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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, Designated Pastor [email protected] Kelly Kuhnhein, Director of Outreach & Christian Education [email protected]
Toni Sheffer, Music Director/Organist [email protected] Max Gise/Guitarist [email protected] Sherri Spaulding, Parish Administrator [email protected]
Melanie Sorrell, Co-Director of Illumination Youth Ministries [email protected]
Rev. Dr. David V. Schwab Pastor Emeritus
THE GUIDE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
CHRIST CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST “We embrace all as we journey the way of Jesus.”
My Gift to You – Star Words
Sometime during the month of December, you will be receiving a note from me. Many of you have received cards in the past for birthdays, anniversaries, and other events. This year, your note will include a blessing from me and a smaller card inside. The smaller card will have a single word on it – a Star Word that is connected to our Those Who Dream series this Advent.
There is a tradition in some Protestant churches of using “Star Words” at the beginning of a new year as a part of the Epiphany worship service (the service that remembers the Magi visiting Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus). These words are shared to be guides for the year ahead as the star was the guide for the magi coming to Jesus. I did not specifically choose a word for you but instead drew it from the stack. I trust that the Holy Spirit will be speaking through the random choices for each of us.
Let this card be a word to go with you through the year as an encouragement, a challenge, a blessing. Put it up somewhere you’ll see it every day and may it guide you through 2021.
Grace, Peace, Love, and Joy, Pastor Ed
Together for Joy
Over the last few weeks, in conversations and other ways, we’ve been asking questions about joy. What brings you joy? There were questions about the joy that comes from giving gifts to others and we heard about a puppy being given to a daughter so she always had love around her, about tickets to a musical given to a family, and cans of Chef Boyardee given to someone who came to the door asking for food. We asked about items in homes that bring joy and the responses included beds, recliners, a camera, and family photos. But we also asked about how people have experienced joy in and through Christ Church? How does joy have a place in your journeying the way of Jesus? We have heard some beautiful things. When asked about what brings joy as a part of this congregation, we heard, “The welcoming spirit of the congregation…it always feels like home.” “Being in sacred spaces together.” “When we are together helping others.” “The care and concern that everyone shares.” These are just a few responses.
One of the questions asked was “What new ways of being ‘together for joy’ have you learned this year?” One of the responses echoed something that I think all of us have probably felt… “electronics cannot replace hugs.” So very true. We are grateful that there seems to be hope on the horizon but we are still in a time where we’re in the thick of it right now. So, how does joy tie into this?
My joy as your pastor is the ways that I have continued to see Christ Church being the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We shifted to new models of ministry time and time again this year in response to what was needed and what was safe. We jumped into a shared form of worship and community with other congregations to be the Body of Christ in new ways, not just for one or two Sundays but for months at a time. Our mission team has shifted our ways of doing ministry in helping to support organizations that are truly on the front lines of helping the most vulnerable right now – from right here in our communities to supporting relief work in Belize. We have continued an outreach to families in the church who have needed to shift themselves time and time again due to what schools are allowing. We have welcomed new participants to our “different” congregational life with people who have started following our congregation through online worship and social media – people right here in our community and others far beyond Northern Kentucky and southwest Ohio. Friends, in the midst of it all, there are reasons for joy.
It is in this spirit, that I ask you to be prayerful in the weeks ahead about how you respond to the estimate of giving cards that will be sent out at the beginning of 2021. 2020 has not been quite the year of community and ministry that we expected it to be but it has been a year of God’s work taking place in new ways.
Financially, we have met many of the challenges that have come. We are grateful to have received a PPP grant/loan that helped our income because we lost income from groups that would have normally met in person as well as a reduction in some of the giving that comes from people just being in person. Looking into 2021, we expect that we will face challenges in these areas as well. Our bottom line was also helped by members stepping up in generous ways and also by expenses such as utilities being less than budgeted.
While we are seeking to keep expenses as close as possible to 2020, we do anticipate challenges ahead in the new year as it is likely there will not be PPP funds coming and it will be a while before outside groups are able to meet without limits in-person and people feel fully comfortable with being back together. So, your partnership in the year ahead is vital. I ask you to prayerfully consider how you can continue your giving as you have for 2020 if not also increasing your giving. I know this is hard ask at a hard time, but I am grateful for how you are open and receptive in rising to the challenges that have come and are still ahead.
