OCTOBER 2011 A T R I A N N U A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E E A S T C O A S T C O N F E R E N C E O F T H E E VA N G E L I C A L C O V E N A N T C H U R C H
MISSIONAL VITALITY: MEETING THE NEEDS OF OTHERS BY HOWARD K. BURGOYNE
SUPERINTENDENT - EAST COAST CONFERENCE
THE WISDOM OF SCRIPTURE INCLUDES THIS OBSERVATION: "A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN" Because of that perspective, one strategic initiative we have is the development of active ministry networks that connect, resource and encourage leaders in their ministry. These networks are based on affinity more than geography. The increasing use and affordability of communications technologies and social networking enables us to build active networks where ministry needs, resources, and learning can align in real time. Church and ministry leaders can mentor and learn from one another’s experiences through both face to face and web based interactions. As we plan to add another staff associate early in 2012 the launching and leading of ministry networks will be a high priority for us as we continue to serve our churches and leaders. “Empowering Leaders” is one of the signature priorities of our Conference as we move towards our 2020 Vision together. Last year we launched a pilot “First Call/New Call” Network, in partnership with the ECC Department of Ordered Ministry’s “Sustaining Pastoral Excellence” initiative. Pastors new in ministry or new in their setting are collaborating to build their character and strengthen their core ministry competencies. This is led by pastors Eugene Lee, Whitney Hall, and Doug Bixby. Through Conference Women Ministries a new network is forming focused on resourcing churches in responding to domestic abuse and violence - the AVA Project Network, led by Colleen Cox from our Harleysville/Kulpsville, PA congregation. This Fall we are launching new church vitality, youth ministry, and church planting networks. Under the leadership of Jason Condon church planting coaching networks have formed in the greater Boston region and in the greater NY/NJ region. We are forming church vitality coaching networks in the greater Boston region and in the Chesapeake area (D.C. Metro/S.E. PA region). Pastor Phil Beattie, from Manchester, CT is serving as our Conference youth ministry network leader. He is taking point on building an expanded network for youth pastors, directors and volunteer staff. Going forward we hope to launch Want to share your thoughts on this? Have a question for Howard?
Contact him at howard.burgoyne@gmail.com
even more active networks, including a Spiritual Directors Network, a Worship Leaders Network, a Christian Formation Network, an Urban Ministry Network, and a Church Chairperson Network. A part of supporting these networks is the development of our own Conference website - serving as a portal and host for resourcing various networks. Look for expanded web resources over the next few months. If you have expertise and interest in helping to develop and manage ministry networks let us know - we are looking for help in moving these networks forward as rapidly as possible for both clergy and lay ministry leaders. This edition of The East Coast Covenanter introduces you to lots of ministry activities and stories, as well as new staff! I particularly want to welcome Alicia Sturdy our new Office Manager. She’s here to serve our churches and leaders as she grows into this new ministry. If we can be of help to you in any way, let us know! Yours because of Him,
in this issue u BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES 02 u THE JOURNEY TO KOYUK, ALASKA 03 u WORSHIP CONFERENCE RECAP 04 u WOMEN OF ECC UPDATE 05 u HEALING & COMPASSION FOLLOWING DEVASTATION 06 u CAMP SQUANTO’S BRAND NEW ADDITION 07 u GENESIS OF A BOOK: GOD IS ALIVE 08
THE E AS T C OAS T C OV ENANTER
01
BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES IN MANCHESTER, CT OVER THE PAST YEAR, TRINITY COVENANT CHURCH HAS STARTED A MINISTRY THAT TARGETS A DEEP NEED IN THEIR COMMUNITY: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. Beginning with an article he read about Connecticut having the seventh highest rate of pre-kindergarten school expulsions, and learning how the achievement gap between rich and poor was the greatest in the Constitution State, Peter Tullson - Pastor of Adult Ministries at Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester - became grieved for the children of his community. From that planted seed, an idea was sparked that ultimately led to the formation of Building Healthy Families, Inc. (BHF, Inc. - bhfct.org), a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to equipping parents to foster healthy development in their children from conception to age three to enhance language acquisition, while promoting their emotional and physical well being. After mulling over ideas on how to help, Tullson realized that his church community - Trinity Covenant Church - was well equipped to tackle the problem. “One of the strengths of Trinity Covenant has always been caring for children,” noted Peter Tullson, recalling that over the 119 years of the church’s history, there has always been a concern for children and youth. “Here we have adults with a variety of experiences and professional skills - and we thought, maybe we could do something like this in this town” And so, after sharing the idea with others, “it felt right that each of us felt drawn to the idea,” he recalled. Prayerfully, a number of Trinity members began laying the groundwork to form an organization to impact the lives of an especially fragile population: children from conception to three years of age. Research over the past 25 years has shown a baby’s early experiences are critically important for healthy brain development.
