As our children were growing up, occasionally we would hear someone comment about one of them. One time, someone said he enjoyed a conversation with one of them and noticed how our son had looked him in the eye and given a firm handshake. Of course Jean and I were encouraged by those words.

Ever wonder what people outside our church think and say about us at Covenant? I do.

Just the other day, one of our members told me that someone discovered that he was a Covenant member and expressed gratitude and commendation because we had “built so many habitat houses”(seven so far; the next one we hope in 2008) and were so strong n outreach to our community. I too have had a handful of people say much the same thing to me.

What about those who visit us on Sunday mornings? Well, we send a stamped, self-addressed post card to anyone who attends worship twice (and for whom we have their address) , asking them three questions. Below are comments we have recently received:

l. What did you notice first when you visited ?

· Friendly greeters at the door

· Everyone was very open and warm

· The sincere friendliness of the congregation and their regard for each other.

· The friendliness of the congregation

· That everyone else was a little late like us(8:30)

· The people were so friendly. I immediately felt welcome

2. What did you like best?

· The entire service was very uplifting and genuine. One could really feel the love of the people and the Lord

· The participation of the congregation in the singing

· The sermon by Rev. Leigh Ann Looyenga

· The contemporary service and the spirit of the congregation

· Enjoyed the music and the laid back atmosphere. Everyone was very friendly. Jean Oakley went out of her way to introduce herself and welcome us.

· I was a visitor from out of town and it was a good experience to celebrate Sunday at your church.

3. What did you like least?

· Did not know where to take our younger child at first, but it was not a big deal

· The dark room where the service was held(8:30)

· Nothing negative to say

· Standing so long to sing the songs at the early service, but Covenant is so special

This is written feedback-basically unedited- we received in the cards that were returned to us. Most recently, I received an email and two letters since Christmas Eve.

“Dear Pastor…..I attended your Christmas Eve service mostly out of musical curiosity, as a jazz lover. While the music was well worth my time, I was moved and blessed by your comments…..my thanks to you, your staff and congregation for sticking your necks out with this unusual service.”

(a letter)

“With God’s anointing, you, your staff and your congregation have created a spirit-filled and loving family place of worship and praise. The presence of the Holy Spirit during your service was quite remarkable and powerful, very refreshing actually. Your service was very moving and inspirational and it is abundantly clear that God is doing miraculous things there. If we lived in Huntsville we would no doubt joyously join your congregation.”

(at letter)

Hal, I love your church. While I don’t know much about Covenant Presbyterian, I saw and read various bulletin boards, programs…..A salute to Covenant Presbyterian, a church, vibrant, growing.”

Now, you may be wondering. Has Hal trashed the negative letters and emails. No, I haven’t. These are the ones we received in the last few months.

Oh yes, someone commented personally to a member that this person had been invited to Covenant because, and I quote, “Covenant rocks.” I guess that’s good. I hope so.

The point is not to get the big head. I rejoice that God is evidently at work among us. I hope we all realize that God leads people to us for His purpose. May we all be a part of God’s purpose in reaching out and welcoming newcomers to our community and church.

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling…(I Peter 4:9)

May we be an oasis of light in a world of darkness.

With Joy,

Hal