ROSEMONT, IL (January 27, 2012) – A major new mission partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo, introduction of new evangelism resources and an overview of new directions in the Department of Compassion, Mercy and Justice are among highlights of the 2012 Midwinter Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church that begins Monday and concludes with Friday morning’s vision-packed presentation facilitated by President Gary Walter.

A number of activities this weekend precede the formal opening of the conference, including Youth Workers Connection among others. Click here for more details on those activities.

Richard Stearns, president of World Vision U.S., will join Walter during Friday morning’s closing session to outline a new World Vision-Covenant partnership and a major joint venture in Congo, where the Covenant has served for more than 75 years. Among special guests will be Mossai Sanguma, president of the Congo Covenant Church (CEUM).

Walter also will share compelling opportunities flowing out of the Covenant’s five mission and ministry priorities: Make and Deepen Disciples, Start and Strengthen Churches, Develop Leaders, Love Mercy/Do Justice, and Serve Globally.

Special interviews will focus on two new initiatives that complement the Covenant’s mission and ministry priorities. During one interview, director of evangelism John Teter will talk about new evangelism tools designed to resource local churches and individuals. A second interview will feature Debbie Blue, executive minister of Compassion, Mercy and Justice (CMJ), who will talk about Matthew 25, verses 35 and 36, as an action agenda for CMJ initiatives going forward. The first initiative will focus on the portion of scripture, “I was in prison and you visited me.”

Friday morning’s session will conclude with a communion service.

Midwinter Conference activities formally begin with Monday evening’s worship service beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. All worship services will be broadcast live over the Covenant website. Click here for a complete live broadcast schedule.

Instructions for logging into the live broadcasts will be found on the website home page prior to broadcast time. Broadcasts will be archived for later viewing.

For a more complete listing of all Midwinter Conference activities, click here.