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From our pastor — Rev. Dan Turis The Covenant Courier Covenant-First Presbyterian Church June 2025, Vol. 30, Issue 6 Why I Wear the Hood and New Robe—and What It Means Dear Church Family, Some of you have asked about the new pulpit robe and the academic hood I’ve recently begun wearing during our worship services. It’s a fair question. In an age that rightly questions external displays of status or self-importance, why add visible symbols like these to the pulpit? Let me offer an explanation, not as a defense, but as a pastoral reflection. I hope this will help us all think more deep-ly about calling, humility, and the beauty of Christ’s church. The Academic Hood: Not a Badge, but a Stewardship The scarlet velvet trim of the hood represents the field of theology or divinity, aligning with my Doctor of Ministry degree. The navy blue and old gold lining reflects the official colors of George Fox University, the institution that granted the degree. But these colors are not about personal achievement—they are reminders of something larger: The high calling to serve Christ’s church with both heart and mind (Matt 22:37). Reformed theology has always cherished the life of the mind. From Calvin’s Geneva to the lecture halls of Princeton, a well-educated clergy was not an indulgence but a necessity. The Apostle Paul calls ministers “stewards of the mys-teries of God” (1 Cor 4:1), and the hood quietly signals that I am accountable to that trust. The Robe: Office Over Personality The new Geneva-style pulpit robe I wear has its quiet symbolism. The three velvet bars on each sleeve signify the doctorate, not to elevate me, but to mark a theological calling grounded in service. The robe’s judicial shape echoes the biblical office of elder: One who discerns and shepherds according to the Word and the living voice of Christ. But perhaps the most meaningful symbol is invisible to most. The sewn yoke, adorned with small crosses, cannot be removed. My previous robe had a removable colored yoke, subtly suggesting I could take the calling on and off. No longer. The sewn-in yoke reminds me that the yoke of Christ is now woven into my very life (Matt 11:29-30). I carry it not as a burden, but as a grace-fitted responsibility. The red piping speaks again to the discipline of theology—my area of study, yes, but also the source of all faithful ministry: The knowledge of God that leads to the love of Christ. A Word on Appearance and Integrity A young Campus Minister, Dan Turis, questioned if he was called to seminary, let alone to get a doctorate. He never could have imagined wearing such regalia. I understand some might worry that this kind of attire feels showy or elitist. And I agree—if ever worn in pride, it betrays its purpose. But in its rightful use, academic dress can teach without dis-tracting. It shifts focus from the preacher to the preaching—from personality to proclamation. It’s a visual reminder that the Word of God is our judge, not our preferences or personalities (1 Cor 1:23). The Westminster Confession of Faith reminds us that the visible church includes “learned elders equipped to teach sound doctrine” (WCF 25.2; cf. Titus 1:9). My role, then, is not self-appointed or self-styled, but is rooted in a visible order and an invisible grace.
Page 2 The Covenant Courier 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 July 2 Kathy Ross 5 Jaimee Uwizeye 10 Jennifer Maxwell 19 Eli Maxwell We received word that former member Mary Nelson died on Wednesday, May 28. Funeral details are pending, but will likely be at a family plot in Minnesota. A Closing Prayer for Perspective In every thread of the robe and every color of the hood, may we remember this: We preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for his sake (2 Cor 4:5). That’s the goal—not to dress up the man, but to elevate the message. With love and reverence to our king, Jesus Christ, let us submit all to him. Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Dan Turis Senior Singles — June 19 at 6 PM The next Senior Singles Dinner will be on Thursday, June 19 at 6 PM at Cincy Seafood, 2301 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs. Please RSVP to Pat Beckman by noon on Wednesday, June 18. West Cincinnati and Bright Star Summer Program West Cincinnati was excited to kick–off their Summer Program on Monday, June 2. Since we are in the process of selling the former West Church building due to the merger with CFPC, we are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Bright Star Baptist Church. This has allowed for the continuation of the Summer Program for the 57th year. The purpose of the program is to expose the youth of our community to the tremendous possibili-ties and activities related to a better understanding of church history, the community in which they live and themselves. We provide new learning experiences through speakers, the arts, field trips, educational study, Bible study and fun. College students are hired as counselors, providing for their personal growth and development. They serve as role models, and gain work experience. Bright Star Community Church has had a summer program in the West End Since 2008. Our programs are similar in format and goals. We look forward to a wonderful summer in our joint adventure. There will be a total of 70 students in this merger allowing West's outreach to touch even more students. Praise be to God! Questions? See Darlene Nored.
