What's New

Worship
Visiting Daughter Church Faith Community Church - LaPorte: http://www.faithcommunitylaporte.org/ In order to encourage our brothers and sisters in LaPorte, the Michiana congregation will visit the LaPorte congregation on a rotation schedule. Pastor Peter drives to LaPorte every month, and each of the elders has been to LaPorte several times (we also hold session meetings there almost every month). As we are talking about the mission of the church as we go through the book of Acts, we want to begin to experience something of what Christ calls us to do in bringing the gospel to the nations. Our hope is that through this work the whole congregation will catch the vision for planting churches throughout the Michiana area. (began Sept. 16, 2007)
Ministries
"Economics and the Household of God" - Friday Night Study
When: Friday nights 7:00 pm (beginning October 12) Where: Michiana Covenant Church Course Outline: (PDF format) Economics-Household Outline What: The word "economics" comes from two Greek words: "oikos" meaning house or household, and "nomos" meaning law. So "economics" is the "law of the household." In our day economics has become largely separated from the idea of "household." Our "business" rarely has any connection with "home." In fact, we are often encouraged not to take "work" home with us, and we often view our homes as a place where the pressures of work can be forgotten. The result is that we have our work life, our home life, our religious life, and any number of other compartmentalized "worlds" that we inhabit. "Economics and the Household of God" is an attempt to help us think together about how to re-integrate our lives as members of the household of God. We'll include discussions of "how we got into this mess" as well how to get out. Since the economy of God's household includes every aspect of life, we'll discuss family, work, community and church -- and no doubt some discussion of the state as well.
Shepherding Groups - "devoted to prayer & fellowship"
In order to encourage one another in the Lord and deepen our fellowship, we will strive to gather in small "shepherding groups" on a regular basis. The groups are roughly formed by geographical location, with each one led by an elder or pastor. The group will decide how often and where to meet, and what the focus will be. Every church member is encouraged to participate in this time of prayer and fellowhip. To learn more about the shepherding groups and how you can be involved, contact an elder or the pastor pastor@michianacovenant.org. (fall 2007-winter 2008)

11/2/2005	Sex and the City of God. Pastor Wallace is teaching a study on gender, sexuality, and what it means to live as a Christian in the midst of a sex-crazed culture. The study meets on November 2, 16, 30, December 14, and January 11 and 25 (and perhaps longer, if needed) at 6:30 p.m. in order to cover such topics as sexual ethics (including homosexuality, polygamy, etc.), reproductive ethics (contraception, abortion, cloning, etc.), and marriage and household ethics. More information will be forthcoming on this page.
10/31/2005	Our first Reformation Day service followed John Calvin's Genevan service--including John Calvin's sermon on Galatians 2:15-16, setting forth the doctrine of justification by faith alone!
7/31/2005	David Belden, Jon Hill, and Brian Pitts were ordained as deacons. Rev. Jack Peterson preached and the Rev. David Rogers assisted in proposing the ordination vows to the new deacons.
7/30/2005	David and Sharon Covington led a seminar on "Times of Refreshing: Changing Lives, Building Community."
7/29/2005	Our second regional worship service brought together members from several area churches to hear the Rev. Aaron Hoak preach on Ephesians 4.
7/13/2005	At a congregational meeting, Messrs. David Belden, Jon Hill, and Dr. Brian Pitts were elected to serve as deacons. Thanks be to God for raising up these men to lead his church in works of mercy!
5/29/2005	Today we heard from the Jamie and Julia Thornton, MTW missionaries to Ukraine. MCPC will be supporting Rev. and Mrs. Thornton in their labors in Julia's native land.
5/1/2005	This Sunday evening saw the first regional worship service among Reformed churches in Northern Indiana. While we have held joint services with sister congregations from time to time, this was the first time that we had a facility large enough to invite everyone at once! Members from the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Elkhart, Grace Reformed Church (OPC) of Walkerton, and Grace Fellowship Church (Reformed Baptist) of Goshen, joined together in worship, with Dr. Wallace preaching from Psalm 46, "Be Still and Know That I Am God." The Rev. Messrs. Aaron Hoak, Bob McCracken, and Glenn Jerrell also participated in leading in worship.
1/28/2005	Building Dedication Service Joining us for this special occasion were the Rev. Messrs. Glenn Jerrell of Grace Reformed Church (OPC) from Walkerton, David Rogers of Faith Community (PCA) in LaPorte, Aaron Hoak of Grace Fellowship Church (Reformed Baptist) in Goshen, Rick Greene of Good Shepherd PCA in Valparaiso, and Stephen Pribble of Grace OPC in Lansing, Michigan. Dr. Wallace preached on Psalm 127, "Unless the LORD Builds the House." On this evening the identity of the anonymous donor was revealed. Click here to see the photo gallery from the first service to landscaping.
