SUMMER 2015 the
EAST COAST COVENANTER A TRIANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE EAST COAST CONFERENCE OF THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
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www.eastcoastconf.org
"PEOPLE STANDING ON THEIR OWN TWO FEET" HOWARD K. BURGOYNE S UP E R I N TEN D EN T, EAST COAST CO N F ER EN C E
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At the end of April I was privileged to travel to South Africa with a small group of ECC leaders to visit a mission partner supported by Metro Community Church in Englewood, NJ and Covenant World Relief. The organization is called Zimele, a Zulu term that means, “people stand on their own two feet.” Founded in 2007, it is a Christ inspired organization that helps develop community self-reliance, especially among women. Zimele focuses on empowering women with skills, resources, and support networks to start businesses and social service projects to sustain themselves, their families and their communities. (www. zimelecommunity.co.za/) Zimele staff workers enter a Zulu community and invite people to form small self-help/savings groups as a beginning place of empowerment. They ask a simple and straightforward question: “What do you have?” Their focus is not on entitlement, or creating dependency, but on empowerment. Empowerment begins with a focus on naming the assets that are present, not on naming the deficits all around. From one powerful question emerged self-awareness, self-confidence, and the faithful courage to act.
For more than a week we visited a variety of Zulu townships. In each of them we met women who are rich in faith, aglow with the spirit of Jesus, fully engaged in serving as leaders of community development and transformation. I have heard the South African version of Hannah’s Song and Mary’s Song and Elizabeth’s Song. In their third world environment they are clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, adopting the orphans, pursuing justice, doing mercy, walking humbly (and courageously!) with God. In the desperate and drought stricken days of Elijah, the prophet was placed under the care of a young widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17). The woman’s great faith, which is later commended by Jesus as most noteworthy (Luke 4:26) begins with a confession of what she has: “I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug.” Powerful words – what she did not have did not overshadow her confession of what she did have. Her faith grew as the dough raised daily – enough to feed her, her son, and the prophet until the drought was ended. God never asks us to be responsible in what we do not have – but surely and truly in all that we have received.
On the move,
have a question for howard? Email him at howard@eastcoastconf.org
IN THIS ISSUE: Howard's Visit to Zimele
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Measuring Missional Vitality
Recap of the 125th Annual Meeting
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Seafarers Mission Update
Farewell Thoughts - Dave Cairns
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In Memoriam: Beverly Freeman
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Farewell Thoughts - Alicia Sturdy
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Transitions
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www.facebook.com/eastcoastconf
EAST COAST CONFERENCE 52 Missionary Road Cromwell, CT 06416 860.635.2891 www.eastcoastconf.org www.issuu.com/eastcoastcovenanter
125th annual meeting
2015 recap BY ALICIA STURDY EAST COAST COnference
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After a winter of record breaking snow in Worcester, MA; one last snow fell amongst fresh Easter blooms as pastors and delegates gathered for the 125th Annual Meeting of the East Coast Conference (theme: "(re) launch your net!"). Welcomed back to the former home of the Conference office, the gracious hosts at Salem Covenant Church; with President Gary Walter preaching on Friday evening at the opening celebration service. In his ninth annual report, Superintendent Howard Burgoyne centered upon the question and counsel of Jesus found in John 21:4-6 - “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
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“No,” they answered. He said, “Launch your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because the number of the large number of fish.
MAKE & DEEPEN Disciples 2008: 5,000 new followers of Jesus being discipled and serving Christ in our churches. Since 2006: Approximately 2,500 new followers are being discipled.
VISION 2020 BENCHMARKS
LOVE MERCY, DO JUSTICE Our churches doubling the number of people they now serve outside their congregation;
Annually, Superintendent Burgoyne has updated progress towards the Vision 2020 benchmarks established in 2008 - and the metrics of movement towards these goals being:
MAKE & DEEPEN Disciples / DEVELOP LEADERS
Strengthening Churches 2008: 100 + vital congregations growing deeper in Christ and further in mission. Since 2006: 62 churches; 2014: 80 churches. Starting Churches 2008: Dozens of new churches planted and growing in every state and the District of Columbia. Since 2006: 23 churches planted, 6 adopted churches.
