COMPASS MAGAZINE

FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCHIn grateful recognition of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the First Covenant Church of Sacramento.

On the occasion of your one hundredth anniversary, the entire Evangelical Covenant Church joins together to offer joyous thanks on this milestone marking God’s faithfulness to you, and your faithfulness to God.

God has blessed these years through countless faithful acts carried out by countless faithful people, both members and ministry staff alike. People of all ages have been born to new life in Christ, nurtured in spiritual growth, and challenged to use their gifts and talents in service to the priorities of God. In the moments of life, marriage vows have been taken, children have been consecrated, youth have been confirmed, and lives have been remembered. In serving the community, the hope of Christ has been presented in word and deed.

In faithful partnership with the mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Pacific Southwest Conference, in this country and all around the world, you have had an important role in the starting of new churches, the sending of missionaries, the lost being found, and the hurting being helped.

We pray for the guidance of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of the congregation moving forward.

Quoting the Apostle Paul, “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NRSV).

Presented in Sacramento, state of California, this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen.

Gary Walter, President of The Evangelical Covenant Church

FROM PASTOR JESSEOne hundred years! First Covenant Church of Sacramento is one hundred years old!

It’s difficult to wrap my mind around what that represents. During this past century, how many sermons have been preached? How many children’s Sunday School classes have been taught? How many youth group games have been played? How many hymns have been sung in praise to our Lord? How many weddings, child dedications and funerals have been performed? How many people were baptized symbolizing new life in Jesus Christ? How many offerings were given? How many missionaries were prayed for and sent out? How many handshakes were extended to the lonely? How many meals were served to the hungry? How many times was hope offered to the lost?

We will never know the answers to these questions, but it is mind boggling to even consider. The incredible faithfulness, dedication and sacrifice of thousands of people through the decades have joined together to do so much more than what could have been accomplished through individual effort.

If you have ever been a part of First Cov, you are part of an incredible heritage. What began as a handful of Swedish immigrant Christians has grown into one of the most influential churches in the Sacramento region. Countless lives have been touched by the Good News of Jesus Christ because a group of believers dared to try and follow in the steps of the Savior!

As the current senior pastor, I want to say “thank you from the bottom of my heart” for the role that you have played in our first 100 years. What a privilege it is for me to be able to continue to build on the heritage that we share.

On this special anniversary, my thoughts go to the words from Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (NIV). Let’s run forward into the future together, with our gaze fully set on Jesus, sharing His truth with the world around us.

Happy 100th Anniversary, First Covenant Church!

Jesse Smith, Senior Pastor

First Cov is…In honor of our 100th Anniversary, we asked members of the church family to complete the sentence, “First Cov is…” Here are just some of the responses we received.

• a place to connect with God. —Anonymous

•a body that supports each other without judgment. —Julie Andresen

•a peaceful, safe, helpful, good feeling when I am down. —Courtney

•my revival, my regeneration station and my new church, a house of faith. —Anthony Jackson

•a place where I can find love and the peace of God. The singing is always a high spot for me. —R. Jones

• the reason my marriage has survived. Without First Cov we would not be together. The love, support and accountability has really helped. —Annie Roe

•my family, more so than my physical family. They know me and love me better than my physical family, mainly because of Growth Group. —Robin Moyher

•a church willing to go the distance to bring people to Christ and help us all become fully devoted followers of Christ. —Pat Mason

•my hospital where I can refuel my soul. —Mayra Piza

•where I first saw the Light. Forty years old, unchurched, seeking some kind of Truth in my life. First Cov on La Riviera saved me twenty four years ago! Thank you! —Barbara Luther

•my place to be taught. My place to celebrate. —Anonymous

•our new home church. We are excited to get plugged in and grow here. First time we have felt the true love of the family of God! —Shawn and Theresa Reynolds

•a church that loves and obeys God. —Anonymous

2 COMPASS MAGAZINE

THE WORLD IN 1913• Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated

as US President in March.

