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 8:18-30

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Dear Beloved Church,

This Sunday we will be in our second of three sermons on Romans 8. This week we will continue to look at Paul’s description of the Spirit filled life, we will see that the Christian life while we live on this earth is more about groans than it is shouts of victory; more about suffering than it is about comfort. Thankfully, the Spirit of Christ is the one groaning inwardly alongside us, and the sufferings we face unite us with Christ in his suffering as we await a glory that will far outweigh any experience of this life. I can’t wait to worship with you on Sunday.

Peace,

Pastor Jeff

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
mARCH 5 AT 6PM

We invite you to join us for our Ash Wednesday Service on March 5th at 6:00pm. This will be a service of reflection, prayer, and worship. As we enter the season of Lent, Jesus invites us to walk with him. Although we ought to do this all year round, Lent is an intentional time to pause and reflect on our own discipleship. Ash Wednesday begins us in this process as we reflect on our own mortality and our hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which rescues us from sin and death. I hope you will join us at 6:00pm in the sanctuary!

LENTEN PRAYER/SOUP SUPPERS
BEGIN MARCH 9TH

During Lent, we gather for Taize prayer and worship in the sanctuary at 5pm on Sunday nights, followed by our soup supper at 5:30pm in the Family Life Center. We hope you will join us and invite family, friends and neighbors to these special evenings together.
Use the link to sign up to provide soup or to help with set-up/clean up: https://www.gecovenant.org/soup-supper-sign-up

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT DINNER IS march 2 AT 5PM

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

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.

EXODUS WORLD SERVICE

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13
Exodus World Service has mobilized the Christian community since 1988 to welcome and befriend refugees.
GE Covenant’s generosity and love was evident as Pastor Dawn’s car was completely packed with practical supplies to welcome a family to our community. Thank you for your outpouring of love, GE Covenant!

YOUNG ADULT SUPPER CLUB & CONVERSATION AT 6:30PM

You are warmly invited to join your friends of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church for food, fellowship, and conversation!

Monday February 3 at the home of Eric and Lisa Fowler

Monday March 3 at the home of Paul and Jayne Bischoff

Hope you can join us! Contact Pastor Dawn with any questions.

BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
TO BENEFIT THE ARK SCHOLARSHIP FUND

On March 22nd, we will be holding a Bake Sale Fundraiser to benefit the Ark Scholarship Fund. This will be a great opportunity for you or your friends and family to get some delicious bread while supporting a great cause: Helping families in need send their children to the Ark Preschool! The Bake Sale will be on a Saturday morning from 10:00am-12:00pm.

If you would like to help out, there are three ways you can:

1.      Come and buy some homemade bread or pastries!

  • And invite anyone you know to come and do the same!

  • Pastor Jeff will bake a variety of fresh Artisan Sourdough bread, as well as Fresh sourdough sandwich loafs, Swedish morning buns, Croissants, and other pastries.

2.      Bake something to donate to the bake sale!

  • We are accepting home-made donated baked goods; Cookies, Muffins, Scones, etc.

  • Please let Pastor Jeff, or Carol Casey know what you will be bringing as well as a suggested amount for your goods and a list of ingredients in each bake.

3.      Volunteer during the Bake Sale!

  • We are looking for a (baker’s)dozen or so volunteers to help with the sale of the bread on the 22nd.

  • This volunteer time will be from 9:30-12:30 on Saturday morning.

  • Please let Mrs. Pelsor know if you would like to volunteer!

Thank you in advance for helping!

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS

Join us every other Monday at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Join us every other Tuesday at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, childcare provided

Upcoming Dates:
March 10/11,
Final party on March 25 for WOW and Mom’s Together.