A new generation of believers raised up who embody the love, grace and justice of Jesus. LOVE MERCY, DO JUSTICE 2008: Growing ethnic and cultural diversity and inclusion within and among our churches. The number of ethnic/multiethnic churches has risen. In 2006: 9; as of 2014: 24. Percentage of ethnic/multiethnic churches attendance: 44%
Captions: ( 1 ) The beautiful sanctuary of Salem Covenant Church, Worcester, MA. ( 2 ) President Gary Walter preaches on Friday. ( 3 ) Superintendent Howard Burgoyne prays over the elements of Communion. ( 4 ) Ordination candidates Brian Dietz, Neil Botts, Michelle Sanchez, and Hojin Yoo are presented.
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DEVELOP LEADERS Churches and districts partnering in local ministries and global mission. MAKE & DEEPEN Disciples Regionally expanded Christian camping and spiritual retreat ministries.
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NEW MEMBER CHURCH
Delegates also welcomed the adoption of Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Rev. Sheridan Todd Yeary and staff were there to greet delegates and President Gary Walter. DMCC, is located in the Upton/Druid Heights Community of Baltimore.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Conference saw a pause in the recent year over year increases in church giving to the Conference operations and saw continued good performance from investments. The Church giving to the Conference operations was $541,209. Year over year operating income trends remain quite favorable for the Conference. Over the last nine years our operating revenues have grown on average 15.3% per year, due principally to increased church contributions, investment returns on reverted assets, and ECC church planting matching funds. In 2006 our operating income was $400k and our assets were $800k. In 2014 - operating income was just below $1.2M (+300%) and assets are now over $4.5M (+550%) CHURCH ATTENDANCE
2014 church attendance figures showed an attendance drop; with 24 churches reporting declining attendance in 2013, 16 churches reported increased attendance greater than +5% over the previous year.
ORDINATION CANDIDATES
Four candidates for ordination were presented; Neil Botts of Christ Church (E. Greenwich, RI), Brian Dietz of Highrock Covenant Church (Arlington, MA), Hojin Yoo of Cornerstone Church of Boston (Boston, MA), and Michelle Sanchez formerly of Highrock Covenant Church (Arlington, MA) now the Executive Minister for Make & Deepen Disciples at Covenant Offices in Chicago, IL.
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Kreig Gammelgard, Director of Congregational Vitality highlighted the 19 East Coast Conference churches that have participated in initiatives throughout the Conference from the Navigate Conference to vitality workshops. New England Seafarers Mission reported on their expanding mission, now reaching 158 nations of the world over the last 15 years. Pilgrim Pines Conference Center brought an exciting report from the 2014 year. An increase in attendance and donations through the hard work put forth by the board, staff and Pines supports was a note of celebration. The past year also marked an intentional effort to improve the Pines facilities through the “Mayflower Makeover” initiative.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Jason Condon, Director of Church Planting, reported the addition of 4 new church planters launching new Covenant congregations in 2014 (Chris Bannon, The Commons ECC, Rochester NH; Dan Sadlier, Hope Roosevelt Island Covenant Church, Manhattan, NY; Will Barnett, Highrock Acton Covenant Church, Acton, MA; and Steve Martino, Movement Covenant Church, Staten Island, NY).
During the meeting, testimonies shared from Rev. Kris Heckard (The Valleys Covenant Church, Halifax, PA) and their involvement with the Vitality Pathway & testimony of church health. Rev. Mark Novak, Executive Minister for the Department of Ordered Ministry (now Develop Leaders) spoke at the Ministerium Annual Meeting development day.
Agenda materials and resources are available on the Conference events website, www.ecconfevents.com ( 5 ) Newly elected members for the Pilgrim Pines, New England Seafarers, Nominations, and Executive Boards receive prayer at the Saturday business meeting. ( 6 ) Display stands for New England Seafarers Mission and Pilgrim Pines/Camp Squanto. ( 7 ) Annual Meeting attendees pray for the Conference.
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REFLECTIONS ENTERING AN ELEVENth & final SUMMER
DAV E CA I R N S
Dave Cairns vividly remembers his first day on the job as the Executive Director of Pilgrim Pines, ten summers ago. "The first time I showed up, the Covenant Congregational Church of North Easton, MA was on site doing a weekend retreat - and having never been an Executive Director before, I remember not being sure what I was supposed to be doing. The staff would be doing a great job all around me, running stuff, but when they'd asked questions to me, I wouldn't have any answers!" But despite what might have been a rough entry, Dave remembers immediately feeling welcomed by everyone that day.
