DECEMBER 9, 2021

Dear Mission Friends,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As you gather for your congregational annual meeting, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and our partnership in the Gospel. Together we share and tell more of God’s story. Thank you for the many ways you have proclaimed and demonstrated the love of Christ. This is who we are: a Gospel-centered people, grounded in the Scriptures, and unified in our shared mission.

Our mission is to join God in God’s mission to see more disciples in more populations in a more caring and just world. This mission advances through the mosaic of churches of which we are all a part. Together we bring hope and transformation to a world weary with despair and confusion.

Missional traction flows from our relationship with Jesus and with each other. The Holy Spirit continues to do amazing things on, in, and through the Evangelical Covenant Church. Yes, we have many challenges, we are working through those challenges, and we will emerge stronger on the other side.

I recently visited two vibrant Covenant churches on a Sunday morning. Although the churches were 22 miles apart and different in ministry style, I was delighted to hear both pastors preaching on the Holy Spirit. A conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit is one of our Covenant Affirmations. As a mosaic of mission friends, we continue to listen to what the Spirit is saying to churches. May we have ears to hear and hearts to respond.

As we navigate the days ahead, let us hold fast to the enduring promises of God’s kingdom. May we remain centered by asking the three Covenant questions:

• Where is it written?
• How goes your walk?
• Are you alive in Christ?

I am confident that these questions will help to keep us focused on what matters most and on mission.

Remember that you are not alone. You are part of a union of churches, over 900 strong throughout North America. Together we share the Gospel in word and deed in more than 50 countries. Together we see more people transformed by the love of Christ. Thank you for all the ways you remain faithful in giving to our shared mission. We can do more with God and for God as we join our hearts and hands for mission. I encourage you to stay connected and encouraged by signing up for Covchurch Now, a weekly email communicating the stories of God’s work among us. You can sign up online here.

I pray that in the coming year, God blesses you and your congregation in every way. May your congregation overflow with joy and thanksgiving as you celebrate the work of God in your midst.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

In Christ’s love,

John Wenrich, PRESIDENT, EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH

The Evangelical Covenant Church | PO Box 773420, Chicago, Illinois 60677-3420 | 773-784-3000 | covchurch.org