JOIN “MOMS TOGETHER”
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds—next meeting is March 4th. 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

WORLD RELIEF chicagoland
OUR PARTNER IN MINISTRY

World Relief welcomes and advocates for refugees and immigrants in vulnerable situations. If you would like to carry on the giving to this vital ministry, please do the following:

  • Go to GECovenant.org

  • Click the “Give” button

  • Dropdown menu: Give to World Relief Chicagoland

    OR

  • Make out a check to GECC

  • On the memo line write: World Relief Chicagoland

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:
CHRISTIAN RADIO FOR RUSSIA & UKRAINE

New Life Radio began broadcasting from Magadan Russia in 1994. In over 30 years, the ministry has faced many challenges. Their prayer is that they may continue to get God’s Word transmitted into thousands of communities across Russia and Ukraine, especially during this time of war.
Please click the link below for more details and to see how you can help.

Christian Radio for Russia Jan 2025 E-newsletter.docx

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

“SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE”
Galatians 5:13

A new or renewed use of the “Serve” tab in the GE Covenant website is in effect for all volunteers.
All Sunday Volunteers can now sign up to volunteer via the “Serve” tab.
This tab includes; Communion Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Prayer, Coffee Servers, Music & Tech, and Children’s Ministry.

Please note:
Those who will lead prayer in worship are decided by the Pastors.

Communion Servers must be regular attenders of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church

To access the Serving spreadsheet you can access it here; SERVE
and for your convenience, please see the QR code on the Sunday bulletins.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS

Join us on
MONDAYS AT 7pm ON ZOOM
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)

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: ROMANS 8:1-17

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Beloved,
I am so thankful for our time in Romans this year. It has been a joy to walk through it together and as we hit the halfway point, I am really excited to be in Romans 8 over the next 3 weeks. “Therefore, there is NOW no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” All of our hope as human beings can be summed up in this sentence. What an incredible place for us to be this weekend as we worship God together. I can’t wait to worship with you. See you Sunday.

Pastor Jeff

WE WELCOME REV. DR. AMY PEELER
on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23

The Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D. is the Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, IL and an Associate Priest at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva, IL.

Author of Women and Gender of God (Eerdmans, 2022), “You Are My Son”: The Family of God in the Epistle to the Hebrews (T&T Clark, 2014), and co-author with Patrick Gray of Hebrews: An Introduction and Study Guide (T&T Clark, 2020), she continues to research, write, and speak on Hebrews and familial language in the New Testament.

Dr. Peeler received her B.A. in Biblical Languages from Oklahoma Baptist University, earned her M. Div. and Ph. D. in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary, and served as a Senior Research Fellow with the Logos Institute at the University of St. Andrews.  She is an active member of the Institute for Biblical Research, Society of Biblical Literature, and a Fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians. Her current research includes a commentary on Hebrews with Eerdmans.
In addition to teaching, preaching, and writing, Rev. Dr. Peeler enjoys running, CrossFit, and time with her husband Lance, a church organist and liturgical scholar, and their three children.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Amy Peeler to our Adult Sunday School this week. Dr. Peeler will teach on Hebrews 10 (“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”). Hebrews 10:10 will be the bridge between our study of the Psalms with Dr. Nathan Clayton and our series on Forgiveness by Mary Crickmore.


MINISTRY EVENT:
OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY
THIS Saturday February 22

GE Covenant will be partnering with our friends from Kingdom Covenent Church Chicago to serve the large homeless community in Chicago. We will be giving out Care Packages to those in need in this community, as well as praying with them.

A sincere thank you to all who have so generously donated items to our homeless brothers and sisters!
If you’d like to join us on Saturday to distribute the items, please come to the church on
Saturday February 22 at 10:45am.

YOUNG ADULT SUPPER CLUB & CONVERSATION AT 6:30PM

You are warmly invited to join your friends of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church for food, fellowship, and conversation!

Monday February 3 at the home of Eric and Lisa Fowler

Monday March 3 at the home of Paul and Jayne Bischoff

Hope you can join us! Contact Pastor Dawn with any questions.

LENTEN PRAYER/SOUP SUPPER

During Lent, we gather for Taize prayer and worship in the sanctuary at 5pm on Sunday nights, followed by our soup supper at 5:30pm in the Family Life Center. We hope you will join us and invite family, friends and neighbors to these special evenings together.
Use the link to sign up to provide soup or to help with set-up/clean up: https://www.gecovenant.org/soup-supper-sign-up

BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
TO BENEFIT THE ARK SCHOLARSHIP FUND

On March 22nd, we will be holding a Bake Sale Fundraiser to benefit the Ark Scholarship Fund. This will be a great opportunity for you or your friends and family to get some delicious bread while supporting a great cause: Helping families in need send their children to the Ark Preschool! The Bake Sale will be on a Saturday morning from 10:00am-12:00pm.

