Midwinter
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk | January 26-30, 2026
Throughout the New Testament, a simple yet profound two-word phrase appears more than fifty times, shaping the foundation of the early church: “One Another.” We see these words in powerful commands from Jesus: “Love one another,” “Forgive one another,” “Bear one another’s burdens.” This invitation to interconnected living didn’t just define Christianity’s beginnings—it continues today as Jesus’s call to us in the Covenant Church to embody his radical love in our relationships with others.
In the coming year, the Evangelical Covenant Church will dive into this transformative “One Another” calling, exploring its impact on our churches, communities, and our own lives. As Covenant pastors, we have the sacred privilege of equipping our congregations to live with purpose and lasting influence. Together, we’ll discover how to nurture disciples who love deeply, give generously, and grow continuously—disciples who share the good news of the gospel with a world hungry for hope. We pray to embody Jesus’s selfless love to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world. To God be the glory.
Location
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 East North Water Street
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611
Guest rooms (king and/or double) available for $169/night plus taxes. Parking at the hotel is $30/night with in-and-out privileges.
Worship
In our general sessions, you’ll worship, learn from, and be inspired by thought leaders, and be renewed in your passion for continuing the mission God has placed before you.
Breakout Sessions
Breakout sessions offer in-depth dialogue and engagement with pace-setting leaders from diverse fields. These midsized gatherings provide meaningful access to these leaders, equipping you with practical tools and renewed purpose for your ministry.
Relationships
If you have never been to a Midwinter, this will be a time to meet colleagues and develop vital relationships. We know we need one another because we are better together. We look to build connections and faith in each other as we work side by side in ministry together.
Local Experiences
In addition to the Midwinter conference programming, explore our host city, Chicago, and all that it has to offer.
Speakers
Monday Evening
Tuesday Morning
Tuesday Evening
Wednesday Morning
Wednesday Evening
Thursday Morning
Thursday Evening
Friday Morning
Registration
2026 Registration Rates
Early registration through November 21 / Regular registration after November 21, 2025
- Primary Registrant | $395/$440 (early/regular)
- Additional Registrant | $365/$410 (early/regular)
- Retiree, Spouse, Bivocational | $225/$275 (early/regular)
- NPTS/CHET Student | $225/$275 (early/regular)
Using your 2026 budget? For MWPrimary and MWAdditional registrations, a nonrefundable $100 deposit can be made by November 21, 2025, to lock in early bird rates. Balance due in full by January 8, 2026.
For help with registration, please call Jill Ulven at (773) 299-7274.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for credentialed, active Covenant pastors, global personnel, and chaplains (military and institutional) in good standing, as well as retired Covenant pastors who are not actively serving in a paid ministry position.
- For all scholarship applicants: You need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $100.
- For MWPrimary and MWAdditional registrants:
- If you apply for a scholarship and register by November 21, you only need to pay the $100 deposit.
- If you apply and register after November 21, you need to pay the full amount. If your scholarship is approved, you will receive a reimbursement, minus $100.
- For MWSpecial registrants:
- You need to pay the full amount.
- If your scholarship is approved, you will receive a reimbursement, minus $100.
Please read the application for complete instructions. Scholarship applications need to be submitted to your conference no later than December 5, 2025, and will be reviewed by conference superintendents prior to approval. Full-time military chaplains need to submit the online application by December 12, 2025. Scholarships cover the remaining balance of your Midwinter registration. Any additional monies (varying in amount) will be mailed after Midwinter. Contact the Ordered Ministry with questions.
Cancellation Policy
Please email events@covchurch.org to submit any cancellation requests. Cancellations cannot be accepted over the phone. Registrations that have only paid the $100 deposit will not be refunded. Cancelled registrations with a balance paid in full and received prior to January 15 will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. After January 15, a $100 fee applies for all cancellations. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis.
Substitutions will be accepted from the same church or institution, provided the registration and fee paid are the same for the new registrant as for the original registrant. To make any substitutions, email events@covchurch.org. Make sure to include the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the substitute.
