Return to flip book view

From our pastor — Rev. Dan Turis The Covenant Courier Covenant-First Presbyterian Church May 2025, Vol. 30, Issue 5 Faith Anchored in Christ: 1700th Anniversary of the council of Nicaea Dear Friends, Seventeen centuries ago, the Christian Church reached a pivotal moment in its history. In 325 AD, church leaders from across the Roman world gathered in the city of Nicaea to answer a crucial question: Who is Jesus Christ? At stake was nothing less than the truth of the gospel. Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, taught that Jesus was a created being, not truly God. But after careful study of Scripture and much prayer, the Church affirmed that Christ is "begotten, not made, being of one substance (homoousios) with the Father." This became the foundation of the Ni-cene Creed, a confession of faith still shared by Christians today. The Council of Nicaea reminds us that theology is not abstract or optional. It shapes how we understand salvation itself. If Christ were not fully God, he could not fully save. Only the eternal Son can reconcile fallen humanity to the Father. Today, the work of Nicaea continues to shape our faith: • Trinitarian Worship: Our prayers to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reflect the truths affirmed at Nicaea. • Christ-Centered Assurance: Our hope rests on Jesus Christ, true God and true man. • Creedal Unity: The Nicene Creed continues to unite believers across denominations and cultures. As we mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the call to "contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3) is as urgent as ever. Challenges to the truth still arise, but the gospel remains firm. Nicaea calls us to remember and to rejoice. Christ is very God of very God, Light from Light, true God from true God. Because he lives, our faith is not fragile, but founded on unshakable truth. In every baptism, every celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and every confession that "Jesus is Lord," we live out the legacy of Nicaea. Thanks be to God, who has faithfully preserved his gospel through every generation. In Christ, Pastor Dan Turis

Page 2 The Covenant Courier Sermon series in the Fall will interact with Nicaea Fall Sermon Series: “Faith That Stands – Reflections on Nicaea” This Fall, we will explore the lasting significance of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). At Nicaea, the Church affirmed the full divinity of Jesus Christ, safeguarding the truth of the gospel for generations to come. In this series, we will reflect on the biblical foundations behind the Nicene Creed and consider how these ancient affirmations continue to shape faithful Christian living today. History is not distant; it reminds us who we are and what we believe. Join us as we seek to grow in understanding and stand firm in Christ. Session Notes Your Session met for a brief business meeting on April 14, approving some routine items and most critically, approving with a couple of minor edits a draft Plan of Union with West Cincinnati Presbyterian Church. The West Cincinnati Session subsequently approved these edits, and the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry will present the plan to the full Presbytery for final approval at the Presbytery meeting on May 13. Following the business meeting, elders from West Cincinnati and Executive Presbyter Lisa Allgood joined the Covenant-First elders and together, the group prayed for every member and regular attender/friend of both congregations. Rev. Turis read through both congregations’ membership lists, and various elders then offered prayer for the individuals and families. In between times of prayer, the group joined in singing several hymns, with Andrew Hackett accompanying. It was a powerful, moving time of shared prayer between the two Sessions, and a rich time of building relationships between the individual elders. The Covenant-First Session will next meet for its regular meeting on May 12. Beginning in June (pending the Presby-tery’s final approval of the merger of the two congregations), the Session will include all current elders on the Covenant-First Session, plus two elders joining from the current West Cincinnati Session. Please see Rev. Turis, me, or any elder with any questions or concerns. Onward! Rob Heidenreich/Clerk of Session The joint Session meeting of Covenant-First and West Cincinnati Presbyterian Churches, with Andrew Hackett joining to play the piano for some hymn singing.

Page 3 The Covenant Courier May 5 Krista Clermont 5 Sherri Ellington 9 Justin Clermont 9 Evie Crousey 10 Susan Cameron 10 Angel Hackett 10 Marilyn Hyde 11 Genita Heidenreich 13 Nathan Uwizeye 14 Don Ross 17 Bill Forsstrom 25 Kelly Millhaem 28 Addie Landis 29 Karen Stine 30 Charlie Millhaem June 1 June Holley 4 Rod Ford 6 Hugh Ralston 6 Christopher Ellington 11 Cindy Standen 11 Josephine Balz 15 Tom Carhartt 17 Sophie Horst 22 Dwight Poffenberger Deacon’s Corner The CFPC deacons welcome the members of West Cincinnati Presbyterian and we look forward to getting to know you! A reminder that items are being collected for Old St. Mary Pregnancy Center until Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day). The pregnancy center offers support to all expectant mothers, with classes and items that have been generously donated by the community. This year they would like: • Diapers (not pull-ups), size 6 • Newborn clothing, bibs and hats • Boys 2T-5T summer clothing • Girls 5T summer clothing • Clothing can be new or gently used. • Car or booster seats, gently used is fine. Look for the crib in Metzger Hall! Respectfully submitted, Charlotte Goering Flower Chart If you would like to donate flowers in honor or memory of someone special, please sign up for a date on the flower chart located in the hallway leading to Metzger Hall. The cost for flowers is $50. Mother’s Day Brunch — Sunday, May 11 during Fellowship Time Ladies, Sunday, May 11 is your day to enjoy a day of pampering and the men of the church want to help you enjoy the day. The men are coordinating a brunch during Fellowship Time. Plan to bring your family and enjoy this special time. Men, if you are interested in helping in the kitchen, contact Dan Bell.

