sbcglobal.net) for assistance in responding.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS
MONDAYS AT 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30AM IN PERSON IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

 

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

Scripture:LUKE 1:68-79

 

SERMON SERIES

ADVENT

Dear Church,

As we continue in joyful expectation during the season of Advent, we will focus on the lectionary reading from Luke 1:67-78, which is Zechariah’s Benedictus, or song. We will join with Zechariah as we proclaim our thanks for the coming deliverance of God’s people, which was fulfilled in the incarnation. Even as we celebrate this wonderous event, we also look forward in anticipation to Christ’s return. In this season of waiting, may we be filled with hope, love, joy, and peace as gather together in worship. I cannot wait to worship with you this Sunday.

Peace,

Pastor Jeff

LUCIA SERVICE AND RECEPTION THIS SUNDAY

Please join us for our annual celebration of Lucia on Sunday December 8 at 5pmI This is a wonderful time to invite friends and family for the traditional program followed by a time of food and fellowship.
Lucia rehearsal for the children will be Sunday, December 8th
during the Sunday school hour in the sanctuary.

CHAPLAIN MARY MILLER VISITS GLEN ELLYN COVENANT THIS SUNDAY!

Mary Miller, Lead Chaplain of Covenant Living at the Holmstad in Batavia and a member of the Board of Trustees of North Park University, will be teaching in Adult Sunday school on December 8. Ordained in 1981, Mary has been placed with the “firsts” of many things—first North Park Seminary class with women entering pastorate, the first woman to be called to a second church, and the first woman denominational officer. Chaplain Mary will lead a class on “Navigating Grief and Loss During the Holidays”.

WE WELCOME PRESIDENT TAMMY SWANSON-DRAHEIM

Tammy Swanson-Draheim serves as the first female president in the denomination’s history. She has held a variety of roles within the denomination for more than 23 years and most recently has served as superintendent of the Midwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church since 2011.
Join us on Sunday December 15th as President Swanson-Draheim preaches in our Worship Service and teaches Adult Sunday school.

THE ARK PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER

Cooks, take the day off and join our friends from The Ark Preschool for a Monday meal!
The event runs from Noon until 6pm on Monday December 16.
15% of the net sales will benefit The Ark.

FRONT DOOR MINISTRY

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team? We especially need Door Greeters and Connectors for these Sundays; December 8, and December 22.
Soon we will need to add parking attendants to this ministry as our parking lot is full every week.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

IMPORTANT CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Mark your calendars for some special services at Glen Ellyn Covenant this holiday season.

Christmas Eve Worship Service : Tuesday December 24 at 5pm.
Please join us for a candlelight Worship Service.

Worship & Breakfast Potluck: Join us (come in your PJ’s) on Sunday morning December 29 as we gather together for worship and fellowship.
Following a shorter Worship Service, we will enjoy a Potluck Breakfast in the Family Life Center.

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT MEETING IS DECEMBER 15 AT 5PM

College students, you are warmly invited to join us for food, fellowship, and conversation.

December 8-we hope you will attend the Lucia service with beautiful Swedish goodies afterwards

December 15: Paul and Jayne Bischoff will host.

IF YOU COULD HELP WITH THE SIDE DISHES ON DECEMBER 15, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TEXT KRISTIN KRIEGBAUM, AT 630-294-0045. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

BOOK CLUB THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Join us on Wednesday,  December 11th at 7:00pm when we'll be discussing
Freshwater for Flowers by Valerie Perrin.
We are meeting at the home of Marilyn Sweeny, 130 Windsor Park Dr, unit C319 (Coventry building at Windsor Park) in Carol Stream. Copies of the book have been reserved for us at the Glen Ellyn Library. 

All are welcome to join us and feel free to attend even if you haven't read the book! Please RSVP to marilyn.sweeny@gmail.com or 630 668-2605 she can plan accordingly. 

EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Book Collection for Tarcisio
We will continue to collect theological and children’s Christian education books into the near future for our partner Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira. The books will help the Evangelical Theological College (ETC) achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) of ETC’s Bachelor of Theology program and will be useful to children participating in the camps. Place books for donation in the coat room across the hall from the library, near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer at the ETC and is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry
If interested in serving on the Board of Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry, contact Diane Brown at dgraceb05@gmail.com. Supported by 13 area churches including ours, this faith-based organization provides emergency help with expenses such as utilities, food and gas vouchers, and auto repairs and insurance.

