ROCKFORD, IL (September 20, 2010) – Broadway Covenant Church held a rededication ceremony one week ago Sunday as they celebrated the renovation and expansion of their nearly 60-year-old building.

The improvements included the addition of an elevator and new sidewalks. Other major repairs also were made.

New entryways were added, an elevator and new sidewalks were put in, and a leaking roof and an old air-conditioning system were repaired.

The congregation of roughly 250 people raised more than $580,000 for the work, far exceeding their goal of $469,000.

Emmanuel In Orland Park To Celebrate Fifth Anniversary

ORLAND PARK, IL – Emmanuel Covenant Church celebrated its fifth anniversary on Sunday, September 19.

The celebration was held at the Marcus Theatre with lunch following the service.

Emmanuel is the first African American church in Orland Park. The church recently started the Daniel Foundation, a ministry where boys and young men will receive spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional mentoring, strengthening, and encouraging.

For more information, call the office at 888-826-5418, or email the staff.

Kid’s Focus On Others Makes Pastor’s Life Messy

PAXTON, IL – Life got messy for Craig Pinley, pastor of Paxton Covenant Church, and another minister in the community when they encouraged children to raise $250 for a library in East Asia.

The students exceeded the goal, raising $300 during their recent Vacation Bible School. So the kids all got a chance to spray whip cream on the faces of Pinley and Jeff Cottingham, pastor of First Lutheran Church. The wives of each pastor followed up with a pie in each minister’s face.

The 131-year-old Covenant congregation has been renewing its commitment to serve their neighbors locally and around the world, Pinley says. On August 29, the congregation met for a half hour of worship and then left the building to do an hour of service in the community. That work included picking up garbage, leading worship at a local care facility, and rolling bandages.