2025 GLC Annual Celebration Summary

The GLC Annual Meeting commenced almost on time a little after 8:30 AM at Mission Meadows in Dewittville, NY, under the leadership of interim Chair Sara Charlton, who warmly greeted attendees and formally called the meeting to order. The first agenda item involved the approval of the meeting’s agenda, which was unanimously accepted. Following this, the assembly moved to approve the various committees.

Cyndi Hoffman was introduced to extend a welcome greeting on behalf of The ECC. She presented two videos: one promoting the upcoming Gather event in Orlando and another celebrating The ECC’s 140th Anniversary. Jody Eidnes subsequently reported that 82 delegates were present, representing 40 churches and two camps.

Debbie Abbott informed attendees about nominations for our camps and the Executive Board positions. During this segment, ballots were distributed by the Sergeant at Arms while Sara Charlton inquired if there were any additional nominations from the floor; none were proposed. If you would like to read about the officers voted in at the meeting, please click here to download the bio booklet [pdf].

Jackie Haines, Director of Mission Meadows, provided an encouraging report detailing several exciting developments at camp, including the construction of two new buildings and introducing this summer’s theme based on Matthew 17:20. Following her presentation, a video showcasing Mission Meadows was viewed.

GLC Superintendent Garth McGrath then addressed attendees and invited Alan Tumpkin (Director of Church Planting) and Jody Eidnes (Conference Administrator) to join him for further discussion regarding their respective roles within the conference. Alan expressed great enthusiasm about newly planted churches within our conference and shared his excitement about three prospective church plants scheduled for this year.

Peg Cichon (Missional Vitality Liaison) addressed attendees next, highlighting various Vitality resources offered by the Conference. She encouraged those who had participated in a Vitality workshop to stand; several individuals responded affirmatively.

Jody Eidnes proceeded with her report encompassing key initiatives involving our three camps (Camp Mission Meadows, Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp, and Mountain Mission Covenant Bible Camp)—Lego City, NAJO (noting that Miyamotos are retiring and moving back to Japan), as well as updates on leadership initiatives such as Mission Insight, workshops for leaders (TLC) and Equip—where North Park Seminary is reducing fees with hopes of attracting new students. She introduced Hauna Ondrey, Dean of Faculty at North Park Seminary, who elaborated on Conference Cohorts designed to assist participants in completing seminary education while remaining engaged in ministry work. Additionally, she discussed significant collaborations supported by The Lilly Endowment aimed at fostering healthy congregations across communities.

Garth announced that Cityview Covenant Church of Pittsburgh would be departing from the Covenant, as they felt unable to minister to their LGBTQ brothers and sisters in alignment with Covenant principles. This painful decision will be subject to a vote at the upcoming Gather.

Alan Tumpkin came forward and invited Georgia Hill (lead pastor at LifeChurch Riverside) to join him up front. They shared insights about her church’s journey, which began during the pandemic with its first full year conducted via Zoom. Notably, despite relocating, they have successfully maintained regular Sunday meetings, showcasing a collaborative effort that involved not only their congregation but also support from the surrounding community.

After a brief 15-minute intermission that featured a PLCBC video aimed at re-engaging attendees, Garth invited Eloy Gonzalez and several representatives from City Church Cleveland to share their experiences with getting involved with the Covenant denomination. Their testimony highlighted how welcoming and affirming they found their new community.

Garth was happy to announce that 2 other churches would be joining our Conference. He called upon Georgia Hill (lead pastor of LifeChurch Riverside) alongside a member of LifeChurch Riverside to present their church for acceptance into the Conference. And then Harvey Cozart (lead pastor of Lighthouse Church, Riverside, KY) along with his wife, Melissa and a few others from his church came forward. Harvey told a little story about how excited a child was to be getting a new last name when he got adopted. Harvey felt as though they now have a last name – Covenant.

John Goss (lead pastor at Grace Evangelical Church in Clay, NY) and Peg Cichon discussed how participation in a Missional Vitality workshop had rejuvenated energy within that congregation.

Subsequently, Brian Rudy (member of Thornapple Covenant Church, Grand Rapids, MI) came forward and thanked Kim Carlson for his 17 years of service to the Conference and then welcomed Rob Westphal as the new Financial Officer. He then provided an update on the budget and finances past, present, and future.

The 45^th annual minutes were approved.

Ken White affirmed three ordination candidates: Trevor Stillin, Phillip Arikkalleain, and Chuck Connell; congregational prayer was offered for them.

Garth shared encouraging news from Paul Bradford lead pastor of The Evangelical Covenant Church of Cheboygan regarding successful completion of their sixth Alpha course—an initiative fostering significant momentum within the church community.

Jody and Garth presented a motion regarding passing the Ministry Planning Cycle; this motion was approved unanimously. The staff members were introduced afterward; however, there were no questions posed by attendees regarding staff matters.

The results of Board elections were subsequently announced—all candidates were elected successfully. Garth offered prayers for those newly elected to serve on the GLC Executive Board as part of our ongoing collective mission moving forward together in faith and service.

Garth asked that Brian Rudy come forward so that he could thank him for his service on the Executive Board as he was retiring. He then asked that Peg Wolter to come forward to thank her for her 6 years of work and her many years of volunteer service to the GLC team. We will miss her greatly.

Motion to adjourn, motion passed at 12:00pm.