12/19/2004	Our first worship service in the new building! On this same day Dr. Wallace began a sermon series on the book of Hebrews. Click here to see the photo gallery from groundbreaking to finishing the building.
7/24/2004	Today we celebrated another milestone in the history of Michiana Covenant Church: a Groundbreaking Ceremony for our new building to be constructed in the upcoming months on the property at 14601 Cleveland Road. Dr Wallace read from Psalm 127 and we sang "O 'Twas a Joyful Sound to Hear," a setting of Psalm 122: May peace within thy sacred walls A constant guest be found; With plenty and prosperity Thy palaces be crowned. Then young and old took up their shovels and broke ground. Click here to see the photo gallery. The building project was made possible by an extremely generous anonymous donation. We praise God for his abundant blessing upon Michiana Covenant Church!
7/11/2004	Doug Franson was received into membership by profession of faith!
7/9/2004	Service of Installation and Public Recognition of the Rev Dr Peter J Wallace as pastor of Michiana Covenant Church. A day of prayer and fasting called in conjunction with Dr Wallace's installation concluded with the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The Rev Larry Wilson, Pastor of Christ Covenant OPC, Indianapolis, Indiana, preached God's Word and the Rev Jeff Wilson, Pastor of Providence OPC, Royal Oak, Michigan administered the Lord's Supper. Also participating in the service were: Rev Bob Van Manen, Pastor, Little Farms OPC, Coopersville, Michigan Dr Andrew Deliyannides, Elder, Michiana Covenant PCA, Granger, Indiana Rev David Rogers, Pastor, Faith Community PCA, LaPorte, Indiana Rev Aaron Hoak, Associate Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, Bremen, Indiana Rev Glenn Jerrell, Pastor, Grace Reformed OPC, Walkerton, Indiana Rev David DuPee, Pastor, Providence PCA, Fort Wayne, Indiana Rev Rick Greene, Pastor, Good Shepherd PCA, Valparaiso, Indiana Mr Rolf Caylor, Elder, Michiana Covenant PCA, Granger, Indiana Mr Shane Hollister, Elder, Michiana Covenant PCA, Granger, Indiana Dr Hadley Mitchell, Elder, Providence PCA, Fort Wayne, Indiana Mr Dan Zylstra, Elder, Grace Reformed OPC, Walkerton, Indiana Rev Norman Shepherd, retired CRC minister, Holland, Michigan Rev Dr Peter Wallace, Evangelist/Stated Supply/”Pastor,” Michiana Covenant PCA, Granger, Indiana
7/4/2004	In the month of July Michiana Covenant Church began celebrating the Lord's Supper weekly. From the Session's study paper on the frequency of communion: "[T]he sacrament of communion as commanded by Christ should be more than just an occasional addition to our worship service. Rather, it is the culmination or fulfillment of our worship every Lord’s Day. With it, we take with our hands, and eat with our mouths, the covenant meal which signifies and seals to us the eternal promises of God."
4/18/2004	This evening we held a joint worship service with the Elkhart Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA). Also today the session began presenting the study papers they have been preparing over the past several months. On successive weeks they will present their papers on "The Pattern of Worship at Michiana Covenant Church," "The Preaching of the Word," "The Frequency of Communion," and "The Use of Wine in Communion."
3/22/2004	This evening we held a joint worship service with Grace Reformed Church (OPC), Walkerton, Indiana
2/29/2004	This evening we held a joint worship service with Faith Community Church (PCA), LaPorte, Indiana.
2/15/2004	Today Mr Wes White, a student at Mid-America Reformed Seminary ministered to us morning and evening. Thank you for ministering to us, Wes!
2/1/2004	Today we began our weekly catechism quiz. Over the next two years we will be working through the Westminster Shorter Catechism at a rate of one question per week. Children and adults alike will memorize the answers and recite them during Sunday School opening exercises. Also today we kicked off our Sunday School series on "The Academy and the Church" in which our graduate students will address how their academic discipline relates to the life and work of the church: February 1 Peter Wallace Introduction February 8 Grant Brodrecht American History February 15 Jonathan Couser Medieval History February 22 Andy Deliyannides Literature February 29 Dan Kim Economics March 7 Lance Wescher Economics March 14 Jon Hill Sociology March 21 Jon Hill Sociology March 28 David DiQuattro Philosophy April 4 Mitch Stokes Philosophy April 11 Brian Pitts Philosophy of Science
1/11/2004	Michael Shane Hollister, son of Laura & Shane Hollister, was baptized today!
