ABOUT US
Founded in 1959, we are a congregation of roughly 215 people who worship together, love and support each other, and seek the welfare of our community through service and outreach.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to glorify and enjoy God, to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, and to express the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. In response to the love of God, we will worship God, educate ourselves, care for each other, and serve our neighbors in the community and the world.
GIVING
As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of members and friends to fund our ministry. To make a gift, please contact the Finance Secretary. We are prepared to receive a variety of assents. Gifts may be made to memorial funds, the annual fund, endowment funds, capital improvements, preschool scholarships, or a number of other needs approved by the Session. All gifts are tax-deductible and a giving statement will be provided.
OUR COMMUNITY
Our community is grateful to have people who are new, and other people who have been around for years. We are blessed with a range of ages, races, orientations, family units, economic conditions, and political views. We are committed to being an inclusive community in all the ways that we can.
BELIEFS
To be a member of a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation, one must only profess faith in Jesus Christ. Those who are ordained as Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, Ruling Elders, and Deacons make additional professions which are outlined in the Book of Order. Broadly, Presbyterians emphasize the centrality of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and Grace that cannot be earned or taken away.
OUR VALUES
During the last pastoral transition, the congregation undertook a lengthy evaluation of its shared faith, interpretation of Scripture, and culture. This resulted in the adoption of core values that you will see in all that we do:
Compassion,
Hospitality, &
Inclusiveness.
GOVERNANCE
We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a denomination that values multi-layered accountability, shared leadership, and a diversity of voices. We are accountable to Northeast Georgia Presbytery. Each year, our congregation elects Elders and Deacons. Elders form the Session, which oversees all aspects of the work and ministry of the congregation. Deacons are responsible for the care of our congregation and those beyond our congregation.
STAFF
The Rev. Katelyn
Gordon Cooke,
Co-Pastor
Katelyn has served as Co-Pastor at Covenant since 2018 and as Preschool Director since 2021. A graduate of the University of North Carolina and Columbia Theological Seminary, she was ordained by New Hope Presbytery in 2010.
The Rev. Andy Cooke,
Co-Pastor
Andy has served as Co-Pastor at Covenant since 2018. He was ordained by Northeast Georgia Presbytery in 2005 after studying at the University of Georgia and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently pursing a Doctor of Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Lyn Patterson,
Director of Music &
Organist
Lyn has served at Covenant since 2012. She earned a Master of Arts in Church Music at Trinity Lutheran Seminary as well as undergraduate degrees at Capital University and Point Loma Nazarene University.
The Rev. Karla Conditt Daniels,
Parish Associate
A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Karla has been at Covenant since 1996. Having earned degrees at Louisville Theological Seminary (M.Div. & M.A.M.F.T.), she is a member of Northeast Georgia Presbytery.
Jill Reeves Garren,
Preschool Director
Jill began her tenure as Preschool Director on June 1, 2024. She is an experienced preschool and elementary school teacher and holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Regents University.
Rachel Gregory,
Church Administrator
Rachel has served as our Church Administrator since 2023. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in administration after working at Sacred Heart Cultural Center for the past 25 years.
Jenn Harrison,
Finance Secretary
Jenn has been at Covenant since March 2021. She has an accounting degree from Augusta University and serves in a similar role in another local Presbyterian congregation.
MISSION DESIGNATIONS
In 2021, we expanded our participation in God's mission to eradicate systemic poverty and to care for creation. Click the images to learn more about the Matthew 25 initiative and Earth Care Congregations. Elaine Lea is the chair of our Matthew 25 Task Force and Amy House is the chair of our Creation Care Task Force.
ELECTED LEADERS
Session (Ruling Elders)
Moderators:
Andy Cooke & Katelyn Gordon Cooke
Clerk of Session: Susan Monk
Class of 2025
-
Dalton Cooper
-
Charlotte Ealick
-
Judy Grieve
-
Maria Rivera
Class of 2026
-
Jim Buckalew
-
William Davis
-
Susan Monk
-
Aubrey Moore
Class of 2027
-
Amelia Hall
-
Anne Ealick Henry
-
Elaine Lea
-
Robert Vernoy
Diaconate (Deacons)
Moderator: Linda-Jean Jay
Vice Moderator: Chuck Baldwin
Secretary: Julie Usry
Class of 2025
-
Joyce Bowers
-
Kathy Ordelt
-
Sabina Widner
Class of 2026
-
Chuck Baldwin
-
Phil Humphrey
-
Linda-Jean Jay
Class of 2027
-
Kadie Cheeks
-
Claire Welborn Hancock
-
Julie Usry
Congregational Nominating Committee
Chair: William Davis
Officers
-
William Davis
-
Aubrey Moore
-
Joyce Bowers
Class of 2025
-
Elaine Lea
-
Pat Ritter
Class of 2026
-
Chris Terry
-
Jody Huff