Faith in Action
James 2:17 says that “faith without works is dead.” Actions that share the love of Christ experienced in our own lives help others to know that our own care is real, not just words. Involvement in ministries that seek to relieve human suffering and bring about social justice keep our faith alive and fresh. Below are some of the ways that the people of Covenant Church put faith into action.
Loaves and Fishes
Loaves and Fishes, located in Prospect Park, is a food pantry where donations from the congregation are delivered. Working closely with the Loaves and Fishes staff, we can address immediate needs within the community and deal with hunger at the most local level. You can learn more about how Loaves and Fishes feeds God’s people at www.delcoloavesandfishes.org.
Loaves and Fishes News
Souper Bowl of Caring
Covenant members provide both leadership and muscle for Springfield's Souper Bowl of Caring, a massive food drive in February during which food donations are collected from local households, then sorted, packed and shiped to local food pantries. In 2010, churches and civic organizations in Springfield collected over 22,000 food items. In 2011, we collected over 24,000 food items. We actively strive to improve collection rates as well as civic participation each year.
Life Center
The Life Center of Upper Darby is an emergency shelter located at 63rd and Market Street, but its evening meal program is open to the public. Anyone who is hungry may come to eat. Covenant is one of many congregations in the area that prepare, deliver, and serve this evening meal to over 200 people who come to share dinner with us.
Life Center News
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Delaware County ’s Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) offers temporary accommodations and social services for homeless families in our area. Covenant acts as a host congregation and, along with our friends at Church of the Redeemer across the street, provides meals, support, and a safe place to sleep for families in this alternate shelter program.
Harlee Manor
Along with other member churches of the Springfield Ministerium, Covenant provides periodic leadership for worship services at Harlee Manor Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday afternoons. People are always welcome to assist by offering prayer, reading scripture, providing music, or simply being present to greet residents. Call the church office for the schedule of Harlee Manor services.
Counseling Center
The Center for Pastoral Counseling at Springfield is housed at Covenant. Supported by a consortium of area churches, it offers professionally-accredited counseling in an atmosphere where spiritual values are respected and a gentle approach is offered. Hours and fees are flexible. Help is offered to individuals and their extended networks as needed.
Appalachia Service Project
Each year, thousands of volunteers from around the country head to rural Central Appalachia to repair homes for low-income families, making their homes “warmer, safer, and drier.” Covenant sends dozens of teens and adults each summer not only to lay shingles, replace gutters, and build handicapped ramps, but also to forge relationships and grow in faith. Building skills are practiced here in Springfield and put to good use in places like remote West Virginia and Kentucky.
Red Bird Mission
Red Bird Mission is one of the major outreach ministries of the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1921, one year before Covenant, the Red Bird Mission seeks the good of people living in southeastern Kentucky. Along with the Appalachia Service Project, outreach through Red Bird Mission maintains our connection to Appalachia. More information about Red Bird Mission can be found at www.rbmission.org.
UMCOR
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the agency of the United Methodist Church that responds to natural disasters, emergencies, and ongoing relief efforts in the United States and abroad. Covenant supports UMCOR through its apportioned giving, through emergency appeals at the time of disasters, and through special mission projects throughout the year. To learn more about UMCOR, go to new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/about.
Patan Hospital Nepal
The United Mission to Nepal (UMN) was established in 1954 to minister to the needs of the people of Nepal in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ. About 150 missionaries from 20 different countries work for UMN in the fields of health, industrial development, education, and rural development. Mark and Deirdre Zimmerman work as missionaries in Nepal. Mark has worked in Nepal as a doctor of internal medicine, and as also served as medical director of Patan Hospital for a time.
Nothin' But Nets
The United Methodist Church is working to combat malaria in many ways, one of which is by providing mosquito nets to people living in malaria-prone areas of Africa. Covenant has been very supportive of this effort. Find out more at www.nothingbutnets.net/partners-people/umc.html.
White Tag Tree
At Christmas time, Covenant’s White Tag Team wraps new toys and clothes and delivers them to children’s organizations in our area. Covenant is the sole provider of Christmas gifts to the Eliza Shirley Center at the Salvation Army on Arch Street and to St. Phillips programs for children on Tioga Street in Philadelphia.
Interfaith Food Assistance Network
Delco’s Interfaith Food Assistance Network is a group of food cupboards in local churches that provide emergency food sufficient to support a family for 5 days. Covenant collects non-perishable food items and toiletries all year round. They are delivered to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Prospect Park, to be distributed. Each month a specific item is targeted, culminating in November’s Harvest Home for Thanksgiving groceries.
