Time and Talent
What is that ministry?
There are 85 ministries listed on the Time and Talent this year! We do a lot to make FPC a home for as many people as we can and offering a wide variety of ways to spend your time and talent is a big part of that.
We know that it can be hard to know where you might be interested in spending your time and talent and we don't want you to miss something just because you weren't sure what it involved! Below you can find descriptions for some of our ministries so you can better know what giving your time and talent means.
Witness - Reaching Out
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Serve on the Witness Team
The Witness Team is part of session! In 2025 you'll be working with Elders Stephanie Scarborough and Sara Chini with designated staff member Associate Pastor Erin Morgan!
Witness falls under the "reaching out" branch of our core values which states "we believe the work of the church is to 'act justly,' 'love mercy,' and 'walk humbly' with God. As servants, we care for strangers, heal the sick, feed the hungry, help the oppressed, and share the Gospel."
This is often expressed by Witness finding ways in the community to reach out and volunteer a helping hand in the name of the Lord.
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Newton Trails
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
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Mission Trip
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
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Special Projects (YMCA, NCSS)
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
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Newton County Community Food Pantry
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
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Christmas Charities
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
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Meals on Wheels
What is it?
FPC's longstanding partnership with Meals on Wheels allows our members to get directly involved in a critical ministry that provides hot meals to residents at the Covington Square Apartments located just a block away from our own building. This is a great activity for families to participate in together!
What does it mean to offer my Time & Talent?
FPC delivers for Meals on Wheels the last Saturday of each month. Volunteers meet at the Covington Square Apartments at about 9:00am and are usually finished by 9:45am. For more information or to help us deliver on October 26th or on November 23rd, please reach out to Stephanie Scarborough or Luke Usry!
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Christmas Parade
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
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5K Cheering/Water Station
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
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Change the World Day
What is it?
Change the World Day is an annual community event of education, service, fun, food, fall festival and fellowship hosted by Covington First United Methodist Church! Our Witness Team will have a booth to let us reach out and connect to people in our community of all ages!
This year it is just a few weeks away! There is still time to join the fun on Saturday, October 19 from 10:00am-1:00pm.
What does offering my Time & Talent mean?
On the day of Change the World Day, we will need volunteers to help talk to people and pass out goody bags! We do both regular bags and bags oriented towards kids (with coloring sheets, party favors and other fun goodies!) so we also encourage our FPC Youth to volunteer! The event is from 10:00am-1:00pm but you don't have to come the whole time! Just be sure to let us know when you volunteer what time you plan to be there.
In the lead up we have a prep day where we put together all the goody bags.
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Tutoring at Fairview Elementary
Reach out to Erin Morgan, or Stephanie Scarborough to learn more!
Faith Formation - Engaging
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Serve on the Faith Formation Team
The Faith Formation Team is part of session! In 2025 you'll be working with Elders Charles Ardis and Krista Firkus with designated staff member Associate Pastor Erin Morgan!
Faith Formation falls under the "engaging" branch of our core values which states "we believe in the engagement of all of God's children, both inside and outside the church, through their own spiritual gifts as we continue to grow."
This is often expressed by the Faith Formation Team through organizing occasions to gather for Christian Education such as book clubs, panel talks, children’s activities, Bible studies and more!
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Good Enough Book Club
Reach out to Erin Morgan, Charles Ardis, or Krista Firkus to learn more!
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B&B
What is it?
Belief & Beer is an opportunity to kick back with some other church members and the pastors over a drink and discussion. Our FPC Young Adults meet once a month at 5:30pm at a restaurant downtown like Amici or Lucky Day and chat about their lives and participate in round table topics provided by our pastors. Childcare is provided at FPC for Belief & Beer. Occasionally, B&B will be swapped for a Young Adult Family Night hosted at Neeley’s house with parents and kids!What does offering my Time & Talent mean?
The “beer” of Belief & Beer is by no means required (it’s mainly for alliteration) but the “belief” behind your words during the discussion is very much encouraged! This is primarily a social ministry! Offering your Time & Talent here just means you’d like to join in. -
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LOGOS Volunteer
Reach out to Erin Morgan, Charles Ardis, or Krista Firkus to learn more!
