Covenant News

Durban (MB) Church Marks 50 Years of Ministry

DURBAN, MB (July 27, 2004) - Valley Evangelical Covenant Church celebrated 50 years of ministry on July 17-18 as former pastor and superintendent in the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada, Albert Josephson, served as the guest speaker for the Sunday worship service.

Former pastors Reynold Samundson, Craig Larson and Eric Josephson were among the estimated 170 in attendance during the weekend, said Valley Covenant pastor David Johnson. Dodie Ferguson and family – who grew up at the church - provided special music. Retired pastors Cliff Campbell and Keith Fullerton (also a previous conference superintendent) brought greetings. Both grew up in the region.

On Saturday morning, approximately 80 people gathered at Alpine Covenant Church to worship and celebrate that first Swedish settlement and Covenant congregation. Alpine Covenant was organized in 1934 and merged with the Durban-based congregation in 1968, Johnson said. A barbecue picnic supper and evening service followed later in the day as former pastors shared their memories of the church.

On Sunday, Josephson preached about "Looking Unto Jesus," a phrase from Hebrews 2:2 that is mentioned on the cornerstone of the current church building. A luncheon followed the worship service.

"It was a good mix of people from far and wide and there were lots of good memories shared," said Johnson, who noted that various PowerPoint presentations highlighting various events were interspersed in the weekend's activities to highlight the church's history.

Valley Evangelical Covenant Church has an average worship attendance of nearly 100 in a small town located 250 miles north of Winnipeg, situated in a rich farming area in Manitoba. A number of pastors from the Josephson and Fullerton families have served in a variety of full-time ministries, both in Canada and the United States.

More about the church and its celebration can be learned by calling 204-539-2271 or emailing Johnson at davd@mts.net.

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