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.
-
pastor Tim Johnson
transition pastor | email Pastor Tim
I began serving as the Transition Pastor in December, 2024. My wife, Cyd (Cyndi), and I have been married for 42 years. We have three married children and five grandchildren who live in Bloomington and Chicago. I love kayaking, spending time deep in the woods, exploring new places, and having long conversations. I also love walking our Wheaten Terrier, Ole. For my entire life I’ve valued knowing people’s stories, including questions and struggles, as well as how Jesus has changed lives. This is what I cherish most about being a pastor - bearing witness to the new life Jesus brings! Having my childhood roots at First Covenant Church with my father as the Senior Pastor, it is now such a rich privilege to serve as a pastor with this dynamic, multi-layered congregation.
-
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.
-
ALEX WHITAKER
minister of worship and arts | email Alex
In April 2024, I joined the team at First Covenant. 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.
-
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.
-
lisa wexler
operations administrator | email Lisa
I joined the First Covenant ministry team in February of 2025, after more than 10 years of attending FCC. I am currently finishing my doctoral degree in Public Theology at United Theological Seminary in St. Paul, so my free time these days is spent reading and writing. I have a passion and love for the mission and people of FCC and look forward to serving in this new capacity. I enjoy long conversations and connecting on a deep level with people. I believe wholeheartedly that God is actively involved in our lives, and I love seeing God’s care come through in tangible ways.
-
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.
-
DONyae graham
livestream director and video editor | email Donyae
In the summer of 2021, I got involved with the tech team here at First Covenant Church of St. Paul and shortly after, became the Livestream Director as streaming has taken over, post-pandemic. However, I’ve been involved with FCC since middle school (‘06) by being found hanging out on the roof. I’m also a Johnson Sr High (2013) & Hamline University (2017) alumni. I enjoy theatre arts, movies, music and anything digital media related; where I even went on to create my own LLC for. 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.
Donyae Graham, LLC
Donyae Graham Productions (DGP) *Freelance Videography*
