Our Staff
Rev. Elizabeth Whitney - Senior Pastor
Pastor Elizabeth Whitney joined us here at First Covenant Church in March 2024 along with her husband and three children. She comes to us from a Presbyterian Church in Connecticut where she served as Pastor of Christian Education and Discipleship. Her past experience includes work in several churches as Minister of Outreach and Discipleship, Discipleship Pastor, Women’s Ministry Co-Director, Children’s Church Teacher, Deacon, Nursery Program Coordinator, and Youth Co-Director. She holds an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies from Liberty University and a Masters in Divinity from Sioux Falls Seminary. Pastor Liz is ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church. In addition, she possess training in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), from Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut. This training combines professional education with hands-on experience, providing spiritual care to patients, families and staff in a multi-faith clinical setting.
Rev. Julie Challingsworth - Youth Pastor
Pastor Julie Anderson has been with First Covenant since June 2015. She is the Pastor of Youth and Adult Ministry. She can often be found teaching confirmation, leading high school small group, making a fool of herself playing games with the youth group, going to visit members of the church, helping to lead worship or having fun around the community. She has a passion for building relationships with students, adults and families in our church and in our community. She loves art museums, coffee, cupcakes and being creative. Julie believes very strongly that God has placed beauty everywhere and it is our joy to find it in all things.
Sarah Oehlbeck - Office/business manager
Sarah Oehlbeck first started working at First Covenant in August of 2015. She graduated from Jamestown Business College in February of 2015 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science majoring in Hospitality Management and also a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration majoring in Business Management. She lives in Sherman, NY and is a volunteer with the Stanley Hose Auxiliary, currently serving as Treasurer and Secretary. She loves to do crafts, scrapbook, and read a good book!