Image Policy
Your participation at Midwinter implies permission for the Covenant to reproduce your image, likeness, or voice in connection with any recorded display or reproduction of Midwinter in post-event publicity and publicity for other such events sponsored by the Covenant. Thank you!
Schedule
All times are Central Time Zone
| Monday, January 26 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am – 10:00 pm | Registration Open |
| 8:00 am | Classes Begin (Covenant Orientation/IGNITE/EQUIP Classes) |
| 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Safe Sanctuaries Training |
| 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Ascent to Jerusalem: Pilgrimage, Politics, and Peacemaking in the Holy Land |
| 9:45 – 11:00 am | Covenant Women of Color (women only) |
| 11:15 am – 12:45 pm | Advocates of Covenant Clergy Women Lunch (men & women) |
| 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Women in Leadership (women only) |
| 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Afternoon Preaching Cohorts & COMS Training |
| 1:00 – 4:30 pm | Theology 101 through an Indigenous Lens |
| 6:00 pm | Welcome Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Opening Worship Session |
| 9:00 pm | Conference Receptions |
| Tuesday, January 27 | |
| 7:30 am | Hosted Breakfasts |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship Session | Presidential Update |
| 11:15 am – 1:30 pm | Lunch Break/Hosted Meals |
| 2:00 - 4:00 pm | Large Workshop |
| 5:00 - 6:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Worship Session |
| 9:00 pm | Antiracism Discipleship Pathways (ADP) Reception |
| Wednesday, January 28 | |
| 7:30 am | Hosted Breakfasts |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship Session |
| 11:15 am – 12:45 pm | Lunch Break/Hosted Meals |
| 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Breakout Session 1 |
| 3:00 – 4:30 pm | Breakout Session 2 |
| 5:00 - 6:30 pm | Dinner Break (Ethnic Associations) |
| 7:00 pm | ALIPE Service/Reception |
| Thursday, January 29 | |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship Session |
| 11:15 am – 1:30 pm | Lunch Break/Hosted Meals |
| 2:00 – 4:00 pm | All Midwinter Breakout |
| 5:00 – 6:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Worship Session |
| Friday, January 30 | |
| 9:30 – 11:30 am | Morning Worship Session |
Breakout Sessions
Monday, January 26
Women's Conference
Covenant Women of Color
9:45 – 11:00 AM
Come join your fellow Covenant Women of Color sisters in a collective (and individual) time of somatic and holistic care for the body, mind, and soul. This will be a time to reconnect, recenter, and restore ourselves as we embrace the new year!
Stephanie Mathis
Women in Leadership
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Join this gathering of women-only leaders to be celebrated and encouraged in our call as we lead, preach, and advocate to create a more just society for all to flourish. Come and be lifted up, laugh and cry together, worship and pray, hear gifted speakers, attend breakout conversations, and be poured into. All women—volunteers, lay leaders, bivocational, licensed, commissioned, or ordained—are welcome to attend.
Ruby Varghese
Specialized Training
Safe Sanctuaries Training
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This intensive one-day training will equip you to pastor people who have experienced trauma from the injustice of abuse. We will develop a theology of abuse, talk about how trauma impacts victims and survivors, learn how to partner with advocates in our community to bring holistic healing, learn how to respond to victims who share their stories of abuse, and acquire best practices for providing spiritual and practical support. Pre-work is required. Cost: $25, lunch included.
Ramelia Williams
Santuarios Seguros
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Esta capacitación intensiva de un día brindará herramientas para pastorear a personas que han experimentado el trauma de la injusticia del abuso. Desarrollaremos una teología del abuso, hablaremos sobre cómo el trauma impacta a las víctimas y sobrevivientes, aprenderemos a colaborar con defensores de nuestra comunidad para brindar sanidad integral, aprenderemos a responder a las víctimas que comparten sus historias de abuso y adquiriremos las mejores prácticas para brindar apoyo espiritual y práctico. Costo $25.
Ascent to Jerusalem: Pilgrimage, Politics, and Peacemaking in the Holy Land
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serve Globally invites you to join us as seekers exploring God’s heart for peace and justice in the Holy Land. Through a course developed by the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East, we will meet the diverse peoples of the land, study historical events and biblical interpretations that provide important context for today, and consider our own next steps toward a hopeful future. Cost $50, lunch included.