If you would like to help out, there are three ways you can:

1.      Come and buy some homemade bread or pastries!

  • And invite anyone you know to come and do the same!

  • Pastor Jeff will bake a variety of fresh Artisan Sourdough bread, as well as Fresh sourdough sandwich loafs, Swedish morning buns, Croissants, and other pastries.

2.      Bake something to donate to the bake sale!

  • We are accepting home-made donated baked goods; Cookies, Muffins, Scones, etc.

  • Please let Pastor Jeff, or Carol Casey know what you will be bringing as well as a suggested amount for your goods and a list of ingredients in each bake.

3.      Volunteer during the Bake Sale!

  • We are looking for a (baker’s)dozen or so volunteers to help with the sale of the bread on the 22nd.

  • This volunteer time will be from 9:30-12:30 on Saturday morning.

  • Please let Mrs. Pelsor know if you would like to volunteer!

Thank you in advance for helping!

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS

Join us every other Monday at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Join us every other Tuesday at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, childcare provided

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

JOIN “MOMS TOGETHER”
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds—next meeting is March 4th. .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

FUN AT THE GALENTINES PARTY:
CHOCOLATE, COFFEE, AND CHARI-TEA!

The women of GE Covenant had a wonderful time at the annual Galentines Party! In addition to the great fellowship, treats, and fun, there was an opportunity to give to help our partner in ministry, World Relief! If you would like to carry on the giving, please do the following:

  • Go to GECovenant.org

  • Click the “Give” button

  • Dropdown menu: Give to World Relief Chicagoland

    OR

  • Make out a check to GECC

  • On the memo line write: World Relief Chicagoland

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT DINNER IS march 2 AT 5PM

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

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.

LAST HOME BASKETBALL GAMEs OF THE SEASON

Need an idea for fun during these freezing days of winter? Why not join members of your church family in attending the final Wheaton College Men’s Basketball home game: February 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, catch their last home game on February 22. You can check out the full schedule here: Women's Schedule   

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:
CHRISTIAN RADIO FOR RUSSIA & UKRAINE

New Life Radio began broadcasting from Magadan Russia in 1994. In over 30 years, the ministry has faced many challenges. Their prayer is that they may continue to get God’s Word transmitted into thousands of communities across Russia and Ukraine, especially during this time of war.
Please click the link below for more details and to see how you can help.

Christian Radio for Russia Jan 2025 E-newsletter.docx

A NOTE FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY

2024 Year-end donation statements were mailed to all members and 4th Quarter donors. If you have any questions, or do not receive it, please contact Financial Secretary Wendy Miller (giving@gecovenant.org or 630-596-6487). Thank you for supporting the ministry of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church!

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

“SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE”
Galatians 5:13

A new or renewed use of the “Serve” tab in the GE Covenant website is in effect for all volunteers.
All Sunday Volunteers can now sign up to volunteer via the “Serve” tab.
This tab includes; Communion Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Prayer, Coffee Servers, Music & Tech, and Children’s Ministry.

Please note:
Those who will lead prayer in worship are decided by the Pastors.

Communion Servers must be regular attenders of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church

To access the Serving spreadsheet you can access it here; SERVE
and for your convenience, please see the QR code on the Sunday bulletins.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS

Join us on
MONDAYS AT 7pm ON ZOOM
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)

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: ROMANS 7:7-25

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Dear Church,

This Sunday we will be in Romans 7 together as we look at Paul’s continued encouragement to the church to not be legalistic nor continue in sin, but rather be in Christ. I am so excited to worship with you this Sunday.

Peace,
Pastor Jeff.