Repeat Boutique
Children’s winter coats, adult coats, men’s sweaters, and jeans are needed. Also, additional volunteers on Thursday and Friday mornings would be helpful. Repeat Boutique provides clothing and household goods to refugees, low-income families, and Christian workers. Contact Rosie Gardner (RosieGardner@sbcglobal.net) for assistance in responding.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS
MONDAYS AT 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30AM IN PERSON IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

 

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter 11/28/2024

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

Scripture:1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13

 

SERMON SERIES

ADVENT

Dear Church,

How exciting that this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent! As we begin this season of expectation and hope together, we are excited to welcome Tarcisio Magurupira to the pulpit to preach God’s Word. We are thankful and blessed to have him with us. I am so excited to worship with you on Sunday!

Peace,

Pastor Jeff

REVEREND TARCISIO MAGURUPIRA
PREACHING THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

Please join us as Rev. Tarcisio preaches from the book of 1 Thessalonians. We are thankful for Rev. Tarcisio’s committment and partnership in Gospel Ministry.

LUCIA SERVICE AND RECEPTION

Please join us for our annual celebration of Lucia on Sunday December 8 at 5pmI This is a wonderful time to invite friends and family for the traditional program followed by a time of food and fellowship. Interested in helping? Sign ups for food and other help are in Higher Grounds.
Lucia rehearsal for the children will be Sunday, December 1st during the Sunday school hour in the sanctuary.

WE WELCOME PRESIDENT TAMMY SWANSON-DRAHEIM

Tammy Swanson-Draheim serves as the first female president in the denomination’s history. She has held a variety of roles within the denomination for more than 23 years and most recently has served as superintendent of the Midwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church since 2011.
Join us on Sunday December 15th as President Swanson-Draheim preaches in our Worship Service and teaches Adult Sunday school.

FRONT DOOR MINISTRY

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team? We especially need Door Greeters and Connectors for these Sundays; December 8, and December 22.
Soon we will need to add parking attendants to this ministry as our parking lot is full every week.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

WOMEN OF THE WORD
MEET TOGETHER:

For our last meeting before Christmas, the Monday and Tuesday groups will meet together. We will meet on Tuesday December 3 at 6pm at Pastor Dawn’s home for supper, fellowship, and our final chapter.

Please note: The Ladies Christmas Tea on December 19 has unfortunately been cancelled.

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT MEETING IS DECEMBER 15 AT 5PM

College students, you are warmly invited to join us for food, fellowship, and conversation.

December 8-we hope you will attend the Lucia service with beautiful Swedish goodies afterwards

December 15: Paul and Jayne Bischoff will host.

IF YOU COULD HELP WITH THE SIDE DISHES ON DECEMBER 15, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TEXT KRISTIN KRIEGBAUM, AT 630-294-0045. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

BOOK CLUB THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Join us on Wednesday,  December 11th at 7:00pm when we'll be discussing
Freshwater for Flowers by Valerie Perrin.
We are meeting at the home of Marilyn Sweeny, 130 Windsor Park Dr, unit C319 (Coventry building at Windsor Park) in Carol Stream. Copies of the book have been reserved for us at the Glen Ellyn Library. 

All are welcome to join us and feel free to attend even if you haven't read the book! Please RSVP to marilyn.sweeny@gmail.com or 630 668-2605 she can plan accordingly. 

EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

COLLECTING BOOKS FOR THEOLOGY PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

Our partner in Zimbabwe, Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira, is collecting books to achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) for the Evangelical Theological College’s (ETC) Bachelor of Theology program. The ETC, where Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer, was founded in 2004 to provide theological education to urban and rural pastors.

Some 5,000 books were collected for the college in 2022, but the ACTEA recommends that the ETC’s library have an additional 5,000 to 10,000 books to meet the students’ resource needs and the accreditation requirements. Although Tarcisio is pursuing a few seminary-level book sources, anyone interested in donating unused or unneeded theological books from their own home libraries is welcome to do so. Children’s books are of interest as well, given their utility for Christian education and English language learning in conjunction with the church district and national children’s camps.

Please place books for donation in the coat room across the hall from the library, near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Thank you!

Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira also is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

LOCAL MINISTRY PARTNERS

Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry
This faith-based organization serves Glen Ellyn residents, church members, and referred PADS clients, providing emergency help with important expenses such as utilities, food and gas vouchers, as well as auto repairs and insurance. Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry, which served about 300 clients this year, is supported by volunteers and 13 area churches, including ours, and other organizations and individuals.
This ministry needs someone from our church family to serve on its Board, which meets every other month on Friday mornings. Contact Diane Brown (dgraceb05@gmail.com) for more information.

