CHICAGO, IL (May 2, 2011) – Tuesday (tomorrow) is the Early Bird registration deadline for the Evangelical Covenant Church Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held June 28-30 at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.

This year’s theme focuses on the third of the denomination’s six affirmations: “The Church as a Fellowship of Believers.”

Ruth Hill, retiring executive minister of the Department of Women Ministries, will preach during the opening worship service on Tuesday night. Juan Martinez, professor of Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, will preach Wednesday night. Efrem Smith, superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference, will preach during the ordination service on Thursday night.

The Annual Meeting is the highest legislative body of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), made up of representatives from Covenant churches throughout the United States and Canada. Delegates gather together for worship and fellowship and to ordain ministers, consecrate missionaries, elect leaders, review finances, adopt a budget, and address the business needs of the church.

For more information and to register, visit the Annual Meeting website. Delegates also are encouraged to reserve their rooms at the YMCA.

Tuesday also is the Early Bird registration deadline for the Feast, which will be held at the same site June 25-28. Organizers hope that every Covenant church will help send at least one family who can bring back lessons and experiences to share with their congregations. Click here to register online.