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Youth Group Volunteer
Reach out to Erin Morgan, Charles Ardis, or Krista Firkus to learn more!
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Vacation Bible School
Reach out to Erin Morgan, Charles Ardis, or Krista Firkus to learn more!
Worship - Engaging
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Serve on the Worship Team
The Worship Team is part of session! In 2025 you'll be working with Elders Nichole Howell and Hardy Sideris with designated staff members Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane and Director of Music and Worship Arts Mark Fiddie!
Worship falls under the "engaging" branch of our core values which states "we believe in the engagement of all of God's children, both inside and outside the church, through their own spiritual gifts as we continue to grow."
This is often expressed by Worship by creating a worship experience to honor and glorify the gifts of God in our church family.
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Christmas Decorating
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Nichole Howell, or Hardy Sideris to learn more!
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Help with special worship
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Nichole Howell, or Hardy Sideris to learn more!
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Chancel Choir
Reach out to Mark Fiddie, Neeley Rentz Lane, Nichole Howell, or Hardy Sideris to learn more!
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Handbell Choir
Reach out to Mark Fiddie, Neeley Rentz Lane, Nichole Howell, or Hardy Sideris to learn more!
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Children's Choir
Reach out to Mark Fiddie, Neeley Rentz Lane, Nichole Howell, or Hardy Sideris to learn more!
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Serve as a liturgist
What is it?
Liturgists help lead worship! At the most basic level, liturgists will read prayers or scripture through a microphone in the sanctuary. At FPC liturgist will sometimes participate in more creative ways such as acting out scripture with some “reader’s theater,” reading in other languages they may already know, or leading the church with with interactive elements!
What would offering my Time & Talent mean?
Liturgists are contacted by Neeley or Erin to help lead when they have an idea for the week’s worship experience or if we will have a smaller worship staff than usual. You’ll be given the reading at the beginning of the week to look over. Don’t worry you won’t have to memorize it! It will be printed in the worship guide to look at throughout your time leading as a liturgist!
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Play an instrument or sing in worship
Play an instrument or sing in worship:
FPC's Music Ministry is responsible for filling worship beautiful music every week!
Usually this is led by our Chancel or Handbell Choirs but sometimes we get to enjoy the musical abilities of some other members of our FPC Family!
If you would like to play an instrument or sing (a solo or with a small group) in worship we would love to have you! Choirs meet weekly but we know not everyone can make that commitment but still want to share their musical gifts.
What does offering my time and talent mean?
By selecting "play an instrument or sing in worship" on your time and talent you are letting us know you are open to sharing your musical gifts with us! You may in the future be contacted Mark Fiddie, our Director of Music, to be invited to participate in the anthem or offertory for an upcoming week in worship. You may also reach our to him at mark@fpccov.org to to get involved today!
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Help setup communion
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Nichole Howell, or Hardy Sideris to learn more!
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Acolyte
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Nichole Howell, or Hardy Sideris to learn more!
Welcome - Belonging
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Serve on the Welcome Team
The Welcome Team is part of session! In 2025 you'll be working with Elders Pam Stillerman with designated staff members Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane and Director of Communications and Operations Catherine Laster!
Welcome falls under the "belonging" branch of our core values which states "we believe in celebrating everyone's journey as we share compassion, acceptance, and love for one another."
This is often expressed by Welcome in finding ways to make newcomers feel a sense of love and belonging in our church family from the moment they meet us.
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Help collect/replenish offering cards in the pews
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Pam Stillerman, or Catherine Laseter to learn more!
Finance & Stewardship - Belonging
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Serve on the Finance Team
The Finance and Stewardship Team is part of session! In 2025 you'll be working with Elder Gary Boteler with designated staff members Finance Administrator Peni Kehoe and Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane!
Finance and Stewardship falls under the "belonging" branch of our core values which states
"we believe in celebrating everyone's journey as we share compassion, acceptance, and love for one another."
This is often expressed by Finance and Stewardship in celebrating offerings of any size and working with the church as a whole to plan make sure every ministry can operate with what we have month to month and year to year.
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Assist with making church deposits
What is it and what does it mean to offer my Time & Talent?
