January 7, 2016

Changes on the NWC Staff

Judy Swanberg
The Rev. Judy Swanberg, currently the Associate Director of Pastoral Care & Development for the NWC, has announced her resignation from the position effective Jan. 31, 2016

"Thank you for the opportunity to serve. ... This ministry has been a great privilege for me in my first stage of retirement," Swanberg said. "I will continue to pray for each and all of you."

Reflecting on Swanberg's service to the Conference, NWC Superintendent Mark Stromberg observed, "Judy has been such a valuable resource and advocate for those serving in pastoral ministry in the NWC. She has also come alongside those serving in adjunct ministries in our region. I am so grateful for her willingness to help pioneer the important work of the care and development of pastors in our midst. She will be missed. When you see her, please express your appreciation for all she has done to serve us over the past few years."
 
Greg Ellis
We are pleased to announce that the Rev. Greg Ellis has been called to be the Coordinator of CHET-NWC! Ellis is former pastor of Bethany Covenant Church, and currently teaches Spanish part-time at Minnehaha Academy. He has taught a pre-ministerial class at CHET and served on the board since its inception.

Superintendent Mark Stromberg shared, "After much deliberation, discussion and the completion of an interview process, the Executive Board of the Northwest Conference has unanimously approved Greg's call to this newly-developed position. As we considered the many aspects of what is needed for the role at the present time, we believe that Greg is the right person."

His new role commenced on Jan. 1, 2016. When discussing this new call, Ellis wrote, "Please convey my eagerness to the NWC Executive Board to serve the Conference and our churches in this way."

This is the most current step being taken in the NWC to further develop the ministry of CHET in our region. Welcome Greg!

Workshop with Dr. Mark Yarhouse set for Feb. 27 at Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton, MN
 
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Salem Covenant Church
2655 5th Street NW, New Brighton, MN 55112

As we enter 2016, the Northwest Conference is pleased to provide another opportunity for learning and engagement by sponsoring a workshop led by Dr. Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D., entitled, "Sexual Identity & the Christian: Positioning the Church to Be Both Faithful and Engaged in a Changing Culture."
Join us for a discussion on how people of faith navigate sexual identity questions in their lives. Sexual identity refers to the labels people use to discuss their sexuality-labels like gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight. In the morning we will discuss two of the most frequently asked questions: "What causes homosexuality and can it change?" and, "What are the experiences and challenges encountered by people of faith who are navigating sexual identity questions in their personal lives?"

Then, in the afternoon we turn our attention to practical ministry tools for helping individuals and families, as well as strategies for positioning faith communities to engage and provide ministry in a dramatically changing culture.

This event will be held at Salem Covenant Church (New Brighton) and is open to pastors, ministry staff members, lay leaders and key influencers in NWC churches and affiliated ministries. This event is free of charge. However, refreshments and a box lunch will be provided for a suggested minimum donation of $10.00/person.

Please RSVP with how many people are planning to attend from your church or ministry by Monday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. to Jessa Anderson at the NWC office by phone (612-721-4893) or by e-mail at jessa@northwestconference.org. We encourage you to make use of this valuable resource. 

Missionary Update 
Pastor Soudinh Penkhay begins service as missionary to Thailand    

Pastor Soudinh Penkhay is transitioning from serving as the planting pastor of Laotian Covenant Church to serving as a short-term missionary to Thailand. In his role, Penkhay will also be ministering in Laos. He was approved by the Evangelical Covenant Church to be sent out after the Annual Meeting last June. Penkhay is a prolific evangelist who has led countless Buddhists to become followers of Jesus Christ.
 
Most of you are very aware that our missionaries need to raise two years of support before they are sent to the mission field. Penkhay has spent the last year raising this support. NWC leadership has also been engaged in providing Soudinh with some assistance in his efforts. Further, many individuals and churches have pledged support for his new ministry-our thanks to all who have committed their financial support and prayers.
 
The good news is that Penkhay has hit his goal and is set to leave for Thailand on Jan. 11. Brookdale Covenant Church has so graciously been home to Laotian Covenant Church all these years, and they are having a going away celebration for Pastor Soudinh on Jan. 10 during the morning worship gathering. Jeff Burton from the NWC staff will be present to honor all that Penkhay has done, as well as the thank Brookdale for its faithful hospitality and engagement. The NWC is currently working with the Lao congregation in the continuation of its ministry. 
 
Also, while Penkhay has raised mission support for his short-term mission assignment, the goal is for him to become a career missionary with the Covenant. If you or your church would like to support Penkhay and his ongoing mission work in Thailand and Laos, please contact the Department of World Mission at Covenant offices in Chicago.

Recharge 2016 taking place in multiple locations in January

Sign up your team for this one-day youth ministry and children's ministry leadership training event. It is expanding to several cities in our area: Minneapolis/St. Paul is Jan. 9, Duluth is Jan. 16, and Fargo is Jan. 23. Covenant churches will meet for lunch at the Twin Cities Recharge.

For more info on Recharge, visit www.ministryrecharge.com or visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/ministryrecharge


To enhance connections among those serving in NWC churches and other types of ministry, we offer this Life Events feature. Pastors and ministry staff are encouraged to send news of births, adoptions, weddings, and deaths (immediate family only) to Jeff Burton, Director of Pastoral Care & Development.

Births

Barrett Ryker Downing

Born: Dec. 16, 2015

Parents: Amanda and Mitch Downing (Amanda is Children's Pastor and Mitch is Youth Pastor at Renew Covenant Church in Eau Claire, WI).

Download
2015 Superintendent's Letter to Churches Gathering in Annual Meetings Available
 
Click here for your copy of Superintendent Mark R. Stromberg's letter to churches gathering in annual meetings.
 
Feel free to include this letter in your annual meeting booklets or provide a copy to your church family via a bulletin insert!

To see the full NWC Calendar, visit northwestconference.org/events/

Jan. 9, 2016
Recharge - Twin Cities, MN
 
Jan. 16, 2016
Recharge - Duluth, MN
 
Jan. 23, 2016
Recharge - Fargo, ND
 
Feb. 27, 2016
Dr. Mark Yarhouse Workshop - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
 
March 11-12, 2016
Women Ministries Renewal Conference - Redeemer Covenant Church, Brooklyn Park, MN
 
April 15-16, 2016
MOVE - Minnehaha Academy, South Campus, Minneapolis, MN
 
April 28-29, 2016
Ministerial Association Annual Meeting - Lakeview Covenant Church + First Covenant Church, Duluth, MN
 
April 29-30, 2016
Northwest Conference Annual Meeting - Lakeview Covenant Church, Duluth, MN

May 7, 2016
Go:Serve - First Covenant Church, St. Paul, MN
 
June 18-25, 2016
Adventures in Leadership - Adventurous Christians, Grand Marais, MN
 
August 4-6, 2016
MUUUCE - Crossroads Church, Woodbury, MN

Northwest Conference, 3106 47th Ave. S.  |  612.721.4893  |  northwestconference.org