Engage in the Process

FIRST STEPS…

“Pizza with the Pastor”
We try to have an informal time to visit with the pastor at least once per month, and during the summer it may meet less frequently or more informally!  This is a chance to get to know one another in a more relaxed setting, hear just a little about the church and ask any questions you might have.  This is approximately a one hour gathering with food provided, but we do ask that you contact the church office here (or by calling 466-1768) to reserve your space.

Friendship Dinners or Friendship Desserts
Similar to the “Pizza with the Pastor” event, these are designed to build friendship and fellowship among the people of our community of faith.  These groups are designed to increase our familiarity and comfort with other people on the journey of faith.  These groups meet approximately 1-3 times leading up to the next time of formation of Life Groups (see below), and are hosted by individuals and families of Covenant UMC.  These usually last one to two hours.  If you are interested, please contact the church office here, or by calling 466-1768, to be assigned to a group, and be sure to let us know if you are (or are not) able to bring a dish.  Either way is fine!

NEXT STEPS…

Compass Class
Get your bearings… Just as a compass helps us to get our bearings when we aren’t sure which direction to travel, this gathering helps us learn more about being a follower of Christ, more about the United Methodist Church as a whole, and our distinctive role in North Spokane at Covenant United Methodist Church. You will have the opportunity to learn more about our vision, learn about what Covenant Membership means, and share time with new friends. This is a series of two or three weekly meetings on Sundays between our morning and evening worship times, with food provided.  Again, please contact the church office here (or by calling 466-1768) to find out about the next series of Compass Classes.

WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR A BIGGER STEP…

The Importance of a Life Group / Small Group
We are convinced that, in order to grow in our faith, we need to be surrounded and supported by a group of like-minded followers of Jesus.  We are far more interested in creating places where a deep experience of God’s grace impels us out into the world, and helps us to discern God’s call in our lives.

• Life Groups

The primary building block of the church community, these are groups that have a trained host/facilitator and helps to guide the discussions.  Leadership may be shared among several mature, faithful persons, and we generally meet either weekly or biweekly (our preference is for weekly meetings) in twelve week increments: September – November, January – March, May – July.  We have a “Life Group Link” event at the beginning of each period that is designed to help people make a connection with a group.  Notify the church office here (or by calling 466-1768) if you are interested in our next event, or have a desire to be a part of a group.

• Adult Education

The Covenant Church community is committed to the idea that when you are either exploring faith as a seeker or a lifelong disciple of Christ, continued learning and growing is an essential aspect of the Christian experience. The adult education program is one means of strengthening your faith. We meet on Sunday morning during the educational hour and have an opportunity to listen to a variety of teachers as well as interact with each other about the ideas being presented. The weekly offerings are listed on the website as well as in an email sent to any who want to join the list. The class or classes meet in rooms 13 and 14 at 10:45 am during the school year. We would love to have you join us!

• Disciple Bible Study

Disciple Bible Study is 32-week in-depth study of the Bible typically done with a group of 12 people. Disciple I is a thematic overview of Scripture, Genesis to Revelation. It is designed to be a great course for beginner Bible students and yet still hold the interest of those with considerable Bible study. This course is a prerequisite for II, III and IV. Disciple II is an in-depth look at 4 books: Genesis/Exodus and Luke/Acts. Disciple III focuses on the Old Testament prophets and the letters of Paul. Disciple IV is a study of Psalms, Proverbs, John, and Revelation. If you are seeking to gain wisdom, discipline and fellowship in a consistent group, then Disciple Bible Study is for you. Contact the church office here (or by calling 466-1768) for the upcoming sessions.

• Men’s Bible Study

Men’s Bible Study meets every Saturday at 7:45 am for one hour at the church. Anyone is welcome to join as we study the bible.

“Covenant Membership @ Covenant” Orientation
After going through the process of getting acquainted with our Pastor and the community of faith here, and after becoming incorporated into a Life Group, if you are interested in exploring whether making the commitment to “Covenant Membership @ Covenant” we invite you to gather with others considering this important step.  We will discuss the requirements to take this step, and schedule a meeting with the pastor.  An appropriate date to take the vows of Covenant membership can be determined at that time.  Contact the church office here (or by calling 466-1768) to express your interest in this step.