Covenant News

Youth Contribute $4,000 to Covenant Tsunami Relief

GLEN SPEY, NY (January 19, 2005) - Evangelical Covenant Church youth and young adults participating in an East Coast Conference-sponsored retreat contributed more than $4,000 to the Covenant Tsunami Relief Fund earlier this month during a candlelight communion service.

More than 460 Covenant high school students and adult counselors participated at Young Life's Lake Champion resort during the conference's WinterFest Retreat. Hosted by the Covenant's Youth Ministries Advisory and Resource Council, the retreat explored the theme "Unraveling the Mysteries of God Through Worship."

Nationally known speaker Josh Finklea, Matt "The Chalk Guy" Lewis (accompanying photo) and the East Coast Retreat Band were integral to the coordinating of worship and leading sessions during the event. Seminars were led by representatives from Covenant Bible College, North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary.

Pastor Johnny Agurkis of Covenant Congregational Church in North Easton, Massachusetts, said that a number of other elements – including the large financial gift – made the weekend significant. "Relevant video, flash presentations and still photographs enhanced what was seen and heard and felt," he observed. "With student involvement in leading the worship through personal testimonies, scripture readings and drama, the retreat was a powerful, Spirit-led event."

WinterFest has attracted more than 2,000 students and adult leaders during the past five years, making it one of the Covenant's largest conference-sponsored annual youth gatherings. For more information on this event, email Agurkis at pastorjohnny@ecovchurch.org or email youth pastor Jim Condap of The Covenant Church of Easton, Connecticut, at jcon316@hotmail.com.

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