Team Gives Covenant Pastor Royal Treatment for Service to Youth

KANSAS CITY, MO (June 23, 2014) — The Kansas City Royals recently honored Covenant minister Bruce McGregor with the Buck O’Neil Legacy Award for his work in founding and leading Freedom Fire Urban Ministry.

The Royals presented McGregor a plaque and a prime spot to watch a game from “Buck’s Seat” at Kauffman Stadium.

Buck O’Neil played first base and was a manager in the Negro American League. Much of his time was spent with the Kansas City Monarchs. He also became the first African American coach in Major League Baseball.

After his playing days, O’Neil also served as a scout and sat in a particular seat behind home plate while doing that job and as a fan. According to the Royals’s website, the team fills “Buck’s Seat” for every home game with a member of the community, who on a large or small scale embodies an aspect of Buck’s spirit.

“The Royals specifically recognized the ministry for providing a variety of programs to over 700 youth in the inner city,” McGregor said.

McGregor founded the ministry in 1997, and it has since expanded to two sister organizations, Freedom Works, which focuses on holistic care, and Shalom Retreat Center, a 120-acre facility near Mound City, Kansas. He also helped start Freedom Covenant Church in 2009.

 

Covenanters Have Heads Shaved for Cancer Benefit

NORTH EASTON, MA (June 23, 2014) — The wife and two oldest daughters of Covenant pastor Johnny Agurkis got a new look recently when they had their heads shaved during the One Mission Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off earlier this month at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

Ann Agurkis and her daughters Lucy and Tobiah had their heads shaved to show solidarity with children suffering from cancer—kids who don’t have a choice in losing their hair. Participants also raise funds to benefit pediatric cancer patients and their families.

This year, the Buzz-Off raised $5,000.

Johnny Agurkis, who wears his hair short enough that there isn’t anything to cut, said he was proud of his family. “They look good to boot.”

To see photos of the event, click here. Agurkis is pastor of Covenant Congregational Church of North Easton.