COVINGTON, KENTUCKY
A LETTER FROM OUR SENIOR WARDEN
We appreciate your interest in our parish!
I invite you to explore our vibrant church situated in the heart of downtown Covington, on the banks of the Ohio River.
Since its founding nearly 170 years ago, Trinity Episcopal Church, Covington has served a diverse community in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area. Our parish has a long history of community involvement, inclusion, and advocacy.
You will see evidence of this when you visit Trinity Episcopal Church, Covington –whether it’s our open courtyard food ministry, our community dinner program, our proudly displayed NKY Pride Parade trophies, or our outstanding music and choir program – we strive to live out our mission to walk in the way of Jesus and to reveal Christ’s reconciling love to our congregation, our city, our nation, and our world.
As we go through this discernment process, I am reminded of the unique strengths of this community. We are a flexible group of thinkers and seekers who are called to reach out to God’s people beyond the walls of our church.
We seek to extend God’s love in a variety of ways, including supporting local school children, serving on multiple committees of the Diocese of Lexington, and serving the homeless and less fortunate.
We are looking forward to welcoming a new Rector who will build on our legacy, bring a hopeful new vision to our community, and lead us into our next chapter of growth and spiritual development.
Sincerely,
Josh Mitchell Senior Warden
Above: Senior Warden Josh Mitchell and his sons
MISSION & VISION
OUR MISSION
Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Covington, Kentucky serves a diverse community.
We are committed to the celebration and worship of Jesus Christ in a parish nurtured by education and fellowship. As Christ’s servants, we strive to share God’s love in the greater community.
OUR VISION
We, the congregation of Trinity Episcopal Church, see our future:
As a magnet church in Northern Kentucky/ Cincinnati where all people are welcome to worship.
As a nurturing Christian community where, by example, we show God’s love to each other, and to our families, friends and neighbors.
As a spiritual beacon in our community, showing our presence through our worship, our music and the ringing of our bells.
As a source of help and compassion to the poor and the disadvantaged, young and old, in our community.
As a Christian education center for all ages to fulfill our baptismal promise.
As a sponsor of community forums and gatherings.
As a whole church, self-sustaining, financially secure, and blessed with an endowment we can use to carry out our vision.
WORSHIP
Worship is at the very heart of Trinity. Grounded in the rich liturgical tradition of the Episcopal Church, our services are engaging, and welcoming to all. We value thoughtful preaching, meaningful ritual, and music that uplifts and deepens our experience.
Sunday mornings offer two services:
8:00 A.M. SERVICE
Quiet and contemplative; a spoken Rite II Eucharist without music. This smaller service fosters a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and prayer.
10:00 A.M. SERVICE
Our principal gathering, when the whole community comes together to celebrate the Eucharist. The choir leads us in song, often joined by instrumentalists.
Children are joyfully welcome in the sanctuary. They are also invited to participate in Godly Play or Trinity Kids Worship, and return to join their families in time for Communion.
We follow the liturgies of the Book of Common Prayer, most often using Rite II. We appreciate the rhythm, structure, and beauty of the liturgy, which connect us to our Anglican heritage and the wider Church.
The Eucharist is at the heart of our worship and is celebrated weekly at both services, offering parishioners a time of reflection and renewal.
MUSIC
Music has long been a key component of our worship. With Trinity’s historic organ and talented singers, our congregants praise, pray and celebrate using a wide variety of music from hymnal, folk, and spiritual traditions.
At the heart of our music ministry is the Trinity choir, under the long-time leadership of Dr. John Deaver, Director of Music since 1980. In addition to Sunday worship, we have two Evensongs each year and a festive choral Eucharist with an orchestra on Pentecost or Trinity Sunday.
Our 30-stop Wilhelm organ, installed in 1994, is central to both worship and community life, featured prominently in our long-running monthly Midday Musical Menu concert series. Music at Trinity extends beyond the choir: during the summer break, parishioners share offertory solos and instrumental preludes, with high school and college students often offering musical selections. The Brass Ensemble enhances major feast days, while the Chimers’ Guild rings tower bells each Sunday to welcome worshipers.
