Our Postcards from the Midwest Conference are short and encouraging looks at what God is doing in churches across the Midwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church – Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, western Missouri, Nebraska and Wyoming. We’re celebrating faithfulness, fresh vision, and the beauty of ministry in all shapes and sizes.
Church: Community Covenant Church – Omaha
Location: 15770 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska
Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Pastors:
Marty and Jael Boeschling, Co-Leads
Eileen Lundy, Associate
Website: https://covenantomaha.org/
Love Your Neighbor – Carnival Style
Pumpkin-spiced joy and neighborly love filled the air at Community Covenant Church’s annual Fall Carnival in Omaha, Nebraska on Oct. 5.
What began just four years ago as a small outreach idea has become a beloved neighborhood tradition – an afternoon where families can play, eat, and celebrate together at no cost. For this multi-generational congregation, it’s more than an event; it’s a living picture of their mission to love God, love people, and make disciples. Each game, smile, and shared meal is another way Community Covenant is linking arms with their neighbors and shining God’s light in Omaha.
The following reflections are from Community’s pastors:
In one sentence, how would you describe your church?
Community Covenant Church exists to love God, love people, and make disciples – a multi-generational, resilient congregation growing together in faith and service to our neighbors.
What’s something God is doing in your community that brings you joy right now?
God continues to open doors to build partnerships with neighborhood families, schools, and organizations. We host YMCA soccer and t-ball leagues, receive frozen meals weekly from Olive Garden to share with individuals and families in need, serve the elementary school next door in various ways throughout the year, and have recently partnered with a local middle school to support students and staff. We love all the opportunities to build relationships and serve the church’s neighbors!
What inspired your church to host the Fall Carnival Oct. 5 and what makes it special for your community?
Many churches and organizations in our community host trunk-or-treats in the fall, and we wanted to offer something different. We hosted the Fall Carnival for the first time four years ago, and we were surprised to welcome double the number of people we planned for! Many family-friendly activities in Omaha are costly, and the Fall Carnival is an opportunity for families to spend a fun afternoon together, share a meal, and do it all for free!
How have you seen neighbors or new families connect through this event?
We are intentional in promoting the Fall Carnival hyper-locally through social media and yard signs in the neighborhoods around the church, and every year we welcome “old” and new families! Our congregation works hard to invite their neighbors and friends as well. This year, one of our daughters invited her entire soccer team. One of the soccer families not only attended the event, but invited two other families to join them!
What keeps you going in ministry these days?
The “little” things that offer a glimpse of God at work in our faith community. A middle school student praying out loud in a small group for the first time. The opportunity to provide socks and underwear for students in need at the local elementary school. The pure joy on a preschooler’s face as they race down the hallway on a Sunday morning. A family visiting for the first time being welcomed well by a regular attender.
What’s one story or moment from the Fall Carnival that captures your heart for ministry?
Our congregation isn’t large, but they always come together in a big way on Fall Carnival day. We encourage volunteers to wear their red Community Covenant shirts, and it’s a joy to look around the property and see the sea of red serving side-by-side in our community! It’s a beautiful picture of the church linking arms to love and serve our neighbors together.
