Upcoming events

Dear Holy Covenant Community,

What do you think of when you hear the word “Leader”?

Efficient CEOs? Successful politicians? The ability to empower others toward a common goal?

We learn much about leadership in our secular lives, from school to business to our volunteer efforts. These messages are helpful and can lead to many kinds of successes. But when we talk about leadership in the church, in our lives of faith, what do we mean? Is it somehow different?

I invite you to our Holy Covenant Leaders’ Retreat, Saturday Sept. 11 from 9am-12pm at the church. We’ll be exploring what it means to be a spiritual leader under the guidance of Rev. Lisl Heymans Paul. During the morning we will examine our own spiritual gifts and then use Scripture and prayer to discover how we can best use these in our church.

If we want to lead our community to Seek God, Love all People, and Change the world, we first have to go deeper in our own spiritual lives before we can know where God is calling us. Henri Nouwen, the great spiritual writer, says this about a saint of the faith: “Like all great disciples of Jesus, Mother Teresa affirmed again the truth that ministry can be fruitful only when it grows out of a direct and intimate encounter with our Lord.” Our call is to be a community of spiritual leaders, focused not on how much we can get done, but on how close we can grow to Christ. When this is our focus, we will be amazed with the abundance that flows forth! We’ll produce more fruits than we ever thought possible.

You are welcome to come if you hold an official leadership position, are a leader of the community without a title, or someone who is interested in becoming a leader here and wanting to learn more. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions. If you’re coming, RSVP to me and please bring a Bible. If you don’t have one, let me know, and I’ll get you one!

See you on Sunday and think about who you can bring with you.

Grace and Peace,

Kate

Dear beloved at Holy Covenant,

During his ministry on earth, Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the likes of children. Jesus didn’t mind when kids swarmed around him – even when adults said, “Oh, leave him alone now” or “He’s not talking to you; he’s not here for you!” Little children even taught others how to praise, shouting “Hosanna” when the grown-ups were appalled because Jesus was challenging the status quo in the temple. Jesus also said, “Whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me.” We want to welcome children in ways that families need and want, and in ways that are particular to who we are as a community of faith.

I’m inviting families into a conversation about what’s next at HC, to meet families I don’t yet know, and to find out what both parents and kids want, need, and hope for in a community of faith. Both this Sunday, July 18th, and August 1st, I’ll be meeting families at 10:30, after the early service. We’ll step across the way to Einstein’s for coffee or tea. There will be extended childcare at church but children are also welcome to come. Either way, please bring your ideas. Email me at rebeccaanderson@holycovenantumc.org to let me know which Sunday you’d like to join the conversation, and whether you expect to use childcare so we can plan accordingly.

OR…if you cannot make either of these group times, I’d love to take you out for coffee (or meet you at a neighborhood park).

Some other news about children and families at HC this summer:

* On Sunday, August 15th, after the first service, children and families are going to Jonquil Park (at Sheffield and Lincoln) to play on the awesome new equipment, including a sprinkler. We’ll have stickers and invitations to HC to give the folks we meet while we play. We want to let the neighborhood know that we have childcare and invite them to join this great worshiping community.
* We’ve hired the fabulous Kristen McCray, through SitBaby, to provide childcare for the first service – and coffee hour – in the newly rehabbed downstairs nursery. Spread the word and please say hello to Kristen.
* Children are always welcome in worship and, in fact, we’re setting up the children’s corner again (although they don’t have to sit there!) and offering materials for children’s use during worship.
* Regular Sunday School is on break for the summer. So is TFYC!
* But look for children, as they join us, to be more fully involved participants in the liturgy. And start brainstorming about the fall.

Finally, for all of us, a question: what do you do in church that a young person could help with? If you’re on your way to do something, look around: is there someone you can take with you and show the ropes? (Actually, this could be a 10-year-old or a 35-year-old! Not all of know how things work or where things get put away around here.) Spiritual formation, for children and adults, doesn’t only happen in services or lessons but in relationship with other Christians. Young people can easily:

*help greet and pass out bulletins
*collect the offering
*read Scripture
*help serve or clean up from hospitality

Let’s live into our mission statement: let’s be a community of friends that loves all people and welcomes the little children in the name of the One who loves and welcomes each of us.