Whether through voices lifted in harmony, the grandeur of the organ, or the ringing of tower bells, music at Trinity is both an offering to God and a vital thread in the fabric of our communal life. It is a ministry that celebrates participation, nurtures talent, and enhances the spiritual depth of our worship.
OUTREACH
At Trinity, outreach is a living expression of our call to love and serve our neighbors—locally, nationally, and globally. Grounded in compassion and energized by a spirit of generosity, our outreach ministries reflect the heart of our parish: committed, creative, and deeply engaged in the world around us.
COURTYARD MINISTRY
One of our core outreach efforts is the Courtyard Ministry, which provides food and water to those experiencing hunger and hardship in our downtown Covington neighborhood. Four days a week, refrigerators in our courtyard are stocked with nutritious meal bags— prepared with both budgeted funds, and generous donations from the congregation.
Over 80 meal bags are shared each week, and parish-wide “assembly line” events offer a hands-on opportunity for all ages to contribute, filling over 100 bags in a single gathering. This ministry is a visible, daily sign of Trinity’s presence and care in the community.
PERU LUZ
Our outreach extends beyond our local context through a partnership with Peru Luz, a school and community development initiative in rural Peru. In 2026 our youth group (EYC) is planning a mission trip to deepen our cross-cultural engagement and global awareness.
What began with a parishioner’s personal service journey has now grown into a lasting collaboration. Trinity supports Peru Luz not only financially— contributing to teacher salaries—but also through regular updates, prayer, and a shared mission.
OUTREACH
Looking Ahead
Trinity’s Outreach Commission is actively seeking new ways to serve. Parishioners have been invited to submit their own “Big Ideas”—creative, bold visions for how we might expand our impact and reach those most in need. This spirit of openness and innovation reflects our commitment to being not only a giving church, but a listening and responsive one.
Outreach at Trinity is not an obligation—it’s a joyful part of our identity. Whether we’re filling a bag of food, welcoming a new family, or partnering across continents, we do so as a community grounded in Christ’s love and are moved to share that love with the world.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Trinity Episcopal Church is deeply committed to building meaningful connections within our local community. We foster relationships, support local needs, and offer a welcoming space for all through a variety of programs and events.
GARDEN MART
One of our most beloved annual events is Garden Mart, where the congregation comes together to sell plants, crafts, and other local goods to benefit outreach programs. This event, made possible by our ECW, not only raises funds for local ministries but also strengthens ties within our community, drawing neighbors to our church campus.
COURTYARD GATHERINGS
Our Courtyard provides a gathering space for fellowship, offering both casual and more structured activities designed to engage parishioners and neighbors alike. These events promote intergenerational participation, ensuring that people of all ages feel at home at Trinity.
THE ECW GROUP
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) group plays a pivotal role in organizing community outreach projects and building strong networks of support for those in need.
Among their important efforts is the annual Rummage Sale, a much-anticipated event that brings parishioners and neighbors together to donate, shop, and support our mission. Through this and other service projects and social gatherings, ECW remains a vital force for service and fellowship.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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LUNCH & LEARN
We also host Lunch & Learn sessions, where community members and church members come together for engaging discussions on a range of topics, from faith and spirituality to local social issues. These gatherings create an environment of continuous learning and connection.
SUPPER GROUPS
In keeping with our commitment to hospitality and interconnectedness, Trinity organizes Supper Groups, where small groups of parishioners meet to share meals and foster deeper relationships, cultivating a sense of belonging.
Our engagement in the wider community extends to events like handing out water at the Flying Pig Marathon and participating in the annual Pride Parade. These initiatives reflect Trinity’s commitment to serving as a beacon of light, love, and service in the heart of Covington.
FORMATION
At Trinity, Christian formation is woven into the life of the parish, nurturing spiritual growth for all. Whether through structured programs, small group gatherings, or participation in worship, formation is seen not only as learning about faith—but living it together.
