Staff
Pastoral Staff
Tracy R. Keenan, Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Tracy Keenan is the senior pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Duquesne University, a Master of Divinity from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the McCormick Theological Seminary. Tracy enthusiastically lends her musical background to ministry at Covenant and to the Church at large, leading seminars and providing the music and worship leadership for various synod, presbytery, and seminary events. She has been at Covenant since 2004, and finds much joy in working with the folks there.
Tracy is married to Jim Mehler, an ordained Presbyterian minister. They have two daughters, Susan and Tori, both of whom are in graduate school in Arizona and in Boston. Tracy loves to read, write, compose worship music, hike, and jog.
Karen Ware Jackson, Associate Pastor
Karen is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA, and is excited about beginning her pastoral ministry at Covenant. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Karen served for 2 years as a Young Adult Volunteer with the PC(USA) in Hollywood, CA. As the Youth Program Director in a low-income urban community, she walked alongside her neighbors through times of great joy and deep sadness, and experienced a ministry of mutual transformation. She is committed to loving God and loving neighbors by building strong families and strong communities. She enjoys playing the guitar, hiking, and playing with her dog, Abby. Karen’s husband, Rob, is also a graduate of Columbia Seminary and joins her in ministry as the Pastor of New California Presbyterian Church.
Jim Mehler, Parish Associate
The Rev. Jim Mehler is a part-time Parish Associate at Covenant. He is also the Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Columbus. A graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Jim has served several churches in in Ohio and Pennsylvania for over 30 years. He is the staff liaison and support person for the Board of Deacons, Older Adult Ministries, and the Nurture and Outreach Commission. Jim likes to golf, kayak, and ride his scooter. You may have already figured out that he is married to Tracy Keenan, the senior pastor.
Weldon L. Adams, Minister of Music
Weldon has served Covenant as Director of Music since August 1968. Prior to that time, he was Director of Music at Fairfield-Grace Methodist Church in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he met and married his wife Roberta. Weldon studied at the Philadelphia Academy of Music under Robert Elmore, at Jacksonville University under Marshall Pierson, and at Union Theological Seminary in New York City under Alec Wyton. He played his graduate recital at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, the Episcopal Cathedral of New York City. Weldon has served as Dean and Sub-Dean of the Columbus Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is active as a recitalist in the Central Ohio area. Weldon and Roberta have two children. Christopher is a Lutheran pastor. Erin is an attorney in Cleveland. Roberta is a Counselor at Grove City High School.
Katherine D. Kinnison, Director of Christian Education
Before coming to Covenant, Katie was the Director of Christian Education at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio for 6 years. Katie is continuing her education with courses at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and other programs. She holds degrees in English Literature, and she has taught writing, literature, history, and world religion courses at the Ohio State University and Franklin University. Katie has three daughters: Abigail, Emma, and Sarah.
Other Staff
Communications Administrator, Joan (JP) Pogalies, extension 11
Shane Spicer, Assistant in Children’s Ministry
Financial and Membership Administrator, Ingrid Brooker, extension 13; E-mail
Facilities Manager, Lloyd Muench, extension 15; E-mail
Custodian, Don Luther, extension 22