Repeat Boutique
This Christian, non-denominational ministry provides clothing and household goods to refugees, low-income families, and Christian workers in need. This year, Repeat Boutique served 16,315 individuals, up from 13,000 in 2023. Last month alone they served people from 42 different countries of origin who speak 28 different languages.
The organization is especially in need of children’s winter coats, and adult coats, men’s sweaters, and jeans. As usual, sheets and towels and pots and pans are also needed. Another need is for a few more volunteers on Thursday and Friday mornings.
Members of our church have been active in the organization through the years and some currently serve there. Learn more here. Contact Rosie Gardner (RosieGardner@sbcglobal.net) for assistance in responding to these needs.

COVENANT HARBOR CAMPS
SUMMER 2025

Registration is now open. You may set up or update your account now to streamline registration. For more information, go to Covenant Harbor - Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Lake Geneva, WI

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS
MONDAYS AT 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30AM IN PERSON IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

 

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter 11/22/2024

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

Scripture: Romans 4:13-25

 

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Dear Church,

I am SO excited about this week’s scripture passage! I am not sure what your favorite verse in the book of Romans is, or if you even have a favorite verse, but my favorite verse is in this week’s passage! It is Romans 4:17, which describes God as the One who gives life to the dead, and CALLS THINGS THAT ARE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE. Isn’t that incredible? As someone who was on the path of becoming a career agricultural commodities options trader on the Chicago Board of Trade, I had no intentions of becoming a youth pastor 15 years ago. But God called something that was not as though it was, and the trajectory of my life changed! Sarah was a barren woman, but God blessed her with Isaac. She was unable to have children, but God brings life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. We were dead in our transgressions, but God has raised us to life in Jesus Christ! I am so excited to worship with you this week.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Jeff

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Help us share the love of Christ this holiday season by filling a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child! The ministry sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world, sharing joy and the message of Jesus. Please take a shoebox from the display at church, fill it with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies and return it to us by THIS Sunday November 24. Let’s come together to make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.
Thank you for helping spread hope this Christmas!

WE WELCOME PRESIDENT TAMMY SWANSON-DRAHEIM

Tammy Swanson-Draheim serves as the first female president in the denomination’s history. She has held a variety of roles within the denomination for more than 23 years and most recently has served as superintendent of the Midwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church since 2011.
Join us on Sunday December 15th as President Swanson-Draheim preaches in our Worship Service and teaches Adult Sunday school.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS FALL

Please join Dr. David Lauber as he teaches on Orthodoxy, Heresy, and True Worship this coming Sunday, November 24th in Munson Hall.

LUCIA SERVICE AND RECEPTION

Please join us for our annual celebration of Lucia on Sunday December 8 at 5pmI This is a wonderful time to invite friends and family for the traditional program followed by a time of food and fellowship. Interested in helping? Sign ups for food and other help are in Higher Grounds.
Lucia rehearsal for the children will be Sunday, December 1st during the Sunday school hour.

FRONT DOOR MINISTRY

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team? We especially need Door Greeters and Connectors for these Sundays; November 24, December 8,
and December 22.
Soon we will need to add parking attendants to this ministry as our parking lot is full every week.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

MENS & WOMENS BIBLE STUDIES:

Our Intergenerational Evening Men’s Bible Study meets every other Wednesday night at church from 6-7pm. Pastor Jeff leads a study of Luke’s gospel.
Our last meeting before Christmas: December 11 at 6pm.

Our Intergenerational Women’s Bible Study .
For our last meeting before Christmas we would like to have the Monday and Tuesday group meet together. Please email Pastor Dawn if you will be able to meet on Tuesday December 3 at 6pm at Pastor Dawn’s home for food, fellowship, and our final chapter.
Please email dawn.lauber@gecovenant.org with any questions.

Moms Together continues Thursday, December 5 at 9:30 am at Allison Borton’s home. We’ll have treats and desserts while we celebrate Christmas together!
Please RSVP to allisonmborton@yahoo.com for childcare.

Please note: The Ladies Christmas Tea on December 19 has unfortunately been cancelled.

EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

 

COLLECTING BOOKS FOR THEOLOGY PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

Our partner in Zimbabwe, Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira, is collecting books to achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) for the Evangelical Theological College’s (ETC) Bachelor of Theology program. The ETC, where Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer, was founded in 2004 to provide theological education to urban and rural pastors.

Some 5,000 books were collected for the college in 2022, but the ACTEA recommends that the ETC’s library have an additional 5,000 to 10,000 books to meet the students’ resource needs and the accreditation requirements. Although Tarcisio is pursuing a few seminary-level book sources, anyone interested in donating unused or unneeded theological books from their own home libraries is welcome to do so. Children’s books are of interest as well, given their utility for Christian education and English language learning in conjunction with the church district and national children’s camps.

Please place books for donation in the coat room across the hall from the library, near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Thank you!

Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira also is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

LOCAL MINISTRY PARTNERS

Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry
This faith-based organization serves Glen Ellyn residents, church members, and referred PADS clients, providing emergency help with important expenses such as utilities, food and gas vouchers, as well as auto repairs and insurance. Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry, which served about 300 clients this year, is supported by volunteers and 13 area churches, including ours, and other organizations and individuals.
This ministry needs someone from our church family to serve on its Board, which meets every other month on Friday mornings. Contact Diane Brown (dgraceb05@gmail.com) for more information.

Repeat Boutique
This Christian, non-denominational ministry provides clothing and household goods to refugees, low-income families, and Christian workers in need. This year, Repeat Boutique served 16,315 individuals, up from 13,000 in 2023. Last month alone they served people from 42 different countries of origin who speak 28 different languages.
The organization is especially in need of children’s winter coats, and adult coats, men’s sweaters, and jeans. As usual, sheets and towels and pots and pans are also needed. Another need is for a few more volunteers on Thursday and Friday mornings.
Members of our church have been active in the organization through the years and some currently serve there. Learn more here. Contact Rosie Gardner (RosieGardner@sbcglobal.net) for assistance in responding to these needs.

COVENANT HARBOR CAMPS
SUMMER 2025

Registration is now open. You may set up or update your account now to streamline registration. For more information, go to Covenant Harbor - Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Lake Geneva, WI

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT MEETING IS NOVEMBER 24 AT 5PM

College students, you are warmly invited to join us for food, fellowship, and conversation.

November 24: Pastor Dawn and husband David will host

December 8-we hope you will attend the Lucia service with beautiful Swedish goodies afterwards

December 15: Paul and Jayne Bischoff will host.

IF YOU COULD HELP WITH THE SIDE DISHES ON THE NOVEMBER 24TH, OR DECEMBER 15, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TEXT KRISTIN KRIEGBAUM, AT 630-294-0045. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

 

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS
MONDAYS AT 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30AM IN PERSON IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

 

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter 11/15/2024

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

Scripture: Romans 4:1-12

 

Sermon Series

A year long study of Romans

Dear Church,

How is your credit? To be honest, when someone is checking my credit score, I am never quite sure what that means and how it all works! This week as we look at Romans, Paul will quote two Old Testament passages that talk about God’s “crediting”. We hear the good news that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness AS WELL as the good news that David writes about in Psalm 32, “Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count (credit) against them.” I look forward to worshiping our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with you , even as we put our faith in Him and receive what He freely offers us at the table He has prepared!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Jeff

 

QUARTERLY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Please join us for our Quarterly Congregational Meeting THIS Sunday, November 17th 6pm- 7:30pm in the Family Life Center. We will fellowship together as we seek the Lord’s leading of our church.

Childcare is provided beginning at 5:45. We’ve got the kids covered so you can focus on the work of the church! The Children’s Ministry will provide childcare for toddlers and up. The kids will enjoy chicken nuggets, snacks, a fun movie, crafts, and games—plenty to keep them entertained while you pray, plan, and come together for God’s work. Let us handle childcare so you can fully participate in this important time. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

This is an important meeting as we will sit around tables discussing the budget and the future of the church. To prepare you for providing good feedback, we are including the questions below:

Questions for small groups:

2025 Budget

1.   As a congregation, we approve a balanced budget.  Our revenues have not met our expenses for the past two years.  As a reminder, the major components of our budget are: staff (58%), P&E (20%), missions (17%), ministry expenses (5%).  What are your reactions to these approaches to setting the 2025 budget?

  • Continue to let the reserves draw down in belief that our church is growing which will eventually result in increased giving. 

  • Divide expense budget into discretionary and non-discretionary components, then prioritize and spend on non-discretionary items as monies become available.