Hannah Baker, Beth Seversen
Committees on Ministerial Standing (COMS) Training
1:00 – 4:00 PM
This discussion is to train, resource, and equip members of conference committees on ministerial standing to be more effective interviewers of credentialing candidates. Come and receive updates, discuss common problems and issues, and share best practices.
Danielle Ng
Theology 101 through an Indigenous Lens
1:00 – 4:30 PM
This session opens a space where theology is embodied, sung, storied, and wrestled with in rich conversation. Expect an experience where ceremony and dialogue together expand your Indigenous theological ponderings and aim to enrich your faith. Cost: $50. Open to all Midwinter attendees!
Tamara Fore-Ravelo, Terry Wildman, Darlene Wildman, Shari Russell, Corey Greaves
Preaching Cohorts
Compelling Preaching cohorts will launch at Midwinter and continue virtually for six sessions. Cohorts are free learning experiences subsidized by the Compelling Preaching Grant. Email Devyn Chambers Johnson for more information.
Preaching Cohort 1: The Interior Life of the Preacher
Monday 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Wednesday 11:15 AM – 5:00 PM
This cohort will focus on the inner life of the preacher and is open to both frequent and occasional preachers. This cohort provides six months of spiritual direction, content from highly qualified and diverse preachers, and a process for creating reflective preaching feedback within your ministry context.
Jake Bradley, Jessica Boggs
Preaching Cohort 2: Deeper Roots, Wider Reach: Building a Rhythm of Compelling Preaching
Monday 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Wednesday 11:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Preaching is more than preparing sermons—it is the sacred work of letting God’s Word flow through a life anchored in him. This cohort is designed for preachers who are ready to grow deeper and reach farther. Together we will cultivate the roots of preaching—strengthening your pastoral heart, rhythms of renewal, and attentive posture of listening for God’s voice. We will also strengthen the reach of preaching through practical coaching in delivery, rhythm, structure, and presence.
Melissa Wall, Kyle Thomsen
Wednesday, January 28
1:00 - 2:30 PM repeated at 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Reconciliation as Mission: Living as Reconcilers in a Divided World
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
In a world fractured by conflict, what does it mean to truly live in right relationship with one another? This workshop explores the spiritual and practical work of reconciliation through the lens of global peacemaking efforts—from grassroots movements in South Sudan to cross-border solidarity in Korea, to courageous dialogue in Israel/Palestine. Drawing on the wisdom of global partners who embody costly hope, we’ll reflect on how their witness can inform our call to peacemaking and healing in our own divided communities and nation.
Grace Shim
Alignment and on Mission: How Good Governance Can Help Your Church Thrive
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
This breakout will address how good governance can help your church thrive and help churches recognize warning signs when their governance needs attention.
Mary Hendrickson, Dierdra Clark
Unleash the Power of Hope: Transform Lives through the Gospel
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Join us for a powerful training designed for Covenant churches to build meaningful relationships and share the love of Jesus. Through prayer, listening, hospitality, service, and personal testimony, you’ll learn how to create transformative connections in your community. This training equips you with practical tools for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership in today’s diverse world. Don’t miss this chance to empower your church to spread hope and shine Christ’s light where it’s needed most!
Ieisha Hawley
Prayer: In It Together
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
This session will focus on how prayer can be a powerful expression of living out the “One Another” texts in Scripture. We will share a vision and practical tools for leading people in a prayer cohort, and learn from one another as we lean in and experience a variety of prayer exercises, being in it together. This seminar is designed to give you hope and help in leading yourself and your board, staff, and small groups of people into life-living, life-changing, and lifelong friendships with Jesus and with one another.