TED SESSIONS
For adults, our central offering is a weekly, after church, Trinity Enlightened Discussion (TED) series, which explores a wide variety of topics. These sessions range from presentations on community nurturing, and social justice, to Episcopal history, theology, and spiritual reflection. TED provides a space where learning is active, faith is questioned and deepened, and parishioners grow in understanding together.
SMALL GROUP MEETINGS
Beyond Sunday mornings, adult formation continues through several small groups that meet regularly for conversation, prayer, and community.
Groups like Books & Beliefs, a movie discussion group, and the Needle Point Guild provide opportunities to explore faith in creative and accessible ways. These gatherings reflect Trinity’s belief that formation happens best in community, through thoughtful dialogue and shared curiosity.
YOUTH FORMATION
Children and youth also have a vibrant role in Trinity’s formation life. Offerings such as Godly Play, Children’s Worship, and Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) encourage children to explore Scripture, ask questions, and experience the rhythms of the Church year in ageappropriate and engaging settings.
Trinity’s youth are active participants in worship as well—serving as acolytes, readers, and livestream technicians—contributing meaningfully to the life of the church and developing leadership skills along the way.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Each summer, Trinity hosts a beloved Vacation Bible School, often built around popular books or films to help connect the secular world with spiritual truths.
This creative approach helps children recognize that God’s presence can be found everywhere— in stories, play, relationships, and wonder. Seasonal highlights such as the Epiphany Pageant and family-friendly Feast Day celebrations round out the year, providing opportunities for intergenerational connection and joyful worship.
Formation at Trinity is more than a program— it’s a shared journey. Through intentional learning, creative expression, and deep relationships, our parish nurtures a community where faith is not only taught but embodied and experienced in fellowship.
WHAT WE VALUE
COMMUNITY
The strong and loving community of our Trinity family is our most cherished core value.
WORSHIP
Our beautiful worship, firmly grounded in the Episcopal precepts of scripture, tradition, and reason, is at the heart of our values and our identity at Trinity.
DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
At Trinity, we not only welcome diversity of every kind –we celebrate it as one of our most deeply held core values.
INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Trinity is a truly intergenerational community, where children benefit from interaction and relationship with loving elders, and where people of all ages and family constellations are valued and included.
OUTREACH & MINISTRY
Using our abundant blessings to serve others and minister to all who need us is a deeply held value at Trinity.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Nurturing the spiritual growth and development of our congregants throughout every stage of life is very important to us.
OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH
INCREASED INVESTING
Since 2016, we have invested in staffing and programs—particularly youth outreach—by leveraging a line of credit, confident that increased engagement would support our goals. While the pandemic temporarily delayed progress, we are now on track to meet or exceed our original objectives, including community investment, facility maintenance, and balanced budgeting.
CONTINUED SUCCESS
Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington is a financially healthy congregation, with attendance and giving rebounding strongly after the challenges of COVID-19. Our growth momentum has enabled us to focus on expanding our outreach and community impact. In 2023, the decrease in pledge and plate was due to a generous donor reallocating their annual pledge to support paying down debt.
With a surge in weekly attendance and renewed enthusiasm, we are poised to do even more within our community. Additionally, our steadfast financial foundation, including a robust trust valued at over $10 million, ensures that we have the resources to sustain and expand our mission for years to come.
In 2023, we increased our ministry expenses due to an increase in staff hours and pay that have since been adjusted during our current interim phase.
OUR STAFF
The Rev. Jason Leo Interim Rector
Dr. John Deaver Director of Music
Shannon Gemeinhardt Director of Youth Ministries
Andrew Dunn Parish Administrator
Meg Koehl Director of Community Events
OUR VESTRY
The Vestry, in partnership with the rector, leads with faith and vision—supporting ministry, calling new leadership when needed, and stewarding Trinity’s resources so our parish can grow, serve, and shine as a beacon of God’s love.