TRINITY COVENANT MEMBER DR. JOHN WALKER LEADS A Q&A ON HEALTH MATTERS
There are many easy ways parents can positively influence how their babies grow. “This is at the heart of what we do through the BrightStart Workshop,” noted Tullson. How BHF changes the lives of children begins with its BrightStart program - an eight week class held twice a year in the spring and the fall whereby participants from the community come and receive two meals, hear a talk on various topics (i.e. brain development, attention, bonding, communication, and nutrition), followed by discussion time. Each week the families learn ways to read to their child and take home a new book and toy. So far, it has been a tremendous success - with over 100 volunteers from Trinity helping last spring, and over 30 dedicated volunteers every single week. Currently into the third week of the fall session, there are already 17 families coming each week. The East Coast Conference Board awarded a matching grant of $8000 to help fund BHF, and through donations by individuals and businesses, along with a benefit golf tournament, they have been blessed that financial needs have been met. “We want to keep doing the worskhop and future one-time events and seminars to develop community awareness,” said Tullson. “Down the road, we’d love to connect with churches on how to start this sort of thing. The need is tremendous...and not necessarily limited to just financially distressed families.” Added Tullson, “We are convinced that Biblical faith must have practical expression. “By serving others, we bring the love of God to them in Jesus’ name. People who come really sense the love flowing from the volunteers.” FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BUILDING HELPFUL FAMILIES, VISIT WWW.BHFCT.ORG. TO CONTACT PETER TULLSON, PRESIDENT OF BHF, INC., EMAIL HIM AT PTULLSON@BHFCT.ORG.
TRINITY COVENANT VOLUNTEERS MICHELLE RICHARDS AND KIM MCAUIFFE READ TO CHILDREN
TH E E AS T C OAS T C OV E N A NTE R
OCT 2011
THE JOURNEY TO KOYUK, ALASKA BY ROB SATTERBERG
IN LATE JULY AND EARLY AUGUST, TWO TEAMS OF COVENANTERS WENT TO ALASKA TO BLESS THE PASTOR AND HIS WIFE IN KOYUK. That’s really what we went to do. But we also carried out a plan that had been in the works for a couple years. Since the East Coast Conference became a partner in ministry with Wass and Jean Mute and the congregation in Koyuk, we have desired to do a project that would encourage the pastor’s ministry and benefit the church. That project was to build a workshop where folks could work on their snow machines, all terrain vehicles and other equipment. After putting the word out about the project and inviting participation from throughout the conference, a number of interested persons were identified. We formed two teams to travel to Koyuk on successive weeks to build this new building. All the advance planning and logistics of getting materials to the site were done through Arctic Barnabas Ministries in Kenai, AK. ABM provided a project coordinator, Jim Burton, from Wisconsin, who had done a similar building in Mountain Village two years before. Our teams were comprised of folks from Berlin, Easton, Haddam Neck and Wilton, CT. Most of us had never been to Koyuk, and several had not been to Alaska. It turned out to be a terrific experience for all of us. Koyuk, a village of 300 people, welcomed us graciously. Our accommodations at the church were minimal, but the hospitality of the Mutes and the meals that Jean prepared for us were phenomenal! Have you ever had Moose or Musk Ox? One meal featured fresh caught salmon, a gift from a church member. The construction went well both weeks. At the end of week one, the structure was fully framed, with siding on and the roof already covered with tar paper. The second team put on the metal roofing, installed the electrical, insulated and finished closing up the building. A set of steps and a ramp for equipment entrance were put together by our veteran carpenter Jim. Wass and Jean were so pleased to have us there and to see the project completed. Wass commented, ”this is the first time in my ministry that we received something new, not hand-me-downs or used.” Wow! That was a real encouragement to all of us on the team. This was a major project for the East Coast. We invested a lot of money in materials and shipping to build this shop in Koyuk. The project cost over $30,000. The individuals who traveled there