The Sampler -
March 16, 2026
You can email Sampler submissions to sampler@cpresby.org.
The deadline is end of day on Thursdays before emailing on the following Monday.
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How Do We Find Hope in Hard Times?
Rev. Dr. Edward Goode, RJC Pastor and Sampler Editor
I spent an hour and a half on Friday in the Zoom-company of four amazing people - Writer and Teacher Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Pastor and Poet Drew Jackson, Writer and Poet Cole Arthur Riley, and Musician and Joy-monger Jon Batiste. It was a 90 minute zoom webinar from the Center for Action and Contemplation entitled “How Do We Find Hope in Hard Times?” It was such a beautiful gift of wisdom, hope, courage, and of joy even as they talked of lament and despair. ...
The conversation led me to reflect back on a poem that spoke deeply to me earlier in the week - Hope by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. Below are the poem and the notes I took when reflecting. I was grateful to see the deeper levels of hope than are immediately obvious.
For the full reflection I wrote about this, click here.
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The Vine - The Newsletter Of Our Eastern Area Churches
The newest issue of The Vine is out! The Vine is the newsletter of the eastern-area churches of the Presbytery of Cincinnati. Take a few minutes to hear the ways that God is at work in these wonderful congregations!
Click Here For The Vine
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Ruling Elder Preaching Institute Begins April 7
Are you feeling led to serve in a new way in the Presbytery? Our next Ruling Elder Preaching Institute begins on April 7 and runs through May 26th. It will meet on Tuesdays at Knox Presbyterian Church from 3:00-5:00 and will be led by Rev. Dr. Amy Snow and HR Erwin Goedicke. All course materials will be provided. Contact Sheryl Helsinger to register!
Register With Sheryl
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Cultivating the Gift of Preaching - Apply Now!
The Cultivating the Gift of Preaching Initiative (CGPI) is now recruiting participants to be part of our third year of training emerging lay preachers! The application can be found on the Synod’s webpage right here. The goal of CGPI is to strengthen the witness of the Church to the good news of Jesus Christ, by identifying, training, and providing ongoing support to emerging preachers.
We welcome applications from any member of a PC(USA) congregation withing the bounds of the Synod off the Covenant who has a call to preach. We also welcome applications from CREs who desire more formation in preaching.
Click here for more information
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Bethel Murdoch Ice Cream!
Planning an event and want to wow your guests? Serve the ice cream people talk about year after year! Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian has been making homemade ice cream for over 90 years, offering classic flavors like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate chip. Whether you need individual 8 ounce cups or big 5 gallon tubs, we’ve got you covered. Order by May 1, 2026 through email to either kathykflynn1956@gmail.com or thebmpc@gmail.com. Pick up at 9602 Murdoch-Goshen Road, Loveland, Ohio 45140. Make your event unforgettable—start with great ice cream!
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Nonviolence and Noncooperation Training - Mt Auburn - April 12
Traditional methods of advocacy aren’t working. On Sunday, April 12, at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church welcomes our partners from Ignite Peace for a specialized training session. Together, we will explore creative, effective tactics designed to slow down, stop, and reverse injustice in our world. This is an opportunity to reimagine how we provide a bold, public witness to God’s realm of peace and justice. Come ready to learn, collaborate, and find new ways to put your faith into action. Sunday April 12, 1-4pm at Mt Auburn Presbyterian (103 William Taft Rd)
Register Here |. Flyer to Share
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Synod of the Covenant Presbyterian Women Annual Gathering - July 24-25
The annual womens' gathering for the Synod of the Covenant is coming in July. The theme is Unity and Love in the Body of Christ and is rooted in Psalm 133:1 and will take place at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Centerville, Ohio.
Contact Anita Betts for more information - 517-993-7000 or busybeemom50@yahoo.com
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Camp IMPACT - June 21-26
]What started as a week long summer camp for one church within the Cincinnati Presbytery has grown over the last 25 years into a multi-church collaboration with the goal of impacting 5th-9th graders by Inspiring, Ministering, Praying, Accepting, Challenging, and Teaching them to grow in their Faith. Our goal is to teach team work, accountability, compassion, and love. The camp is for rising 5th graders through rising 9th graders.
To register and for more information, click here
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Godly Play Training at Wyoming - March 26-28
Wyoming Presbyterian will be hosting a core training for Godly Play on March 26-28 led by Lisa Kaufer, a licensed Godly Play Trainer. The mission of Godly Play is "Making meaning through story, wonder, and play. Nurturing spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children." For more information including costs and how to register, click the image or the link below.
Godly Play Core Training
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Covenant-First Lenten Choral Concert
On March 29 at 4pm, the Covenant-First music scholars and choir volunteers will offer sacred classical works for soloists and choir, guiding us from Christ’s triumphal entry toward the solemn mystery of the crucifixion. Through prayerful music, this program is designed to deepen our reflection and prepare our hearts for the sacred journey from Palm Sunday into Holy Week.
More Information Click Here
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Life After Doom - A Book Study
Don Smith and Mike Brazelle are putting together a Presbytery book study on Brian McLaren's most recent book - Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, Life After Doom explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times.
Email Don if you are interested in joining
Click Here for More Information About the Book
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Indian Hill Good Neighbor Series - March 22 - 6pm-8pm
On March 22, at 6:00-8:00 PM, the Indian Hill Church will host her in its second Good Neighbor Series event. Cyra (Sanborn) Sweet Dumitru will share how words, especially through journaling and poetry, along with a spiritual presence she calls Voice, transformed trauma into empowerment and peace. For a full description of the event and how to register, click below
Indian Hill Good Neighbor Series
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Next Presbytery Gathering + Revelation with Dr. Shane Wood - April 17 & 18
Our next Presbytery Gathering is April 18 at Covenant-First Presbyterian downtown.
In addition to the regular work of the Presbytery on Saturday morning, the Presbytery is also hosting Dr. Shane Wood to share about the book of Revelation. Part one will be Friday night, April 17 and part two will be the afternoon of the 18th. Registration will be coming soon but please mark your calendars for both the meeting and this event with Dr. Wood.
Dr Wood will be sharing about Revelation focusing on :
- The historical and covenantal context of Revelation
- Its deep roots in the Old Testament
- Its Christ-centered message of victory and perseverance
- Pastoral implications for preaching and discipleship
For more information click here
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Evergreen Earth Care Festival - Small Gardening for You and Your Child - April 25
Experience the joys of gardening with your child through fun activities, nurturing connections, and an appreciation for nature's beauty. Families will leave inspired to grow fresh, healthy food and cultivate habits that care for the Earth. April 25 from 12pm-4pm at Evergreen Presbyterian Church. Event is free for all participants.
Click/Tap Here or on Image for a larger flyer
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Knox Church - Music Director Position
Knox Church has begun the process of hiring a new music director. Click the link below for more details and how to apply
Knox Church - Director of Music PDF
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Chaplain Position - Part Time - Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes Senior Living in Montgomery is hiring for a part time chaplain. Follow the link below and look for the chaplain position for the description and how to apply
Twin Lakes Chaplain Position
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