Note from the Pastor
I’m settled into my new apartment in Covington. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. Even with all the snow we’ve had this week, I could still get to the church because I’m so close now.
Leadership Council Update
The Leadership Council met for the first time last month. The minutes of that meeting are attached. The next meeting will be 2/21. Information to join the meeting is below. All meetings are open for you to attend.
Lent starts on Wednesday
Included in this newsletter are some activities for the Lent season.
We are preparing Lent bags similar to the Advent bags delivered in late November. If you’re interested in helping deliver on Sunday, February 14, please contact me.
The Elders and I will be creating weekly video devotions that we will send to you via email and Facebook on Wednesdays. If you are an Elder and have not yet signed up to do a video, please let me know.
– Pastor T.
ELDERS MEETING
The Elders are invited to meet on Sunday, February 28th at noon. If you would like to join the Zoom meeting contact the office for info.
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING
The Leadership Council will meet on Sunday, February 21st at 7 pm. This is an open meeting.
If you would like to join the Zoom meeting contact the office for info.
Leadership Council – minutes from January 31, 2021 meeting
Notes taken by Sheri Jackson – Agenda items from Tracy Siegman
Council members in attendance: Richard, Scott, Alex, Tracy, Sterling, Sheila, Ann, Sheri
1) Decide on meeting facilitator and note taker. You may decide to have a facilitator/leader and note taker for a whole year or take turns over the year.
Decision: Scott and Sterling facilitator only. Others agree to rotate being both. Tracy will produce the list for the first 6 months.
2) Devotion: bring an image of what you think of when you think “church”. It does not have to be a picture of our church or a church.
Responses: Stained glass windows, diverse group of people gathered around a table breaking bread, flat Jesus, views from the balcony, prayers/cross, memories/people that have shaped our life, doing ministry out in the community
3) Mission statement/building sign – Welcome wholly, love authentically, share God’s grace abundantly.
Discussion: Replace open minds, big hearts? Permanent sign? Message clear/strong/cluttered for Social media?
Decision: Give back to Thriving Congregation Team. Ask Alex to join in conversation.
4) AV / Tech proposal from Alex from American Sound
Project #1 – Sound
Project #2 – Camera
Project #3 – In person visuals (Flat Screens)
Decision: The council recommended taking projects #1 and #2 to the trustees for funding but with additional info: 1) bids for less expensive equipment (speakers and camera) and 2) secure second bid from competitor) Alex will call Steve Rehfuss for name of other sound company
5) Set next meeting date –
Decision: Meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 7:00 pm. Next meeting date 2/21/2021
Potential February business items:
1) Cincinnati Pride
2) Free Fridge
3) Racial Justice team
4) AV/Tech
5) Portable Restroom
LENT CALENDAR
Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday Zoom
Topic: Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday
Time: Feb 17, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
If you want to join Zoom meeting contact the office for info.
Evening Bible Study
Topic: Lent Spiritual Gifts Study – Serving from the Heart
Time: Feb 24, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Wed, 3 occurrence(s)
Feb 24, 2021 7:00 PM
Mar 3, 2021 7:00 PM
Mar 10, 2021 7:00 PM
If you want to join the Zoom meeting contact the office for info.
Evening Book Study
Topic: Book study – Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
Time: Mar 17, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Wed, 3 occurrence(s)
Mar 17, 2021 7:00 PM
Mar 24, 2021 7:00 PM
Mar 31, 2021 7:00 PM
If you want to join the Zoom meeting contact the office for info.
Serving from the Heart Bible Study
Finding Your Gifts and Talents for Service
February 24 – March 10
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans…to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Read the following Scriptures to prepare for the study:
John 14: 12 – 26 John 15: 26 – 27
Luke 12: 11 – 12 Luke 24: 46 – 49
Acts 1: 4 – 8 1 Corinthians 12
Romans 12: 1 – 8 1 Peter 4: 9 – 11
Ephesians 4: 1 – 7, 11 – 16
Book Study: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho March 17-31
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Hardcover copy on sale on Amazon for $12.89 (otherwise $27.99)
We will discuss the 3 sections of the book over 3 weeks. You will need to read a section per week to prepare for discussion. Each section is about 70 pages.
Contact Pastor Tracy if you’d like her to order you a copy.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
*** There will be an optional prayer time at 1:45 pm. We will share our joys and concerns before study and focus on study from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. ***
If you want to join the zoom meeting, contact the office for info.
Imogene Walter’s 91st birthday is 2/18. Please send her cards for her birthday.
Week of Compassion
When you give to Week of Compassion, you deploy resources to people in need all around the world. Through sustainable development projects, our partners help provide life-giving water and other critical resources that help communities reinvent and reimagine what is possible. When water comes to a village, people are safer, healthier, and more free to pursue learning and growth opportunities. Let love flow, and share more than just water.
Give now by texting WoC to 41444 or go to https://www.weekofcompassion.org/
First Christian Church 