to volunteer invested their time and the expense of the trip. What can you do? We need churches and individuals to make contributions to the conference to help cover the cost of this project. If you can take an offering at your church, and designate it for the Koyuk partnership, that would really help us to make this a shared mission of all the churches in the East Coast. The partnership with Koyuk is not completed. We want to stay active in our relationship with these folks and responsive to opportunities to encourage their ministry. We can pray for their work. Churches and individuals can send items to them, which saves purchasing at the high prices of the village store. We could send a team again next summer to provide VBS for the children or follow up with other repairs needed on the church. There is a wonderful group of Christians in Koyuk. They are becoming our brothers and sisters as we get to know and love them. What a gift it is to be able to partner with a small village church and feel God’s presence in a very challenging setting. Hold up the Mutes and the church in your prayers, that they may remain faithful in the gospel to the people of western Alaska.
FINANCIAL AID UPDATE COST: $30,000 RECEIVED TO DATE: $13,425
STILL NEEDED: $16,575
03
WORSHIP CONFERENCE RECAP CHRIST CHURCH, E. GREENWICH, RI
On August 20, 2011 over seventy people from more then a dozen churches participated in the East Coast Worship Conference. This second annual conference was again held at Christ Church in East Greenwich, RI. Participants engaged in a dynamic time of training, encouragement and fellowship, involving all things artistic and church related. A time of corporate worship and a message from Geoff Twigg
on “Worshipping in Spirit and Truth” began the day. The day continued with 15 different class options for attendees to choose from on a plethora of Worship Arts related topics. The Conference then concluded with a time of worship and a keynote talk by Jeff Olson on the intersection of technology, the arts and the individual.
PRAY FOR THE NINE CONFERENCE CHURCH PLANTS...
1
Metro Hope Community metrohopenyc.org Jose (& Myra) Humphreys
8
jhumphreys@aol.com | 646-684-2825
2 3
3
E
C
4
6
B
worshipfrontier.org Kiho (& Sungseong) Lee kiholee@mac.com | 978-578-7151
5
Christ the Cornerstone cornerstonenewyork.org Nathaniel Perez
nathanielbperez@gmail.com | 914-318-7671
6
Life Covenant
lifecovenantchurch.org Derrick (& Linda) Jackson djacks01@gmail.com | 732-895-3381
7 7
9
The Riverside
theriversidedc.org Peter (& Carol) Chin pxchin@gmail.com | 323-356-4266
Sudanese Evangelical Covenant Church sudanesechurch.com Monyroor (& Amou) Teng
kuecuk@yahoo.com | 603-264-3428
evergreencovchurch.org Frank (& Austin) Catalano
Worship Frontier
promisedlandcovenantchurch.org Michael (& Liz) Carrion revmichaelcarrion@gmail.com | 323-356-4266
Evergreen Covenant
evergreencov@live.com | 207-423-3342
D
A
highrockbrookline.org Josh (& Minhee) Throneburg joshua@highrockbrookline.org | 978-473-6496
2,4 5 1, 8,, 9
Highrock Brookline
Promised Land Covenant Church
...AND FOR 5 NEW CHURCH PLANTS JUST GETTING STARTED:
A
Elements Church, Bronx NY
B
New Season Church, Bronx NY
C
Highrock Quincy, Quincy MA
D
E
Efrain Alicea, (Q3 2011 start) Phil Bonano (Q4 2011 start)
Stephen Sharkey (Q1 2012 start)
Sanctuary Providence, Providence RI Andrew Mook (Q1 2012 start)
Highrock North Shore, Salem MA Aaron Engler (Q2 2012 start)
TH E E AS T C OAS T C OV E N A NTE R
OCT 2011
THE WOMEN OF THE EAST COAST CONFERENCE CARE BY SUSAN FALCETTA
We CARE about the things that break the heart of God. We connect the conference to issues that advocate for women and those who may be hiding in the shadows of shame. So far, in 2010-2011, we have raised over $4,000 to support and continue the work of AVA (Advocacy for Victims of Abuse). We CARE about the leaders in our midst. We offer valuable training resources at our Annual Celebration. This year, we had two offerings: Yvonne DeVaughn expanded our knowledge of the work of AVA throughout the denomination and Karen Hearl provided many tips that can assist women in leadership. We CARE about the spiritual lives of our sisters on the East Coast. At our Fall retreats, we provide an atmosphere where they can refresh and reconnect with God and other women, creating a space for new birth and spiritual renewal. We CARE about women all over the world. We keep our women informed and inspired as we link them up with sister missionaries all over the globe, offering them opportunities to support their efforts and encourage their hearts. Because we CARE, we will continue to be a valuable resource to the local church. THESE ARE SOME THINGS TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2011/2012:
Training will be provided for those (male and female) who would like to become “Local Church Advocates” for those impacted by the pain of domestic violence or childhood sexual abuse on October 22, from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. At Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin, CT. We encourage you to check out the www. eccwomen.org website for details. You must submit an application form to participate! A training/educational opportunity will be offered Spring of 2012 when we bring our “Annual Celebration”. Look for details either on the Conference website or the www.eccwomen.org website. Judy Howard Peterson will be our retreat speaker for September 21-23, 2012 at Pilgrim Pines. Save the date because space will be filled very quickly.
A NEW FACE IN THE EAST COAST CONFERENCE OFFICE: ALICIA STURDY Greetings! I’m Alicia, the new office manager in the East Coast Conference Office. I recently moved to the East Coast Conference when my husband, Andrew, accepted his position as Youth Pastor at Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin, CT, living in nearby Middletown, CT. I am from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Escanaba) but I have called Chicago, IL my home for the past eight years. I received my undergraduate degree in Graphic Design from North Park University, and worked as the Urban & Global Outreach Ministry Coordinator at Park Community Church in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood. I am excited to serve the East Coast Conference in this capacity, especially getting to know the pastors and churches we serve in our conference.
05
A SPRINGFIELD CHURCH BRINGS HEALING FOLLOWING DEVASTATION
ON June 1, four tornadoes ripped through the Springfield, MA region, leaving four dead and hundreds of homes destroyed or badly damaged. For Pastor Mike Mirakian of ECC Springfield, that day and the months following have been a both a challenge and blessing for his congregation. “It was a Wednesday when the tornadoes came through,” recalled Mirakian. “And one very large one - a category 3 or 4 - came right through Sixteen Acres, the neighborhood where our church sits. In fact, a handful of folks who happened to be in the building at the time saw the funnel cloud go through the church parking lot!” Thankfully, the church was largely spared, suffering relatively minor damage to the structure, though a large number of trees and fences were lost. However, the neighborhood all around them was devastated. “Two homes just across the street were very badly damaged,” noted Mirakian. All told, around us over 200 homes sustained damage - some completely destroyed. “The very next day, folks at church came and began preparing meals for the community,” recalled Mirakian. “And we made the decision pretty quickly that we needed to focus on the immediate neighborhood surrounding the church, with all the devastation immediately around us.” And so, congregation members gathered, took meals out to surrounding houses, helped to remove fallen trees, and walked
around the neighborhood, lending a hand wherever possible. Moreover, the large parking lot of the church was opened up to the local power company, so that they could set up shop there with all their trucks and heavy equipment. It took ten days for power to be restored. As a result of this, Pastor Mike made the decision to cancel service that first week - but still encouraged his congregation to come to church that Sunday. “That was our worship that Sunday,” he remembered.
things God’s love is being shown through the generosity that our congregation has allowed us to express in distributing the fund.”
The days, weeks, and months following that June day have been a blessing for the church in many ways. “Our church has been here for 60 years - and we’ve been praying about ways to impact our neighborhood - especially those within walking distance to us,” said Mirakian. “And I believe that God is using us in ways we never would have expected. Our church was spared so that we could then go out and help our neighbors, pray with them, be with them.”