  • Reduce our total mission budget (currently 17% of total budget).

  • Set a budget that matches the total giving for 2024.  This may mean reducing budgets on most discretionary line items, including staff salaries. 

  • Allow for cost-of-living increases for staff, but do not increase any other discretionary line item.

  • What other ideas might you have?

2.      What does ‘stepping out in faith’ look like for our church?

  • Charitable giving is changing in two critical ways: (1) Giving as a percentage of household income is decreasing, and (2) gifts are made to a wider set of charities, resulting in less to the local church.  The biblical concept of tithing, previously culturally thought to be for the local church, is not a spiritual discipline that many practice.  Is this something that we should encourage our congregation to reconsider?  If so, how?

Growth and Evangelism

3.      How do you feel ‘growth’ happening at our church?

4.      Are you experiencing spiritual growth through the ministries of our church?

5.      Only 10% of growth in ‘growing’ (numbers) churches is attributed to conversions.  Is evangelism something that we should give more focus programmatically? If so, what?

Physical Plant Needs and Opportunities

Facts: We have several deferred maintenance items (e.g., A/C units, Gym windows, etc.). Our current facilities are dated cosmetically and functionally.  A P&E Task Force has discussed several ideas that would dramatically improve the usefulness and effect of our building.

6.      Should we prioritize and pursue these needs?  If so, how should we pay for them:

  • Capital Campaign

  • Loan (e.g., from Covenant Properties)

  • Sell existing asset (house)

  • Seek renters for our facility when not in use (e.g., other congregations, mission organizations)

operation christmas child

Help us share the love of Christ this holiday season by filling a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child! The ministry sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world, sharing joy and the message of Jesus. Please take a shoebox from the display at church, fill it with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies and return it to us by Sunday November 24. Let’s come together to make a difference in the lives of children who need it most. Thank you for helping spread hope this Christmas!

Front Door Ministry

Thank you to all who have joined this important ministry! Front Door Ministry offers a friendly face and helpful advice to newcomers to GE Covenant on Sunday mornings. Would you consider joining our team? We especially need Door Greeters for these Sundays; November 17, November 24, December 1, December 15, and December 22.

Thank you!

Click to sign up!

 

Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies:

Our Intergenerational Evening Men’s Bible Study meets every other Wednesday night at church from 6-7pm. Pastor Jeff leads a study of Luke’s gospel.
Our last two meetings before Christmas: November 13 and December 11 at 6pm.

Our Intergenerational Women’s Bible Study (two options) Mondays at 6:45pm (at Pastor Dawn’s home) and Tuesdays at 9:30am (at church). Pastor Dawn leads a study of First John. Choose the evening or daytime option every other week this fall.
Our last two meetings before Christmas:
November 18/November 19 and December 2/December 3
Please email dawn.lauber@gecovenant.org with any questions.

Moms Together continues Thursday, November 21 at 9:30 am. in Higher Grounds. Allison Borton leads a time of conversation and encouragement for moms of preschoolers and school-aged children.
Please RSVP to allisonmborton@yahoo.com for childcare.

Exodus World Service

Thank you for all who have already donated to our “Welcome to America Pack.” This is a whole-church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

 

Men’s Pancake Breakfast

All men are invited to Pastor Jeff’s house for pancakes, fellowship and BACON this Saturday November 16 at 9am.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS FALL

Please join Dr. David Lauber as he teaches on Orthodoxy, Heresy, and True Worship on the next two Sundays; November 17th, and 24th in Munson Hall.

Collecting Books for Theology Program Accreditation

Our partner in Zimbabwe, Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira, is collecting books to achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) for the Evangelical Theological College’s (ETC) Bachelor of Theology program. The ETC, where Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer, was founded in 2004 to provide theological education to urban and rural pastors.

Some 5,000 books were collected for the college in 2022, but the ACTEA recommends that the ETC’s library have an additional 5,000 to 10,000 books to meet the students’ resource needs and the accreditation requirements. Although Tarcisio is pursuing a few seminary-level book sources, anyone interested in donating unused or unneeded theological books from their own home libraries is welcome to do so. Children’s books are of interest as well, given their utility for Christian education and English language learning in conjunction with the church district and national children’s camps.

Please place books for donation in the coat room across the hall from the library, near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Thank you!

Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira also is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

Local Ministry partners

Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry
This faith-based organization serves Glen Ellyn residents, church members, and referred PADS clients, providing emergency help with important expenses such as utilities, food and gas vouchers, as well as auto repairs and insurance. Glen Ellyn Walk-In Ministry, which served about 300 clients this year, is supported by volunteers and 13 area churches, including ours, and other organizations and individuals.
This ministry needs someone from our church family to serve on its Board, which meets every other month on Friday mornings. Contact Diane Brown (dgraceb05@gmail.com) for more information.

Repeat Boutique
This Christian, non-denominational ministry provides clothing and household goods to refugees, low-income families, and Christian workers in need. This year, Repeat Boutique served 16,315 individuals, up from 13,000 in 2023. Last month alone they served people from 42 different countries of origin who speak 28 different languages.
The organization is especially in need of children’s winter coats, and adult coats, men’s sweaters, and jeans. As usual, sheets and towels and pots and pans are also needed. Another need is for a few more volunteers on Thursday and Friday mornings.
Members of our church have been active in the organization through the years and some currently serve there. Learn more here. Contact Rosie Gardner (RosieGardner@sbcglobal.net) for assistance in responding to these needs.

looking forward to summer 2025
covenant harbor camps

Registration is now open. You may set up or update your account now to streamline registration. For more information, go to Covenant Harbor - Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Lake Geneva, WI

College Student Ministry
Next Meeting is November 17 at 5 PM

College students, you are warmly invited to join us for food, fellowship, and conversation.

November 17: Jon and Andrea Martin will host

November 24: Pastor Dawn and husband David will host

December 8-we hope you will attend the Lucia service with beautiful Swedish goodies afterwards

December 15: Paul and Jayne Bischoff will host.

IF YOU COULD HELP WITH THE SIDE DISHES ON THE 17TH, 24TH, OR DECEMBER 15, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TEXT KRISTIN KRIEGBAUM, AT 630-294-0045. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

 

WEEKLY Church Prayer MeetingS
MONDAYS at 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAyS at 10am in person in the church library

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

Worship Arts News

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

 

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter 11/8/2024

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

Scripture: Romans 4:1-12

 

Sermon Series

A year long study of Romans

Dear Church,

Dear Church, We look forward to gathering for worship this Sunday! We continue in our study of Romans, starting in the second half of chapter 3. Romans 3:21 begins "but now," a much-needed transition from Romans 3:20. "But now" moves us from judgment to grace, from despair to hope, from our bondage to sin to freedom in Christ. As we prepare for worship together on Sunday, may we come with humble hearts, giving thanks for what God has done to save each one of us through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

 See you in church on Sunday!

Pastor Dawn 

 

Front Door Ministry

Thank you to all who have joined our Front Door Ministry Team! We need more people to join this essential team of hospitality. We especially need Door Greeters (welcome people to church) and Connectors (direct families to their classrooms).

The connector role is important this Fall. With the door greeter and usher stationed at particular spots, the connector has the flexibility to walk a new family to the nursery, assist with name tags, or answer questions about the church.

Click to sign up!

 

Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies:

Our Intergenerational Evening Men’s Bible Study continues every other Wednesday night at church from 6-7pm. Pastor Jeff leads a study of Luke’s gospel.
Next meeting will be December 11 at 6pm.

Our Intergenerational Women’s Bible Study (two options) Monday, November 18 at 6:45pm (at Pastor Dawn’s home) and Tuesday, November 19 at 9:30am (at church). Pastor Dawn leads a study of First John. Choose the evening or daytime option every other week this fall.
Please RSVP to dawn.lauber@gecovenant.org for childcare and study materials.

Moms Together continues Thursday, November 21 at 9:30 am. in Higher Grounds. Allison Borton leads a time of conversation and encouragement for moms of preschoolers and school-aged children.
Please RSVP to allisonmborton@yahoo.com for childcare.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS FALL

Please join Dr. David Lauber as he teaches on Orthodoxy, Heresy, and True Worship on the next two Sundays; November 17th, and 24th in Munson Hall.

food drive

Glen House Food Pantry’s mission is to provide essential groceries and support to our neighbors at risk of hunger. GE Cov families along with Ark families provided a great amount groceries, or donated financially in support of this mission. Thank you for your generosity!

Collecting Books for Theology Program Accreditation

Our partner in Zimbabwe, Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira, is collecting books to achieve accreditation by The Association of Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) for the Evangelical Theological College’s (ETC) Bachelor of Theology program. The ETC, where Rev. Magurupira is academic dean and lecturer, was founded in 2004 to provide theological education to urban and rural pastors.

