LEAD PASTOR
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Short Bio
Having roots in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest have helped to ground me in the joyful balance of innovation and tradition. I have had the privilege of studying at North Park University and Seminary in Chicago, IL as well as a discipleship program out of Alberta, Canada.
In a test of our marriage/wills, my wife (Sunni) and I renovated a home in Illinois. I encourage any couple seeking pre-marriage counseling to do so. Thankfully, we laughed a lot. Now living in South Bend with two children, we look back and wonder if that other life ever really happened.
What brought you to Covenant Community Church?
Following the call from God, I came to South Bend to serve the community and local church. I am grateful for the call to restore, reconcile and offer God's hope.
Favorite Scripture(s)
Isaiah 61: 1b-4, 'He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.' (NIV)
1 Timothy 4: 12, 'Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.' (NIV)
What do you do for fun?
Being schooled by my trash-talking 7 year old over a game of basketball. Making a mess with my 5 year old daughter. Painting rooms and redecorating the house. <This is the opposite of 'fun for my wife.>
What is one little known fact about you?
I love home decoration and improvement projects - sometimes I even complete them ;). I love to refresh and revive any particular room or piece of furniture. Confession: I love Pinterest! <Glad I got that off my chest>
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Short Bio
Having roots in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest have helped to ground me in the joyful balance of innovation and tradition. I have had the privilege of studying at North Park University and Seminary in Chicago, IL as well as a discipleship program out of Alberta, Canada.
In a test of our marriage/wills, my wife (Sunni) and I renovated a home in Illinois. I encourage any couple seeking pre-marriage counseling to do so. Thankfully, we laughed a lot. Now living in South Bend with two children, we look back and wonder if that other life ever really happened.
What brought you to Covenant Community Church?
Following the call from God, I came to South Bend to serve the community and local church. I am grateful for the call to restore, reconcile and offer God's hope.
Favorite Scripture(s)
Isaiah 61: 1b-4, 'He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.' (NIV)
1 Timothy 4: 12, 'Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.' (NIV)
What do you do for fun?
Being schooled by my trash-talking 7 year old over a game of basketball. Making a mess with my 5 year old daughter. Painting rooms and redecorating the house. <This is the opposite of 'fun for my wife.>
What is one little known fact about you?
I love home decoration and improvement projects - sometimes I even complete them ;). I love to refresh and revive any particular room or piece of furniture. Confession: I love Pinterest! <Glad I got that off my chest>
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Amanda Wallace
Short Bio
Most of my life has been spent in the Michiana area. I spent a brief amount of time out in Montana, but being a person very close to their family, I returned home. Within the last 5 years I have graduated with my degree in Veterinary Technology, got married, bought our first house, and have had 2 beautiful children. Life has been chaotic, but I wouldn't change it for anything.
What brought you to Covenant Community Church?
This is my home church. The church that I grew up in, became a member of, was married in, and had my son and daughter dedicated in. There is no other church I would rather be a part of. I am blessed to call those here, family, and even more blessed to now be on staff to help with the worship and life of the church.
Favorite Scripture(s)
Psalm 23, 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.'
What do you do for fun?
The most joyous days at our house are when we get to spend time together as a family. These days that includes, singing along with and watching Disney Junior, building towers of blocks, and taking selfies. Yes, the 4 year old knows how to take selfies.
What is a little known fact about you?
I LOVE all things Disney. You may have gathered that from my profile picture, as our honeymoon was spent at Walt Disney World. This was my husband's first time at Disney World, and he too is now in love with all things Disney.
When I have those few moments of free time, I enjoy reading or relaxing with a coloring book and some markers.
Amanda Wallace
Short Bio
Most of my life has been spent in the Michiana area. I spent a brief amount of time out in Montana, but being a person very close to their family, I returned home. Within the last 5 years I have graduated with my degree in Veterinary Technology, got married, bought our first house, and have had 2 beautiful children. Life has been chaotic, but I wouldn't change it for anything.
What brought you to Covenant Community Church?
This is my home church. The church that I grew up in, became a member of, was married in, and had my son and daughter dedicated in. There is no other church I would rather be a part of. I am blessed to call those here, family, and even more blessed to now be on staff to help with the worship and life of the church.
Favorite Scripture(s)
Psalm 23, 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.'
What do you do for fun?
The most joyous days at our house are when we get to spend time together as a family. These days that includes, singing along with and watching Disney Junior, building towers of blocks, and taking selfies. Yes, the 4 year old knows how to take selfies.
What is a little known fact about you?
I LOVE all things Disney. You may have gathered that from my profile picture, as our honeymoon was spent at Walt Disney World. This was my husband's first time at Disney World, and he too is now in love with all things Disney.
When I have those few moments of free time, I enjoy reading or relaxing with a coloring book and some markers.