From the pulpit, Pastor Mike has tried to talk to his congregation and visitors a lot about redemption. “Why did this happen - why us? We don’t always know that answer,” he says. “But what we do know is that God takes our brokenness - whether by our own sinfulness or a natural disaster - and brings something good out of it.”
He further notes that it extends across the board at ECC Springfield - the Youth Ministry has been helping with cleanup all summer. Mike Warren, a member of the congregation, has chaired a relief fund effort that has raised over $20,000 - money which is now being distributed to neighbors around the church to help with recovery efforts.
Today, the clean up is largely done - and the focus now is on follow up - seeing what the outstanding need is for people in the community as they rebuilt their homes and their lives. Gift cards to grocery stores and yardwork companies are given out - with every small measure going a long way.
For Pastor Mike and his congregation at ECC Springfield, every day now is an opportunity for renewal and restoration, noting, “We’re literally walking into broken homes and trying to bring the good things of God into that situation. We’re praying for them and loving them in practical ways.” PASTOR MIKE MIRAKIAN HAS BEEN AT ECC SPRINGFIELD SINCE 208. CONTACT HIM VIA EMAIL AT MMIRAKIAN@ECCSPRINGFIELD.ORG
“We have seen a range of responses to our visits with some neighborhoods still in great need, and others relatively better off,” noted Warren. “We have at times been able to pray with people and distribute bibles. In all these
TH E E AS T C OAS T C OV E N A NTE R
OCT 2011
CAMP SQUANTO’S BRAND NEW ADDITION | PILGRIM PINES UPDATE
Phase One of Pilgrim Pines’ Bridging Generations - Continuing the Legacy campaign was completed this summer with the opening of the Camp Squanto Dining Hall. The new space has already seen a bevy of activity in its first season, and provides a ministry space for youth that can be utilized year round. This one building has transformed the facilities from being merely a summer youth camp to a place where youth ministry can happen every season of the year. Noted Jim Condap, Ministry Director of Pilgrim Pines, “We are super excited to have a brand new facility, and we’re extremely grateful for the churches and individuals who have supported this. Already, it has been full of happy campers, and we truly look forward to booking the new space year-round for youth and small group retreats.” The new building features a full commercial kitchen and seating for 200 upstairs, while downstairs, there are showers and rooms for up to 40 campers. Down the road at Mayflower, things are also good. “We’ve had a great summer of ministry - really, one of the best summers ever in terms of speakers, weather, evaluations,” said Condap. “However, there remains a great existing need - our aging facility needs some help.” To that end, Pilgrim Pines is launching an “Adopt a Cabin Adopt a Room” program. Explained Condap, “We’d love to have each of our 70 plus conference churches adopt a room and partner with us to move forward. The Mayflower Lodge and surrounding Lakeside & Hillside cabins could use a serious update. We would love for churches to ‘adopt’ these cabins and rooms. Groups from different churches would come up and donate their time to update the units - and at the same time, enjoy the shared fellowship together as they help Pilgrim Pines. Skilled workers, carpenters, painters, and those who just have a heart for service - all are needed and appreciated. We see it as a great opportunity for partnership, given the growth of our conference.”
PILGRIM PINES HOLY LAND TOUR MARCH 2012
Join Executive Director Dave Cairns, Ministry Director Jim Condap, and tour host Rev. Johnny Agurkis for a tour of the Holy Land in March 2012.