• Gideon Sundback of Sweden patents the zipper.

• The 16th Amendment is passed, thus introducing federal income tax.

• Surprise! Cracker Jack’s now boasts a prize in every box.

• The first moving assembly line is developed by Henry Ford.

• First crossword puzzle (with 32 clues) printed in New York World.

• Found! The Mona Lisa (which had been stolen in 1911) is returned to its home in the Louvre.

COST OF LIVING IN 1913• Average annual income: $585

• Average house: $5,935

• Average car: $600

• Bread: 6¢/loaf

• Flour: 3¢/pound

• Coffee: 29¢/pound

• Sirloin Steak: 24¢/pound

• Eggs: 37¢/dozen

• Sugar: 6¢/pound

Please contact the church office for sources used for 1913 trivia.

OUR PASTORS: PAST AND PRESENT

O.H. Myhren | 1917-1924

Photos were not available for: A. Danielson (1914-1915) A. Swanstrom (1915-1917) L. Johnson (1937-1939)

A.G. Samuelson | 1928-1937

C.A. Nelson | 1924-1927 C.G. Younggren | 1927-1928

R.A. Cervin | 1939-1943 D.E. Elving | 1943-1947

C.E. Hallstrom | 1947-1953 R.O. Sandquist | 1954-1962 W.E. Lundberg | 1963-1968

J.L. Smith | 2011-PresentT.L. Smith | 1980-2011R.W. Anderson | 1970-1980

•my revival, my regeneration station and my new church, a house of faith. —Anthony Jackson

•a place where I can find love and the peace of God. The singing is always a high spot for me. —R. Jones

• the reason my marriage has survived. Without First Cov we would not be together. The love, support and accountability has really helped. —Annie Roe

•my family, more so than my physical family. They know me and love me better than my physical family, mainly because of Growth Group. —Robin Moyher

•a new start, a fresh beginning, a place where loving God with all of your heart is honored and celebrated. —Jerry and Janet Hignight

•a mission station in the midst of an increasingly spiritually and morally reckless world. Christ didn’t come to comfort the comfortable. He really has prepared and commanded me/us to share the message of the cross with those in my “other places”. —Allen Goodmanson

•my refuge. —Andrea Hastings

•a whole Bible community of believers. —Dorothy Compton

•where God leads me to learn what it means to be a Christian. Providing me (anyone) with fine examples and surrounding everyone with God’s Word. —Scott Penfield

•a vital community where the Lord is preached passionately. —Kay G.

•a very special place where I feel loved and cared about, where I’m accepted for who I am. The teaching is from God’s Word in the Bible. I am a work in progress, striving to live to God’s standard. Thank you, Lord, for your grace! I love First Cov! —Bonnie LaRue

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First Cov is…•where I participate in being spiritually fed.

God’s Word is preached every Sunday! —Anonymous

•anointed preaching by our shepherding pastors who skillfully divide the truth of Scripture and teach us life application. —Joy Nahigian

•a place where Christians can come together and bask in the glory of God. —Anonymous

•my refuge amidst a stormy period in my life. —Kimberly Daya

•making life complete. —Chris Sternzon

•where people are real. It has the small church feel in a big church body. First Cov cares about the community and is making a difference. —Lydia L.

• the most loving church I have ever been to. —Anonymous

•my home. I was feeling very lost four years ago. I came one (weekend) and my life has never been the same. —Cheryl

• the most influential driving force in the saving of many of my family members. I will be forever thankful for how God has worked through you! —Mindy Walter

•what changed my life. I have reconnected with Jesus and I have grown. (I am) learning how God loves me in spite of myself and He doesn’t give up on me or my loved ones! —Tavia H.

