Registration and accomodations information are available for download from our website.

East Coast Conference 2020 Vision

The Conference has established a prayerful and strategic mission plan focused on four signature priorities of conference wide ministry. Believing we are a movement of God, the mission of the Conference is to:

Multiply congregations – by planting new missional churches;
Orchestrate ministries – by connecting district churches for shared ministry & mission;
Vitalize Congregations – by coaching pastors and church leaders to embrace renewal;
Empower leaders – by building a culture of trustworthy Christian leadership;

Our vision for mission by the year 2020 includes the following benchmarks:
100+ vital congregations growing deeper in Christ and further in mission;
(currently we are comprised of 76 churches and church plants)
Dozens of new churches planted and growing in every conference state and the District of Columbia;
5,000 new followers of Jesus being discipled and serving Christ in our churches;
Our churches doubling the number of people they now serve outside their congregation;
A new generation of believers raised up who embody the love, grace and justice of Jesus;
Growing ethnic and cultural diversity and inclusion within and among our churches;
Churches and districts partnering in local ministries and global mission;
Christian camping and spiritual retreat ministries expanded regionally;

EPIC – Empowering People, Inspiring Change - focuses on developing the skills and resources to navigate, adapt and thrive in the midst of change management.

The workshops will be held from 9:00 to 3:30 PM on Saturday.

October 31 – Salem Covenant Church, Worcester, MA

November 7 – Trinity Covenant Church, Livingston, NJ

There is no cost to attend, but reservations are necessary so we can secure sufficient food and materials in advance.

Lunch will be provided compliments of the East Coast Conference; Materials are provided compliments of the Department of Church Growth & Evangelism of the ECC.

To register a group from your church, email or call Beverly Freeman in the Conference Office – ecceast[at]gmail.com or ecceast[at]sbcglobal.net, or by phone 860.635.2691, ext. 101

It’s summer now, but getting this on the calendar for your leaders would be timely now as well.

For more information on EPIC and other VERITAS resources, go to the ECC website, www.covchurch.org and navigate to John Wenrich’s blog.

Peter Sung, Associate Superintendent of the East Coast Conference, has announced his resignation effective July 31, 2009 in order to accept an appointment to serve as the Director of Church Planting in the Department of Church Growth & Evangelism for the Evangelical Covenant Church, beginning August 1.

In his letter of resignation to the Superintendent and the Conference Board, Sung writes “For about a month now I’ve been living with this decision and it continues to feel right, and others continue to affirm this new call. My mixed emotions remain. I have been in the east coast my whole life; the Conference has been wonderful to my family and me; I believe in what God is doing in the Conference; I believe Howard is the man for the season. I am certain that the Conference and I will always have a special relationship, and I am willing to fill in the gap from August 1 until the Conference hires a replacement, if you so desire. I will be watching and participating in all that God is going to do in and through the Conference and her churches. I am privileged to have seen what I have seen over the past year.”

“Peter has established a strong foundation and established incredible momentum within the past 15 months in church planting,” reports Superintendent Howard Burgoyne. “While I am mourning our loss here, I am delighted to see Peter extend his influence, vision, and abilities to the larger work of the Covenant in North America. He will continue to work closely with us in our church planting initiatives, not only coaching our pastors but also assisting the next Associate Superintendent in continuing our implementation of Vision 2020. As we navigate and adapt to what God is doing, we know we will continue to thrive in the mission of Christ here in the East Coast Conference.”

Rev. Sung has served in the East Coast Conference as Associate Superintendent since May 1, 2008. Prior service included being a church planter and founding pastor of Highrock Covenant Church, Somerville (now Arlington) Massachusetts, and Queenswest Covenant Church, Long Island City, New York. In agreement with David T. Olson, Executive Minister of Church Growth & Evangelism for the Covenant, Peter will devote about 30% of his time to the Conference over the next few months during the transition going forward to secure a new Associate Superintendent for the Conference.

The Sung’s will make plans to relocate over the next year to Chicago, Illinois, but first on the agenda is the anticipated birth of their fourth daughter in late August, joining mother Susie and sisters Madelyn, Emelyn, and Sophia.

The East Coast Conference is sailing toward a bold 2020 vision

YORK, PA (May 6, 2009) – At the 119^th Annual Meeting the East Coast Conference (ww.eastcoastconf.org) celebrated growing momentum towards a bold 2020 Vision that was cast at last years’ annual meeting.  A year ago the Conference endorsed an eight point vision to expand the Conference through church planting, churches cooperatively planting ministries, church revitalization, and leadership development that integrates both character formation and competency development.

