15 So. Ft. Thomas Avenue Ft. Thomas KY 41075 Phone: 859-441-2565 Fax: 859-441-3117 www.christchurchft.org facebook.com/christchurchuccft Twitter@ChristChurch_FT

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm Closed on Friday

Worship Schedule:  9:15–10:15 am Faith Formation

10:15 Fellowship Time

10:00 am Sunday School

10:30-11:30 am Worship

(childcare available)

Call for Youth & Children’s

Ministry Information

Christ Church Staff: Edward Goode, Interim Pastor ed@christchurchft.org Kelly Kuhnhein, Director of Outreach & Christian Education kelly@christchurchft.org

Toni Sheffer, Music Director/Organist toni@christchurchft.org Max Gise/Guitarist max@christchurchft.org Sherri Spaulding, Parish Administrator sherri@christchurchft.org

Melanie Sorrell, Co-Director of Illumination Youth Ministries melaniemcb@gmail.com

Rev. Dr. David V. Schwab Pastor Emeritus

THE GUIDE JULY 2019 CHRIST CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

“We embrace all as we journey the way of Jesus.”

Halfway There We’re nearly halfway through the year. As of writing this, it is June 26, in the 26th week of the year. It is the 177th day of 2019, meaning that we’re just about 5½ days away from the exact midpoint of the year. I’m also just about halfway through my “Year With Jesus.” This morning I read John 21 with one chapter left in John tomorrow. Two times through the Gospels so far with two more to go. My first read through, I read through the NRSV translation – one that I have been very familiar with over the years and then the second was largely in what is known as the Cotton Patch translation (you can google it for more info). I say “largely” because Clarence Jordan never finished John and didn’t start Mark before he passed away. So, what about the next two times?

I had a few different ideas in mind before I came to a paragraph in a book I just finished this morning. I was re-reading a book by Eugene Peterson called “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society.” Peterson wrote this book decades ago but it is still incredibly relevant today about that pace at which many of us live and how we can get frustrated that our faith lives don’t move as quickly as the rest of life. I highly recommend the book – wonderful stuff from Peterson. Anyway…in the epilogue he wrote, he noted that the core of discipleship has always been and always will be scripture and prayer or as he put it prayerscripture/scriptureprayer. He didn’t want to get into the space of which comes first but instead getting to the core of discipleship is being in conversation and presence with God which happens through prayerscripture/scriptureprayer.

He writes, “If we are serious about following Jesus and living out the gift of his life in detail in our bodies and circumstances…We do [this] by reading our Scriptures slowly, imaginatively, prayerfully and obediently. Each adverb is important.” Continued -

Slowly.

Imaginatively.

Prayerfully.

Obediently.

So that got me reflecting back – My first read through was a pretty slow one. I read each chapter while taking a few notes in my journal each day. It wasn’t just a simple quick read through 20-40 verses or so. The second was imaginative – a very different translation and perspective on the Jesus stories as Clarence Jordan took ancient Israel and Palestine and moved it to Georgia and the American South – both in location as well as in language. So, what about prayerfully and obediently? How could those two ways be lived out?

I think the next read through will be taking a Bible and reading it aloud every day. Sometimes I’ll read it on my own, sometimes with others. Reading it silently is one thing but there’s an additional something that happens when we are not only seeing something but also hearing and doing the physical act of speaking it. But I am going to be asking as I read it for how those stories and teachings lead me to prayer – for whom does this story lead me to pray? For what is happening in the world does it lead me?

And then the fourth time through – obediently. I’m still working on what this would look like but I wonder if it could be “what is the action that this story calls me to TODAY?” Putting into practice exactly what I read each and every day.

So, I don’t share this with you as a “hey, look at me!” but instead an invitation. I know several folks have shared that they are doing this reading plan as well. Would you like to join me in these next two ways of spending the year with Jesus? I’d love to get together to read the passages with you. What about a weekly time to come together to read through the last several days aloud and talk and pray? A simple weekly lunch where we meet somewhere? What about the actions of obedience? What can we do together and not just as individuals with this? Let’s talk and act and listen!

As we continue in the next step of our ministry life together, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of discipleship for us. Plans, programs, strategies, studies, action plans, flow charts, and so forth all have their place but the way that the church has always grown is people responding to the reality of the living God, taking in the gift of the Holy Spirit, spending time with God in prayerscripture/scriptureprayer, and letting God do the transforming work in us that naturally flows out from us to others in service, invitation, witness, and love.

Join me in this next stage of our journey together.