•a place of refuge, a place of worship, a place of service and friendship, a place of real support. —Misty

•a place to focus on God. A place to support other believers in need. A place to receive support from other believers when you are in need. —Dan Langford

•Bible driven, God focused, full of love! —Cheryl Barrios

•a church that loves people and sincerely cares about their eternal salvation. —Anonymous

•my home. A place filled with people who care about people and love God. People who want to see you grow in Christ and are willing to go the distance with you. —Kristin Hubble

• the body of Christ that God used to move me towards a greater understanding of my salvation and my responsibilities because of Christ’s sacrifice. —Beth Puntillo

GREETINGS FROM PREVIOUS STAFF MEMBERSHere are some of the notes we received from former staff expressing their thoughts on this 100th Anniversary.

Congratulations, First Cov! Few in number are the churches who survive 100 years. Yet you have not only survived, you have thrived! You are growing deep and wide, remaining faithful to God’s Word and calling to make disciples and to bring people into a personal relationship with Christ. Best wishes as you continue to devote yourselves to faithful teaching and preaching. May God bless you with another 100 birthdays of service to His Kingdom.

Warmest wishes,

Michael and Katie Nielsen Former Facilities Staff and Executive Staff

As we celebrate 100 years of God’s faithfulness to First Cov, I encourage you to join me in reflecting deeply on our purpose, our values, our beliefs, and our commitment as a community of God’s people. How are we really doing at loving God and loving others? Where do we see ourselves 100 years from now? Most of us probably don’t think about that enough! Paul urges us, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV). A great guiding question at First Cov is “Where is it written?” As we seek to develop fully devoted followers of Christ, let’s add to that guiding question “What must I do to obey?”

JosiahFormer Global Outreach Pastor

“Well done good and faithful servants!” May the words of Jesus encourage your hearts as the First Covenant Church family has faithfully followed and shared Christ across the city and across the nations. It was a rich blessing to serve alongside all of you for ten years. We saw the Lord transform so many lives together. Looking forward to what He will do through you all as you fervently seek His glorious face. In His Service,

Clark CrebarFormer College Pastor

I was privileged to be the Children’s Director under Fred Hammer from 2006-2009. During that time God had worked mightily and many kids grew in their walk with Christ, while others came to know Him as their personal Lord and Savior. I will always treasure the many events I was able to help coordinate like Trunk or Treat, Father Daughter Dinner, Summer Camp, Summer Blast and coordinating Sunday morning Sunday School.

Thank you for the opportunity and may God richly bless First Covenant as it continues its ministry! To God be the Glory! Carrie PowersFormer Children’s Director

I am blessed to join in celebrating this 100th anniversary. The five and a half years that I served on staff were truly a uniquely enjoyable experience. I have never enjoyed such connection with the community, parents, students, volunteers and staff as I did in the years that I served at First Cov. Even today, my closest friends are relationships that were formed while serving in ministry there. Not to mention that First Cov is where I met my wife, Adrienne, who worked in the children’s ministry. I pray that First Cov will continue to be an oasis of ministry through the years ahead that God has ordained.

Daniel MorrisFormer Student Ministries Pastor

Congratulations for making it to the 100th year of service for the Lord in Sacramento. We (Dick and I) received the call to come as pastor and family of eight to Sacramento. God led us to answer

“yes” and the church members built us a four bedroom house! We moved into it in January 1954.

Our youngest was born there in August. Our three youngest were dedicated there and our three oldest were confirmed there.

With the Lord’s leading, we had the heartwarming experience of being a part of the growth in numbers, service, activity, fellowship and trust, which comes from faith in our loving Lord.

To God be the glory; great things He has done and is doing!

Sincerely,

Isabelle SandquistFormer Pastor’s wife

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First Cov is…•a place that encourages me to come out

of my comfort zone and do what God is calling me to do. —Lorelee Meyer

•cool people serving Rancho Cordova by sharing the love of Jesus Christ. —Anonymous

•a place to learn how to be a better disciple. —Anonymous

•a place where I feel safe and wanted. —Olivia Dance

•God’s embrace. —Chandra Meikle

•where God first spoke to me. —Kevin Lindholm

•what changed my life. I have reconnected with Jesus and I have grown. (I am) learning how God loves me in spite of myself and He doesn’t give up on me or my loved ones! —Tavia H.

