Covenant Church

Laila and I came to Covenant Church September 1, 1981 through the graciousness of the former pastor and the congregation. In a manner of speaking, it was a surprise move for us. What the Lord worked out happened so fast that we did not have time to develop a long-range plan.

We knew a few of the people, but not all. I decided to write a brief letter to every family that had any recent history with Covenant Church. To get the number of letters into non-profit status we included friends and family all over the United States. The total was 200.

Response from that simple letter was so positive that we decided the second week to write another letter. Again, response was excellent.

I need not bother you with the series of decisions that led us from week to week to publish the "Pastor's Heart." A year passed with a letter each week.

My letters grew longer. The nature of the Pastor's Heart writings took on character not like most church bulletins with a message from the pastor. From the heart poured out prophecies, wrestling with tough biblical issues, short stories, family issues, church relationships, theological theses, documentaries, etc.

Prevailing in the content has been the conviction that Christians must sense the dynamics of these times. We are to "occupy” until He comes (Luke 19:13). We are to go to the ends of the earth with the gospel -- caring and sharing, loving and helping, praying for our enemies, winning people to Jesus, making disciples, and doing the work Christ called us to do.

Humor was sifted in -- along with soberness. Caution and instruction were mixed with encouragement and counsel.

Soon twenty-five years will be completed with the Pastor's Heart having gone out weekly. That makes a total of over 1,250 mailings of the Pastor's Heart.

One day each week is very intense in the church office – Tuesday: we prepare and mail this letter to you. In the beginning Laila, our children, and I did most of the work. Then Wicky Sampson volunteered to help, and eventually became staff. Other staff members were added. At present, Minnie Haga and John Ray are senior adults who regularly come in as volunteers to help fold and prepare the mailing.

You see, the difference is that now over 1,200 mailings go out each week. More than 800 are post office mailings. More than 400 are e-mailed.

Our Covenant family includes mailings around the world. Missionaries, pastors of other churches, parishioners who once attended Covenant, family of parishioners who attend Covenant, friends, and visitors receive the Pastor's Heart.

Prayer requests from around the world have been posted for hundreds to intercede -- needs have been made known and cared for by the generosity through the Pastor's Heart.

One testimony was received of a family receiving the Pastor's Heart and passing it down their street to seventeen different families every week. Another testimony is of a Roman Catholic passing her copy to all the nuns in her parish. One man shared that he sits at his mailbox weekly and reads the Pastor's Heart before any other piece of mail.

Well, as I said, YOU are important! We need to hear from you. That's right. We need a response. An pre-addressed envelope is enclosed. Your kindness to write a short note of appreciation would mean more than you know. We want to celebrate good things. Your letter would be a blessing and encouragement to me and our hard-working staff. (If you read the Pastor’s Heart on line, please e-mail us.)

Please do not delay. Do it now. Just write a simple message. You do not have to be formal. Hand write the note. Let us know of your appreciation for the Pastor's Heart.

Your comments will be shared with staff and leadership. Remember, we are here to serve you. I so look forward to hearing from you. Remember, the Pastor's Heart is always available on our website (www.covenantchurch.net), where you may also hear messages from Pastor Bare.

Waiting,
Pastor Bare