Page 4 The Covenant Courier Fellowship Time Update As we close out the month of April and head into May, it’s an appropriate time to say a special thank you to those who contributed food and service for our much beloved weekly Fellowship Time. Those who contributed food in April for our routine Fellowship Time included Yolanda Parker, Cindy Standen, Jenny Adams, Charlotte Goering, Jamie Jewell, Marney Weis, Roxie Higgins, Addie Landis, Nancy Smith, Rob/Genita Heidenreich, Carlos Sosa, and Jennifer Maxwell. Additionally, there were many helping hands that assisted with clean up which was also much appre-ciated. Over a span of many years, Fellowship Time at Covenant-First has evolved into a highly successful and meaningful extension of Sunday morning worship. While many worshippers contribute food on a rotating basis, there are others who are not currently included in the food rotation. As a part of the “kitchen committee,” I would like to encourage anyone not currently on the food rotation list to consider doing so—by so doing, it can allow you to share favorite family recipes while experiencing the Biblically emphasized importance of hospitality as a way of honoring God and reflecting Christian love. For more information on how you can become involved in Fellowship Time by contributing your favorite food dishes on specifically assigned Sunday mornings, please feel free to contact Pat Beckman or Cindy Standen. In advance, thank you for considering getting involved in this hospitality opportunity. A big THANK YOU to those within the congregation who contributed so generously to the highly successful Wel-come Luncheon for members of West Presbyterian on Sunday, April 27. As the kitchen host for April, I could not be more grateful to all who helped to make this day so enjoyable and welcoming to our new fellow worshippers. Much thanks to all for food contributions, help with set up, and clean up. As it turned out, it was a beautiful team effort and event! Nancy Smith, Kitchen host for April. Neighborhood Work Day May 17 — 9:30 AM to 12 Noon We will again be partnering with 3CDC to do another work day project in our neighborhood. This is a great way to serve our neighbors while fellowshipping to-gether. We will end our morning of working together with lunch in Metzger Hall. Interested in helping? Questions? See Rob Heidenreich. Memorial Day Courtyard Café — May 25 following Worship To celebrate the unofficial beginning of Summer and the Memorial Day weekend, we will be having a Courtyard Café on Sunday, May 25 directly following worship. Join us in the courtyard for grilled hot dogs and the fixings. If you are interested in helping with set-up, grilling, clean-up or would like to contribute cookies, contact Genita. 3CDC workday May 2024

Page 5 The Covenant Courier Dinners for Eight — May 24 at 6 PM Mark your calendars now for another Dinners for Eight on Saturday, May 24 at 6 PM. Dinners for Eight is a time for small group fellowship at a church member’s home. Couples or singles are invited to sign-up to attend or host; the event is open to all members and friends, newer members and long-term members. Each participant will bring a side dish to supplement the meal, the host will provide the main dish and coordinate what the other participants will bring. This is a fun opportunity to get to know others from the congregation. Sign-up sheets are in the Sunday bulletin or contact Genita in the church office to sign-up. The sign-up deadline is Sunday, May 18. Graduate Recognition Sunday — Sunday, June 8 We will be celebrating graduates on Sunday, June 8. If you have a graduate that you would like to celebrate with us, please email Genita at genita@covfirstchurch.org; list their name, school they are graduating from and their plans for next steps (i.e. school, career, etc.). Neighborhood Volunteering — Sunday, June 22 at 6 PM Save-the-Date: We’ll be volunteering again this year for the Brady Block Party at Ezzard Charles Park, Sunday, June 22, from 6 PM to about 8:30 PM. The block party includes food, games for children, and a concert by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. More details coming soon. Questions? See Rob Heidenreich. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Dechter family on the death of Angel Dechter. After a long struggle with cancer, Angel died on Monday, May 1. The family is planning a private funeral service. Brady Block Party June 2024

COVENANT-FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 717 Elm Street * Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513-621-4144 * Email: office@covfirstchurch.org www.covfirstchurch.org Pastor: Rev. Dan Turis CHURCH STAFF Church Administrator: Genita Heidenreich Choir Director: Yolanda Ortiz-Parker Organist: Andrew Hackett Organ Scholar: Christie Lee Choral Scholars: Zach Burnham, Laz Clark, Lucy Evans, Andrew Hallam, Jarrett Hazelton, Madeline Jentsch, Lea Nayak, Natalie Sheppard Weekly Events Sundays 8:45 AM Covenant Choir Rehearsal Sundays 9:15 AM Adult Sunday School Sundays 10:30 AM Worship Sundays 11:30 PM Fellowship Time Wednesdays 12 PM Brown Bag Bible Study Saturdays 7:30 AM Men’s Bible Study The church office is open for regular hours Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 2 PM. Other hours are available by appointment by calling the church office at 513-621-4144. ELDERS Rob Heidenreich, Clerk Jamie Jewell Jennifer Maxwell Mike Millhaem Hugh Ralston Cindy Standen Randy Page DEACONS Jenny Adams Devon Bloom Maria Bloom Sophia Colclasure Charlotte Goering Joan McAlonan, Moderator If you are not receiving email up-dates from the church, send an email to office@covfirstchurch.org and request to be added to the email list. We can also mail the weekly bulletin and announcements, if you do not have email access. Call the office to request bulletins by mail. Upcoming Events May 11, Mother’s Day Brunch during Fellowship Time May 12, Session Meeting at 6:30 PM May 17, Neighborhood workday at 9:30 AM May 24, Dinner for 8 at 6 PM May 25, Courtyard Café following worship May 26, Memorial Day Holiday — Church office closed Note: May 5 through May 10 Pastor Dan will be out on study leave and attending graduation for his doctorate. If you need to get in touch with Pastor Dan please call the church office and we will make sure to contact him. Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Turis!