New pastor to lead Covenant Church of Schaumburg as it celebrates its 60th anniversary
The congregation of Covenant Church of Schaumburg unanimously called the Rev. Sarah Winter to serve as its next pastor. She will begin her ministry with the church on Aug. 17. Her arrival comes as the church prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary and enter a new chapter of ministry, outreach, and community engagement.
Rev. Winter brings a diverse background in ministry, leadership, and spiritual formation. She previously served as pastor of family ministry at Northwest Covenant Church and continues to provide chaplaincy ministry through Covenant Living of Northbrook. Her experience includes leadership roles in family ministry, discipleship, pastoral care, and spiritual formation. She is ordained to Word and Service in the Evangelical Covenant Church and holds degrees from Purdue University and North Park Theological Seminary.
The decision follows an extensive search process conducted by the church’s pastoral search committee. Over many months, the committee engaged in prayer, congregational listening, candidate interviews, and discernment to identify the individual best suited to lead the church into its next season.
The congregation had multiple opportunities to meet, hear, and interact with Sarah before voting to extend the call. Candidate weekend included a fireside-style conversation with Sarah and her family, Sunday worship, and opportunities for members to engage directly with her throughout the process.
“After a thorough search process that included prayer, discernment, interviews, and congregational engagement, the committee unanimously recommended Sarah to the congregation,” said Greg Pearson, chairperson of Covenant Church of Schaumburg and member of the Pastoral Search Committee. “Throughout the process, Sarah consistently demonstrated spiritual maturity, relational warmth, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to helping people grow in their faith and relationships with Christ.”
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as pastor of Covenant Church of Schaumburg,” Rev. Winter said. “From my very first conversations with church leaders and members, I sensed a congregation deeply rooted in faith, prayer, and community. I am excited to become part of the Schaumburg community and to serve alongside the congregation as we seek to follow Christ together. I look forward to joining the church family and discovering what God has in store for this next chapter of ministry.”
For longtime member and search committee participant Kay Swanson, the recommendation became clearer with every interaction.
“One thing that stood out throughout the search process was that the more time we spent with Sarah, the more confident we became that she was the right person for this season of our church,” Swanson said. “She brings warmth, wisdom, humility, and a genuine love for people. I believe she will help us honor our history while leading us forward with hope.”
Founded in 1965, Covenant Church of Schaumburg has served the Schaumburg community for nearly six decades through worship, discipleship, community outreach, and service. Located at 301 N. Meacham Road, the church seeks to be a welcoming community where people can grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others in the name of Christ.
As the church prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in September, church leaders see Rev. Winter’s arrival as an opportunity to honor the congregation’s rich history while embracing new opportunities for ministry in the years ahead.
The congregation plans to officially welcome Rev. Winter during worship on Aug. 23 and celebrate her installation and the church’s 60th anniversary during Gathering Sunday on Sept. 13.
For more information about Covenant Church of Schaumburg, visit schaumburgcovenant.com.
About Covenant Church of Schaumburg
Covenant Church of Schaumburg is an Evangelical Covenant Church congregation located in Schaumburg, Illinois. The church’s mission is to help people follow Jesus, grow in faith, and serve others through worship, fellowship, discipleship, and community engagement.