Our Staff
Covenant Presbyterian Church is a volunteer oriented church. Like the early church, we are led by our elders who pray and lead us in the ministry of the Word. We are energized by the hands of our deacons who sympathize and serve those in the church. We are also deeply thankful to our trustees who remind us of the property the Lord has given us by caring for it.
The Barn also has a faithful staff who lead us in ministering well, on Sundays, and throughout the week.
Lead Pastor - Matt Blazer
Matt's first day at Covenant Presbyterian Church was January 15, 2014. He, Rachel, Caroline and Julia continue to acclimate to and enjoy New England. Matt is the Lead Pastor here after serving twelve years with Riverside Church in Saint Louis.
Director of Student Ministries - William Downie
Will joined the CPC staff as the Director of Student Ministries in Summer 2018. He was born and raised in Connecticut, but previously had been living in Dallas, TX. He is excited to have returned home with his wife (Jeanette), their son (William IV), and their fur-baby/cat (Gwyn).
Will holds that everything a Christian does should ultimately be for God’s glory and the purpose of building God’s Kingdom. He believes that Youth Ministry exists to partner with parents in the discipleship process of youth in the church and community. His passion is to help facilitate lifelong growth towards Christlikeness in the lives of students and to tackle difficult issues that students will face in and beyond their High School years.
Children's Ministry Director - Lisa lynch
Lisa joined the CPC staff in October 2021. She is originally from Virginia and has been married to her college sweetheart, Matt, for fifteen years. They have one daughter, Lily. Lisa loves working with children and their families and is excited to see how God will help grow and move in the children’s ministry here at CPC. Her desire is for the children’s ministry to help equip the boys and girls to love God and others and for each child to feel welcome, connected, and loved here.
Executive Administrator - Stew Blomquist
Dr. Stew Blomquist has served Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 40 years as a friend, elder, and leadership-facilitator. In his role as Executive Administrator, he makes sure we are leading well - by holding up our policies, staff procedures, and committees to the generous might of the Gospel of Jesus. Leadercast Central Connecticut and Leadership Matters are some of his projects to help make us all better leaders.
Administrator - Rick Schoenhardt
Simply put, there is no Covenant Presbyterian Church without the faithful efforts of Rick and Lynne Schoenhardt. So, we continue to enlist Rick's wisdom, passion for the Gospel, and winsome leadership as an administrator.
Property Manager - Santiago Velasquez
Covenant Presbyterian Church is blessed with over thirty acres, and more than a half dozen structures. Santiago Velasquez brings his many talents to oversee the day to day maintenance and repairs here at Covenant Presbyterian Church. His passion for humble service in the cause of Christ adapts to every crisis, from broken pews to frozen water pipes, from outdated furnaces to beautiful gardens.
Director of Communication and Business Administration - Lyda Scudder
Lyda Scudder is the Director of Communication and Business Administration at Covenant Presbyterian Church. This means she is our communications director, piano-waterer, writer of paychecks, and probably a few other roles. Lyda's passion is that men and women learn of the joyful freedom of the Gospel of Jesus.