The Vestry consists of nine members who are elected by the entire parish at the annual meeting to staggered three-year terms.
The rector appoints a Senior Warden to lead the Vestry and serve as a support person for the rector. The Vestry elects a Junior Warden, Clerk, and Treasurer; the Treasurer is not required to be an elected member of the Vestry.
Back Row (standing): Jay Piper, Lisa Curry, Todd Garland, Janet Robinson, Rebekah Gensler, Emily Cahill ( Junior Warden), Josh Mitchell (Senior Warden)
Front Row (kneeling): Jean Brann, Emily Juengel (Clerk)
Not pictured: Hilda Weaver
OUR CHURCH HOME
The main ground floor of our church includes:
The Nave
Chapel
Altar
Sacristy
May Room
A professional kitchen
A nursery
Classroom spaces
Administrative offices
The second floor of our church includes:
Multiple Classrooms
A multi-purpose room
Choir robing room
An apartment
The lowest floor of our church includes:
The Episcopal Youth Community’s
gathering space
Storage
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1842,
Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington has a storied legacy of resilience and community.
The congregation initially launched in 1842 and has since occupied four different buildings. The current structure erected in 1888, features a bell tower, baptistry, and parish house. Despite challenges such as disease, lightning strikes, and a major flood in 1937, the church has endured and thrived.
Our church continues to grow in size and spirit, marked by significant events such as our 175th anniversary in 2017, which included a visit from our presiding bishop. Throughout our history, Trinity has been a thriving hub of groups, ministries, and outreach efforts.
Known for our social activism and advocacy, Trinity has historically championed marginalized communities, including being the first in the Diocese of Lexington to offer a same sex blessing.
Our core values emphasize community care, visibility, and involvement— principles exemplified by heartfelt acts of compassion, from the early support of founder Dr. Thomas Bird to recent community initiatives. Today, Trinity continues to grow as a welcoming, active congregation dedicated to serving others.
OUR COVINGTON COMMUNITY
Covington, Kentucky, is a bustling river city known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. Located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio, Covington offers the charm of a historic city with a thriving arts scene, busy local businesses, and a welcoming atmosphere. It boasts beautiful riverfront parks, cultural festivals, and a revitalized downtown district that attracts residents and visitors alike.
The Greater Cincinnati region complements Covington’s charm with a growing economy, excellent educational institutions, and abundant recreational opportunities. From professional sports teams and arts organizations to outdoor parks and river activities, the region provides a rich quality of life. Its cultural diversity and collaborative spirit foster an inclusive environment where community engagement and innovative growth flourish.
Our parish is a destination church, with parishioners coming to Trinity from the rolling hills South of the city, the lively urban core of Cincinnati, and the river towns along the Ohio.
Trinity is a hive of life located at the very heart of Covington and this dynamic region. Our members often park at Trinity and walk across the nearby historic suspension bridge, once the longest in the world, to cheer on the Bengals, Reds or FC Cincinnati Soccer Team.
In addition to our vibrant urban presence, Trinity is also deeply connected to the Cathedral Domain, an 800-acre camp and conference center in the Appalachian foothills of Kentucky. Offering a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and spiritual growth, the Domain provides a space for retreats, youth camps, and quiet reflection. It’s a vital part of our church life. Each year, we gather for an annual parish weekend, further strengthening the bonds of our congregation.
Trinity stands amid ongoing urban renewal, nestled between the architecturally striking Ascent at Roebling Bridge condominiums, and the nationally noted Covington Central Riverfront development, a 23-acre mixed-use project, that will begin construction in the Fall of 2025. We are neighbors to an IRS processing center, and surrounded by community gardens, many open to our neighbors. Just five blocks away runs the major I-75/I-71 corridor, making Trinity accessible and central.
Together, Covington and the Greater Cincinnati area are a place of opportunity, connection, and continual growth, making it an ideal setting for a congregation committed to service, outreach, and making a meaningful difference.
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Above: Covington, KY featuring Roebling Bridge
Right: Downtown Cincinnati, OH