Jon Ireland, Jono Shaffer
Welcoming the Stranger: Connecting with and Loving Your Immigrant Neighbors
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
How is your church responding to God’s call to welcome and serve your immigrant neighbors? In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches about the way of salvation and focuses on the humane treatment of others, specifically, the humane treatment of strangers and those foreign to your native land. In partnership with Immigrant Connection, Love Mercy Do Justice invites churches to welcome refugees and immigrants. Through powerful stories and practical steps, we will discover how the Church can embody God’s love by creating pathways of welcome. This workshop will invite participants into the immigrant story and help create pathways for the hospitality of God and true belonging to be displayed through the Church.
Zach Szmara
Moral Injury: Caring for One Another’s Invisible Wounds
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Often considered one of the invisible injuries associated with war, moral injury can also be experienced in the civilian context. When ignored, moral injury can negatively impact relationships in churches, families, and with spouses. Caring for one another’s invisible wounds provides an avenue of healing for the soul and restores relationships. In this seminar, moral injury will be defined as an injury of the soul, offering discussion around examples found in the civilian church context, providing tools for ascertaining levels of moral injury, and introducing a proven healing model that can be used in church ministry and couples coaching.
Jim Fisher
Start and Strengthen…One Another
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
What if churches planted churches? Step into a new season of Covenant church planting where vision meets action and stories inspire movement. In this session, we’ll cast a fresh vision for multiplying churches that are healthy, missional, and fruitful. Through shared stories of life change, transformation, and community impact, we’ll explore how multiplication isn’t just a strategy—it’s the natural outflow of flourishing congregations. Together we’ll seek God and discover practical ways every church can be part of starting new expressions of the gospel and strengthening one another in mission.
Glenn Peterson
Facility Facelifts: Affordable Upgrades with Big Ministry Impact
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Facilities age and the needs of congregations change, but major renovations can be expensive. In this session, the National Covenant Properties Real Estate Services team will share affordable upgrades that churches have made to their facilities. Participants will hear how these upgrades impacted ministry and have an opportunity to discuss how they can apply these upgrades to their own church.
Rob Hall, Rollie Persson, Paul Kruit
Building a Culture of Unity on Your Team
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
An effective worship team is about more than just talent; it’s about the unity within the team. In this session, we’ll explore what it means to cultivate a worship culture where team members genuinely love, support, and honor one another. We’ll talk about practical ways to build trust, navigate conflict with grace, and keep Christ at the center of every rehearsal and relationship.
Alex DeJesus
Coming Alongside Families with Disability
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Each person in a family impacted by disability can face unique barriers to fulfilling involvement in faith and community. We will explore challenges and opportunities in creating belonging with people who have disability, as well as parents, siblings, spouses, grandparents, and others. Discover how to engage with all generations of the family to access the gospel and worship with one another, bear with one another, co-labor, disciple and befriend one another, build each other up, and ultimately become enriched by one another in Christ.
Lisa Jamieson
TENx10: Discipling the Next Generation
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
TENx10 is a collaborative movement equipping churches to disciple ten million young people over ten years. Rooted in John 10:10, TENx10 helps leaders reimagine how the church can embody Jesus’s radical love and form a generation of disciples who love, forgive, and serve one another. Learn what it takes to lead change and see transformation with young people in your communities.
Raymond Chang
Grief Awareness: More Than Compassion: A Skill Every Pastor Needs
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Grieving people need more than a Bible verse, a small group, or a Sunday service. What they long for most is your presence—someone who will hold space without judgment, resist the urge to fix or advise, and have the courage to sit in the ashes. This session is not about sentiment—it’s about skill. Pastors will be equipped to leave behind empty phrases like “sorry for your loss,” confront and dismantle cultural lies about grief, ground their response in clear biblical truth, and show up with presence instead of performance.
Lisa Orris
en español
ALIPE Breakout
1:00 PM
La misión de Asociación Latina De La Iglesia Del Pacto Evangélico (ALIPE) es asociarse con el Pacto y sus conferencias regionales sobre asuntos que afectan a los ministros/AS Latinos/AS y los ministerios que lideran.
Edwin Guzmán
Las sombras del liderazgo – Patrones ocultos que sabotean tu llamado
3:00 PM
Un espacio para líderes y pastores que desean servir desde la verdad y no desde cargas invisibles. Explorarémos, aquellas áreas internas que afectan el ministerio, para crecer en libertad, integridad y propósito.