•a place of refuge, a place of worship, a place of service and friendship, a place of real support. —Misty

•a place to focus on God. A place to support other believers in need. A place to receive support from other believers when you are in need. —Dan Langford

•Bible driven, God focused, full of love! —Cheryl Barrios

•my loving family that has blessed us. My children were born in this family and have grown so much together. God bless this church always as we follow after Him. —Jennifer Barker

•my human spiritual compass. First Covenant opened their arms wide to a very lost soul. God has blessed this place and these people with a love that is beyond understanding. —Paulette

• my home away from home. —Judy Marrs

• a community of amazing believers! —Jimmy and Liz Pearson

Greetings from Guatemala to First Covenant Church of Sacramento! Congratulations on your 100th Anniversary!

To be able to put into words what my heart holds for First Covenant would be presumptuous on my part since great pastors have said it better than I ever could:

“I shall start, then, with the Church, into whose bosom God is pleased to gather his children, not only that they may be nourished by her help and ministry so long as they are infants and children, but also that they may be guided by her motherly care until they mature and at last reach to the goal of faith.” —John Calvin

“The elect church is saved that she may save, cleansed that she may be cleansed, blessed that she may bless.” —C.H. Spurgeon

C. H. Spurgeon also said, “Whenever the church meets, either as a whole or representatively, there is a solemn dignity cast about that assembly which is not to be found in a parliament of kings and princes.” During the time I was blessed to be part of your church, that is exactly how I felt, I was amongst heirs of the King.

Let me share one more quote:“You and I are here today as a church because Jesus Christ has called us to be his Church. You call it your church, I call it my church, but this is the church of Jesus Christ. He says, ‘I m going to build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I want you to keep on sharing the good news to every person everywhere. ” —Pastor Ted Smith

First Covenant can very surely and confidently say: We are striving to accomplish what Jesus wants from us.

Congratulations First Covenant for 100 years of faithfully serving our Creator and Savior.

Lottie FrenerFormer Children’s Director

At the age of 97 I hesitate to travel to Sacramento so I send my congratulations remembering the struggle of faith in moving from 23rd and K Streets to 40th and E Streets in wartime. May God continue to honor your vision of faith in future challenges to greater service for our Lord. Love in Christ,

Dwight Elving Former Pastor

Hi, this is Bruce Blake. I was the youth pastor at First Covenant Church, on La Riviera Drive, from 1986 to 1991. During our years at First Covenant we made many happy memories, and formed a group of very special relationships that continue to today. It was my first youth ministry job, and what an adventure!

My small group of freshmen guys, lovingly referred to as “The Cov Boys” grew to love volleyball, overnights on my family room floor, and grappling with their own love of the Lord, the deep spiritual truths of the Bible, and the indwelling Christ. They were an intense group of young men “iron sharpening Iron” and I am so proud to see them in full time ministry, serving as pastors and lay ministers in their local churches. Pastors Jesse Smith and Dan Palmer were in the original “Cov Boys”.

I remember a few memorable times, like when the church van was stolen and driven into the Sacramento River, when Scott Foster and Steve Cowles won “against all odds” the 2 on 2 beach volleyball tournament in Santa Barbara against seasoned locals, and when the youth group came to the hospital for a visit when our first child Travis, was born.

Also during that time, Pastor Ted Smith entrusted my wife, Sue and I, to launch a new vision for Mexicali for First Covenant. It became an all church missions week with a group of very devoted families laying the groundwork. The Fosters, the Perrymans, the Yttrups, the Gilkeys, and many other families caught the vision, and were essential to making it run smoothly. Who could forget “Big Al Foster” lovingly known as “the Hammer” keeping us all in line as we built the tent city? The bonds of friendships that were formed with the adults on the construction crews and kitchen crews are priceless. Each year it grew bigger and we expanded our ministry outreach with the Ochoa family in Mexicali. Of course, the original Mexicali manual and many lists were typed on an electric typewriter (remember those?)

