Council Members

I was born in Black River Falls, WI. My wife Beth and our family joined Covenant in late 1997 or 1998. At the time we were drawn by the Saturday night service and Pastor Mark Winkler and the music that was played. I have been involved as a Sunday School teacher for approximately 10 years; I’m currently an usher, part of the Covid Team and have been a part of several call teams. Beth and I lived in Iowa, California and North Carolina before deciding to move back to Wisconsin to raise or family. My kids tell me my hidden talent is my whistling and humming. Something most people don’t know about me is that I worked for the Minnesota Vikings one summer. If elected, I look forward to hopefully bringing some new ideas and thoughts to our council, congregation and church family that contributes to Covenant being a fun, vibrant environment, that gets people excited and will make it easy for others to want to join Covenant and be involved to help us grow and flourish.

My name is Susan Foley Herbst and I am originally from Janesville, WI. I started attending Covenant with my husband Mark in 2016 and became a member in 2022 after Pastor Wendy married us in June. I work in the financial advising field at First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater. I have a knack for numbers and balancing budgets, checkbooks, etc. I like to organize things and really enjoy my work helping people with investments. An interesting fact about me is that even though I am not from Stoughton, I am 100% Norwegian! I have a son and daughter who live in the Madison area and three step-sons. I help out at the Clothing Center on Fridays, and this is my first term on council. I look forward to getting to know more Covenant members and being involved in making decisions for the church.

Christy was born in Gibson City, IL. She happened upon Covenant by mistake, intending to be at a different church. She liked it so much she has been a member ever since! For the past six years Christy has been an active part of Covenant. Involved in Sunday School, Host-a-Tree, Fellowship, Communion set up, Altar Guild and previously served on Church Council. Her hidden talents and hobbies include knitting, crocheting and being quite the angler; Enjoying both fresh and salt water fishing! Christy looks forward to learning more about how the church works, so she may put her efforts to best use in helping Covenant today and into the future!

My name is Patrick Thelen, and I am deeply committed to serving our church and community. My family and I have always believed in the importance of finding a congregation that aligns with our values and provides a nurturing environment for our spiritual growth. This belief led us to Covent Church, where we felt an immediate sense of belonging and comfort. Before having our children baptized, we sought a church that not only welcomed us but also shared our core values. Coventant Church has been that place for us, offering a supportive and faith-filled community. We are grateful for the warmth and acceptance we have received here. I am eager to contribute more actively to the church and to be a bigger part of our community. I believe that by working together, we can strengthen our bonds and support each other in our spiritual journeys. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to grow in my understanding of our faith and to help others do the same.