JOIN US AS DR. CLAYTON CONTINUES HIS SERIES ON
“THE PSALMS IN WORSHIP”

What a blessing to have Dr. Clayton join us in worship and teach us from the Psalms these past weeks in Adult Sunday school! Please join us for his last lesson in “The Psalms in Worship” series;
“Messianic Psalms” on Sunday February 9th.

NEW DATE!
MINISTRY EVENT:
OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY
NOW on Saturday February 22

GE Covenant will be partnering with our friends from Kingdom Covenent Church Chicago to serve the large homeless community in Chicago. We will be giving out Care Packages to those in need in this community, as well as praying with them.

How can you help?

First, we will be collecting the following items:
BLANKETS, GLOVES, SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, SCARVES, HAND SANITIZER, and WET WIPES.

If you would be willing to donate any of these items, please bring them to the church office—within the next 2 weeks—so that we can assemble the care packages.

Thank you to those who have already contributed! Please contact Pastor Jeff if you would like to be part of this ministry event that will travel to Chicago to serve our brothers and sisters who are homeless.

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS

Join us every other Monday at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Join us every other Tuesday at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, childcare provided

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

JOIN “MOMS TOGETHER”
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds—next meeting February 18th . 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

WE WELCOME REV. GRACE SHIM
TO GLEN ELLYN COVENANT

on Sunday February 16

Rev. Grace Shim, Executive Minister of Serve Globally, has served in the Covenant since 2003, and before that worked as a licensed counselor and the executive director of a counseling center in Thailand. She has ministered in a variety of multigenerational, cross-cultural contexts.

As the Executive Minister of Serve Globally, Rev. Shim oversees missional efforts for Covenant World Relief and Development, Merge, Paul Carlson Partnership, and more than 100 global personnel and ministry partners who advance the Covenant’s mission in more than 50 countries. In this role she provides leadership to international missional efforts and initiatives, emphasizing partnerships with national churches and organizations, as well as mobilizing engagement and support among local Covenant congregations in the U.S. and Canada

Rev. Shim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Math Education from Virginia Polytechnic and State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University. Her home church is Christ Covenant Church in Villa Park, Illinois.

We are so happy to welcome Rev. Shim to Glen Ellyn Covenant as she will be preaching at our 9:30 Worship service on Sunday February 16th.

GALENTINES PARTY:
CHOCOLATE, COFFEE, AND CHARI-TEA!

All women are invited to our annual Galentines Party on Thursday February 13 at 7pm in Higher Grounds. This is an event NOT to be missed! There will be an opportunity to give to help World Relief; cash or check made out to Glen Ellyn Covenant. Please write World Relief Chicagoland in the memo.
Hope to see you there!!

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT DINNER IS FEBRUARY 16 AT 5PM

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

February 16: Kristin Kreigbaum 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.

COVENANT CHURCHES RALLY AMID CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE DEVASTATION

Among the many communities affected by the deadly fires are several Covenant churches in the greater Los Angeles area. Among them is Pastor Stephen Wong, lead pastor at Pasadena Covenant Church, a historic congregation that celebrated 100 years of ministry in 2022. You can read more HERE

If you feel led to help those affected by the wildfires in California, continue to pray and you may use this link to give;

Domestic Disaster Response - ECC Giving

We also have families in our own congregation whose family members living in the Los Angeles area lost their homes. Let’s continue to pray for the God of all comfort to surround those families and all those affected by this devastation.

MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

On Wednesday, February 12th at 7:00pm we'll be discussing
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi.
We are meeting at the home of Jayne Bischoff, 1614 Madsen Ct. 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 jaynebischoff@gmail.com or (630) 945-1974.

Symposium on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Hospitality and Immigration

February 14–15, 2025 | Nyvall Hall 5110 N. Spaulding Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 | Livestream available

How can Christian communities live out the biblical call to extend hospitality to all people, including immigrants? Join us for this timely dialogue among Bible scholars, theologians, and ministry practitioners, with extended opportunities for participant engagement.
Join Pastor Dawn as she will be leading worship at this event!

This event is free and open to the public but requires registration. Please email Pastor Dawn for more info.