Some 5,000 books were collected for the college in 2022, but the ACTEA recommends that the ETC’s library have an additional 5,000 to 10,000 books to meet the students’ resource needs and the accreditation requirements. Although Tarcisio is pursuing a few seminary-level book sources, anyone interested in donating unused or unneeded theological books from their own home libraries is welcome to do so. Children’s books are of interest as well, given their utility for Christian education and English language learning in conjunction with the church district and national children’s camps.

Please place books for donation in the coat room across the hall from the library, near the Higher Grounds coffee area at church. Thank you!

Rev. Tarcisio Magurupira also is director and field officer of Firm Foundation.

looking forward to summer 2025
covenant harbor camps

Registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7am for most programs, and 9am for Family Camps. You may set up or update your account now to streamline registration. For more information, go to Covenant Harbor - Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Lake Geneva, WI

Our fall fest:
What a WONDERFUL evening together!

Men’s Pancake Breakfast

Men, join us THIS Saturday November 16 at 9am at the home of Pastor Jeff to enjoy pancakes and fellowship.

Quarterly Congregational Meeting

Please join us for our Quarterly Congregational Meeting on November 17th at 6pm in the Family Life Center. We will fellowship together as we seek the Lord’s leading of our church. If you are willing and able to help with childcare during the meeting, please contact the church office at 630-469-5405.

College Student Ministry
Next Meeting is November 17 at 5 PM

College students, you are warmly invited to join us for food, fellowship, and conversation.

November 17: John and Andrea Martin will host

November 24: Pastor Dawn and husband David will host

December 8-we hope you will attend the Lucia service with beautiful Swedish goodies afterwards

December 15: Paul and Jayne Bischoff will host.

IF YOU COULD HELP WITH THE SIDE DISHES ON THE 17TH, 24TH, OR DECEMBER 15, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TEXT KRISTIN KRIEGBAUM, AT 630-294-0045. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WEEKLY Church Prayer MeetingS - MONDAY NIGHTS 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 10am in person in the church library

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 859848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

Monthly Book Club Moves to the 2nd Wednesday of the month!

Next Wednesday, November 13th at 7:00pm we'll be discussing When Thoughts and Prayers are not Enough by Taylor Schumann. We'll be meeting at the home of Nancy Salzman, 130 Windsor Park Dr, Unit C226 in Carol Stream. Copies of the book have been reserved for us at the Glen Ellyn Library.  

All are welcome to join us and feel free to attend even if you haven't read the book! Please RSVP to Nancy nancyslzmn776@gmail.com or 630-452-4071 so she can plan accordingly. 

Exodus World Service

Last spring, the women of our church participated in a Welcome Pack through Exodus World Service. This fall it is time for a whole church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

Worship Arts News

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

Thank you to all who have donated to our Capital Campaign!

The goal has been reached for our capital campaign to fund the organ restoration and sanctuary sound system improvements. Praise the Lord for providing through you! The parts required for the organ restoration will be custom made. We expect the restoration to be completed late 1Q’25. The sound system enhancements are expected later this year.

- Eric Fowler, Leadership Team Chair

 

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer

GE COV Weekly Newsletter 11/1/2024

Join us Each week in person or online
Sundays at 9:30am.

Scripture: Romans 3:1-20

 

Sermon Series

A year long study of Romans

Dear Church,

One thing I always want my children to understand is that there is nothing they could ever do to make me love them any more or any less. I hope this translates as they grow to understand that God loves them perfectly. As we move into Romans 3, we begin a new section of the book that we are calling “questions & answers.” For the next 4 weeks we will hear Paul ask questions of his own statements, and they are questions that all of us might have if we were listening to Paul speak or preach. Many of these questions drive Paul to emphasize that no one can be justified before God by works of the law. There is no way we can gain a righteous standing before God on our own. All of us are under sin and need a savior.

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

Peace,

Pastor Jeff 

Front Door Ministry

Thank you to all who have jouned our Front Door Ministry Team! We need more people to join this essential team of hospitality. We especially need Door Greeters (welcome people to church) and Connectors (direct families to their classrooms).

The connector role is important this Fall. With the door greeter and usher stationed at particular spots, the connector has the flexibility to walk a new family to the nursery, assist with name tags, or answer questions about the church.

Click to sign up!

