From Rev. Christina:
Hello friends,
It is an honor and privilege to work and worship with you. I am looking forward to getting to know you over the next two months. A few things about the three most important people in my I’ve (aside from Jesus of course).
I met my husband, Dr. Matthew Perkins Coppola here at Berea. He is an Associate Professor of Physics, Astronomy, and STEM Education at Purdue Fort Wayne. He is a tenor in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus. We have two children,
Fable is a sophomore Sociology and Neurobiology pre-med major at Harvard. They are active in Harvard’s Theater department, both as an actor and is often recruited for theater tech where the specialize in lighting, props, and are available to play cello in the pit.
Simeon is an 8th grade honor student, all-star catcher, and third chair cellist in his middle school’s orchestra.
Matthew and Simeon will visit on long weekends when they aren’t fulfilling other weekend respons-ibilities with the Philharmonic, Orchestra, Science Fairs, and Baseball teams. Thank you for your abundant welcome.
Blessings,
Reverend Christina Ryan Perkins
Rev. Christina plans to be in the office Monday -Thursday. Meetings available by appointment. Call the office, 859-986-3725, her cell, 859-756-0321, or email revcmrp@union-church.org.
Jan. 31 Update on Room in the Inn (RITI) from Debby Gray: Last night we served dinner to 32 guests and gave out 30- 34 Tomorrow Bags. We still have a surplus of Tomorrow Bags. So those planning to deliver Tomorrow Bags in next few days, please plan on around 30. At time of printing the bulletin, there was a volunteer need for this evening February 2, Sunday Groundhog Day: an Inventory/ Hall Monitor. February 5 we need 2 Helper Registrars; February 6 we also need 2 Helper Registrars and an Assembler of Tomorrow Bags Thank you all for taking a look at your schedules and seeing if you can share your time with RITI these coming days. Sign up here: mealtrain.com/trains/k0yrvr/
From Jen Elam: Thank you for the incredible support shown to me in the sudden death of my brother-in-law, Jerome Lange. Some church folks were connected to him through his organic farming/decades supplier for Good Foods Coop, some through his music-making for dances, some through the Over 70 Rope Jumping for my birthday party and more. The funeral was amazing ; thanks to so many connections!
About Sunday Compline Service: The Sabbath Compline at 6:30 pm in Cowan Chapel is a night prayer of psalm, silence, and song — a creative hush with God at the end of the day at the beginning of the week.
Cowan Chapel is adjacent to Union Church on the Scaffold Cane Rd. side.
We missed our worship with Psalm 36, courtesy of the snow. We’ll revisit this psalm, which says of the evildoer, “In his own eyes, he flatters himself . . . the words of his mouth are mischief and deceit.” We’ll also begin our month with the Taizé song Bless the Lord, whose mercy “reaches to heaven.”
Community Meals Every Wednesday 5:30pm-6:30pm: “Open Table” is a “pay what you can” ($0-$$) catered meal open to anyone. Chef Deb Beishline and a wonderful crew of volunteers prepare the menu each week always with GF and Vegetarian-friendly options (other needs can be accommodated on request!). Our hope is to remember the gifts of connection with great food the chance to “rub elbows” with neigh-bors. The food is great, the company is better, the hungry are fed, and we pray the love Jesus will be shown!
Worship Board is looking for new members! This is a great opportunity to step closer to our church family and the worship experience. The worship board meets once monthly via zoom. Members take turns greeting folks before Sunday morning service; the team also organizes and supports worship leaders and invites people to get involved in various roles (offertory, greeter, worship leader) that make Sunday mornings smoother for Rev. Kent. If this sounds like a good fit for you, please contact Laura Nagle (joyfulsunflower @gmail.com or text / call 859-358-0106) or Diane Bailey (diane51bailey @gmail.com or 859-302-1306).
What to Expect While Rev. Kent Is on Sabbatical
With Rev. Kent on sabbatical you might be wondering what to expect. Here are the ways Pastoral Relations Board, Church Council and other teams in the church will work together during this time.
Will Anything Change for Worship?
Worship will still be at 10:30a on Sunday mornings, there will still be great music and loving fellowship, and we’ll have the joy of Rev. Ryan Perkin’s preaching gifts. It will be the same but different, different but pretty much the same. 🙂
Will Pastor Christina Be Available for Prayer and Counseling?
Absolutely! She is a gifted compassionate counselor and very happy to be with you in prayer in any circumstance. Whether in the office, in a hospital, at your home or over coffee, she is here to help shepherd and guide. The best way to schedule would be to call the church office (859-986-3725) or calling or texting her directly at 859-756-0321, and her email is revcmrp@union-church.org.
I have Rev. Kent’s cell phone number. Can I just call and text him when I need something? I’ll be quick, I promise!
Tempting, but NO. We’re really trying to give him the space to be “away” even if he’s here and we know how to reach him. So please refrain from texting, calling or emailing him for anything but “we’re leaving dinner on your porch” or “your house is on fire” kinds of messages. Instead, please call:
· The Church Office so Joan, our Office Admin, or some other staff member can get you connected to the right person to help.
· Pastor Christina… She’s Here to Help and Would Love to Meet You! Her number is 859-756-0321, and she can be reached by email at revcmrp@union-church.org
· The chair of the ministry board that might be related to your question or concern: Wondering about worship? Call the Worship Board chair, etc.)
What If I See Rev. Kent Out In Public. Can I Talk To Him?
Of course! You don’t have to avert your eyes or pretend he isn’t there, but please be sensitive to his need to partially “disconnect.” A quick “Hi!” is great. A report of everything happening at church or making it a guerilla pastoral care ambush for him isn’t helpful. Bear in mind that this is time for him to be on errands and have projects that don’t have to be postponed due to church responsibilities. Let’s let him have as much of it as possible.
What will happen if there’s an emergency?
Pastor Christina and all the staff will make sure to keep Rev. Kent informed of anything critical that comes up. He and Rev. Christina will work out what is needed for those situations. If you become aware of an emergency or have one yourself CALL PASTOR CHRISTINA or THE OFFICE FIRST. They will always have his schedule and know how to reach him.
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