Alejandro Carrizo
Thursday, January 29
All Midwinter Breakout
5 Ways to Activate Businesspeople & Professionals into Mission (and Gain Ministry Partners Along the Way!)
2:00 – 4:00 PM
The laity are the church’s greatest untapped resource. But often they are relegated to second-class ministers, or people who support the work of “real” ministry on the front lines, i.e., ordained clergy. This workshop aims to flip that assumption, stating that the real front lines of ministry are where people spend the highest percentage of their lives: at work. It is the work of ordained clergy to support the laity in these (work)places of ministry. Learn ways to enliven the faith of your parishioners at work and how clergy might come alongside them in a new way that re-envisions the priesthood of all believers.
Wayne Park
Special Events
Monday, January 26
HOSTED MEALS, RECEPTIONS, ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
Advocates for Covenant Clergy Women (ACCW) Lunch (Women & Men)
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
The Advocates for Clergy Women (ACCW) Lunch is a time for women and men to gather, encourage, laugh, and learn about the mission of ACCW and the momentum of supporting the call and gifting of clergy women. Cost $15.
Tuesday, January 27
Crescendo Breakfast
7:30 AM
Crescendo seeks to assist leaders in supporting, engaging, and mobilizing the 60+ population to live lives of lasting purpose as disciples of Jesus Christ. The Crescendo team raises awareness of transitions in aging and provides a framework (SPICES) for holistic growth. Join us to explore focused areas of resourcing and coaching. Reservation required Cost: $20
Serve Globally Lunch
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Come discover how Serve Globally is partnering with the global church in 2026—bearing witness to the good news of Christ and strengthening local communities. Together, we’ll share resources and opportunities designed to equip your church for deeper missional engagement in the year ahead.
Spiritual Direction as a Practice for Resilience in Ministry
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Are you curious about the art and ministry of spiritual direction? Come learn how the ministry of spiritual companionship meets the most urgent soul-needs of our time. North Park Theological Seminary has been training spiritual directors for over two decades, and we welcome you to join this ministry.
Church Planters Lunch
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Calling all church planters and anyone passionate about our kingdom-advancing movement! Join us for a time of fun, connection, celebration, and vision casting. God is doing great things in our movement, and we look forward to the Lord moving with even greater power in the years to come.
Covenant Chaplain Association
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Join us for the annual business meeting of the Covenant Chaplains Association (CCA). During this meeting, we hold elections for CCA officers, provide information, support, and connection, and hear from our constituency. All chaplains with Covenant credentials are welcome. (Meet first and break for lunch after.)
Antiracism Discipleship Pathway Reception
9:00 PM
This gathering is for participants—past and present—of the Antiracism Discipleship Pathways (ADP). Light refreshments provided. Cost: $15
Wednesday, January 28
Racial Righteousness Breakfast
7:30 AM
This breakfast is for leaders who desire to learn more about racial righteousness and network with peers pursuing this biblical commission in their ministerial context. Cost: $20
Mission Vitality Lunch
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Join the Missional Vitality team to learn about church health resources designed to strengthen your church. Also hear testimonies from pastors whose churches have engaged with the tools. Come for a great lunch, wonderful fellowship and relevant information.
Association meetings
African American Ministers Association (AAMA) Business Meeting
5:00 PM
The purpose of the AAMA is to support African American credentialed clergy and seminary students. The Annual Business Meeting is from 5-7:00 p.m., and a fellowship reception will immediately follow. Cost: $35
AAMA members need to pay dues in order to have a voice and vote in the business meeting. Dues can be paid at www.aamaecc.org
Covenant Asian Pastors Association (CAPA) Business Meeting
5:00 PM
The Covenant Asian Pastors Association supports Asian credentialed clergy, Asian seminary students, and those serving in an Asian context. CAPA is a strategic partner in pursuing the goals of the Covenant and its vision to impact the world for Christ. The annual business meeting is before dinner off-site. Cost: $25
Asociación Latina De La Iglesia Del Pacto Evangélico (ALIPE) Business Meeting
5:00 PM
Asociación Latina De La Iglesia Del Pacto Evangélico (ALIPE) links pastors and leaders of Latino congregations through connection, fellowship, and resourcing. Join our annual ALIPE pastors and leaders gathering during Midwinter. Cost: $30
Indigenous Ministers Association (IMA)
5:00 PM
We invite Indigenous ministers, spiritual leaders, and those centering Indigenous wisdom in their ministry to gather in a spirit of healing, relationship, and Covenant community. We will be gathering for dinner off-site.
