Time and Talent

What is it?
An Elder is a Servant Leader who desires to serve the church of Jesus Christ with intelligence, imagination, truth, and love! Elders are representative of the congregation and model faithful discipleship. Elders are celled to serve for three years. Elders shall participate in Officer Training.​ Elders must be official members of FPC Covington.

The Session of First Presbyterian Church consists of ruling elders who are called by God and elected by the congregation to share in the leadership and governance of the church in partnership with the staff.

Session is led by Clerk of Session John McCarthy and Session Moderator Neeley Rentz Lane.

What would offering my Time & Talent mean?
Selecting this on your Time & Talent lets us know that you might be interested in serving as an Elder starting in 2025. We may reach out to you through our Nominating Committee once our annual search starts to discuss more details with you and get an idea of how you might be called to serve as an Elder. 

Each Elder specializes in leading a certain ministry area. At FPC our active ministry areas are Facilities & Grounds, Faith Formation, Finance & Stewardship, Personnel, Strategic Planning, Welcome, Witness, and Worship. For 2026 we will be searching primarily to replace Elders currently serving in Faith Formation, Finance & Stewardship, Personnel, Welcome, and Worship. We have in the past moved current Elders from one ministry area to another if called to and we have also changed the number of Elders that serve a ministry area to better fit the needs of the church. So, if you think you'd feel more called for Facilities & Grounds, Strategic Planning, or Witness still feel free to show your interest!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane or John McCarthy to learn more!

The Thriving Congregations Team is part of session! In 2026 you'll be working with Elder Bob Tabb with designated staff member Senior Pastor Neeley Rentz Lane!

The Finance and Stewardship Team is part of session! In 2026 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 make sure every ministry can operate with what we have month to month and year to year.

Reach out to Peni Kehoe, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Gary Boteler to learn more!

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.

Reach out to Peni Kehoe, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Gary Boteler to learn more!

Reach out to Peni Kehoe, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Gary Boteler to learn more!

Reach out to Catherine Laseter to learn more!

Reach out to Catherine Laseter to learn more!

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.

The Welcome Team is part of session! In 2026 you'll be working with Elders Pam Stillerman and Bethany Wells 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.

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Pam Stillerman, or Catherine Laseter to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Pam Stillerman, or Catherine Laseter to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Pam Stillerman, or Catherine Laseter to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Pam Stillerman, or Catherine Laseter to learn more!

The Worship Team is part of session! In 2026 you'll be working with Elders Hardy Sideris and Angie Woodham 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.

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

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!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Mark Fiddie, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

Reach out to Mark Fiddie, Neeley Rentz Lane, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

Chancel Choir sings in worship weekly providing anthems and/or offertories and leads the congregation in the singing of hymns. Meets on Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Choir Room.

Handbell Choir plays in worship various Sundays throughout the year. Meets most Wednesdays at 5:45pm in the Choir Room. Handbell Choir does not meet on the second Wednesday of the month during Soul Feast.

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!

Reach out to Mark Fiddie, Neeley Rentz Lane, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

Reach out to Mark Fiddie, Neeley Rentz Lane, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Hardy Sideris, or Angie Woodham to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane or Catherine Laseter to learn more!

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 2026 are Darcel Tabb and Beverly Kratz 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.

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!

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! 

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.

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. 19)!

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! 

What is it?

This is a weekly gathering of the women of the church to share a cup of coffee and conversation!

What would your time and talent mean?

Showing up and connecting with other women in the church! Join us in the Fellowship Hall every week at 10:00am on Wednesday mornings!

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 one Saturday a month 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!

Presbyterian Women is composed of small groups called circles that meet monthly to provide an inclusive, caring community of women to strengthen and enrich the community of faith. A circle is where faith is nurtured and growth takes place through worship, study, friendship and outreach.

Elizabeth Ann Circle and Martha Circle meet during the day on the first Tuesday of each month and Rahab Circle meets in the evening on the first Wednesday of each month. The September through May meetings are typically centered around a shared PW Bible study.

Reach out to Alice Walker to learn more!

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 2026 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.