In peace,

Rebecca Anderson
Minister of Spiritual Formation

Dear friends in Holy Covenant,

Our evening service is a year and a half old now. All along, the central image for the 7 pm service has been that of Jesus walking along the road to Emmaus with his disciples after he’d been raised from the dead. They talked about Scripture and recent events. They invited Jesus in and ate together. When Jesus broke bread at the end of the meal – gasp – they recognized him! Sunday nights, we gather hungry for the same kinds of conversation and the same kind of meal where Jesus shows up again and again.

Some folks haven’t yet had the chance to attend the evening service; some first-timers exclaim with surprise, “Hey! This is great!” Come find out for yourself what we’re doing. As a church, we decided to commit to this service as an offering for our community and those who aren’t yet in our doors. Even if this is not your usual service, please consider coming this week to show support for this vital ministry of our church. Our hope is that when you come and see what the service is about, you can direct friends and newcomers to this acoustic service of contemplation, weekly Eucharist, and prayer.

Come: if you’ve been meaning to check out the evening service. Come: if you plan to spend most of the day at the beach on Sunday. Come: if you’ve ever wanted to have a root beer float after a church service during which the late day light streams in sideways through the stained glass windows and then grows dark and intimate by the time we gather around the table. And come help make this service especially rich, peopled with many voices and much energy. We expect lots of visitors and want them to experience how Holy Covenant worships! Even if you can’t be there, please spread the word.

Come for the service, stay for the root beer floats and pizza. Bring friends; bring $5 for pizza (if you can); and bring your singing voice. Beach attire welcome.

Looking forward to worshiping and celebrating with you, and to gathering again around the table,

Rebecca Anderson

Dear Holy Covenant,

There will be NO evening service this week, July 4th due to the holiday weekend. Please do come in the morning at 9:30 and 11:15 for our evening-style service in the am. Please plan to join us for our evening service summer kick-off worship and party on July 11th at 7pm.

Hope you enjoy afternoon and evening sabbath time with your loved ones this Sunday!

Peace,
Pastor Kate

Dear Holy Covenant Community,

Hear these words from 2 Corinthians 5:
All is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Godself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.

This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary of being a Reconciling Congregation! Since 1990, Holy Covenant has been a church open to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, living out our call from God to reconcile with Christ and one another. Read more about the Reconciling Ministries network.

Throughout the month of June we are celebrating 20 years of PRIDE. In worship each week we’ll focus on what it means to be a reconciled people, hearing testimonies from people who have been part of Holy Covenant for a long time. We’ll sing songs from the past 20 years to live into our history and remember how far we’ve come. And we’ll look to the future as we continue to mourn the current state of The United Methodist Church and work to change it for the better.

On our blog you can read testimonies from Holy Covenanters who will be sharing why they are “proud to be part of Holy Covenant”. And we’ll culminate in Pride weekend, the last weekend in June, with a Prom Fundraiser on Saturday night and a Pride worship service at 10:30am, followed by marching in the parade together. You can buy tickets for our “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Prom beginning this Sunday. I’ve already submitted my old prom pics from high school-have you?

This Sunday, join us as we gather around the communion table, the place where God’s radical grace welcomes us to reconcile with Christ, one another, and ourselves. What a wonderful time to invite someone to church with you! Think about who you know who needs to hear the good news of reconciliation and to feast at that heavenly banquet where all are welcome and loved. And bring a dollar for our communion mission giving-this month our offering will go to the Reconciling Ministries Network.

See you Sunday, and think about who you can bring with you.

Grace and Peace and Pride,
Kate

At Holy Covenant our mission is to “Seek God, Love all People, (and) Change the World.” This Sunday we have a special opportunity to live out our mission by participating in the United Methodist Peace with Justice Sunday. This is a Sunday that United Methodists celebrate by taking a special offering that will go to support programs that advocate peace and justice at home and around the world.

Half of the offering collected by an annual conference is retained to fund local peace with justice programs. The other half of the offering is sent to the General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) to help fund U.S. and global work in social action, public-policy education and advocacy.

“The United Methodist Church declares that peace with justice will be celebrated when all people have access to adequate jobs, housing, education, food, health care, income support and clean water. Our church will further celebrate when structures and systems that reflect economic exploitation, war, political oppression and cultural domination no longer exist.” (GBCS)

This Sunday we will hear about one of the many programs supported by grants from this money as well as celebrate other ways that we at Holy Covenant are at work for peace and justice. So bring an extra dollar or two this Sunday and help bring peace with justice to our world.