Thursday, January 29
Covenant Kids Congo Walk for Water
7:30 AM
Join us Thursday morning to walk or run with Covenant Kids Congo, powered by World Vision! You’re invited to move your feet and make an impact by bringing clean water to those who need it most in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Registration is $25 and provides clean water for one person in Congo. Pick up your t-shirt and race bib at Midwinter registration.
Reimagining Ministry in a Changing World
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Join us for a luncheon to hear how God is doing a new thing through the Covenant—a movement of renewal that is equipping local churches to thrive in a rapidly changing culture. As traditional and new expressions of church life emerge, the Covenant is reimagining ministry to be more relational, mission-focused, and rooted in Scripture and prayer. Come learn how congregations can find fresh language and new life through faithful, innovative partnership life to proclaim the unchanging Gospel.
Water for the Least of These: Serving Congo with Christ’s Love
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Join Paul Carlson Partnership for a meaningful lunch and a special opportunity to hear from our colleague Tresor Moolo, a Congolese water engineer serving the very communities where he was raised. As part of the PCP team, Tresor plays a vital role in our mission to bring life-saving clean water to rural villages and clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His work is not only technical—it’s a reflection of Christ’s love and a response to His call to care for “the least of these.”
Come be inspired by Tresor’s story of faith, service, and hope in action. Cost: $10
Resilience in Ministry: Lessons from Covenant Clergywomen
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
As part of the North Park Theological Seminary 2025-2026 public programming series, Resilience in an Age of Permacrisis, we invite you to a panel discussion commemorating 50 years of women’s ordination in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Drawing from the 50-year study authored by Dr. Michelle Dodson and incorporating the experiences and wisdom of pioneering Covenant clergywomen, this panel will explore what resilience looks like in the face of persistent change, uncertainty, and resistance.
Town & Country Lunch
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
Join us in honor of all pastors serving in town and country settings, recognizing how much your ministry matters to God. Learn about new developments from the Town and Country Commission. RSVP during registration.
Spiritual Directors Luncheon hosted by the ACSD
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM
All spiritual directors, spiritual directors in training, and those interested in learning more about the ministry of spiritual direction are invited to join us for lunch, in order to get to know other spiritual directors, to share joys and sorrows from the past year, and to dream about what God might have in store for the ministry of spiritual direction in the ECC in the future. Cost: $20
Additional Events
NextGen Conference
Saturday, January 24 – Monday, January 26
The NextGen Conference is designed for all children, youth, and young adult ministry leaders to find connections, develop leadership skills, be inspired, and be empowered to continue investing in the next generation. You can expect dynamic teaching, passionate worship, breakout sessions led by pace-setting leaders, and opportunities to develop vital relationships. We create this space to partner with you as you engage your call to ministry.
Covenant Living Communities & Services Chaplains Meeting
Sunday, January 25, 1:00 – 5:00 pm | Monday, January 26, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
A meeting of education and inspiration specifically designed to support the work of Covenant Living Communities & Services chaplains and to update them on current initiatives. Registration information will be sent to all Covenant Living chaplains separately. Please contact Cameron Wu-Cardona with any questions.
Association of Covenant Spiritual Directors Retreat
Sunday, Sunday, Jan 25, 3:00 pm – Monday, Jan 26, 3:00 pm
All spiritual directors, and spiritual directors in training, are invited to join us for our Annual Pre-Midwinter Retreat at a nearby retreat center from mid-afternoon Sunday, 1/25/26, to mid-afternoon Monday, 1/26/26. Topic and location TBD. Come for connection, to be encouraged, and to be equipped in your ministry as a spiritual director.