11/23/2003	MCC joined with joined with members from four other churches from across Indiana in a Psalm Sing at the Elkhart Reformed Presbyterian Church.
10/12/2003	Jarrett David Brodrecht, son of Grant & Kelli Brodrecht, was baptized today!
9/29/2003	A Study of the Book of Hebrews led by Pastor Wallace kicked off tonight at Fiddler's Hearth 127 N Main St, South Bend. The study meets weekly on Monday night at 7:00pm.
9/28/2003	Caden Eli Belden, son of David & Marie Belden, was baptized today!
9/14/2003	Today we welcomed Mr Jason Stewart, a second-year student at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and his wife Cindy. Jason preached from 1 Kings 18 and Ephesians 2. Thank you for ministering to us, Jason!
9/7/2003	Sunday School resumed today.
8/30/2003	The elders met at Camp Sunshine Cove for an all-day meeting to discuss their vision for the church.
8/24/2003	Isabella Barreto Hill, daughter of Jon & Cinthia Hill, was baptized today!
8/17/2003	A fellowship meal brought this week's Vacation Bible School to a close. The children demonstrated what they had learned about Servanthood by washing the adults' feet! Many thanks to all the volunteer helpers and especially to Yvette Couser for writing the curriculum and leading the effort!
8/2/2003	The first ever Northern Indiana Reformed Church Picnic took place today at Potato Creek State Park. Invitations went out from Michiana Covenant Church to Providence PCA (Ft Wayne), Good Shepherd PCA (Valparaiso), Faith Community PCA (LaPorte), Elkhart Reformed Presbyterian (RPCNA), Grace Reformed OPC (Walkerton), and Grace Fellowship Church (Bremen). We were treated to a mini-concert by the a capella group "New Song" from Geneva College who happened to be in town for their summer tour.
7/18/2003	Tonight we witnessed yet another tangible sign of God's gracious provision for our little flock in the ordination of Mr C Rolf Caylor and Mr Shane D Hollister to the office of ruling elder, giving us for the first time in over 18 months a duly constituted session. We rejoiced to have all the members of the Great Lakes Presbytery commission--Rev David Dupee, Rev Rick Greene, and elders Yon Lindborg, and Hadley Mitchell--all participating in the service of ordination along with Rev Peter Wallace and elder Andy Deliyannides. Rick preached from Acts 20 on "The Heart of a Shepherd," David lead the ordination proper, and Peter gave the charges. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
7/2/2003	Rolf Caylor and Shane Hollister were elected to the office of elder! The service of ordination and installation is set for Friday, July 18.
6/30/2003	The men and boys enjoyed Guys Night Out II, this time at the Chippewa Bowl.
6/29/2003	Today we welcomed the Rev Jeremy J Tuinstra and his family from the Kalamazoo area. Jeremy preached from John 13 and Isaiah 53. Thank you for ministering to us, Jeremy!
6/3/2003	We kicked off our Tuesday Night Village, and informal weekly gathering at the Wallace's house for food, fellowship, and family worship.
5/30/2003	Rolf Caylor and Shane Hollister were examined by the session and commended to the congregation to stand for election as ruling elders! A congregational meeting has been called for that purpose on Wednesday, July 2.
5/14/2003	"She's a very clever girl." So says Mr Ravi Kulkarni of our own Laura Hollister's investigations into experimental treatments for Nathan. This in a special report on Nathan's medical treatment that aired on NewsCenter 16 last night. Nathan's story has received the attention of several local news stations over the past several months. Click here to see NewsCenter 16's coverage of the "Voyage of Hope."
5/7/2003	The men and boys enjoyed dollar night at the Cove with the Silverhawks beating the Beloit Snappers in an improbable eighth inning victory!
5/2/2003	A worship service with the regional church in conjunction with the Spring Meeting of the Great Lakes Presbytery was held at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Valparaiso.
4/13/2003	It's official! Rev Peter Wallace will begin serving as our full-time pastor in mid-May!
2/16/2003	Today we welcomed Dr Hadley Mitchell, ruling elder of Providence PCA in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Thanks for ministering to us, Hadley!
2/9/2003	Today we welcomed Mr Wes White, a student at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Wes preached on "What If God Was One of Us" from John 1. Thanks for ministering to us, Wes! The Rev David Rogers of Faith Community Church (PCA) in LaPorte, Indiana will lead the elder training classes on the Book of Church Order for four consecutive Tuesday nights starting February 18.
