48th Annual Covenant Women’s Auction: Legacy, Fellowship, and Purpose
For nearly five decades, the Community Covenant Church in Upsala has gathered for a beloved tradition—an annual auction that began in the church basement in the fall of 1978. What started as a focused effort by the Covenant Women for mission outreach has blossomed into a cornerstone event for the entire community, raising thousands of dollars to fund youth initiatives, local outreach, and global missions.
Event Details
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Event: 48th Annual Covenant Women’s Auction
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Location: Community Covenant Church, 122 S Main St, Upsala, MN
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Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
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Time: Auction starts at 6:30 p.m.
A Legacy Built on Dedicated People
The auction’s long-standing success is rooted in the faith and dedication of many core church members and families. Early pioneers like Emery Levine, Emie Hippie, Gertrude Schultz, Ethel Peterson, and Melvie Hippie helped lay the groundwork in 1978. While many founders have passed the tradition has sustained through key contributors such as Wanda Erickson, Wendy Pearson Voronyak, Linda Koehn Peppin, and families like the Olsons and Abrahamsons.
Over the decades, signature homemade goods have become fan favorites: including Bonnie Amren’s famous doughnuts from Pine Lake, Gertrude Schultz’s pumpkin pecan pie, Lois Erickson’s handmade teddy bears, and fresh apple pies and cider squeezings from Bill and Joyce Krivanek’s orchard.
Featured Items for This Year’s Auction
This year’s line-up features an extraordinary selection of handcrafted goods, baked items, unique experiences, and local donations:
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Handcrafted Woodwork & Textiles:
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Three handcrafted turned boxes by master woodworker Mel Larson.
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Three table runners and one large quilt, designed and sewn by Linda Temp.
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A large afghan and baby afghan, lovingly handmade by Luanne Cluka.
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Delicious Treats & Dining Experiences:
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Two pans of the famous Pundsack cinnamon rolls.
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Outdoor oven pizza meal for a group from Matt and Karen Hoffman.
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Two prime rib suppers for two hosted by Craig & Wanda Erickson.
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Fresh produce, pickles, baked goods, and homemade ice cream.
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Books, Baskets & Household Goods:
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Two gift baskets of books written by author Michelle Aleckson.
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Gift baskets from Sheila and Lacey Brezonka (jams, jellies, salsas, cleaning supplies, decorations).
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SCENTSY gift basket from Marina Roering.
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Flat screen TV, antique glassware, shelves, and home decor.
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Purpose & Mission
Proceeds from the 48th Annual Auction directly support:
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Church camp funds and youth initiatives
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Wednesday Night meals
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Local and worldwide mission outreach to share the Gospel
48 Years Behind the Mic
If you’ve ever been to the auction, you know there’s one voice that’s been tied to this night from the very start. Back in 1978, at just 25 years old, Mike Schultz stepped up to call the first auction in the church basement of his home church.
48 years later, Mike is still at the mic, bringing the same heart, energy, and love for this church family to every bid. It’s always been about the people showing up year after year to support a purpose bigger than ourselves through this Kingdom mission.