The Presbytery of Western Colorado
Members of Covenant Presbyterian Church gather around their remodeled chancel.
The history of every congregation is filled with examples of God’s miracles and answered prayers, and Covenant Presbyterian Church of Grand Junction is no exception. Covenant was birthed as a new church development in 1980 and became a chartered congregation on May 10, 1982. Eight days earlier, however, oil-shale operations, the staple of the local economy, had abruptly halted. The consequence was an exodus from Grand Junction that left behind many vacant homes and left the remaining members of the congregation with a mortgage that was overwhelming. Covenant struggled for several years, but by 1989 the presbytery was onsidering scrapping the Covenant ministry.
Former executive presbyter Al Ruth had the optimism needed to see that a future still existed for Covenant and was able to attract Chuck Jerome, a pastor from Iowa, to serve the courageous people of Covenant. They rallied together and in 2007 the congregation officially became debt-free.
This happy outcome was soon clouded with a new financial crisis caused by a smaller exodus of key church members in the area. Prayers again were raised when the reserves were depleted and the payroll could not be met. Covenant folks and the Rev. Jerome responded by stepping out in faith once again. They scheduled a Wednesday evening service to reach a group of folks disinterested in worship on Sundays. With new social and fund-raising events, they increased their connections to the community. The Covenant congregation grew, and a strong sense of revival was back. God works through us to answer prayers!
The Presbytery of Western Colorado has 2,303 members in 15 churches and 3 mission congregations.
Presbytery Staff
The Rev. Dr. Jim Cory, general presbyter
Elder Gwen Cook, stated clerk
Marj Carey, treasurer
Beth Gilleece, administrative assistant
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Timothy Quinn, GAMC
Joy Raatz, GAMC
Gracious and loving God, your Son multiplied a few disciples into a great and mighty force in the world. Use us that we might gladly share our joy in being part of this great witness so that others will see the answered prayers you reveal through and to us in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Ps. 65, 147:1–11 Ps. 125, 91
2 Kings 6:1–23
1 Cor. 5:9–6:11; Matt. 5:38–48
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