So, entering 2021, we are people who, no matter what happens, are together for joy. We are the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. We are together embracing all as we journey the way of Jesus.
Grace, Peace, Love, and JOY, Pastor Ed
Church Council Meeting Notes 11/23/2020
Members Present: Ken Weidinger, Kelly Kuhnhein, Jim Korpik, Linda Gracey, Alex Petracco, Lois Basham, Sally Schmidt, Snezana Tenhundfeld
- Introduced a new member of the Council: Snezana Tenhundfeld will take over Tim Borah’s remaining term. Snezana will resume all responsibilities related to the position including keeping track of the meeting minutes.
- Discussion regarding term status of each member of the Council. Ken will draft the official version.
- Announcement of Greg Herrmann’s unexpected passing.
- Spiritual Grounding.
- Approval of October minutes.
- Kelly and Jim report that the “Reforming Working Group” continues to recommend that we remain in line with the current policy of online worship while the county is in red. Kelly proposed to the Council that we continue online worship throughout the month of December. Council agreed.
- Council reviewed, approved and adopted the “Building Use Guidelines”. May need to be reviewed in the next couple of months.
- Children Christmas Play will be presented virtually as part of the online worship service on December 20.
- The Nominating Committee has announced Debbie Paillette, Howard Storm and Audrey Bernhardt as the new members of the Personnel Committee.
- The Council will not hold an official meeting in the month of December but may be called to convene in case of an urgent matter.
- The Council accepted the financial report submitted by Bert Bathiany.
Meeting Adjourned with prayer.
Celebration of Sara Mai Twenty+ years ago, the congregation of Christ Church made a commitment to the family of Sara Mai to help nurture her in faith in worship, in discipleship, in service, and in education. This commitment has led to Sara beginning a journey into education for serving in full-time ministry. She has been serving in discipleship and education ministries at Immanuel UCC in Bromley and has started her seminary journey as she studies at Liberty University in Virginia. Pastor Ed recorded a conversation with her about her journey and we invite you to take 15 minutes to watch the interview. The Council has also approved a financial amount to help support her each semester as we are partners in her journey. We invite you to be actively praying for God’s guidance for Sara as she discerns what is ahead for her and also be sure to reach out to her. Her address is: 211 Mill View Lane, Lynchburg, VA 24502
You can find the interview at this address: https://bit.ly/ccucc-sara
MEMORIALS FOR WILBUR HERRMANN
Elizabeth Ament Family Kevin McKenney
Bernie & Nancy Barre Jean Mettens
Julianne Baumer Doug & Patti Miller
Nancy Beston David & Mary Beth Newman
Dennis & Judy Bradford Lois Parrott & the Parrott Family
David & Patty Buecker Ruth Rowe
John & Ann Dahl Charlotte Scholl
William & Janice Doan Brian & Donna Schrand
William & Mary Golden Connie Schrand
Jim & Linda Gracey Sara Staab
Emma Hamann Barb Stinnett
Nancy Hunter Noel Trout
Mark Keller Roger & Janine Walz
Judy Land Steve & Pam Weber
Ken & JoAnn Lehkamp William & Donna Wilson
Tom & Linda Lloyd Bob & Nancy Witte
Steve & Fran McAllister Bill & Bonnie Hitch
Larry & Donna Stinson Sallie Schmidt
Lois Basham
Congratulations To Tammy Weidinger
A special congratulations to our own Tammy Weidinger in her retirement as President and CEO of Brighton Center.Tammy started in 1981 and has been a leader in varied positions throughout the years: Parent Child Services Coordinator, Family Services Director, Education Projector Coordinator, Associate Director, Chief Operating Officer and in 2011 was named the President and CEO. Tammy has had an incredible, positive impact on countless individuals and families through-out her career at Brighton Center. In September, a yearly award given was renamed the Tammy Weidinger Super Nova Award. Tammy has dedicated her life to serving others and making their lives better, a beautiful Christian; “Well Done,Good and Faithful Servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
Acts 2 Fund Back in April, we shared with you about the Acts 2 fund. It was based upon the story of the early church shared in Acts 2 where the early believers were intentional about making sure they were caring for one another in tangible ways – sharing with any as they had need. We are grateful for the generous response from you that has come in. Thank you!