1/26/2003	Skating Party--Grace Reformed Church has invited us to join them at the USA Skating Rink on Saturday, Feb. 22nd from 5:15-7:00 for a family skating party. Skate rental is $2, and donations to cover the cost of the rink rental are welcome. Come have fun! PCRT--The Philadelphia Conference on Reformation Theology will be in Indianapolis March 28-30. This is a wonderful time of learning and fellowship! Group rates and scholarships are available, so contact Laura if you're interested in coming. This year's theme is "Christ and His Church." An excerpt from the flyer: "But what exactly is the Church, and who is in it? What makes her grow and mature into the likeness of Christ? How do Christians help or stunt her growth? How should we care and protect her future? Our speakers bring years of pastoral experience to bear on these matters, identifying errors that press weightily in our post-Christian culture."
1/19/2003	Small Group Bible Studies kicked off this week. The East Side Group, led by Jay DeRoos, will meet on Wednesday nights and study the Book of James. The West Side Group, led by Jonathan Couser, will meet on Friday nights and study the Book of Luke.
1/12/2003	Elections for trustees were held after the morning worship service. White Elephant!--Ladies: Now you can unload that Chia Pet your Aunt Petunia thought you always wanted! Hannah and Rachel have invited the women to their apartment this Friday, Jan. 17th at 7:00 pm. Bring a wrapped, slightly-less-than-desirable gift, even if you have to dust it off first. They will provide snacks and beverages, so bring only yourself and your lovely gift!
1/5/2003	A new round of elder training began today after the evening service. The men will spend six weeks reviewing the Confession of Faith, six weeks on the Book of Church Order, and six weeks on pastoral issues.
12/29/2002	Today Pastor Wallace began an adult Sunday school series on "Discipleship" and a sermon series on the Book of Revelation in the evening. Pastor Wallace writes, "For you who have expressed questions about the relationship of the church to the world, this series will speak to those issues a great deal. We will especially look at how John is using the Old Testament to teach us what the church ought to expect as we live in between the ages."
12/8/2002	Today we welcomed the Rev David Rogers from Faith Community Church, our sister church in LaPorte, Indiana. The Rev Glenn Jerrell ministered to us in the evening.
11/17/2002	This evening our brothers and sisters from Grace Reformed Church, in Walkerton, Indiana joined us for a joint worship service followed by a fellowship meal.
11/13/2002	Annual Congregational Meeting
11/10/2002	Today we welcomed the Rev Glenn Jerrell and his wife Kathie from Grace Reformed Church.
10/27/2002	Today a group of our Sunday School teachers travelled to Good Shepherd PCA in Valparaiso to participate in an all-day Sunday School Teachers' Training Seminar led by Rev Barksdale Pullen from St Louis.
10/13/2002	Today we welcomed the Rev Rick Greene, pastor of Good Shepherd PCA in Valparaiso, Indiana and moderator of the presbytery commission responsible for overseeing MCC. Rick was accompanied by his wife Laura Ellen, and their three children, Kenton, Amberleigh, and Jackson. Rick preached on "Missions on the Homefront" from 1 Thessalonians 4. Thanks for ministering to us, Rick! Sunday School was cancelled today so that we could travel down to Grace Reformed Church in Walkerton, Indiana for a fellowship meal followed by a joint worship service. Thanks to our brothers and sisters at GRC for their hospitality!
10/6/2002	Today it was announced that Grant and Kelli Brodrecht have been received into membership. Grant and Kelli presented their children, Sarah, Eli, Ethan, and Thomas, for covenant baptism. Blessings to the Brodrecht family! In the evening we had the pleasure of meeting Jim and Jeanie Stark and their three children Paul, Jonathan, and Jessica. Jim's sermon from 2 Tomothy 2:1-7, entitled "Pass It On," stressed the importance of coupling discipling with evangelism. After the service, Jim showed us slides of their work on the Caribbean island of Grenada. The focus of the Starks' ministry is to "equip the equippers," to train and disciple church leaders in Grenada and soon, Lord willing, in Barbados.
9/29/2002	Today we welcomed the Rev Glenn Jerrell and his wife Kathie from Walkerton, Indiana, where Glenn is pastor of Grace Reformed Church (OPC). Glenn preached on the Lord's Prayer in the morning and "Seeking First the Kingdom of God" in the evening, both from Matthew 6. Thanks for ministering to us, Glenn!
