Briefs: Spiritual Direction, Tutoring Program

CHICAGO, IL (November 15, 2011) – “Everything You Wanted to Know About Spiritual Direction” will be the topic of the Department of Christian Formation’s Call-In Café on Thursday.

The discussion will begin at 2:30 p.m. (CST) and last one hour. Steve Burger, director of Children and Family Ministries, will moderate the conversation.

Thursday’s event will be the third Call-In Café of the fall. The list of topics for 2012, as well as the recording of the last call, “Fostering a Faith/Life Conversation at Church and Home,” can be found here.

The first five people who register and participate in the session will receive Starbucks gift cards. To register, click here and follow the instructions.

New ECCAK Newsletter Name Reflects Cultural History

EAGLE RIVER, AK (November 15, 2011) – The new name for the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska’s newsletter, “The ECCAK Sinew,” is rooted in cultural history as well as biblical imagery expressed in Ephesians 4:16, says regional field director Curtis Ivanoff.

“It was the thread of yesterday among circumpolar peoples,” Ivanoff explains. “It was the raw material that helped make clothing, which in turn helped them to survive. It is a fiber that is characterized by strength and resiliency.”

Ivanoff adds, “For me, it is a powerful metaphor that expresses a reality of what happens when we come to Jesus. Not only are we joined to Christ, but we also have a profound connection to those in Christ. We are members of the body of Christ, and it is sinew that helps the body stay connected so that it can work together, as one.”

Click here to read the current newsletter and access previous issues.

Minnesota City Honors Church Tutoring Program

BROOKLYN CENTER, MN (November 15, 2011) – Brooklyn Center city officials recently honored the tutoring program offered by Brookdale Covenant Church, which has been credited with helping raise students’ test scores.

Each Tuesday, more than 20 people from the church engage students in grades one through five by providing homework assistance, snacks, and educationally focused activities.

The church has operated the program for the last 12 years under the direction of Charlene Johnson. Even more significant than raising the students’ math and reading scores, the program has enabled the tutors and children to form deeper relationships.

The mayor and City Council recognized the group during the council’s regular meeting.