The meetings were co-hosted by St. Paul’s Wolf’s Evangelical Covenant Church and Paradise-Holtzschwamm Covenant Church which are five miles from each other in York, PA. They have the distinction of being the two oldest churches in the ECC – Wolf’s Church, established in 1763, and Paradise-Holtzschwamm in 1765. They are two of five eastern Pennsylvania churches that have affiliated with the Conference and the Covenant in the last few years. Two more churches currently exploring affiliation were guests at the meetings.

 “Momentum is the key word for us this year. We’ve pulled out of the harbor and set our course for adventure. We’ve established our bearings and set our course. God is moving boldly across the Conference! As the wind of the Spirit is blowing we are building momentum in mission. Our challenge now is to navigate, adapt, and thrive as a movement of mission friends,” stated Superintendent Howard Burgoyne in his opening remarks to the delegates.  

The bold response of churches across the conference since then has been signified by increased church giving to the conference that rose 44% since 2007. An upwardly revised budget for 2009 was approved ($1,008,050), raising the budget 16% above the previously approved budget for 2009 (up 11% from ‘08 actual) and approving another 5% increase for 2010 ($1,103,429). It was noted that giving from churches new to the Conference in the last 10 years represented giving of over $130,000 to the Conference in 2008 – representing 22% of church giving.

Both budgets support the planting of 3-4 new churches each year, including the aggressive use of legacy funds funds held by the Conference from churches that have closed. Peter Sung, Associate Superintendent and Director of Church Planting stated, “By God’s grace we’ll plant more churches in the next three years than we’ve planted in the last 30 years.” One part of the Conference vision is to plant over 40 new churches by 2020. Sung announced that he has 24 potential church planters that he is cultivating and evaluating for potential future projects – and the list continues to grow.

Church revitalization continues to grow as one of the top four missional priorities for the Conference. 45 of the 75 churches in the Conference have begun engaging in dialogue about their own renewal of mission and outreach within the last 18 months. To date 7 churches have engaged the services of one of several “Veritas Facilitators” in a growing network of Conference recommended consultants and coaches available to churches. Several pastors have enrolled in the “Ministry Advantage” pastors coaching network as well and have reported that this is proving to be both stretching and helpful to them.

The Ministerial Association met for two days at the Paradise-Holtzschwamm Covenant Church for continuing education, worship, and their annual business meeting. Dr. Boaz Johnson, Chair of the Biblical and Theological Studies Department at North Park University taught on “Justice in the Hebrew Scriptures”. Gary Cook, Director of Church Relations for Bread for the World (www.bread.org) , taught on the Biblical basis of Advocacy for the Poor. Seven candidates for ordination were approved, and presented at the Annual Meeting.  Special guests included Noel and Kyle Bechetti, working with Truth Seekers, a mission and ministry to the lower castes of India.

The Conference meetings began with workshops for about 100 delegates from 42 churches. A picnic dinner was served at Wolf’s Picnic Grove, followed by a worship service led by a cross conference worship team, and included a baptismal renewal and service of Holy Communion. A combined choir from the two host churches sang selections from their just completed spring cantata. Peter Ahn, pastor at Metro Community Church, Fort Lee, NJ shared a testimony of developing a community development ministry in South Africa (www.ZimeleCommunity.org). Dr. John Wenrich, Director of Congregational Vitality for the ECC preached from Mark 4, using the story of the disciples caught on the lake in a storm to address the conference theme, challenging the Conference to grow in both the character and competencies needed to advance the renewal of the Church in the 21^st century. An offering of over $1,200 was received for the Conference’s mission partnership with Covenanters in Koyuk, Alaska.

In the business meeting on Saturday, the delegates also approved a motion celebrating the 130 year ministry of Bethesda Covenant Church in New York City. The church closed in April after a five year process of exploring revitalization.
“Moved, that the 119^th Annual Meeting of the East Coast Conference remember with gratitude to God the pioneer ministry of Bethesda Covenant Church of New York, New York, the first of the “Missions Friends” churches in the Eastern Missionary Association, acknowledging now the fulfillment of her calling and the conclusion of her work, and commending to God the eternal fruit and to the world the precious seed of her spiritual labors for Christ over the years 1879-2009.”