9/15/2002	Today we welcomed the Rev Norman Shepherd from Holland, Michigan to our pulpit. Rev Shepherd preached on "Our Great High Priest" from Hebrews 4 & 5 in the morning and on a biblical view of revival from 2 Chronicles 30 in the evening. Rev Shepherd is a retired minister of the Christian Reformed Church. He taught at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia from 1963 to 1981 and is the author of "The Call of Grace: How the Covenant Illuminates Salvation and Evangelism." Thanks for ministering to us, Rev Shepherd! Today we also resumed our Sunday School Program. Our new Sunday School Superintendant is Jonathan Couser. Many thanks to Jonathan and all our sunday School teachers for their dedication to this important ministry of the church!
9/8/2002	This evening our brothers and sisters from Grace Reformed Church, in Walkerton, Indiana joined us for a fellowship meal followed by a joint worship service. Pastor Wallace began a sermon series on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
8/11/2002	Today we welcomed one remarkable octogenarian, Dr George Van Groningen, and his wife Harriet from Tinley Park, Illinois. Dr Van Groningen is a retired minister of the Christian Reformed Church. In addition to having taught at Dordt College, Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, MS), Covenant Seminary, and having served as president of Trinity Christian College, Dr Van Groningen has been instrumental in founding seminaries in Brazil and Latvia. In the evening service Dr Van Groningen spoke about the Reformed Theological Seminary in Riga, Latvia (see also this link), challenging us to be more mindful of and active in the mission work of the church. Thanks for ministering to us, Dr Van Groningen!
7/21/2002	Peter Wallace preached the first sermon in his new series on the Psalms. Read his sermon on Psalm 1 here.
7/14/2002	Today we welcomed Rev David Dupee and his wife Prue from Christ Church (PCA) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. David preached on "Christian Liberty" from Galatians 1 and "True Love" from Ruth. Thanks for ministering to us, David!
7/7/2002	Today Pamela Patterson made profession of faith and was received into communicant membership. Blessings, Pamela!
6/30/2002	Today we kicked off our summer catechism program. Every week through the end of August adults will help the children learn their catechism during the Sunday School hour. Peter Wallace concluded his series on the book of 1 Peter. Today's sermon "Humility and Glory" provides a very helpful summary of that book.
6/23/2002	Adults Night Out--Please mark Saturday, July 13th on your calendar. Parents plan on dropping your children off at 4:00 pm with pickup at 7:00.
6/12/2002	Our sign is up at the Suzuki Music School (52549 Gumwood Road)! Thanks to Joyce Davis for graciously allowing us to put up a permanent sign.
6/9/2002	Today we welcomed the Rev Gary Knapp, Associate Pastor of Christ the Word Church in Toledo, Ohio. Gary preached on "Counterfeit Repentance" from Exodus 9. Thanks for ministering to us, Gary!
5/12/2002	Today we welcomed Dr Hadley Mitchell, ruling elder of Providence PCA in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hadley preached on 1 Peter 3:9 and Psalm 4. Thanks for ministering to us, Hadley! Adults Night Out--Please mark Saturday, May 25th on your calendar. Parents plan on dropping your children off at 4:00 pm with pickup at 7:00. Presbytery Family Camp--August 19-24 at Camp Sunshine Cove in Union, Michigan. This is a great opportunity to have fellowship with other families in the Great Lakes Presbytery.
4/21/2002	Today we welcomed the Rev Phil Strong, pastor of Providence PCA in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his wife Andrea, and their children. Phil preached on "Fighting the Good Fight" from 1 Timothy 6 and on "Your Right to No Rights" from 1 Corinthians 8-9. Thanks for ministering to us, Phil! During the Sunday School hour we kicked off our adult Sunday School series on "The Church."
4/16/2002	The men of the church have been cordially invited to join the men of Covenant Presbyterian Church (Hammond, IN) at their Men's Spring Retreat May 10 & 11 at Camp Sunshine Cove in Union, Michigan. The speaker will be Mark Vander Hart, professor of Old Testament Studies at Mid America Reformed Seminary. Last year's retreat was excellent and this is a great opportunity to join in fellowship with brothers from another area PCA.
4/7/2002	Today Eric Miller was baptized and Matthew and Jon Hollister were received into communicant membership. Praise the Lord! Blessings, Jon, Matthew, and Eric! (Read the sermon Peter Wallace preached on this joyous occasion: "The Baptism That Saves")
3/24/2002	Mid-America Reformed Seminary is sponsoring an evening class on Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, during April. Rev. Alan Strange will lead a study on "Marriage and the Family." For more information call the Seminary (219) 864-2400 or see www.midamerica.edu.