Mark Your Calendar!

Congregational Meeting

Sunday 7/14

Attention! Busam Buddies will be tracing hands on Sunday, July 14th before and after service. Bring your hands and stop by the table to get your hands traced.

Christ Church United Church of Christ. Summary of 6/24 Council Meeting

Present: Rev. Ed Goode, Larry Stinson, Cindy Bathiany, Lois Basham, Jim Korpik, Linda Gracey, Sallie Schmidt, Bert Bathiany IV, Alex Petracco, Joe Stevenson, Tim Borah and Kelly Kuhnhein.

Absent: David Hosea.

Pastor Ed Goode opened meeting with discussion of the concept of “Covenant” and used Genesis chapter 15 as an illustration.

Minutes of Council meeting from 22 May were adopted as amended.

Moderator’s Report: Larry Stinson reported that the sump pump in the church’s basement is now fixed.

Vice Moderator’s Report: Joe Stevenson recounted that the adjoining parking lot has been offered for sale and will be appraised in the future.

Treasurer’s Report: Bert Bathiany IV reported that expenditures remain slightly ahead of income partly due to contractual payments and other expenses coming due before the later half of the calendar year. He added non-pledged budgetary income usually arrived in the later part of a calendar year. Also, our congregation’s Capital Campaign remains in step with planned giving amounts at this time.

After some discussion, the Board of Directors gave consensus for the Treasurer to take appropriate actions on behalf of the Corporation.

Coordinator Reports:

Coordinator of Spiritual Life: Jim Korpik reported that a big turnout was had for the May meeting of the Worship Planning Committee and that another meeting is planned for September.

Coordinator of Teaching: Cindy Bathiany reported that a narrative lectionary for Christian Ed for our youth is planned to begin in September. Kelly Kuhnhein, Director of Outreach and Christian Education, submitted a written report.

Coordinator for Service: Linda Gracey reported that Saturday, 6 July, Christ Church will be hosting Family Promise again and members are asked to please participate with this meaningful ministry to those in need.

Councilor Report: Sallie Schmidt reported that Sunday morning July 14 members will be invited to trace their hands for cutouts to be used in producing quilts.

New Business: The Finance Committee has made a motion to approve the purchase of a coffee maker appliance to be paid from the Memorial Fund. The Board of Directors adopted the motion.

After discussion, Jim Korpik made a motion seconded by Sallie Schmidt for Larry Stinson to represent Council/Board of Directors on the Legacy Committee. The Board of Directors adopted the motion.

Also, Tim Borah made a motion seconded by Bert Bathiany IV, for Independence Mechanical (contractor) to install a new heating and air conditioning unit for the Parlor. The Board of Directors adopted the motion.

Pastor Report: Pastor Ed Goode discussed the role of Designated Pastor with Council and explained that assigned tasks are a part of that role. His ideas revolve around nurturing disciples by caring for children and tending to the elderly.

Moderator Larry Stinson concluded the meeting by leading Council in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

Updates from our Moderator - Larry Stinson

Greetings! It looks as though summer has actually arrived - some people are already complaining about the heat. I hope you have seen the notice of a Special Congregational Meeting. This meeting will take place immediately following the morning worship service on July 14. We have two very important pieces of business that cannot wait until the next regular meeting.

The first item on the agenda will be an update on our Capital Campaign and construction projects. Bill Hitch will share information about how much money has been pledged to date and, also, how much has already been received. This information, of course, relates to amount of the loan required from the Cornerstone Fund now that the accessibility project has been completed. Additionally, Bill will provide an update on the remaining capital improvement projects we hope to complete as resources are available.

The second agenda item will be a discussion of where we are, and what the next steps can be, in the process of selecting a new Pastor for Christ Church. It has been a year now since Pastor Ryan announced his resignation and Pastor Ed has been with us as Interim Pastor since late September. This has been a good year and we are experiencing many great things under Pastor Ed's leadership. However, we need to move along with the next phase of the process. Before the Church Council makes the next decisions, we want to make sure the congregation aware of our options and has the opportunity to provide input to those decisions.

These agenda items are very important to our future. Please be present for this meeting if at all possible. It will be especially important for a high percentage of our members to participate in the discussion about the Pastoral Selection Process. We will try to move the meeting along as quickly as possible, but will want to be respectful of members who wish to comment or have questions.