Looking back, the highlights that Cairns recalls include obvious ones, like the 50th Anniversary Celebration, the construction/ groundbreaking/opening of the dining hall at Squanto, and the incredible support following the Boston Marathon tragedy. But then there's also the every day occurrences from camp that Cairns reflects on with heartfelt appreciation. "Getting letters from parents expressing an overwhelming thankfulness after receiving a scholarship - or hearing campers describe how God has moved in their lives. That's why I do what I do and am involved in camping ministry," he says.
The final summer camp day of Pilgrim Pines - August 14, 2015 will also be Dave's final day as Executive Director - after 11 years on the job. The following Monday will find him at Covenant Pines Ministries in the Minneapolis-St.Paul metro area, serving as the Executive Director of the camp he grew up attending - and where he served as a site director prior to coming to the beautiful environs around Lake Swanzey in 2004.
In addition to those memories, Cairns feels so much better prepared to be an executive director this second time around. "One of the strengths of Pilgrim Pines is its family ministry - and I hope to grow and expand the one at Covenant Pines, implementing some of what we've done so successfully here." This success is because of the staff that has surrounded him, Cairns notes. "Please pray for strength and endurance for the full-time staff during the leadership transition, since they'll be asked to do more for a time." He also asked for prayer for his family as they transition to a new environment, with all the challenges therein (finding a place to live, worship, and for his three children to attend school).
The return home - and the opportunity to serve at the camp of his youth was an unexpected surprise for Cairns. "We weren't looking. One day, I was contacted by the search committee, and after entering into the process, and waiting for God's leading in the matter or for Him to close a door, the door never closed and this new opportunity opened up," he noted. Cairns looks forward to returning home (and enjoying the bounties of the Minnesota State Fair), and taking on the two properties of Covenant Pines Ministries - two separate camps that are owned by the Twin Cities District of Churches. He plans to live in the Minneapolis area and will be able to meet easily with churches there, with some 45 Covenant churches located wihin the metropolitan area.
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When asked about how he'll tackle his final day at Pilgrim Pines, Dave pauses in reflection. "It's going to be very emotional, that last day. Knowing that it's coming to an end - plus, it's my son's birthday - so it'll be this mix of celebration, but also with some grieving. God calls different people to different opportunities and ministries, and this was a God calling upon our lives at this point in time." The Conference is indeed thankful for the call that brought Dave to Pilgrim Pines and prayerfully sends him off to Minnesota.
Learn more about Pilgrim Pines: www.pilgrimpines.org
MEASURING MISSIONAL HEALTH & VITALITY
among
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churches
BY KREIG GAMMELGARD DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY
I have a love-hate relationship with my doctors. I appreciate their care, concern and desire for me to live a long and healthy life. But their questions about my habits (or lack there of ), and lifestyle are a bit personal and often uncomfortably probing. When I moved to the East Coast, I needed to find a whole new crew of physicians. Every one of them wanted to know my medical history and had me fill out a plethora of forms and take a cadre of tests in order to assess my current condition. They evaluated past numbers and consulted with previous physicians in order to determine my health and to recommend a pathway to even greater wellness. They too shared the goal of helping me live a long and healthy life. Over a year ago, while flying to a vitality related event with my Covenant colleagues, I got up to use the restroom and began experiencing significant knee pain. I hobbled around in pain for months hoping that my condition would fix itself. It did not. Add in a home remodel, and another few months on the calendar, and I could no longer pretend that all was well. I had to turn to a doctor to help me return to health, as I did not want to continue to deteriorate. I have too many good years left in this body! I am now under the regular care of an orthopedic specialist, a physical therapist, a general practitioner, and a chiropractor. My cracked femur, torn meniscus, elevated triglycerides, and out-of-alignment spine necessitated that I receive outside assistance. But, even with their excellent professional assistance, I still have to work hard at pursuing health. It’s my body, and I need to continually evaluate my condition and
measure my health. Looking at numbers are an important part of my evaluation, but so are other matters, like muscle tone, flexibility, diet and exercise, and alignment. It’s no fun getting older. It’s even worse to ignore it. Measuring health matters! Churches are similar. Not all age gracefully. Some ignore their health and stop caring for themselves or paying attention to significant vital signs. Measuring their health is an after thought, and therefore it is ignored. Unfortunately, we do not drift towards health. What are you paying attention to? What are you measuring? As a good friend of mine (and previous lay leader in a church I served) drilled into me: We need to inspect what we expect. No matter your age, when you/your church is ready to pursue missional health and vitality, let me know. I will ask questions and probe into your past and recommend a pathway to greater health, because I, too, want you to live a long, healthy, and fruitful life.