Garth McGrath, pastor of Monadnock Covenant Church, Keene, NH shared a witness of God’s movement in his heart and those of his congregation that led to a generous gift of support for another church in the Conference that is just stepping into their first mortgage. An appeal for $500 led to a free will offering of over $2,000. Moved by his peoples’ generosity, McGrath decided to challenge other churches in the Conference to also consider what they could do to help – resulting in numerous churches reaching out to encourage this growing work.

The delegates brought forward as an offering their churches prayer cards for Bringing My World to Christ. New board members were elected for the Conference Boards, Pilgrim Pines Board, and New England Seafarers Board. Ruth Hill, Executive Minister of Women Ministries represented the ECC, bringing greetings and a report to the delegates.  

Superintendent Burgoyne asked the delegates to return to their churches and discuss the potential to raise the Conference budget even further over the next few years.  He presented a “3-2-5 Challenge” – over the next three years grow to 5% giving from every church to fully underwrite the 2002 Vision initiative. Current church giving to the Conference reflects a 2.5% level of support to the Conference.  Burgoyne challenged the delegates, saying: “To understand my burden, you need to grasp that God has already placed in my heart and mind a vision that calls for your full support. God already knows the amount of money that is under our stewardship –even in this difficult economy. The miracle we need is not that the money would magically appear – it’s already in our pockets and in your churches – the miracle is that we would actually step up together by faith to fully fund the needs of the Covenant and the Conference. Collectively you are asking your people to entrust $18,000,000 to your ministries in 2009. I am asking you to advance in your giving over the next 3 years to invest a full 5% in the mission of the East Coast Conference – knowing that as you do we will plow that precious seed back into you and in ministries on your behalf that will change the world – all across the East Coast Conference.”

Carolyn Larson, Chair of the Conference Board, welcomed motions of gratitude for the warm hospitality of our host churches who were presented with hand blown glass sailboats, reflecting the Conference logo, and signifying that together we are “…on the move” with God. Gratitude was also expressed for board members concluding service to the Conference – Stephen Reedy, Treasurer; Tom McCullough, Church Life/Missions Commission; Sarah Daigle, Hartford District Trustee; James Kim, At-Large Trustee; Bruce Johnson, Board of Human Resources; Dick Anderson, Board of Human Resources. New officers were installed with Scripture and prayer to the various Conference and Agency boards.

The 120^th Annual Meeting of the East Coast Conference will be held on the first weekend of May, 2010 co-hosted by Monadnock Covenant Church, Keene, New Hampshire and Pilgrim Pines Conference Center, Swanzey, New Hampshire.

For over 100 years the Evangelical Covenant Church has served various ethnic groups throughout Alaska, with special emphasis on the remote communities of rural Alaska.  Of the 19 Covenant Churches in Alaska, 13 are in Western “Bush” Alaska, where there are no roads in or out.  Of these thirteen, ten are small and unable to support a pastor without some help.  Alaska exerts many challenges and hardships on those who are called to minister to the peoples of the Last Frontier.  In addition to serving in a remote location with long dark winters, pastors and youth workers ministering here are confronted constantly with issues of teen suicide, extreme substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse.  Also, many serve communities that lack the basics of modern sanitation and housing. 

We, as a conference, have committed to partner with on of our sister churches in Alaska.  Our sister church is located in Koyuk, 90 air miles northeast of Nome.  Koyuk has a population just under 300 at last census.  The pastor and his wife, Wassilie (Wass) and Jean Mute, will appreciate any assistance we can give them.  But just what can you do?  I’m glad you asked.  Here are some ideas:

v  Encouragement:  Write a letter (Pastor Wass and Jean Mute, P.O. Box 53098, Koyuk, AK 99753) or email (jg_mute(at)yahoo.com) or place an occasional telephone call (907-963-2016) to let them know you are praying for them. 

v  Care packages:  Since everything must be flown in, simple things are very expensive.  You can send anything that is non-perishable (nuts, dried fruit, brownies, bread mixes, paper products, toiletries, etc.)  Be creative.  The post office has fixed rate boxes which you can fill up and ship for $9.95 or $12.95 depending upon the size you choose. 

v  Mission teams:  If you would consider being part of a construction work team, contact East Coast Conference Koyuk Work Teams c/o thomasbmccullough(at)yahoo.com for more information.  It will be a trip you will never forget.

v  Financial:  Most of the bush pastors must find other means of supporting their family because the church is unable to provide a sustaining salary.  This is the case for Wass.  If your church has a mission committee, perhaps they would put the Koyuk church in their mission budget.  Or maybe, as an individual or family, God will lay it on your heart to send a donation. 

v  Donate Air Miles:  Many people accumulate free air miles.  Please consider donating some to ECCAK to help a bush pastor and their family get away for R & R.  (I don’t know details for this yet, but contact me if you are interested.)

