Covenant News

2,000 Join in 'One Kingdom' Worship Service

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (February 26, 2005) - A "One Kingdom" worship service that attracted some 2,000 people on Sunday night from among three churches was another step in a continuing journey to promote multi-ethnic, cooperative efforts, says Efrem Smith, pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church.

Woodland Hills and Church of the Open Door also participated in the service. Both churches, which are not Evangelical Covenant Church congregations and are located in the suburbs, have worked with the Covenant for the last two year to plant Sanctuary in the inner city.

The multi-ethnic celebration was held in Northrup Auditorium on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus, Smith said. The service included worship bands from all three churches as well as worship drama. Smith and the other pastors shared their perspectives of the inter-church relationships. The churches have committed to "do life together," Smith says. That includes promoting evangelism, racial reconciliation, compassion and social justice.

An offering taken during the worship service will go toward programs operated by the Community Development Corporation (CDC), a non-profit north Minneapolis para-church outreach of The Sanctuary Covenant Church. It promotes education and youth development, economic development and health care services. The three churches have committed to raise $100,000 over the next year to benefit the CDC, Smith said.

To deepen relationships, lay leadership from the congregations will meet to build on the rapport developed among the pastors. A picnic also is planned for the summer. Leaders also hope to involve other churches in their vision - they have already started that process by inviting four pastors each from inner city and suburban churches to a luncheon. Smith said monthly luncheons are planned to include other ministries.

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