What we’re about.
Anchor Covenant is part of a larger family of churches called the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), a denomination of about 850 US churches.
The Covenant describes itself this way: Set in motion in 1885 by Swedish immigrants, today we are a growing, multi ethnic, inter generational mosaic of churches with ministry partnerships in nearly forty countries on five continents.
The Evangelical Covenant Church values:
the Bible as the word of God
a gift of God’s grace and ever-deepening spiritual life through faith in Jesus Christ
extending God’s love and compassion to a hurting world
strength that comes from unity within diversity
Our Staff.
Joyful, Family oriented, Adventurer, Coffee lover, Enthusiast, Outdoor seeker, Jesus adorer.
Melissa has a passion for equipping leaders and creating pathways for people to fall in love with Jesus. Her Deer Grove congregation, where she served as Lead Pastor for the last 16 years, claims that Melissa has led three congregations — at Deer Grove, Starbucks, and her gym! In each of these settings she has been bestowed with the name Pastor as she shepherds the congregation, dives into faith conversations over coffee or shares in story on treadmills.
On any given week you will find her pulling up a chair to answer faith questions over coffee, exploring outdoor adventures with the love of her life, Fredrik, and their two incredible boys, Erik and Jonas, or serving alongside Anchor staff working to foster a place for kids, youth and adults to experience Jesus.
Office Manager: Julie Smiley
Contact: office@anchorcovenant.org
Julie loves baking, all animals big and small, laughing with her husband and exploring nature with her family.
Julie is also a part time Developmental Therapist in Northern Illinois for children with developmental delays ages birth- 3 years old.
Julie and her family moved to Lake Geneva because of it’s friendly community and small town feel.
When you come to the church office, Julie will greet you with a smile.
She is exceptional with administrative tasks and is our detail extraordinaire!
Anchor Youth: Laura Gowan
Contact: laura.gowan@anchorcovenant.org
Known for her enthusiastic welcome, Laura Gowan believes that there’s a place for everyone in God’s kingdom —
and at Anchor Covenant! She would love to help you use your gifts as an act of worship.
Laura is a teacher and an encourager. She loves nicknames and games.
As leader of Anchor’s 6-12th grade youth group, Buoy, Laura is passionate about helping students know God’s love and live fully into the adventurous life that following Him offers. When she’s not coordinating ministry at Anchor Covenant, you can find Laura building community with walks along the lake, managing her kids’ sports teams, or pouring into her Buoy volunteers, including her husband, “Gow”. The two of them have three awesome kids, Sally, Daisy, and Henry; all three of whom are now Buoy age.
Kids’ Ministry Lead & Logistics Extraordinaire: Jaci Fohr
Contact: jaci.fohr@anchorcovenant.org or childrensministry@anchorcovenant.org
Jaci loves children, especially her own Mackenzie and Declan. She spends most of her week working in the library at Woods School, but recently took on a part-time role leading Anchor Kids’ Ministry. She is intent on showing all children they are special, loved by God, and created for a purpose. In addition to working with children, Jaci enjoys drinking coffee, spending time with family, and exercising.
Our Leadership Team.
Anchor is governed by a leadership team of six members of the congregation and the senior pastor.
Team members are elected to a two year term by the congregation voting at an annual meeting.
The Leadership Team (LT) is responsible to carry out the church’s mission and ministry, and to approve church policies. Much of this work is carried out by task groups and committees that the LT appoints and monitors. Monthly LT meetings are open to the congregation and reports are given to church members at two all-church meetings each year. For a list of our Leadership Team members please visit our Ministry Teams page.
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