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: 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, here are the upcoming games: February 5, February 8, February 12, February 19, and February 22. You can check out the full schedule here: Women's Schedule   

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:
CHRISTIAN RADIO FOR RUSSIA & UKRAINE

New Life Radio began broadcasting from Magadan Russia in 1994. In over 30 years, the ministry has faced many challenges. Their prayer is that they may continue to get God’s Word transmitted into thousands of communities across Russia and Ukraine, especially during this time of war.
Please click the link below for more details and to see how you can help.

Christian Radio for Russia Jan 2025 E-newsletter.docx

A NOTE FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY

2024 Year-end donation statements were mailed to all members and 4th Quarter donors. If you have any questions, or do not receive it, please contact Financial Secretary Wendy Miller (giving@gecovenant.org or 630-596-6487). Thank you for supporting the ministry of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church!

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

“SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE”
Galatians 5:13

A new or renewed use of the “Serve” tab in the GE Covenant website is in effect for all volunteers.
All Sunday Volunteers can now sign up to volunteer via the “Serve” tab.
This tab includes; Communion Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Prayer, Coffee Servers, Music & Tech, and Children’s Ministry.

Please note:
Those who will lead prayer in worship are decided by the Pastors.

Communion Servers must be regular attenders of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church

To access the Serving spreadsheet you can access it here; SERVE
and for your convenience, please see the QR code on the Sunday bulletins.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS

Join us on
MONDAYS AT 7pm ON ZOOM
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)

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: ROMANS 6:15-7:6

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Dear Church,

“We become enslaved to whatever we choose to obey.” Paul employs some powerful imagery in this second half of Romans 6 as he continues to drive home to his listeners that they cannot follow Jesus only halfway. To live under the grace of God through Jesus Christ is to experience new and abundant life.  To claim we are disciples of Jesus, we must offer ourselves in total, radical, and exclusive allegiance to Him.

Obedience to sin leads to death. Obedience to God leads to life. How could we ever choose anything other than obedience to the One who loves us and sets us free. Join us on Sunday as we continue to learn how to serve God with our full selves. This is not accomplished by obeying the letter of the law or choosing our own desires, but by obeying God and choosing the Spirit-filled life.

See you in church!
Pastor Dawn

MINISTRY EVENT:
OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY
on Saturday February 15

GE Covenant will be partnering with our friends from Kingdom Covenent Church Chicago to serve the large homeless community in Chicago. We will be giving out Care Packages to those in need in this community, as well as praying with them.

How can you help?

First, we will be collecting the following items:
BLANKETS, GLOVES, SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, SCARVES, HAND SANITIZER, and WET WIPES.

If you would be willing to donate any of these items, please bring them to the church office—within the next 2 weeks—so that we can assemble the care packages.

Please contact Pastor Jeff if you would like to be part of this ministry event that will travel to Chicago to serve our brothers and sisters who are homeless.

WE WELCOME J. NATHAN CLAYTON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT
NORTH PARK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Growing up as a missionary kid in France, Dr. Clayton established a strong sense of calling from God early on, which led him to pursue a biblical teaching ministry. He did his MDiv and PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity Schoool. As a professor, he integrates his intercultural background and understanding of diverse ministry settings into his classroom. “I bring, by God’s grace, a wide variety of ministry experiences and perspectives on Christian Ministry to my teaching of the Old Testament and of the Bible as a whole.”

We are happy to welcome Dr. Nathan Clayton, who will continue with his teaching on the riches of the psalter, “The Psalms in Worship” in our Adult Sunday schools on February 2, and February 9 in the sanctuary following our Worship Service.

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS

Join us every other Monday at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Join us every other Tuesday at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, childcare provided

Upcoming Dates:
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

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds—next meeting February 4th . 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

GALENTINES PARTY:
CHOCOLATE, COFFEE, AND CHARI-TEA!

All women are invited to our annual Galentines Party on Thursday February 13 at 7pm in Higher Grounds. This is an event NOT to be missed! Hope to see you there!!

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT DINNER IS FEBRUARY 2 AT 5PM

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

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.