Kreig Gammelgard Director of Congregational Health and Vitality East Coast Conference kreig@eastcoastconf.org
Additional resources available on the Conference's Vitality website: www.covchurch.org/vitality
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Snapshots of life in the ministry of the New england s e a fa r e r s m i s s i o n BY STEPHEN CUSHING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEW ENGLAND SEAFARERS MISSION
One of our Board members has described NESM as excelling in fitting 10 lbs. into a 5 lb. bag. We have taken the small footprints we have been given in Boston and Providence and parlayed them into fields of mercy and grace by our outreach. In Boston, the mission is a small but bustling center at one end of the cruise port terminal in the Seaport district. Crew members stream into our doors and look forward to the kindness and hospitality that awaits them from our incredibly awesome volunteers. It has been so exciting and fun to welcome them into our newly redesigned store which now offers brand new foods and snacks that will hopefully deliver a taste of home or at least our best effort to share ethnic appreciation half a world away. We are having a blast putting smiles on faces when they shop and see "Skyflakes", (a popular Filipino cracker) and “Polvoron” (a familiar candy), Japanese style “Mochi “ (Japanese pastries) and Indian Chai Pun (a crispy chip) which are just a few fun examples of some new and different products. Our services frequently go deeper, as in the case with a seafarer whose pregnant wife back home was in need of neo-natal vitamins, which we were able to procure and get into his hands so he could ship them home, using our parcel pick-up and delivery services in our mail room In that same mail room, we've been so thrilled to assist a Jamaican seafarer who is looking forward to his retirement after 38 years with his cruise line company and erecting a solar farm along with his neighbor and friend on the ship. Loss of electricity will no longer bring his family grief and he has been so grateful that our Mission has provided him assistance in ordering and shipping supplies.
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We have always given out free Bibles and help all in any way we can because "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul" which allows us to share Christ's abounding love and genuine joy. Fredericka came into our Bible Library and was so excited to leave with a dozen bibles to share with the bible study on board the ship. “We all speak so many different languages” she said to me “it’s nice to share God’s love in one language” Our efforts extend beyond our walls as our industrial ship visitors and chaplains climb aboard oil tankers, cargo ships and car carriers up and down the Southern New England coastline. Chaplains Henry Fizer and Ashley Peckham frequently visit crew and share stories, hear their troubles and concerns, step into advocate roles and offer prayer. Seafarers often share the assurance it gives them to enter the New England ports knowing they will see familiar faces who will take the time to hear them and offer help in so many forms. For one seafarer, we have been tracking down his cell phone which he left for repairs in Jacksonville. His ship left and we have since tracked it to Philadelphia, back to Jacksonville and now back to Boston for reuniting it with him. In explaining why it was so important he said, “It has all my text messages from my children. I don’t want to lose them” Come be a part of the fun and meet these wonderful people. Sign up to volunteer for a mission ministry day. We are in need of your continued support through prayers for our outreach and financial donations. It really makes a difference and it is a difference that crosses the oceans and touches new borders.