As we continue to deal with the economic and social effects of the pandemic, we wanted to remind you of the fund if something arises for you that you are in need of financial support. If you do have a need, feel free to contact Jean Braun, Steve McAllister, Pastor Ed, or Kelly Kuhnhein. All requests will be handled confidentially.
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Advent Services to Note In addition to the “normal” (what is normal this year actually?) services for Advent we wanted to note two additional “special” services for you.
Longest Night There’s an Advent tradition within Western Christianity of inviting people to come together for the Longest Night, a night around the time of the winter solstice, when there are more hours of darkness than light. It’s a time to come together for prayers and laments, to mourn the losses and griefs of the year, to let the tears flow for the hurting places in our own lives, as well as for our country and our world. Known also as “Blue Christmas,” a Longest Night Gathering is a safe and sacred space to share, to share with God to remember us, to pray for justice and restoration, even to hope against hope, through our doubts and tears and fears, that “God will set things right all over the earth.” The service will be shared via zoom on Monday night, December 21 at 7pm. Feel free to just show up but if you would like to receive some materials that will be part of the service, please register at this link https://bit.ly/nkylongestnight by December 14 or contact Pastor Ed at the church office.
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Sunday After Christmas On Sunday, December 27, we will be sharing worship in a unique way. Rather than the pre-recorded service that we have been doing, the service will be shared live via Zoom at 10:30am. It will also be streamed live to Facebook and will be available after as well if you are not able to join us for the live sharing of the service. There are some materials that would help you have a fuller experience of the service so please have the following with you – a candle or Advent wreath, a lighter, a way to send a message to someone (paper, phone, computer), 3 post-it notes, a pen, and then have the poem “Swell” by Sarah Are with you as well. (The poem is printed in this issue as well). It will be a different way to worship and to share as we journey the Advent way of Jesus.
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The First Week after Christmas
THOSE WHO DREAM... will not keep silent
Swell | Luke 2:22-40
You know that feeling when you fall in love? Time-stands-still and moves too fast. You’d give up sleep just to talk all night, Because there’s so much to say and not enough time.
It’s that full to the brim, Over the stars, Living is dreaming, Too-good-to-be-true Kind of feeling?
I imagine that’s how Simeon and Anna felt When they saw Jesus that day. I imagine it was that full to the brim, Over the stars,
Living is dreaming, Too-good-to-be-true Good news kind of feeling.
I imagine it was love. And I imagine that that good, good news Swelled to the tip of their tongues Until they could not keep silent.
So may we know what Simeon and Anna knew, Which is that some dreams we hold close to our chest, For ourselves to cherish and never forget. But other dreams must be spoken out loud— Dreams of justice and love and hope, here and now.
So today my prayer is to know that swell, For there is good, good news That we must tell.
written by: sarah are | sanctifiedart.org
Mission Team Update by Kelly Kuhnhein
Thank you for continuing to support our community by giving during this year of unexpected challenges and changes! We are working on an ‘end of year’ report that will be shared next month. In the meantime, we are so grateful for the giving that took place the last few months. Thank you to those who have donated boxed mashed potatoes for the food drive for Brighton Center throughout the month of November. Even though we could not be together in person, we still collected a large amount to be given to them. It is especially important this year as many have been affected by the pandemic and the Brighton Center is experiencing higher need.
*We encourage you to continue to purchase new toys for the Jesse Tree Program through the Brighton Center as well. We no longer use the system with tags, but rather ask that you purchase any new toy. Please select the option of having them delivered directly to the Brighton Center when you checkout on Amazon from this point forward. As we get closer to Christmas, it will be best for them to go directly to the agency.
Here is the link the Brighton Center has established an online way to donate toys through
The link to the Amazon Wish List is: Amazon Wish List for Jesse Tree
*Washington UCC will not be doing their annual Christmas dinner, however, we will be supporting them physically and financially as they prep boxes for families with food/gifts for the holiday. Members who are able can meet there to assist in packing the boxes on December 12, if you are able to help please reach out to Kelly or Melissa.