We rented vans from Capital Ford, bought and borrowed tents and ice chests, and asked everyone we knew for help. We learned about the logistics of taking 150 people camping for a week, how to shop at Costco here and transport everything across the border, and how to run VBS programs for hundreds of children. We also had our unexpected vehicle breakdowns, wind and sand storms, and occasional dreaded rain, etc.—which just added to THE GREAT ADVENTURE.

We are proud to have been part of this rich heritage.

Happy anniversary, First Covenant!

Bruce BlakeFormer Youth Pastor

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SACRAMENTO, CA IN 1913

• The Governor of California is Hiram Johnson and the Mayor of Sacramento is M.J. Burke.

• The Crest Theater (originally named Empress) opens in January.

• The Southern Pacific Railroad provides approximately 1/3 of all jobs in Sacramento.

• Buses now run between Sacramento and Folsom.

• Women in Sacramento can exercise the right to vote—seven years before the rest of the nation.

SWEDEN IN 1913

• Gustaf V (1907–1950) is king.

• 1.4 million Swedes, first and second generation, are living in the U.S.—while Sweden’s homeland populations stands at about 5.5 million.

• 10% of all Swedish immigrants to the U.S. live on the West Coast (primarily in California and Washington).

• Class inequality is a persistent problem in the hierarchic Swedish society.

First Cov is…•ultimate authenticity! Genuine, embracing

and Christ-centered. Passionate and compassionate. —Amanda Carter-King

•a Bible believing/teaching church that approaches scripture for what it says/means regardless of the topic. Please keep preaching with such boldness and power. —Heath Randall

•where I’ve come to worship God and grow in fellowship with my friends for the past 18 years. —Anonymous

•a place where I can come every Sunday to worship God and praise Him for everything I have. —Patricia Santarin

•always pointing me back to Jesus. I am not who I was because the Lord continues to use this place to change me for the better, to make a difference in other people’s lives. —Anonymous

•a place of refuge. A place to love and be loved. I am truly blessed. —Elaine

•a second home where everyone is welcomed and accepted for their differences. It’s a family made of many families. —Tyler Knowles

•a body filled with spirit filled leadership focused on fulfilling the great commission in our community. —Anonymous

•our family church, having been instrumental in bringing our children to Christ. We love First Cov and the staff. —Loren Meyer

•my home. My place to learn, grow, and find what real “Christ- Living” is all about. I’m gonna miss First Cov so much (while I am away at school). —Brandon Koons

•a body of believers that lifts each other up, loves on one another, and covers a multitude of sins. It is exciting to be a part of a growing church in spite of imperfect people like me. —Carol Lepp

•an answer to my prayer! —Connie

• special to me. I hear the word of God each Sunday. —Betty

•an amazing place to worship each Sunday. It is so amazing that we have existed for 100 years! We have enjoyed this great church since 1995! Praise God! —Dave and Pam Kiesewetter

•a group of people I call family, in a space where I can “keep it real.” —Anonymous

• in a nutshell – following Jesus’ great commission. —Patti DeRenzo

• (a church that) walks the talk. —Anonymous

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Recognizing First Covenant Church of Sacramento

WHEREAS, in 1873, a group of Swedish immigrants to Sacramento began to gather informally for worship in their native language; and

WHEREAS, on March 17, 1913, the “Scandinavian Evangelical Mission Church of Sacramento” had their first official meeting, with 13 members in attendance; and

WHEREAS, from 1924 to 1937, English gradually began to replace Swedish as the language of worship in the church; and

