Church Info

Over the next few weeks, Holy Covenant is joining in the Advent Conspiracy challenge to worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all this holiday season. We believe that taking some of the consumerism out of Christmas and focusing in on what really matters is one way we can live out Holy Covenant’s mission to seek God, love all people, and change the world.

You can find out more about Advent Conspiracy by visiting www.adventconspiracy.org. To find out more about what the Holy Covenant community is conspiring to do this season or how you can get involved, visit the Advent page on our website at www.holycovenantumc.org.

Please welcome Holy Covenant’s New Interim Minister for Children and Families, Jeff Dodson! Jeff begins Dec. 1st and will overlap with Donelle for 3 weeks. We give thanks for Donelle’s time with us, and wish her well as she finishes her Master of Divinity in December and pursues ministry opportunities in 2010. Here’s a word from Jeff:

Greetings Holy Covenant UMC! My name is Jeffrey Dodson and I am pleased to be your new Minister for Children and Families! I’m sure you’d like to know a little about me, so here are some fun facts: I grew up in the mountains of Colorado spending my time snowboarding, horseback riding, and backpacking up the many 14,000 foot mountain peaks that are all around. I graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin in 2006 with my BA in Theatre and moved to numerous states to work as a licensed interim Minister for small churches. I most recently worked as a Youth and Young Adult Coordinator with the United Church of Christ in Colorado Springs before moving here to Chicago, where I am currently attending Chicago Theological Seminary to become a Reverend. I love to read sci-fi and play guitar in my spare time, and learn useless facts whenever I can. There you have it! A little light shedding on who I am. And as our time together grows I hope to have a little light shed on each of you that I might know you better. Blessings to you all, Jeff.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Children’s Sabbath at Holy Covenant with a guest preacher, Gennifer Benjamin Brooks. This will be a Sunday when the children are more involved with the leadership of the morning services and those who are in 3rd grade (or older if they are new to Holy Covenant) will receive a copy of the NRSV translation of the the Bible. However, all the children will be recognized that morning and will receive a gift of love from Holy Covenant UMC.

Gennifer Benjamin Brooks is the Styberg Associate Professor of Homiletics and Director of the Styberg Preaching Institute at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She is an ordained elder and full clergy member of the New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. Before coming to the seminary, she was the pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, New York for eight years, having previously served in two cross-racial appointments in the New York Conference. She was also the Assistant Dean of New Brunswick Theological Seminary for four years.

Gennifer holds a Bachelor of Business, cum laude and a Master of Business Administration from Pace University, a Master of Divinity, summa cum laude, and a Doctor of Ministry from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and a Master of Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy in Liturgical Studies from Drew University.

Gennifer is a Harry Hoosier member and has served at the local, jurisdictional and national levels of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR). She is a founding member of Black Clergywomen of the United Methodist Church (BCWUMC).

For more information about the Children’s Sabbath, contact Rev. Kate Hurst Floyd.

Holy Covenant UMC, a dynamic, progressive congregation full of many young families in the Lakeview neighborhood is seeking an interim Minister of Children and Families to continue building this small but growing ministry. Responsibilities include growing the ministry through strategic visioning and evangelism in the community; coordinating Sunday School, Time for Young Christians, and seasonal events for children and families. Emphasis is on incorporating children into the worshipping, mission, and social life of the church. Required: Bachelor’s degree or working toward a degree; experience with children, and a strong Christian faith. Job begins the first of January 2010 and will end in June. 12-15 hours per week. Please send a resume and cover letter to office@holycovenantumc.org. Review of applicants will begin October 10th and continue until the position is filled.

Small groups are a great way to get more fully involved in the Holy Covenant community: grow in your relationship with God and with others in an informal but structured setting. You can sign up or ask questions at groups@holycovenantumc.org

Sundays

College Group, Sunday nights (including recent grads)
Stay after evening service or come and meet folks afterwards for pizza, sharing, prayer, and discussion about what it all means: what did you think of the sermon? What does it mean to you to take communion? To choose not to take communion? Did you grow up in the church or are you just testing the waters now for the first time? All of that aside, how was your week? Spread the word: all are welcome, recent graduates included.

Leader: Devin Donaldson
When: Sunday nights, 8:15 – 9:15
Where: Holy Covenant Gallery
Duration: Beginning October 18th, on-going through-out the school year. Consider
serving as a substitute leader!

Faith-Sharing, Sunday nights
Get to know other folks from Holy Covenant and beyond as you discuss life, Scripture, and what it all adds up to.

Leader: Scott Reid
When: Sunday night after worship, 8:15 – 9:30, runs through Advent, with the
possibility of extending through the spring
Where: Scott’s home at 2930 N. Sheridan, #508
Duration: Beginning October 11th, this group will meet through the end of Advent,
with the possibility of running through the spring. You do not need to
commit for the entire year and you can also join later in the year.