*20 baskets filled with much needed items including towels, washcloths, blankets, pillows, laundry soap, and more were donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
*68 hygiene kits were completed by Susan Gabbard on behalf of mission and donated to Church World Service to be given to those in need around the world.
Christian Education Update by Kelly Kuhnhein
I’d like to take a moment to thank all of you for the support and kindness over the last 8 months. It has been a challenging time for everyone and I am blessed to serve with so many amazing, inspiring people at Christ Church. I’ve received flowers, food, gift cards, handmade prayer squares for myself and the boys, and many beautiful notes of encouragement. Thank you for caring so deeply for my family throughout our time away from one another.
This month the children received bags containing a ’12 day’ countdown for Advent with a full nativity set. They will open one figure each day with a card explaining their role in the birth of our Savior. Each family can choose to do this on 12 consecutive days, every other day, or any way they would like during the month of December. The sets were hand painted by members of staff and the congregation and will hopefully serve as a symbol of hope and love as well as a keepsake from Christ Church. They include cards with scripture and the story of Jesus’ birth paraphrased from scripture and retold for our youngest members by Jim Korpik. This was a big project and I could not have done it without the support of others. I am so thankful that we have many congregants who are invested in our children and willing to support our families. I would like to especially thank Sherri Spaulding, without whom this would not have been possible.
Our children have prepared a virtual Christmas Program, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, to share with you on Sunday, 12/20. I am appreciative to have the assistance and talent of Pastor Ed Goode who graciously agreed to help record and edit the program. I would also like to thank Barb Korpik for supporting this idea and assisting. Further, I want to recognize and thank Toni Sheffer and Talia Zoll for musical support. I hope you find joy in their performance!
Merry Christmas from my family to yours! Kelly
Stewardship Update
As noted briefly in the Council update in this issue, the council approved holding off on Stewardship mailings until the beginning of 2021. The primary reason for this is that there is so much taking place for everyone right now that we wanted to take one thing off your mind until we are through the remainder of 2020. In the meantime, we are going to be continuing to reach out to you about what “Together for Joy” means and how it is reflected in our lives right now. There have been some very fun things shared on the church facebook page and in responses from the congregation to council members on this and we’ll be sharing those in the remainder of 2020. In the meantime, please do be praying about your commitment – financial, energies, time – to the ministries of Christ through our congregation in 2021.
We do ask that you do continue to keep up on your commitments as you are able for the remainder of 2020 and be prayerfully open to what God is speaking into your life for 2021.
We are grateful for each and every one of you and please remember the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
DIAPER DRIVE
Diapers will be collected during the months of December,
January, and February for Erin and Josh Vogel. If you are
unable to take them to church, I will be happy to pick them up.
Linda Gracey (859) 380-1588 This is such a great mission
for our young families. Thank you for contributing!!
Prayers for Members and Families: Christi Self, Al Rice, Debby Hecky, Abby Vogel, Jane & Marvin Cox, Bob & Nancy Witte, Rev. Donna Kay Lewis, Carol, Jimmy Wainscott, Gina, Sally, Christina, Sandy, Samantha, John, Marvin & Marie Oder, Gordon Braun, Kerri Preston, Harold Gadd, Joe Wuest, Bonnie Hitch, Paul, Bob Stull, Dana Lee,The Family of Sara Celenza, Jeff Fox, Lisa Bernhiesel, Griffen, Jim Gracey, Lynn Deaton, Whitney Sudkamp, Mary Hertzman, Faye Gateley, Larry Chapman, Estelle Goode, Mike Randall, Mary Katherine Otto, Jenny Ratterman, Dave Collins, Scarlett, Nan Collier, Gloria Sisk, Bob Derby, Pete Stinnett, Ed Van Lierop, Autumn Asher, Judy Gadd, Carl & Lisa Robinson, Judy Robinson, The Herrmann Family,The Harmon Family, Karen, Scott, Bill & Phyllis Sharp, Laura Randall,The Huelsman Family, Tara Justice, Greg Herrmann Family
Loved Ones in Retirement Centers & Nursing Homes:
Grand Towers: Amy Dunn The Barrington: Jack & Ev Weber & Dot Lyman
Loved Ones at Home:
Betty Deller, Maxine Noble, Al Rice, Faye Gately, Jim Korpik, Mary Hertzman
Reminder
Please consider the Christ Church Legacy Fund in your
wills and trusts.
