Covenant Church of Schaumburg Announces Reverend Sarah Winter as New Pastor
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Covenant Church of Schaumburg (CCOS) is pleased to announce that thecongregation has unanimously called Reverend Sarah Winter to serve as its next pastor. She willbegin her ministry with the church on August 17, 2026. Her arrival comes as CCOS prepares tocelebrate its 60th anniversary and enter a new chapter of ministry, outreach, and community engagement.
Sarah brings a diverse background in ministry, leadership, and spiritual formation. Shepreviously served as Pastor of Family Ministry at Northwest Covenant Church and continues toprovide chaplaincy ministry through Covenant Living of Northbrook. Her experience includesleadership roles in family ministry, discipleship, pastoral care, and spiritual formation. She isordained to Word and Service in the Evangelical Covenant Church and holds degrees fromPurdue University and North Park Theological Seminary.
The decision follows an extensive search process conducted by the church's Pastoral SearchCommittee. Over many months, the committee engaged in prayer, congregational listening,candidate interviews, and discernment to identify the individual best suited to lead the churchinto its next season.
The congregation had multiple opportunities to meet, hear, and interact with Sarah beforevoting to extend the call. Candidate weekend included a fireside-style conversation with Sarahand her family, Sunday worship, and opportunities for members to engage directly with herthroughout the process.
"After a thorough search process that included prayer, discernment, interviews, andcongregational engagement, the committee unanimously recommended Sarah to thecongregation," said Greg Pearson, Chairperson of Covenant Church of Schaumburg andmember of the Pastoral Search Committee. "Throughout the process, Sarah consistentlydemonstrated spiritual maturity, relational warmth, thoughtful leadership, and a deepcommitment 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 ofSchaumburg," said Sarah. "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 becomepart of the Schaumburg community and to serve alongside the congregation as we seek tofollow Christ together. I look forward to joining the church family and discovering what God hasin store for this next chapter of ministry.
"For longtime member and search committee participant Kay Swanson, the recommendationbecame clearer with every interaction."One thing that stood out throughout the search process was that the more time we spent withSarah, the more confident we became that she was the right person for this season of ourchurch," said Swanson. "She brings warmth, wisdom, humility, and a genuine love for people. Ibelieve 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 fornearly six decades through worship, discipleship, community outreach, and service. Located at301 N. Meacham Road, the church seeks to be a welcoming community where people can growin faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others in the name of Christ.
As CCOS prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in September, church leaders see Sarah'sarrival as an opportunity to honor the congregation's rich history while embracing newopportunities for ministry in the years ahead. The congregation plans to officially welcomeSarah during worship on August 23 and celebrate her installation and the church's 60th anniversary during Gathering Sunday on September 13.
The church's mission is to help people follow Jesus, grow in faith, and serve others through worship, fellowship, discipleship, and community engagement.
