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From our pastor — Rev. Dan Turis The Covenant Courier Covenant-First Presbyterian Church July 2025, Vol. 30, Issue 7 Summer Reading, Deep Thinking: Five Books from My Doctoral Journey This summer, I want to share five books I read during my doctoral studies that not only enriched my academic life but also deeply stirred my faith and imagination. Each volume offers a unique voice and perspective, engaging questions about belief, community, play, neuroscience, and ritual. Whether you’re relaxing on a porch with iced tea or indoors on a rainy or scorching afternoon, these books serve as rich companions for your spiritual journey. Just a heads-up about the McGilchrist book—it’s quite lengthy. Everything Good About God is True Bruce Reyes-Chow Reyes-Chow revisits Christian vocabulary often misused in our culture—words like sin, sal-vation, and confession—and gently redefines them through a theological lens centered on love, justice, and grace. Using personal stories and poetic prayer, he encourages readers to reimagine faith not as a system of fear or rigidity but as a collage of trust, lament, healing, and hope. It’s a deeply pastoral work, structured with devotional elements and practical re-flections suitable for individuals and groups. The Well-Played Life Leonard Sweet With joy and whimsy, Sweet challenges our ingrained association between spirituality and performance. Instead of “working” for God, he suggests that we “play” with God—living lives filled with imagination, rest, and holy delight. Anchored in Scripture and infused with humor, the book invites us to take Sabbath seriously, to cherish creativity, and to rediscover the joy of childlike faith. You’re Invited Jon Levy A secular yet deeply resonant exploration of how genuine influence is rooted in intentional connection. Levy—part social scientist, part storyteller—makes a compelling case that trust, shared effort, and meaningful rituals are at the heart of community. This book provided me with practical insights into how the church might foster belonging not just through pro-grams, but through shared purpose and presence. Pastors and lay leaders will find its tools engaging and thought-provoking.

Page 2 The Covenant Courier The Master and His Emissary Iain McGilchrist This is the heaviest book here—both intellectually and physically—but also one of the most impactful. McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and literary scholar, argues that Western culture has depended too heavily on the analytical, mechanical “left brain” and has undervalued the relational, poetic “right brain.” His sweeping narrative touches on art, science, theolo-gy, and culture—calling for a revival of presence, empathy, and meaning. While not explic-itly theological, its implications for spiritual formation and worship are profound. Ritual Dimitris Xygalatas Why do humans create rituals—from weddings to worship, funerals to fire-walking? This anthropologist explores the science and sociology behind ritual, illustrating how such prac-tices bond communities, ease anxiety, and root us in meaning. Although not written from a Christian perspective, the book offers powerful affirmations of how sacred rhythms—prayer, communion, singing—nourish mental, emotional, and social health. It’s a timely reminder of why gathered worship truly matters. Why These Matter for Us Each of these books reminded me in its own way that theology is not just an academic discipline—it’s a way of life. Jesus encounters us in every way, from our minds to the company we keep. These works span genres and perspec-tives, but all invite us to grow in a more profound faith that is embodied, joyful, reflective, and interconnected. If you’re seeking a summer read that will stretch your mind and renew your spirit, I wholeheartedly recommend them. Happy reading—and may the Spirit guide your rest and reflection this season. Pastor Dan’s Vacation Pastor Dan will be on vacation for several weeks in July. During his time away he has ar-ranged for several pastors to cover for him, should a need arise. Please contact Genita in the church office, 513-621-4144, if there is an emergency and she will get in contact with the cor-rect pastor to assist.

