Gordon-Conwell Honors Covenanters for Community Service

BOSTON, MA (May 12, 2014) — The Gordon-Conwell Center for Urban Ministerial Education awarded its annual Making a Difference Award for Christian Service to five lay members of Covenant Congregational Church of Boston for their work in establishing and running a new drop-in center for the homeless.

The award was presented to Carolyn Paul, Karin O’Connor, Tim Nicoletti, Scott Roby, and Karen Roby. The center operates at the church and is just a few blocks from a shelter and state hospital.

About 30 people visit the center every Saturday morning, where they can engage in conversation, play board games, listen to music, and interact with volunteers. Some of the men have begun doing odd jobs around the church for pay, several have joined a small group, and three recently became members.

The five who were honored have collaborated with other community organizations in gathering resources, recruiting volunteers, and developing materials for volunteers.

Integrating people struggling with homelessness and otherwise on the margins is an important goal of the ministry,” says Teri Elliott-Hart, the Center for Urban Ministerial Education director for leadership and mentored ministry initiatives.

A program for the presentation noted that in addition to helping the homeless, “The significance of the Rest Stop ministry is that it revitalizes the members of Covenant Congregational Church by fostering spiritual growth through loving their homeless neighbors.”

 

Northbrook CRC Donates Funds to Local Organizations

NORTHBROOK, IL (May 12, 2014)—Residents of Covenant Village of Northbrook, recently donated more than $10,000 to Northbrook area public service organizations that include the local police and fire department, public library, and a food pantry.

The money was raised during the retirement community’s 32^nd Annual Holly Fair held last November.

The fair, which is open to the public, features antiques, collectibles, and work from local artisans.

“We receive so much from the Northbrook community,” states Peg Sickeler, Covenant Village of Northbrook’s Holly Fair chair. “By hosting this annual fundraiser and contributing to these area organizations, it is our way of giving back, and saying ‘thank you’ for their dedication and wonderful services they provide.”

Some of the proceeds from the fair also are allocated to Covenant Village of Northbrook’s employee grant-in-aid program, which assists staff in achieving higher education and professional development courses.

Covenant Village of Northbrook is a faith-based, nationally accredited, not for profit administered by Covenant Retirement Communities.