COVENANT CHURCHES RALLY AMID CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE DEVASTATION

Among the many communities affected by the deadly fires are several Covenant churches in the greater Los Angeles area. Among them is Pastor Stephen Wong, lead pastor at Pasadena Covenant Church, a historic congregation that celebrated 100 years of ministry in 2022. You can read more HERE

If you feel led to help those affected by the wildfires in California, continue to pray and you may use this link to give;

Domestic Disaster Response - ECC Giving

We also have families in our own congregation whose family members living in the Los Angeles area lost their homes. Let’s continue to pray for the God of all comfort to surround those families and all those affected by this devastation.

MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

On Wednesday, February 12th at 7:00pm we'll be discussing
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi.
We are meeting at the home of Jayne Bischoff, 1614 Madsen Ct. 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 jaynebischoff@gmail.com or (630) 945-1974.

Symposium on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Hospitality and Immigration

February 14–15, 2025 | Nyvall Hall 5110 N. Spaulding Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 | Livestream available

How can Christian communities live out the biblical call to extend hospitality to all people, including immigrants? Join us for this timely dialogue among Bible scholars, theologians, and ministry practitioners, with extended opportunities for participant engagement.
Join Pastor Dawn as she will be leading worship at this event!

This event is free and open to the public but requires registration. Please email Pastor Dawn for more info.

WE WELCOME REV. GRACE SHIM
TO GLEN ELLYN COVENANT

on Sunday February 16

Rev. Grace Shim, Executive Minister of Serve Globally, has served in the Covenant since 2003, and before that worked as a licensed counselor and the executive director of a counseling center in Thailand. She has ministered in a variety of multigenerational, cross-cultural contexts.

As the Executive Minister of Serve Globally, Rev. Shim oversees missional efforts for Covenant World Relief and Development, Merge, Paul Carlson Partnership, and more than 100 global personnel and ministry partners who advance the Covenant’s mission in more than 50 countries. In this role she provides leadership to international missional efforts and initiatives, emphasizing partnerships with national churches and organizations, as well as mobilizing engagement and support among local Covenant congregations in the U.S. and Canada

Rev. Shim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Math Education from Virginia Polytechnic and State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University. Her home church is Christ Covenant Church in Villa Park, Illinois.

We are so happy to welcome Rev. Shim to Glen Ellyn Covenant as she will be preaching at our 9:30 Worship service on Sunday February 16th.

GREAT IDEA FOR 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: 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, here are the upcoming games: February 5, February 8, February 12, February 19, and February 22. You can check out the full schedule here: Women's Schedule   

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:
CHRISTIAN RADIO FOR RUSSIA & UKRAINE

New Life Radio began broadcasting from Magadan Russia in 1994. In over 30 years, the ministry has faced many challenges. Their prayer is that they may continue to get God’s Word transmitted into thousands of communities across Russia and Ukraine, especially during this time of war.
Please click the link below for more details and to see how you can help.

Christian Radio for Russia Jan 2025 E-newsletter.docx

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

“SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE”
Galatians 5:13

A new or renewed use of the “Serve” tab in the GE Covenant website is in effect for all volunteers.
All Sunday Volunteers can now sign up to volunteer via the “Serve” tab.
This tab includes; Communion Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Prayer, Coffee Servers, Music & Tech, and Children’s Ministry.

Please note:
Those who will lead prayer in worship are decided by the Pastors.

Communion Servers must be regular attenders of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church

To access the Serving spreadsheet you can access it here; SERVE
and for your convenience, please see the QR code on the Sunday bulletins.

WEEKLY CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS

Join us on
MONDAYS AT 7pm ON ZOOM
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)

GOING….GOING……

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 yellow Yeti, a pair of children’s shoes, a fleece jacket, among other things.
Check it out soon as these items will be donated very soon.

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: ROMANS 6:1-14

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Dear Church,

Last Sunday we sat in Romans 5 and talked about the incredible flood of grace and freedom that Jesus brought by ending the reign of death that came through the sin of Adam, which we all share in. What an incredible, beautiful, matchless glory we share in. What an incredible, beautiful, matchless life we have been gifted. What an incredible, beautiful, matchless responsibility we now have to live into this grace as we join with God in ushering in his kingdom reign. As we move into chapter 6, we will see that this flood of grace and freedom has implications for our everyday life. This week we will explore the beauty of being baptized with Jesus in his death and raised to new life with him. I am so excited to worship with you on Sunday!

