Our Team

Get to know your church leaders and staff.

The Rev. Christopher Czarnecki is the Senior Pastor of Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, known for his passionate preaching, pastoral care, and commitment to social justice.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Christopher earned degrees from Jefferson Community College and Missouri Baptist University including an MBA. Prior to entering ministry, he spent 18 years in finance at PNC Bank. His call to ministry emerged while attending a Unity Church, leading him to seminary at Unity Institute and Seminary. In 2014, Christopher’s journey with the United Church of Christ began at Eden Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 2018.

Christopher’s ministry includes chaplaincy, student pastor roles, and leadership at First United Protestant Church in Hilo, Hawaii, where he revitalized the congregation, launched outreach programs, and navigated the challenges of the pandemic. In 2023, he was called to Holy Covenant UCC in Charlotte, North Carolina, bringing renewed energy to the church.

Rooted in liberation theology, racial justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and interfaith collaboration, Christopher seeks to deepen faith and inspire transformation. He and his beloved wife, Akeera, have three children: Daveyion, Shanel, and Carter.


Rev. Christopher Czarnecki – Substack Blog

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Jon holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from UNC Charlotte. Born in Newport News, Virginia, and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee, he grew up in the Presbyterian (USA) church his grandfather pastored. He attended Davidson College, majoring in music, before spending over 20 years in New Jersey leading worship and working as a social worker.

Specializing in mental health and substance abuse, Jon embraces a person-centered, strengths-based approach and has trained professionals in evidence-based recovery practices, including Housing First/Permanent Supportive Housing, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Crisis Prevention.

A lifelong pianist, Jon began playing at age three and finds music a vital source of respite. Passionate about integrating liturgy and global church music, he began attending Holy Covenant in 2019 and became a staff member in 2020. He is honored to serve a church that truly lives its faith, welcomes all, and actively pursues social justice.

Dawn has been an essential part of Holy Covenant United Church of Christ since 2009, serving as our dedicated support staff and “keeper of all things necessary, unnecessary, and questionable.” With a BSB in Finance from the University of Phoenix, she expertly manages church finances, volunteer coordination, vendor scheduling, communications, and administrative tasks. A driving force behind many church initiatives, Dawn ensures members stay connected and always feel welcome.

Passionate about Holy Covenant’s mission of equality and inclusion, she warmly greets newcomers and helps them find their place in our community. Outside of work, Dawn has a deep love for animals, gardening, and sustainability—often seen feeding deer, birds, and other of God’s beautiful creatures that share our campus. She also finds delight and peace in playing with a local Handbell choir, adding a musical touch to her many talents.


Officers

Terry Raley-Dennis, President (D)
Dawn Robinson, Vice President (E)
Martha Bomely, Treasurer (D)
Mel Andersen, Secretary (D)

Elders

Joy Decker
Brian Hankins
Jana Harrison
Tom Magraw
Lloyd Spencer

Deacons

Suzanne Lamorey
Tom Lannin
Cheryl Milam
Eric Miner
Lee Parrish
Shakti Subramanian


💒 Leadership at Holy Covenant UCC: Officers, Elders, and Deacons

At Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, we believe in shared leadership guided by faith, love, and service.
Our ministry teams are led by Officers, Elders, and Deacons—individuals called to serve with wisdom, compassion,
and a commitment to the radical welcome we extend to all.

 

🕯️ Officers: Stewards of Mission and Governance

Officers include the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary—dedicated individuals who guide the practical and organizational life of our church.

  • Providing Church leadership and planning and facilitating Consistory meetings (President)
  • Supporting team coordination and strategic planning (Vice President)
  • Managing financial stewardship, reporting, and budgets (Treasurer)
  • Recording and maintaining records and decisions (Secretary)

🕊️ Elders: Shepherds of Vision and Discipleship

Elders offer spiritual leadership and discernment for the church’s direction and vitality. With deep listening and prayerful wisdom, Elders help shape our faith journey and ensure our ministries align with our covenant to be a just, inclusive, and faithful church.

  • Providing counsel to the Pastor and ministry teams
  • Coordinating care for those who are sick, grieving, or in need
  • Supporting Christian education, formation, and discipleship
  • Encouraging congregational engagement and spiritual growth
  • Ensuring the sacred elements of Communion and Baptism are prepared and offered with reverence

✝️ Deacons: Ministers of Daily Church Life

Deacons are the hands and heart behind the scenes, ensuring the church runs smoothly and worship is carried out with care. Rooted in the biblical tradition of service, deacons handle many of the essential operational duties that support the life of the congregation—from preparing the sanctuary for worship and organizing communion, to coordinating volunteers, maintaining supplies, and helping facilitate special services. Their quiet dedication makes it possible for Holy Covenant to be a place of welcome, care, and connection for all.

  • Assisting in worship services
  • Participating in or Leading Ministry Teams
  • Helping to uphold the mission and vision of the Church
  • Ensuring the sacred elements of Communion and Baptism are offered with reverence

🙌 Called to Serve?

We are a church of extravagant welcome and shared responsibility. If you feel a calling to serve in any of these roles or want to learn more about our leadership model, we’d love to connect. Each role offers a unique way to live out your faith and help shape the beloved community.

“God is still speaking…” — and through our leaders—Officers, Elders, and Deacons—Holy Covenant listens, responds, and grows.

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