A New Year’s Invitation: Join Us for the LCSB Covenant Service

As we step into a new year, we invite you to join us for a cherished tradition within the Methodist Church, the Covenant Service, which will be held on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, at 6 pm as part of our series of ecumenical evening Sunday services. Whether you’ve participated before, are joining for the first time, or simply wish to observe, this special service offers everyone a time for reflection, renewal, and a deep sense of community.

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A Tradition Since 1755: The Origins of the Covenant Service

The Covenant Service traces its roots back to 1755, when John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, introduced it as a way for people to reaffirm their commitment to a life of faith and devotion. Wesley believed that the beginning of a new year was a meaningful time for his community to collectively make a fresh start in their commitment to God. Today, Methodists around the world gather to continue this tradition, making the Covenant Service a defining part of Methodist discipleship and devotion.

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The Heart of the Covenant: Living in Relationship with God

At the core of the Covenant Service lies a simple yet profound idea: the invitation to live in a close, loving relationship with God. This covenant is not a contract or a set of conditions to meet; it’s God’s gracious offer to be our God, as expressed in the promise, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Through the Covenant Service, we, in the Lay Community of St Benedict, celebrate this gift of grace, choosing to reaffirm our place in this divine relationship and allowing it to guide our lives throughout the year. As we come together in worship, we recognize that our relationship with God is shared within a community. We don’t walk this path alone. Rather, we journey as the Body of Christ, encouraged and strengthened by one another to live out God’s love and will in our daily lives.

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A Commitment to Justice and Discipleship

The Covenant Service also emphasizes a call to justice and discipleship. As we renew our commitment, we’re reminded of our responsibility to live out God’s love and justice in the world. This is more than a private prayer; it’s a promise to seek ways to support others, uphold dignity, and serve our communities. This shared dedication to justice is one of the most powerful ways Methodists express their faith.

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All Are Welcome

Our Covenant Service is open to all, regardless of experience, background, or faith journey. Whether you’ve attended the Covenant Service annually or this is your first time, you’re welcome to join us. Feel free to come as you are, whether you’d like to fully participate or simply observe this beautiful tradition. This service is a gift, not a demand, meant to be experienced with openness and a sense of community.

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A Gift of Grace, Not a Demand

At its heart, the Covenant Service is an opportunity to receive God’s grace. It’s not about striving for perfection or making promises we’re afraid we can’t keep. Rather, it’s about accepting the love God freely offers and allowing that love to shape our lives. It’s a gift meant to uplift and sustain us, not a burden to bear alone.

Join us as we begin this new year with the LCSB Covenant Service—a time for renewal, reflection, and community. Together, we’ll celebrate the grace of God and our commitment to walk in His ways. We hope to see you at 6 pm on Sunday, January 5th, 2025. All are welcome.