Our Ministry Team at First Covenant lead and serve in a variety of ways guiding First Covenant to continually seek to authentically live into our identity in Christ, empowered by the Spirit to embody the love of God and the hope of the Gospel locally and globally.
This past September Pastor Anne Vining concluded her 22-year ministry at First Covenant Church. We anticipate our Transition Pastor, Rev. Tim Johnson, who will be joining the team on December 1.
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PASTOR KATE MAKOSKY
associate pastor | email Pastor Kate
I've been on the team at First Covenant since 2006, making the Eastside my home along with my 2 children, husband, and two cats. I love seeing people connect their story with God's story, and take the next step in furthering the Kingdom of God. I'm thankful to be a part of a community that embraces hopeful curiosity and where all ages can find places of belonging, grow in their faith in Jesus, and continue becoming who God has created them to be. I love spending time in my garden, walking around our neighborhood and Lake Phalen, reading, and playing Mario Kart with my kids.
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ALEX WHITAKER
interim minister of worship and arts | email Alex
In April 2024, I joined the team as interim minister of worship and arts. I grew up in North Carolina and attended Oberlin College and UW-Madison. I live in Minneapolis with my partner. In my free time I go to the gym, take Spanish classes, and practice the harp. I look forward to introducing new music and different styles of worship to the congregation.
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SCOTT NITCHIE
minister of youth and families | email Scott
In May 2024 I moved to Minnesota and joined the First Covenant Ministry Team as minister of youth and families. I grew up in Vermont, attended North Park University in Chicago, and previously lived in New Hampshire working in camping ministry. I enjoy going to concerts, playing ultimate frisbee, and watching Boston sports teams win championships. I have always been passionate about investing youth and I look forward to walking with our 6th - 12th graders through these formative years.
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LORA MURTHA
minister of children and families | email Lora
I have been on the team since 2018 when I served as the nursery coordinator before moving into my current role in 2021. My husband and 2 kids call the Eastside our home. Our family members are nature enthusiasts. You will often see us outside camping, disc golfing, or spending time on the water. I am excited to help introduce a sense of belonging, believing, and becoming to our birth - 5th graders, giving them a solid foundation to continue growing in their faith.
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MICHELLE KOZITZA
facilities and office administrator | email Michelle
I have returned to First Covenant as the facilities and office administrator, coming on board in October 2024. 30 years ago I served here as the office staff and administrative assistant. It is nice to be back! My boyfriend and I live in Maplewood with our dog "Trudy." When not working, we are on the water fishing.
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larachel porter
office coordinator | email LaRachel
I started at First Covenant in 2023 as the office coordinator. I am a Minnesota native and a Johnson Senior High graduate. I enjoy reading and spending quiet time reflecting in my spare time.
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DONyae graham
livestream director | email Donyae
In the summer of 2021, I got involved with the tech team at First Covenant. Shortly after, I became the livestream director as streaming took over post-pandemic. However, I have been invovled with FCC since middle school, when I was found hanging out on the roof. I enjoy theatre arts, movies, music, and anything digital media related. You can also find me outdoors doing things like camping, water activities, and snowboarding...all while I patiently wait for the MN Vikings to win a SuperBowl.