TO LEARN MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PILGRIM PINES HOLY LAND TOUR TRIP, GO ONLINE AND VISIT:
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT “ADOPT A CABIN ADOPT A ROOM” OR FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING PILGRIM PINES, CAMP SQUANTO, AND/OR THE BRIDGING GENERATION - CONTINUING THE LEGACY CAMPAIGN, VISIT WWW.PILGRIMPINES.ORG, OR CONTACT JIM CONDAP AT
pilgrimpines.org/events/pp-holy-land-tour
JIM@PILGRIMPINES.ORG
07
THE GENESIS OF A BOOK: GOD IS ALIVE CONFERENCE TRANSITIONS
BY PAUL W. KAHN
Chris Gredenius from Rye, NH (Associate); 4/1
Philip Stenberg from Berlin, CT (Interim); 4/1
Earl Dunbar from Springfield, VA (Interim) to Wilton, CT (Interim); 4/1
Mary Miller to Berlin, CT (Interim); 5/1
Jason Yung from Boston, MA (Associate - Cornerstone); 6/1
Andrew Sturdy from NPTS to Berlin, CT (Youth); 6/15
Brian Estrella from Associate to Sr. Pastor, Riverside, RI; 7/1
Efrain Alicea to Bronx, NY (Elements - Church Planter); 7/1
Becky Poor from Berlin, CT (Youth) to Saranac, MI; 8/1
Rob LaRocco
For Karen Stanhope of Pilgrim Covenant Church in Granby, CT, it all began with a providential happenstance. While at a conference in Hartford Hospital to learn about ways to deal with her personal struggle with obesity, Karen remembers sitting in the front row of seats, realizing that what was most needed was a network of friends who would be in it with you - and how desperately she needed to start something in her hometown of Granby - and not having any ideas where to start. But then, while talking to speakers afterward about the idea, a woman who had been sitting right next to her chimed in - “You’re from Granby? I’m from there too!” From that experience of common connection - of God meeting a need in such a providential manner - the wheels inside Karen’s head began spinning. “How many others are out there with similar sorts of stories of God providing?” she remembers asking. “How many of them don’t ever get told - and what is the price of not telling these stories?”
from E. Greenwich, RI (Youth); 8/1
Albie Powers from Lexington, MA (Youth) to Spofford, NH (Ev. Free); 8/1
Geoff Twigg
And so, working with Gerald Gaylord, the chair of Pilgrim Covenant’s evangelism ministry, she presented a proposal to the church council to put a book together - a
book of stories from the congregation of God working in their lives. From the beginning, Karen had grand ambitions. In January, when presenting the idea to the congregation of less than 200, she challenged them to send 100 stories by the end of March. Sure enough, an avalanche of stories came in right before the deadline - and, following a sorting and editing process, 77 stories were put together into the 219-page book. During the process, many congregation members came forward and helped with the editing, legal, and publishing aspects of production. On September 6, the dream became a reality, when “God is Alive” was published (available at most major online vendors). The stories themselves range from heartbreaking tales of God’s providence amidst death and disease, to light hearted snippets from life where the littlest of things become reminders of God’s presence in the day to day lives of His people. “I hope this will inspire other churches to do the same. We are a small church - and we ended up with 77 stories,” she noted. “How many other stories are out there?”
from Bedford, NH (Worship); 8/1
Paul Meador from Bowie, MD; 8/1
Linda Williams
The complete yearly East Coast Conference calendar can be viewed online at eastcoastconf.org/calendar
to Bowie, MD (Interim); 9/1
Robert McNaughton from Christian Conference of CT (Interim Director); 9/30
Bob Bergquist
CONTACT THE COVENANTER: THE EAST COAST COVENANTER is the triannual publication of the East Coast Conference (eastcoastconf.org) of the Evangelical Covenant Church (covchurch.org).
from Lexington, MA (interim); 9/30
SUPERINTENDENT:
Chris Haydon
EDITOR/WRITER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER:
from Salem, OR to Lexington, MA; 10/1
Dale Kuehne from Nashua, NH; 10/9
Whitney Hall from North Easton, MA; TBD
THE EAST COAST COVENANTER
Howard K. Burgoyne ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT:
EAST COAST CONFERENCE 52 Missionary Road Cromwell, CT 06416 PHONE: (860) 635-2691 FAX: (860) 632-5422
Paul W. Kahn
Jason Condon EDITORS:
Alicia Sturdy
Howard K. Burgoyne Alicia Sturdy
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE:
CONTACT:
OFFICE MANAGER:
Karen Manlove
eastcoastcovenanter@gmail.com
To adjust the number of copies your church receives, contact Alicia Sturdy at: ecceast@gmail.com.
T HE E AS T C OAS T C OV E N ANTE R
08