LUNCH AND LEARN JULY 23

Join us for lunch on Tuesday July 23rd when we learn about the Jefferson Proving Grounds, which is located outside of Madison Indiana. Established in 1941, on the eve of WWII, JPG tested live artillery, ammunition, bombs, mines, and other weapons for 53 years. We will learn how the US government obtained over 55 thousand acres of farm land and the huge impact on the region and its residents over the 53 years that it existed. Our guest presenters, Mr. Ken Knouf and Mr. Michael Moore were both employed at Jefferson Proving Grounds and have documented the historical information that is currently on display at the Jefferson County Historical Museum in downtown Madison Indiana.

Lunch will begin at 11:30 AM followed by the presentation at noon. For lunch reservations call 441-7207 or respond by email to nhunter@zoomtown.com . Also, a sign-up sheet will be available in the Narthex.

Illumination Youth Ministries Updates

Our summer scripture is taken from Isaiah 40:31--”but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Let’s welcome summer and this season of renewal. I know it was a long school year for me!

Take a close look at our schedule--we’re shaking up a few things just for the summer! For our summer activities, please let Melanie know if you need your youth picked up from home rather than meeting at the church.

Illumination Youth Ministries is open to youth from sixth grade through twelfth grade. If you will be entering sixth grade in the fall, we’d love to have you at our summer activities! Please think about joining us.

**HOLD the DATE**Wednesday, July 3--8:15 AM-12:30 PM at First Christian Church (1031 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas): Turner Farm is learning and teaching farm in Indian Hill. They promote connections between people of all ages and the land that feeds them, in body, mind, and spirit. Through education and example, they nurture understanding of the rhythms of nature, and our place in the natural world, fostering recognition of personal responsibility for stewardship of the land, ourselves, and development of a nurturing community.

We’re going to volunteer at the farm, and we’ll help with day-to-day chores (weeding, planting, harvesting). This is a TENTATIVE DATE as the farm and I are working to finalize a date they can accompany our group.

Wednesday, July 17--9:00 AM-1:00 PM at First Christian Church (1031 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas): Let’s go hiking at Big Bone Lick! Pack a lunch and your sunblock. We’ll hike around the property and hopefully see some bison!

Wednesday, August 7--5:30 PM-7:30 PM at St. John UCC (520 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue): Eat dinner at home because tonight is all about dessert! We’ll have a scavenger hunt leading to a variety of desserts around the church.

Wednesday, August 21--5:30 PM-7:30 PM at First Christian Church (1031 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas): Time for bowling and pizza! The new school year is off and running, so let’s return to some normalcy. Please bring $5 to help offset costs.

ADULTS: We are always looking for adults who want to hang out with us. We’re a pretty fun (and energetic) bunch. We usually stay in for our Wednesday meetings and enjoy a meal together. You’re likely to find us out in the community on a Tuesday. We need interested adults to go through a background check. After that, you’ll work with Melanie to schedule as many or as few dates as your availability allows.

Illumination Youth Ministry is a shared youth ministry of St. John UCC-Bellevue, Christ Church UCC-Fort Thomas, and First Christian Church-Fort Thomas. Middle School and High School Youth (Grades 6-12) are invited and encouraged to attend. Our regularly scheduled meetings are on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Friends are always welcome—we just ask that everyone sign in for meetings with appropriate emergency contact information.

For more information, please contact the Illumination Coordinator: Melanie Sorrell Call or text: (859)468-8076 Email: melaniemcb@gmail.com Illumination Youth Ministry is a shared youth ministry of St. John UCC-Bellevue, Christ Church UCC-Fort Thomas, and First Christian Church-Fort Thomas. Middle School and High School Youth (Grades 6-12) are invited and encouraged to attend. Our regularly scheduled meetings are on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Friends are always welcome—we just ask that everyone sign in for meetings with appropriate emergency contact information.

For more information, please contact the Illumination Coordinator: Melanie Sorrell Call or text: (859)468-8076 Email: melaniemcb@gmail.com

Prayers for Members and Families: Ev Weber, Christi Self, Sylvia Ramey, Roseanne Singleton, David Hosea, Mike Randall, Whitney Sudkamp, Heidi Kremer, Lora Capehart, Tom & Jim Jones, Sherry Wilkens. The McAllister Family, Ellen Wilson, Bert Bathiany III, Chuck Keller, Ashley, Dot Racke, Al Rice, Debby Hecky, Carol, Bella, Michelle, Brian Lauer, Robert Chapman, Shannon Stanek, Abby Vogel, Kathy & Ed Fenrich, Cecilia Neltner, The Stinson Family, Jane Cox, Debbie Walters, Tom Schroeder, Mary Bertram, Tom Cox, Kerri Preston, Austin Verst, Elizabeth Milne, Shelia & Jacob Roberts, Deborah Grover

Loved Ones at Home: Maxine Noble, Betty Deller

Loved Ones in Retirement Centers & Nursing Homes: Grand Towers Amy Dunn The Barrington Jack & Ev Weber & Dot Lyman

Mission Team 2019 Event Calendar Please mark your calendars for 2019 service opportunities. We hope our fantastic volunteers will keep these dates open so we may continue to extend hospitality, generosity, and God's love to our community.