Page 3 The Covenant Courier Deacon’s Corner The deacons held their monthly meeting on May 25, 2025. Present were Sophia Colclasure, Devon Bloom, Maria Bloom, and Joan McAlonan We had a short review of our Mothers Day project for the Crisis Pregnancy Center in May. The deacons are grateful for the help of Margaret Heidenreich in preparing our contribution for delivery. Our collection included: Our donations were gratefully received by the center and we thank all for your generous help for “the least of these.” In new business, the deacons were asked to become more involved in the delivery of flowers to church members who are hospitalized or in need. We were able to begin immediately with a delivery to one of our new members who was in rehab. We continue to look forward to getting to know all of our new church members. We continue to strive to be a blessing to our church and community. Gratefully submitted, Joan McAlonan Session Report Your Session met as scheduled on May 12, and while the official business agenda was limited, lots of important infor-mation was shared and discussed. Since the meeting was just a few days after his graduation, the group first celebrated the now Rev. Dr. Turis's graduation with his doctorate. Rev. Dr. Turis then reported on the PC(USA) Church Growth Network's initial meeting, which he had attended the prior week with Executive Presbyter Lisa Allgood. The network is a fledgling group of pastors and Presbytery executives looking to share ideals that would foster church growth in Presbyterian churches; Rev. Dr. Turis' doctoral thesis on discipleship can fit well with the group's focus. Rev. Dr. Turis led the group in a wide-ranging discussion about church growth — membership growth, spiritual growth, and more. The elders also welcomed elders from West Cincinnati Presbyterian Church that are now joining the Session: Krissy Bradley, and Lashuna Meatchem. The two shared various updates and thoughts on the then pending merger of the two congregations, noting, among other things, the critical need for the members of the two congregations to inten-tionally connect and build relationships. They also reported that the West Cincinnati church building was under con-tract to be sold, pending completion of the usual real estate due diligence work. The net proceeds of the building sale will be held for ministry in the West End. (Note that the merger was formally approved by the Presbytery of Cincinnati in its regular quarterly meeting the next day, and became official on June 1. All members of West Cincinnati Presbyteri-an Church became members of Covenant-First on June 1 as part of the merger.) The Session is scheduled to next meet on June 9 for its next meeting. Please see me, Rev. Dr. Turis, or any elder with any questions or concerns. Rob Heidenreich Clerk of Session • 22 newborn clothing items • 4 boys swimwear • 5 baby girl • 21 baby boy items • 8 bibs and hats • 14 toddler boy shorts • 4 packs of diapers • 2 packs of wipes • 20 toddler boy tops • 8 bibs and hats • 8 toddler girl shorts • 4 toys and books • 3 toddler girl tops • 4 toothbrushes • 3 footwear • 2 car seats
Page 4 The Covenant Courier 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. We have to confirm all volunteers in advance of the event. The sign-up deadline is Sunday, June 15. Questions or want to sign-up? See Rob Heidenreich. We will need your t-shirt size to sign-up. Brady Block Party June 2024 Summer Bible Seminar — July 28 through July 31, 6:30 to 8:30 PM 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.
Page 5 The Covenant Courier May in the Neighborhood We had a lot of great opportunities to get out into the neighborhood during the month of May. These activities included Cheering on the Runners at the Flying Pig, attending a Red’s game refreshing black poles along 8th Street and Elm Street and grilling in the Courtyard to kick-off the Memorial Day holiday. See pictures below.
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 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 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 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 Upcoming Events June 9 — 6:30 PM — Session Meeting June 19 — 6 PM — Senior Singles Dinner June 20 — 5:30 PM — Wedding Rehearsal June 21 — 10 AM — New Members Class June 21 — 5:30 PM — Wedding June 22 — 6 PM — Brady Block Party June 16 — 7:15 PM — New Liberty Dance Orchestra Concert June 25 — 12 Noon — Wednesday Noon Cookout Congratulations Rev. Dr. Dan Turis