Thank you for opening your hearts to Wass and Jean and if you have any questions please email Alynne MacLean at alynne(at)sciencewithamission.org. 

Wass and Jean are Yupik Eskimos from the Kuskokwim River Delta Area. 

They were married on May 30^th, 1975.  Birthdays: Wass 9-12, Jean 8-31. 

 They have 5 children:

Aaron-33 and Janet live in Bethel

      (children: Jessica-11, Ashley-10, Jaron-5 and Aaron-3)

Tom-31 and Jessica live in Nome

Chester-29 lives in Bethel

Anna-27 and Ted Tinker live in Bethel

      (child: Elya-5 months)

Ryan-25 – receptionist for Alaska Christian College in Soldotna, his salary is based on in-kind support. He raises 50% of his salary.  If you would like to learn more, contact Ryan at in_love_wid_christ(at)hotmail.com.

Wass enjoys playing the guitar, reading ‘heavy’ theological material, hunting, fishing, and singing.  Jean spends time sewing, knitting, reading, ice fishing (hooking), playing the piano, listening to music and singing.  They have been with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska since 1982.  They have served in the following villages:  Koyuk, Mekoryuk, and Scammon Bay. 

Their life in Alaska can be divided into two “seasons”.  The majority of the time, they are on their “winter schedule”.  This runs from late August until May of the following year. 

Wass:   Sunday    AM – Mercy, and Kingdom of God

                           PM – Character Building

            Tuesday Cottage Prayer Meeting in Homes

                           Living Above the Level of Mediocrity

            Wednesday Bible Study

                           1 and 11 Thessalonians – 2^nd Coming of the Lord

            Thursday Northern Light Singing Group practice

Jean:    Secretary at the school

            Monday nights- Participant in Women’s Bible study

Thursday afternoon:  Covenant women Bible study and sewing

From June to early August, Wass and Jean go home to Bethel

1.      Put away fish, dry and smoke fish for winter use

2.      Spend time with children and grandchildren – a favorite activity!

3.      Jean is a nurse (RN) and works at the hospital in Bethel for two months- to maintain her license and stay active with her career

4.      Spend time with other relatives and family members – Wass is oldest of 11 siblings, Jean is oldest of 10 siblings.  Only one parent is now living – Jean’s 80 year old Dad recently remarried in November 2008

Prayer requests:

• Youth Work – the youth very busy and it is hard to find a time for them to meet regularly.  Most activities are school related. 
• The Mutes have been praying for a revival in Koyuk since November 2008, 8:30 in morning and 10:30 PM.  They covet your prayers to continue to present Truth from Gods’ Word

The Conference Board has agreed to pursue a three-point plan for connecting:

1. Exploratory team of 3 to 4 this summer (09)- focus would be on establishing some relationships,

2. Having Pastor Wass and Jean be our guest at a time to be determined in ‘09 or ‘10;

3. A team or two of up to 7 next summer to work under Barnabas – build a 20′x20′ shed as an outreach project to the men in Koyuk and surrounding bush country–a place they could gather to work on snowmobiles and other important equipment.  The best estimate of per person costs to get there and back, including food and lodging, is about $2,100-2,200.  And yet to be decided is how much that each person would be asked to carry, with the rest subsidized by donations from churches throughout the conference.

The 2009-2010 theme for the East Coast Conference is:

Under Full Sail
navigate, adapt, thrive!

The Ministerial Association

The Ministerial Association will meet Thursday and Friday, April 30-May 1 at the Paradise-Holtzschwamm Covenant Church in Thomasville, PA (1667 Lincoln Highway, (PA-Route 30)).

The Continuing Education Day for the Ministerial Association begins at 9:00 AM with Registration and Coffee, followed by morning and afternoon sessions with Dr. Boaz Johnson, Professor & Chair of the Biblical & Theological Studies Department at North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. He will be speaking on “The Old Testament and Issues of Global Justice”.

