Triennial X Concludes, But Impact of Event Lives On

Borrowing from the language of baseball, Triennial X clearly "put one out of the park" during three days of worship, study and sharing of faith sponsored by Covenant Women Ministries (CWM) of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).

It was an event that most agree will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of the more than 900 participants who gathered at the Ridgecrest Conference Center.

Evening worship services, workshops and Bible studies all complemented the Triennial theme Keeping in Step With the Spirit. Keynote speaker Cindy Secrest McDowell presented three stirring messages, encouraging listeners to keep in step with the Spirit by walking in the light, "stumbling" into a deeper understanding of God's grace and overcoming the challenges we each face in our daily walks with Christ.

For a detailed look at each message, click on the following links:

• Walking in the Light
• Stumbling into Grace
• Climbing the Mountains

North Park Theological Seminary Prof. Linda Belleville conducted daily Bible studies, centering on the life of the Apostle Paul and his struggles, drawing parallels to challenges today's Christians face. For a brief overview of her presentations, visit the following:

• Bible studies

Kathy Brawley led worship each day, with a number of musical presentations enriching the experience, including the group Trillium, a gospel choir from Palmetto Covenant Church in Miami, Florida, and a special appearance by Christian recording artist Kim Hill, who shared personal life experiences and some of her most popular songs.

Days were filled with special workshops and other events designed to challenge participants to explore deeper faith in Christ.

An international reception with some 200 in attendance honored present and former missionaries, providing an opportunity for a number of the international guests to share their stories. For a more detailed look at reception activities, visit the following link:

• International reception

Ruth Hill, CWM executive minister, delivered the Sunday morning message, marking the close of a very successful event (see accompanying photo). Following the formal conclusion of activities, about a dozen individuals joined in a work trip to Mountain Mission Bible Camp in Jonesboro, Virginia. Barbara Johnson of the Department of World Mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church led that mission event.

"Everything was wonderful," said Triennial participant Elsa Perez of Grace Covenant Church in Chicago. "I expected to be among ladies and enjoy wonderful worship and services," said another participant, Irina Krizhnovskaya, an international guest from Magadan, Russia. "I didn't expect to find such wonderful friends." Women from Russia, India, China, Australia and Ecuador also attended. One group from Mexico was fortunate to receive visas only weeks before the event, making their Triennial experience extra special.

For a pictorial look at the many activities throughout the three-day event, visit the following links:

• Opening worship service
• Worship time
• Kim Hill concert
• Morning Bible study
• International reception
• Triennial moments

To learn more about Covenant Women Ministries and its activities, visit the CWM link as part of this Covenant website.

Editor's note: Patty Retamal, who is representing the Department of World Mission at Triennial X, also is reporting on behalf of the Department of Communication, working with Editor Don Meyer (writer) and graphics specialist Heidi Griepp (photo pages) in Chicago.

Printable version of this page.