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The Covenant Congregation

Covenant was begun in 1980, so we're still a fairly new congregation. About half of the people who call Covenant home come from a Methodist heritage. Others come from different faith histories—Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, and so on. We're racially and culturally diverse, all ages represented, called together by God's grace. New Members Classes are offered from time to time.

Below you can learn more about our faith history, practices, and beliefs.

About Methodism

Methodism began in the 18th century as a renewal movement within the Church of England, led by two brothers, John and Charles Wesley. They believed that God moves within the soul of every person, offering us faith and the gift of eternal life. This movement of God toward us they called grace, and it is at the center of Methodist teaching and worship.

God's grace works in our hearts and minds, opening them to new understanding, and inviting us to be part of a Christian community, the church. When we realize how God's love can transform us through the cross of Jesus Christ, our perspective on life is changed, and we look for ways to be in service to others. At Covenant United Methodist we offer worship, Christian education, mission projects and other opportunities for people to experience God's grace and to grow in spiritual maturity.

There are about 8.3 million United Methodists in thousands of congregations all around the United States. To learn about our denomination, visit umc.org. Covenant is part of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, a regional part of our denomination that includes about 700 congregations. Visit bwumc.org to learn more about our Annual Conference. Covenant is governed by a Church Council, elected annually; pastors are assigned to United Methodist congregations by a Bishop.

How We Worship

Most Sundays at Covenant we have two morning liturgies, one at 8:30 AM, the other at 10:00 AM. Our 8:30 AM liturgy always includes the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, which is open to everyone. The liturgy lasts about 45 minutes, and is designed mainly for adults. A time of refreshment and fellowship follows. Since this liturgy is geared for adults, our professionally staffed nursery is available for infants and toddlers, and older children are welcome to sit with their parents.

The 10:00 AM liturgy is more traditional, and lasts about one hour. Children are always welcome to sit with their parents, and our Nursery is also available. Younger children begin this hour in the sanctuary until the Children's Sermon. Following the Children's Sermon children are dismissed to Sunday School, which is available for Elementary through Senior High. There is also a time of refreshment and fellowship following this liturgy.

Additional worship experiences are offered throughout the year, especially around Christmas and Easter. Descriptions of these services will appear on the website.

Our worship materials are user-friendly, designed so that everyone can easily follow the liturgy.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is sometimes called the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist. It is one of two sacraments, the other being Baptism. In the United Methodist Church we practice open communion. You need not be a member of Covenant or of our denomination to receive Communion with us. We believe it is the Risen Lord who invites all to His table. Children are welcome, too, at their parents' discretion. The sacrament is observed each week at our 8:30 AM service, and the first Sunday of every month at the 10:00 AM service.

Baptism

Baptism is the means by which we are initiated into God's family, the church. The United Methodist Church baptizes persons of all ages, including infants. We believe that the baptism of children symbolizes the working of God's grace in their lives, and the congregation's commitment to surround them with a supportive, caring community as they mature in their faith. Baptism is normally done in the context of a Sunday worship service, so the congregation will have an opportunity to voice its support for the one baptized, and her/his family.