WHEREAS, First Covenant Church of Sacramento has been an influential faith community reaching out to thousands in the greater Sacramento region with a message of hope over the last 100 years; and

WHEREAS, First Covenant Church of Sacramento has supported thousands of individuals who seek out their church in times of need, as well as hosted events like the Harvest and Easter Carnivals that offer free activities and entertainment for families in the surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, First Covenant Church has served as a haven for the local homeless population, hosting homeless persons twice annually during the Winter Sanctuary organized by Volunteers of America; and

WHEREAS, First Covenant Church is known for its ecumenical partnerships with non-profit organizations and religious centers across the greater Sacramento region, regularly partnering with World Relief to co-sponsor refugee families seeking haven in Sacramento; and

WHEREAS, First Covenant Church builds bridges to the local Muslim community by preparing and serving an Iftar meal for their Ramadan celebration; and

WHEREAS, First Covenant hosts the annual Christmas Mall in cooperation with Francis House and Wellspring Women’s Center —providing a holiday shopping experience for hundreds of Sacramento families in need.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Sacramento, that we do hereby recognize September 15, 2013 as First Covenant Church of Sacramento Day.

ISSUED: This 15th day of September 2013 CR2013-137

First Cov is…• family! Although I’ve walked through dark

times in my life, I know that my “family” at First Cov is still there with me and loving me, as the Lord does, no matter what. —Laura Tincher

•a life changer for me when I was at death’s door. CR (at First Cov) helped me to come out of darkness. —Lindy Mitchell

•a life line back to a faith that I’ve avoided for the last decade. Thank you! —Kiersten

•despite what proper grammar teaches, a verb. First Cov is an action; it is about going, doing, serving, loving, worshipping and making disciples. —Anonymous

•our family church, having been instrumental in bringing our children to Christ. We love First Cov and the staff. —Loren Meyer

•my home. My place to learn, grow, and find what real “Christ- Living” is all about. I’m gonna miss First Cov so much (while I am away at school). —Brandon Koons

•a body of believers that lifts each other up, loves on one another, and covers a multitude of sins. It is exciting to be a part of a growing church in spite of imperfect people like me. —Carol Lepp

•an answer to my prayer! —Connie

•an imperfect church but where the Word of God is spoken. I found Jesus at First Cov and have a strong relationship with Him. —Flo Digre

•where my teen children were loved, encouraged and led into a personal relationship with the Lord. Where I was taken in and loved and held, especially after my divorce. In CR, healing was completed and I found my ministry. I thank God for all of you. —Carol Burnett

•a community that supports, nurtures, and challenges me to be more like Jesus. —Mark Pennington

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PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO

Given In Honor of FIRST COVENANT CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION September 15, 2013

WHEREAS: Since it relocated to Rancho Cordova in 2000, First Covenant Church has been a prominent faith community in our city. First Covenant is known for its service to the Folsom-Cordova community, and its ecumenical partnerships with other local non-profits and churches.

WHEREAS: First Covenant Church has reached out to the local homeless population by hosting homeless persons twice annually during the “Winter Sanctuary” organized by Volunteers of America.

WHEREAS: First Covenant Church received the “Distinguished Faith Leadership” award from the Cordova Community Council for 2006-2007, particularly for community service provided through their annual “ACTS Day.”

WHEREAS: First Covenant Church annually hosts the Harvest and Easter Carnivals that offer holiday activities and entertainment for families for free. Additionally, First Covenant’s youth and children’s ministries have served as a haven for local youth, providing safe and fun activities for young people in the Rancho Cordova community. First Covenant’s Dance Studio also serves this purpose.

WHEREAS: First Covenant Church regularly partners with the Cordova Community Council and area schools and civic organizations in providing service to the community.

WHEREAS: Over the last two years, First Covenant Church has partnered with Francis House, Wellspring Women’s Center and Powerhouse Ministries for their annual “Christmas Mall,” providing a holiday shopping experience for families in need in the surrounding community.

