Dear friends:
I took a few moments today to finish 2015 by being grateful
for the goodness which decorates my life. I thought I’d share some specifics
with you:
1)
Covenant’s
Broad Worship Life: From deeply traditional to casual and interactive,
Covenant has launched a broad worship life to reach our changing community.
Each service is characterized by excellence in music, liturgy, and hospitality.
And, it’s working! For the first time, each ‘worship platform” has seen an
increase in average attendance across the year.
2)
Wisdom of
our Elders: When faced with the challenge of deciding on a wedding policy,
Covenant’s elders designed an open, inclusive, respectful process that sought
to honor God and the wide variety of opinions in our congregation. As a result,
our congregation remained cohesive and set an example for many other large
Presbyterian churches across the state as how best to address this important topic.
3)
Expanded
Residency: For the last eight years, Covenant has embraced the opportunity
to become a ‘teaching church’ for those heading into ministry. In addition to summer
internships and part-time seminary internships, we have now established two
full-time residencies in which people new to ministry can learn, grow, serve,
and refine their skills. We see this as strong investment in the future of the
church and trust it will bear much fruit for years to come.
4)
Bold
Education Series: Both series “Education a Child: Transform the World”
and “Race Still Matters” tackled
important current topics from the perspective of faith and reminded us that
Christian faith is to be lived in the public square. Both topics remain
extremely important and will require considerable attention in the days ahead.
5)
Sabbatical:
Only the few fortunate get to take them, and this year, I was among those few.
Thank you. I tried to use the opportunity for renewal and to return equipped to
serve well.
6)
Good
funerals: We had a lot this year, but the privilege of honoring a life
well-lived and walking with families during difficult days is one for which I’m
most grateful. Covenant lost some highly generous, deeply committed, long-term
members this year. Losing these leaders also caused me to ponder how well we’re
transferring the mantel of leadership to the next generation and how seriously my
own generation is embracing the privilege.
7)
Christmas
Eve Offering: You have to love a congregation that quadruples its typical
generosity when you commit to giving 100% of it to mission endeavors serving vulnerable
children. Thank you!
8)
Exemplary
Staff: Life’s too short not to enjoy your work, and I thoroughly enjoy
working with Covenant’s staff. They’re disciplined, sacrificial, fun, and
genuine in their commitment to serve God through their work at Covenant. I’m
grateful for them every day.
So, thank you for a wonderful 2015. I look forward to all
the good things God will do through our church family in 2016.
Peace,
Bob Henderson