Peace,
Pastor Jeff

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR CELEBRATION DINNER &
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
THIS SUNDAY!


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!

YEAR END FINANCIAL UPDATE

It is with great joy that we can announce that our God sent an amazing wave of generous giving in December! So much so that we finished the year -- not with a deficit -- but with a surplus of about $50,000. This surplus will help us rebuild our reserve which is much needed as we head into 2025 once again fully staffed and supporting ministries locally, nationally and internationally.  A huge "thank you" to all of you who prayed and to all of you who gave so generously. As we move into the new year, the Financial Management Team, Leadership Team and staff will be looking at how to encourage the discipline of giving as a more consistent part of our community worship. Expect to hear more as the year progresses!

WE WELCOME J. NATHAN CLAYTON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT
NORTH PARTK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Growing up as a missionary kid in France, Dr. Clayton established a strong sense of calling from God early on, which led him to pursue a biblical teaching ministry. He did his MDiv and PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity Schoool. As a professor, he integrates his intercultural background and understanding of diverse ministry settings into his classroom. “I bring, by God’s grace, a wide variety of ministry experiences and perspectives on Christian Ministry to my teaching of the Old Testament and of the Bible as a whole.”

We are happy to welcome Dr. Nathan Clayton, who will teach on the riches of the psalter, “The Psalms in Worship” in our Adult Sunday schools on January 26, February 2, and February 9 in the sanctuary following our Worship Service.

WOMEN OF THE WORD
INTERGENERATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

JOIN US FOR A STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS

Join us every other Monday at 6:45pm at the home of Pastor Dawn

Join us every other Tuesday at 9:30am in Higher Grounds at church, childcare provided

Upcoming Dates:
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

Moms Together will meet every other Tuesday 9:30-11am in Higher Grounds—next meeting February 4th . 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

WE WELCOME REV. GRACE SHIM
TO GLEN ELLYN COVENANT

on Sunday February 16

Rev. Grace Shim, Executive Minister of Serve Globally, has served in the Covenant since 2003, and before that worked as a licensed counselor and the executive director of a counseling center in Thailand. She has ministered in a variety of multigenerational, cross-cultural contexts.

As the Executive Minister of Serve Globally, Rev. Shim oversees missional efforts for Covenant World Relief and Development, Merge, Paul Carlson Partnership, and more than 100 global personnel and ministry partners who advance the Covenant’s mission in more than 50 countries. In this role she provides leadership to international missional efforts and initiatives, emphasizing partnerships with national churches and organizations, as well as mobilizing engagement and support among local Covenant congregations in the U.S. and Canada

Rev. Shim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Math Education from Virginia Polytechnic and State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University. Her home church is Christ Covenant Church in Villa Park, Illinois.

We are so happy to welcome Rev. Shim to Glen Ellyn Covenant as she will be preaching at our 9:30 Worship service on Sunday February 16th.

OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING

If you feel led to help those effected by the wildfires in California, continue to pray and you may use this link to give;

Domestic Disaster Response - ECC Giving

Symposium on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Hospitality and Immigration

February 14–15, 2025 | Nyvall Hall 5110 N. Spaulding Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 | Livestream available

How can Christian communities live out the biblical call to extend hospitality to all people, including immigrants? Join us for this timely dialogue among Bible scholars, theologians, and ministry practitioners, with extended opportunities for participant engagement.
Join Pastor Dawn as she will be leading worship at this event!

This event is free and open to the public but requires registration. Please email Pastor Dawn for more info.

GREAT IDEA FOR 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 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 here: Women's Schedule   

MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
2ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

On Wednesday, February 12th at 7:00pm we'll be discussing
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi.
We are meeting at the home of Jayne Bischoff, 1614 Madsen Ct. 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 jaynebischoff@gmail.com or (630) 945-1974.

