On Friday night, September 30, 2022, we celebrated thirty-eight and a half years of ministry and friendship with the retirement of our beloved Pastor Mark Bush. It was a memorable evening at Bella Maria Event Center with well over 100 in attendance. There was a wonderful dinner, followed by a program that included music, heartfelt tributes, and much laughter and tears. Many of Mark’s family were in attendance, as well as associates in ministry, former and current pastors, interns, and current and former Covenant members. A special fishing reel and vest were presented to Mark as he plans to make his way to the rivers and streams more often during his retirement years. Mark and Miriam also plan to travel and spend time with their growing group of grandchildren.
The much-anticipated, Covid-delayed, 100-year celebration of Covenant Community Church was held in early summer 2022. The church was adorned with thousands of photos chronicling Covenant’s journey through the years. Framed photos of all Covenant’s pastors graced the back wall in the fellowship hall. Pastor Mark opened the celebration with prayer as a spread of culinary delights awaited those in attendance. Outdoor seating with tables were set up in the Pavilion within the Seeds of Hope Community Garden. A musical program in our beloved Covenant Sanctuary was icing on the celebration cake! Copies of The Covenant Chronicles were available as folks were able to reminisce.