Meet Matthew Vines
Don't miss his presentation on the Bible, homosexuality, and how the church's attitudes affect the lives of real people.
God of the Topsy-Turvy
A prayer by Calum MacLeod, Executive Associate Pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, inspired by the Book of Numbers, chapter 20.
In Praise of Unity
A Sermon on Psalm 133 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 by the Rev. Christopher A. Henry, Shallowford Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA, January 23, 2011
Boo Radley's Porch
A sermon on Mark 1:40-45 by the Rev. Dr. David Van Dyke: "Jesus was so moved by the unfair, dehumanizing plight of that leper that he actually reached out and touched him. He took into his own being the man’s situation and he healed him, but not before he touched the one who was considered unclean, thereby becoming unclean himself."
All Things to All People?
The recent meeting of the Covenant Network Board in Miami was ably hosted by Riviera Presbyterian Church. Preaching there on the following Sunday, National Organizer Tricia Dykers Koenig reflected on some of the questions engaging the Board.
"Free at Last...Now What?"
For all of us wandering in the wilderness, Co-Moderator Mary Lynn Tobin shares a prophetic word in her message during the closing worship service of the Conference in Durham.
Ordination Sermon for Scott Anderson
John Knox Presbytery ordained Scott Anderson to the ordered ministry of Teaching Elder on Saturday, October 8. Here's the sermon by the Rev. Dr. Mark Achtemeier.
'Fellowship' Within the Body of Christ
* A Word from our Co-Moderators *Several members of the Covenant Network Board and staff participated in the gathering in Minneapolis, August 25-26, of the Fellowship of Presbyterians.The tone established at the outset was one of warmth, kindness, and respect, and the articulated values included an appreciation for PC(USA) denominational staff, avoidance of stone-throwing, and a commitment not to speak or act out of anger.
Reclamation
From a Pentecost sermon by Mark Achtemeier: "In times such as these, we need the witness of the church to show our country that it is possible to reach our hands across these deep divides of race and ideology and religion, that a peaceful and united human community is possible, that even deep- seated differences can be overcome by the power of self-giving love."
Communion of the Different
Covenant Network's Co-Moderator and Pastor of House of Hope in St. Paul, MN, David Van Dyde, shares a message about Pentecost.
Tearing Down the Walls: More Than Tolerance
"Jesus showed us that you can bring who you are, all that makes you different, distinct, and unique, … all of your 'particularity,' bring it all into the household of God." (from this sermon by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Kovacs, Catonsville Presbyterian Church.)
Once the Scales Fell, a Conference Sermon
"Our healing is wrapped up in one another. Apparently, that's the way God designed it." The Rev. Katie Morrison talks about the hard work of circling back, in her sermon preached at the 2010 Covenant Conference in Houston.
Bible (Mis)used as a Weapon Then & Now
People have selectively used the Bible to prove their arguments throughout history, argues Henry Brinton, pastor of a Covenant congregation, in recent USA Today column. In the Civil War, it was used both to justify and oppose slavery. May we be making the same mistake today?
Interview with Rev. Dr. Arlo Duba
Dr. Arlo Duba, Professor of Worship Emeritus, retired Dean of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and PC(USA) Minister of Word and Sacrament, was recently interviewed by More Light Presbyterian Outreach Director, Debra Peevey. Dr. Duba shares his journey, leading to a change of heart and mind regarding the ordination of LGBT persons.
Why You Should Vote For Amendment 10-A
The Presbytery of Donegal invited Covenant Network National Organizer Tricia Dykers Koenig to give the presentation in favor of Amendment 10-A during a forum at their January meeting.
The Gospel of Kindness
Robert Dykstra: As I survey the stark detritus of the centuries-long theological rift between human sexuality and Christian charity, ,,, what seems clear to me now is that both in our personal lives and loves and in our Christian works and walks we must rejoin somehow our kindness with our desire.
Ethical Stances on Homosexuality
Kate Killebrew reflects on Stacy Johnson's typology of stances on the ethics of homosexual practice, and notes that many are in the process of moving on the continuum.