Feel free to reach out to the members of the Legacy
Committee if you have any questions.
Patti Miller, Steve Weber, Bruce Bernhard, Marcia Hosea and
Ken Weidinger
Many Thanks!
Thank you to my church family for all the beautiful cards, meals, calls, visits and memorial gifts to the church upon the death of my beloved Bill. Thanks also to Ed, Toni, and Talia for the beautiful service they had prepared and done so well. I will be forever grateful. Additional appreciate for the lovely flowers from the choir. Sincerely, Jenny Herrmann and family
Thanks to all for many birthday cards and well wishes for my birthday! It was greatly appreciated!
Fritz Erschell
Ken Himes 99th Birthday was a fun and delightful celebration, in spite of the COVID, thanks to so many members who sent him cards and good wishes. He received 60 cards, most of which were from you all. We enjoyed and appreciated everyone of them! Elves (the kids and grandkids) came in the night and decorated the front yard with a huge sign that a friend had made, that said “99 Ken Himes is 99”, and with Happy Birthday letters across the lawn. We had planned to have a party at the country club, but maybe next year for his 100th! Thanks to you all for thinking of him. It made us so happy. Love and Hugs Ken and Carol
Do You Need Help connecting with Technology?
Julie Mai would be happy to visit anyone (or talk via phone) to help them get set up - anything from hooking up a VCR to connecting via a computer or mobile device.
You can reach her at 859-760-4104 or [email protected]
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM BRIGHTON CENTER Volunteer: Brighton Center continues to offer low – no contact volunteer opportunities to help the community with hunger relief! We post new opportunities monthly on the Sign Up Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e49afaa2aa6fb6-family2 We would love to partner with you in supporting our community during this crazy time. Holiday Drive: This year, under current circumstances, we have had to make changes to the Holiday Drive program. Instead of Wish Tree or Adopt a Family, we are supporting our customers through our new Adopt a Child program. We have created an Amazon Wish List specific to the wishes (toy/gift ideas) generated from each application submitted by an individual or family. Each child listed on the applications will receive 1-3 gifts for a total of $50. The wish list is updated weekly and all items purchased will be delivered directly to Brighton Center. The link to the Amazon Wish List is below: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2G2PYOG8531F3/ref=cm_go_nav_hz?viewType=list We also appreciate the ministerial in continuing the tradition of food item collections for our holiday drive! Madison Smith | Family Support Coordinator Brighton Center, Inc. Location: 799 Ann St. , Newport, KY 41071, 1st Floor Mailing Address: PO Box 325, Newport KY 41072 Office: (859) 491-8303, Ext. 2305 [email protected] www.brightoncenter.com
Illumination Youth Ministries Updates
Upcoming Schedule:
Wednesday, December 2-- 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Virtual Meeting):Stay tuned for details, but I’m hoping to have a board game night. I’m researching the House Party app to see how we can make this work.
Wednesday, December 16-- 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Virtual Meeting):More cookies as we prep for Christmas! This time, you’ll be provided cookies and we will decorate them. Please RSVP so that I can drop off materials (and confirm food allergies/sensitivities).
ADULTS: We are in need of adults who want to hang out with us. We’re a pretty fun (and energetic) bunch. 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, St. John’s UCC-Newport and Christ Church UCC-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: [email protected]
Members of Christ Church,
I am truly grateful to all of you that have surrounded me with your care and concern while I have undergone foot surgery. The many meals, cards, gift cards, and phone calls have been much appreciated. Not only have you helped me, you have helped my family while I’ve been healing. You have shown your concern and given me reasons to look forward to the time when I can walk into Christ Church healed and happy to return. During this season of Thanksgiving, I realize what blessings each of you are to my life. You are the extension of God’s love. My family and I want to wish each of you a very blessed Thanksgiving.
Carolyn Honchell