Women’s Group, every other Sunday night
The Holy Covenant Women’s Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at Starbucks, Diversey and Sheffield. It is a drop-in group – no sign up or commitment is required. The purpose of the group is to provide a fun, casual place for the diverse women of the church to meet, share our stories, and support each other. It is a great choice for women who would like to feel more connected within the church, especially newcomers to Holy Covenant. The Women’s Group runs year round and can be attended in conjunction with or in between other groups.

Leaders: Linda Effinger Quinde
When: 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, 5:15 – 6:45
Where: Starbucks at Sheffield and Diversey
Duration: On-going.

Tuesdays

Faith-Sharing, Tuesday nights after Dignity Diner
Get to know other folks from Holy Covenant, Dignity Diner, and beyond as you discuss life, Scripture, and what it all adds up to.

Leaders: Michael Bates and Casey Wittekind
When: Tuesday nights, 7 – 8
Where: Holy Covenant
Duration: 6 weeks, beginning October 13th, running through November 17th

Faith-sharing, Tuesday nights
Get to know other folks from Holy Covenant and beyond as you discuss life, Scripture, and what it all adds up to.

Leaders: Carlos Rios and Wyatt Sheeder
Host: Rob Rawls
When: Tuesday nights, 7:15 – 9
Where: Rob’s home, 1403 W. Rascher
Duration: 6 weeks, beginning October 13th, running through November 17th

Wednesdays

Nia
Nia is a workout, lifestyle and personal growth program. Nia is a way to condition, heal and transform your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Nia is a system that blends Eastern and Western movements, concepts and philosophy derived from three main movement forms: Martial Arts (mindful precision), Dance Arts (personal expression) and Healing Arts (self-healing). The philosophy of Nia is based on the pleasure principle: If it feels good, keep doing it; if it hurts, stop and adapt what you do to feel better. The group will also include a time of checking in, sharing, and praying with one another.

Leader: Emily Moore
When: Wednesday, 7:30 – 9:00
Where: Holy Covenant Sanctuary
Duration: Beginning October 14th, running through the end of November, with the
possibility of running through the spring, based on interest. You do not need to
commit to the entire year!

Sunday’s Scripture
Sunday’s Scripture is a group that meets with the pastor to discuss the text that provides the center of our Sunday worship. Are you interested in engaging scripture outside of weekly worship? Asking questions of the text? Hearing the insights of others? Going deeper into the word of God? Then this is the group for you! Each week, we will study, explore, and imagine with the Scripture lesson for the Sunday a week and a half away. Your contributions will help shape the sermon and worship services. We will ask ourselves: What’s the history and context of this text? How do we relate to the characters in the story? How does this speak to our lives today? Where is God’s voice for us, here and now? Join us as we grow closer to God and one another through the biblical passages that shape our lives as a community.

Facilitator: Kate Floyd
When: Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm
Where: Holy Covenant Gallery
Duration: Beginning October 14, on-going throughout the year. You are welcome to drop
in when you can.

Thursdays

Theology on Tap
Theology on Tap is an independent gathering of men and women who share an interest in Christian theology and, of course, beer. We are committed to an open discussion of the life and teachings of Jesus and the doctrines that developed in the aftermath of his death and resurrection. ALL are welcome, with the caveat that each individual be respected and treated with dignity and kindness. (We also want to respect the staff and build relationships with them, so please budget in order to leave at least a 20% tip.) NOTE: This is an on-going group. Drop in any week, starting this week and continuing through the end of December. Look for us on Facebook at T.o.T. (Chicago).

Facilitator: Jonas Grey
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: The Hidden Shamrock on Halsted at Diversey
Duration: On-going; it’s happening even now. Drop in, or commit to going every week for
a season. Bring a friend!

Green Living
The Green Living Small group will provide a safe and supportive space to consider our role as stewards of God’s Creation. We will explore scripture, ancient theologians on Creation, and contemporary writers on the connection between faith and eco-justice in an effort to claim our own voices around Creation Care. In addition, group members will have an opportunity to implement their discoveries by learning practical skills for living more sustainably in their homes. Each week will focus on a different part of the home, including: energy use, food/cooking, cleaning products, pets, and transportation.

Leaders: Brit Holmberg and Olivia McCain
When: Thursday, 7 – 8:45
Where: Holy Covenant
Duration: 5 weeks, beginning Oct 22nd through Nov 19th
Cost: ~$15 depending on group size

HC Choir

Leader: Andrew Collins
When: Thursday nights, 7pm-9pm
Where: Holy Covenant Gallery
Duration: Ongoing

Holy Covenant Book Group – 2nd Thursday of the month
Gather to discuss a book with other folks. The book will be listed in the eNews, on line, in the bulletin. Drop in for one month, or plan on coming every month and getting to know your fellow book-lovers. Spread the word and bring a friend. Consider hosting in months to come or suggesting a book!

