The Arts

The arts at First Covenant are expressions of worship and transparent expressions of who we are as individuals. Art captures joy, struggle, and complexity in our spiritual journeys. It gives voice to the inexpressible.

We view the arts as more than accessories to or illustrations of the sermon message! They are vehicles to deepen the spiritual experience. We want to experience the arts in a sensory, experiential way.

A gathering place for artists

We work hard to be a place where artists feel welcome—and where they can find a place to explore and share their craft. If you are a singer, instrumentalist, dancer, designer, filmmaker, visual artist, writer, or any kind of artist, get in touch. We’d love to connect and learn more about your work.

Sunday arts eclecticism  

We approach Sunday morning gatherings with an artistic viewpoint—a discipline we’re always working to expand. Gatherings include eclectic expressions of our love for God and our journey toward him. Sitting in the sanctuary on Sundays, you might experience…

  • the Gospel Choir sharing renditions of “Magnify the Lord” and “Hallelujah to the King”
  • poetry—“Stealing Sugar” by Robert Bly, “The Thread of Life” by Christina Rossetti, or an original poetic work
  • a “Grey Bloke” video
  • the song “Holes” (arr. H. Williams) interwoven with first person narration
  • a scene from the film “Young at Heart” in which a choir of senior citizens belt out  “Dancing in the Dark” for prison inmates
  • a standard rock rhythm section with string accompaniment
  • red rose petals falling from the ceiling accompanied by “What Wondrous Love”
  • arrangements for brass
  • original responsive readings
  • “Ain’t No Grave” music video and original artwork from The Johnny Cash Project
  • “The Rune of Hospitality” with guitar and cello
  • a drum duo
  • an original dance presentation to “Rushing Wind,” addressing the theme of finding “soul space”

Our hope is to create moments for reflection, insight, and emotion. We’re all looking to grow in our artistry and in our spiritual lives.

First Covenant Community Gospel Choir

The community gospel choir was an initiative designed to infuse diversity and outreach into our Worship Arts ministry and, really, the life and mission of our church.  The Gospel Choir was formed in September 2010 and performs at least one Sunday a month as part of the worship service at First Covenant.  Rehearsals are held every Thursday evening at 6 p.m.  The Choir has already been invited to perform outside performances and will soon be taking its message to prisons and shelters.  All are welcome to join.  No auditions are necessary and no formal music training is required; if you are a singer, you only need a good attitude and a sincere desire to share your musical talents with others.

Events around town

We love our city and want to be a part of the excitement that happens here every day. Know of an upcoming arts event—a reading, concert, exhibit, or performance that might be of interest to the community of arts here? Drop us an email.

Where do you go from here? For a first connection, you can reach Director of Worship, Bruce Balgaard via the usual methods (612-927-3159 or ).

Coming Together Around The Arts - Dan Collison

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Upcoming Events

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 9:30 AM 

Bandage rolling

Every third Tuesday of the month, you can help roll cotton bandages to be used in hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Come downstairs to Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 6-8 PM 

Supper and Ash Wednesday service

You are invited to a simple soup supper in Fellowship Hall. If you can bring soup to share, please contact Pastor Kyliah Clarke Villa ( or 612-927-3124). At 7 p.m., join in a brief worship service as we observe the beginning of Lent together.

FEBRUARY 24-26

ROOTS Winter Retreat

Students grades 6-12, don’t miss out on an incredible weekend! The Winter Retreat, February 24-26, will be at Adventurous Christians Wilderness Camp on the Gunflint Trail. Cost is $95, and includes lodging, food, transportation, all programming, activities, and lots and lots of fun!  Partial scholarships are available as needed. Space is limited, so pick up a registration form from Todd Bratulich or Leya Copper. 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 9-9:45 AM 

All-community prayer gathering

Come to receive prayer on Sunday morning during all-community prayer time. This open group meets to pray for others, the community, and First Covenant. All-community prayer is open to everyone. NOTE THE NEW LOCATION: the Lounge by the elevator on the second floor. Stop in any time during First Hour (9-9:45 a.m.) Sunday morning. On the second Sunday of the month, prayer gatherings will start at 8:30 a.m. and end in time for the 9 a.m. Hymn, Scripture & Prayer service also held in the Lounge.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM 

Breaking New Ground with Race Relations
(Class 3)

Nekima Levy-Pounds will lead this three-class series. The class will be held in the Lounge. A sandwich lunch will be provided ($5 per person requested). Please RSVP to Terri Stromberg ( or 612-927-3120).

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 6-7 PM

CONFIRMATION CLASS (Students)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 7-9 PM

ROOTS (Students)

Join us for ROOTS, a time of fun and exploration as we grow deeper in relationship with God and each other.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 9-9:45 AM 

All-community prayer gathering

Come to receive prayer on Sunday morning during all-community prayer time. This open group meets to pray for others, the community, and First Covenant. All-community prayer is open to everyone. NOTE THE NEW LOCATION: the Lounge by the elevator on the second floor. Stop in any time during First Hour (9-9:45 a.m.) Sunday morning. On the second Sunday of the month, prayer gatherings will start at 8:30 a.m. and end in time for the 9 a.m. Hymn, Scripture & Prayer service also held in the Lounge.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 5-7 PM 

Adjourned annual meeting

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Prior to the meeting, you are invited to a dinner served by our youth in Fellowship Hall at 5 p.m. The proceeds from the meal will be used to help student kids attend CHIC, a conference/gathering of young people from Covenant churches around the U.S. and Canada next summer.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 6-7 PM

CONFIRMATION CLASS (Students)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 7-9 PM

ROOTS (Students)

Join us for ROOTS, a time of fun and exploration as we grow deeper in relationship with God and each other.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 6:30-8:30 PM 

Wellness Night

You're invited to an all-community evening together with a focus on wellness. Details to come.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

SATURDAY, MAY 19

Save the date! All-church retreat
"Room To Breathe"

On Saturday, May 19, the entire First Covenant community is invited to an all-church retreat alongside the beautiful St. Croix river, at the YMCA camp in Hudson Wisconsin. Last year, nearly 90 people enjoyed the day together. Mark your calendars now. Plan to attend, and start practicing for the second annual skit and talent show!

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.