Getting in the Game, by Pastor Bill Nyerges

So, getting a little frayed by all the commotion these days? If we’re honest, we’d just like to get away from it all and avoid the demanding challenge of choices and decisions that press in from all sides. But especially for those walking in the faith, we know we’re committed to this “game” of life in a very enduring way…and with a unique Coach. In the spirit of I Corinthians 12:1-11, we each have gifts to contribute to the body of Christ. But our growth and ability to “get in the game” and stay begins with knowing and trusting the source of our wisdom and strength, understanding his sacrifice for us.

Do you know the satisfaction of really “getting it” by keeping your focus clearly on the One who has all of this worldly concern in His hands? Sometimes we say this too glibly, tossing it off as one of those Christian catch phrases. But there’s nothing like a crisis or two— whether personal, national, or some combination of both—to put the turmoil in perspective : Though everything may be changing around us, God remains “rock steady” with His promise and His presence to keep us in His will and in the action of real life.

The worship and teaching of this Lenten Season as we approach Holy Week, with Palm Sunday April 5, Maundy Thurs day, Good Friday, and Easter April 12, will remind us anew of the willing  sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus the Christ.  Even with the events that surround us, we are also reminded by him, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)   The love that binds Jesus and God the Father is the same as that which unites us with Jesus the Son.  How clearly Bonnie and I experienced one reflection of this as we visited with our son, Eric, after his 3-year absence overseas.  Yet the love God offers us through His Son is infinitely stronger than anything the world may offer or throw our way.   

    This edition of our First Covenant Newsletter comes to you because you are or  have been (and many still are in our hearts) a part of this family of God.  I n that spirit, we want to share some of our news and “team spirit” with you.  Later this summer, we’ll be celebrating the 120th Anniversary of this Church team serving in the Cleveland area, and hope you’ll be watching for and sharing in some of the events that will mark that time for us all.  Meanwhile, you’re invited to the challenge and the joys of following Jesus with the family of First Covenant Church.

~Pastor Bill

The First Covenant Church of Willoughby Hills observes 116 years in the Cleveland area, beginning with eleven charter members organizing the fellowship August 25, 1889. With spiritual roots in the Reformed Protestant Christianity of Sweden, the Church is part of the immigrant “Mission Covenant” heritage, which became established in America in 1885 as the Evangelical Covenant Church. Headquartered in Chicago, Covenant churches are growing in number and currently have about 115,000 members nationwide.

Initially using rented facilities at 64^th and Euclid, the congregation dedicated its first church building in 1895 at 55^th and Lexington, followed by a move in 1910 to Decker and Addison Roads. Formally joining the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1951, a new church building was dedicated on Green Road in 1958, site of congregational life until 1989.

In 1989-90, the Congregation met in the Willoughby Hills Community Room until moving into its newly constructed church at 29400 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills. The church’s membership has ranged around 100 members over the years. Currently drawing from surrounding communities as well as Willoughby Hills, members and friends of First Covenant presently number about 70. Committed to personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, sound Biblical teaching, close and encouraging fellowship, family and visitor friendly, the congregation is rebuilding its community presence with new efforts in evangelism and outreach. There is also a strong commitment to excellence in music and education programs.

The current pastor since 2004, Rev. Bill Nyerges, has served more than 23 years in Reformed Church ministries, while working more than 35 years with the Federal Government, last with the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. His training in seminary and graduate education studies were with Ashland University.