Dear Friends,

     Baptist Church of the Covenant is a place where "Faith Comes to Life." What kind of place is that, you might ask?

     "Faith Comes to Life" in that Baptist Church of the Covenant is a place where ministry is acted upon, not just talked about. Whether the children are collecting pennies for literacy, or we are providing housing for Birmingham’s Hospitality Network; whether we are teaching conversational English to internationals or reading to the illiterate; whether we are taking the elderly to buy their weekly groceries or participating in a CARE team for those who are homebound; whether we are making sack lunches for the homeless or bringing adults with special needs to worship, Baptist Church of the Covenant is actively touching others’ lives with the love of Christ. And this ability is motivated from a deep faith that refuses to lay dormant, but must come to life.

     "Faith Comes to Life" in that Baptist Church of the Covenant is a place where faith is nurtured so that it may be expressed in our lives. Sunday morning worship is a highlight of each week. The congregation gathers with the expectancy of encountering a living God who gives us strength for each day. Worship is followed by Sunday School, where dedicated teachers guide discussions and apply the truth found in the Scripture lesson for that day. Wednesday nights provide an opportunity for fellowship about the table, prayer time and Bible study.

     "Faith Comes to Life" in that Baptist Church of the Covenant is a place where ministry goes beyond the "normal" programming of our congregation and attempts to meet the needs of those that community agencies have pinpointed. Our location provides many opportunities for other organizations to meet within our building. Overeater’s Anonymous, the Exchange Club Center for Children’s Abuse, and Training for Foster Parents are a few of the groups that use our facilities. We welcome their presence among us and hope that by meeting in a "church house," they will be encountered by their faith.

     "Faith Comes to Life" in that Baptist Church of the Covenant is a place where God’s love is shared. Our congregation is known for its warmth and diversity. We welcome all who come desiring to seek God’s leadership in their lives.

     It seems to me that the crux of the gospel story is about faith coming to life. God desired to understand us better, so Jesus came to life…life on earth, life with persons, life in all of its wonder and perplexities…and in so doing, He brought us Life!

     Perhaps you would join us in worship, or in a ministry, as you discover a faith that is ready to come to life. With anticipation of meeting you, I am

Sincerely yours,

Sarah Jackson Shelton