Upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, the Session called a congregational meeting to elect an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee for the newly established position of Associate Pastor for Congregational Life. This new position (expected summer of 2025) elevates and includes the responsibilities currently fulfilled by our Pastoral Resident for Congregational Life and Care. 
 
The impetus for this progress grows directly from congregational feedback captured in the Envision Report mission study as follows:

• At almost every listening session we heard the strong desire to attract/create a diverse community. Diversity of all kinds is very much on people’s minds and Covenant's mission statement to “gladly invite all people” is foundational to this goal. The congregation seeks to continue on this path and find ways to do more.
• Beyond welcoming, there is a strong desire for transformational relationships.
• We recommend a continued approach to outreach planning with a relationship-building orientation.
• As our immediate neighborhood evolves, we want to be intentional about relationship building with Wake Forest School of Medicine, Atrium Health Medical Center, The Duke Foundation, and more.

 
This new Associate Pastor position will include responsibilities from the Congregational Life/Care Pastoral Residency — working with T.L.C., S.O.S., Pet Ministry, Outdoor Ministry, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Third Quarter, and others — along with expanded accountabilities to include intentional congregational partnerships throughout the city designed primarily to foster cross-racial partnerships.
 
Session has called a Congregational Meeting on December 8, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, for the purpose of electing an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC). The slate of nominees for the committee is Courtney St. Onge (chair), John Baxter (vice-chair), Mary Clare Chinery, Kandy Cosper, and Bill Saunders.