Volunteer with the Seafarers! Learn how by visiting their home on the web: www.neseafarers.org
in memoriam:
B e v e r ly f r e e m a n Beverly Freeman, East Coast Conference Office Manager from 2000-2011, died peacefully after her battle with cancer on April 17, 2015 surrounded by her family. Born January 28, 1947 in Attleboro, MA, she was a member of Evangelical Covenant Church in Attleboro with her parents, Cliff and Helen Swanson. Bev met her husband, Bob, on a Covenant youth tour of Europe and in October 1969 they were married and spent the first years of their life together in Chicago, where Bev worked at the Northwestern University Graduate Library before starting a family. In 1977 they moved to West Hartford where they raised their four children, and joined Bethany Covenant Church (then in New Britain, Connecticut - now located in Berlin, Connecticut). Bev was a devoted wife and mother, who modeled love and compassion to all she knew. Much of Bev’s time and energy outside of the home was devoted to volunteering. She gave countless hours of service to her church, Bethany Covenant, where she held numerous positions of leadership including three years as the first female chair of the church. During this time she led the church through significant transition and growth. She was a visionary leader who challenged others to ask hard questions. In 2000 she began working in the office of the East Coast Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church until her retirement in 2011. Beverly is survived by her husband Bob; children Greg (Laura) of West Hartford, CT; Lis Hood of Manchester, NH; Sarah Daigle (Eric) of Wethersfield, CT; and Andrew of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Brian and David Hood; Daniel, James and Emily Freeman; and Alexander, Hannah, and Emmett Daigle; sister Carolyn Manlove (Vic) of Warren, RI; and by many cousins, nephews and nieces, and friends.
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SAYING GOODBYE & GODSPEED:
ALICIA STURDY Alicia Sturdy, Office & Communications manager for the East Coast Conference, has announced her resignation effective July 2015. Her family is headed to Racine, Wisconsin where her husband, Andrew, will serve as Pastor to Youth at the Evangelical United Methodist Church. Andrew, called to Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin, Connecticut in June 2011, has served as Pastor to Youth for five years as well. “While we are sad to leave New England, we are looking forward to living much closer to our family who are in Upper Michigan and Minnesota, and the opportunities our new church will bring in Andrew’s ministry and call,” Sturdy says. Sturdy has been a part of the Conference staff since June 2011, filling the position as Beverly Freeman was retiring after her 11 year service. Over the last five years, Alicia has overseen the management and operations within the Conference Office, regional Covenant credentialing, provided executive assistance to our Superintendent staff, and brought the Conference office into the 21st century with her work in communications and design. Sturdy says her greatest blessing has been each and every pastor, church, and congregant she has come into connection with. “You have become a part of my larger Church family! We acknowledge my husband's call to Bethany is what brought us to the East Coast, but my work with the Conference has been just as great a calling from God, and the ministry I have been able to do with you has changed me for the good.”
Alicia and Andrew Sturdy with daughter Stella.
Transitions
COMINGS & GOINGS WITHIN THE CONFERENCE
Mark Frykholm from Salem/Worcester, MA, to retirement, (Aug 2015); Al F. Tizon from Palmer Seminary to ECC, Executive Minister/Serving Globally (Aug 2015); Michelle Sanchez (Staff) from Arlington, MA to ECC, Executive Minister/Make & Deepen Disciples (Aug 2015); David Cairns from Pilgrim Pines Conference Center to Covenant Pines Bible Camp (Aug 15, 2015);
the EAST COAST
COVENANTER
Andrew Sturdy (Staff) from Berlin, CT to Racine, WI - Methodist Church (Aug 2015); Phil Beattie (Staff), from Manchester, CT to Hartford, CT, Church Planter (Jul 2015);
Paul W. Kahn
EDITOR / GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT / WRITER
Walt Quick from IVCF Area Director to Arlington, MA (Staff) (Jul 2015);
Alicia Sturdy
J.D. Brenke (Staff) from Quincy, MA (Highrock), (Jun 30, 2015);
EDITOR / WRITER
Howard Burgoyne
Deborah Packnick to Easton, CT, Student Ministry Pastor (Jun 2015);
PUBLISHER
Peter M. Norland from Essex Junction, VT (Jun 15, 2015); Daniel Nam (Staff), from Boston, MA, Cornerstone (May 15, 2015); Jack and Becca Dowling from Glenburn, ME to retirement (Apr 2015);
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EAST COAST CONFERENCE
52 Missionary Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 (860) 635-2691 FAX: (860) 398-5071 www.eastcoastconf.org
SUPERINTENDENT:
Howard K. Burgoyne
www.issuu.com/eastcoastcovenanter
DIR. OF CHURCH PLANTING:
Jason Condon
DIR. OF CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY:
Kreig Gammelgard
OFFICE MANAGER:
Alicia Sturdy
FINANCE MANAGER:
Robin Jones