As a boy growing up in the slums of New Delhi, Johnson remembers that a number of his childhood friends would suddenly vanish. He later realized that some had been forced into labor in the carpet industry, working from 4 AM to late at night, under their young hands were raw and disfigured. Others, especially the girls, would be abducted and taken into sexual slavery. Many of the evils he witnessed still exist today world wide.  

On Thursday evening the Association will gather for worship at 7 PM and hear the personal testimonies of 7 candidates for Ordination being presented for approval this year at the Annual Meetings of the Conference and the ECC.

Friday morning the Association will conduct their Annual Business Meeting.  Following lunch, Rev. Gary Cook, Director of Church Relations for Bread for The World (www.bread.org) will provide a workshop on the Biblical call to Advocacy and the work of Bread in Washington, D.C. and around the world to alleviate hunger. This is in preparation for the upcoming Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. to be held on June 16, 2009. The workshop will be held from 1-4 pm. 

The East Coast Conference Delegate Workshops

The East Coast Conference Annual Meeting will be held Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2.

The Conference will be hosting three workshops for delegates and attendees to choose from on Friday, May 1 from 3:00 – 5:15 PM at the St. Paul’s Wolf’s Evangelical Covenant Church in York, PA. 

Congregational Vitality: what’s after Veritas?
A look @ EPIC: Empowering People, Inspiring Change

Veritas provided the language. EPIC provides the how-to. As a follow-up workshop to Veritas, EPIC equips leaders with tools for leading healthy missional change. EPIC also explores the inner life of the leader and how to be a non-anxious presence while leading through the turbulent waters of change. Instead of leading change from the seat of their pants. EPIC helps leaders to think through the process of change sequentially from beginning to end. EPIC does not tell churches what to change, but how to change… and how to change in a way that is civil, compassionate, and Christ-honoring.

 Dr. John Wenrich, Director of Congregational Vitality, The Evangelical Covenant Church

 BREAK THE CHAINS: fighting human trafficking

 You’ve been hearing about human trafficking; you donated to “Break the Chains”; you’re ready to engage this injustice. Now you’re thinking, “What can I personally do to make a difference?” Come for some specific options on engaging human trafficking! Learn how we can leverage our impact by working together.

 Ruth Hill, Director of Women Ministries, The Evangelical Covenant Church

 Giving is for Everyone: growing good stewards

 (1) Do you recognize the different groups of stewards present in the Church?  (2) Is there understanding of the common and unique needs of each?  (3) Are you effectively equipping and serving each group? (4) Is financial faithfulness being modeled?  (5) Is there an awareness of the “greater good” – that is, opportunities beyond themselves? We’ll focus on resources to engage these questions and provide a “starter kit” to help you lead your church into healthier stewardship practice.

 Don Fensterman, Director of Churches Planting Churches, The Evangelical Covenant Church

 TO REGISTER for the workshops and dinner, call the Conference Office (860) 635-2691 or email: info(at)eastcoastconf.org

Annual Meeting Picnic Dinner at 5:30 PM

Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM at the Wolf’s Church Picnic Grove near the church, and is provided for all registered delegates and non-delegate attendees.

All Conference Worship Celebration & Service of Holy Communion

At 7:00 PM, a Conference Celebration Service of Worship & Holy Communion will be held at Wolf’s Church. The service will be led by a worship team from across the Conference. Dr. John Wenrich, Director of Congregational Vitality for the ECC will be the preacher. Holy Communion will be shared and served by the candidates for Ordination. A special offering will be received for our Conference mission work in Koyuk, Alaska.

119^th Annual Meeting of the East Coast Conference

On Saturday morning, the 2009 Business Meeting of the Conference will be held at St. Paul’s Wolf’s Evangelical Covenant Church. Continental breakfast & registration begins at 8:00 AM with Opening Worship at 9:00 AM and the Call to Order by Mrs. Carolyn Larson, Conference Chair at 9:30 AM. Accounts of God’s work across the conference will be shared in the four signature priorities of the Conference-

M-Multiply congregations;

O-Orchestrate ministries;

V-Vitalize congregations;

E- Empower leaders;

Reports by key leaders and ministries will be presented on 2008, and action on the 2009 revised and 2010 proposed budgets will be brought for approval. The Ministerial Association will present 7 pastors as candidates for Ordination at the ECC Annual Meeting in June. A ballot for Conference and Conference Agency Boards will be presented by the Board of Human Resources. The business of the Conference will be organized around testimonies of God’s evident movement discerned in the Conference.