WHEREAS: In 2013, First Covenant led the music for Rancho Cordova’s Celebration of Faith, a combined worship event in partnership with local Christian ministries.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova does hereby honor the 100th Anniversary of First Covenant Church and encourages all to participate in honoring the spirit of this celebration.

Linda Budge, Mayor

PROCLAMATION BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA

1947First worship service is held at the NEW LOCATION at 40TH AND E STREETS on Easter Sunday.

1914The LADIES AID is organized, as well as a SUNDAY SCHOOL, and the church membership boasts 54 members.

1953 First parsonage is built.

1950 Community Covenant in Rocklin is established with the help of some transferring members.

1913 On March 17, the

“CHRISTIAN EVANGELICAL CONGREGATION” has their first official meeting; 13 members attend.

1873 A group of Swedish immigrants begin meeting in various homes in Sacramento to worship.

1957Two-story educational building is added.

Second Sunday morning service is added to accommodate the church’s growth.

1967The congregation begins meeting in the new education building in October.

1966Name of church is officially changed to FIRST COVENANT CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO.

On February 11, the FIRST WORSHIP SERVICE is held in the new sanctuary AT THE LA RIVIERA LOCATION.

Valley Hi Covenant in South Sacramento is established with the help of First Covenant.

A CHURCH IS BORN! (Visiting Pastor Danielson preaches for $2/week)

Phase II of the initial building plan for the La Riviera location is completed just in time for the Fall Festival.

Attendance is estimated at 800 people every Sunday morning.

1985A new tradition of outreach for youth and adults is born—MEXICALI! In the following decades, scores of our people are challenged in their faith, and many receive the call to full-time ministry, by being a part of this cross-cultural experience.

1987For the first time, giving exceeds the approved budget.

1968

1981

At the November congregational meeting, the church membership votes unanimously to move to a new location in Rancho Cordova to obtain more space for expanding ministries.

1992AN EVENING IN DECEMBER, a Broadway style Christmas musical, is born.

1992LIGHTFORCE YOUTH CHOIR is launched.

With assistance from First Cov, Lakehills Church is incorporated in El Dorado Hills.

1994

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1958

1914The LADIES AID is organized, as well as a SUNDAY SCHOOL, and the church membership boasts 54 members.

1918First permanent building is purchased at 23RD AND K STREETS for $3,000. The church is officially incorporated as SCANDINAVIAN EVANGELICAL MISSION CHURCH OF SACRAMENTO.

1922A youth group forms with 11 members.

1921The first piano is purchased for $390.

1924-1937English gradually begins to replace Swedish as the language of worship in the church. Church is known as MISSION COVENANT CHURCH.

Through a fellowship group begun in 1960, University Covenant Church is established in Davis.

Redeemer Covenant Church in Orangevale is established by Pastor Sandquist. Thirty-four members transfer to help begin this new church plant.

A NEW FIVE-ACRE SITE is selected on LA RIVIERA DRIVE. Over the next five years, the congregation transitions out of their downtown building, and temporarily meets at the United Christian Service Foundation on Sloat Way.

1970-1978Further construction and expansion takes place at the La Riviera location.

1980TED SMITH is approved by the congregation as the FIRST NON-SWEDISH SPEAKING PASTOR.

1989A decision is made to add a third Sunday morning service to accommodate the crowds coming for worship.

1963

1990SUMMER BLAST begins a dynamic heritage of sharing Christ’s love with children.

1991CELEBRATION, a worship experience for college students and young adults, starts with about 20 people. For more than a decade Celebration draws literally thousands of young people from the region to praise God in music and contemplation of the Word.

1996Bayside Church is born with the support of local churches, including First Covenant.

GROUNDBREAKING takes place for new church facilities IN RANCHO CORDOVA.

An Evening in December moves downtown to Memorial Auditorium in order to seat larger crowds.