Family Promise Host Weeks: July 7th - July 13th

September 8th - September 14th November 17th - November 23rd

July 4 - Water Bottle Sharing! Jesus says in Matthew 10:42 that even sharing a cup of cold water in God’s name is a way to bless others.  Coming up on July 4th, the Ft Thomas parade will come right by Christ Church, so we need your help in a few ways... First, can you donate a flat (or two) of small water bottles for us to share?  Just bring them to the church by July 3 and we’ll get them cooling and ready to go.   Second, can you help pass water bottles out on the 4th?  All that’s required is a smile and a heart for others.   Thank you!

Let’s Eat and Listen to Music! July 23 is one of the upcoming concerts at Tower Park - a bluegrass/folk band called My Brother’s Keeper (https://mybrotherskeeperband.com).  I’ve listened to some of their music and they’re really great!  So, let’s just get together that night and hang out and listen to some great music!  Nothing fancy - just meet at Tower Park around 6pm to either buy some food at the food trucks there or bring your own picnic dinner...The concert starts at 7.  See you then!  

Deepest Sympathy Our sympathy is extended to the family of James "Jim" Steltenkamp who passed away in Somerset, Kentucky, on June 19th.  Jim was a former member of Christ Church prior to moving to Somerset. Deepest Sympathy is also extended to Pam and Steve Weber on the passing of Pam’s mother Elizabeth Milne. Elizabeth passed away on Sunday, June 23rd at the Barrington. Memorials are suggested to: The Down’s Syndrome Assoc. of Cincinnati, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A, Cincinnati, OH 45212.

July Liturgist, Fellowship Hosts,& Deacon/Usher Schedule July 7th: Liturgist, Barry Petracco Deacon: Amy Thornton Ushers: Judy Robinson, Scott Turner, Jane Petracco Fellowship Hosts: Natalie Fugate & Laura Petracco Communion:

July 14th: Liturgist, Jane Petracco Deacon: Jack Hurtt Ushers: Audrey & Bruce Bernhard, Bob Witte Fellowship Hosts: Natalie Fugate & Laura Petracco

July 21st: Liturgist, Scott Turner Deacon: Jean Braun Ushers: Nancy Pinguely, Barb Stinnett, Steve Weber Fellowship Hosts: Nancy Pinguely & Pam Weber

July 28: Liturgist, Nancy Barre Deacon: Barb Korpik Ushers: Amy Thornton, Tim & Andy Borah Fellowship Hosts: Nancy Pinguely & Pam Weber

Christian Education Updates by Kelly Kuhnhein

The children continue to focus on kindness and service this summer. We read from the Bible, watch short videos, and do activities related to caring for one another. They discuss various ways they have lived out kindness through their week. We have a very special group of children who are spreading God’s love to those around them. The children are digging deeper into the challenges of being kind and the importance of forgiveness. It is a gift to be with them each week! I would like to invite each of you to witness the gifts our children have to offer.

I hope to get more people engaged in our children’s ministry as we enter the fall. I would like to split the children into two groups, preschool and school aged. In order to do this, I need you. My goal is to recruit more volunteers so that the time commitment is minimal. If I get enough people involved it could be as little as twice a year. Please let me know if you are able to give your time and if you are more comfortable with preschool or school age. I will provide all materials and have a well planned lesson so all you need to do is show up and be moved by these precious kids. The time commitment is from 10-10:25 and during worship for the preschool age. Please thoughtfully consider giving a little of your time to enrich the lives of our little people! You can email or call me anytime with questions or to be added to the volunteer roster.

“Making Connections” on Sunday, June 23rd service.

Thank You!

Thank you to all of the wonderful people at Christ Church who showed us such love and support following my surgery and Thierry’s citizenship. From Pastor Ed’s visits and delivery of the prayer blanket to the many delicious dinners that were prepared and delivered to us - we thank you!

We are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful congregation.

Blessings, Debbie & Thierry