“Counters” meet on Monday mornings to count the Sunday offering. The money is counted according to why it is given and then it is taken by one of the counters to the bank for deposit. The receipt is returned to the church. There are always two counters, one is usually the Finance Administrator. Training is provided “on the job.” The Finance Team approves all counters.
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Audit Team
Reach out to Peni Kehoe, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Gary Boteler to learn more!
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Endowment Committee
Reach out to Peni Kehoe, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Gary Boteler to learn more!
Pastoral Care - Connecting
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Serve on the Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Care Team is part of the diaconate, which means you'll be working with our lovely deacons! The deacons who will be running Pastoral Care in 2025 are Cathy Dobbs and Denny Dobbs with designated staff member Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane!
Pastoral Care falls under the "connecting" branch of our core values which states "we believe that we are part of the church universal that rejoices in all of God's children and celebrates the difference among us."This is often expressed by Pastoral Care in coming together to make spaces where people can simply connect in a revitalizing setting.
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Participate in OASIS Day Trips
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Janet Carmichael, or Tom Crews to learn more!
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Lunch Bunch
What is it?
Lunch Bunch is an opportunity to gather with some of the other older church members and the pastors over lunch. OASIS (Older Adults Sharing In Service) meets one Wednesday a month at 11:30am at a restaurant around town like El Charro, Amici or Tavas and chat about their lives and participate in round table topics provided by our pastors.What does offering my Time & Talents mean?
This is primarily a social ministry! Offering your Time & Talent here just means you’d like to join in! We ask that you RSVP to the office so we can be sure to get a big enough table! -
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Assist with Pastoral Care visits
What is it and what does offering my Time & Talent mean?
Pastoral Care visits are wonderful ways to show up for our church family! By offering your time and talent for this ministry, you will be invited to join our pastors in visiting church members who are in need of fellowship and community!
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Assist with at home communion
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Janet Carmichael, or Tom Crews to learn more!
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Help with funerals
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Janet Carmichael, or Tom Crews to learn more!
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Follow up with those on the prayer list
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Janet Carmichael, or Tom Crews to learn more!
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OASIS Panels
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Janet Carmichael, or Tom Crews to learn more!
Faith & Fellowship - Connecting
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Serve on the Faith & Fellowship Team
The Faith & Fellowship Team part of the diaconate, which means you'll be working with our lovely deacons! The deacons who will be running Faith & Fellowship in 2025 are Darcel Tabb and Dana Hall with designated staff member Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane!
Faith & Fellowship falls under the "connecting" branch of our core values which states "we believe that we are part of the church universal that rejoices in all of God's children and celebrates the difference among us."
This is often expressed by Faith & Fellowship in coming together to make spaces where people can simply connect in a social setting.
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Soul Feast
What is it?
Soul Feast is our monthly church family dinner! We would love for you to be a part of all that goes into making Soul Feast a faithful ministry opportunity for our church family as we break bread around the table! Our next Soul Feast will be held on November 13th!
What would your time and talent mean?
You can sign up for help with set up: Set up includes preparing the tables, helping set out the food, etc
You can sign up to help cook a main dish, side dishes, or desserts!
You can sign up to help clean up: Clean up includes cleaning tables, putting away dishes, etc.
You can sign up for only one month out of the year or make this a monthly commitment!
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Campfire Church
What is it?
Campfire Church is a wonderful way we to gather for s'more and/or hotdogs, sing campfire songs in fellowship, and connect with devotionals on our FPC playground. Campfire Church usually takes place 3-4 times a year on a Sunday around 5:00pm.
What would offering my Time & Talent mean?
To make Campfire Church happen we need helping hands who can move chairs and/or sound equipment to the playground, gather supplies (with reimbursement), setup and start the campfire, keep eyes on kids (and adults) to make sure no one gets too close for comfort, and help cook in the FPC kitchen.
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Lemonade on the Lawn
What is it?
Lemonade on the Lawn is an excellent way to fellowship with our church family following worship! This is also the name of the ministry for all of our "on the Lawn" post-worship activities such as Popsicles on the Lawn and the upcoming Cider on the Lawn(Oct. 20)!
What would your time and talent mean?