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:
CHRISTIAN RADIO FOR RUSSIA & UKRAINE

New Life Radio began broadcasting from Magadan Russia in 1994. In over 30 years, the ministry has faced many challenges. Their prayer is that they may continue to get God’s Word transmitted into thousands of communities across Russia and Ukraine, especially during this time of war.
Please click the link below for more details and to see how you can help.

Christian Radio for Russia Jan 2025 E-newsletter.docx

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

“SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE”
Galatians 5:13

A new or renewed use of the “Serve” tab in the GE Covenant website is in effect for all volunteers.
All Sunday Volunteers can now sign up to volunteer via the “Serve” tab.
This tab includes; Communion Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Prayer, Coffee Servers, Music & Tech, and Children’s Ministry.

Please note:
Those who will lead prayer in worship are decided by the Pastors.

Communion Servers must be regular attenders of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church

To access the Serving spreadsheet you can access it here; SERVE
and for your convenience, please see the QR code on the Sunday bulletins.

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
NEXT DINNER IS FEBRUARY 2 AT 5PM

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

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.

FINAL DATE TO DROP OFF ITEMS FOR
EXODUS WORLD SERVICE: JANUARY 26

If you are interested in donating, these items are particularly needed;
1 twin size comforter and 1 full size comforter.
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

Join us on
MONDAYS AT 7pm ON ZOOM
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.

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: ROMANS 5:12-21

SERMON SERIES

A YEAR LONG STUDY OF ROMANS

Dear Church,

This week as we join Paul in Romans 5, we will talk about God’s abundant provision of grace through the one man, Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus Christ, death no longer reigns in the world and we are invited to reign with Christ in life! He truly has changed our mourning to dancing and sorrow for joy! Praise God! I cannot wait to worship with you on 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!

YEAR END FINANCIAL UPDATE

It is with great joy that we can announce that our God sent an amazing wave of generous giving in December! So much so that we finished the year -- not with a deficit -- but with a surplus of about $50,000. This surplus will help us rebuild our reserve which is much needed as we head into 2025 once again fully staffed and supporting ministries locally, nationally and internationally.  A huge "thank you" to all of you who prayed and to all of you who gave so generously. As we move into the new year, the Financial Management Team, Leadership Team and staff will be looking at how to encourage the discipline of giving as a more consistent part of our community worship. Expect to hear more as the year progresses!

OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING

If you feel led to help those effected by the wildfires in California, continue to pray and you may use this link to give;

Domestic Disaster Response - ECC Giving

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 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

WE WELCOME J. NATHAN CLAYTON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT
NORTH PARTK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Growing up as a missionary kid in France, Dr. Clayton established a strong sense of calling from God early on, which led him to pursue a biblical teaching ministry. He did his MDiv and PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity Schoool. As a professor, he integrates his intercultural background and understanding of diverse ministry settings into his classroom. “I bring, by God’s grace, a wide variety of ministry experiences and perspectives on Christian Ministry to my teaching of the Old Testament and of the Bible as a whole.”

We are happy to welcome Dr. Nathan Clayton, who will teach on the riches of the psalter, “The Psalms in Worship” in our Adult Sunday schools on January 26, February 2, and February 9 in the sanctuary following our Worship Service.

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 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 Africa 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 2022 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.

WORSHIP ARTS NEWS

“SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE”
Galatians 5:13

A new or renewed use of the “Serve” tab in the GE Covenant website is in effect for all volunteers.
All Sunday Volunteers can now sign up to volunteer via the “Serve” tab.
This tab includes; Communion Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Prayer, Coffee Servers, Music & Tech, and Children’s Ministry.

Please note:
Those who will lead prayer in worship are decided by the Pastors.

Communion Servers must be regular attenders of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church

To access the Serving spreadsheet you can access it here; SERVE
and for your convenience, please see the QR code on the Sunday bulletins.

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.

FINAL DATE TO DROP OFF ITEMS FOR
EXODUS WORLD SERVICE: JANUARY 26

If you are interested in donating, these items are particularly needed;
1 twin size comforter and 1 full size comforter.
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

Join us on
MONDAYS AT 7pm ON ZOOM
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.

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: 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