Peace,

Monica

Lilies represent new and eternal life, which is why they are the perfect flower for Easter. This year, you can order a lily in memory or honor of someone for $15. These flowers will beautify our sanctuary on Easter as we celebrate the resurrection. After the service, you are invited to take your lily home and have a sign of new life with you. We will list your name and the name of the person you are buying the lily in honor or memory of in an upcoming bulletin.

Parents and members of the church are invited to attend Sunday School with our children of the church on Sunday, January 24 at both morning services. Come find out more about Sunday School and offerings for children and families at Holy Covenant. Our new Minister for Children and Families, Jeff Dodson, and members of the Children and Families Committee will be present to share what we are doing and to answer your questions. For more information contact Jeff at jeffreydodson@holycovenantumc.org.

Sign up to join any of these small groups using this online form or by e-mailing groups@holycovenantumc.org.

New groups:

Sundays

Seeking God…at the Cineplex
Many of us love movies for the entertainment and escape that they offer.  However, this small group will be approaching film from a different perspective. We will watch a recent video together and then pause to how the movie “spoke” to us; what spiritual aspects might the film awaken.  Reflecting on these themes, we will discuss the “teachers and lessons” that help us to see God in the everyday lives of ourselves and others.  Please join us to watch, share or just listen!  This group will watch movies as a way of opening conversation about our faith journeys. The group will meet four times for three-hours to allow time for screening and conversation.

Feb. 7th, 1pm: Phoebe in Wonderland

Feb. 21st, 1pm: Amreeka

March 7th 1pm:  Waking Life

March 21st 1pm: Precious

Leader: Julie Holmberg
Contact: holmbergjulie@gmail.com
When: Alternate Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00; February 7 and 21; March 7 and 21
Where: Holy Covenant gallery

Mondays

“Come Unto Me:” an invitation to a deeper life – REGISTRATION FULL
We invite you on a small group journey to discover the joy of life lived deeply. We will explore and practice spiritual disciplines that enrich our spirits and deepen our relationship with God. We will also practice intentional community and accountability in covenant with each other.  As we grow as a group, we will listen for God calling us by name to a mature life of faith, and explore extending our commitment meeting together as community.

Leaders: Kristin Kumpf and Lisl Heymans
Contact: klkumpf@yahoo.com, lislheymans@hotmail.com
When: Monday evenings, 7:30 –  930 pm, BEGINS February 8^th
Where: TBA

Tuesdays

The Spirituality of Food – REGISTRATION FULL
Come explore spirituality around choosing, preparing, eating, and sharing food.  There will be two readings per week, including one scriptural reading and one reading chosen from literature, non-fiction, and poetry pertaining to our topic.  The readings will be provided in advance and participants will come prepared to discuss.  Along with group discussion, we will also share a meal together each week.  Can preparing and consuming food be an everyday spiritual practice?  How do our food choices impact God’s creation?  How does food create community? Can feeding and nurturing ourselves connect us to our Mother/Father God? Come hang out in the kitchen with us. We’ll chew on these questions and some delicious food as well!

Facilitators: Anne Cumings, Cassie Meyer
Contact info: annecumings@comcast.net, cassiemeyer@gmail.com
When: Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, February 2 – March 23
Duration: 8 weeks
Where: 2536 N. Kedzie Apt. 304

Wednesdays

Newcomer Orientation and Small Group
This weekly gathering on Wednesday nights is designed to introduce newcomers to each other and to give some basic information about Holy Covenant, the United Methodist Church and the Christian faith. Each session covers a different aspect of our mission statement: Seek God, Love All People, Change the World. After three visits, we hope that visitors will be well-informed about what Holy Covenant is all about and will get to know some of the other people sitting next to them on Sunday morning.

Sign-up is not necessary, and all are welcome to visit for any or all sessions.