Following our business session a luncheon served at the Wolf’s Church Picnic Grove will conclude the festivities. Lunch is scheduled to be served at 12:30 pm.

We believe that though this 119^th Annual Meeting will require sacrifice on your part to travel to the southern end of the conference it will reap big rewards. We want participation from every church to enhance & season our discernment. Let us come “Under Full Sail” as we celebrate, reflect, pray & commit ourselves to “navigate, adapt, and thrive!” in our conference mission, by God’s grace “…on the move”.

Recommended Hotels and Directions

Special rates have been secured at:

Hotel Directions

The Yorktown Hotel

 48 East Market Street

 York, PA 17401

(800) 233-9324

Cost: $84.00 per night

I-83 south to Exit 22 (North George St.)

The off ramp splits into 3 lanes; get into middle lane

At the end of the ramp there will be a light: make a right onto North George Street

Crossover Route 30 while continuing on North George Street

Crossover Market Street intersection

Go one block turn left on King Street, go one more block and turn left on Duke Street

The Yorktown Hotel garage will be on your left with Valet Parking

Holiday Inn Express

140 Leader Heights Road

York, PA 17403

(717) 741-1000

Cost: $89.99 per night

I-83 south to Exit 14 (Leaders Heights)

Hotel is on left; turn left at first light

Holiday Inn Conference Center

2000 Loucks Road

York, PA 17408

(717) 846-9500

 Cost: $84.00 per night

I-83 south to Exit 21A (Route 30 west)

Travel west on Route 30 to Kenneth Road (Five traffic lights)

Turn right on Kenneth Road, proceed to Loucks Road (One light)

Make left on Loucks Road

Travel past West Manchester Mall, hotel is on left past Mall

Best Western Westgate Inn

1415 Kenneth Road

York, PA 17408

(717) 767-6931

Cost: $89.00 per night

I-83 south to Exit 21A (Route 30 west)

Travel west on Route 30 to Kenneth Road (Five traffic lights)

Turn right on Kenneth Road, hotel on right behind TGI Friday’s

Directions to the Churches

Directions to St. Paul’s Wolf’s Evangelical Covenant Church

St. Paul’s Wolf’s Evangelical Covenant Church is 6 miles west of down town York, PA near the intersection of Highway 30 (Lincoln Highway) and Route 616. From Route 30 heading west, turn left (south) on Route 616 (Trinity Road), and then immediately right (west) on Wolf’s Church Road for about 9/10’s of a mile. The church is on the right hand side of the road.

St. Paul’s Wolf’s Evangelical Covenant Church
4501 Wolf’s Church Road
York, PA 17404

Directions to Paradise-Holtzschwamm Covenant Church (Ministerial Association meetings held here)

Paradise-Holtzschwamm Covenant Church is in Thomasville, PA, approximately 9 miles west of downtown York, PA on Route 30 (6671 Lincoln Highway). The church is on the right (north) side of the highway, immediately after you pass the York Airport (which is on the left).

Paradise Holtzschwamm Covenant Church
6777 Lincoln Highway
Thomasville, PA 17364

The theme for the Annual Meeting was ‘Together in One Accord: Captured by a 2020 Vision’. The meetings began on Friday afternoon with three well attended church leader workshops led by our three conference commissions, Church Growth, Church Missions, and Christian Formation.

A complimentary dinner buffet fed over 140 people prior to the opening Worship Celebration Service.

A Conference Worship Celebration Service was held at Bethany Covenant Church. The service was led by a conference wide worship team gathered from seven churches. Superintendent Howard Burgoyne preached from Psalm 126 and Acts 4, emphasizing the power of prayer and unity among God’s people as we move forward together ‘in one accord.’

Associate Superintendent Rev. Peter Sung was installed with prayer and the laying on of hands. As a first act of ministry Rev. Sung joined Rev. Burgoyne by reading the Scriptures and by officiating at the Lord’s Supper in the service.

A new conference logo, a sailboat moving under full sails, and slogan, ‘on the move’ was introduced.

