Anderson, Philip J.

Morris G. Anderson (July 27, 1912 to January 6, 2003) (Winter 2002-2003)

On Monday, January 6, 2003, not long after daybreak, our father was quickly summoned home to be with God. This day was the Feast of Epiphany in the church year, when the light of Bethlehem's star guided the three Magi to the Christ-child in Bethlehem, a manifestation of his saving presence to all creation. As we have entered now this season of light, life, and hope in his redeeming love, Dad has been embraced eternally by this light in all its fullness and glory. When called, his lamp was found burning.

Harmony and congregational liberty in the tradition of the Evangelical Covenant Church (Fall/Winter 2023-2024)

Early Covenanters in Sweden and North America—those who formed, shaped, and gave language to denominational ideals—thought deeply about communal harmony, in the spirit of the above quotations, derived from their experience of newfound freedom in Christ and personal, biblical faith. They knew that while the letter often kills, the Spirit gives life. They knew—like the seventeenth-century English nonconforming pastor John Bunyan—that “examples speak more powerfully than precepts” when it comes to the experience of faith and a caution against judging others. The present time continues to be a serious, critical juncture in Covenant history (not just a “season”), one that has tested a stated constitutional process of charging an established congregation with being “out of harmony” with “involuntary dismissal” from the denomination. It is not a mere juncture, however, but has become a turning point in Covenant history, fundamentally altering the denomination’s identity.

Eloise V. Nelson (Spring/Summer 2024)

It is a privilege to know people who excel in every way. They enrich not only their own lives but also the lives of those fortunate enough to have been touched by their presence. Eloise Nelson was a multidimensional exemplar of this quality, a gentle inspiration to live good and useful lives that matter and, just as importantly, embody kindness, graciousness, creativity, integrity, hospitality, love of family and friends, and generous faith.