Covenant Groups
Every member or family of Grace Covenant is assigned to a Covenant Group, which changes annually. There are 23 groups of about 20-30 individuals or families each. Each Covenant Group is coordinated by a deacon. Within these groups we seek to live out our covenant commitment to one another and to God.
Covenant Groups are a hub of communication and caring for our congregation. Through a Covenant Group individuals are given a chance to practice hospitality, to care for those in need, to greet one another in love, and to show compassion in concrete ways. If a member chooses to participate fully in his or her Covenant Group, this gives that person a chance to get to know other people within the congregation on a deeper level, to respond in time of crisis, to share personal gifts and interests, and to make a difference - at least in one corner of the world. Covenant Groups also provide a quick and easy means of communication to learn about important issues or to share personal emergencies. Covenant Groups often care for one another, responding to joys or tragedies with visits, phone calls, meals or transportation. Participation varies according to individual commitment and availability. Personal contact and congregational care is the point of these groups, which provide an easy way to “love one another.”
Prayer Group
A Prayer Group meets weekly at the church at 11:00 to share joys and concerns in petition and intercessory prayer (that is prayers for others). Everyone is welcome to attend. You do not have to be a church member. Members of the group offer prayers or sit in silence. Requests submitted to the prayer chain are shared, as well as any other concerns. This is a chance to touch base mid-week and spend a little time with God and other Christians.
Prayer Chain
The gift of prayer is a blessing to all. A group of individuals have committed to pray regularly on their own time for any joys or concerns shared by members or friends of the congregation. Anyone may submit a prayer request, which is then passed on my mail or e-mail to this group. Confidentiality is respected if requested.
Pastoral Care
The pastors are available for conversations by appointment. These are not trained counseling sessions. Pastors may choose to refer individuals to counseling professionals. However, when able, the pastors are happy to converse with individuals about spiritual matters, personal concerns, family issues, or crisis situations. Pastors visit regularly in times of hospitalization or illness, after an experience of grief or loss, and when preparing with a couple for marriage. Pastors will meet with members and non-members
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Stephen Ministry
One of the significant ways God’s presence is revealed at Grace Covenant is through Stephen Ministers, church members who are trained for 50+ hours in the practice of pastoral care and who participate in peer supervision. They know how to listen, pray, explore issues, share the good news of the gospel, and maintain confidentiality. Stephen Ministers are excellent companions to walk with individuals along their journey of faith, particularly during difficult times, times of change, or when you need a Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are not counselors. Care giving relationships last from a few weeks to more extended periods as needed. Stephen Ministry is a national ecumenical organization and Grace Covenant is an affiliate partner. If your are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or in receiving the services of a Stephen Minister because of grief, illness, family matters, or other reasons, please contact one of the pastors.
A variety of Groups are available to share in the life of the congregation. Some of those groups are particularly helpful for people in times of crisis or with particular personal needs. New groups are always forming, so please contact us if you have an interest or need that is not addressed here.
Some of our current ongoing support groups which are open to anyone include:
S.O.S. - Survivors of Suicide
For those who need support due to the suicide of a loved one. Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00. This is an informal group where members share their struggles and successes.
Participants are encouraged to share their story or listen to the stories of others. In doing so, the healing process is able to slowly continue.
AA - Alcoholics Anonymous
Meets Monday through Saturday at noon. This group is not church sponsored, but is independently run, and uses our facility. New people are welcome. Traditional AA practices and perimeters apply.
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