 

Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies:

Our Intergenerational Evening Men’s Bible Study continues every other Wednesday night at church from 6-7pm. Pastor Jeff leads a study of Luke’s gospel.
Next meeting will be November 13 at 6pm.

Our Intergenerational Women’s Bible Study (two options) Monday, November 4 at 6:45pm (at Pastor Dawn’s home) and Tuesday, November 5 at 9:30am (at church). Pastor Dawn leads a study of First John. Choose the evening or daytime option every other week this fall.
Please RSVP to dawn.lauber@gecovenant.org for childcare and study materials.

Moms Together continues Thursday, November 7 at 9:30 am. in Higher Grounds. No meeting on October 30. Allison Borton leads a time of conversation and encouragement for moms of preschoolers and school-aged children.
Please RSVP to allisonmborton@yahoo.com for childcare.

Coffee With Tarcisio
Please plan on gathering with our missions partner Tarcisio Magurupira and others on Friday, November 1, 7:00 pm, at Bob and Diane Brown’s home. This is another wonderful chance to be with Tarcisio and to hear more about his passion for maturing African churches through evangelism and discipleship, focusing mainly on the younger generation.

The Brown’s address is 414 S. Lorraine Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187. Tarcisio is academic dean and lecturer, Evangelical Theological College, Zimbabwe, and director and field officer, Firm Foundation.

Men’s Pancake Breakfast

Men, join us on Saturday November 16 at 9am at the home of Pastor Jeff to enjoy pancakes and fellowship.

Quarterly Congregational Meeting

Please join us for our Quarterly Congregational Meeting on November 17th at 6pm in the Family Life Center. We will fellowship together as we seek the Lord’s leading of our church.

College Student Ministry
Next Meeting is november 10, 5 PM

We are excited to fellowship with our college students! Interested in hosting and helping with food? See Kristin Kriegbaum. Our hosts for the next dinner: Wheaton College seniors, Emma and Isaac.

WEEKLY Church Prayer MeetingS - MONDAY NIGHTS 7PM ON ZOOM AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 10am in person in the church library

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” -Colossians 4:2

ZOOM PRAYER MEETING DETAILS

Zoom Meeting ID: 858848614 Password: geecc

Send a prayer request to Jayne Bischoff who will forward to Prayer Partners. Please mark if confidential. (jaynebischoff@gmail.com)

Exodus World Service

Last spring, the women of our church participated in a Welcome Pack through Exodus World Service. This fall it is time for a whole church endeavor to welcome a refugee family to America with practical Christian love.
Please see the link below and consider participating in this project. All items can be dropped off at Pastor Dawn’s office.

Sign up link: https://signup.com/go/qxShXOO

Worship Arts News

Calling all artists! Thank you to those who have already displayed their artistic responses to our sermon series on Romans.

It is exciting to see the new submissions in our south alcove. If you missed the “assignment” – we are creating a display of art that reflects a favorite verse from Romans.

Please email Kriste Sveen for more details as needed.

 kristesveen7@gmail.com  

Monthly Book Club Moves to the 2nd Wednesday of the month!

On Wednesday, November 13th, 7:00pm we'll be discussing When Thoughts and Prayers are not Enough by Taylor Schumann. We'll be meeting at the home of Nancy Salzman, 130 Windsor Park Dr, Unit C226 in Carol Stream. Copies of the book have been reserved for us at the Glen Ellyn Library. We'd love you to join us and feel free to attend even if you didn't read the book! Please RSVP to Nancy nancyslzmn776@gmail.com or 630-452-4071 so she can plan accordingly. 

Upcoming Event-Geneva College Choir Concert

Mark your calendars for this wonderful event: March 16, 2025. The Genevans, a 50 voice touring choir from Geneva College, near Pittsburgh PA, will be performing their Spring Concert, Word of God, at our church this Spring.

Pastor Dawn is doing an initial “pre-ask” to see how many people would be willing to house 2-4 students for one night after their concert. If you would consider hosting these college students at your home, please contact Dawn at dawn.lauber@gecovenant.org

Thank you to all who have donated to our Capital Campaign!

The goal has been reached for our capital campaign to fund the organ restoration and sanctuary sound system improvements. Praise the Lord for providing through you! The parts required for the organ restoration will be custom made. We expect the restoration to be completed late 1Q’25. The sound system enhancements are expected later this year.

- Eric Fowler, Leadership Team Chair

 

QUICK LINKS

The Ark Preschool
Children's Ministries
Student Ministries
Adult Ministries
Email the Church
Request Prayer