Covenant World Relief and Development 80th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Join us as we honor our past, celebrate transformation, listen to powerful stories, and envision a hopeful future together. During the evening, there will be an opportunity to support the continued work of Covenant World Relief and Development (CWRD).
If you’re attending Midwinter 2026, simply add the CWRD GALA to your Midwinter registration. Not attending Midwinter? Click here for individual tickets and table hosting options.
Note: A CWRD Gala ticket is already included with all NextGen registrations.
Association of Covenant Camps and Conference Centers Annual Meeting (ACCCC)
Monday, January 26, 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Tuesday, January 27, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Gather with fellow leaders from Covenant camps and conference centers during Midwinter 2026 for the ACCCC Annual Meeting & Gathering. This two-day event will be a valuable time of connection, learning, and growth. Cost: $125
Throughout the Conference
North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) Classes and Cohorts
Seminary and Covenant Orientation students can take classes offered through NPTS during Midwinter. Students need to register for the class through North Park Theological Seminary and register for Midwinter using the Midwinter registration form. When registering for Midwinter, students can add special meals, receptions, and association meetings to their weekly schedule.
- Jan. 22-25: ECCO 5010 Vocational Excellence
- Jan. 26: ECCO 5040 Mission & Ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church
- Jan. 26-30: MNST 5108 Ministry Identity and Practice
- Jan. 26-30: ECCO 5020 History of the Evangelical Covenant Church
- Jan. 26-30: ECCO 5030 Theology of the Evangelical Covenant Church
- Jan. 26-30: FLDC 5300 Vocational Excellence / FLDC 7315 Intercultural Development Module
Financial Conversations
Come with financial questions, concerns, and goals. Bring any statements or documents pertinent to this confidential conversation with a financial professional from Covenant Trust Company. You will receive tools and new ideas to help you move forward with confidence and a clearer vision for the present and your future. Spanish consultations are available.
- Monday, January 26 | 1:30 – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday, January 27 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm; 4:00 pm
- Wednesday, January 28 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Thursday, January 29 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm; 4:00 pm
Conversation Hour with Tammy Swanson-Draheim
An opportunity to meet, ask questions, and have casual conversations with President Tammy Swanson-Draheim in a small group setting throughout the week. See opportunities available on registration form.
Meet with Superintendents and Conference Staff
If you would like to make an appointment with a conference superintendent or staff member during the Midwinter Conference, please contact them prior to the event.
Meet with Ministerium Leadership
If you would like to make an appointment with an officer from the denominational Ministerium during the Midwinter Conference, please contact them prior to the event at eccministerium@gmail.org. There will be limited times available at a designated location at the hotel to meet.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. Trained spiritual directors are available Tuesday – Thursday for a 50-minute session. Capacity is limited. Please consider your week’s commitments when registering and choose a time that best fits your schedule. For details, contact Christina Burrows.
Location
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 East North Water Street
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611
Guest rooms (king and/or double) available for $169/night plus taxes. Parking at the hotel is $30/night with in-and-out privileges.
Travel and Accommodations
Hotel
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 East North Water Street
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611
Need a Roommate?
If you would like to find someone to share housing expenses, please fill out this form, and we will help connect you with others who have a room or are looking for a room to share.
Airports
Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are both great options for attendees to arrive and travel to Chicago’s downtown and the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel.
United Discount
United Airlines is pleased to partner with the Evangelical Covenant Church for air travel to Midwinter 2026. To make flight reservations online, please click on the discount code ZRJE961040. MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code. You may also call the United Meetings Reservation Desk, Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
Delta Discount
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Reservations and ticketing are available via delta.com by entering the Meeting Code NM4TV under the “Advanced Search” option or by calling Conferences and Events Reservations at 800-328-1111.
Airport Transportation
Attendees will need to arrange their own transportation to the downtown hotel.
- Transportation to the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk from O’Hare – Blue Line to Clark/Lake, walk (16 min) or Uber to the hotel.
- Transportation to the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk from Midway – Orange Line to Clark/Lake, walk (16 min) or Uber to the hotel.