Facilitator: Matt Kuzma
Contact info: matt.kuzma@gmail.com, 773-419-1146 cell
When: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30, beginning Feb. 3
Duration: Ongoing
Where: Holy Covenant

Thursdays

Freed-up Financial Living
Times are hard.  There are big questions to figure out.  But we’re not in it alone and our finances are not separate from our spiritual lives.  Come for this 6-week video and conversation series.  Using the Good $ense curriculum, we’ll each come away with a budget for our households and maybe even a renewed sense of our priorities.  Participants who are able are asked to contribute $18 for participant workbooks but that fee shouldn’t keep anyone away.  Please contact Rebecca if financial assistance is needed.

Facilitator: Rebecca Anderson
Contact: groups@holycovenantumc.org
When: Thursday evenings, 7:30 – 9:15 pm, February 4 – March 11
Where: Holy Covenant Gallery

Sign up to join any of these small groups using this online form or by e-mailing groups@holycovenantumc.org.

On-going groups:

Sundays

Women’s Group, 2nd & 4th Sundays <NOTE NEW LOCATION>
The Holy Covenant Women’s Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at Pompei, at the corner of Sheffield and Wellington, right at the Wellington Brown Line stop.  Pompei offers wonderful, inexpensive food and beer/wine. 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
Contact: effinger@umich.edu, 630.670.8774.
When: 2nd and 4^th Sundays of the month, 5:00 – 6:45, on-going
Where: Pompei at Sheffield & Wellington, right at the Wellington Brown Line stop

Wednesdays

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
Contact: revkate@holycovenantumc.org
When: Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm
Where: Holy Covenant Gallery
Duration: On-going throughout the year.  You are welcome to drop in.

Thursdays

Holy Covenant Book Group – January 28^th but usually 2^nd 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!  You are welcome to come even if you don’t finish.  There is grace in our group.

Leader for January meeting: Ali Mostrom
Contact: ali.mostrom@gmail.com
When: January 28th, 7:30 – 9:15
Where: 1100 W. Wolfram St
The January book: A. J. Jacob’s The Year of Living Biblically (available at libraries and bookstores)

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.  Look for us on Facebook at T.o.T. (Chicago).

Facilitator: Jonas Grey
Contact: jonasdavid@me.com
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Hidden Shamrock on Halsted at Diversey
Duration: On-going.  Drop in, or commit to going every week for a season.  Bring a friend!

Celebration Choir
Join other singers in preparing music for Sunday’s services – whether you’re an old hand at choral singing, or have mostly sung in the shower.  Bring your own dinner and share a time of fellowship and practice, all with an eye and heart towards worship.  You can check it out any Thursday; commit for a month, a season, or the year.

Leader: Andrew Collins
Contact: acmusic@andrewcollinsmusic.com
When: Thursday nights, dinner and chatting at 7; practice 7:30 – 9
Where: Holy Covenant Gallery

Sign up to join any of these small groups using this online form or by e-mailing groups@holycovenantumc.org.

From Children & Families Minister Donelle Sommer

It’s hard to believe in just a few short weeks we will begin our rehearsals for the next CHRISTMAS PAGEANT! This will be held on Sunday, December 13th during both morning services!!! REHEARSALS will begin on each Sunday morning starting November 22nd, during the Sunday School time-frame.

Like last year, we will invite the children choose what character they would like to be in the pageant. They will choose from the following speaking or non-speaking roles: Narrator/s, Angel Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, Angels, & Shepherds. Please let your child choose what s/he would like to be in the pageant.

Here is the rehearsal schedule:

SUNDAY MORNING Rehearsals:
November 22 – During the 9:30 & 11:15am services after TFYC (your child may come either)
November 29 - During the 9:30 & 11:15am services after TFYC (your child may come to either)
December 6 - During the 9:30 & 11:15am services after TFYC (your child may come to either)

DRESS Rehearsal & Performance:
Saturday December 12th – 9am – 11am: We will rehearse in the sanctuary, in full costume and will run through the pageant twice. Children will need to arrive in costume so we can begin promptly as there are always a few things to work through!

Sunday December 13th – 9am – 12:30pm –  Children need to arrive no later than 9am; a light breakfast will be available. The children will gather in the basement to get ready, and  they will perform at BOTH MORNING SERVICES. In between services they will have an opportunity to snack & play downstairs to get their wiggles out before second service.

PAGEANT VOLUNTEERS – We will need a variety of volunteers to help with several aspects of the pageant including but not limited to: costumes, hospitality, “shepherding” during the performance and behind the scenes, and publicity. To help, please contact: donellesommer@holycovenantumc.org