Reverend Dr. William J. “Billy” Younger

Senior Pastor

Let me tell you a little about myself.  I grew up in the Willamette Valley of Oregon (Portland, Milwaukee, Oregon City and Aurora) in a non-Christian home.  Nonetheless, God led me though a troubled adolescence and brought me to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a junior in High School (1986).  Upon graduation I attended Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois.  It was at Trinity that fell in love with my wonderful wife Karen, and further honed my calling to ministry.

Upon graduation from Trinity (1991) I began attending Gordon-Conwell Theological seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.  Also, at this time I began serving as a seminary intern at Park Street Church Boston, MA.  While serving here I had the opportunity to spend four years as assistant to the Senior Minister.

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Upon completion of my Master of Divinity degree (1996) I took on a small church in Suburban Chicago, and had my gifts further tested and sharpened as a solo pastor.  While my tenure there was short (2 years) I learned much and thank God for the experience and life lessons I learned in this time. By God’s grace, He then led me to pastor Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church in North Central Pennsylvania (1998). Through my nearly twelve year pastorate I continued to grow personally and professionally, becoming more and more convinced in the power of the gospel to change people’s lives. In 2010 God led me to Union Presbyterian Church in Robinson, PA where I recently served as the Lead Pastor.

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Along the way, I completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA (2007).  My dissertation was focused on congregational renewal, and in particular, how to develop and implement strategies for renewal and revitalization.  

My wife, Karen, and I also have been blessed with two beautiful and talented daughters, Olivia and Lily.  They are all grown up now, off at college, leaving us with an empty nest.

In all honesty, all the above facts and figures — while important — don’t really tell you who I am and what excites me about serving Christ’s church. The fact is, I am a pretty normal guy who adores his family and loves Christ’s Church.  I’m a follower of Christ who has been given the call and gift for ministry and leadership in Christ’s Church — the Church which I believe is the primary agent of change in the world.  Like the rest of you, I’m not perfect, but I know the One who is and who chooses to love and believe in us anyway and wants us to live in the reality and joy of His presence.  I believe that we are stronger than we could ever be apart, and that God has plans for us to change our world with His gospel.  That is why I am a pastor in the first place and excited to be one at this particular time in history.  Our God loves to bless us as His covenant people and he will be forever faithful.

Reverend Dr. Scott Shetter

Associate Pastor

I was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in a rural community, Cabot, in southern Butler County outside of historic Saxonburg. I have participated in the church as long as I can remember and came to Christ at an early age. I was always active and often felt that I had a role to play in ministry somewhere.

​My wife, Kimberly, and I met while working at a Christian radio station in Pittsburgh.  Shortly after we married, I took a teaching position at a technical institute, and I began studying for a Master in Education.  However, God’s call into ministry became stronger than ever and, while talking to Kimberly, we made the decision to switch my education to a Master of Divinity.

Throughout the time at Pittsburgh Theological seminary, God’s peace made it clear that we were obedient to His call.  ​As I was finishing my seminary education, I became a temporary supply preacher at the First Presbyterian Church of Castle Shannon. Here, I would complete my MDiv. and would learn the many intricacies of serving a small church.

On October 1, 2011, I was ordained and installed there and served as their pastor until July 2019.  That August, I followed God’s call to ministry at The Church of the Covenant and began learning ministry in a larger church.  In the meantime, I continued work on a Doctorate of Ministry in Discipleship which I completed in October 2021.

At the Church of the Covenant, I serve as Associate Pastor.  Continuing what was started during the research for my DMin, along with my other pastoral duties, I am currently working with a group of individuals to develop leaders for a discipleship ministry.  In addition, I am serving as vice-moderator for the Washington Presbytery in 2022.

Kimberly and I have two grown daughters. Lauren is our elder daughter, and she has given us the joy of our grandson, Beckett Scott, who I also had the privilege of baptizing. Our younger daughter is Taylor. I had the honor of officiating her wedding to Zachary. They gave us a granddaughter, Ellianna Kimberly.

​Kimberly and I have a wide variety of interests. Kimberly enjoys working with graphic and website design. She and I both love period dramas, particularly Jane Austen, and we love rescuing dogs. I am an avid reader and have a very wide ranging library and can have as many as ten to twelve books being read in different places in the house, car, and office. I also love to do model railroading and am happy to now share passion with Beckett.

Debi Nicolella

Church Administrator

The job of Church Administrator is a wonderful way to serve the congregation, the church and the Lord! What a blessing it is to work in a church and begin each day walking into this beautiful building! Dental Hygiene was my first profession, but my passion for the church and desire to serve are the credentials that brought me to this office. My responsibilities are many and varied, but I feel that communication is at the top of the list.
 

As a lifelong member I am proud to have raised my family here. My wonderful husband Anthony and I are the parents of three amazing young adults, Abbi, Vincent and Jacob. We have been blessed beyond words.

Yvonne Gayle

Dir. Children, Youth, Family Min.

I have been involved in children and youth ministry for over 20 years in different capacities and my most recent education is a Youth Ministry Certification from Point Loma University. I love watching children and teens discover God’s love for them.  I have witnessed their lives be transformed through study, service and mission.

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My ministry has included many mission trips working with Habitat for Humanity in Key West, Fl., Impact Ministries in South Carolina, Group Work Camps and more.  I love to create new programs to help kids and families engage with the church.  Some of my success has included a Bible adventure summer camp for middle schoolers, an after school Bible program, Winter Bible School and more.  I strive to make evangelism modern and relevant to today’s culture.

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I value family time with my husband, Yone,  and sons, Jeremy age 29, Jackson 28, and Isaiah 17.  I also enjoy many hobbies like painting, baking and Scuba diving.

Camille Braun

Pre-School Director

Hello There - My name is Camille Braun and I am the luckiest person to be the Preschool Director. I think children are just awesome. I have a BS degree in Speech Pathology from IUP and my Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Radford University. I have been the director for 27 years and enjoy every minute. The Preschool has been voted 4 years in a row to be The Best Preschool in Washington County from 2017 to present I am proud to say that I provide along with my staff of 8 a great Christian environment with the ability to encourage children to have fun and enjoy being a preschooler. I am happily married to Joel and have two awesome sons, a daughter in law and a granddaughter! We all lead a very busy family life but take the time to enjoy kayaking, golfing and the outdoors and feel blessed for these opportunities.
 

I would enjoy speaking with you about our church preschool. You can contact me by calling the church. Our mission statement: Children Growing in God's Love.

Darla Pepper-Miller

Director of Music Ministry

The Director of Music Ministries at  The Church of the Covenant oversees all music programs at the church. These include The Covenant Choir, the adult choir; Teens For Christ, the choir for ages 13 and up; The Covenant Kids’ Choir, for children ages 4 to 12; The Jubilate Ringers, the adult bell ringers; and, The Covenant Ringers, the teenage bell ringers.

Ralph Farabee

Supervisor Buildings & Grounds

My ministry is to take care of the facilities of the church. This responsibility includes the church building, as well as the ministry houses and rental properties associated with it. I have been employed since August 1999, and look forward to serving the church for much longer. My wife Janet and I have been married since 1982 and have two wonderful children, Jillian and Sam. My door is always open and together I pray that we will grow this church and reach the world for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

724-222-0190 x 112

724-222-0190 x 112