Page 3 The Covenant Courier July 2 Kathy Ross 5 Jaimee Uwizeye 10 Jennifer Maxwell 19 Eli Maxwell August 1 Chuck Libourel 1 Pat Durst 2 Pat Beckman 2 Leslie Turis 3 Linda Meier 5 Tracy Kramer 8 Becky Ewing 15 Dan Turis 20 Sonja Vernon 23 Devon Bloom 24 Nancy Hobstetter 25 Heidi Balz 31 Margaret Heidenreich Session Report Your Session met for its regular meeting on June 9, with a variety of discussion topics, but no formal business/action items (other than approving the May minutes). Rev. Dr. Turis led a devotional designed to guide the elder’s daily prayers, explaining that he wanted the Session to be engaged in “a concerted effort to be praying for other people’s faith.” He encouraged the elders to consider individuals in six different stages of growing in faith, from little/no faith, to an active faith, challenging the elders to have their own lists of individuals in each of the six stages of faith, and to be praying for each person regularly. Rev. Dr. Turis also reviewed the upcoming schedule, including the Brady Block Par-ty volunteering, his July vacation plans, and the end-of-July Summer Bible Seminar. (See details elsewhere in this Couri-er.) Elder Meatchem provided updates on the ongoing West Cincinnati Summer Youth program, which this year is co-ordinated with Bright Star Community Church’s similar program. Elder Heidenreich confirmed that the church had received a $35,000 gift from the Presbytery of Cincinnati’s One Hopeful Fund, which covers the costs of the pro-gram. Then, on June 21, in a Called Meeting, the Session met to formally welcome three new members to our congre-gation: Margaret Valentine, Greg Richards, and Carlos Sosa. (See photos elsewhere in this Courier.) Together with the formal addition of the members joining via the merger of West Cincinnati and Covenant-First, our official membership grew by over 30 in June! Subsequent to the June meeting, deacon Charlotte Goering notified the Session that she was resigning as a deacon due to various personal reasons at this time. Thank you to Charlotte for all her faithful service and dedication to Covenant-First. The Session will not meet in July, due to Rev. Dr. Turis’ vacation, but will next meet for a regular meeting on August 11. Between now and then, your elders are praying for you. Please see me, Rev. Dr. Turis, or any elder with any ques-tions or concerns. Rob Heidenreich Clerk of Session July gathering for the Senior Singles July 26 at 4 PM The Senior Singles July gathering will be fun! The gathering will be at the home of Becky Bell on Saturday, July 26 at 4 PM, 823 Kenton Station Rd., Alexandria, KY. Car pools are forming so talk to others about getting a ride. RSVP to Pat Beckman by noon on Wednesday, July 23.

Page 4 The Covenant Courier Don’t Miss This Unique Opportunity Discover the World of the Bible with Archaeologist Dr. Ron Tappy Join us for an unforgettable seminar led by Dr. Ron Tappy, a leading archaeologist and biblical scholar with over 30 years of experience excavating in Israel. Dr. Tappy is a retired Professor of Bible and Archaeology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Director of the Tel Zayit excavation—an important site that sheds light on ancient Is-rael’s history and its neighbors. His engaging teaching will expand any learner’s knowledge of Jesus by explaining the very real nature of the land of Israel. Dr. Tappy will teach about the family structures and tribal influences on the Old Testament and their impact on how we view Jesus today. Dr. Tappy will teach on: • The physical nature of the land of Israel and its implications on Biblical Interpretation. • The land and political nature of Israel throughout the Old Testament. • Kinship (family) relationships in Israel and their impact on New Testament interpretation. • National, Pan-Tribal, and Clan Influences on the Interpretation of the Old Testament. • Whether you’re a student of Scripture, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the ancient world of the Bi-ble, this seminar will deepen your understanding and bring the biblical story to life. Discover the significance of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ with Rev. Dr. Andrew Purves We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Andrew Purves as our featured speaker for this year’s Summer Bible Seminar. Orig-inally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Dr. Purves is a respected Reformed theologian and longtime professor at Pitts-burgh Theological Seminary. He’s known for bringing deep theological wisdom with a pastor’s heart. Dr. Purves studied under the renowned theologian Thomas F. Torrance and has shaped the thinking of pastors worldwide through his books, including The Crucifixion of Ministry and Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition. His core message? Ministry belongs to Jesus—ours simply participates in his ongoing work. Questions? See Pastor Dan. This Seminar will be informative and interesting for everyone! The Seminar is nightly, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with two 55-minute sessions each evening, with a 10 minute break between. Dr. Tappy will be here on Monday and Tuesday for the first four sessions. Dr. Purves will be joining us online Wednesday evening and Dr. Turis will conclude the seminar on Thursday evening. For more information about the speakers see our website at covfirstchurch.org.

Page 5 The Covenant Courier Welcome New Members We are excited to welcome these new members: • Greg Richards • Carlos Sosa • Margaret Valentine For address information please downtown the Breeze App or our church app to access our Friendship Directory. Breeze CHMS CFPC Cincy APP Thank you to our Brady Block Party Volunteers It was a hot and sticky night, but we had fun getting out and volunteering in our neighborhood. Karen Stine, Genita Heidenreich, Margaret Heidenreich, Rob Heidenreich, Monique Garnett, Dan Turis and Joan VanEpps. Welcome Cory Linman We are excited to welcome Cory Linman as our new Sexton. Make sure to give him a hearty CFPC welcome when you see him at the church.

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 Custodian: Christy Ware-Fields Sexton: Cory Linman 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 9:15 AM Adult Sunday School Sundays 10:30 AM Worship Sundays 11:30 PM Fellowship Time 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 Krissy Bradley Jamie Jewell Jennifer Maxwell Lashuna Meatchen Mike Millhaem Hugh Ralston Cindy Standen Randy Page DEACONS Jenny Adams Devon Bloom Maria Bloom Sophia Colclasure 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 Note: No Wednesday Noon Bible Study during July July 1 through July 12 — Pastor Dan on vacation July 4 — Independence Day Holiday, church office closed July 14 through July 26 — Pastor Dan on vacation July 28 through July 31 — Sunday Bible Seminar