CHICAGO, IL (January 13, 2010) – A book review in The Christian Century notes the Evangelical Covenant Church’s innovative work in adapting to changing missional needs.

In his review of The Missional Church and Denominations: Helping Congregations Develop a Missional Identity, Anthony B. Robinson writes, “To refocus their lives and resources on joining God’s mission in the world rather than simply promoting or maintaining themselves, denominations need nimbleness – the capacity to be flexible and innovative – whereas now they tend to be rule-based and regulatory in nature.”

Robinson, who also is the author of Leadership for Vital Congregations, adds, “One denomination that has found resources for innovation is the Evangelical Covenant Church. Historically a church of Swedish immigrants, it has in recent decades caught the wave of new immigration. New church starts for immigrants from many countries have transformed the denomination and caused it to grow.”

Kyle Small, pastor of Harbert Community Church in Sawyer, Michigan, contributes a chapter to the book, which is an edited collection of essays.

Church Member Perfect To Lead Distribution Center

KERMAN, CA – La Viña Covenant Church is now serving as a distribution center for the Community Food Bank of Fresno. Each month volunteers pack and serve as a distribution site for families in need.

Pastor Michael Jordan says church member Aida Diaz is the perfect person to facilitate the ministry. “Aida has been doing ministry of compassion and justice before she even knew what they were,” he says. “She has received furniture, refrigerators, food, clothing, and Bibles from people and has kept them in her garage when there was not an immediate need.”

Jordan adds, “Once I called her up to ask if there was anyone in need of a refrigerator because someone wanted to donate a used one. She responded, ‘Pastor, you always tell them that we need whatever they have to give.’ So now it is pretty easy for me when people call wanting to donate something. I just say, ‘Yes’ and call Aida up.”

Covenanter Seeks Washington State House Seat

SELAH, WA – Covenanter Michele Strobel announced Monday that she is seeking election to the 14th District in the state House race. She announced her candidacy on Monday.

Strobel is the wife of Selah Covenant Church pastor Marc Strobel and owns a cosmetics company.

Central Conference Offers Grantsmanship Workshop

CALUMET PARK, IL – The Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church will offer “The ABCs of Grantsmanship for Faith-based Institutions” from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. February 18 at Community Covenant Church.

Morris Williamson, president of Q-LED Systems, will lead the workshop.

Covenanters interested in attending should download a copy of the registration form and email it to Debbie Griffith-Samuels or fax it to 773-267-2109. For more information, call Griffith-Samuels at 773-320-3234.