“WELCOME Wholly
LOVE Authentically
SHARE God’s Grace Abundantly”
Newsletter for September 17, 2021
From the Pastor
Let’s continue to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID during our gatherings:
- Please wear a mask. We have extra masks if you forget yours. We have plenty. If you want to order a face mask with a Chalice on it, this Etsy store does a great job: https://www.etsy.com/listing/825657506/chalice-all-cotton-washable-face-mask?ref=yr_purchases.
- Please use hand sanitizer. We have some dispensers in the sanctuary.
- Please remember to practice social distancing. When chatting and greeting one another, please allow 6 feet of space between you and others. We are putting an extra table in the back of the sanctuary to spread out the things to get on Sunday morning to prevent a traffic jam.
- Please wash your hands regularly.
- Please refrain from singing. This is new. Singing is very risky behavior. Please consider humming or speaking the words of the hymns.
- Please get vaccinated. If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, please contact Pastor Tracy. She can help you find a vaccine and get a ride to the site.
Thank you for the ways in which you love one another,
Pastor T
Faith In Action Together (F.I.A.T)
As First Christian Church of Covington grows and transforms we have been wrestling with what our justice ministry looks like. Meeting our neighbors’ immediate needs is an important part of our ministry. We are beginning the work to address the causes of those needs – and what role our congregation can have in fighting these systemic issues. If you are interested in being a part of the ministries that will move us into justice work, join the FIAT team. We are looking for people who are interested in any or all of this work to join us virtually on the 4th Wednesday of every month beginning in September at 7 pm to help us move forward together. If you have questions, please contact Joe Gallenstein or Pastor Tracy.
Welcoming Afghan Refugees
Thank you, FCC! All the items for the bedding, bathroom and kitchen welcome baskets have been covered for refugees resettling in the area through Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio. I received enough other cash donations to cover another bedding basket. If you still want to contribute, please contact me so I can receive your gift. I’ll make another trip to the store to buy the additional items. Once again, you’ve gone above and beyond!
New Books for Children’s Faith Formation
Thank you to everyone who donated to Pastor Tracy’s Facebook birthday fundraiser for new resources for our children’s faith formation. She was able to buy 15 new books for our children. Two of the books are for parents to talk about death and grief with children – the most requested resource by parents.
Panorama Food Pantry / Pie the Pastor ++
Another big thank you to FCC! I challenged the church to donate 1200 items to the food pantry for Panorama apartments. We have already collected over 2000 items. I have cash donations to go shopping for additional items. You still have through the end of the month to contribute. Because you have met and exceeded the goal, Hilde, Richard and I will take cream pies in the face on Sunday October 3rd.
Free Mental Health Test
FCC, in partnership with Mental Health America, is promoting free mental health check-ins. See the banner on the back rail for the QR code to access the test online.
Congratulations to our newest members! John Vaughn and Juliana Loveless.
** for all Zoom meetings, contact the office for participation details. **
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Please join us for Bible study on Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 pm. There is an optional prayer time at 1:45p.
BOOK CLUB Book: The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths.
Book club will meet on Sunday, Sep 19, 2021 at 1p.
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING
The next Leadership Council Meeting will be Sunday, Sep 19th, 2021 at 7p
ELDER’S MEETING
The next Elder’s Meeting will be Sunday Sep 26, 2021 at 7p
FAITH IN ACTION TOGETHER
The first Faith in Action Together Meeting will be on Wednesday Sep 22, 2021 7p.
Our New Regional Minister to be Installed
You are Invited to the
Installation of our New Regional Minister,
Rev. Dr. Donald J. Gillett II
Sunday, October 3, 2021
4:00 pm ET
This will be a virtual event.
Watch for Detail
The Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering will be received in congregations this year on September 26th and October 3rd. Our theme is “Revealing God’s Justice: The Time is Always Ripe to Do What is Right.” Now, in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, violence against Asian and Pacific Islanders, and the deadly inequities of the Coronavirus Pandemic, is the time for our Church to strengthen its commitment to actively seek God’s justice.
Leadership Council Meeting Highlights
August 15, 2021
Front Doors: Rev. Tracy reported she had received two quotes, one from Budget Door of Cincinnati for $4,000 and the second from Bonded Lock for $6,700. Doug Baldrige stated that the doors do not need to be replaced, just refinished.
Kitchen: Rev. Tracy reported that $86,000 was the last quote for the upgrade for the kitchen. Rev. Tracy will contact contractors for quotes for local minority businesses of at least three bids of a general contractor that specializes in restaurants through her grant writing.
Pastoral Evaluation: Scott Farkas reported that Rev. Tracy provided him with a description of what she has been doing. The documents are almost ready.
Adopt-a-Class: Rev. Tracy reported that no one has expressed interest and/or feels safe at this time. Richard motioned to table the issue until spring. Sterling second the motion.
Opening and Affirming Process: Rev. Tracy reported that the meeting she had scheduled in July with the director of the Disciples Alliance LGBTQ did not take place. She is working with the director to reschedule. The Disciples Alliance LGBTQ’s website includes notes: http://disciplesallianceq.org
New Business: The Mental Health America to add a banner to the back of the church for the time period of one year. Sterling called for the motion, Richard second, the motion passed unanimously.
There are still tickets available for the Reds game.
Cub Scout Leaders: Sterling suggested that the church acknowledge Doug Baldrige, Paul Jackson, Gary Cassey for all of their work and service with Cub Scout Troop 316. Richard called for the motion, Sterling second, the motion passed unanimously.
Rev. Tracy would like for someone to look at her office door to see if it is damaged after someone tried to break in. It was suggested that maybe a system such as a Ring doorbell be installed. Richard volunteered to do the research. Alex called for the motion, Sheri second, the motion passed unanimously.
Invitation!!
Dear FCCCov folks,
I would like to offer anyone who feels the need, to contact me if you want to participate in some meditation, contemplation, lectio divina with me. I am always ready and in need, so if you are a beginner or an old pro, just let me know and we can set up a time. Not in person ~ over the phone on loudspeaker, or Zoom (Tracy said she could set it up), or Messenger, or Webex meet… It is just something I’d like to offer. I don’t want anything for it! Whenever you have the need, I’ve most likely got the time!
Grace be with you!
Lisa Kay
How to spend $35.9MM?
Survey seeks guidance from public for COVID-19 stimulus funds
COVINGTON, Ky. – The City of Covington has created a survey to pick the public’s brain on how to spend $35.9 million over the next 3 to 5 years.
The money can’t be spent on just anything.
Rather, it must be allocated within broad categories related to recovering from the economic and public health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City’s online survey can be accessed here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=qtceq5up1EyqGpQLh5u8RiJM6Rx8vWVAkrRLx3JmRVRUQU5XMk1PMEg5MFM3S0Q3MDNZS0pQRElUUy4u&web=1&wdLOR=cA4567F4B-2C3F-4C62-88CA-4A5F9D136DF0
General guidelines mandate the $39.5 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds be spent:
- To support urgent response efforts aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 and bringing the pandemic under control.
- To replace “lost” local government revenue used for vital public services and to retain jobs.
- To support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses.
- To address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the inequal impact of the pandemic.
First Christian Church 