It signifies the Conference’s identity as a movement of God ‘“ and the word ‘move’ highlights four priorities:

M-multiplying congregations by planting new missional churches;

O-orchestrating ministries by connecting churches in shared mission;

V-vitalizing congregations by coaching leaders towards renewal;

E-empowering leaders by building a culture of trustworthy leadership;

101 Delegates from 51 of 68 Conference Churches participated in the Saturday business meeting at The Children’s Home of Cromwell, with total attendance of over 150 people. Rev. Donn Engebretson, Executive Vice President of the ECC, brought greetings and a report on the mission and growth of the Covenant worldwide. A BBQ luncheon was served at the Children’s Home after the meeting.

A report was received from a Conference Board Revisioning Task Force, highlighting the great urgency of focusing on increased church planting and church revitalization. 70% of conference churches show a five plus year rate of numerical decline in attendance and membership from 2000-2005, with a loss of over 1,500 attenders. 20% of our churches show a numerical rise in attendance and membership for this period, with a gain of 1,100 attenders, for a net loss of 400 attenders. 10% of conference churches report no gain or loss. During these same years area population in the conference grew by 3% which represents almost 2,000,000 more people.

A set of strategic and prayerful Conference goals was adopted with a view towards 2020:

• 100 + vital congregations growing deeper in Christ and further in mission;
• Dozens of new churches planted and growing in every state and the District of Columbia;
• 5,000 new followers of Jesus being discipled and serving Christ in our churches;
• Our churches doubling the number of people they now serve outside their congregation;
• A new generation of believers raised up who embody the love, grace and justice of Jesus;
• Growing ethnic and cultural diversity and inclusion within and among our churches;
• Churches and districts partnering in local ministries and global mission.
• Regionally expanded Christian camping and spiritual retreat ministries.

A new congregation was adopted by the conference, the Paradise Holtszchwamm Covenant Church, of Thomasville, PA. This congregation has served since the 18th century in the community just west of York, PA. The pastor is Rev. Thomas Bellis. They report 241 members and weekly attendance of 120.

Three new church planting missions are under way, with more in development for later in 2008:

• Harlem, NY (Metro Hope Covenant Church) being planted by Rev. Jose Humphreys.
• Brookline, MA (Highrock Covenant Church-Brookline) being planted by Rev. Joshua Throneburg and Rev. Dan Lee (a daughter church of Highrock Covenant Church, Arlington, MA).
• Sanford, ME (Evergreen Covenant Church) being planted by Rev. Frank Catalano.

Church revitalization strategies are underway across the conference with the hosting of church vitality workshops (VERITAS) from the ECC Department of Church Growth & Evangelism. Since May 2007, 5 workshops have been scheduled in the Conference, engaging 42 congregations and over 340 pastors and church leaders. A day of continuing education was held for pastors focused on congregational readiness for transformation and revitalization with Dr. George Bullard and Dr. John Wenrich on May 1. Churches now have opportunities to cluster together for revitalization efforts and to receive customized leadership coaching through Ministry Advantage (www.ministryadvantage.org).

A 2009 Conference Mission Budget was adopted for $719,000 of which $377,000 is required from Conference Churches, a 15% increase from 2008. This budget will allow the Conference to significantly advance both church planting and church revitalization initiatives. Each church was asked to support the Conference mission with 5% investment of their local church income. The Conference Board is seeking to raise $75,000 in contributions directly from Conference church member households, seeking 100% participation in direct support. Covenant Church planting matching appropriations exceeds $100,000.

A Conference wide mission project was adopted to help the Koyuk, Alaska Covenant Church. The project will provide critical repairs and improvements to the parsonage. Each Covenant Conference has been asked to adopt a village. The Conference Commission on Church Life/Missions will take point on this mission project, and small work teams will be scheduled to go to Alaska in 2009 to work on the parsonage. Funds will also need to be raised to underwrite these repairs.

Powerful testimonies of God’s grace and care were heard on Friday and Saturday, along with stirring reports from a variety of conference and Covenant missions, agencies, and representatives.

A newly designed Conference website is up and being redeveloped.

Delegates brought forward hundreds of names representing prayers and personal witness to support the Bringing My World to Christ initiative. These names will be brought to the ECC Annual Meeting in June in Green Lake, Wisconsin.

Two Bylaw changes to the Conference were approved, one eliminating mandated retirement age and term limits on the Conference Superintendency, and a second redefining the role of District Trustees.

An invitation for the 2009 Conference Annual Meeting was extended from the St. Paul’s Wolf’s Evangelical Covenant Church and the Paradise Holtzschwamm Covenant Churches in York, PA.