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From our pastor — Rev. Dan Turis The Covenant Courier Covenant-First Presbyterian Church October 2024, Vol. 29, Issue 10 Sharing the heart of the Gospel in the heart of the city It is time for another annual installment of books you all should read. This time, I am writing a list of books from my doctoral studies. These books are either books I had to read for class or books I am using for my dis-sertation. Although these books are being used for academic purposes, they are not unattainable to an average reader. You don’t need any higher education to read these books. I believe that these books would help build this body of Christ. The books are in order of author's last name: The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Edersheim, Alfred. First Edition. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Academic, 2024. In this book, Edersheim spins a story of Jesus’ life, drawing from the history of the day and the region's culture. The book spins together the four Gospels, making it one combined story. He is not trying to replace the scrip-ture but making the story of Jesus hold up when the existence of an actual Jesus was first questioned in the early 1800s. Edersheim attempts to ground the Gospels in a time and place where the reader can better imagine Jesus existing in a time and place. In reading this book, you gain a compelling picture of Jesus. You also learn a lot about Jesus. The Continuing Conversion of the Church Guder, Darrell L. Nachdr. The Gospel and Our Culture Series. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans, 2009. Guder makes a strong case for a Reformed understanding of conversion and how the church suffers from gloss-ing over a conversion point in one’s faith. It doesn’t suggest that the conversion is salvific, meaning that Jesus claimed you when he died on the cross. The conversion is when you realize your salvation in Christ. The church needs to see Christ encountering his people as an event that makes a difference in the church. In doing so, the church will be converted. If the church is continually converted, the church will no longer be distracted by its desire to be relevant and will be relevant to the world in a way that the world needs. Designer Jesus: The Lifestory of a Disciple and Jesus Human: Primer for a Common Humanity Sweet, Leonard. Orcas Island, Washington: The Salish Sea Press, n.d. These two books are meant as a 2-volume set. Sweet is my professor. No one has helped me more with com-municating my faith. Because this man is in my life, I have made more connections with all the disparate details of my learning. Pulling together my thoughts in a helpful way has significantly aided my ministry. These two books are significant additions to Sweet’s prolific stack of work. These books wrestle with a principle that could resonate with our church. If Jesus is fully God and fully man, then there is something that can be learned about God from humanity and something we can learn about humanity from divinity. Being God and man, Jesus shows us the design of true humanity. There is no humanity behind the back of this all-powerful God. When you look at this human Jesus, you look at the very face of God. (Continued on page 2)

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Page 2 The Covenant Courier Session Notes Your Session met for a regular meeting in September and following a devotional and prayer time, covered several business items. The Session accepted with regret Elder Carol Carhartt’s resignation from the Session; due to critical family issues, she expressed a need to step off of Session to free up time to focus on her fami-ly. The Session elected Elder Mike Millhaem as chair of the 2024-25 Nominating Committee, and elected Elder Alex Balz for the second elder position on the Committee. And, after lengthy discussion, the Session approved a charter for the newly formed Worship & Sanctuary Committee, which set the Committee’s pur-pose as providing “guidance and initiative to CFPC staff and Session regarding the use of the sanctuary for worship and community engagement, subject to Session approval.” Elder Ralston serves as chair of this Committee. The elders also reviewed the church calendar of upcoming events, shared thoughts with Rev. Turis on his planned sermon series focused on Jesus’ parables, and reviewed other church membership up-dates. The Session will next meet on Monday, October 14; please see me, Rev. Turis, or any elder with any questions or concerns. Onward! Rob Heidenreich Clerk of Session The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on Discipleship Willard, Dallas. First HarperCollins paperback edition. New York, NY: HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCol-lins Publishers, 2014. This is a classic. Even though it’s not old, it was widely heralded in 2006. Willard critiques the church and its lack of connection to making disciples. It is a must-read for understanding discipleship. This book is central to my thesis and my work. If you want to understand better what I am studying, this book will catapult your un-derstanding. Willard is a hero among discipleship circles and spiritual development circles. When he died, the church lost a great developer of faith. This book is a credit to him and his work. God of All Things: Rediscovering the Sacred in an Everyday World Wilson, Andrew. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Reflective, 2021. This book is how I want to preach. It is an exhibition of the field of semiotics. It weaves metaphors in and out of the Biblical text. You will find yourself while reading this book wanting to write a note in your Bible but be distracted by the image he painted in your mind. Each painting he paints does not distract from the text but magnifies the text to a modern reader. I am far more describing the text when I preach, but how he magnifies the text with images from our lives is a desirable gift. I haven’t read any other book by Wilson, but I highly rec-ommend this book. Also, I first “read” this while driving back and forth in my car. The reader on “Audible” does a great job. Rev. Dan Turis One copy of each of these books will be available to borrow soon in the church office reception area.