You may sign up to help set up for lemonade on the lawn! You may sign up to help serve lemonade and cookies! you can even sign up to bring cookies and lemonade!
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Men's Prayer Breakfast
What is it?
The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is an opportunity for the men of FPC to come together and connect through fellowship over a wonderful breakfast at local favorite Town House Café! Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets once a month on a Saturday at 8:00am.
What would offering my Time & Talen mean?
This is primarily a social ministry! Offering your Time & Talent here just means you’d like to join in! Neeley typically contacts a monthly leader to foster conversation over breakfast but everyone else is invited to just come and enjoy the company!
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Singing Ambassadors
Reach out to Alice Walker to learn more!
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Presbyterian Women
Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, or Julie MacKenzie to learn more!
Facilities & Grounds - More
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Serve on the Facilities Team
The Facilities & Grounds Team is part of session. In 2025 you'll be working with Elder Kenny Compton and designated staff members Director of Communications and Operations, Catherine Laseter and Senior Pastor, Neeley Rentz Lane!
Facilities & Grounds falls under the "more" branch of our organizational chart which works to make FPC a place that can operate in line with our mission statement:
"First Presbyterian Church Covington is a Christian community existing to glorify God by welcoming all of God's children. We celebrate through serving, teaching, praying, eating, crying, singing, and dancing with the Holy Spirit. As works in progress, we seek to respond to God's presence in our church, lives, and community."
This is often expressed by Facilities & Grounds as ensuring that the physical space we occupy on God's earth is capable of providing the space needed to reach out, engage, belong, and connect as God's children.
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Help with minor repairs and improvements around the church
What is it?
Responding to the needs and request of the pastors as they identify the needs of the building is part of the ongoing maintenance of the building.
What does offering my Time & Talent mean?
From time to time minor repairs and improvements are needed to be perform at the church. This includes drywall repair, and painting. Installing bulletin boards, and hanging posters. Help maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the property by removing trash and trimming bushes and trees. If you love sharing these talents we would greatly appreciate the help! We try our best to work with your schedule when these repairs need to be done as a sign of respect for you and your time.
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Assist on scheduled workdays to cleanup around the church
Reach out to Catherine Laseter, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Kenny Compton to learn more!
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Assist with The Garden
Reach out to Catherine Laseter, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Kenny Compton to learn more!
The Church - More
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Serve on the Strategic Planning Team
The Strategic Planning Team is part of session! In 2025 you'll be working with Elder Jodi Atkins with designated staff member Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane!
Strategic Planning is under the "more" branch of our organizational chart which works to make FPC a place that can operate in line with our mission statement:
"First Presbyterian Church Covington is a Christian community existing to glorify God by welcoming all of God's children. We celebrate through serving, teaching, praying, eating, crying, singing, and dancing with the Holy Spirit. As works in progress, we seek to respond to God's presence in our church, lives, and community."
This is often expressed by Strategic Planning Team by making plans for the future of FPC as part of the church and the larger community.
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Serve on the Personnel Team
The Personnel Team is part of session! In 2025 you'll be working with Elders Danny Vining and Jo Anna Fish and designated staff member Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane!
Personnel is under the "more" branch of our organizational chart which works to make FPC a place that can operate in line with our mission statement:
"First Presbyterian Church Covington is a Christian community existing to glorify God by welcoming all of God's children. We celebrate through serving, teaching, praying, eating, crying, singing, and dancing with the Holy Spirit. As works in progress, we seek to respond to God's presence in our church, lives, and community."
This is often expressed by the Personnel Team by ensuring that FPC has a staff that is treated with love and respect as they answer the call to serve God with us.
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Help print and prepare worship guides - office volunteer
What is it and what doe it mean to offer my Time & Talent?
The weekly worship guide (AKA bulletin) is printed on Fridays after being finalized on Thursday afternoons. We have a worship guide to follow along with the service and an "insert" to guide people through the week with the church-wide prayer list and a weekly calendar. In order to get both of these to everyone on Sunday mornings we place an insert into each worship guide so the ushers may pass them out while they greet everyone as they enter.
It takes about 30 minutes a week to "stuff" all the worship guides and take them to the narthex.
