Dear Covenant Family,
As we begin this year’s Giving Campaign, we find inspiration in the words of the Apostle Paul to the early churches:
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded… for the privilege of sharing in this service to God’s people.”
These early believers gave from a place of deep grace—not out of abundance, but out of solidarity, faith, and hope. It’s a reminder that generosity isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about embodying the kind of community we long to be: joyful, generous, and justice-driven.
In that spirit, we invite you to join us in our 2026 Giving Campaign, rooted in the values that shape our life together:
Worship: We create sacred space where God’s presence is honored, mystery is welcomed, and our lives are opened to transformation.
Justice and Service: We seek a faith that moves—fighting injustice, feeding neighbors, and standing with those on the margins.
Discovery and Commitment: We value lifelong spiritual curiosity and growing in our commitment to the gospel of liberation, peace, and equity.
Community and Inclusivity: We are building a church where everyone belongs, where diversity is celebrated, and where love knows no bounds.
Each of us has a role to play in making this vision real. As 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Your financial commitment helps us do just that: steward grace faithfully and tangibly. When we give, we’re not simply funding a ministry—we’re embodying a movement. A movement of people living with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Our generosity is a collective celebration of God’s ongoing work through us—committing to live boldly in hope, equity, and love.
Upcoming Campaign Dates:
• Friday, October 31
Official Campaign Launch/ Online Pledge Portal Opens
• Sundays in November
Sharing Our Stories: Why We Give / Pledge Card Distribution
• Sunday, November 23
Commitment Sunday (Bring your pledge card or pledge online)
We invite you to reflect, pray, and imagine what generous giving could look like for you and our church in this season. Whether your gift is small or large, every commitment helps us build a future rooted in love and guided by grace.
Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for giving. Thank you for embodying the vision.
With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Erica.
If you would like monies from your pledge be allocated differently to our Missions Partnerships and Ministries, visit this form.
Worship is how we embody our faith together—an expression of who we are and who we are becoming in God. Each Sunday, we gather not only to offer praise, but to bring our full selves—our gratitude, questions, grief, joy, and hope—into the presence of the Divine. In this sacred space, we listen for God's voice, receive Christ's grace, and respond with renewed commitment to love and justice. Worship at BCOC is creative, inclusive, and intentionally shaped to reflect the beauty and diversity of our community. Through the gifts of our Covenant Choir, Youth and Children’s Choirs, Covenant Ringers Handbell Choir, and guest instrumentalists, we experience God’s mystery and delight. Our worship and music education programs nurture people of all ages and skill levels. Through banners, paraments, floral designs, and imaginative visual art, we tell and retell the story of God’s presence among us. In all of this, we seek to make worship not just something we attend—but something we live.
We embody community and inclusivity by creating spaces where every person is known, welcomed, and celebrated. We believe that belonging is not just a feeling—it’s a practice shaped by intentional relationships across all generations and walks of life. Whether gathered around a table, a campfire, or a shared story, we are formed by the sacred connections we build with one another. From potlucks to picnics, retreats to group outings, our congregational life is grounded in the belief that every voice matters and every presence enriches the whole. In laughter, conversation, and shared experience, we live out the truth that we are one body, held together in God’s Spirit.
We embody justice and service by following the example of Jesus, who consistently stood with those pushed to the margins and proclaimed good news to the poor. We believe that every person carries sacred worth—and that to love as Jesus loves means working for liberation, dignity, and equity in our neighborhood and beyond. Through Common Table meals, authentic relationships, and the distribution of hygiene kits, clean clothing, and food pantry items, we serve our neighbors not as charity, but as kinship. We raise our voices for systemic change, advocating at both state and national levels for policies that reflect compassion and justice for the vulnerable. Our reach extends through strong partnerships with organizations like Bread for the World, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama Arise, Faith in Action Alabama, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Alabama, and Terra Nova Academy in Uganda. We are also deeply connected to our sister church, Shalom Baptist Church in Boca de Mariel, Cuba, affirming that the work of justice is global, relational, and rooted in Christ’s love.
Our mission is embodied not only in what we do, but in where we do it and who guides us there. Our buildings and staff are not just logistical necessities—they are vital to how we live out our values. From the sanctuary where we worship, to the Bock-Mayse Ministry Center where we serve, to the classrooms where we learn and grow—our facilities tell the story of a living, breathing, active faith community. They are sacred spaces, lovingly maintained, where grace becomes tangible.
Our pastors and staff are called not only to manage ministries but to shepherd and inspire our community. Alongside them, our deacons faithfully provide vital care and support, embodying Christ’s love through compassionate ministry. Our Council on Mission works diligently behind the scenes, offering wise administrative leadership that keeps our vision moving forward with clarity and purpose. Your giving sustains all this work, providing fair and just compensation, and supporting ongoing growth through healthcare, retirement, and professional development.
When you give to BCOC, you help tend the soil that allows our values to flourish—from the everyday beauty of a clean nursery to the faithful leadership that casts vision and care throughout our community.
Making a pledge is more than filling out a form—it’s an act of faith, hope, and shared responsibility. Your annual pledge is a personal commitment to live generously, supporting the ministries, mission, and vision of our church in the year ahead. Each pledge helps our leadership plan wisely, ensuring that our programs, staff, outreach, and sacred spaces are funded with care and intention. Your generosity helps us embody the values we proclaim.And remember—pledges can be adjusted at any time if your financial circumstances change.
If you’re new to giving at BCOC, you might wonder: How much should I pledge?
This is a deeply personal decision, shaped by your own financial reality and spiritual commitment. Many in our community use 10% of income (a tithe) as a guiding practice (Gen 14:18-20, 28:20-22; Lev 27:30; Deut 14:22-23). Others give more out of abundance, and some give less during times of financial challenge.
Whatever amount you choose, we invite you to give with joy, consistency, and purpose. No gift is too small. Every pledge is a meaningful way to participate in the ongoing work of God through our church. Together, our generosity becomes a powerful way to embody the vision we share.
If you have pledged or given to BCOC in the past, thank you for your faithful generosity! We encourage you to continue your story of faithful giving. We invite you this year, if you are able, to move up a step percentage in your 2026 pledge. For instance, if you pledged 8% of your income last year, would you consider giving 9% of your income in 2026? This increase in generous giving will help us meet the growing needs of our ministry.
Your giving is a vital part of how we embody our values – supporting worship, deepening community, pursuing justice, and fostering spiritual growth across all ages.
Even a small step forward in generosity helps us meet the needs of our ministry—ensuring that we can continue to live out our vision with creativity, courage, and care.
You can fill out a pledge card and bring it with you to worship on Commitment Sunday, November 23, or mail it to the church office.
Automatic Bill Pay Giving – Most banks and credit unions can handle recurring payments for you. You can set up payments online through the bank’s “Bill Pay” service. The church will receive a paper check by mail for the amount you designate.
Give through Realm. You can pay by ACH debit from your bank account, a debit card, or a credit card. Online giving gives you the option to schedule a one-time or recurring payment. This option requires the church to pay transaction fees, so please choose to pay those fees yourself to make sure your gift has the biggest impact.
Place it in the offering plate during Sunday worship or mail it to the church office (2117 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35233).
Place your cash contribution in an envelope with your name on it and drop it in the offering plate during Sunday worship.
If you would like to learn more about the Stock Gift Program, making a charitable contribution directly from an IRA, or include Baptist Church of the Covenant in your will, contact the church office for more information.
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