“Older Adults Sharing In Service” or OASIS meets quarterly for fellowship outings. Past trips have included the Botanical Gardens, Oakland Cemetery, museums, and movies.

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 once 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!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Cathy or Denny Dobbs to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Cathy or Denny Dobbs to learn more!

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!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane, Cathy or Denny Dobbs to learn more!

The Facilities & Grounds Team is part of session. In 2026 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.

Reach out to Catherine Laseter, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Kenny Compton to learn more!

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.

Reach out to Catherine Laseter, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Kenny Compton to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane to learn more!

Gather recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metal) from the fellowship hall container and the staff offices about once per month. The church office will identify when recyclables need to be collected and transported. It takes about 1-2 hours to separate the items into bags, load into a pickup truck, and transport to one of the Newton county recycling centers.

Reach out to Catherine Laseter, Neeley Rentz Lane, or Kenny Compton to learn more!

The Faith Formation Team is part of session! In 2026 you'll be working with Elders Krista Firkus and Chuck Williams 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!

Our Good Enough Book Club meets on Tuesdays at 5:30pm for spiritual reflection on a book of the group's choice! We have enjoyed books by Anne Lamot, Gregory Boyle, Brene Brown, Nadia Bolz Weber, and more. Good Enough Book Club meets either in the Parlor or on Zoom depending on the time of year.

You are invited to join Neeley and Erin in the Parlor ​to prayerfully consider the upcoming week's sermon scripture reading. We will participate in an art of reading scripture called Lectio Divina.

Lectio Divina meets at noon on Tuesdays.

Our Young-ish Adult small group meets monthly for a fellowship gathering! We enjoy trivia, mystery dinners, Around the World food night and much more! Childcare is provided!

Youth Group meets for Bible study, fellowship and fun as youth explore their faith and learn more about God and one another.

Godly Play’s goal is making meaning through story, wonder, and play; nurturing spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children. Children will be taken downstairs for Godly Play on the third Sunday of the month during worship after Wondering With God's Children.

LOGOS is an intentional time for all ages to come together to learn about God and experience activities that grow their relationship with God and others. At LOGOS participants take part in Bible study, recreation, a family-style meal, and singing. LOGOS is a purposeful and planned ministry led by parents, grandparents and other adults who share their God-given gifts.

Reach out to Erin Morgan, Krista Firkus, or Chuck Williams to learn more!

Reach out to Erin Morgan, Krista Firkus, or Chuck Williams to learn more!

Reach out to Erin Morgan, Krista Firkus, or Chuck Williams to learn more!

Children; Youth; Adult

Reach out to Erin Morgan, Krista Firkus, or Chuck Williams to learn more!

The Witness Team is part of session! In 2026 you'll be working with Elders Stephanie Scarborough and Yvonne Hill-Davenport 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.

What is it?

Each summer we offer a yearly opportunity to serve on a week-long mission trip. Mission trips combine service work with spiritual growth, giving participants the opportunity to deepen their faith while helping neighbors in need.

What is it?

FPC is thrilled to be able to host several American Red Cross blood drives each year. These drives serve our community and spread the love of Christ by helping to literally save lives. The dates for the individual drives are announced in advance in the church bulletin and in the e-news. 

What does it mean when I offer my Time & Talent?  

If you are able, a great way you can get involved in an FPC blood drive is to donate! We are also in need of volunteers to both the day of the drive and in advance to help promote the event.

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 25 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.

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 on the fourth 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 please reach out to Stephanie Scarborough or Yvonne Hill-Davenport!

Reach out to Stephanie Scarborough, Yvonne Hill-Davenport, or Erin Morgan to learn more!

Reach out to Stephanie Scarborough, Yvonne Hill-Davenport, or Erin Morgan to learn more!

Reach out to Stephanie Scarborough, Yvonne Hill-Davenport, or Erin Morgan to learn more!

Reach out to Stephanie Scarborough, Yvonne Hill-Davenport, or Erin Morgan to learn more!

Reach out to Neeley Rentz Lane or Bob Tabb to learn more!