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Page 3 The Covenant Courier Reformation Sunday — Sunday, October 27 Reformation Sunday, celebrated on the last Sunday of October, coincides with All Saints Day—a fitting inter-section of history and faith. On October 31, over 500 years ago, Martin Luther took a bold step that changed the trajectory of Christianity. When Luther tacked his 95 Theses to the church door, it wasn’t just a common practice for priests to share sermon topics; it was a seismic moment that sparked a spiritual revolution. These 95 points, which we still carry forward as Protestants, remind us of the core message that remains at the heart of our faith today: The centrality and accessibility of Jesus Christ, a message that assures each of us of our unique and valued place in the body of Christ. Luther’s message, which echoes through time, asserts that no intermediary—neither a priest nor a church build-ing—can stand between a believer and an encounter with Jesus. We live out this truth in how we worship to-day: The placement of the communion table, the openness of baptism, the prominence of Scripture. As your pastor, I do not turn my back on you to distribute the elements of communion, baptize, or read from God’s Word. Any human structure or hierarchy does not block these sacred acts. The responsibility of maintaining the sacredness belongs to the elders. Still, ultimately, we trust the Spirit to ensure true communion—a communion that provides the real presence of Jesus in the bread and the juice, not through the work of my hands but through the work of the Holy Spirit. Luther’s bold defiance didn’t come without cost. He challenged the church for standing in the place of Christ and longed for reformation from within, staying to fight for change until he was excommunicated. Earlier re-formers were killed for going as far as Luther did, but his movement couldn’t be snuffed out. His critique spread widely, igniting change across Europe, even within the Catholic Church. By the time it launched its own reforms, it was too late—the Protestant Reformation had taken root. Luther’s legacy, a testament to the power of faith and courage, inspired many, including John Calvin, who left his career as a lawyer to devote himself to theology, shaping the Protestant movement “Reformed Calvinism” that we continue to follow today. Calvin’s influence extended to John Knox, a Scottish clergyman who studied under him and brought this theol-ogy to Scotland. Knox, in turn, led a vigorous reformation of the Church of Scotland, stripping away Catholic imagery and symbols. This included a powerful statement on the nature of death and eternal life. Whereas the Catholic Church commissioned artisans to carve effigies on the tombs of the wealthy, Knox left these tombs blank. Why? Because the focus should not be on the individual but on what Christ has done in and through them. The saints are in the hands of Jesus, and our attention should remain on Christ, not on the saints' venera-tion. On Reformation Sunday, we don’t simply commemorate what Luther did. We celebrate the faithfulness of all the saints who have gone before us—those imperfect, broken vessels through whom God has worked. We rec-ognize that, through Christ, they are no longer sinners but redeemed. Yet, in keeping with the tradition of John Knox, we ultimately focus on Jesus. To make this day about anything other than him would be to stray from the very roots of our Protestant, Reformed, and Scottish faith. — Pastor Dan

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Page 4 The Covenant Courier Deacon’s Corner On Sunday, September 22, 2024, the deacons held their regularly-scheduled meeting. All deacons were present, including Brian Calfano, Charlotte Goering, Jenny Horst, Jennifer Maxwell, Joan McAlonan, and Nancy Smith. Discussion centered primarily around the coming activities that will take us through year’s end. Join us on Saturday, October 12 at Matthew 25: Min-istries (M25:M) when the deacons will be sponsoring another volunteer work session from 9 to 11 AM. Volunteering at M25:M provides a meaningful oppor-tunity to contribute easy labor to “the greater good” through a Christian-based organization that serves thousands in need each year. You may use the sign-up sheet in the church bulletin to indicate your availa-bility to join us on October 12. Need transportation? No problem — just indicate your need on the sign-up sheet. See you on October 12 at M25:M located 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash 45242! In looking ahead to the holidays, we have connected with Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and Social Cen-ter, located at 1730 Race St. (45202). Our Daily Bread is a grassroots organization that serves community need by providing food, as well as social activity and other support. Before COVID, the agency served about 200 meals a day; currently, that need has risen to 600 daily meals due to food insecurity. It is worth noting that 100% of the food served is either rescued or donated. In addition to providing food, they also supply visitors with assistance with employment op-portunities, transportation and medical referrals. We supported this organization last year during the Thanksgiving holiday season, and our intention is to do the same this year. Specific donation details will be shared in the church bulletin starting on 11/3/2024. In advance, our most sincere thanks to all who donate to this worthwhile local agency and its good work. The Christmas holiday giving project is still a work in progress, with a few projects under consideration. As details are worked out and finalized, the deacons will be sharing information and seeking partnership. To be certain, we will want to engage in a project that is in keeping with a generous and giving Christian spirit. And lastly, the deacons want to highlight the care and support needed by those within our church body who need your prayers, phone calls, cards and words of encouragement. There are several among us that fit this criteria, but most notably the Valentine family as they grieve the loss of a loving husband, father, family member and community leader. Additionally, please remember in prayer and thought those who are no longer able to attend services due to frailty, or chronic and debilitating illness. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Smith Senior Singles — Thursday, October 17 at 6 PM The Senior Singles will be meeting at Bonefish Grill, 588 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, KY. RSVP is due by noon on Wednesday, October 16. Questions and to RSVP, contact Pat Beckman. And to plan ahead the November and December dinners will be combined due to the holidays. Thursday, December 5 at 6 PM, Governor’s House Wine Bar & Italian Kitchen, 314 Greenup St Covington, KY. Next to Blinkers. RSVP by noon December 4.

