2026 Graduation
Graduation Celebration 
A night to celebrate this accomplishment with your fellow grads, family and Covenant faculty/staff - RSVP required.
When: Thursday, May 14 , 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Edwards Hall backyard on the Covenant Seminary campus
What: We'll have a food truck reception from 5-7pm (with lawn games to add to the fun!), followed by a short program with student testimonies from 6:30 - 7:00 pm. If available, please bring camp chairs and blankets, as seating is limited.
Food Trucks Include:
Balkan Treat Box
* Please note: the Cevapi and Doner can be made without bread for a gluten-free option.
Blues Fired Pizza
PDF document 2MB
Tuk Tuk Thai
PDF document 632KB
*Please note: Peanut free truck. The Thai Chili Tofu @ Crispy Spring Roll are vegan. The Drunken Chicken, Spicy Kmchi, Thai Chili Tofu are gluten-free. The only dish that has dairy is the Crab Rangoon.
*Please note that sides will not be included with the vouchers, but are always available for purchase to your guests.
Food Vouchers: The Seminary will provide each graduate with two meal vouchers to use at the food trucks. Guests will be able to purchase food, as well. To spread out the use of each food truck, we will print a set number of vouchers for each truck. These will be available in One-Stop when you pick up your regalia. This means you will have more choices if you pick up your regalia early. Drinks will be provided.
NOTE: If you are an out-of-town graduate or if you have food allergies (gluten and/or dairy), please look at the food truck menus (above) and email melissa.mckinney@covenantseminary.edu with the following information: (1) the number of vouchers requested (up to 2) and (2) the food truck requested for each voucher. When you arrive at the celebration you will find your food vouchers with your name on them at the drink table.
For the Program: There is no limit to the number of guests you may invite, but there will be a limited number of chairs/seating available, so please bring camp chairs and/or blankets to sit on.
Please RSVP for Graduation Celebration HERE
*Please RSVP by May 5th
Commencement 
This is where we have formal recognition of completion of degree program, you receive your diploma, and a light reception follows the ceremony. See information below, including link for Commencement Instructions for Graduates , for all the necessary details.
When: Friday, May 15, 2026 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: First Evangelical Free Church
1375 Carman Road, Manchester, MO 63021
Virtual option: Unable to attend in person?
Not able to join us in person? Follow along from wherever you are by accessing this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/rvXxAYn7WWE
Speaker: Rev. Joe Novenson
Joe was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was called to ministry during his college studies and attended Westminster Theological Seminary from which he graduated in 1978. Joe and his bride Barb were married after Joe's first year of seminary study, and upon finishing his studies in seminary, Joe was called to serve at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, Georgia as an Assistant Pastor. He also served at Lexington Presbyterian Church in South Carolina. He then served as Senior Pastor of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church until 2018 when he stepped into an associate pastor role at Lookout until 2022. In that year he stepped down from the church staff and entered business with brothers in Christ. He considers meeting with younger pastors and in mentoring relationships, preaching and teaching is God's precious gifts granted him at this present time. Barb and Joe just celebrated 50 years of marriage. Matthew, Andrew, and Ellie are their three children. Matthew is married to Michelle (Seda) and they have three children. Both of them are graduates of Covenant Theological Seminary. Ellie is married to David Henry and they have two children. When asked what Joe and Barb like to do to rest, they both reply, "We treasure opportunities to be with family and friends. God has graciously placed such wonderful people in our lives." Joe served on the Board of Covenant Seminary as a Trustee for 12 years.
Directions & Parking
The ceremony will be held in the auditorium, there will be staff to direct you at the entrances.