1998

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On Easter Sunday, THE FIRST WORSHIP SERVICES are held at the PROGRESS COURT location.

In March, the “DISTINCTIVES” RADIO PROGRAM with Pastor Ted airs on KFIA for the first time.

2000 2001Partnering with YFC, CROSSOVER BASKETBALL LEAGUE IS FORMED for area middle school and high school students.

2005The FIRST WOMEN’S RETREAT is held with nearly 200 PARTICIPANTS at Missions Springs.

The FIRST MEN’S CONFERENCE is held with 79 PARTICIPANTS at Sky Mountain Camp.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY launches with a desire to free people from hurts, habits and hang-ups.

FIRST COVENANT PRESCHOOL OPENS its doors to serve families in our community.

2007LAY COUNSELING, a ministry to those facing the difficulties of life, begins with twelve counselors trained in biblical listening skills.

2010First Cov celebrates TED SMITH’S 30 YEARS as Senior Pastor.

At a special congregational meeting on April 10, the church body approves JESSE SMITH to be the NEXT SENIOR PASTOR.

2011The first CHRISTMAS MALL helps provide a unique holiday shopping experience for approximately 350 PEOPLE IN NEED from our community.

Our first BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS is held at the Christmas Eve services. Hundreds of wrapped gifts were presented under the tree to be used for the 2013 Christmas Mall.

OURLOGOTHROUGH THE YEARS

The FIRST STEP DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAM is written by members of our pastoral staff. The program is designed to equip church members to assist new believers in starting on the journey to become a fully devoted follower of Christ.

2013

10 COMPASS MAGAZINE

2002The second phase of the current building is completed with a chapel and facilities to accommodate our growing student ministries.

2005CROSSROADS, a ministry to low-income children, youth and families in the Rancho Cordova neighborhood is established.

In February, as part of 40 Days of Community, THE FIRST ACTS DAY IS HELD with approximately 950 volunteers providing community service at over 30 sites.

2008The GLOBAL PIPELINE INTERNSHIP, a program training people to reach the unreached peoples of the world, is established.

THE PATH becomes the new strategy to help us develop fully devoted followers of Christ. The church ministries begin focusing on WORSHIP, EQUIPPING CLASSES AND GROWTH GROUPS.

2009In cooperation with World Relief, FIRST COV SPONSORS ITS FIRST REFUGEE FAMILY from Iraq.

The HARVEST CARNIVAL becomes an all-church event and attendance soars to approximately 10,000 people from our community.

Josiah, Heidi and family move to Kite City, India to help us reach the unreached.

First Cov publishes the first edition of THE COMPASS MAGAZINE in November.

2012In an effort to share the love of Christ, FIRST COV MAKES HISTORY BY PROVIDING AN IFTAR MEAL DURING RAMADAN TO A LOCAL MOSQUE (the SALAM Center). Over 600 of our neighbors are fed. Muslim leaders state that, to the best of their knowledge, this is the first time a Christian church in the US sponsors this kind of event.

JOHN 3:16 IN SWEDISH:

“För Gud älskade människorna så

mycket att han gav dem sin ende

Son, för att de som tror på honom

inte ska gå under utan ha evigt liv.”

A new radio program “FULLY DEVOTED” with Pastor Jesse launches on KFIA.

First Cov turns 100 and celebrates an incredible heritage.

WWW.FIRSTCOV.ORG 11

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mark Shetler

EDITOR Jennifer Raynes

EXECUTIVE DESIGN Jessica Ripley

PHOTO CREDIT: Sandy Runner

THE COMPASS IS A PUBLICATION OF First Covenant Church of Sacramento 10933 Progress Court Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 916.861.2240 • www.firstcov.org compass@firstcov.org

1st Location: 23rd and K(1918-1947)

Current Location: Progress Ct.

(2000-Present)

2nd Location: 40th and E(1947-1968)

3rd Location: La Riviera

(1968-2000)

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.