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October 2 Susan Ford 5 Mary Dillon 9 Darlene Page 19 Jack Weis 21 Nid Balz 24 Bob Anderson 30 Mike Millhaem 30 Isla Crousey 31 Liam York November 1 Bob Goering 3 Eliana Dechter 4 David Ross 7 Jacqui Haas 8 Maria Bloom 12 Karen Libourel 14 Lisa Allgood 15 Barbara Lambing 15 Kristin York 16 Nancy Atkinson 16 Freia Greulich 19 Angel Dechter 19 Reagan McPhedran 24 Thomas Heidenreich Livestream Technicians Needed We are looking for a few additional peo-ple to add to the rotation for Livestream-ing the Sunday Service. Training will be provided and the learning curve is low. If you are interested in helping out with Livestreaming the Sunday Service, con-tact Mike Millhaem. Page 5 The Covenant Courier Pet Blessing — Friday, October 4 5:30 to 7:30 PM Pastor Dan will be outside of the church offering blessings to neighbors’ pets. If you are a pet lover this is a perfect opportunity to volunteer and show some love to the pets of the neighborhood and more im-portantly to their owners. Questions? See Pastor Dan. October Fellowship Time Serving us as Fellowship Hosts in October are Becky Bell and Linda Meier Below is the schedule. Please remember when you are on the Fellowship Schedule you are also asked to help with setup and cleanup in the kitchen. A Celebration of Our Faith — Sunday, October 27 This year for Reformation Sunday we will be featuring the choir and the organ instead of having bag pipes. Plan to join us for worship on this festive Sunday and remain after for a special time of fellowship. To make this a special fellowship opportunity we ask each of you to bring either a side or dessert to share. The main entrée with be baked ham. If you are unable to bring something, plan to join us anyway. There will be plenty for everyone. Questions? See Becky Bell. 10/6/2024 Nancy Atkinson Sophia Colclasure Nid Balz Cindy King 10/13/2024 Carol Carhartt Pat Beckman Cindy King Kim Dickerson 10/20/2024 Leslie Turis Yolanda Parker Cindy Standen R&G Heidenreich 10/27/2024 Reformation Sunday All contribute by bringing a side dish, salad or dessert. Baked ham will be provided.

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Page 7 The Covenant Courier Hurricane Helene Disaster Assistance Our partners with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance are already at work in areas impacted by Hurricane Hele-ne—Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and elsewhere. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance coordinates their relief ministry with churches and presbyteries, and are well-known and respected for staying engaged with re-lief efforts for as long as needed, long after many agencies have moved on. If you’d like to help with these efforts, you may write your check to Covenant-First, and mark the memo line or a pew envelope “PDA” and we’ll forward the funds along specifically for Hurricane Helene relief. Thank you! It is with sadness we share of the unexpected death of Michael Valentine on September 16. Michael and Margaret have been regular attenders of Covenant-First Presbyterian Church for several years. Visitation and the funeral service were held at Covenant-First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 24.If you would like to send condolences to Margaret Valentine you may contact the church office.Rescheduled! Piatt Park Work Day Saturday, October 5, 9:30 AM to 12 PM Our planned work day with 3CDC in Piatt Park had to be rescheduled, due last week's rain. We're now set to gather next Saturday morning, and will tackle some painting and other clean-up projects in the park and nearby area. Please see Rob Hei-denreich to sign-up to help; 3CDC would like us to confirm the expected number of volunteers so that they can finalize the work plans. It will be a fun, rewarding morning and based on the current forecast, looks like also a sunny, pleasant fall day! Matthew 25: Ministries Saturday, October 12, 9 to 11 AM The Deacons are sponsoring a repeat volunteer opportunity at Matthew 25: Ministries (M25M), located at 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash 45242. Anyone interested in participating in a hands-on, fellowship-building activity is encouraged to sign up to join the experience. There are no age or physical limitations or restrictions. Note: This could a worthwhile service activity for the children in your family, including grandchildren. If you would like to participate, but need a ride, contact Nancy Smith. Sign-up on the insert today! Matthew 25: Ministries is actively working with oth-er local Cincinnati businesses to provide assistance and support to those who have been affected by the Hurricane Helene.

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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 Sexton: Leo Cardenas 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. Upcoming Events October 4, 5:30 PM — Pet Blessing October 5, 9 AM — Piatt Park Work Day October 12, 9 AM — Matthew 25: Ministries Work Day October 14 — Columbus Day Holiday — Church office closed October 14, 6:30 PM — Session Meeting October 17, 6 PM — Senior Singles Outing October 27 — Reformation Sunday Celebration ELDERS Alex Balz Rod Crousey Rob Heidenreich, Clerk Rick Hopkins Jamie Jewell Mike Millhaem Hugh Ralston Cindy Standen DEACONS Jenny Adams Brian Calfano Charlotte Goering Jennifer Maxwell, Moderator Joan McAlonan Nancy Smith 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.