Leaders for October meeting: Brittany and Monica Isaac
When: First meeting, October 15th, 7:30 – 9:15
Where: Brittany and Monica’s home, 7527 N. Damen Ave
The October book: Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead
(widely available at libraries and bookstores)

Adam is a hair stylist and manager at Robert Jeffrey Hair Studio in Andersonville. He has been doing hair for over 5 years and in that time has traveled the country styling and teaching people how to do hair. The highlight of his career was working at Fashion Week in New York. Adam moved here from Bloomington, IL over a year and a half ago. He lives in Lakeview with his best friend, Deanna. He enjoys running and working out, and he is new to each. In his (limited) spare time, he loves reading, tv, and movies. But, most of all, he loves to be around people. His favorite way of describing himself is that he could talk to a brick wall! He looks forward to growing and meeting more people at Holy Covenant. (Please note that the photo is pre-recent-coloring.)

**

Psalm 133
How very good and pleasant it is
when brothers and sisters live together in unity!

It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Holy Covenant,

I love the image of Aaron (Moses’ brother, his co-leader, and a priest) being anointed with oil in such quantities that it runs down over his head, through his beard, and onto his robes! Imagine the decadence and the richness of such a generous blessing. Living in unity with one another is just such a saturating, overflowing blessing. (And, yes, sometimes it can be as messy as an oily beard to be in relationship with others.)

At Holy Covenant, Small Groups are one of the ways we live together in unity. And being in community together is one of the ways we can get to know God better. Jesus said, “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” So it is in the presence of God that we get to know one another and in the presence of one another that we get to know God. (more…)

Dear Holy Covenant Family,

“Sing lustily and with a good courage. Lift up your voice with strength. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. It is a cross to you; take it up, and you will find it a blessing”.

These quotes are from the “Directions for Singing”, contained in John Wesley’s Select Hymns, circa 1761. They are printed on page vii of every United Methodist Hymnal, lest one has confusion as to how one lifts their voice to God in the United Methodist Church. As these guidelines pre-date even the 115 years or so that this little church on the corner of Diversey and Wilton has existed, I am sure they have been spoken within these walls many times. Even if they had not, I am quite confident that the many souls and saints who have gathered here for worship through the years have sung with gusto, with reverence, and with gratitude. That’s just the way this place is; it is full of the love and the grace and presence of God. It’s one of the most common comments I have heard from those new to this place. I imagine it has always been this way, and I am sure it shall always continue to be.

My invitation to you today is to take “lifting your voice with strength” one step further. I would ask you to consider joining the Celebration Choir at Holy Covenant. I think those who sing with the choir regularly who tell you that this area of sharing your talents and gifts with the church gives a lot of “bang for the buck”; it is a healer of the heart; it is a tonic for the soul.

There are no auditions; there are no tryouts; just the invitation. As Wesley says, we “strive to unite our voices together, as to make one clear melodious sound”. We rehearse on Thursday nights at 7:30, with a time of fellowship at 7:00; we do brief run throughs directly before singing at the second service Sunday mornings. The choir has its own webpage where audio and printed practice materials for the pieces are provided so you can practice during the week, and perhaps get a chuckle from my attempts at singing soprano parts.

I hope you will come sing and pray and worship with us. My email is: andrewcollins@holycovenantumc.org. I look forward to hearing from you.

I’ll close with a final quote or two from Wesley…”Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing.” You already know that’s what we do here at Holy Covenant. Take that one step further, and imagine yourself joining with the choir of angels from 115 years of “singing lustily”.

Peace,

Andrew Collins
Music Director

Michael grew up between the South (KY/TN) and the Midwest (IN). He’s been in the Chicagoland area since 2002 where he went to Trinity Christian for undergrad. A current resident of Uptown, Michael was blessed to find Holy Covenant in the Spring of this year, thanks to a tip from a member of GCN, an online community of believers who take an active role in bridging the gap between the Church and the LGBT community. When he’s not working for Action for Children, he enjoys playing guitar, going out for dinner or drinks with friends, watching movies, or indulging his chocolate addiction. Michael is excited to finally have found “home” here at HCUMC and looks forward to seeing what God has in store for the near future.

This fall Holy Covenant will be holding a fundraiser for general church funds. The event, scheduled for October 9th at 7:00 PM, will will include live entertainment and a silent auction. You can help by contributing an item for bidding. Some of you may choose to donate services, while others may secure a donation from a local business.

Please let us know if you are able to offer or suggest any donations for the auction. Auction ideas include: weekend at time share / vacation home, aquarium/museum tickets, artwork/photography, collectibles / autographed items, one-hour massage certificate, yoga class certificate, restaurant gift certificates, architectural tour or your own personal services (paint a room, cook a meal, cookies each month for a year, etc.).

To make this easier, the Fundraising committee has created two documents. The first is a customizable Silent Auction Request Form you may share with potential donors, explaining who we are and what we’re asking for. The second is a Silent Auction Reply Form – for donor (or you) to fill out with information about the intended donation.

Although the event isn’t until October, the silent auction for some items will start two weeks early. For this reason, we’d ideally like all bids secured by September 23rd. Of course, last minute bids are always welcome.

We hope you’ll be able to participate! Please contact Devin Donaldson with any bid questions, suggestions or donations.

Warm regards from your fall fundraiser chair,

Katie Cook